The spring flowers might be peeking out here in Aberdeen, but the icy winds still have bite. Thank heavens Gail has at last finished knitting my new Shetland wool jumper (with Fair Isle pattern detail).
It is very manly, I'm sure you'll agree.
The yarn for my new knitwear comes directly off the backs of a small herd of Torridon-based Shetland sheep owned by Julia Marsh. It has not been dyed or otherwise messed around with, and so should be perfect outdoor wear for a roughty toughty terrier like me, don't you think?
So I was quite surprised when Gail said, "Bertie, we'd better reserve this jumper for Sunday best". Especially when I comprehended that "Sunday best" implies clothing that has to be kept clean and smart as if we were going to church (which, I need hardly tell you, we never do).
Well my idea of the best sort of Sunday is to bounce into the wilds of Scotland, where devotional activity involves appreciating the shadow play of the low northern light across the heather-clad hills, the tinkling of a burn as it tumbles over speckled granite boulders, the earthy smell of the lush, damp and fern bedecked forest floor…
For this one needs eyes, ears, a nose, and energy a-plenty. Smart Shetland sweaters are, I guess, optional.
Bertie, wow, you look great, have you considered diversifying into a modelling career! The jumper looks brilliant. Your description of the ideal Sunday is my kind of day too. You'll have to negotiate with Gail and see if she's up for lots of hand washing of wool.
ReplyDeleteBest regards
Julia
No don't save it! If you have to have a Sunday best, get Gail to knit another one....she should zip right through that pattern now. You should be out in the wind and mist and rain....just like the Shetlands! You do look macho!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is surprisingly "butch" Bertie - I thoroughly approve.
ReplyDeleteBut I wouldn't want to be in your shoes (paws) the first time you decide to role in "something" while wearing it. I suspect that I'll hear Gail down here.
Oh look at you Bertie, sooo handsome in your Sunday best! Isn't Gail clever, that's a great jumper
ReplyDeleteLoves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
OMD Bertie that sweater is the bees knees. You look so handsome...big sigh. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
It is a most handsome sweater (jumper) for a most handsome WFT. I would say reserve it for times when lots of people will see you and give you pats because of your good looks and handsome sweater. Wear another one for rough and tumble.
ReplyDeleteGus
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteBy the whiskers of your chinny chin chin, Bertie lad, tell Gail to recreate one in polythene threads, so's you can go 'worship' without fear or favour!!! (Of course you could just get her to put a clearly poly bag over this beauteous article of clothing and have the best of all days... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Oh my DOG! My doggy godchild.
ReplyDeleteThat is GORGEOUS! We are devoted to your mom. Wow. You are a lucky pup.
It seems to us that you mom did it very quickly. Such gorgeous work.
xox
Tootsie & Renee
I love your sweater! and it makes efurry day to a sunday, so you can wear it on all days... clever,huh?
ReplyDeleteeasy rider
IT IS GRAND, Bertie!!! Miss Gail did a super job of it..
ReplyDeleteOMD you look so... MANLEY and HANDSOME Addie will FAINT when she sees you in your new sweater.
The colors are Outstanding fur complimenting YOUR furs Color.
Wow, what a grreat sweater!! It's very manly, and you look so VERY handsome in it.
ReplyDeleteyour jumper looks quite smart, Bertie!! mum is jealous of Gail's skills with the needles.
ReplyDeleteEdgar and his mum
OMD Bertie, that is a very handsome sweater!!!
ReplyDeleteSmileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
WOW! That is magnificent! How handsome!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Bertie the loud thump you just heard was Madi and Mom falling out of the chair from your handsome-ness. OMDs as if you weren't handsome enough now you are sporting a fine looking sweater. Bravo to Gail for the fine work and to the sheep for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday
Hugs madi your bfff
if sheep can stand outside in the dreaded winters of Scotland and keep warm - then why keep is for Sundays - you should wear if every day and pretend you are a shetland sheepdog - like us :)
ReplyDeleteBertie, you look fantastic - Bravo Gail!! I can't really weigh in on the "Sunday Best" debate as I really enjoy rolling in dead stuff. Especially on Sundays!!
ReplyDelete-Otto
You look like a stuffie with that cool sweater
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
Your sweater is gorgeous and I think you just described the best "house of worship" ever!
ReplyDeleteNow Bertie...Gail did such a great job on it and such a good match for your furs...you don't want to go out and ruin it!
ReplyDeleteThe Mad Scots
Can't believe we got to sneak onto the computer to say hi! Your sweater is gorgeous. Being as you need Gail's help to get it on and off, guess she gets to decide. Personally, we think you should get to wear it when it's cold. Surely, that's the purpose of having a sweater: staying warm? If the sheep could wear the wool in the cold and wet, don't see why you shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteSo adorable gorgeous and manly. You look such a dear wee chap in it
ReplyDeleteRetro rover
Absolutely excellent knitting, choice of yarn, and a pretty good body to model it. I can see some other yarn for an every day wear and save the sheeps wool for some special event. Wonderful new suit!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Stella, Zkhat and Jo
Bertie your sweater is ever so grand. I love the Fair Isle pattern detail for your furs seem to have some of that pattern in them. It fit astonishing well considering Gail had to alter the pattern for your size. And she made it so you won't squirt on it when you go potty.
ReplyDeleteOh how I would love to see the aurora borealis dance across Scotland's sky.
Thanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot