Both sweaters were worn in high school: the red by a father, the pink by a daughter. The pink was my first knitting experience; we could say the "sweater I learned on" and it was not the best fitting sweater. But I was pleased with my neat stitches, and not one was dropped (lost.) I delighted in wearing my dad's sweater especially on winter youth group retreats. It was perfect for the frigid temperatures as we tobogganed and skated. Then I moved on to other things I guess, and both sweaters went into hiding (i.e. storage). Each year when I brought out winter things and packed up summer clothes I'd get out the sweaters and have a look at them, wondering why I was keeping them. You know the drill. "Maybe a little longer; someone might want them." Especially that amazing 80-year-old red wool turtleneck.
I won't say how many years this little exercise has taken place, but this year I made the "rash" decision to take them off to where someone else might use them. I loaded them in the car and snapped a picture. I tried not to be sentimental about them. Especially the red sweater. I later told my sister what I'd done. "So that's where Dad's sweater went. I used to wear it too, and always wondered where it ended up." An immediate lurch in my stomach.
Had I made a mistake? The bane of a sentimentalist trying to purge. Maybe it never feels 100% right.
For passing on things like your sweaters, I think it is hard to feel absolutely o.k.. However, those memories of firsts and sledding wearing those sweaters will stay with you. Hopefully, they will provide sweet memories for others in the future.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Oh, I hear you. What a hard decision! Hopefully the red one will be purchased by someone who LOVES it and sees its value!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
I think you're right...that it never feels 100% right. "Things" are not valuable in themselves, but they carry memories that are attached to people, and so we want to hold on. But we can't keep every "thing" no matter how sentimental we are. We just can't.
ReplyDeleteThose decisions are always hard, those that involve the heart and not only the brain.
It is just so hard to part with some of our treasures, it is almost like they are family!
ReplyDeleteOh my! Nope, couldn't do it! I was hoping you would have said you made two sweater pillows!!!!!! It is after all, almost Valentine's Day!!
ReplyDeleteBoo Hoo
XO Kris
It is hard to part wit memories. I too was hoping you had made pillows from the sweaters.
ReplyDeleteThis touches close to home. I have a few sweaters and other old clothes that are sentimental to me and they are in the hope chest. I should pass the little ones on to my grandsons. Maybe I'll have a look in that old hope chest today. Kris above, suggested making them into sweaters, which I've thought of, but sadly, it's too late for yours. My sister knitted me a sweater last year. She is in the early stages of Alzheimers so it was a big challenge for her to finish it. I will cherish it even though the sleeves are wide enough for a thigh! I've thought maybe a knitter could remove the sleeves and re-do them for me. I'm not a knitter. :) Hugs. Pam
ReplyDeleteI have SUCH a hard time purging... I would never have made it out the drive with these. I tried so hard to purge things on this past move (and still have more in the garage that NEEDS to be purged), but I find myself searching for things I did purge. I can't help it. Amanda has NO PROBLEM with purging... probably a reaction to growing up with a mom who can't. =( hugs and blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteSuch sentimental things are hard to part with...I usually repurpose them...felted mittens or hearts and have made pillows, too. Someone out there may enjoy them just as they are, though. Don't spend much time second guessing your decision.
ReplyDeleteI haven't started my decluttering project yet so I haven't had to face this issue yet. I did a major clean out of my attic a few years ago and from time to time realize I could use a particular item--or know someone who could--and wished I'd kept it! So we'll see how things go this go around.
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand the sentimentalism. I have so many things that are inherited from family. Can't seem to part with them. So will pass them to daughters, and let them decide. Just don't tell me.
ReplyDeleteIts hard to let go of things....I still have the sweater I wore when dating my husband. I'm not sure why but I give it space somehow. that was good hearted of you to pass on those sweaters....someone will find a treasure. =) I am working on thinning out my collection of dishes the same way. If I never use this or that....why not pass it on and let it be someone else's treasure for a while. I'm trying...=) It feels like the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteHard to let go of sentimental items but sometimes we have to set them free. I like that you took a photo of the two sweaters, at least you have that for memories.
ReplyDeleteOh good grief, that is SO ME! My dad has been gone 4 years and I'm still hanging onto one of his sweaters. And I've got one from Kevin's grandfather whom I loved, and who died in 1974. It's not that I ever use them, but they're here, kinda like security blankies. I'm not a hoarder, honestly, but...
ReplyDeleteMy heart lurched a little too, with this Dotsie. I have a cedar chest full of things like the precious old sweaters. There are two christening gowns, a scarf, hat and mitts that I made for The Great Dane when we were dating - in his college colours, no less. There are several kilts - why would I ever get rid of good tartan!?........so much for downsizing!
ReplyDeleteYou've struck a chord with many of your readers, Dotsie, including me. I have a little collection of sweaters hand knit by my mother-in-law for my children. I've passed some of them along and I hope my children and grandchildren will treasure them as I have. It's hard to let go, but there comes a time when, although difficult, it just seems like the right thing to do.
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteThe sweater may be gone, but the precious memories are never far from your heart and mind.
There comes a time when it is a 'good thing' to let go.
"Mr. Ed" and I are in the process of closet cleaning over the next few months, also.
Fondly,
Pat
I was trying my hand at knitting last month. LOL you should be proud of yourself for knitting those. And you have the memories/ what is most important :)
ReplyDeleteWondering who made that red turtleneck. was it purchased, could you tell? I never saw my dad having one, but he did not keep things like yours did. If he had one, it was long gone. I will have to look through old pictures, because I seem to remember seeing one of my dad in a turtleneck, however.
ReplyDelete