Last night I got together with my Great-Aunt Eleanor and my cousin Nathan for dinner. They’re in from Tacoma and I rarely get to see them so it’s always a special treat when I do.
The conversation got around to my knitting and my Great-Aunt, who is 82 years old, started going on and on about the shawl I wore the last time I saw her and how much she loves it. The shawl in question is the Peacock Feathers which I made back in April 2006.
This was the first big lace project I ever completed and every time I look at it I experience a great surge of pride. Even though I rarely wear it, sometimes I’ll take it out and just pet it for a bit whenever I feel like my knitting skills are below par.
I tried rather unsuccessfully to see if Great-Aunt Eleanor would be like the shawl in another color, thinking that I could just knit another one for her. But she was rather insistent about that color green in that pattern. I even wore my latest pride and joy, the Bee Fields Shawl, but she barely gave it a second glance.
I don’t think she’ll be happy with another pattern and I’m not sure she’ll be happy with another color even though I’d be more then happy to knit her the same shawl in one. So the dilemma is whether or not I can let go of this particular shawl.
Part of me thinks it would be a good idea, because it will definitely see more use and my Great-Aunt Eleanor is a very special lady. Part of me is loathe to let go of such a sentimental item, even though I was already thinking of knitting another one in a different color that I would wear more often.
I’m thinking that giving the shawl away would be best. Still, I’d love to hear other people weigh in. But like I said, my Great-Aunt is a very special lady and I would love to make her happy. After all, I can always make another for myself and I only have one Great-Aunt Eleanor. :)
Shelly on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:48 am #
Oh I think that is a beautiful shawl, and I think it would be a very special gift to give her. One that is as special as her.
I say give it to her. You will be happy and I bet she will love it.
textillian on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:58 am #
I can see why your great-aunt wants it so much. It is lovely.
I vote for giving her the shawl and making yourself a new one. My reason for this is that it might reduce the pressure of getting it done if the new one is for yourself rather than someone else. It kind of depends on how you work and what motivates you to complete a project.
Bethany on 14 Nov 2007 at 12:39 pm #
Even though the shawl holds a lot of sentimental value, you’ll probably feel really good about giving it to someone who is so special to you, knowing that it makes them happy.
Lauren on 14 Nov 2007 at 1:39 pm #
There’s also nothing wrong with keeping it for yourself… especially if you can bear the thought of knitting the same pattern again to make a duplicate for her.
limedragon :-: Harriet on 14 Nov 2007 at 1:42 pm #
Unless you really wanted to knit it again in the same color, I think you would be very happy with the decision to give it to GAE because it’s obvious she greatly admires and appreciates it.
It’s breathtaking. : )
Peggy on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:10 pm #
I can totally understand your dilemma. That is a gorgeous shawl and I love the color. Very sentimental indeed. What if you gave it to Great-Aunt Eleanor but reserved the right to get it back upon her leaving our blessed planet? Then it would hold even great sentimentality.
Hattie on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:15 pm #
I would have a hard time as well, but I would probably give it away anyhow. I have the same thinking, at least I can make more!
Karen B. on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:31 pm #
You said it best: you’ve only got one Great aunt Eleanor. You know what to do. Besides, giving her happy will make you happy.
loribird on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:36 pm #
Yes, it would feel good to gift it to someone who will appreciate it that much. I understand your dilemma too; could you knit it again in the same color?
Debi on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:41 pm #
I think you already answered your own question, Opal!
Besides you love to knit shawls so knitting another will please you as much as setting this one free will make Aunt Eleanor!
‘Tis the season, doncha know? :)
Peggy on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:43 pm #
Would knitting a new one really replace this original. There is an emotional component to everything that we knit. We weave our memories and experiences into everything we create.
Do you think you could share the shawl with her with the understanding that one day, hopefully a long time for now, it would return to you. That might make it even more special to you when it returns.
Cookie on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:47 pm #
Can you get more of that exact green? ;^)
Agnes on 14 Nov 2007 at 2:51 pm #
If I were you, I would give it away … the shawl is not lost, never will. It would always be your first lace project … that’s how I feel about the lace I gave away. :) Giving away something you’re proud of is a really really good feeling … not to mention that is going to make Great-Aunt Eleanor very happy.
Dee on 14 Nov 2007 at 3:18 pm #
I think the joy that you would get from giving your Aunt the shawl would far outweigh the brief sadness of letting it go, especially if you knew it would be worn more often.
Besides, then you would have the perfect excuse to go get some yarn that you just love everywhichway to make another shawl.
fleegle on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:37 pm #
I had the same problem with my Swallowtail. I loved it so much I kept it on the back of a chair so I could pet it when I walked by. But a elderly lady friend kept eyeballing it with envy in her eye, and I finally gave it to her. I bought the same color yarn with the idea that someday, I would knit a second one. I know that will probably never happen, but the idea that I *can* knit a second one compensates me a bit. And, of course, the thought that the shawl went to someone who loves it as much as I do more than compensates for the loss.
Kim on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:46 pm #
I think you would reap enormous karmic points by sharing it with the Auntie. It’s so gorgeous, and deserves to be worn as much as possible. I think that giving a shawl to someone is like ensuring an embrace, whenever they feel they need it.
*karen on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:53 pm #
That shawl reminds me of the ocean for some reason. I feel that deep down you’d like to gift the shawl and that is what you’ll ultimately do. I believe that if anyone deserves it it’s your great-aunt. I also believe that she will cherish it so it will be in good hands.
Amanda on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:54 pm #
I vote that you give her the shawl. It sounds like she loves it more than anyone else ever could. It always feels great when you give a handmade gift to someone who actually appreciates all the effort put into it.
I think that you’ll great about giving it away in the end.
*karen on 14 Nov 2007 at 4:55 pm #
Oh, and also have to add: Great-aunt Eleanor is 82 years old and she remembers that shawl from a year ago? I think quite possibly she loves it as much as you do. Giving it to her would be like sharing the love.
desiknitter on 14 Nov 2007 at 5:01 pm #
Give it to her - it will mean more to both of you that way. It sounds as if it was meant for her, somehow. What a lovely thing to be able to give someone who will truly appreciate it! It’s gorgeous, btw.
Beki on 14 Nov 2007 at 5:03 pm #
Well, Hailing from about 40 miles up the interstate from there, I can say that it’s a heck of a lot colder than where you are. It would definitely get more use. Now, if you wanted to make another one… I have a very coooooold office ;) I would be glad to take it off your hands :D
Barb on 14 Nov 2007 at 6:06 pm #
I say give it to her:)
Veronica on 14 Nov 2007 at 7:40 pm #
I agree with the person above who said the shawl will always be your first, even if you give it away. I think detaching from things like this is good. You are trading detaching from it and attaching more to another person. What is knitting for, but to show your love? Not to have it sit in the room. I suggest doing a fabulous photoshoot of it before you give it away. :)
Nurhanne on 14 Nov 2007 at 10:33 pm #
Sounds like the shawl belongs with GAE. It will be still be your special first big lace project even if it goes to live with someone else :-)
hopalong682003 on 14 Nov 2007 at 11:36 pm #
I think that I’d give it to her, too. But, I’d probably also let her know that it is precious to you (just like she is).
Jeanne (the other one) on 15 Nov 2007 at 12:39 am #
Unless you think you can knit the shawl in the same color, I’d give it to her. It sounds like she’s really important in your life, and it would make her very happy. It is a beautiful shawl! Hey, if I admire one of your shawls, will you send it to me? :-)
chris on 15 Nov 2007 at 1:34 am #
I think you’ve pretty much decided already, but I’ll weigh in. Give it. You’re not wearing it and she would get so much joy from it. You would get more joy from knitting another in a color you would wear more.
Sue J. on 15 Nov 2007 at 1:42 am #
Your last sentence says it all. Besides, this gives you an excuse to knit another one in a different color. I say give her the shawl. The happiness you will pass on is priceless.
Robbyn on 15 Nov 2007 at 3:57 am #
You’ve already made your own best arguement - you can always make another shawl and you’ve only got one Great Aunt Eleanor :)
If it helps, I wound up giving my first entrelac shawl away, as pround as I was of it and as much as I wanted to hang on to it - because the friend it was going to was worth all that and more. I did miss it for a while and then decided to knit another one!
