Memory Lane Part 2: Girl Sweaters

In my last post, I indulged in a little reminiscing about sweaters I've knit for my boys that they've now outgrown. Now it's time for Part 2, where I give a last look at the sweaters (and other items) I made for my girls in years past.

I had so much fun passing these on to a friend with a brand new daughter. It felt like Santa Claus in September! The "oohs" and "aahs" she and her mother gave over each one were extremely gratifying, of course, but the greatest pleasure was knowing that these products of my love-filled labor will not spend years gathering dust in a closet. I hope she will do as I suggested and pass them on to another new little one when they have been outgrown once again. The thought of these sweaters being loved many times truly warms my heart!

Every once in a while I find myself in a knitting "slump", when I don't have a desire to pick up the needles much at all. Going through these knitted memories, however, was enough to keep my creative batteries charged up for a very long time!

Memory Lane Part 1: Boy Sweaters

I, like many knitters I know, slow down a bit on productivity during the summer months. We've been having lots of fun around here, enjoying beautiful weather, and sharing lots of summer adventures. That does translate into a little less knitting than usual. One thing I have been doing, though, is going through the sweaters that my children have outgrown, reminiscing about the days when they used to be so small, taking photos, then sending them on to new homes where I feel confident they will be loved and used as intended. 

I must admit I was surprised at just how many I have managed to knit for my own children over the years! Lots and lots of lovingly crafted sweaters and other small items have been gifted to others since I picked up the needles again about 11 years ago, but I had forgotten how many stayed here to warm my own flesh and blood. I don't often wax sentimental, but this trip down memory lane was definitely an occasion for nostalgia!

These are photos of most of the boy sweaters (plus a sleeper and a couple of hats) my guys wore when they were infants and toddlers. (I don't know how well you can tell, but the photo above on the right shows B's pumpkin costume his first Halloween!)

As you can tell, I lean heavily towards blues and greens for my boys, as well as having a strong preference for vests. It has been so much fun to pause for a moment just to remember some of the cute little knits from my past! (Stay tuned for "Memory Lane Part 2: Girl Sweaters".)