Pip-Life

:: Stella

December 8, 2014

323_cropped_730x4122.1385080397

 

Aw man.

My friend rang me this morning to let me know that Stella Young had passed away. I’m so sad about this, I can’t even tell you. I feel like I’ve been punched in the heart. What do we do now? Sheesh.

We’ve know Stella for close to ten years, since we had our old shop in Richmond and she used to visit and come to stitching nights and the like. Mostly, we liked to talk about making things, cute outfits and crafty heroes.

When we moved to our new shop, accessibility was a BIG priority, thanks to Stella teaching me about how blinking stupid many doorways and venues were. Stella thumbs-upped the wheelchair accessibility, mostly whilst distractedly eyeing all the cute crafty things she wanted to buy.

She was super supportive of me and the things I was doing, always endeavouring to show up at any events I cobbled together (with even more thumbs ups). She had our backs, ya know?

A very short while ago Stella asked me for a pattern for a granny ripple blanket like the one I recently made. Her friend was having a baby and she wanted to make one as a gift. We talked about crochet and I sent her on her stitchy way. Later she messaged me: ‘Just wanted to let you know I am granny rippling LIKE A BOSS!’  I don’t know if she finished it though. Probs she did, because she’s A BOSS!

It seems very bloody naff that you are gone. It’s been so ace to know ya, lady. Our house is so sad. RIP, you bright spark. *cries*

Sending heaps of love to Stella’s family and friends.

x Pip

PS: If you haven’t met Stella, you can see her TED talk here. It’s a goodie.

12 Comments

  • Reply Helen December 30, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    Such a big loss Pip. Hope your heart is feeling a tiny bit better xx Tiny person, massive heart…

  • Reply Leisa December 11, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    Yes, I’m amongst those who have been punched in the heart too. I watched the progression of that Granny Ripple blanket through some photos…on instagram maybe…? That was one of the things I wondered about as the reality kept hitting me in waves. Once, she promised to knit me a uterus when I was facing the prospect of having to give up my real one……

    God, how I loved that woman!

  • Reply Rachael December 9, 2014 at 6:07 PM

    Very sad news Pip.

  • Reply Sam December 9, 2014 at 8:09 AM

    What a privilege to have met such an amazing person Pip! Here’s to Stella! RIP beautiful soul.

  • Reply Kate @ One Small Life December 8, 2014 at 7:48 PM

    I never met Stella, but she taught me a lot about disability. Still learning. Wish she could teach me more. x

  • Reply Rhond davies December 8, 2014 at 5:48 PM

    So sad. RIP Stella

  • Reply Creatures and Cream December 8, 2014 at 2:04 PM

    One of the many things I loved about Stella: she said simply having a disability does not make you exceptional. But, exceptional she was. An amazing lady whose legacy will go on.

  • Reply Little White Dove December 8, 2014 at 1:38 PM

    so sad… so young… sending you big hugs Pip and passing you pretty little hankies to cry into x

  • Reply Josephine December 8, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    What a gal. Intelligent, no-nonsense, gutsy. Hope I can be like Stella when I grow up.
    Sending hugs your way. A very sad day, indeed.

    • Reply Christina December 9, 2014 at 10:57 PM

      Perfectly said. I feel the same way. A light has gone out and we are all at a loss for it.

  • Reply Susie December 8, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    Beautifully put, Pip. I remember meeting Stella at one of your stitching nights in Richmond – she helped me pick out the teabag templates. I loved listening to her speak and reading her words. Super sad. x

  • Reply Rachel Hancock December 8, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    Big bear hugs Pip xo

  • Leave a Reply