“I started when I got married, my mother-in-law taught me,” she said.

In those days the common crocheted product was a doily, mostly used to protect furniture. The doilies were useful and decorative but Teetaert preferred crocheting afghans, which she started after making the move from the farm to town around 1980.

“I’ve made over 100 afghans since the start and I’m retiring from it now.”

Various patterns have been used in creating the blankets, including the common Granny Square. There were often leftover scraps and nothing went to waste. When the material on hand did not fit with any patterns, Teetaert simply made up her own design. She has a keen eye and knack for matching colours.

“I never wanted anything to go to waste. If possible every last scrap was used.”

In one case there was quite a variety of scraps and the resulting afghan became known as the ‘crazy quilt’.

In another case it worked best to crochet the scraps into strips, which, Teetaert simply used her imagination to create another beautiful original.

Teetaert’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have been recipients of Grandma Nora’s afghans.

“I give each one an afghan when they get married,” she said.

The grandkids often visit and will admire Grandma’s newest afghans. It gives Teetaert great joy when they find one they like, and their eyes light up and they ask Grandma if they could please have that one.

For many years Teetaert combined her hobbies, crocheting while watching baseball or curling on TV.

“Now, it is harder to do two things at once and I think it’s time to retire from crocheting.”

This story could also have been about baseball as the conversation turned to the World Series. Teetaert is well versed in the games, stats and players. She will no longer be crocheting while watching the games, but will have many afghans to choose from to keep cozy.

by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff