This is my great grandfather, Martin Theodore Martinsen, from Stapnes, Egersund, Rogaland, Norway. I have such great memories of him. I remember him laughing and smiling and playing with all of us great grandkids (there were a lot of us). He always had a silver dollar in his pocket ---one for each kid. I still have every single one he ever gave me.
He passed away in 1977, when I was almost 11. It was the first experience with the death of a family member that I had, and I remember it vividly. My father and my grandmother got into an argument because grandma didn't think I should come to the funeral and my father believed that I should be give the opportunity to say goodbye. In the end, I was given the choice, and I chose to go. I'm glad I did. I loved him so very much.
The other day, my mother pulled another memory of Great Grandpa out of the closet - a handknit sweater that I remember him wearing practically every time I saw him. My mother remembers him wearing it when she was a child as well (and she wasn't even married into the family at that point -but it was a small farming community so everyone pretty much knew everyone else.)
He passed away in 1977, when I was almost 11. It was the first experience with the death of a family member that I had, and I remember it vividly. My father and my grandmother got into an argument because grandma didn't think I should come to the funeral and my father believed that I should be give the opportunity to say goodbye. In the end, I was given the choice, and I chose to go. I'm glad I did. I loved him so very much.
The other day, my mother pulled another memory of Great Grandpa out of the closet - a handknit sweater that I remember him wearing practically every time I saw him. My mother remembers him wearing it when she was a child as well (and she wasn't even married into the family at that point -but it was a small farming community so everyone pretty much knew everyone else.)
See the beautiful tension on the inside? I wish I could strand knit like that. Yes - this sweater really is handknit - probably circa 1940's or earlier. Anyone who could really tell me doesn't have much of a memory anymore. It's sad.
Anyway - to get to the point, this sweater has some pretty significant damage to it and I would really like to fix it if I can. I need help, though. I'm not sure where to find the right kind of wool (I'm pretty sure the wool came from Norway) or the best way to begin repairs. The gauge is about 5 stitches to 2.5cm (1 inch) and the hand of the fabric is firm. The sweater needs cleaning, and I think that it needs to washed with the same methods an archivist might use and I......just need advice. Here are some photos of the damage:
Anyway - to get to the point, this sweater has some pretty significant damage to it and I would really like to fix it if I can. I need help, though. I'm not sure where to find the right kind of wool (I'm pretty sure the wool came from Norway) or the best way to begin repairs. The gauge is about 5 stitches to 2.5cm (1 inch) and the hand of the fabric is firm. The sweater needs cleaning, and I think that it needs to washed with the same methods an archivist might use and I......just need advice. Here are some photos of the damage:
If you have ANY ideas, resource links, or anything else you think might help, please leave me a comment or email me directly at [email protected].
I'm anxious to preserve this family heirloom.
Thanks in advance,
Kimberly
I'm anxious to preserve this family heirloom.
Thanks in advance,
Kimberly