In “A Streetcar Named Desire” (now that’s a depressing play if ever there was one) Blanche DuBois’ most famous line is
I have always depended on the kindness of strangers
… and I thought of using it as the title for this post. But it’s not really appropriate, because I consider all the kindness that has been (and continues to be) bestowed on me as a result of my requests for squares to be from friends… even if you weren’t before, you are now.
Cosy squares and vintage crochet
The latest little package that has arrived is from Kerry (Love those “Hands at Home”). It contained two fabulous squares using a crochet technique that she learned during a very trying time in her life. You can read the story of the resulting blanket and the associated flood here. She had a couple of squares remaining from this time and sent them to me to add to my latest friendship blanket (still the squares keep coming – thank you one and all). I really love the pattern… in fact I’m so taken with it that I’m planning to use it for one of the big cushions on my sofa. It has some affinities to Bavarian crochet, so should be relatively easy for me to pick up. But the squares weren’t the only thing in the package, there was also a piece of vintage crochet, worked by some unknown lady (well, ok that’s an assumption, but I’m sure I’m right) in the most amazingly fine thread and at such an incredible density that it is stiff. I’m adding this to my collection of lovely things that I have received with the friendship squares. Like the cards I received from Pauline (The Contented Crafter) I want to frame this.
The Dangler of International Happiness – isn’t it beautiful?
And talking of Pauline, I was thrilled to see her post yesterday on another collaborative effort… The Dangler of International Happiness. This work of art is another example of the generosity of crafty bloggers from around the world. In fact, it was initiated by Fran over at The Road to Serendipity rather than Pauline herself. I love how all the different elements have been drawn together to make this… and so, really I think there is a much more apt quote from Blanche DuBois that sums it all up:
Oh look, we have created enchantment.
And haven’t we just?
Next group project? Something for Fran!
The Snail of Happiness 
KerryCan
/ November 18, 2014Wheeee! I never thought I’d see my funny crochet on a real crocheter’s blog post! I’m glad you like it, Jan, and isn’t the vintage piece gorgeous?! I loved reading about Pauline’s creation, too–she created enchantment, indeed!
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thecontentedcrafter
/ November 18, 2014What a lovely link in you just did – that is so fabulous! It’s like another piece to add to the dangler 🙂 Thank you!
Did you read the comment from Fran on my post? She is ducking for cover – and coming up with the most crazy reasoning because she doesn’t want the focus to be on her [that’s a guess, but I’m sure I’m right!]
Tell me what you think on this matter – what shall we do?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 18, 2014I did read Fran’s comment… hmm… Well, she instigated your dangler so I don’t see why we can’t instigate something for her. I agree that Earl would eat a blanket… what about some decorations for Sanctuary? Bunting perhaps?
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thecontentedcrafter
/ November 18, 2014Now you’re talking! Decorations for Sanctuary! My mind immediately went to fusing plastic bags and recycling stuff that will withstand weather……… Fantastic idea!
Shall we run with it?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 18, 2014Let’s!
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thecontentedcrafter
/ November 18, 2014Oh PS – I’m with you on your opinion re A Streetcar Named Desire – not only Streetcar, all Tennessee Williams plays really. Depressing – so bleak, so tortured, so insane!
But that is a fabulous quote : “Oh look, we have created enchantment” it goes right alongside my “I want to be magic” quote that I so love at the moment.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 18, 2014I have to say that I generally avoid depressing things – let’s bring joy into our lives!
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katechiconi
/ November 18, 2014I’m loving the Dangler! Every home should have one!
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katythenightowl
/ November 18, 2014What a wonderful idea the dangler is 🙂
I can imagine it sparkling in the sunshine, and giving much pleasure to look at 🙂
I’m in total awe over the vintage crochet, though, as I’d never be able to crochet anything that delicate.
BTW, I’ve another bag of squares for you, whenever you can pop around 🙂
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arlingwoman
/ November 19, 2014These squares are lovely and remind me of some potholders my grandmother crocheted. They were squares, two layered, and the top layer (where one assumes the pot would rest or be gripped) had a lovely rose in the center. I love seeing these things, but the tough doing it myself gives me crick in my neck (other forms of art, from gardening to painting or the dangler’s lovely mobile being more my forte). I also love your second quote from Blanche, which I don’t remember…but the first quote is “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.” In Blanche’s argot, that would be pronounced “relahhed.” I hope auto-correct doesn’t fix that. And thanks for the intro to two new blogs!!!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 19, 2014Up until yesterday I too was sure that Blanche said ‘relied’ in that line, but when I checked IMDB and then Youtube I discovered that she did, indeed (at least in the film) say “depended”. I’m really surprised… clearly, it’s one of those ‘play it again Sam’ misquotes!
Glad you liked the two blogs I linked to… more lovely, creative people around the world!
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arlingwoman
/ November 20, 2014You are so right. I should have known you’d have researched that quote! Love your snails, by the way. Keep creating!
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arlingwoman
/ November 19, 2014Goodness, auto correct got me anyway. How do you turn it off? 4th line, “the thought of doing it myself…”
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 19, 2014Ah, autocorrect… bain of a blogger’s life! One of my posts earlier this year ended up talking about the ‘Sidney Harbour Bridge’! The shame…
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gentlestitches
/ November 19, 2014It is very beautiful and must have incredible energy. ❤
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