Blackberries and Golden Wattle: The Thorns and Beauty of a Childhood in the Adelaide Hills by Hilda Metcalf Hunt

Author:Hilda Metcalf Hunt [Hunt, Hilda Metcalf]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-76041-967-7
Publisher: Ginninderra Press

No Seamstress

After Aunt Ethel’s death, the knitting lay around until I was about ten, when Mother suggested that I knit Dad some socks.

I had no problem following Ethel’s written instructions for turning the heel and decreasing for the toe. I know not how long it took me to knit a pair of socks but I remember that it seemed easy. I suppose it was one thing I could do that Mother could not. I even started to crochet and made a doll’s jumper in four-ply grey wool with purple trimming.

Now, sewing was a different kettle of fish. The girls at school could always make even running stiches and hems. Lucy Paltridge’s satin stitches were satiny smooth and neat. Mine in contrast were wildly uneven – cat’s teeth, I think they called them!

Darning in theory is simple. Over and under, over and under, but mine seemed to get two over or two under or ‘sumfthun’. One day, I thought, ‘I’m really going to get this right.’ And I did. No missed threads. I was so proud of Dad’s darned sock that I took it to show Mother. So much for pride.

‘You’ve done it on the wrong side’ was her only remark.

My deflation was prompt and at the great age of eight or nine I decided it was absolutely hopeless to try to do things perfectly for Mother.

Now I often wonder how often I deflated the ego of my own children. I also know that many children who never get any praise are, in some perverse way, naughty just to gain attention, even though it may be punishment or scolding.

Crocheting is great and quick, and the infinite variety of stitch effects, are, to say the least, fascinating. But I can knit without watching my work – while watching TV or when riding in the car – although reading is my favourite accompaniment. Later during my married life on a rural property where distances were a factor, I utilised travelling time by knitting for my husband and children.

My ambitions never ran to millions of dollars but surely I have exceeded the million in knitted stitches!

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