On June 29th I opened my WordPress “Reader” as usual and read through the latest blog posts, commenting as I went, again, as usual. Then something that was far from usual happened.
A Creative Being popped up but, instead of being treated to one of Wink’s entertaining narratives or crochet works of art, her sister was the unwilling author informing us gently that Wink had taken her own life.
Wink, whose name was Marinke, was well known in the crochet world as contributing to the book ‘Crochet Saved My Life’ – she suffered from depression which finally became too much to bear.
Kathryn from the blog Crochet Concupiscence, is organising a collaborative art project in Wink’s honour and to raise awareness of this dreadful illness. If you would like to make a mandala for the cause, you can find out how at #MandalasForMarinke
This is the mandala I made from one of Wink’s own patterns (which you can find here for free) which is already winging its way to Kathryn in America.
On a much lighter note – I won a giveaway!!!
Amy, from the wonderful ‘Yarnaway’ blog was giving away all this yarny loveliness which I was over the moon to receive!
There is an amazing book which I cannot wait to get stuck into…….
……three balls of gorgeous yarn and a crochet hook……
……and a zipped pouch, all of which was tucked into a useful tote.
THANK YOU Amy!
I’m so thrilled to be the winner – the only problem is deciding which of the numerous fabulous patterns in the book to make…..
July 17, 2015 at 1:43 pm
I love crocheting!! Congrats on winning the giveaway!
That’s so sad about Wink. Very upsetting.
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July 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm
It is – I didn’t hesitate to make a mandala for the cause.
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July 17, 2015 at 3:07 pm
Looks like a lovely book.
So sad about Wink.
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July 17, 2015 at 4:49 pm
The book is brilliant, very modern and full of things I actually want to make. The mandala was my first, but I just had to make one.
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July 17, 2015 at 3:49 pm
Funny how something seemingly so trivial as writing and reading blogs can link us all in such meaningful ways… Well done for getting your contribution completed so swiftly, I’m sure it will be much appreciated.
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July 17, 2015 at 4:50 pm
It is funny, isn’t it? I feel connected to all my blog ‘pals’ and the news of Wink hit me hard. A mandala was the least I could do.
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July 17, 2015 at 3:54 pm
The mandala is lovely, a great way to remember her. Congrats on winning such a great giveaway. The book looks really interesting. x
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July 17, 2015 at 4:52 pm
I’m interested to see what the finished mandala art project looks like. The book is full of modern things I’m keen to make. Watch this space!
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July 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Thank you so much for sharing the Mandalas for Marinke project and for your contribution. I’ve received it and it’s beautiful. I’ve got a bunch in queue to post but it’ll get its turn in the spotlight soon. Huge hugs.
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July 19, 2015 at 1:30 pm
You’re welcome Kathryn – I hope the project is a huge success:)
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July 17, 2015 at 7:25 pm
What a lovely tribute to Wink!!! And you are so welcome for the yarn-y things — can’t wait to see what you make! 🙂
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July 19, 2015 at 1:32 pm
I will blog about all the things I make, that’s for sure, I just need to find a window in which to start a new project:)
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July 18, 2015 at 1:54 am
So sorry to hear about your friend’s passing, and thank you for including those details.
Congratulations on your win, and best wishes for all the yummy things that book will inspire. Will need to check it out, if it’s available over here.
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July 19, 2015 at 1:33 pm
It’s a lovely book, full of up to date makes all photographed in elegant neutrals. I may have to bump up the colour for my taste though:)
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July 19, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Our library has 2 of her books, which will be on their way to me soon, so will get a sampling soon. Agree with you about colours vs. neutrals! 🎨
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July 18, 2015 at 8:42 am
Such a lovely tribute to Marinke and such a wonderful contribution to Kathryn’s beautiful project! Marianne xx
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July 19, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Thanks Marianne, I’ve been following all the contributions to date and it’s lovely to see them pouring in:)
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July 18, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Congrats on the win Sheila. That is fantastic. The Mandela project is a wonderful tribute to Wink. This year has been hard losing two wonderful, creative and published young women. Vanessa and Wink. I have suffered from depression for over twenty years. It isn’t easy that is for sure. Hearing of their deaths just sucked the air right out of me. Many tears fell both times. 😦 It is weird just by reading someone’s blog how you feel so close to them … like they are part of your family. Thanks for sharing the info for the project for Wink. hugs xxxxxxx Robin
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July 19, 2015 at 5:17 am
Robin I was just reading your comment…it is sooo sad about Winks…I am published in that book that Winks was in…it drained me too…crying…I suffer PTSD…I too am making a mandala in her honor…Kathryn is doing a great job organizing all of this..my name is Fran by the way…maybe we can be friends …I love crochet.
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July 19, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Glad to meet you Fran. Thanks for the reply to my comment. One can never have too many friends. 🙂
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July 19, 2015 at 1:38 pm
It hit me hard too, which I found both surprising and unsettling as we had never met! It’s true how you feel you know someone by reading their blog over the course of a few months or even years, and it does feel like you’ve had a bereavement in the family. I think the mandala project is a wonderful tribute to Wink and can’t wait to see the final installation. Keep safe. XXXX
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July 19, 2015 at 3:47 pm
No worries Sheila! My meds work well. I also have an amazing support system. :)xxx
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July 19, 2015 at 5:13 am
Congrats on winning…enjoy..yes it is sad about Winks..I am also one of the people published in the book.my name is FRAN…
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July 19, 2015 at 1:41 pm
I haven’t read the book yet, but I intend to do so. Have you seen all the mandalas sent in so far? They’re amazing and if some good can come out of this tragedy it will be a fitting tribute to Wink.
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July 19, 2015 at 1:41 pm
A time to reflect and remember there are battles and triumphs behind the usernames and blog urls.
Very sad but a lovely tribute.
Congrats on your happy mail.
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July 19, 2015 at 9:16 pm
I know that crafting is therapeutic and it does now make me wonder about the person behind the blog and how many find their art a lifeline:)
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July 19, 2015 at 7:23 pm
It really was a heart breaking moment for me too to hear the news a few weeks ago, wink was a delightful girl she colaborated on our ‘mandalongs’ that chrissie crafts and I held a couple of years ago. I am so glad to see your mandala is on its way overseas for a good cause.
best D x
Ps I keep meaning to mention I wrote a post about the word ‘sewchet’ in feb 2013 my 11 year old son thought it up and declared ‘thats what you do Mum’ great minds eh?
you can see it on my blog 9if you are interested? ) its called a ‘sewchet pincushion’ feb 2013…..xx
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July 19, 2015 at 9:19 pm
I read your post – your son may be pleased to hear that ‘his’ word is now being used legitimately:)
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