Knitting Grandparents, Here & There
This sweater, just finished and sent off to our 5 year old grandson in Portland, could be described as a SDS...that's shaggy-dog sweater. That would mean one with a very long story.
Since Zach, the recipient, is sensitive to wool, the challenge was finding a fiber that would have body and be "...soft, Grandma." First I asked his mother to buy something that seemed right for him at Yarn Garden near her home in Portland. Since she is not a fiber person, that purchase had to be exchanged on our next trip there. But I went to work too quickly-- the size was too small. Ripped, began again. 
Yarn is GOA from GGH (Germany), 50 % cotton, 50% wool. Very nice feel. My only innovation, twisted rib at bottom and cuffs. Very useful input from Maxine and Betty at Knitty City rescued me from a what was touted as a basic pattern in "The Pattern Companion Knitting." Guess that was why it was on sale at a non-knitting store.
Ron, the other knitter here, was asked for one of his wool hats while we were in Portland last month. Zach was not sure if that would work work for him until he learned they're partially lined to eliminate scrachiness. "The whole thing, Grandpa," he advised
. Even the tiny space at the very top was lined.
Produced everyone's favorite photo of the two of them in Ron-made hats. Wonderful to look at as we think about our far-away grandchildren on Valentine's Day.
What a wonderful, wonderful picture, Naomi. What a treasure for everyone!
ph
Posted by: phyllis howe | February 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM
LOVE the Ron made hat; it's so earthy looking. I want my grandpa to knit me a warm and cozy hat. How cool is THAT?! And the sweater! Love the colors. There is a great pattern (that my son loves) online. I think it's called the "Marsan Hat". It is all twisted rib, with an artistic looking decrease. It's fun to make and really holds up forever; thought I'd mention it if you like working in twisted rib. xoxo Marianne
Posted by: marianne | February 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Just a lovely sweater! Ripped and started again! Boy what patience!
Posted by: Claude | February 18, 2008 at 03:24 AM