What Do Apples Have To Do With Crochet?

September 19, 2012 by crochetkim | 3 Comments

In front of my mother’s house next door, there are two old apple trees. They produce a lot of apples. There are more apples than we could ever use. And, believe me, I tried in my first year here. I had never canned anything before but I knew something had to be done. My first summer in this house was a wonderful learning experience as I learned how to can fruit and jelly. Of course, like most things I attempt, I went a little overboard.

Here is a photo of one of the apple trees. So many apples that the branch had to be supported with a wooden pole. Then, it had to be cut after the apples were picked. We have so many apples on these two trees that my mother was actually excited when the electric company people had to cut it back to keep it away from the power lines.

So, I made applesauce.

And, I made apple butter.

And apple pie filling. And apple cranberry pie filling.

I made so much that first year that I had to give away jars of things I had made by the case load to friends and family.

So what does that have to do with crochet? It’s a really cute story. One day, a couple of years’ ago, an older gentlemen stopped by the house and asked my mom about the apples. He said that his wife was wanting some apples. Of course, we have an over-abundance and my mother was only too happy for him to have some. That weekend, he and his wife came out to pick apples. They are adorable. She is a super cute German woman and he is retired military. They’ve been out several times to pick apples since that time. My mother calls them to let them know that the apples are ready.

And, Kim…. what about the crochet? Well, I’ll tell you. When they come out to pick apples, the woman gives us crocheted slippers in return. It is so cute. She has an entire box of crocheted slippers that she makes. All the same pattern. And, it turns out that my grandmother *loves* them. She loves them so much that she wears them out completely.

So tonight, I got one of the slippers and checked it out. Super easy design. I quickly made a little prototype and added something so that I wouldn’t have to seam up the back. But, they’re really quick and easy to do and perfect for my grandmother. All in back loop only single crochet so that they’re nice and stretchy.

As soon as I get a free couple of hours, I’m going to work up a pair with my own changes and I’ll write up the pattern for everyone. I want the pattern just in case I need to make them again later (which I’m sure I will) and I think you all will enjoy it as well.

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