This gorgeous young man, our son Will,Ā is about to begin a new era of his life. Having completed his ‘A’ levels in spectacular fashion, he leaves us this week to start his university studies.
He is sporting a sweater that I made for him last Christmas, one that is based on an original from a very different era.
This portrait of Edward, Duke of Windsor was painted in 1925. When Will asked me to make him a Fair Isle tank top I used this painting, in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, as the inspiration for Will’s version. You can see more details of the sweater on Ravelry.
Of course, starting new eras necessarily involves ending old ones. Our beautiful baby boy, with the broadest grin and the loudest laugh, has left his childhood behind and grown into an amazing, talented, considerate, handsome, witty and and endlessly interesting young man. I am bursting with pride as I watch him make this this transition and cannot wait to cheer him on as he embraces life as an adult.
But some things never change. Will, this is for you:
“So they went off together. But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”
AA Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Congratulations to Will, and to your family, also. You are right to be proud.
You did a better job than the Prince of Wales’ knitter; your V-neck doesn’t pull the patterning up at the center. Well done.
My youngest has left the nest this fall, too. I miss him, but I’m so happy for him, too.
Thanks Michele! It’s such a double-edged sword, isn’t it: happy for them and sad all at the same time.
This vest is stunning. And what an exciting thing to send a son off into the world. He sounds like a good man.
Thank you Erin. He really is a good young man.
The color work is amazing. Congrats to your son!
Thank you Andi!
Anna! You’re back! And with such an awe inspiring finished project! It’s wonderful and he looks amazing. Congrats all round!
Well, I’m hoping this might be the start of a new era of blogging for me!
i was missing your blog
glad you’re back š
i have a 13 and 11 YO and reading this just makes my heart pinch… time passes so quickly
i can def understand you bursting with pride – he is handsome and any young man who will ask his mom to knit him something gets bonus points š
what will he be studying?
so exciting for him and you
best of luck will, and mom too
Hi Rebecca, you’re right, time definitely passes quicker than you ever think it could. Thanks for your comment.
Wow! You did an amazing job on the vest, the colours are perfect and it looks great.
And you did an amazing job on the fine young man wearing it. Loves his mother’s knitting and off to university. Wonderful.
Thank you – I must admit I’m proud to have raised kids who love my knitting š
Congratulations to Will
How FABULOUS and exciting. I am sure he has it all from is very talented and amazing mother
The vest is superb! i am totally impressed. You see what I mean- that proof to what I said just a couple of sentences ago. Just mind blowing!
ps its good to hear back from you again
lots of love
Thanks Asiye – it’s good to be back! I just need to see if I can keep it up now….
lovely photos. The fair isle sweater is fantastic. I hope that Will has a wonderful time at University, tiddley pom!
Thanks Arianwen! At least he’ll have cosy socks to stop his toes from growing cold, tiddley pom!
That vest is absolutely amazing! And congrats on your son’s big move…
Congratulations on you son’s move, and the knitting is gorgeous!
What a handsome fellow! He certainly takes after his Mom and if I recall correctly from previously posted photos – his Dad too.
My oldest is currently in Siena, Italy studying music and having the time of his life. I see him regularly on FaceTime so its not so bad being so far away.
Cheers,
Michelle