A Guernsey for Myself

[Schuee]

Hello, everyone.
i have started my newproject to take my mind off my congested sinuses and chest - I have the dreaded lurgy and am feeling rotten. Luckily, it’s not tested as Covid.

This is the start of a Guernsey (gansey in the USA) for myself. I’ve cast on using the channel island method which produces a beaded edge. In the photo is my dear dog Indy’s favourite toy. Unfortunately, Indy was euthanised just before Christmas due to a nerve condition affecting his movement. He is missed very much.

Here is a link to a demonstration of the cast-on method.

channel island cast on - Google Suche

www.google.com

 

[Joy]

Oh, dearest Penny, I am so very, very sorry about the loss of your precious Indy. This is the first I have heard of this, and I know he was your faithful companion for many years. Thank you so much for sharing your art and photos of him with us. That loss may have weakened your immune system, and I hope you will be feeling better day by day.

The Guernsey is a lovely color. Keep us updated with your progress.

 

[Schuee]

Thank you very much, Joy. I haven’t posted elsewhere about Indy, his passing is still raw and a shock. His nerve degeneration worsened over just s few weeks.

I hadn’t thought that the depression and shock might cause a hit to my immune system. I’m getting a little better day by day, though, thanks.

Thank knitting is therapeutic.

 

[Schuee]

This is the design I’m knitting for this Guernsey. The design is taken from an old Guernsey knitted for a sailor named Matt Camish. The original was well worn and mended.

 

[Artyczar]

Schuee, What can I say? I know your pain, but I am lost for words. I can only say how sorry I am. I'm glad you have the knitting as a way to process some of the feelings. Please feel better physically soon. I agree with Joy about how that stress can hurt your immune system. Take good care.

 

[Schuee]

I really appreciate you thinking of me, Artyczar. The pain caused by the loss of a pet always takes a long time to heal. Changing him from a very difficult rescued dog to what he became, more trusting and socialised, is something to remember and be pleased about. I am waiting a while before getting another dog - I want to wait to see if one turns up in desperate need of a home. The knitting does help to keep me occupied.

 

[Schuee]

You may like to read more about Guernseys here - click the link. The knitter on this site is a man named Gordon.

Ganseys

A gansey is the name given to the traditional hand-knitted pullover worn by fishermen fishing for herring off the costs of Britain, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The garments a…

www.ganseys.com

 

[CaliAnn]

Penny - I am so very sorry for your loss

 

[Artyczar]

I really appreciate you thinking of me, Artyczar. The pain caused by the loss of a pet always takes a long time to heal. Changing him from a very difficult rescued dog to what he became, more trusting and socialised, is something to remember and be pleased about. I am waiting a while before getting another dog - I want to wait to see if one turns up in desperate need of a home. The knitting does help to keep me occupied.

My loss(es) were long ago now, and I am still grieving, so yes, it lasts a very long time. I still break down at times. I know the only real "cure" if there is one, is to get another dog, but I can't, and it kills me. My plan is to volunteer at the no-kill shelter hear in town in the new year. That's about the only way I'll be able to get my fill.

Rescues are the best because we can see them heal a bit over time. It is because of our love and care through their lives and that is a great memory to always have with us. We are lucky to have had that time with them.

 

[Terri]

Oh, Penny - I'm so sorry to heard about Indy. Our pets are our family.

This looks like another beautiful pattern, and I'm glad you have this work to occupy you. It's a positive thing to be doing and this soft, warm Guernsey could be a lovely tie to Indy's memory when it's done. Take care.

 

[Schuee]

Penny - I am so very sorry for your loss

Thank you very much, CaliAnn.

 

[Schuee]

My loss(es) were long ago now, and I am still grieving, so yes, it lasts a very long time. I still break down at times. I know the only real "cure" if there is one, is to get another dog, but I can't, and it kills me. My plan is to volunteer at the no-kill shelter hear in town in the new year. That's about the only way I'll be able to get my fill.

Rescues are the best because we can see them heal a bit over time. It is because of our love and care through their lives and that is a great memory to always have with us. We are lucky to have had that time with them.

Volunteering is a very good thing to do, Artyczar. I hope you are able to do that. I suppose the difficult dogs are like they say about difficult children, you often love them all the more.

 

[Schuee]

Oh, Penny - I'm so sorry to heard about Indy. Our pets are our family.

This looks like another beautiful pattern, and I'm glad you have this work to occupy you. It's a positive thing to be doing and this soft, warm Guernsey could be a lovely tie to Indy's memory when it's done. Take care.

Thank you, Terri. Yes, it will always be associated with him.

I cast on the number of stitches I thought were required, only to find there is a error at the start of the instructions. It states the design is repeats of sets of 47 stitches (so I cast on enough for that), only to find when I checked the pattern by counting the stitches for the first line that they are repeats of 41 stitches - this meant I have extra stitches on each repeat! I changed a knit 2 repeat to knit 4 and used them up in this way, so the design will be subtly different - I hope not noticeable. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Donna T]

I'm so very sorry to hear about Indy, Penny. I hope that the raw pain will lessen with time. I still choke up when I try to speak of a dog I lost years ago and wish I was able to have another to fill that hole in my heart. I hope that when the time is right another dog in need will find his way to you. Knitting is good therapy and you do such beautiful work with those intricate patterns.

 

[Schuee]

Thank you very much Donna. I, too, still miss my companions of the past - there’s a place in my heart for them all.

 

[Terri]

Thank you very much Donna. I, too, still miss my companions of the past - there’s a place in my heart for them all.

We remember ours, too, and it's not uncommon for us to mention them or remind each other of funny stories about them. They're all precious, and we keep them close that way.

I changed a knit 2 repeat to knit 4 and used them up in this way, so the design will be subtly different - I hope not noticeable. I hope that makes sense.

Not really, because I'm not a knitter - but it sure does make me appreciate the technical aspects of this craft. You obviously know what you're doing, and despite the error in the instructions this is likely going to look wonderful. Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[Schuee]

Yes, Terri. Precious memories.

Making the adjustment in one line affects all the others, so I might knit a different design all together, as I remember having knitted a similar design in the past.

I’m thinking of the Seahouses design and will start again. This is from Northumberland and is named “Mrs. Laidlaw’s Pattern”. I will let you all know how I get on. I haven’t tried this one.

 

[Schuee]

Progress so far:-

I will be putting this project on hold as I’ve been asked to knit a plain Guernsey in a dark navy colour and am waiting for the wool to attive.

 

[Joy]

Lovely work - you obviously have a lot of patience and skill.

 

[Artyczar]

Ditto what Joy stated. YES!