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.)
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:
I'm anxious to preserve this family heirloom.
Thanks in advance,
Kimberly