Connection
I didn’t know my granddad, William Stewart, very well - he died just after my seventh birthday, but even as a little kid I thought he was interesting. He was an airplane engineer, computer programmer (in the super early punchcard days), member of the Fort William mountain rescue team, father of 6, fiddle maker (but not player) and of course a knitter. I’ve written about the yarn I inherited from him before, but I thought you might like to see some of his knitting.
He made these for me, and though my mum claims he knit rather awkwardly - she was surprised to see me knit with two colours without dropping either - the insides are pretty.
This one is a little damaged, the hem facing is a separate piece sewn onto the outside and the stitching is coming loose.
The cuffs are not just dirty, but unravelling. They show all the signs of being worn by a messy child, but I think I can fix them. It was me that messed them up in the first place.
I couldn’t find the baby blue yarn in my inherited shetland wool stash, but I found the other colour of the cuffs and that should help me re-knit them.
I love the rich colours he used in the jumper.
It still has the my name label my mum stitched into it when I started school.
He also knit a lot of gloves and mittens, these are one of the few actual pairs I could find though.
There’s something a little random about the colours, but I think that’s why I like these ones.
Posted: January 28th, 2008 under knitting.
Comments: 80
Comments
Comment from KatyLouise
Time: January 28, 2008, 7:36 pm
Wow, these are beautiful! How lovely that they are still in such good condition.
Comment from Sophia
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:00 pm
I love the little smocked dress you’re wearing; It looks like a mushroom pattern! You granddad was a wonderful knitter - what a legacy!
Comment from sarai.
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:00 pm
Those are some real treasures. I love the connection between the generations you are sharing. Thanks.
Comment from soknitpicky
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:06 pm
Oh my gosh, that is so wonderful that you have those items–and some of the yarn to boot! I have fond memories and photos of a cute pink crochet dress my mom had made for me when I was very little, and I really wish I still had it, but it is long gone :-(
Comment from gleek
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:12 pm
wow, what a special collection of knits. i’m sure you can fix those cuffs and some other lucky kid will get some use out of them someday :)
Comment from ccr in MA
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:21 pm
What a wonderful connection to your grandfather!
Comment from Eliza
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:34 pm
That is really wonderful, and I’m sure your shared craft makes you feel really connected.
I have a sweater that my great-grandmother knit for my grandmother when my mother was a child. The cuffs were also frayed and my mother strangely knit new ones with a yarn that was a completely different gauge and color.
Anyway, I love that what we make can be passed down and appreciated for generations.
Comment from Annika
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:37 pm
What wonderful treasures! My great-grandmother was a knitter, and I have a cardigan she made for my mother. It’s one of my prized possessions!
Comment from Ruth
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:39 pm
Beautiful - what a marvelous thing to have such a connection to hold on to!
Comment from Lorette
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:57 pm
What a wonderful post! I love all the photos, and most of all that your grandfather was such a great knitter!
Comment from Sigga Sif
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:57 pm
How lovely that you have things your granddad knit for you, and in such a good condition!
The picture of the two of you is great. It looks like your granddad is wearing a Lopi sweater.
Comment from Wanett
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:57 pm
You look exactly the same now =)
Grandpa’s are great. It’s great that you have his knitting to remember him by. He did excellent work.
Comment from Peacock Chic
Time: January 28, 2008, 8:58 pm
wow that is so neat to have your history told through knitted objects. Love it!
Comment from risa
Time: January 28, 2008, 9:01 pm
there is something sooooo special about having items handmade by your loved ones.
my grandfather was a butcher and i haven’t held onto any of his meat (that would be kinda gross, no?) but i do have a money clip from when he first opened his own business in the ’50s and it sits in a drawer next to my bed. always.
Comment from Birgitte
Time: January 28, 2008, 9:42 pm
Magnificent! The story and the knits, that is.
Comment from beth
Time: January 28, 2008, 9:49 pm
Those are beautiful! I have a new appreciation for the Fair Isle knitting. I am trying it out myself (badly…) but getting better. Hold onto those!
