Cashmere for the comfort, red for the fight
I don’t talk much about my family here, beyond Billy and the kiddo, because they’d rather I not. We’re a private bunch. (So why do I blog? Good question. For another time.) Something is going on now, though, that I do want to talk about. One of my aunts, one of my wonderful, beloved, fantastic aunts, has breast and bone cancer. This is the aunt who taught me how to whine to annoy my mother–her younger sister. The aunt who taught me how to do the bump to Captain and Tenille (the song I called “I will I will.”) At first the doctors were talking hospice, but now after some biopsies, they’re talking treatment. And she’s saying she’s going to fight. She’s a fighter. Tough and fiesty and not much over five feet tall. You’d love her.
She’s got a hell of a hard road ahead of her, and I want to knit her something to comfort her and remind her that I’m thinking of her, even though I’m across the country now. But a lap blanket or a prayer shawl or lace aren’t right for this woman. She needs something that fits who she is and always has been–with or without cancer. Nothing fluffy or pink or sedate. Nothing that goes too well with a rocking chair and slippers, if you know what I mean.
It has to be red. Screaming red.
I’m knitting her a scarf-size Clapotis from red laceweight cashmere. 100% cashmere, because that’s exactly what she deserves. Of all the things I’ve knit, I still love my Clapotis the most. I’ve worn it just about every day the weather has allowed since the day I finished it. I hope she loves hers just as much. And I hope she wears it for a good long time.
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Red sounds like the perfect colour. I’ll be sending good vibes and prayers her way and yours.
Posted by: Heather
Your aunt is in my thoughts. It sounds like you’re making the perfect thing for her–fabu yarn and a classic pattern.
Posted by: beverly
Cancer sucks. No two ways about it. All my good wishes to your aunt and family!
Posted by: Cara
I’m sure she’ll love it.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by: Eileen
Red and cashmere sound like a potent combo to me. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Sarah
I love the screaming red. Sending good thoughts to you and your aunt.
Posted by: Kate
Red sounds like the perfect colour. I’ll be sending good vibes and prayers her way and yours.
Posted by: Heather
Your aunt is in my thoughts. It sounds like you’re making the perfect thing for her–fabu yarn and a classic pattern.
Posted by: beverly
Cancer sucks. No two ways about it. All my good wishes to your aunt and family!
Posted by: Cara
I’m sure she’ll love it.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Posted by: Eileen
Red and cashmere sound like a potent combo to me. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Sarah
I love the screaming red. Sending good thoughts to you and your aunt.
Posted by: Kate
Oh Cari: I hope your aunt gets through this. And yes, I think red cashmere is certainly the way to go. Sending good thoughts your way, for whatever that’s worth. much love to you and yours.
Posted by: regina
I have a very personal and deep hatred of breast cancer. I hope your aunt kicks its filthy rotten arse and spends many years wearing her Clapotis.
Posted by: Steph VW
Red cashmere and handknit garments have healing properties. Good choice.
Posted by: Carrie
Cancer does suck. But your aunt sounds like she’s one to beat it. Her attitude is what it takes and I know – I’ve been there.
Hugs to you and yours.
Posted by: no-blog-rachel
damn. i’m really sorry to hear it. but i’m sending many good thoughts and wishes for strength, hope and kickass oncologists her way. the red scarf will be a tremendous comfort.
Posted by: heather
I can’t think of anything better to kick that cancer’s ass than a red, cashmere Clapotis. I will be thinking of your aunt!
Posted by: Bertha
Red is the only way to go. Sending good thoughts to your family and your aunt.
Posted by: margene
Oh Cari: I hope your aunt gets through this. And yes, I think red cashmere is certainly the way to go. Sending good thoughts your way, for whatever that’s worth. much love to you and yours.
Posted by: regina
I have a very personal and deep hatred of breast cancer. I hope your aunt kicks its filthy rotten arse and spends many years wearing her Clapotis.
Posted by: Steph VW
Red cashmere and handknit garments have healing properties. Good choice.
Posted by: Carrie
Cancer does suck. But your aunt sounds like she’s one to beat it. Her attitude is what it takes and I know – I’ve been there.
Hugs to you and yours.
Posted by: no-blog-rachel
damn. i’m really sorry to hear it. but i’m sending many good thoughts and wishes for strength, hope and kickass oncologists her way. the red scarf will be a tremendous comfort.
