I made a Christmas sweater. Well, more accurately, I bought a sweater at Salvation Army and transformed it into a Christmas masterpiece for Seth to wear to his youth group’s ugly Christmas sweater contest. I worked on it for three days, sewing by hand and using lots of fabric glue because my sewing machine was misbehaving. I was a little crazed, obsessed even. Seth thought it was weird that I put so much effort into it, because he didn’t really care. But it was the ultimate challenge for me, someone who typically strives to make beautiful things. I tried to choose ugly colors, and make things as loud as possible. I wanted it to look intentional and well done, but ultimately ugly. I was poised to win, over-confident maybe. I texted photos to friends and family. Most said that I would surely win, but my Dad suggested that it might actually be too cute. I still believed that victory would be mine (or Seth’s depending on how you look at it). Sunday night when I picked Seth up from youth group I went inside to see the other sweaters and learn the fate of mine. Almost immediately I was directed to the winner, and it wasn’t Seth. It wasn’t my ugly masterpiece. The winning sweater was somewhat clever, but it wasn’t ugly. It definitely wasn’t ugly. So I don’t know what to even say about that…I found Seth, and learned that he wasn’t even in the top five! But, I took the news pretty well. I didn’t argue with the judge (whoever that was) and I didn’t cry. I just bravely accepted my loss. On a positive note, at least we have this family heirloom now, certain to be worn on Christmas’s to come by those bold and daring enough.
Last week, Keats, Larkspur, and Beatrix played in a Christmas Concert with a local homeschool music program that they participate in. It was a first concert for both Larkspur and Beatrix. Larkspur played her flute with the band, and Beatrix played Jingle Bells on the viola with other beginning strings players. Keats accompanied the lower orchestra on piano. (He’s been playing with them all semester at his piano teacher’s suggestion and my insistence, and he’s not particularly happy about it.) He also played violin with the upper orchestra. I did cry a little bit over all of this, maybe especially Keats accompanying the orchestra for some reason. I’m so proud of all three of them.
I had almost forgotten that little Sunday Sweater I knit for Mabel. I used a couple skeins of my own naturally dyed sport weight yarn that I kept because I particularly loved that shade of green. I finished the sweater and blocked it a few weeks ago, but then set it aside waiting for buttons. I remembered it a few days ago and added them. I think this is my favorite Sunday Sweater yet, and with three quarter length sleeves it will transition into spring as well. My Ravelry notes for the sweater are here. (And her madder dyed bonnet is here. Her linen dress is from sweet Nell at Whole Parenting Goods and I bought her little fringed moccasin shoes here.)
But why, “Gaudete?” We were reunited with some dear friends on Gaudete Sunday in a somewhat dramatic answer to prayer. This will be a Christmas that we never forget.
I hope you all find peace and joy in the coming days!
Tanya says
Such a cute sweater too! I’ll add it to my (growing) queue of projects. I am terrible at getting buttons sewn onto finished sweaters. Good for you for doing it so quickly. I think maybe I need to keep a stash of ready to go buttons on hand.
Kerry says
Ginny, you are an artist and that sweater is a masterpiece. You are unable to make something ugly! I’m sure your girls will get use out of the sweater.
Norma says
LOVE the sweater….
Your baby girl has grown into a little cherub toddler!
Such a sweet smile and that hat…too cute!
Christmas Blessings to you and your lovely family.
priest's wife (@byzcathwife) says
Merry Christmas! Christ is born!
(sorry your ugly sweater didn’t win…)
Marion says
Congratulations on the sweater. It turned out great. Your children are very talented. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY,HEALTHY,BLESSED 2018.
Marion and Marilyn
Richard (in Charlotte, NC) says
Merry Christmas to you, Jonny and all of your children. I can’t believe how much Mabel has grown!
Donna says
Hi, I agreed with your dad on the ugly sweater…too cute. Sweet looking, and creative, too. I actually liked it. But, it wasn’t ugly. Sorry. I made an ugly sweater for a co-worker and it really was ‘ugly’. She won. But it was ugly and something you wouldn’t choose to wear otherwise.
Be richly blessed this Christmas! Health and happiness to you and your family.
Monique says
I love the sweater 🙂 Curious what camera setting you used for the music pictures? I assume no flash correct? I have a new camera and have been trying to figure out best settings for low light situations and inside pictures like you have. Your pictures are always so beautiful. Merry Christmas to you all!!
M says
Merry Christmas to all of you. God’s peace.
Nancy Mosley says
So happy for the return of your friends! Love Mabel’s sweater!! Before I read your comments regarding the ugly seater – I thought one of your girls had wanted a neat homemade Christmas sweater and I really thought it was cute and colorful! ?Hope you don’t mind me saying that!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Maria says
Merry Christmas to you and your family! So glad you had good news of your friends. Your children look beautiful, even Seth in his ugly sweater. Mabel looks like Little Red Riding Hood!
Penelope says
Ginny, what a relief for your burdened heart. Blogging can be a tricky path at times. I’m glad you were able to share a bit so that we can pray for you, and offer online friendship support. Love and prayers for all of you.
Elizabeth says
Ginny, your sweater is by no means ugly, it’s adorable! It don’t think you are capable of ever making something ugly. Ugly means polyester and bad design and cheap and bland. Yours has the warm handmade touch… and felt? Felt can never be ugly ;).
Leah says
Oh Ginny I love this post! Such relief I can feel it! I love everything about those photos of Mabel! We are expecting our 6th girl (8th baby) in May. I really must do some knitting for her. I have been in a knitting funk and hardly among anything . It’s affedring my mood. I must remedy this. What kind of shoes is Mabel wearing?
Ginny says
Congratulations, Leah!! I bought the shoes from an Etsy shop called StarryKnightDesigns. There’s a link in the post.
Nell says
Mabel is so adorable!!! I love seeing the dress in action.
I can’t tell you how happy I am for your friends’ return. And your poor girl crying so. I have One whose heart is like that. It’s hard for tender hearted creatures. Happy almost Christmas!!