In Memoriam: Gigi Silva

While I haven't been blogging much at all lately. I do peak at Ravelry every now and then. I was stunned to learn this evening that Gigi Silva of Socktopia fame passed away recently.

Of course I didn't know her personally, but I did exchange a few emails with her last year when I started learning to knit socks and I joined Socktopia. You'll recall that I knit her Bellatrix pattern last summer, ugly ole things that I love so much.

She was a prolific sock pattern designer, and late last year it looked as if she was going to make a go of starting a pattern design business. Imagine suffering from a terrible illness and still having the hope to start a new venture.

We should all have such strength and sense of purpose.

Many thanks to all of you who have checked in with me over the past couple of months. Me and B, Nigel and Guy are all fine. Nigel, who had eye surgery a few weeks ago, may not agree, but I assure you he's all better and you can't even see the scar.

I've been dragging a lot trying to manage my freelance jobs (all with deadlines that are hitting at the same time in spite of my best efforts to prioritize better) and yoga teaching schedule. Shortly after we returned to Alexandria last September, the studio owner asked if I would manage workshop and event scheduling. I like doing this kind of thing, but it sucks up a lot of time. More than I thought.

It's funny. I was practically a shut-in while living in Holland. I had little to do, no friends, and I couldn't even watch much TV. You all got me through it, and you don't even know me! So, I feel very touched by Gigi Silva's death. She was also part of my global support network of strangers who gave me a reason to get out of bed everyday for those eight long months that I waited to come home.

Thank you, Gigi for your beautiful and challenging sock patterns. Thank you all for being with me over the past year.

I promise I will post more knitting content soon.

Comments

[Heather]

Oh hip hip hooray, Jen is back!! (ok, no pressure...)

And I was surprised by Gigi's death as well, I didn't know she was even sick. She was such a knowledgeable, generous person.

[Jennie]

So good to see you back. No pressure to post. I know you are super busy. I am always happy to see your knit work. :)

I knew that Gigi was sick but I didn't think it would come to this. I didn't know her in real life but her work has and will continue to inspire me. I will definitely miss her talents.

[Laura]

I know I shouldn't really be happy to see you given your content and the sad death of Gigi, but it *is* nice to see you again in blogland. Hope you stick around a bit.

[Jessica]

Definitely a very sad thing. But I'm glad to see you back on the blog. Hope all is well!

[becky]

Hi Jen! Your page is lovely and it's good to know that you are well.

[Debbie]

Nice to have you back even if it is only briefly.

[Jean]

It's really nice to see a post from you. Though I'm sorry about Gigi's passing. I didn't know her, but from what you've said she sounds wonderful. And it's always sad to hear about a loss in this community. Hang in there with your busy schedule!

[ali]

It's good to see a post from you again and good to hear you and yours are doing well. This worldwide network is an amazing thing, isn't it?
Lovely tribute to Gigi, she will be missed by many.

Looking forward to seeing more knitting from you. Hope your schedule eases up on you a bit soon.

Happy knitting-
ali

[tiennie]

Hi. Just wondering where you went? Hope all is well.

[Heather]

Hey You, hope you're doing well and enjoying fall in D.C.:)

[Gina's Not Dead]

She's not dead, just so you are aware.

[Really, gigi's not dead at all!]

She really did fake her death. Was spotted shopping & eating out in San Diego & Los Angeles back in January, so hopefully you weren't taken in by her & her husband's scam. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

[and one more for good measure :-)]

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