I purchased it years ago with wages earned in small doses.
Burgundy and trim, it flattered a waistline not yet expanded by budding life.
The wool warmed my free, young arms; arms that were not yet filled by children with delicate wool-objecting jowls.
Tucked in reserve behind easy and accessible tees and tops, the sweater sat.
Reclaiming my waist(ever so slightly), I pulled out the sweater. Could I once again, regain the grace that was featured in this sweater?
I bathed it gently in the hand wash cycle on cold, anticipating an air dry. A dutiful but naive sweater launderer switched loads on me.
I found my sweater small, boiled, felted, never again to be reclaimed.
Perhaps it is best. Regaining 25 was a pipe dream. My hips and breast will be heavy with motherhood for years to come. But what is 25 when 36 looks like this?
9 comments:
Amen! And look how sweet it looks on her now. (I've had a few helpful sweater launderers/dryers in my day but didn't think to save the sweaters. Good for you!)
It looks so great on Norah! I actually did that myself to two of my favorite sweaters - I was too sad to send them to DI. I gave them to younger cousins, but now I am wishing that I would have saved them for my girls.
Those are kind words - "dutiful but naive sweater launderer." I wouldn't have been so kind. Until I saw it could fit a daughter.
i have been "the dutiful but naive sweater launderer".
i shrunk my husbands favorite sweater 3 years ago and he still hasn't forgiven me...and i still feel bad.
as least yours is still wearable, his would have only fit a small dog...
She does look adorable, but I grieve for you. I shrunk my favorite blouse a few years back. I'm not going to talk about how I gave it to my 9 months pregnant friend and it was too big for her in the bust.
the best part of the post was the picture sequence; like norah is a little you.
Norah is so incredibly beautiful!
But I mourn for your sweater-- it might have been nice to feel 25 again.
I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. So sorry. I know the loss of a great sweater can be devastating but Norah looks fantastic in it.
Martha -- I miss you more... I love your blog. I find myself checking in when I need to be inspired or feel somehow comforted. You amaze me. Love the sweater... Let's get together soon. Love you, Steph
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