Dr. G's Memory Vest

After finishing a few UFO's last week, I gave myself permission to cast on a new project in Skye Tweed.

This new design has a strong hold on me.  For the past few years we have watched my father's memory decline.  Last year he was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.  Once a world expert in his field of microbiology, he now has trouble remembering the simplest details of his life.  Feeling helpless to do much to ease his struggle, I have turned to knitting, the craft that brings me peace and has also allowed me to contribute to charities that I care about.  I will write this unisex vest pattern once the knitting is complete.  All proceeds from its sale will go to Dementia research.  I expect to have the pattern done by mid September, just in time for holiday knitting.

Comments

[Karen]

What a wonderful idea and a worthy cause. You can count on me to buy a copy once it's ready.

[Carole]

It's going to be a wonderful pattern and a beautiful tribute to your father, as well.

[Heather]

I will look forward to this pattern--my dad has Alzheimer's disease and watching this once mighty intellect become diminished and small has been very painful indeed.

[Jennifer]

That is *gorgeous*... and definitely a great cause. I look forward to seeing the pattern.

[beverly]

What a wonderful thing to do. I'll be looking forward to the pattern.

[Cara]

I'll take ten! It's going to be gorgeous!

[Dorre]

Eagerly awaiting pattern... and a worthy cause that is near and dear.

[Marianne]

I will surely buy the pattern when it's finished ! My MIL has this for years now, it's hard to see her slipping into her own world. Besides it's really looking good :-)

[Kristi aka Fiber Fool]

What a fantastic project!

[clarabelle]

I've been meaning to comment on your blog for a while, but felt rather overwhelmed as your free patterns are so brilliant, your photos are so great and your knits in general are wondrous. Slightly scary! I also love your socks, especially ones which don't match colour-wise (and I also do that thing with grafting toes on the wrong side).

So sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine when I was 9 (he had MS) but when it's something mentally degenerative, then it's just so horrible.

[lola]

Great idea! I can't wait to order the pattern.

[Charlene]

Love your blog, you're a lovely knitter! I found it compelling to post today regarding your father's health. I'm so sorry to hear about his diagnosis. My husband's uncle is now going through the same thing. We're his only family close by, and we're now in the process of getting everything in his life sorted out. I understand the peace that knitting gives. I look forward to your pattern coming out this fall. Take care.

[Kim]

I love that idea! And I look forward to seeing the finished product and the pattern!

[Ava]

Count us both in! Our grandma died of Alzheimer's and seeing her decline was the cruelest thing I have yet to witness.

[Kristy]

This is beautiful, and for such a worthy cause. I'm sorry to hear about your father, but I'm glad that knitting has brought you comfort.

[michelle]

Lovely pattern and great yarn! Look forward to seeing the pattern in September.

My FIL had the same illness for many years. I never knew him prior but it was still hard to see him lose the bits of himself that I did know of him.

[Pikku-Kettu]

I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Dementia is one of the most difficult diseases to live trhough as a loved one. I know the feeling of helplessness it can create. This is a wonderful way of doing something meaningful in the face of so much meaningless sorrow.

[Jennie]

The pattern looks fantastic already. It will be a top seller especially since it's for a wonderful cause. :)

[Gigi]

So sorry to hear about your father. We went through something similar. The pattern is just gorgeous. A wonder of texture and shape!

[Rhonda the Stitchingnut]

The pattern is working out so beautifully with the yarn you're using. A wonderful tribute to your father. I watched my great-grandmother decline with vascular dementia when I was 15 and my grandmother was dieing with cancer at the same time. [they lived together] Very hard to see either one happening to those you love.

[nova]

Add me to the list of eager awaiters. It truly is a lovely idea and thoughtful dedication. The beginning of the vest are fantastic too, just like you K!

[Teresa]

I'm sorry to hear about your father's diminishing health. I've worked in the dementia ward in a nursing home, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Your father is very lucky to have such a loving daughter though, and I'm sure he knows that!

The sweater is gorgeous though!! I love it. :D

[Dr. B.]

This is so beautiful in every way - the spirit in which it's being created, the creation itself, and what you'll be doing with the pattern once it's done.

Sending my warmest thoughts to you and your family, and so sorry that you're experiencing this.

[magnusmog]

That's a lovely idea and with a true purpose.

[gina]

I think that dementia is likely one of the most difficult things to watch and count my blessings that I've been spared that pain in my life.
Your vest is indeed beautiful. My husband has been after me to knit an aran vest for ages but he wants a button front. Any chance you'll include that kind of variation?