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Princess Di's black sheep jumper sells for 14 times over asking price

<p>Princess Diana's famous "black sheep" jumper has sold at auction for more than $1.1million.   </p> <p>The iconic red and white (and one tiny bit of black, of course!) jumper fetched precisely $1,143,000 at Sotheby's in New York - making it the most expensive piece of clothing owned by the former Princess of Wales to sell at auction, as well as the most expensive jumper to ever be sold at auction. </p> <p>There were a total of 44 bids within the final 15 minutes of a two-week online bidding process for the famous item of clothing - during which the bidding leapt from $190,000 to $1,143,000, which ultimately pushed the sale to a staggering 14 times over the initial asking price of $80,000.  </p> <p>The woollen jumper was worn by Lady Di to a polo match in Windsor in June 1981, just one month before she married the then-Prince Charles. </p> <p>Soon after Diana wore the garment, it was returned to Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the label Warm &amp; Wonderful because of a tear at the cuff.</p> <p>It was sent back to the designers along with a note from Buckingham Palace, requesting that the jumper be either repaired or replaced.</p> <p>A new jumper was knitted for Diana, with Osborne believing the original garment had been lost after the replacement was sent to the Princess of Wales, which she wore to another polo match in 1983. </p> <p>However, Osborne later discovered the jumper, which had been preserved underneath an old cotton bedspread, while searching her attic looking for an old pattern. </p> <p>She got in touch with Sotheby's auction house which gave the garment an auction estimate of around $80,000 - $120,000.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>The Telegraph UK</em>, Osborne said, "We didn't think we had any of the original sheep jumpers, because at the time, we were so desperate to complete orders that we never owned one ourselves, so I couldn't believe I'd found the original Diana sheep jumper."</p> <p>"It took a while to sink in. And we're so lucky it's not fallen to pieces."</p> <p>Sotheby's said of the now-iconic design, "The Black Sheep sweater is one of the most iconic pieces worn by Princess Diana to ever come to market."</p> <p>"The cultural impact of this moment from the 1980s is exemplified by the head of Rowing Blazers, Jack Carlson, who in 2020, requested to partner with the original designers and license the sheep design to be reproduced for his own fashion line."</p> <p>"Since stumbling upon the sweater ... we have been reliving the fond memories of Princess Diana appearing on the front pages of every newspaper in 1981, wearing our very own sweater.  </p> <p>"While we are forever indebted to her for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design. We are thrilled that this cherished sweater has now found a new home, carrying with it the enduring legacy of Princess Diana."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Princess Diana's iconic jumper to be sold at auction

<p>The iconic black sheep jumper worn by the late Princess Diana is going to auction. </p> <p>The woollen jumper was worn by Lady Di to a polo match in Windsor in June 1981, just one month before she married Prince Charles. </p> <p>Soon after Diana wore the garment to the polo match, it was returned to Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the label Warm &amp; Wonderful because of a tear at the cuff.</p> <p>It was sent back to the designers along with a note from Buckingham Palace, requesting that the jumper be either repaired or replaced.</p> <p>A new jumper was knitted for Diana, with Joanna Osborne believing the original garment has been lost after the replacement was sent to the Princess of Wales, which she wore to another polo match in 1983. </p> <p>However, earlier this year Osborne discovered the jumper, which has been preserved underneath an old cotton bedspread, while searching her attic looking for an old pattern. </p> <p>She got in touch with Sotheby's auction house which has since given the garment an auction estimate of £50,000-£70,000 (approx. $95,000 - $133,000 AUD).</p> <p>It will be auctioned online between August 31st and September 14th.</p> <p>Speaking to <em><a title="The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/you-can-now-buy-princess-dianas-original-sheep-jumper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph</a> UK</em>, Osborne said, "We didn't think we had any of the original sheep jumpers, because at the time, we were so desperate to complete orders that we never owned one ourselves, so I couldn't believe I'd found the original Diana sheep jumper."</p> <p>"It took a while to sink in. And we're so lucky it's not fallen to pieces."</p> <p>Sotheby's said of the now-iconic design, "The Black Sheep sweater is one of the most iconic pieces worn by Princess Diana to ever come to market."</p> <p>"The cultural impact of this moment from the 1980s is exemplified by the head of Rowing Blazers, Jack Carlson, who in 2020, requested to partner with the original designers and license the sheep design to be reproduced for his own fashion line."</p> <p>"The business partners reported an outstanding response from consumers, emphasizing the immortality of Diana's taste and her influence on popular culture."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Olympian tragically killed at just 24

<p>Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who only just competed for the United States in the 2022 Beijing Games has tragically passed away at the age of 24.</p> <p>Gasienica died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, according to the Bull Valley Police Department.</p> <p>USA Nordic took to Twitter to share tribute for the late ski champ.</p> <p>“USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica,” they began their post.</p> <p>“A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate and friend. He will be dearly missed.</p> <p>“Rest in peace, Patrick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkiJumpingFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#SkiJumpingFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#TeamUSA</a>."</p> <p>The U.S Ski &amp; Snowboard Team also posted on Twitter about his tragic death.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the passing [of] Patrick Gasienica, an incredible athlete, teammate and person.</p> <p>"Sending love to his family, friends and the entire ski jumping community."</p> <p>Gasienica finished 49th and 53rd in individual events at the Beijing Olympics and secured 10th place in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner and Decker Dean.</p> <p>“We don’t really have a lot of jumpers, but it’s getting better,” Gasienica said in 2022 in China.</p> <p>“Especially since the pandemic, a lot of different kids are joining the different clubs around America. Hopefully in a couple of years — five, 10, maybe — we’ll have a really, really great team.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

