Wednesday 25 April 2018

Poppies for Rememberance

At a little stall, selling handmade poppy flowers for ANZAC Day, I bought this little brooch. I think it is simple and beautiful. 

A little handmade poppy brooch.

Red poppies have become a symbol of remembrance. Along with sprigs of rosemary, they are worn as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made for peace; a peace that we are so fortunate to enjoy here in Australia when there is so much conflict and suffering in other parts of our world. I think it is important that we don't forget how lucky that makes us.  

Thousands upon thousands of red poppies, each one knitted or crocheted or stitched by hand, have been made and "planted"  in very special tributes. The 5000 Poppies project, featured on Gardening Australia (my favourite television program) this past week, began as a personal tribute that has now grown and inspired en masse installations which are just extraordinarily beautiful. 

While no more handmade poppies are needed now for these inspiring installations, you could still make yourself a little red poppy of your own with some red yarn or red felt. Here are some pattern links:

four petal poppy knitting pattern  from Hippystitch blog

knitted poppy 2 from Libby Summers blog

Jen's very simple poppy pattern (crochet) from pattern list on 5000 Poppies blog

felt poppy brooch from Pip over at Rest is not Idleness blog


I will be wearing the little handmade poppy brooch I bought today for it's ANZAC Day here in Australia. A day to offer up a quiet thanks for peace. 

Meg































14 comments:

  1. Meg I saw all those poppies on Gardening Australia. They looked quite stunning I must say. Apparently my granddaughters are at the dawn ceremony at the moment in the outback. They dragged their dad out of bed to take them :-)

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    1. I thought the poppy installations were just stunning, Chel. I love how their idea took hold and handmade poppies have been sent in from all around the world, obviously touching so many people. Meg:)

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    1. It is very sweet, Suzie. I want to have a go at knitting one myself. Meg:)

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  3. It's very pretty. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I love little handmade things like this poppy. It only cost a few $ but I do think it's lovely. Meg:)

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  4. Love your poppy Meg,
    My Mum 93 years old very proudly took part in making hundreds of poppies(not sure where hers ended up).I missed the Gardening Australia display, may watch it on catch up tv.
    We have been into town thismorning for the annual march and ceremony.
    Hope your ANZAC day is a peaceful one Meg,
    Take care
    Jane.

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    1. I hope you get the chance to catch the episode with all the poppies, Jane. Perhaps your mum's poppies joined with all the others to create those special tributes. Just amazing! Meg:)

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  5. I love your poppy brooch Meg and thank you for the poppy links. I might have a go at one for next year. I hope your Anzac Day is peaceful.

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    1. I would like to try knitting one, Fran. I think it would be a lovely little project. Meg:)

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  6. It's beautiful. Hope you have a peaceful Anzac Day!

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    1. We had a lovely day, thanks Nil. We spent some quiet time at home before joing our friends for a bbq dinner. Meg:)

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  7. Hi Meg,
    Wasn’t that story on Gardening Australia just beautiful, what a wonderful achievement. Have a lovely day, Fi

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    1. I thought it was just amazing, Fiona, to see so many of these handmade poppies en masse. Incredible! Meg:)

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