Dr. G's is Finally Ready!

Thank you for your patience.  Dr. G's Memory Vest is finally ready!   

(Scroll down for instructions on how to donate.)

My father, “Dr. G”, was an intellectual force.  A respected microbiologist, the FDA would call on his expertise as they considered cases of drug safety.  He could identify rhododendron species and hybrids at a glance and give you the lineage for the latter from memory.  His recall of voices heard once or twice would astound my sisters and I.  When we were teenagers he could recognize Sting or Van Morrison’s voices despite his disdain for Rock and Roll.  As for his beloved classical music, his knowledge was encyclopedic.

We were told that the stronger the mind the longer an individual can hide the decline in their memory from their family and loved ones.  Perhaps that is why this brilliant man seemed to vanish so quickly.

As I’ve shared my father’s story I’ve learned how many other families are dealing with similar situations.  Few people are lucky enough not to have been touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia. For some it is a parent for others a spouse, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt or uncle.  Dr. G’s Memory Vest is my small way of trying to help.   

I have chosen to have the donations go to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.  When my father passed away in September, this is one of the charities that my family chose for donations in his memory. 

The Fisher Center is the world's largest research team leading the battle against Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. They fund over 85 scientists across the United States, with partnerships and collaborations in 17 other countries, all under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard at The Rockefeller University in New York City.  Of every dollar raised, 94 cents goes directly to research programs.

THIS NEXT BIT IS IMPORTANT!!  PLEASE, PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

How to donate:  Go directly to the Fisher Center Website and make your donation. Once you've donated follow the directions below.

How to get your pattern:  Send an e-mail to throughtheloops at gmail dot com be sure to put "Dr. G's" in the subject line and tell me that you made a donation.  You don't have to tell me how much.  Donate the amount that you are comfortable with.  Once I receive your e-mail I will send the PDF file to you within 24 hours.  Please note that there is an option on the donation page to send an e-card.  You are welcome to do this, but if you do, be sure to also send an e-mail to the above address.  I don't want to take the chance of not having your correct e-mail when I send out the pattern.

The Specs

SIZES
XS [S, M, L, XL]

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 36[40, 44, 48, 52] inches

MATERIALS
Classic Elite Skye Tweed [100% Wool, 110yd/100m per 50g ball]; color: #1221; 7[8,9,10,11] balls

US #6/4mm needles (or size to get gauge)
US #8/5mm needles (or size to get gauge)
Stitch holder
Tapestry needle
Cable needle

GAUGE
21 sts / 28 rows = 4 inches in cable stitch pattern using and larger needles

Thank you for all of your patience, support and encouragement on this project.
Thanks Karen and Bill for letting us take these photos on your magnificent property.  I still want to move in with you guys!   

Comments

[Ashley]

This is such a wonderful tribute to your father. I know my dad will be proud to wear it in his memory!

[LJ]

It's beautiful. And such a fitting model. Our father adored his oldest grandchild.

There's so much more we could say about Dad. He was such a sweet and loving person. We miss him a lot.

[Chris]

It's wonderful! Just wish my husband wore vests!!

[*karen]

Your children are all so gorgeous. What's with the superior genetics going on in your family? :o) My boyfriend doesn't wear vests, but heck I'd knit one for myself.

[goodyoneshoe]

A great way to remember someone -- they live on in us and what we do in their memories! He left a wonderful legacy of smart and creative kid(s) and grandkids.

[tiennie]

That's a fantastic pattern! This is so touching that you are doing this. Your children are gorgeous and the best models!

[clarabelle]

I've been keeping an eye out for this pattern - it's fantastic, Kirsten! A great tribute to your father's memory.

[Melissa]

Lovely pattern and a lovely tribute.

[stacey]

what a beautiful sweater, and beautiful memories to go with it. he sounds like a brilliant, smart and amazing man!!! your vest does him justice!

[Carole]

Dale's mother had Alzheimer's and it's a horrible illness. I'll be making a donation in honor of your dad and this wonderful pattern.

[Heather]

I tried to comment yesterday but Typepad wasn't behaving! Thanks so much for this pattern and all you do to lift us up:)

[Hanna]

What a gorgeous vest. I have been looking for something lovely to knit for my own dad, and this seems like just the thing. I plan to make a donation and buy the pattern. My grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's, and it is such an awful disease. I admire your creative efforts to help find a cure.

[misplacedpom]

I'm actually a student a Rockefeller and while I don't know Prof Greengard personally, I do know of his research and am good friends with his lovely St. Bernard. This is a great thing you are doing.

[Rachel]

Pattern looks incredible, what a great cause.

[seedless grape]

It's a beautiful vest and a lovely way to honor your father!

[Monika]

The vest looks great on your son, and the photos his friend made are awesome.

[Oiyi]

What a wonderful tribute to your father. The vest is beautiful. Love the stitch pattern.

[Snowbird]

I can't say enough about the wonderful tribute to your Father. My Dad fought Alzheimers and lost his battle in 2005. I will be donating to this cause and look forward to knitting one for both my brother and husband.

[jean]

A beautiful tribute to your father. Thank you.

[mel]

I just think this is such a wonderful tribute to your Dad, I hope that the process of design and knitting, and walking through this beautiful piece of land, and playing with your kids and your friends, taking lovely pictures and enjoying good company was healing and soulful. And thanks, for what you are doing and sharing your efforts and creativity with such a good cause. I have an awful lot of admiration & respect for you. Warm thoughts, I know the loss doesn't get easier. I think that he would be so proud to see you & your ventures and what amazing people your kids are growing to be. ok, *snif*, I'm done now.

[Susan]

What a lovely tribute to your daddy! And how fitting that someone who gave so much to life will continue giving to fight that which took him.

I must comment on the photos. The picture of your son belongs on an album cover. I gaze at it and wonder what's around the curve and realize that in order to find out, I have to slow down.

[Susan]

Typing faster than my brain apparently. Of course I was referring to the photo of your son walking down the center of the road. Need.More.Coffee.

[Debi]

What a touching and loving tribute to a wonderful and clearly very well loved man. I hope you find comfort in all of us who share your memories now and knit to irradicate this horrible disease.

[Kristy]

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I'm glad you focused your energy into making something beautiful, and to helping out as well.

[leslie]

i just love the vest, and the meaning behind it all.
also, as usual, gorgeous photos.