Good luck honey - these things are never easy to decide.
nova on 15 Nov 2007 at 5:10 am #
Go ahead and pass it along to someone who loves it as much as you do and will wear it a lot. Also. Your knitting skill have progressed so much since this piece, you will finish the second one (in a color that you like and will wear more often) in no time at all!
Kyle on 15 Nov 2007 at 6:28 am #
I have to chime in here … without a second thought - you should give this piece of knitting to your Great Aunt. If she’s important to you, and if her time is special, I’m sure she has given you many gifts (not all of those physical or even tangible) and those gifts deserve recognition.
the fact that you’re even blogging about it means you know what you should do… and while it’s a hefty bit of knitting (and amazing, btw) you can do it again. You have had time to enjoy it, and you even admit that you don’t wear it all that often - you have moved on to other knitting…
pass it to her - let her know you want her to have it because she loves it so much. Years from now, when your Great Aunt is gone, you’ll always be able to look back at that moment - that memory - and know in your heart that you did the right thing…. you made her proud.
Whatever you do, let us know - all your friends are following in the background waiting to hear what you decide to do :)
Meredith on 15 Nov 2007 at 6:36 am #
I have to chime in with the “give it to GAE” group. She will adore it, you will (as someone up there said) get mucho karmic points, and then you will have the fun of knitting another one for yourself in the same or another color. And GAE is 82 years old, and even though she’ll probably live to be 100, our elderly aunties are important to us and need to be coddled. (My one surviving aunt, my mother’s sister Bobbie, is 91 and going strong, and my tendency is to give her just about anything she wants.)
But you have to be the one to decide, dear Opal. And you are a Libra, and sometimes decisions…well, you know how it is (smile).
hugsssssssss
mer
Jeanne on 15 Nov 2007 at 8:36 am #
Think about how much your Great Aunt will love that shawl! And she’ll wear it all the time, and tell everyone she knows that you knit it. What better life could a hand knit object have?
Roseann on 15 Nov 2007 at 10:58 am #
I always feel so flattered when someone wants something that I have knitted and I have given away some of my knitting. My thought is that I can always knit another one or something even better. If you think she would like my green Paisley Long Shawl, just let me know and its hers. Please keep us posted!
Jane on 15 Nov 2007 at 4:48 pm #
I have, until recently given all my lace away. Anytime someone asked if they could have it, I have given it to them. Even Mountain Pines Which I spun the yarn for. They have either been worn, displayed or preserved carefully by the people who have them. If a friend or family member asked for Lyra I’d give it to them as well and I really fancy that one. You know you are going to give it to her because she is more important to you than the shawl :-)
tiennie on 16 Nov 2007 at 8:14 pm #
I think you should do what would make you feel better - giving it to someone who’ll love it or keeping it because it means so much to you. Sorry, not very helpful, huh?
Dipsy D. on 19 Nov 2007 at 1:06 am #
Oh, I can *so* understand the dilemma you’re in! No matter if you’ve worn the shawl a lot or not, it still is something very special for you - your first big lace project, and my gosh, it’s ever so beautiful! My two cents concerning your dilemma? Hm, a tough one. After a lot of thought I think you should give it away. It’ll obviously get a lot of wear and love from your Great Aunt, and this will, after the first heartbreak with not having your shawl with you anymore, give you a lot of satisfaction and happiness, I’m sure about that. I think in the end it’s a question of what or who is more important to you, your Great Aunt or the shawl - so I think Auntie will soon enjoy that beauty around her shoulders ;)
Felicia on 19 Nov 2007 at 5:54 pm #
I think GAE wants that shawl, not only because it’s so beautiful, but because of the value it has to you. I bet every time you wear it around her, she can see the pride you have in taking on a challenge, then finishing it with posh style. I bet GAE wants to feel that way, and shimmer with pride when she tells admirers who knit the fantastic shawl she’s wearing.
I’d give it to her. Then again, I live in jeans and t-shirts, so I tend to give all my shawls away. . .and knit more!