Friday 9 November 2012

Poppy With A Difference

Photocopy: Maggie May

Children never cease to amaze me.
I'm always delighted to receive a phone call from my grandchildren but Millie's recent request for me to knit her a poppy was a bit of a surprise to say the least.
As Remembrance Sunday is coming up and schools must have been telling the children about the reason for wearing a poppy, it might have been expected that she'd want to buy one to support the veterans....... but why a knitted poppy?

I did explain that the only pattern I have in my Knitted Flower Book would produce a much bigger flower than the traditional poppy pictured in the photo.
She assured me that it would be fine.
When I asked her why she wanted a knitted one, she just replied that it would be rather nice, so being the kind, talented grannie that I am, I just got on with the request.

I am reminded that on Armistice day last year, my son, Sam moved into his new house. So Happy Anniversary Sam. 11/11/11 is not a date that is easily forgotten.

20 comments:

Sueann said...


Beautiful poppy!! Sweet!! One of my granddaughter requested butterfly wings that she could wear...she is 23!! I didn't ask..I just found her some. She said it made her kindergarten kids day when she wore them.
Ha
Hugs
SueAnn

Sandi McBride said...

what a lovely poppy...we will soon be celebrating Veteran's Day here (our Rememberence day) and I thank those past and present who put their lives on the line for our freedom...

Akelamalu said...

I absolutely L.O.V.E. your knitted poppy!

Suburbia said...

Fantastic poppy, you clever girl!
:-)

Formerly known as Frau said...

It's gorgeous and she will always have it! Have a wonderful weekend!

Dimple said...

The poppy is beautiful, Maggie. You are one of my knit-spirations!

Blessings!

cheshire wife said...

What an original idea to knit a poppy!

Sally Wessely said...

I love the knitted poppy! It is just beautiful. How cute is it that your granddaughter wanted a poppy made especially by her grandmother? First of all, I think it says much about you, your granddaughter, and your relationship with each other. You have knitted her a keepsake. She will always have it as a reminder of you.

We now longer ever see poppies for Armistice Day in the US. I haven't seen them since I was in grade school nearly 60 years ago. I think we as Americans are not as good at remembering the significance of 11-11.

Working Mum said...

I love it! What a great idea. We have the enamel ones that the British Legion produce (they don't get lost like the paper ones), but I would definitely have worn that knitted on to our Remembrance Service at school. You are lovely grannie!

Jeni said...

I remember when I was a child, if my Mom and I were in town shopping around Veteran's Day, there were always people on the street handing out the poppies. I remember too asking my Mom what they were for and she explained it to me. I haven't seen people handing out poppies anymore in I couldn't even tell you a guesstimate of how long it's been! Reading this gives me pause to remember and reflect -not just a bit of reverence for those who served -but also to think about WHY that poppy tradition seems to have disappeared -at least in this region? And your knitted poppy is beautiful, Maggie! Doesn't it make you feel good when the grandkids as us to make some special little thing though?

Jackie said...

You have a wonderful granddaughter, and you, my friend, are a wonderful grandmother.
Love,
J.

Secret Agent Woman said...

Aw, that was a nice thing to do. And how cool that she wanted an interesting hand-made poppy.

Brian Miller said...

aww...good on you for making that for her...and i am glad she knew about them or was taught...it is important to remember...

Rose said...

How sweet! I'm sure your granddaughter will love her poppy, all the more special because you made it for her. We are celebrating Veterans' Day here, too, and it makes me so happy that children today are being reminded of the gratitude we owe our servicemen for the sacrifices they have made for us.

Hilary said...

That's such a touching special request. We are poppy-wearers for Remembrance Day here in Canada, also.

Jayne said...

Oh that is a beautiful poppy! I love it. I'm sure your grand-daughter does too, and can tell all her friends her Nan made it for her. A great gift! :)

Anonymous said...

That's really lovely! Amy came home with a poppy last week; I was very proud of her because she used the money she takes for a bacon sandwich and spent it on a poppy instead!

CJ x

Granny Smith said...

I'm glad you still call it "armistice day". Here in the U.S.A. it has mutated into "veterans' day". I still like to remember it as the end of "the war to end all wars"!

Mrs Mac said...

This year I wore a crochet one. I don't like the way they're worn about 3 weeks too early nowadays though. And the BBC seem to have a policy of sticking them on anyone in front of the camera. It can feel quite bullying, I think. Anyway the person making the crochet ones sold them for £3 and put the money into the poppy collection tin so that's ok, and it was rain proof lol!

Jinksy said...

That's a brilliant idea- permanent poppy broach - why don't more people wear one?!