A long time ago (like back in the 1970/80s ) we’d gather the children together towards the end of November to take what we called our end of year breakup photo. It was a way of knowing there was at least one record of them all together each year…..copies were made and one went into each of the grandparents Christmas cards so they could see how much they’d grown during the year. (We were here in Melbourne- they were up there in the cold and often snowy UK). Anyway as is the norm someone would try to be funny….rabbit ears, tongues out, strange faces….
We did the same when grandchildren came along and as usual there’d be one who made a fuss. Or tried the tricks their parents did like little ‘bug eyed boy’
I was beginning to think it was a rerun of those days the other week trying to get a photograph of some cardigans before closing the ‘charity box’. The office had reopened so spent time checking seams (and buttons) getting things ready to send off. Strange I know but I do like to have a record of how most turn out, especially those engineered with pencil & paper (plus a few terse words) using a design from one pattern and sizing from another.
There’s the red one with the pockets finally finished, the grey cable has been done before, the royal blue is simply stocking stitch with a purl row on the right side every six rows (hard to see in that light) while the denim blue on the end was a definite pen/paper add /subtract job.
And just like with the children once you get them together they decided to have fun. Twisting this way and that, clothing disheveled, not looking at the camera, one even turned it’s back on me – lol I can assure you the rib band on the denim doesn’t droop and hang down like that but lies flat and even.
And for your…..’ ahhh aren’t they sweet’ moment…….here are some for the baby 12 month packs. Simple raglan mix and match – white always goes well with another soft colour which is good because it’s a great way to use up some half balls. And look….. the green/white striped one came good in the end.
So now that all of those cardigans plus quite a few more newborn size have finally made their way to Knit one Give one aka KOGO the time has come to concentrate on finishing some of the children’s jumpers on the go. And after that…..well take a look at this delightful photo of my (sadly late) blond curly haired little sister Patsy (aged about 3) forwarded to me a couple of weeks ago…….maybe just maybe, there might be some woolies coming up featuring little bunny rabbits 💕
It’s time for another cup of tea and a think about it.
I’ve just had an (awful) thought…each of those children is now in their 50s and each of those grandchildren is in their 20s……so what does that make me???
Joining Denyse for the latest edition of Life this week – pop over and see how others fared.
Linking to #MondayMusings hosted by Corrine at Everyday Gyaan
Still Waters 
What beautiful sweaters! I always admire knitting, since I don’t do it myself.
Hmmm… what does it make you…. leader of the pack?
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Lol I think it means I’m getting on a bit Maggie 😊
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A supper knitter – that’s what it makes you! Bet you’ve knitted quite a few over the years for your children snd grandchildren!!!!
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Quite a bit Lucinda- tastes changed over the years. After a while children‘wouldn’t be seen dead’ in hand knits so it’s a no go after about aged 7….and parents don’t like the responsibility of caring for hand knits (can’t toss them in the washing machine)
I ‘hung up the needles’ for many years – about 20 years ago charities here started keeping homeless warm during winter campaigns so I started clicking again. Scarves and beanies aren’t my thing – I enjoy knitting for little ones so that’s what I do😊
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My late sister was also named Patsy. She was as full of life as this photo of your sister shows. I loved getting to see the sweaters on the line, with my favorite being the green white striped one.
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It’s sad to think there’s a need Elizabeth- I enjoy knitting them so it’s a win/win situation. Part of the pleasure is deciding what colours I’ll use plus what designs I’ll put on the basic plain pattern. It’s a bit like using a paper dress pattern……different fabrics will produce a different look.
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You really do come up with a marvelous collection of what may be to you a basic pattern. It is impossible to think it was basic by the time you are done.