Posted by: heather
I can’t think of anything better to kick that cancer’s ass than a red, cashmere Clapotis. I will be thinking of your aunt!
Posted by: Bertha
Red is the only way to go. Sending good thoughts to your family and your aunt.
Posted by: margene
dude, a red cashmere Clapotis is the best present ever, and your aunt sounds totally awesome. sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Posted by: Carrie
A couple of years ago, I was sick for months with I don’t even know what. The doctors never figured it out. It was kicking my ass, whatever it was, and I was starting to feel pretty sorry for myself. Finally my doctor told me, “you’ve got to believe you’ll get better. Really. Tests have shown that people with cancer who think they’ll get better are right, and people with cancer who think they won’t get better are right too.”
I looked at her and knew she was right, and I knew then I would get better. Within a couple days I started having a little more energy.
Your aunt will kick cancer’s ass. Red is way more ass-kicking than pink.
Posted by: Riin
Sending good thoughts your way. Something red and soft will be perfect for her.
Posted by: Nell
I would love her. I’m so sorry that she needs this Clapotis, and I agree that it sounds perfect. Long may she wear it indeed.
Posted by: Lizbon
What a beautiful, fire-y, appropriate, and thoughtful gift!
All the very, very best to your aunt as she soldiers forward.
Posted by: Aura
may it wrap her in warm happy love for many years to come!
Posted by: stinkerbell
I have an aunt in the same boat. Dammit. We’re not as close as you and your aunt, from the sounds of it, but this is NOT supposed to be happening.
Posted by: Anne
dude, a red cashmere Clapotis is the best present ever, and your aunt sounds totally awesome. sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Posted by: Carrie
A couple of years ago, I was sick for months with I don’t even know what. The doctors never figured it out. It was kicking my ass, whatever it was, and I was starting to feel pretty sorry for myself. Finally my doctor told me, “you’ve got to believe you’ll get better. Really. Tests have shown that people with cancer who think they’ll get better are right, and people with cancer who think they won’t get better are right too.”
I looked at her and knew she was right, and I knew then I would get better. Within a couple days I started having a little more energy.
Your aunt will kick cancer’s ass. Red is way more ass-kicking than pink.
Posted by: Riin
Sending good thoughts your way. Something red and soft will be perfect for her.
Posted by: Nell
I would love her. I’m so sorry that she needs this Clapotis, and I agree that it sounds perfect. Long may she wear it indeed.
Posted by: Lizbon
What a beautiful, fire-y, appropriate, and thoughtful gift!
All the very, very best to your aunt as she soldiers forward.
Posted by: Aura
may it wrap her in warm happy love for many years to come!
Posted by: stinkerbell
I have an aunt in the same boat. Dammit. We’re not as close as you and your aunt, from the sounds of it, but this is NOT supposed to be happening.
Posted by: Anne
The power of the poem you’ll knit, the power of dragon-breath red, the power of all our thoughts–combined, they’ll energize your aunt for her battle. Please send her my luck as she enters the fray.
Posted by: Anna
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Aunt. I have heard of too many people with caner this week alone, it is not fair is it? Luckily the doctors are willing to go the extra mile. The red color is wonderful, couldn’t think of anything better…ciao:)
Posted by: Rositta Buracas
Red’s a fighting color. I hope your Aunt beats the hell out of the cancer.
Posted by: LaurieM
Red is the perfect colour for fighting. Cancer truly sucks. I am sorry that your Aunt having to fight this battle, and I will be thinking of her in the days and months ahead.
Posted by: marti
Have you seen the anticraft cancer text? several issues back…
Posted by: m
red cashmere hugs and cancer fighting thoughts
to you and your aunt.
xoxo
Posted by: irene
The power of the poem you’ll knit, the power of dragon-breath red, the power of all our thoughts–combined, they’ll energize your aunt for her battle. Please send her my luck as she enters the fray.
Posted by: Anna
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Aunt. I have heard of too many people with caner this week alone, it is not fair is it? Luckily the doctors are willing to go the extra mile. The red color is wonderful, couldn’t think of anything better…ciao:)
Posted by: Rositta Buracas
Red’s a fighting color. I hope your Aunt beats the hell out of the cancer.
