(I almost titled this Valentine's Break-Up, but I worried that you'd all think worse things were afoot. They are not... I still love my new vacuum! Ha!!)

I think on Valentine's day, it is best to reflect on your relationships and take an honest stock of what's good and what's bad. So my dear Ginevra, this is directed at you.

You are a beautiful sweater. It was love at first sight. I knew that I couldn't resist your charms. As we flirty over the pages of Interweave, I knew that we had to give it a try.

We started by selecting some lovely maroon Malabrigo. I had a single minded focus on you and only you. There was a little dalliance with a sock, but I quickly ended that relationship. You were so soft and lovely that we zoomed through the lacy phase of the relationship.

We ran into a few bumps in the road when our gauge wasn't working right. I knew it was just a matter of time that we'd be a perfect fit. There was that terrible fight and a needle was broken, but we quickly overcame our differences and carried on.

I knew I was probably moving too fast and I decided to put the body on hold and focus on a sleeve. And I convinced you that doing the sleeve my way would shed a little weight, not that you were ever fat dear Ginevra. You were just a little baggy in the upper arms.

As I finally neared the completion of the first sleeve, this is where are problems really started. Ok, I'll take the blame on this. I got too busy, I started to ignore you. Alone, you would sit and wait for me, and yet I didn't give you any attention.

I tried to rekindle our love with the drastic move of inserting the lace piece. I painstakingly sewed the insert in. But alas, I was a little less than careful and it isn't quite even. I thought no one would notice your little blemish. But that blemish sticks out like a sore thumb to me. And the thought of ripping and resewing is disheartening.

And of course, there's still the matter of another sleeve and to finish the body.

Oh and well, there was that affair with a mitten. A singular mitten who is more likely to have a buddy than you are to get finished before the winter is over.

To be honest, while in our honeymoon phase I could picture wearing you with jeans or a skirt, loving being wrapped in your soft warm embrace, the reality of the environment we live in is unlikely to make you a much worn sweater.

My dear, you are very warm and quite heavy. It's the nature of who you are and I know you can't change. I know that I'm always complaining about how chilly it is in my office, but I've got Mariah there for extra warmth, and sometimes Clapotis visits. And really, the classrooms where I spend more of my time are at least 85 degrees on the best of days. Your warm embrace under teaching conditions would be like a death sentence.

Oh my lovely Ginevra, I don't regret meeting you. You'll leave me with some yummy Malabrigo. You'll find others who will love you. I've seen the evidence on Ravelry. It is time to be honest with each other and to part as friends.

Love always,
Dr. GF