FIBER ARTISAN

I was born in 1918 and grew up in Oregon. As a young girl, I learned to knit from my grandmother, and developed a passion for it. I would take my knitting to school and knit in study hall....guess I should've been studying. I loved everything about knitting and sewing, and I used to think if I made a career in clothing, it would be in ladies tailored suits. But I married Claud in 1935 before I turned 18, and my husband took me all over the west coast.

The Depression was on in the early years of our marriage. Claud was hired onto a survey crew....that was a government job. The job required us to move every 30 days. Even though we had three children, during the Depression, you didn't pass up a job like that. So we went everywhere. I was a homemaker, raising the kids. I'm still married to Claud. It's been 68 years. Both our daughters were raised knowing how to sew and make things.

For the last three years, I've been knitting for the Imperial Stock Ranch. I've developed an intense passion for knitting their felted hats, and have really enjoyed this effort. I also got one of my daughters knitting for them too. Claud and I live in Antelope, Oregon, where we and all the Carvers attend our little church there.

Knitting has given me a lifetime of enjoyment.

(I might add that Mary was an accomplished pianist, and part of her high school orchestra. She still plays the old pump organ at the Antelope Church on Sunday evenings....6 p.m. Jeanne Carver)