I whipped up a Little Sister’s Dress in the last couple of weeks. It was intended for someone other than Z, in the 2 yr size, but in my altered gauge and rushing, it ended up being more like the 4 yr size, and then when I blocked it I decided it might fit a small 6 yr old.. Oh well. It’s no longer going to the kiddo I had planned, but I never mentioned my plans to her parents, so no one has to be disappointed. I think I’m going to just stick it in the cedar chest for Z.
She is still able to wear the first Little Sister’s Dress I made her. At that time I made the 6 month size, using a size 2 (2.75mm) needle. My gauge was slightly too large there, but I didn’t mind. For this current version, I decided to try knitting the 2yr old size using the 18 month instructions and a size 3 (3.25mm) needle to make the yarn stretch. The fabric looks good, but it ended up being larger than anticipated. I didn’t run out of yarn (my biggest concern), though I had to eliminate about 6 rows on the bottom of the dress. I used a 450 yard skein of Dream in Color Knitosophy in the color Strength. The color name turned out to be apt for this project’s purpose.
I could have swatched and calculated things, or maybe even paid more attention as I knitted. This knitting was purely motivated by distraction from grieving. My grandma died two weekends ago, and this was part of my coping. Sometimes I don’t like to get deeply personal on the blog. I don’t always know where the balance is between knitting life and personal life lands. This is how probably many of us knitters cope. I picked a soothing knit, in a yarn I liked, and I knitted it in the car on the way through several states to her funeral, and home, and after.
I will miss her. I’m sort of glad this turned out too big for the intended, so now this piece will stay in our home as a gentle memorial piece. Maybe that’s strange. For me, there is so much memory of the time, place, and feelings that goes into my knitting. When Z wears this I can remember how much I love my grandma, and how much she means to me.
My thoughts are with you. Your post comes as my family are putting my 95 year old Gran into a home – I know she is ailing and her time will now be short. I know when my Gran goes I will miss her terribly as I no longer have parents she is my closest relative other than my own children. It is nice that you will have this dress to remind you of her.
I am really sorry to read about your grandmother passing away. It’s hard to lose beloved ones.
My sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Sorry about your grandma, Cassy. Hugs.
Oh, Cassy, I am so sorry to hear that. I’m glad you were able to find at least a little solace in making something simple but lovely, and it does seem appropriate to keep the piece for Z. By the time she’s old enough to wear it, you can tell her stories about her great-grandmother and about how the dress came to be hers. So often for kids, tying memories to objects makes them stronger, and you’ll be able to think of her every time you see Z wearing it.
I am sorry about your loss. I hope you find the comfort and peace you need to get through this difficult time. Yes, I agree, time, place, memories, feelings all get knitted into the project on the needles. I just recently said that to my nephew who is 21 and had commented on why I knit. I knit to stay sane but I also knit because each piece has a story to tell of time, place , memories and feelings.Seeing and wearing these knitted pieces reminds me of them.
So sorry for your loss. The beautiful dress will be a wonderful warm reminder of your love for her, as well as passing on that love to the little Z.
So sorry about your grandma. My condolences, and I hope your knitting continues to help you get through this tough time. The dress is beautiful.
What a lovely post. Here’s to strength in knitting.
I’m so sorry for your loss. When my grandma died a few years ago, I also knitted a baby pullover. It’s still hanging in my closet, waiting for the perfect recipient… It needs to be someone special.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss! That sweater is such a beautiful memorial to your grandmother. Now Zooey can literally be wrapped in the love of her mom and great grandma at the same time.
I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope your knitting keeps bringing you comfort.
I’m sorry for your loss, but very glad you have such a solid way of coping. There’s something about the repetitiveness and physicality of it that really does help, isn’t there?
I’m really sorry for your loss Cassy! My sincere condolences and knit as many consoling pieces of knitting as you feel like!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to find some comfort through knitting and good time with Z and your family. Your grandma must have been so proud of you. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Cassy, I’m so sorry for your loss.Hope you will find some comfort with Matt and Z. as well as in knitting beautiful yarn.
My condolences to you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss.