Sunday, March 14, 2010

Knitted Vest


My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 5. For the next 35 years, I consulted with her on every knitting project I undertook. I miss her voice and her advice every day. My mom mailed me a box filled with her old knitting needles not too long ago and I use them with anyone who wishes to learn. We get the privilege of honoring the people who came before by passing on their wisdom.
My grandmother had the habit of grabbing what I was working on and finishing up the tricky bits. Consequently, these are the first armholes I have completed on my own. That is why I asked my son to take an armhole shot.
This vest took about 3 months to knit on size 17 needles. You can find the pattern on the Lion Brand website.
Just one last word to my grandmother: I know you see the glaring mistake right smack dab in the middle of the back. I know you want me to find a way to make it right but that was one of the things you used to do for me.....find a way to go back into the piece and fix what was wrong. I'm going to leave it in, just like the Navajo do with their blankets...weave in a mistake because only the gods and grandmothers should achieve perfection. I'm happily not even close but I promise you I will keep on working on it.

4 comments:

  1. The Navajos would love my imperfect knitting. But seriously, who is the babe in the picture?!

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  2. Look at that proud face...and that gorgeous vest! WTG, girl!

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  3. Very nice - the armholes look professional to me. Your grandmother would be proud I think. You are right that one needs to have height to carry it off. It looks great on you :)

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