Happy Birthday, Mom!

Sharon Lee Cahill:  She’s not just my Mom, she’s the reason I know how to knit at all…Andrew Mulligan, Carrie Cahill, and the Mighty Quinn, at the Cantwell Music Festival, Cantwell, Alaska, 1998.  Note Mom's handknit, Irish fisherman's sweater!

It all began one day back in 1997, when my Sweet Man and I were first courting in Alaska. 

Andy remarked upon the gorgeous, handknit fisherman’s sweater I was wearing, “Did you make it yourself?”

I burst out laughing, “Me? Nah, my Mom made this with yarn I got in Ireland in 1994. She tried to teach me once when I was little, then again in college. I guess I couldn’t stay put long enough to figure it out…”

“What a shame… Surely your Mother would have loved passing on such a useful and beautiful skill to her Only Daughter!”

Of course, Andy was right… so, I asked my Mom to teach me, and learned to knit just a few months later…Sharon Lee Cahill knits away the 4th of July, 2004, in New Boston, New Hampshire, with her protegee' daughter, Carrie Cahill Mulligan.

Who was I before I learned to knit?  I can hardly remember… 
Who would I be without the love and support of my Mom? I can hardly guess…

In fact, if  you have ever wondered how I make close to 200 Heirloom Handknit Hats in a year, now you know… my Mom helps me!

So thanks, Mom, and Happy, Happy Birthday!  You bring out the best in me.

(Well, that was sure fun!) And the Winner is…

Kathy Tefft, of the Dartmouth Athletics Department!  Tomorrow, you will receive a glossy set of 4 hat notecards, each with a different, freehand embroidery design.Detail of snowflakes, an original freehand embroidery design on Carrie Cahill Mulligan's art-to-wear llama and wool, knitted felt hat, 2005.  Thanks to everyone for dropping by my ArtWorks Virtual Reception… It was the busiest couple of days yet, here on this fledgling site.  I appreciate all the kind comments!Didn’t win?  Fear not!  This virtual reception was so fun, I intend to hold another next month for the 3rd Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Open Studio Tour.  Check back for details in the coming weeks…