This is from my Aunt Dorothy Hardie’s collection. Before she died in 1997 Aunt Dorothy, born 1909, gradually gave me all her treasures for safe keeping. Her words were "I suppose you will not use any of these things but I think you will keep them safe", and I have. The inventory includes needles, hooks, laces, buttons, silks, cottons, tapes, ribbons, pattern books and beautifully made handmade items, such as this crocheted baby’s shawl. As a child I was fascinated by her sewing room though I never ventured in - it looked beyond comprehension. I did learn to knit, I loved Mon Tricot pattern books. Maybe the intricate patterns I accomplished encouraged my aunt to trust me.