Do You Mind if I Knit?

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post.  Last week, I received some very sad news which knocked me for six, that a special lady and friend of mine tragically had passed away.  I wouldn't normally think to share personal news but the reality is that I know it will touch many of you, too.

Lots of you might instantly have thought of this lady on seeing the title of my blog post.  You will likely have loved the fabulous colourful blog of that name which gave a privileged glimpse into the talented world of Vanessa Cabban.  Vanessa had an immense creative talent; she was known for illustrating children's books for Walker Books which was her day job but we also knew her for her pretty watercolour painting, her stripy knitting and crochet and latterly, her fabulous papier mache creations.

You may or may not recall, depending on how long you have been reading this blog, that she and I used to indulge in an old-fashioned friendship in which we regularly took turns in sending a parcel of goodies and letters to each other.  Vanessa and I shared very similar tastes and had a knack of choosing and making things for the other which we really loved.  It was the best, most indulgent type of swap.  I realise this even more so now.  I still have all the lovely things Vanessa made for me.  From a wire basket she painted in a charming shade of duck egg blue to the stunning multi-coloured diamond-patterned crochet scarf.

Looking back this morning through all the old blog posts I wrote about our exchanges, I realise how many of the things Vanessa gave me surround me in my everyday life.  It's a testament to the things she chose for me, and the thought she put into doing so, that I appreciate them to this day.  It is rare to find a person on a similar wavelength to yourself.

Vanessa's spirit lives on in her colourful creations and mainly, in the inspiration she gave us all.  I remember her for her love of colour and pattern and I only have to look round my own home to see her influence.  

I'm going to indulge myself; every time I have a few quiet moments in the coming days, I'm going to re-read every last bit of her blog and remember the special, talented woman she was.

RIP Vanessa, I hope you are at peace now. Xxx

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There are references to Vanessa dotted throughout my blog but if you wish, you can read the original blog posts detailing my friendship with Vanessa and our creations for each other here here here here and here.