It’s a treacherous, undependable thing, this hind-brain of ours. One moment you’re feeling reasonably fine, and the next you’re weeping while you hang up your socks. Which is where I found myself recently, after blocking the latest gansey. It was unexpectedly emotional. It makes no sense, of course. I’ve blocked dozens of ganseys over the years and haven’t shed a tear. This time was different. This was the last piece of knitting that Gordon worked on, and there is a desire to cling to it. But that would be denying it its purpose. When it’s dry and unpinned, I’ll carefully fold and send it to its new home – keeping a thing won’t change the past or further the future.
Willow in the Marsh
So here it is in all its glory. Mrs Laidlaw is a classic and with good reason. It’s a cracker. The vertical panels of trees bordered by triangles provide a satisfying texture, with a complex play of light and shadow. The change of knitter is imperceptible on the second sleeve; if I didn’t have the photos, I wouldn’t be able to find the transition. The only significant difference was in the cuffs at the bottom of the sleeve. Even with the same number of rows, the cuff on the first sleeve is about 3/4” longer; my row gauge on ribbing must be tighter. To correct this difference, I’ve used T-pins to pin it to lengthen it to match.
Flotsam in the landscape
The other theme of the week has been the wind. It’s been nearly incessant. Although it’s sunny and calm today, there’s more on the way. It’s been booming and whistling around the house practically all week. At the beginning of the week, it was strong enough to blow down twigs and small branches. By mid-week, it was necessary to lean into a headwind to make any progress. Another day, schools were shut, and ferries have been cancelled too. But thankfully here in Caithness we haven’t been as badly affected as elsewhere. I’ve fully enjoyed today’s respite before the next wind- and rain-filled onslaught.
First Flowers of Spring
And finally, the signs of spring are evident to even casual observers. I was very pleased to find this small clump of winter aconites on my walk a few days ago, with their cheerful yellow cups and Kermit collars. Today, I spotted some snowdrops, up from the ground and ready to bloom, at the base of a hedge near the bridge. The roses are starting to burgeon in the front border – I’ll have to think about pruning them soon.
Roll on Spring.
I would find it very hard to give up that gansey, but it must go to its new owner as Gordon intended.
You are lucky to have seen the aconites; I think the mice must have eaten mine, all 2 dozen of them disappeared.
Lightning and hailstones gansey is growing but it gets too dark to knit Dark Navy by 4 o clock so I swap to fingerless mittens for the evening.
Oh what a gorgeous sweater and the color of love. Perfect for the valentines day month coming up. I would find it so difficult to part with it too.
💕💞💕
Beautiful gansey.understandable, your tears.
Good to think of his ganseys walking about everywhere,even so
The temptation to keep this one hard to resist…also very understañdable
Your feelings about the sweater are completely understandable, and it is truly a thing of beauty. I know it was one of Gordon’s favourite patterns – it was the one he chose on this occasion.
I’m sure the new owner will be extremely proud and moved to wear it, equally sure they’ll wait until you’re ready to part with it.
I sure understand your thoughts about the sweater as Gordon’s last knitting project.
Here in Alaska where it has been 40 below zero F (minus 40 C), I can’t bring myself to use the last big bundle of kindling that my husband chopped. Both your sweater and my fire starting kindling are treasures, much connected to our loved ones.
Beautiful sweater, and beautiful flowers. Both the result of slow growth.
Thank you for completing the work.
Grief hits you hardest when you least expect it.
The gansey is wonderful and I admire your courage in parting with it as intended.
I hate to ask a technical question on such a poignant post, but I’m curious to know what kind of rods/wire that is you’re using along the edges of your sweater for blocking.
Now that that’s out of the way, I just wanted to say that I was so please to discover this blog/website last October, and I’m saddened to learn that it’s creator is already gone! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hi Bryant
I use blocking wires similar to those here: blocking wires (Amazon affiliate link), together with T-pins to hold them in place.
Thank you for your condolences.
Margaret