Crochet hooks and needles , the tools of her trade , come in various sizes and colors .
A ripple afghan shows a small sample of Green ’ s handiwork .
Green has won nearly 100 ribbons at the State Fair for her hand-crafted needlework designs as well as in food categories .
A floor rug . A West Virginia University lap quilt . needle , and read a recipe and measure .
“ I took to it rather naturally and soon they would turn me loose in the kitchen . They both had lots of recipes for delicious foods . I still use many of those recipes today .
“ As for sewing and crocheting , I learned a lot from Mom . She would require every stitch to be perfect . It wasn ’ t long before I was able to start making dresses , jackets , and cheerleading uniforms .”
Of the numerous needlework skills Green uses , she finds crocheting to be the most relaxing .
“ Once I get started well on a pattern , I can get in the groove and just let my mind wander ,” she explained . “ The next thing that I know , I have done a lot of rows and a good bit of time has passed . “ I find it is a great stress relief . “ I also get much of the same feeling now when I decorate sugar cookies ,” she added .
“ Quilting is the most challenging to me . It demands lots of patience , which I sometimes have difficulty with . It requires precision cutting , choosing the right fabric and colors , selecting the right patterns , proper placement of pieces and , of course , ironing . These are all things that require much undivided focus and concentration .
“ I first entered items in the fair in 1993 with encouragement from my dad ( Bob Walker ),” she said .
“ I received my first ribbon in 1994 for a crochet collar . Dad was very proud of me for winning .
“ When he passed away later that year , I placed the ribbon in his casket . So , Dad has my first State Fair ribbon .
“ There are so many ( creations ) that I am proud of and have taken great joy from . The one creation that is very meaningful is a memory quilt that I made of my dad . I made it for my mom .
“ I now have it after her passing . It still evokes lots of emotions when I look at it . It also rekindles many fun and loving memories of Dad .
“ I have been truly blessed with a number of talents ,” she said . “ I get so much joy and satisfaction from sharing my abilities with others . It warms my heart greatly to be able to share something I made with someone and to see them smile and say how much they enjoyed it .
“ I hope that I can continue to utilize my talents for the enjoyment of family and friends for many years to come .” ❖
SOUTH � NOVEMBER – DECEMBER ’ 24 � 35