With a little bit of yarn and two crochet hooks, my mom can make the cutest beanie you've ever seen, pompom and all. She's practiced the art of crochet for most of her life but since I've known her, she's worked in bursts, the last occurring when I was too young to really appreciate handmade presents. She caught the bug again a few months ago and produced so many afghans, hats, scarves and shawls for me that by December I had to kindly ask for a breather even as I was stepping onto a plane to brave the piercing winds of Chicago. But her skills kept me nice and toasty, so I'm showing my gratitude by taking her to see Florida Craftsmen Gallery's Twist and Shout: A Contemporary Perspective of the Needle Arts. Not that this is the kind of needlework she's used to: In this show, national and international fiber/textile artists employ traditional needle art techniques — crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, knitting and embroidery — to create sculpture, wall hangings, even an embroidered accordion book called "Children of South Africa." Mom may never crochet the same way again. Through March 23, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-821-7391, www.floridacraftsmen.net.
This article appears in Jan 18-24, 2006.
