Building and maintaining this business for 16 years has been one of the most rewarding and fun parts of my life. I’m so proud of it and grateful for it. I get to play with color all the time and I’ve been so fortunate to share it all with you because your crazy seems to love my crazy. It’s been such a pleasure working with and meeting so many of you from all over the world. I hope all you very special people know who you are, because I do.
In 2016 I went through breast cancer with the surgeries, radiation, and chemo. Some of you remember, and I appreciate every card and well wish. Since then, I have gone to every scheduled ultrasound scan and mammogram, and have left feeling good and positive.
In late winter, I started to find myself out of breath, and didn’t feel at all like myself. I went to the doctor who did bloodwork and x-rays. Everything came back fine. I am frustrated that the CT-PET bone scans that can show cancer in my body were not offered at that time. By the time it was detected, it was too late. The cancer is now in my liver and bones, and I am very limited in what I can do.
I understand that the excessive use of scans can be dangerous, but so can undetected cancer. Now I hear comments from doctors like, “we see this all the time” and, “it comes back all the time”. This confuses me as they also say “early detection is key”. I don’t know the cost of these scans without insurance and that it’s hard to get insurance approval, but if I can encourage 1 person who is in remission from breast cancer to get a scan, even if everything seems fine, and it saves a life, then hallelujah.
It feels so frustrating at this time when I’ve landed in such a sweet space with my new husband and home, and two grandkids I’d hoped to spend many years with. And yet I have been so blessed, and experienced so many fabulous things that it seems selfish to wish for more. As I am not one to see the glass half empty, it’s easy not to miss the beautiful striped petunias and luscious peonies. Our hollyhocks are way ahead of the game this year and I sure hope I get to see some. I have always been filled with gratitude for the small things, and that joy and appreciation has been sewn into each bag.
I will miss my business and all of you, but honestly, I won’t miss social media. From the bottom of my heart I thank you so much for your support and friendship. Stay well and safe, and, as always, knit on good women.
I’m so sorry to learn this. I am wishiing you as much beauty and love, and even joy, as you can fill your spirit with during this time. I love my bags I purchased from you, and I will cherish them.
Well, there are no words, Martha. I have treasured the three knitting bags I’ve been lucky enough to buy from you over the years. They each are very special to me and couldn’t be more exquisitely made. The first one I purchased back in 2005, and it still is durable, beautiful and functional — bag perfection. And I always get so many positive comments, usually of the “Did YOU make that?” variety, at which I must reply, “I WISH!!!” I’ve enjoyed knowing you personally, though never in person. So, while I know how taxing social media can be, I am fortunate that I had the chance to get to know you through it. And will continue to be here for you in thoughts and prayers as you spend the precious remaining time with your loved ones. Thanks for sharing yourself and your creativity, through the gift of your bags. I will always cherish the bags AND you.
Thank you for the joy and beauty that you have shared with the world through your work, words, and spirit. Sending much love your way.
My heart goes out to you and your family…I went through this with my mom. They told her at 56, she was too old for a blood marrow transplant to help her with her fight against breast cancer. That was 30 years ago I have over the years enjoyed logging on to your site to see your beautiful creations. I have been able to snatch 7 bags and can’t count the lil yarn sacks. My family and friends I have gifted them to, treasure them. You are such a talent. Thank you for sharing them with us. Hugs to you
Martha, I have followed your posts and pictures since I first saw your bag that my knitting friend Louise Gillis was using. I just loved it. Pure luxury. You have touched many people by your beautiful work. The older I get, the more I knit to soothe my mind and heart. Louise died of a heart attack a few years ago. Cancer has had a vivid place in my life. I am thanking you and wishing you get the best care and loving attention you deserve. Jaye Orgera
Oh, my, Martha, you have brought so much joy to my life as well as the lives of many others through your posts and your bags. I am lucky to own three of your gorgeous bags, and even bought one for a dear friend. I hope your have time yet to spend with grandchildren, gorgeous hollyhocks, and your sweet spouse. You, dear, are one of the good ones.
Martha,
Thank you for being you, thank you for the beautiful bags and sharing your life with us (baking, jams, knitting, shopping, walks, flowers, blogs, grandkids and encouragement). I will be praying for you and your family during this journey Martha.