Comment from Katherine
Time: January 28, 2008, 9:51 pm
These are gorgeous, thanks for showing them.
Comment from Alison
Time: January 28, 2008, 9:54 pm
i’m thoroughly charmed by the fact that you have both the garment and the yarn. a well organised grandfather! (or does your mum get the credit for that?)
Comment from Jessica
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:04 pm
This whole entry makes my heart tingle.
Comment from Hannah
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:07 pm
knitting runs in the blood! i love that!
I still have a sweater my grandmother knit for me when I was a little kid, it has an elephant design with the trunk coming out of the front and a tail hanging off the back. you’ve posted some truly beautiful photos and even more beautiful knitting. thank you for sharing all this history and continuity.
Comment from sarah
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:07 pm
wow I love the pics. The navy sweater is my favourite!! I think all of my hand knits from my grandmother got handed down to other kids sadly… Still better worn and loved than dumped in a corner. What are your plans for your reconditioned FOs?
Comment from Samantha
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:08 pm
That’s really cool. My Great-Grandma knits a lot, and i have a lot of stuff she’s knit, but one of the coolest was a baby sweater for my grandma. So it’s a 70+ year old sweater (not falling apart either). I love the link that knitting gives us to history.
Comment from Jessica
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:11 pm
Oh by the way, don’t buy Knitter’s Almanac — I have it and am not going to use it so I’ll send it to you.
Comment from Kirsty
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:14 pm
Just adding my voice to the general clamour of ‘how lovely!’
That’s some pretty skilled knitting.
Comment from Monica
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:56 pm
Wow! That’s a wonderful legacy he left behind for you!
Comment from Shannon B
Time: January 28, 2008, 11:20 pm
Now, why on earth is this post making me cry?
He looks so happy holding you. And you wore the sweaters til the edges were frayed. And oh - what I would give to have things - any things - my Grandad made for me.
Comment from rr
Time: January 28, 2008, 11:30 pm
Wonderful. And, as you say, what a beautiful “wrong” side. I wish my fairisle looked like that :-)
Comment from KIM
Time: January 28, 2008, 11:40 pm
What a beautiful heritage your grandfather left you!
Comment from Hilary
Time: January 29, 2008, 12:02 am
Handmade items from the older generation, and the younger generation carrying on their traditions? Gets me every time. Thank you for sharing this.
Comment from the boogeyman’s wife
Time: January 29, 2008, 12:11 am
such a cool story. my paternal grandmother crocheted, and i inherited her hooks, but i don’t have anything she made.
Comment from Christina
Time: January 29, 2008, 1:12 am
I love the idea of your mending something he made for you. Truly beautiful.
Comment from Tracey
Time: January 29, 2008, 1:13 am
thank you so much for showing us these photos. after reading your arisaig pattern, i have often wondered about your grandfather and am very happy to have these pictures of him and his knit. truly lovely.
Comment from Keri
Time: January 29, 2008, 1:50 am
Wow! What fun to see these! And what a great thing to still have. I like the color of the mittens too.
Comment from Kelly
Time: January 29, 2008, 1:50 am
wow what awesome pieces and a great part of your heritage you have.
Comment from Juliann
Time: January 29, 2008, 2:38 am
What a moving story. He was an amazing man!
Comment from Amber
Time: January 29, 2008, 2:40 am
Oh my goodness, I love every little bit of this post. What a sweet memory and it just goes to show that you have knitting in your blood.
In addition, there is something so heart warming about men who knit. And then to have such beautiful keepsakes to boot?! Wonderful.
Comment from Mary
Time: January 29, 2008, 4:40 am
Those are fantastic keepsakes from your grandfather. He was very accomplished knitter and now you’re inspiring a whole new generation with your knitting. Let’s hope that tradition is never lost :-) Thanks very much for the lovely post.
Comment from Mary-Heather
Time: January 29, 2008, 5:03 am
Beautiful pictures and heirlooms, Ysolda!! I think he must have slipped some knitting needles into your hands when you were a baby. :)
Comment from Heather
Time: January 29, 2008, 7:00 am
What dear mementos to have of your Grandad! So personal and so sentimental!
