I stumbled upon Wink's beautiful 'Groovy-Ghan' online and just knew I had to make one. Thus began an 11 month epic challenge as I crocheted a mighty king-sized groovy-ghan for a dear dear friend. With each stitch I thought of what my friend to meant to me, and with each row I thought of Wink and her lovely colour combinations and beautiful creativity. The end result, a true labour of love, was tearfully received by my friend, who couldn't quite believe I'd spent the best part of a year working on her present (personally, I couldn't quite believe I was happy to give away something I'd spent the best part of a year working on! But that's love & friendship I guess...). Inspired by Wink, I often visited her blog and made plans for what from her beautiful world I would attempt next, something a bit smaller this time perhaps! She touched my world, far away in another country, but united by craft.

I am filled with sorrow at her passing. I hope to find comfort in crochet (although I am too sad this evening to pick up a hook), and the legacy of her stunning work will live on, ensuring she cannot and will not be forgotten.

Your absence has gone through me Like thread through a needle.Everything I do is stitched with its color. - W.S. Merwin