There's a story behind this sweater you see. Yes, I'm wearing it in my house today. Yes, I have layers of clothes on underneath including long-johns, thick socks, serious slippers (doncha hate those fluff bundles femmie kinds? I do).
I knitted one of these sweaters for myself well over 40 years ago and my father loved it so much for those cold nights on Sherkin that I paid attention to my mother's pleas to present it to him. Which I did and he wore it many, many times. But only on Sherkin. A man has to have his dignity out in the real mainland world.
That sweater had a "thing" about it. It felt like someone's arms around you. You could smuggle things across borders (don't ask) with it on. And it fit anyone who borrowed it. And you could use it to dry off and warm up after swimming. And nurse a baby underneath it. I missed it. But thought to get it back one day. But next thing, a few years later, bro and sis-in-law and I go off for a day's hiking and lo and behold there's my lovely sweater. On him. I remarked on it, how toasty and blankety it was and sis-in-law sez : "It's his favourite, he loves it. Your dad gave it to him." And I shut my trap.
And then, still mourning it but resigned, about 25 years ago I took to the needles and made myself a copy. Gargantuan as before. Three could fit inside it in comfort.
And I NEED to wear it now. Mr. Chimney was here and gave me a quote and ordered stove pipes and liners and brackets for my stove and I await. In this portable blankie.
And the lemonade? I can't even count the offers of spare bedrooms, meals, and a couple of fun ones: "put on a t-shirt and shorts and come for a few minutes and walk around our house in our heat."
And heaters. And concern. And phone calls checking on me.
Daughter says today: "Only that we live here and experience all this astonishing community of sharing and caring would we believe it. Hearing about it on the outside beggars disbelief."
I've never known anything like it. And I only gave you a tiny taste of what has been offered to me in this latest life challenge.
Newfoundland I love you.
And I know you love me back.
That's a gorgeous sweater and it does look incredibly cozy. I'm assuming it's wool? I can't wear wool even with many layers under it - all my sweaters are cotton.
ReplyDeleteLove the pattern of your walk in comforter! You are indeed fortunate to be surrounded by caring friends.
ReplyDeleteI think it's the traditional wool SAW, I too am not a fan of wool so wear complete cotton underneath it.
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Thanks GM, oh fellow knitter! Yes I am truly fortunate indeed. It surely helps to stop my inner worry wart when things go wrong.
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Sorry to hear about your trouble but delighted to hear about the community that surrounds you with love and help. Your good fortune warms my heart~
ReplyDeleteLooks as if something ate my comment. Anyway, I know that you give a lot, and that's why you get so much from others.
ReplyDeleteI played the video and listened to the song.Gentle and simple and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteYou know, in small places like Valley’s End people are kind and helpful too. If anyone is in trouble there are always willing hands to lift the burden. You and your problem might become a talking point, but never in an unkind way.
Hope your chimney gets fixed.
Sharon:
ReplyDeletethere's nothing like them and the weather has warmed today and we have one of those picturesque soft snow landscapes to enjoy.
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Hattie:
ReplyDeleteI do my best as you do and it comes back 100 fold.
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Friko:
ReplyDeleteStill waiting on the ol' chimney but I am confident it will be fixed but not on my urgent time frame, I want it done yesterday. Of course!
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what a wonderful post
ReplyDeleteit warmed my heart.
the music divine and peaceful
was needed
much going on
thank you again..
for a moment of Peace
and oh I wish I could knit..
You're next on my list for a knitted piece or two, Ernestine, one advantage of having a pile of DVDs and lots of knitting planned - and oh lots of snow forecast :)
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I loved what you wrote about your special sweater. I'm so glad that you took time to make yourself another. What disappointment that the sweater didn't come back to you, but fortunately you knew how to remedy that. --By the way, here in Pennsylvania, not far south of the town of Erie, we are getting more snow, --snow on snow. I'm hunkering down today, too. It's a good day to paint pictures, sort through papers and letters, write a lot, and stay cozy in warm, comfortable clothing.
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