Demis story

There is currently a Demi-knit-along! As they linked to my page I think I have to introduce Demi. I am wearing her in my about photo. I actually have an email archived that talks about finishing her....so here is her story.
Last winter I boarded the Melville for a research cruise from Tahiti down to 50°S. The cruise lasted 6 weeks and every day I had to sit for 4 hrs and watch computer screens, looking for problems and checking that the water depth was set to the right depth for our seismic gear. Consequently I spent 4 hrs per day knitting. I took 3 projects, an Adrienne Vittidini cardigan whose pattern I lost on the plane, a lace tunic from Interweave knits and Demi.

Guess who forgot to photocopy the last page of the Demi pattern, so my husband had to find the pattern (ohh boy) and scan it in then email it to me in the middle of the Pacific...the wonders of modern technology! I finished Demi in the last week or so of the cruise and we had an impromptu modeling session. We are on the back deck with a core barrel in the background waiting to plunged into the mud at the bottom of the ocean. Here are my emails home...

Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 10:00:29

Of a more serious nature, I am running out of knitting projects. I had three planned for the cruise, a burgundy mohair (Rowan Kid Classic) cardigan from the Andrienne Vittidini book, a tweed aran (Classic Elite Skye Tweed) in grey and lilac from the Rowan Vintage Style book and a eyelet tunic knitted in one piece in purple Louet 100% linen sport weight. Well I managed to to lose the cardigan pattern on the flight, and missed the last page of the aran pattern so all I can do is cast on the sleeves and then I don't know the sleeve increases. I will finish what I can on the aran this morning ...then all I can do is the linen tunic which is 1/2 way finished.

Date: March 11, 2005 5:04:09 PM EST

The other news today is that I finished demi. Thanks to my wonderful husband who tirelessly searched for the pattern, then scanned it and sent it to me (the wonders of technology), I was able to complete the sweater. So with much fanfare I was persuaded to model her. Kim Hargeaves is such a wonderful designer, the pattern just fell into place with wonderful little details (like all the cables matching and complete diamonds).

Comments

[Julia]

Very cool. I love the way that a project evokes what I was doing at the time. It makes it that much more special. Enjoy your Demi - she's a beaut!

[Diana]

Thanks for telling the story of Demi! Its really cool that you knit the sweater while at sea.

[jacqueline]

i've seen the photo of you modelling demi many many times as i have logged onto your blog. i am so thrilled that you shared the jumper's story with us! it is great. your knitting misadventures on that cruise remind me of something i would do.

[lori z]

He scanned it and then emailed it to you at sea! Wow, that must have been a generously sized email for being at sea!

I guess you won't be going to sea for a while! Congrats on the prenancy!