Comment from kathryn
Time: January 29, 2008, 8:16 am
oh, i’m speechless. he would have been so proud of you. thanks for sharing.
Comment from Ming Ching
Time: January 29, 2008, 9:00 am
Doesn’t it fill you with awe, holding something made by a person long gone, knowing that once he made this for you?
I like this feeling of being connected to the past. There is this onld building in Stockholm where my grandmothers parents used to live (and my father celebrated Christmas in as a child) and every time I pass it I pat either the house itself or the ENORMOUS entrancedoor, thinking that once upon a time they would enter thru it.
And what an interesting grandfather you have, with so many different skills! You also look adorable in the picture, I’m guessing that he knitted your outfit there too!
Comment from Emilie
Time: January 29, 2008, 10:18 am
I especially love those mittens. Your granddad was a great knitter. The sweaters are beautiful. You’re very lucky.
Comment from Kathode Ray Tube
Time: January 29, 2008, 1:41 pm
You have a knitting heritage. The garments and mittens are beautiful and your grandfather did wonderful work. Isn’t it great having these things to remember people by? my husband has Scandinavian mittens from his grandmother. I have my mother’s braided rugs. It’s very special to have these handmade things.
Comment from kate
Time: January 29, 2008, 2:07 pm
i am speechless! i especially love the colors on the mittens.
Comment from Macoco
Time: January 29, 2008, 3:19 pm
What an amazing collection of memories and knitwear.
Comment from Hilary
Time: January 29, 2008, 5:43 pm
Also — I’ve nominated you for a You Make My Day award (more on my blog). Thank you for all the beautiful designs, photographs, and inspiration!
Comment from Marie
Time: January 29, 2008, 7:25 pm
How wonderful that you still have the sweaters and gloves he made you. Such a treasure!
Comment from danae
Time: January 29, 2008, 7:52 pm
incredible…so nice and cute all your grandfather knit…kisses
Comment from Pam
Time: January 29, 2008, 8:27 pm
What lovely knitting, and it’s amazing that the garments are still around! (Not that I’m implying that you are old!!) Did your grandfather knit from patterns or from memory? I have memories of my grandmother and great aunts always knitting socks, jumpers, cardigans, but they never used patterns. And the wool was always recycled. (I can’t imagine today’s yarns withstanding such wearing, washing, unpicking and reknitting!)
Comment from Jeanie
Time: January 29, 2008, 8:48 pm
What treasures! Your grandfather was such an excellent knitter!
Comment from Jodie
Time: January 29, 2008, 10:18 pm
That’s so awesome! What a wonderful thing to share with your grandfather. Beautiful knitting and well loved the way they should be.
Comment from Courtney
Time: January 29, 2008, 11:05 pm
What an amazing gift to have from someone you loved so much!
Comment from Tanya
Time: January 29, 2008, 11:13 pm
What a wonderful grandpa! And a fine knitter, indeed. Thank you for sharing these!
Comment from Casey
Time: January 29, 2008, 11:41 pm
Oh! So your genius with the knitting needles is a family-trait? lol. How lovely to have such a beautiful legacy of needlework and artistry from your granddad… :)
Comment from Janet MF
Time: January 30, 2008, 12:40 am
I love the little sweater you are wearing too.
Just saw the photos taken by the canal. Used to walk along there many moons ago when it wasn’t as tidy looking.
I miss Embro soooooooooo much
Janet up in Yellowknife where it has been between -40 and -49 for the past few days….Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Comment from katie
Time: January 30, 2008, 1:48 am
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your granddad’s handiwork. I love the colors he chose, the care he took to making them, and the care you have given to protect them. CHEERS!
Comment from KathieB
Time: January 30, 2008, 2:16 am
The shared talents and interests between the generations are so very meaningful. In a very real way, your grandfather is still there with you. Marvelous.
Comment from probablyjane
Time: January 30, 2008, 2:59 am
What a heartwarming post. The work of the hands of generations that came before us are precious ties that bind us to them.
