Ever since I moved to Anaheim, CA, 10 1/2 years ago, I have been eyeing this shirt. That is not to say that I have coveted it … simply eyed it … noticed it … kept track of it … commented on it every time it appeared. Shortly after moving to town it showed up at a meeting of my church elder board and it has been attending those meetings on a regular basis ever sense. Of course, it caught my attention the moment it walked in the room … as it had an … air about it – something that said:
Men don’t normally fawn over each other’s clothing … and I did not really talk too much about it but, as I stared at it much like a fox focuses on a hen house, the owner sensed my inordinate interest and quickly guessed my ulterior motives. Maybe some day … but not yet! he said, more than once. Of course, as a pastor, I know what the Bible teaches about patience … as does my elder. Verily, verily, I could wait as long as he could.
This close up photo does a better job catching the rich colors of this shirt, as opposed to the previous, bleached out full shot. Beautiful purples, rich teals, deep blues … all my colors … all colors that could make a wide-cut leaf sing … colors that had artistic potential … as I started pointing out to my elder/friend about 10 years ago. After all, a shirt is a shirt … but I make art that will last for generations. Durable art … made of wool … something that would truly elevate any piece of humble fabric. In fact, participating in such an endeavor would not be a sacrifice, it would be a privilege.
I am not sure that he ever bought that line of reasoning. However, after 10 years, my patience paid off when he brought it over Friday night. While his motivation probably has more to do with his movement from size medium to large, I accepted it as a noble endorsement of the arts and have it stored in a safe place awaiting an appropriate project. Of course, this is one of those once in a lifetime sort of things … but I do have a lady in the congregation who has the nicest Black Watch plaid blazer …
LC
November 23, 2009 at 6:32 am
Thank you for my Monday morning chuckle, the shirt will make a beautiful addition to any rug! Good Luck on the blazer!!!– glad it’s not on my back! Have a nice Thanksgiving. LC
BillieJo
November 23, 2009 at 7:22 am
What a GRAND story of ‘tracking’…. kinda like a bloodhound. Of course you did NOT ‘covet’ that shirt! Jo
Gene Shepherd
November 23, 2009 at 7:53 am
LC – A couple of years ago I was looking for Black Watch Plaid. I had different friends on the look out for me. The next Sunday, this lady shows up with a BW plaid blazer. In moments I was across the crowed foyer, speaking to her and, gently, caressing the left sleeve of her blazer. Of course, at the exact same moment, Jane Olson showed up at her right sleeve … neither of us knew the other was there. The poor woman thought we were the friendly church in the world. GRS
Jo – That’s right – no covetous thoughts … I think of myself, in Biblical terms, as just being a Good Steward!
GRS
Arline Keeling
November 23, 2009 at 8:39 am
You are such a hoot…….I think all hookers are coveters’ of beautiful wool…….Speaking of Black Watch, I recently acquired a two piece outfit, but they are only 70% wool. What should I do? Have you ever used such a thing?
Patience is also a virtue, right? 10 years would qualify ……
V. Sharmay
Gene Shepherd
November 23, 2009 at 8:44 am
Arline – It depends on where it would be used, but, I would probably use it, particularly if I was making the rug for myself. GRS
BillieJo
November 23, 2009 at 9:25 am
I think of myself, in Biblical terms, as just being a Good Steward!
….AND THAT YOU ARE GENE…as evidenced by your Blog and rug hooking vigilance! Thank you. Jo
Alex Platz
November 23, 2009 at 11:13 am
Well, it IS a beautiful shirt.
Lori
November 23, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Gene,
but I see such beauty in things that before rug hooking may have gone unnoticed.
Great story and a good laugh. Isn’t it funny how we view so many things with a, well, hooker’s eye? I guess I should say with an artisan’s eye
Lori
Sue-Anne Jay
November 23, 2009 at 4:08 pm
You are a great writer and have such a good sense of humor! I bought a 100 pound bale of wool shirts and skirts at the Dorr Mill Store in October. It had 86 Pendleton skirts and 22 Pendleton shirts in it. I pick out the ones that I want and take the rest to my hooking group to purchase. I even share the Black Watch plaid!
dlbleam
November 24, 2009 at 3:35 am
Gene, I volunteer at a thrift shop and Pendleton Woolens are not uncommon. If you need something, just ask and I will search my wool bank for you.
Next, THANK YOU for the pattern. it came so fast and your personal note was a thrill. I have taped it into my copy of your proddy book.
Finally, please take time to go to the web site “Lincoln Society of Virginia” This is a new society which is in the process of buying the Lincoln Homestead in Rockingham County, Virginia . I have seen the small graveyard there and think you would enjoy seeing this site. Maybe you might consider a hookin to help them? Donna
Deborah McLean
November 24, 2009 at 7:46 am
Ah, yes, coveting….at my church, a very nice, very old gentleman often wears an lovely Anderson plaid blazer. My mother’s maiden name was Anderson, and I always say he should give me his jacket. He claims he will….I haven’t told him my plans…..
Gene Shepherd
November 24, 2009 at 10:12 am
Deborah – I concentrate on the “give it a good home where it will be honored and treasured” as opposed to “I will rip it into small strips and people will walk on it” line. Good luck. GRS