My Favourite Sweater short story by Kathleen Ann Gallagher

Kathleen Ann Gallagher writes: I have always loved sweaters. I don't particularly like winter, but I do like the warmth and comfort a sweater brings. I needed to find a Christmas gift for my mother in-law Mary, who was always cold, and sat daily in her recliner crocheting slipper socks. She handed them out to the entire neighborhood and anyone else she met. She kept a box of multi colored hand made socks by her door. When visitors left she would advice them to take a new pair. She never took no for an answer, so I have a set in every color.

I decided to try a specialty shop in town that carries vintage items along with antiques, candle, Christmas ornaments, and hand-crafted assorted gifts. You can spend an afternoon sifting through the eclectic mix of goodies. I spotted a gorgeous pink sweater that had tiny specks of white weaved into a lovely detailed pattern. It had a pretty pin with purple stones in front to hold it closed. It felt soft and cuddly and I thought it would suit her perfectly.

On Christmas Eve she opened the box and held the sweater up to her face. I don't want this story to sound sad in any way, but I knew this might be her last Christmas. She was in her late eighties and in failing health. She continued to crochet the slipper socks wearing the pink sweater through the winter. My mother in-law peacefully passed away in April.

The day came to clean out her house, which is never easy. We spent an entire day filled with memories some sad, most joyous. I found the sweater lying across the back of her chair. I smiled when I saw it. I took the sweater home with me and I feel a warm embrace whenever I wear it.

Guest Post: My Favourite Sweater Story by David

My name is David and I'm addicted to sweaters.
My sweater that I am presenting for your contest is a native cardigan style.
It is special to me because it has a bright orangy red motif and is cozy warm!
My good friend John in Vancouver gave it to me last week.
It is a heavy knit with outside pockets and a zipper.

My Favourite Sweater Story by Laurie Buchanan

Years ago, as a way of promoting a new release, I solicited stories about 'Your Favourite Sweater'. I was delighted by the stories I received, such as...

Laurie writes...
Growing up I often admired a sweater that my mother only wore on special occasions. Hand-knit by my grandmother for my mother's high school graduation, the body was deep red and the yoke was intricately patterned black and white mohair.

Mom kept the sweater folded carefully in tissue that crinkled softly as she removed it from her cedar chest. We were instructed to "Look with your eyes, not with your hands" when she laid it on the bed as she got ready to go out to dinner with dad. While mom was in the shower, my sister and I would gently finger the mohair, and rub our cheeks against its softness.

I longed for the sweater. What do you suppose I received on my 15th birthday? I cried and cried when I opened the tissue and saw the sweater. I knew then that in my mother's eyes I was grown up.