Comment from Pigwotknits
Time: January 30, 2008, 8:56 am
Oh how beautiful! How lovely to have such a tangible connection to your grandfather.
Comment from Rachael
Time: January 30, 2008, 9:27 am
Lovely. Have you thought about incorporating some of those beautiful patterns in your designs?
Comment from Celia King
Time: January 30, 2008, 9:42 am
That is beautiful. I didn’t know my Grandfather at all, but he was from Fort William and, I am told, gave tours up Ben Nevis.
I envy you (in a good way) the personal connection these knitted things give you to yours.
Comment from Charissa
Time: January 30, 2008, 1:42 pm
Oh, those are so lovely! It’s wonderful you still have them and they’re in such good condition.
Comment from Jennifer
Time: January 30, 2008, 2:43 pm
What a wonderful legacy. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person.
Comment from Judy
Time: January 30, 2008, 3:36 pm
How wonderful to have all those garments knitted up lovingly for you by your grandfather.
Comment from Bev
Time: January 30, 2008, 5:37 pm
what a lovely picture! It was so nice to see his creations, I just love them!
Comment from alyssa
Time: January 30, 2008, 7:34 pm
I’m glad you shared them, they’re stunning. I hope they stay with you for many generations.
Comment from Bobbi
Time: January 30, 2008, 11:38 pm
What a fabulous “inheritance”!
Comment from mary jane
Time: January 31, 2008, 7:25 pm
Jeepers, 67 comments, still I had to add one. What treasures, I love his colors. Must be in your DNA.
Cheers!
Comment from lucy
Time: February 1, 2008, 1:42 am
Amazing memories you shared. Thank you!
Comment from Claudia
Time: February 1, 2008, 10:10 am
Such treasures are worth more than a thousand rubies. Wonderful post, Ysolda - and aren’t you a cutie in that photo!
Comment from frk.badegakk
Time: February 1, 2008, 11:14 am
That´s what I call treasures!!!! Wonderful knitting and last but not least, a delightful picture of you and your grandfather! Love it!
Comment from Mama Urchin
Time: February 1, 2008, 2:54 pm
Such lovely knitting, and memories.
Comment from Tajhia
Time: February 1, 2008, 7:47 pm
You are so lucky having those items made by your grandfather. I remember my grandma knitting for me as a child, and I remember wearing the sweaters that she knitted, but sadly I have no idea what happened to them - all I have is my memories and some photographs.
I have wondered whether to recreate some of them from the photographs for my own children though.
Comment from Clare
Time: February 4, 2008, 10:27 am
Well, I’m late to the party, but I never had a knitting grandfather. Mine did needlepoint instead.
Comment from Elaine
Time: February 5, 2008, 12:46 pm
Your granddad’s knitting is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Comment from sunflowerfairy
Time: February 5, 2008, 5:14 pm
Beautiful. I wish more men would knit and that our society didn’t view it as “women’s work.”
My grandmother passed when i was 14. She handknit a baby sweater in yellow acryllic for my future baby (that I had when I was 31, well after her death.) My mother gave me the sweater at my baby shower. It was a shock, but lovely.
I’m sure you cherish his knits just as much as I cherish that little sweater.
Comment from jeanne
Time: February 6, 2008, 5:55 pm
What a great post, and what beautiful things! I especially like the mittens - you wouldn’t think those back-of-the-hand colors would work with that gorgeous heathered green, but he knew better!
Comment from Melissa
Time: February 7, 2008, 4:36 pm
Wow, what a wonderful stash of knits given to you by your grandfather. You are so lucky to still have them in your possession and they are in such good shape! My grandmother had knit me a bunch of sweaters when I was younger, but I have the sneaky suspicion that my mom sent them off to goodwill. The idea that she did that just makes me cringe!
Comment from Elspeth
Time: August 11, 2008, 11:06 pm
I’ve found some more jumpers and cardigans that your Grandad knitted for your cousins, Ysolda - and the dresses I knitted for you! - which got passed back for Mhairi! Actually Grandad might have knitted one of the cardigans for you and your Mum might have handed it down to Mhairi. I’ll send you some more photos - see if you can remember any of them
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