Posted by: LaurieM
Red is the perfect colour for fighting. Cancer truly sucks. I am sorry that your Aunt having to fight this battle, and I will be thinking of her in the days and months ahead.
Posted by: marti
Have you seen the anticraft cancer text? several issues back…
Posted by: m
red cashmere hugs and cancer fighting thoughts
to you and your aunt.
xoxo
Posted by: irene
She will kick even more ass with this scarf on her. She will also know how much she’s loved as she does it.
Posted by: k
Oh, sweetie. Definitely red. Sending good kick-the-bad-stuff’s-ass thoughts.
Posted by: Cassie
Go, Auntie! Sorry she must fight but glad she has the oomph to win and you (and your family) to cheer her on. Sending all healing vibes possible, hugs.
Posted by: caroline
Me too. Cancer can just go pound sand.
Posted by: Wendy
Best wishes for your aunt Cari.
Posted by: LÃa
I’ve personally never liked that pink is the color for breast cancer. I like pink, but the chosen shade just doesn’t seem strong enough. People with cancer need strength, and it sounds like your aunt has a wonderful STRONG support system. I’ll send good thoughts over. That scarf is going to be fantastic.
Posted by: Marlena
I definitely agree that red is a suitable color. I will say a prayer for your aunt.
Posted by: Anna
She will kick even more ass with this scarf on her. She will also know how much she’s loved as she does it.
Posted by: k
Oh, sweetie. Definitely red. Sending good kick-the-bad-stuff’s-ass thoughts.
Posted by: Cassie
Go, Auntie! Sorry she must fight but glad she has the oomph to win and you (and your family) to cheer her on. Sending all healing vibes possible, hugs.
Posted by: caroline
Me too. Cancer can just go pound sand.
Posted by: Wendy
Best wishes for your aunt Cari.
Posted by: LÃa
I’ve personally never liked that pink is the color for breast cancer. I like pink, but the chosen shade just doesn’t seem strong enough. People with cancer need strength, and it sounds like your aunt has a wonderful STRONG support system. I’ll send good thoughts over. That scarf is going to be fantastic.
Posted by: Marlena
I definitely agree that red is a suitable color. I will say a prayer for your aunt.
Posted by: Anna
It will be a wonderful gift! I’ll send as many fighting, healing vibes to your aunt as I can!
Posted by: Wendy
I love the red for the fight idea, and Clapotis is karmically perfect–has any pattern ever had such TENACITY? It’s the LIVE STRONG bracelet of knitting patterns. She will think of you babe, whenever.
xo Kay
Posted by: Kay
I am sorry to hear about your aunt. I will send positive thoughts to you both. I think the bright red cashmere clapotis is perfect! I am sure she will love it.
Posted by: knittripps
An excellent choice. My best wishes to support her fight.
Posted by: claudia
Do you know Katie’s blog: katie.typepad.com ? Love her fight and spirit and REALness.
A close friend’s mother had a virulent form of cancer and was basically left for dead a few years ago…everyone said their goodbyes. But she didn’t die. She was ready for it. She was waiting for it. And it didn’t happen. So after months of hardly being able to move, let alone walk…she got up out of bed and started to live again. She continues to fight and live and be an inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Kim
A burning red cashmere Clapotis. Perfect choice! Sending good cancer stomping vibes to your auntie.
Posted by: Kim
Red cashmere sounds perfect. Prayers and fervent wishes for a full recovery for your aunt.
Posted by: Ruth
It will be a wonderful gift! I’ll send as many fighting, healing vibes to your aunt as I can!
Posted by: Wendy
I love the red for the fight idea, and Clapotis is karmically perfect–has any pattern ever had such TENACITY? It’s the LIVE STRONG bracelet of knitting patterns. She will think of you babe, whenever.
xo Kay
Posted by: Kay
I am sorry to hear about your aunt. I will send positive thoughts to you both. I think the bright red cashmere clapotis is perfect! I am sure she will love it.
Posted by: knittripps
An excellent choice. My best wishes to support her fight.
Posted by: claudia
Do you know Katie’s blog: katie.typepad.com ? Love her fight and spirit and REALness.
