In 1953 she married my father, Brendan Byrne, from Glasnevin, Dublin. They have six children, nineteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. Mammy has knitted since she was a girl. When we were children she’d knit our winter jumpers. We’d walk to mass mortified with our Mammy’s knits on us. We didn’t have the sense yet to appreciate the love and care in each stitch. It was only when we had
children of our own that we began to appreciate the wonderful talent Mam has. Several years ago she knitted her first nativity “crib” as gift for one of her own children. Typically, once everyone saw it, everyone wanted one. Of course Mam made sure no one was left out and each family now has a crib. The cribs connect us. Once friends and extended family saw the cribs, Mammy had orders coming from everywhere. The cribs “went global” ... their joy spreading to USA, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Canada, UK, Poland , Scotland and Switzerland. My mother is a very charismatic, positive woman, with a great sense of justice and kindness. With each crib she sends a blessing of joy and peace. Mam and Dad have been cocooning since Marc,h they never complain they just accept things as they are and keep busy, walking everyday, doing jigsaws and mammy knitting the cribs, with dad always on hand to help with the finishing touches. Mam has twenty five cribs finished and won'r be making any more this year. Each crib set comprises of eight individually hand knitted figures :
Holy Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus (in his manger), one Shepherd, Three Kings and a Sheep. The tallest figure is approx 11”
Each piece is unique, hand crafted with love - no two cribs will ever be the same. The cost of a set €70 plus packaging.