Dear Martha, I thank you for making me a bag for my Fiftieth birthday and each project that fills it I think of you. My heart hurts for you. Cancer is touching my life in so many ways this year and I wish it weren’t so. I hope you and your family have some quality time to make best memories. I am already missing your new bag posts. Take care. Joanne Martin
Oh Martha…….I can not express my sorrow at your news…..I have been a huge fan of your art, as you know. Each bag I own is used and loved. Some also decorate my home (between projects) with so much color and light. Your talent is inspiring and just looking at one of your bags, full of yarn and comfort always makes me smile. Peace and ❤️
Dear, dear Martha, you are an absolute treasure and I am so blessed to have found you! Each Thursday I have been keen to check for your postings as they’ve delighted me and brought me to your special place! Thank you for sharing. A life well lived is a gift and you do it very well. I pray for another day and another and another for you. And I will keep on praying that. Take care, my dear one. One day at a time. I’m sorry I’m not very good with words, but I care so much. And thank you for the lovely bags that I cherish and use every single day of my life.
Much love to you and your family,
Dear Martha, thank you so much for the best Knitting Bags in the world. The best day in a week was the Thursday, to see new lovely bags from you. I have tears in my eyes. I love all my bags. Wish you all the best.
Dear Martha, thank you so much for the best Knitting Bags in the world. The best day in a week is the Thursday… Bagday!!! I love all my bags so much. Thank you for all. Sending this with tears in my eyes. Wish you all the best…
Martha, there are no words to express how I feel reading your post. It is so unfair! You have taken such good care of yourself!
I have several of your bags and it was an adventure trying to get them. Checking your page at the designated time and trying to buy it before anyone else. I treasure each one. You are so talented. Your bags and posts will be missed.
Please take care of yourself and enjoy your family.
Dear Martha,
I got one of your fabulous bags about 12 years ago and still smile with pleasure each time I open it up.
I have always admired how you ran your life and your business… Both have inspired me to live more creative and free.
As a hospice nurse I am sad to say I have heard your story many times and I feel so much sadness.
Thank you for sharing your story in the hopes that others may see it and advocate for their own health.
Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with so many!
Every time I open my beautiful bag, I will send love to you where ever you are on your journey.
In peace,
Denise
My dear sweet Martha,
You have no idea how sad my heart is. Thursday nights had become a staple in my life ever since I found Green Mountain knitting bags! It was always so special to see what you were up to…whether knitting, cooking, or enjoying a beautiful flower in your backyard…you are truly a special lady! Your bags are amazing! My mom and I each have one of your treasures. Mom will turn 100 this year. She is still knitting and says your bag is the best ever!
I feel so blessed that our paths have crossed. You have truly been an inspiration to me. I will always cherish my Green Mountain Knitting Bag time with you. Thank you for being you.
My love and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Martha
I was so sad to read this post. You are truly a gifted artist who created the most stunning knitting bags. Each one is unique and admired by everyone who saw them. I can’t imagine how you must feel. You did everything you were supposed too. It’s not fair. I will miss your blog, as you have a flare for telling us about you projects, garden and Foster. Even though we live in different states, I felt like you were a neighbor. Thursday nights were special waiting To view your new creations. Please know we are praying for you. Every time I open my knitting bag I will be thinking of you.
Thank you For everything
Kathy
Dear Martha
I was so sad to read this post. You are truly a gifted artist who created the most stunning knitting bags. Each one is unique and admired by everyone who saw them. I can’t imagine how you must feel. You did everything you were supposed too. It’s not fair. I will miss your blog, as you have a flare for telling us about you projects, garden and Foster. Even though we live in different states, I felt like you were a neighbor. Thursday nights were special waiting To view your new creations. Please know we are praying for you. Every time I open my knitting bag I will be thinking of you.
Thank you For everything
Dear Martha, I got my first of 2 bags from you 8 years ago. Love them! Throughout the years I loved reading about your life…your family, your kind, gentle, loving outlook on life. You have exhibited such grace and are someone I look up to. I offer my thanks for your talents and inspiration. I offer my prayers for you and your family. Holding you in my heart sweet lady. Please continue to let your beautiful light shine. Sending love and hugs. ❤️
Dearest, truest, open-hearted and loving-soul Martha,
I just learned about your blog post from Corinne–and she and Jack and I send a world of love and connection and healing wholeness in the face of what is and what seems to be. You have offered your spirit, your spritefulness, and your creative gifts to so many, and indeed you have sent yourself in your work and your love and creations around the world and beyond–you are one of the souls who makes the solar system spin, and your stardust will always be here. I’d love to talk, visit, accompany you in any way as you journey forward. Your beauty and grace are radiant–my heart and love walk with you now and evermore.
I learned you are gone now, friend. I feel your loss from afar, but you are never gone from the hearts of so many who have experienced your creavity, your talent, your kindness and your goodness. I am praying for Jeff, Woody and AL, Taylor and Hannah, your dearly loved grandchildren and all your friends and family. You will be so missed by all.