Today I want to talk about Frank Sinatra. For starters my Mom really liked ¨Old Blue Eyes¨ and I could see her spirits lighten every time she heard one of his songs. He was the crooner of her time, much like say Paul McCartney was of mine, my spirits lighten at a McCartney song. Sinatra made tons of movies and did a stand up show in Las Vegas for years with the Rat Pack. Frank, again during my time, helped make his daughter famous by singing duets with her. That would be Nancy Sinatra of These Boots are Made for Walkin fame. So certainly I know of Frank Sinatra although he wasn't really a part of my era.
About six months ago, this statue of him came into our house:
As can be seen, he has an enormous head in comparison to the size of the rest of his body. Should you look on eBay you will find the asking price is somewhere between $100-$150 for this 16.5 inch (42 cm) tall statue. (I can't tell if anyone is actually buying them for that price or not.) There is, of course, a story behind how we ended up with this Frank on our mantel.
During the summer of 2014 Paul was visiting a friend who had just taken ownership of a new home for him. The home had been lived in for years by a brother and sister who were well into their 80's. When they moved out for some reason Frank was left behind. Paul's friend was about to trash the statue when Paul decided he needed it.
But Paul flew in and out of town and although this is a small stature, the thing is heavy. So Frank took a lovely trip in the car with Paul's son as he crossed the U.S. from Columbus, Ohio to Portland, Oregon. Eventually Frank found his way here to British Columbia in one of the frequent trips taken to Portland.
Frank started by guarding our front door as a look out. Then he moved into our living area and finally he's moved to the mantel, where he's been for about a month. Last week Paul thought Frank looked a little chilly what with his hands in his pockets so he wondered out loud if a scarf could be knit up for him. (Mike, the cat, doesn't knit so I knew this question was directed to me, the only knitter in the house.) There was much discussion about the colour and since Frank represented high fashion for men during his day, the style had to be just right as well. So I found some leftover acrylic and knit up a seed or moss stitch scarf (BTW the yarn has a little bit of sheen to add to the classy look.) Fringe was added because, of course, Frank would have fringe on his scarf. And it had to be long enough to do a few different styles of knots, yet not too long to drag at his feet. (Since his body is so short getting all of this to work was no small feat.) Once the scarf was done we agreed Frank needed a toque (stocking cap) to keep his head warm. As you can imagine this took more thought than the scarf.
I first measured the size of Frank's head and it was a remarkable 17 inches around. (I know some of you are recovering from the shock that the first step I took was to measure, but hey I am learning from past mistakes.) A baby cap pattern with an appropriately simple design was located. Since Frank would not wear a toque with a rolled edge, ribbing was added at the bottom. The head is not very long so I made the cap only 3.5 inches tall instead of 6 inches suggested in the pattern before decreasing to the top. And to my total amazement the thing fit like a glove. Now we know Frank's ears are warm.
We are both happy now that Frank is dressed for the winter here. Can you tell we are two people with arguably too much free time on our hands? Now, what can be knit for Frank for summer? Any ideas???
About six months ago, this statue of him came into our house:
As can be seen, he has an enormous head in comparison to the size of the rest of his body. Should you look on eBay you will find the asking price is somewhere between $100-$150 for this 16.5 inch (42 cm) tall statue. (I can't tell if anyone is actually buying them for that price or not.) There is, of course, a story behind how we ended up with this Frank on our mantel.
During the summer of 2014 Paul was visiting a friend who had just taken ownership of a new home for him. The home had been lived in for years by a brother and sister who were well into their 80's. When they moved out for some reason Frank was left behind. Paul's friend was about to trash the statue when Paul decided he needed it.
But Paul flew in and out of town and although this is a small stature, the thing is heavy. So Frank took a lovely trip in the car with Paul's son as he crossed the U.S. from Columbus, Ohio to Portland, Oregon. Eventually Frank found his way here to British Columbia in one of the frequent trips taken to Portland.
Frank started by guarding our front door as a look out. Then he moved into our living area and finally he's moved to the mantel, where he's been for about a month. Last week Paul thought Frank looked a little chilly what with his hands in his pockets so he wondered out loud if a scarf could be knit up for him. (Mike, the cat, doesn't knit so I knew this question was directed to me, the only knitter in the house.) There was much discussion about the colour and since Frank represented high fashion for men during his day, the style had to be just right as well. So I found some leftover acrylic and knit up a seed or moss stitch scarf (BTW the yarn has a little bit of sheen to add to the classy look.) Fringe was added because, of course, Frank would have fringe on his scarf. And it had to be long enough to do a few different styles of knots, yet not too long to drag at his feet. (Since his body is so short getting all of this to work was no small feat.) Once the scarf was done we agreed Frank needed a toque (stocking cap) to keep his head warm. As you can imagine this took more thought than the scarf.
I first measured the size of Frank's head and it was a remarkable 17 inches around. (I know some of you are recovering from the shock that the first step I took was to measure, but hey I am learning from past mistakes.) A baby cap pattern with an appropriately simple design was located. Since Frank would not wear a toque with a rolled edge, ribbing was added at the bottom. The head is not very long so I made the cap only 3.5 inches tall instead of 6 inches suggested in the pattern before decreasing to the top. And to my total amazement the thing fit like a glove. Now we know Frank's ears are warm.
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| Perhaps he is too warm, looking a bit shiny here. |
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