Monday, November 28, 2005

A Family Heirloom


The Tweed Cardigan had its final stitch last night and today I took it through the snow to the photo shoot spot by the lake. It was windy and the tippet got blown away and thus has a little snow icing in the picture. (There should be whirling snow later today.)

The yarn was used up completely, I think I have one yard left. The pattern (Kim Hargreaves Design) was clear and easy to do and I'm happy with the feel of the cardigan.

I'm going to knit something small next, maybe mittens, gloves or finally a beret I have been dreaming of for a long time.

Last week I was suffering (not much, a little) back pain so I had to take out my silky woolens to wear under jeans. It always helps...

While getting the sophisticated nice pair of pants from the drawer I came across which I think deserves to be called a family heirloom. We have a little skiing cottage up north (it is possible to go further up) which doesn't have electricity or any modern necessities. We go up there once or twice in a winter and I'm the weakest chain in this family when it comes to tolerating cold. When we discuss what each one of us should bring along, my dear husband always says to me sternly: You take the pants.

The cottage is the only place on earth where I can wear these... They belonged to my Dad and I have inherited them for the cottage use. They were knitted back in the 50's by my Mom. Mom said that they were so warm Dad couldn't use them at all. Knitting something like this is a true act of love. This is the back view...

...here some details in the front.

Need I say more? Mom is the last (not the least) person on my list of inspiring women. I would love to hear what inspires you!

Ps. The Moose dance has not yet been held.

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous15:18

    I am incredibly impressed by your mom's knitting of those pants. Wow.

    What inspires me? Bloggers who can stick to one big project day in and day out and finish it. I'll way too scatterbrained for that myself.

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  2. Knitted long-johns? All wool, yes? And many stitches per inch, too, I'm sure! Yes, I think you can call that an heirloom. And it's much more impressive than a teapot or a bracelet or whatever else people consider to be heirlooms.

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  3. Anonymous23:47

    :( I couldn't see the photos - now I won't be able to concentrate all day till I see "The Pants"....

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  4. Anonymous01:44

    The cardigan turned out beautifully! The tweeding/flecking looks fabulous. It is wonderful to see the lake behind the pictures at your photo shoot site. We live in the backwoods of Wisconsin and it is interesting to actually "see" what your weather is like. How I laughed to think of your little cottage yet even further north. I think you are far enough north as it is! You must take pictures of the moose dance and all those handknit stocking feet. Had to laugh too about your Dad finding the family heirloom pants to be too warm. I once spent oodles of time knitting an Aran knit sweater for my Dad who was so proud of his Irish heritage, to have him never wear it beyond the initial trying on, because he found it way too warm. He loved it, though. I'm glad you are warm and toasty and get lots of use out of the too warm family heirloom. Your stories are wonderful!

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  5. Anonymous20:33

    That is a lot of stockinette knitting!

    I think Tale may have some more recently knitted undergarments; she was talking about bringing them to Iceland...

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  6. Anonymous15:12

    This very moment I am knitting legs to sew on last years panties which were made in the most delicate local "going-out-all-the-year-around-sheep"-wool. The panties are for Summerwear when at sea. The long ones, for comming Saturdays Christmas bonfire.
    At last years bonfire I introduced a sleepingbag balaclava. This year it will be the Long Johns. One day, Leena, when you have nothing else to do, please note down the pattern for your precious hairloom. Nothing, absolute nothing, can replace them.

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