A close friend’s mother had a virulent form of cancer and was basically left for dead a few years ago…everyone said their goodbyes. But she didn’t die. She was ready for it. She was waiting for it. And it didn’t happen. So after months of hardly being able to move, let alone walk…she got up out of bed and started to live again. She continues to fight and live and be an inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Kim
A burning red cashmere Clapotis. Perfect choice! Sending good cancer stomping vibes to your auntie.
Posted by: Kim
Red cashmere sounds perfect. Prayers and fervent wishes for a full recovery for your aunt.
Posted by: Ruth
I was going to suggest a clapotis out of cashmere before I even got to the end of your post.
I’m terribly sorry to hear about your aunt.
(I dealt with lymphoma last winter and spent chemo knitting a clapotis out of cashmere. I wear it now with happy pride as a reminder that I’m stronger than I think.)
She’ll love it… and wear it for years and years.
Laura
Posted by: Laura
An excellent choice, an excellent gift and an excellent chance.
Well done!
I wish your aunt (who you’re right, I would love) continuing courage, strength and fiestiness.
Posted by: Andrea
Well, if Lime and Violet and claim that Malabrigo cures excema, I see no reason why cashmere can’t cure cancer.
Posted by: Beth
You always seem to know the time is right for the Clapotis; red is the perfect choice.
Posted by: Donna
Oh, wow, that’s a tough diagnosis, but attitude is so much a part of treatment. I hope the screaming red clapotis bolsters her up.
Posted by: Amy
Screaming red cashmere is the best thing I can think of for such a long, long road. Your aunt is in all of our thoughts.
Posted by: Amy
I was going to suggest a clapotis out of cashmere before I even got to the end of your post.
I’m terribly sorry to hear about your aunt.
(I dealt with lymphoma last winter and spent chemo knitting a clapotis out of cashmere. I wear it now with happy pride as a reminder that I’m stronger than I think.)
She’ll love it… and wear it for years and years.
Laura
Posted by: Laura
An excellent choice, an excellent gift and an excellent chance.
Well done!
I wish your aunt (who you’re right, I would love) continuing courage, strength and fiestiness.
Posted by: Andrea
Well, if Lime and Violet and claim that Malabrigo cures excema, I see no reason why cashmere can’t cure cancer.
Posted by: Beth
You always seem to know the time is right for the Clapotis; red is the perfect choice.
Posted by: Donna
Oh, wow, that’s a tough diagnosis, but attitude is so much a part of treatment. I hope the screaming red clapotis bolsters her up.
Posted by: Amy
Screaming red cashmere is the best thing I can think of for such a long, long road. Your aunt is in all of our thoughts.
Posted by: Amy
What a lovely gift for a treasured aunt.
Posted by: Rebecca
A fighter backed by a loving family, friends and support. She’s got more going for her than most, AND she’ll have a cashmere Clapotis when nothing else will do. She’s already won as far as I’m concerned!!
Posted by: Kathryn
I’ve read your blog for some time now, but have never posted a comment until now. I just finished going through treatment for breast cancer and I think the clapotis in red is perfect! A few other things to consider would be some socks for her when she is having chemo – it gets cold in the chemo rooms. And hats, hats, hats. I choose not to wear a wig and I wouldn’t have been able to handle it without my hats. But make them a little longer than you would normally so they cover the back of her head. My thoughts and prayers are with your aunt. God Bless.
Posted by: Cheryl Smith
The feeling of not being able to do anything to fix things like this is the worst feeling there is.
And still what little we can do means SO much!
All the best to your aunt and the rest of your family.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
Your aunt will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Carmen
Wow, a Cashmere Clapotis is a great idea. It’s warm and soft and will give her something to cling to when the going gets tough! Good wishes go out to your aunt, cancer is tough but beatable!
Posted by: Amy in StL
blessings to your aunt.
Posted by: michele
What a lovely gift for a treasured aunt.
Posted by: Rebecca
A fighter backed by a loving family, friends and support. She’s got more going for her than most, AND she’ll have a cashmere Clapotis when nothing else will do. She’s already won as far as I’m concerned!!
Posted by: Kathryn
I’ve read your blog for some time now, but have never posted a comment until now. I just finished going through treatment for breast cancer and I think the clapotis in red is perfect! A few other things to consider would be some socks for her when she is having chemo – it gets cold in the chemo rooms. And hats, hats, hats. I choose not to wear a wig and I wouldn’t have been able to handle it without my hats. But make them a little longer than you would normally so they cover the back of her head. My thoughts and prayers are with your aunt. God Bless.
