the blue blog archives: design inspiration

Today was my grandfather's birthday. He died a decade ago, but I still remember his birthday each year. I have an old sweater of his that I saved. I wore it a couple of times, but it's much too long for me (he was a big man). So I've started to sketch out ideas for designing my own version of his sweater. No pictures yet, since I don't know if it will work, and if it does, I may send the pattern off somewhere, but I just thought I'd share that with you today anyway.

posted by alison at 10:01 am | in design workshop

Comments

That's a really nice sentiment. Interweave have a design submission coming up that's all about special occasions. Seems to me that a sweater knit in memory of your grandfather would make for a great special occasion sweater..

Posted by: kerrie at July 22, 2005 10:11 AM

What a wonderful source of inspiration! I look forward to reading/hearing about as much as you want to share.

Posted by: Colleen at July 22, 2005 10:25 AM

Happy birthday for your late grandfather...I have fond memories of my grandpa. He had many hobbies as did my late grandma (who was a very wonderful knitter too). Take care and thanks for sharing.

Posted by: michele at July 22, 2005 10:36 AM

What a nice idea, to knit a sweater in memory of your grandfather. Will you undo his sweater and use the yarn in the new version?

Posted by: Diana at July 22, 2005 10:37 AM

I read your blog everyday..de-lurking! What a wonderful idea and way to keep your happy memories alive.

Posted by: delia at July 22, 2005 10:38 AM

That's a great way to pay tribute to him. Will you recycle the yarn from his sweater to create the new one? I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Posted by: katie at July 22, 2005 10:39 AM

Are you planning to reuse the yarn too? You'd probably have enough for a hat, mittens, scarf and other such lovelies. By the time you're finished, you'd be swathed in lovely grandfatherly bliss. Ahhh...

Posted by: The Feminist Mafia at July 22, 2005 10:40 AM

LOL, I guess Diana and I posted our question about recycling the yarn at the exact same time!

Posted by: katie at July 22, 2005 10:40 AM

That sounds like a lovely idea. Can't wait to see it!

Posted by: Kat at July 22, 2005 10:51 AM

what a beautiful idea.

Posted by: anna at July 22, 2005 11:09 AM

That would be a great tribute to your grandfather and I'm sure he would appreciate it. I hope the design process goes well. Maybe you can make small versions for S & B too.

Posted by: Sauniell at July 22, 2005 11:09 AM

What a sweet way to remember him. Good luck with your design. :)

Posted by: Jessica at July 22, 2005 11:25 AM

That's really lovely. What a wonderful inspiration.

Posted by: jody at July 22, 2005 11:30 AM

That's a terrific idea, can't wait to see what you come up with.

Posted by: Tracy at July 22, 2005 11:51 AM

That is a very sweet idea. I have a fondness for my late Grandfather that is like no other.

Posted by: Tiffany at July 22, 2005 12:48 PM

I think designing a new "grandpa sweater" is a very nice tribute ... Grandpas are pretty special folk, we're lucky when we get to have them in our lives ... I'm sorry that yours passed away. I, too, have a sweater that belonged to my grandpa (also a large man) who passed away 3 years ago ... wearing it always makes me smile :-)

Posted by: Kara at July 22, 2005 12:50 PM

Alison, that's so very sweet. Thanks for sharing :)
And I'll be at KnitSmiths Sunday, hope to see you!

Posted by: Amber at July 22, 2005 1:30 PM

that's a lovely idea - i look forward to seeing it!

Posted by: carolyn at July 22, 2005 1:30 PM

He must have been a really special person.

Posted by: claudia at July 22, 2005 5:09 PM

today is my father in law's birthday - he died 2 years ago...I loved him...

waht a great idea this sweater ! good luck with it !

Posted by: karen at July 22, 2005 5:27 PM

Today is my Dad's birthday. He died 19 months ago and I still miss him. I was with my Mom this morning and she was very sad too. I am, however, inspired by your idea to knit a feminine version of one of his favorite sweaters. What a good idea. I'll be interested to see what you come up with and I'll be thinking about it too.

Posted by: Julia at July 22, 2005 9:07 PM

happy birthday to your grandfather. what a sweet way to remember him.

Posted by: meowgirl at July 23, 2005 1:29 AM

That's a beautiful tribute. It was especially touching for me to read, since my grandfather's birthday was on the same day as yours.

Posted by: Margot at July 23, 2005 8:51 AM

I love your idea for the sweater, what a great piece that will be! I will be interested to see the progress!

Posted by: Beth at July 23, 2005 4:07 PM