Nova Scotia's centenarian knitted 100 baby hats to celebrate her anniversary
She has been knitting pneumonia hats and vests for children in need for 30 years.
Last week, Etta Jamieson, an elder woman from Truro, Nova Scotia, celebrated her milestone birthday by eating lots of cake and completing her year-long project of knitting 100 hats for needy children.
On September 8, Jamieson turned 100 years old, but two years ago she decided to challenge herself to knit 100 hats in one year. She attributed her wish to the fact that her hands were healthy and she wanted to find some use for them again.
Jamieson began knitting baby hats and pneumonia vests 30 years ago when St. James Presbyterian Church in Truro asked for help to send baby clothes to developing countries. Since then, many of her items have been sent to Nicaragua and Malawi. However, this latest shipment will be donated to the IWK Medical Center in Halifax and the Colchester East Hants Medical Center in Truro. The rest will go to the Christmas tree at St. James Presbyterian Church later this year for people who need them.
The needlewoman modestly comments on her activities:
"When you do something for someone, it makes you feel good. And I think as long as you have health, you need to do those things."
Having finished a large-scale project, the centenarian immediately started a new one: now she wants to knit 101 hats for her next birthday. She says things are already going well: in the week since her 100th birthday, she has almost finished three pieces.
Finally, Etta Jamieson offers invaluable advice: "Don't dwell on sad things or difficult times. Be happy and keep laughing. Get plenty of rest."
She adds that if one wants to face old age with dignity, the secret is simple — help others.