Posted by: Cheryl Smith
The feeling of not being able to do anything to fix things like this is the worst feeling there is.
And still what little we can do means SO much!
All the best to your aunt and the rest of your family.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
Your aunt will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Carmen
Wow, a Cashmere Clapotis is a great idea. It’s warm and soft and will give her something to cling to when the going gets tough! Good wishes go out to your aunt, cancer is tough but beatable!
Posted by: Amy in StL
blessings to your aunt.
Posted by: michele
Sounds like the perfect gift for her.
Posted by: Sharon
You go girl! your aunt will love it and the color red is wonderful.
Your aunt and so many people like her are the reason I have walked in 3 Breast Cancer marathon walks to raise money. May your Aunt kick cancer’s ass!
Posted by: Debbie
My Nanny had the very same combo, breast and bone cancer. Fight like hell, dear lady, and we’re all with you on this one.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Strong thoughts to your aunt…fight the good fight.
And a red cashmere clapotis…that’s got to help.
Posted by: Sarah R
I think a red, cashmere clapotis sounds beautiful and like a perfect match for the way you described your aunt. I’m sure she will cherish it.
I’m sorry to hear about your aunt’s illness. Her feisty nature will be very useful as she battles, and conquers, cancer. Thanks for posting about her, she sounds like a real peach.
Posted by: Kris
Red is perfect for a fighter! I’m glad to hear she’s willing to give this Cancer a kick in the butt! Determination! Keep encouraging her! I’ll lift her up in prayer – as well as the family who will be fighting with her!
Posted by: Rebecca
Sorry to hear of your Aunt’s health problems. That is a great gift. All the best to you and her.
Posted by: Dr. Steph
Sounds like the perfect gift for her.
Posted by: Sharon
You go girl! your aunt will love it and the color red is wonderful.
Your aunt and so many people like her are the reason I have walked in 3 Breast Cancer marathon walks to raise money. May your Aunt kick cancer’s ass!
Posted by: Debbie
My Nanny had the very same combo, breast and bone cancer. Fight like hell, dear lady, and we’re all with you on this one.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Strong thoughts to your aunt…fight the good fight.
And a red cashmere clapotis…that’s got to help.
Posted by: Sarah R
I think a red, cashmere clapotis sounds beautiful and like a perfect match for the way you described your aunt. I’m sure she will cherish it.
I’m sorry to hear about your aunt’s illness. Her feisty nature will be very useful as she battles, and conquers, cancer. Thanks for posting about her, she sounds like a real peach.
Posted by: Kris
Red is perfect for a fighter! I’m glad to hear she’s willing to give this Cancer a kick in the butt! Determination! Keep encouraging her! I’ll lift her up in prayer – as well as the family who will be fighting with her!
Posted by: Rebecca
Sorry to hear of your Aunt’s health problems. That is a great gift. All the best to you and her.
Posted by: Dr. Steph
That is a lovely gift for your aunt, very comforting. I wish her the best through this and am sure she will love the handknit.
Clapotis …I’m not good at looking at patterns and ‘seeing’ them differently, as in different colors or yarn weights, most of the time. So, when Clapotis was first popular I didn’t think much of it until I saw yours in such beautiful colors. Since then I was desperate, d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e for my own and I just cast off on mine yesterday! I’m excited to wear it but still need to pull all of the dropped stitches and weave in the ends. Yay 🙂
Posted by: Jaime
Your aunt will love the clapotis because it’s beautiful and it reminds her of you. I’ll keep her in my thoughts. Jane
Posted by: jane
That is a lovely gift for your aunt, very comforting. I wish her the best through this and am sure she will love the handknit.
Clapotis …I’m not good at looking at patterns and ‘seeing’ them differently, as in different colors or yarn weights, most of the time. So, when Clapotis was first popular I didn’t think much of it until I saw yours in such beautiful colors. Since then I was desperate, d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e for my own and I just cast off on mine yesterday! I’m excited to wear it but still need to pull all of the dropped stitches and weave in the ends. Yay 🙂
Posted by: Jaime
Your aunt will love the clapotis because it’s beautiful and it reminds her of you. I’ll keep her in my thoughts. Jane
Posted by: jane