Notes on Grandma's Jumpers
The last few weeks have been a lovely chance to settle into Wagga for a while, to dress in whatever I like that isn't clinic wear, and so to pull out all my knits which are a bit more than just a plain jumper. Choosing clothes every morning might seem time consuming and also a bit unnecessary, like just put on jeans and a shirt and a jumper and be done with it. But to me, clothes are something that makes me happy. I love wearing colours, and having unexpected matching elements-like socks which go with tops.
Where does my Grandma come into this then? Well, for starters, she's the one who taught me to knit, so I have all my jumpers to thank her for. But she also has indirectly contributed to my knitted wardrobe, by creating jumpers for my Mum and Aunty which have been handed down to me. Some I have kept as they are, and some I have unravelled (the ones stretched beyond repair or no longer wanting to be worn). These jumpers were knitted in the 70's and 80's, and they are truly a product of the era, and of the tastes of the intended wearers. Which is to say, they are pretty noticeable nowadays!
Take this green knitted jumper and skirt suit. The perfect work wear back when power suits were all the rage and no jumper could ever be too baggy. I have worn them separately before, but on my classmate's urging I put the set on for the day at uni, and felt warm and awesome. And, no need to get dressed into "comfy clothes" once I arrived home. No one could ever come to class in the same clothes, either.
More than cool clothes though, these jumpers are such a tangible link to a woman I can no longer visit or talk to, who can't tell me how clever I am because I can't show her what I've just made. She's a woman who learnt to knit when sick in bed at age 8, who didn't knit socks because "we wound so much wool for socks in the war", who let me take as many of her pattern books as I wanted, who would buy me any and all knitting supplies, who started making a baby blanket (black, because dementia) but couldn't finish it. When I wear these clothes, made by her, I can see her complete disregard for neatly seaming garments. I can see her frustration at the sewing required, and I can sense the love that went into knitting whatever was requested, even if she hated it (her and my mum's taste wasn't really similar).
I am thrilled and proud to keep wearing things Grandma made, they set me apart and they fill me with a nostalgic happiness. It's a special part of my wardrobe.
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| These socks match the speckles in the contrast wool in the jumper #knittingnerd |
Where does my Grandma come into this then? Well, for starters, she's the one who taught me to knit, so I have all my jumpers to thank her for. But she also has indirectly contributed to my knitted wardrobe, by creating jumpers for my Mum and Aunty which have been handed down to me. Some I have kept as they are, and some I have unravelled (the ones stretched beyond repair or no longer wanting to be worn). These jumpers were knitted in the 70's and 80's, and they are truly a product of the era, and of the tastes of the intended wearers. Which is to say, they are pretty noticeable nowadays!
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| There is a lot of jumper for my body happening here |
Take this green knitted jumper and skirt suit. The perfect work wear back when power suits were all the rage and no jumper could ever be too baggy. I have worn them separately before, but on my classmate's urging I put the set on for the day at uni, and felt warm and awesome. And, no need to get dressed into "comfy clothes" once I arrived home. No one could ever come to class in the same clothes, either.
 |
| This is her "fine take the photo" face |
I am thrilled and proud to keep wearing things Grandma made, they set me apart and they fill me with a nostalgic happiness. It's a special part of my wardrobe.
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