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I enjoyed your post and agree about the photos and also about the jumpers. My daughter wanted to capture my two grandsons for the annual Christmas photo.In each one, one of them is doing something other than looking at the camera and smiling. She gave up and made a beautiful collage of all of these shots which weren’t perfect but really captured who my little grandsons are. I have it on my desk and I smile each time I look at it. Have a lovely week. #lifethisweek
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Hello Sue, I agree with you about the charm of those natural ‘not the way we wanted them to be’ photos – they are a true reminder of how children have minds of their own. The grouping of those ‘action’ shots your daughter sent are so much more precious than any perfectly posed one….or at least I think they are
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I really love your work – and am still smiling at your creation turning its back on you.
Your sister was a cutie and set off that bunny jumper beautifully. But you know that.
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lol there was a slight breeze the day I took those photos and I just couldn’t get them to stay facing the front…..I was beginning to think they had it in for me😊
I’m hoping I can do Patsy proud when I try to replicate her jumper – watch this spece!
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I’m sure those garments are really appreciated…not just practical, but so pretty too.
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Thank you Helen. It’s a shame there’s a need for charity clothing but while I’m able I’ll do my best to make something that pleases me. That’s the way I work…..would I put it on my child. I get so much enjoyment from choosing colours and designs to place on basic plain patterns…..some are like little Joseph’s coats of many colours, using what oddments I have, others have been made knowing I have the correct amount of wool needed without the need to find a contrasting colour to‘make up the difference’
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That’s just it…charity doesn’t have to be cold…nor should it be. As yous ay, would I pout it on my child.
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Sorry for the mistypes…lost my laptop glasses…again!
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I love the cardigans. That’s fun. And yes, nothing like children to mark time for you. I think I’m young until I catch up with ‘little neice; who is now a full time dr/lawyer/having a baby (the jobs are only relevant in terms of it gives you an idea how long since they left school…) Such a head spin!~
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These photos are so beautiful; all those happy faces and big grins. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Oh I love the pictures of the cardigans on the clothes line! The first one in particular, with the brighter cardigans, looks really whimsical. Lovely.
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Thanks Deb…..I can never decide whether I prefer the big bold bright colours or the softer’ baby’ colours…..each has its place. Some families like bright for newborns so occasionally I’ll do some newborns in those colours.
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All that beautiful, hard work will be loved and appreciated. Since the recipients won’t know you to say thank you dear lady, I will do it. Thank you, dear lady.
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Your so so clever with the knitting
I just finished a all in one cardigan with no sleeves.
That’s about as clever as I am
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Was the question rhetorical? I won’t answer it then. I like the cardigans for children. The green and white one is amazing.
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Love that children and cardigans alike play tricks on you. And giveaways have to be practical, but nice and a bit soft and pretty as well.
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Lovely jumpers, and yes there always is one!
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Your children and grandkids are amazing. And your sweet sister, what a cutie she was back then. I love your cardigans. You are a beautiful person, Cathy. Cheers!
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What special memories you’ve shared here Cathy! Your creations are fabulous and for a great cause by the sounds of things, well done. Your sister is very sweet and I understand your shock when looking back at old photos and working out hoe old everyone would be now. I like your word of the year – consider – very thought provoking and full of potential. #lifethisweek
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We love the knit one give one ethos, and really inspired by how much knitting you get through.
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What a beautiful little girl, Patsy was.
When I was a little girl…I had many dolls…a family of dolls…and one was named “Patsy”.
Take good care, Cathy. 🙂
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Oh Cathy…like soul here. My Dad is 97 and I think…hold on, I can’t be “old” yet (at 71) because he is still around…yet my daughter will be 50 this year, and her eldest daughter, 25. This time thing…ridiculous.
I loved the photos of the cardis. So sweet.
Because we could not celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary with all of the kids and grandkids, we got a chance to do so for a family morning tea at our sons, and we got ONE photo thanks to delayed shot and iphone on a tripod that is not too bad! Then everyone wanted one where they acted silly…we (the oldies) just did nothing different!!
Thanks so much for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, we are #11 and the optional prompt is Floral. Hope to see you there and in the meantime, may you be well, may you be safe and may you be content. Denyse.
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