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The Kmart jumper “blunder” that has left shoppers divided

<p>A Kmart shopper has taken to Facebook to share the ‘error’ she spotted on her son’s new jumper.</p> <p>On the Facebook forum Kmart Mums, the mum shared a photo of her three-year-old in a jumper from the retail store that had been given to him by his grandmother.</p> <p>Hundreds of shoppers have debated over the ‘glaring error’ since it was initially shared online – do you think Kmart got it wrong?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="725" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819328/1_499x725.jpg" alt="1 (159)"/></p> <p>The astronomy themed jumper, which features a dinosaur, has ‘east’ and ‘west’ printed on the opposite sides.</p> <p>Some members of the group said the mistake was “obvious”, while one customer admitted they had purchased the item without noticing the error: “OMG I bought this today and didn’t even notice.”</p> <p>One user slammed Kmart for the mix-up and suggested for the designers to “look at a compass”.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="1285" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819329/2_500x1285.jpg" alt="2 (95)"/></p> <p>However, the reason why east and west are reversed on a sky map is because the map shows the sky as you look away from earth, whereas a geographic map shows the Earth from above looking down. </p> <p>Therefore, east and west are correctly switched around. </p> <p>Some social media users realised that the jumper did not have an error and said the astrological map was correct “when looking at the stars”.</p> <p>One person wrote: “It’s a star map – it’s correct!”</p> <p>Another asked: “Did no one here learn about constellations and maps when they were in school?”</p> <p>Did you initially think there was an error on the jumper? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Dad’s hilarious letter to son’s school about confiscated jumper goes viral

<p>A dad’s hilarious letter to his son’s school about his confiscated jumper is going viral, revealing the real reason why his son broke the uniform rule.  </p> <p>Twitter user Seannwalsh recently found a letter his dad sent to his school after he was told off over his uniform, resulting in his jumper being confiscated.</p> <p>Sean shared a picture of the letter online, laughing at the real reason his father gives for the situation.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A letter from my dad to a teacher during my school years. I think the appropriate emojis are 😂 and 🙈. “Life’s hard enough” 👏👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/CouOv26etw">pic.twitter.com/CouOv26etw</a></p> — Seann Walsh (@seannwalsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/seannwalsh/status/986287042727378946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The formal letter tries to relieve his son of any consequence.</p> <p>“Dear Mr Field, Sean tells me that you have confiscated his sweater. He tells me that in class he conforms to the school uniform. He was absent from school on Monday because he had a cold, so travelling on Wednesday without his sweater was not too clever,” the letter began.</p> <p>“He told me that the jacket he normally wears is acceptable, but it was stained, therefore he could not wear it.</p> <p>"His mother was in Cyprus last week on a break and I, unfortunately, was not able to use the washing machine,” the dad continued.</p> <p>The father ended his letter by hoping to show perspective on the matter.</p> <p>“Sean was too embarrassed at having a father who cannot use a washing machine to say this. Anyway my point is: Isn’t this just a little bit petty? Life’s hard enough,” he concluded.</p> <p>Twitter users shared their appreciation for the dad’s honesty and the way he handled the situation.</p> <p>“What a great dad… in spite of his laundry ineptitude,” wrote one user.</p> <p>“I bet your Dad was a riot at parent evenings,” said another.</p> <p>The tweet currently has over 29,000 likes.</p>

Technology

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How to dress up a jumper

<p><strong><em>Dorrie Jacobson, 81, an internationally recognised expert on ageing stylishly, writes for her popular website <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.seniorstylebible.com/" target="_blank">Senior Style Bible</a></span>, which celebrates stylish older women who are embracing their mature beauty.</em></strong></p> <p>In the past, I’ve generally gravitated towards sweaters that are a bit oversized because I have a bit of a tummy and I prefer styles that I know won’t cling to my middle. However, I’ve recently started experimenting with a more fitted silhouette to see if that could possibly be more figure flattering. Here’s what I’ve discovered – sometimes a fitted sweater is actually quite slimming. In this case, I chose a sweater that has some stretch to it, so it fits snugly but also gives where it needs to.</p> <p>I usually shy away from patterns, but decided to give this fun geometric pattern a whirl for a change. What I like about this particular design, is the solid black panels along the sides and across the bottom, which create the illusion of a slimmer torso. I also loved the length. Since I’m vertically challenged, I like my sweaters to hit me at the waist or a little below, because longer tops tend to cut me in half and make me look like I have short stumpy legs, a shorter top, works to elongate the body.</p> <p>There are so many different kinds of sweaters out there this season, so why not step out of your comfort zone and try some new styles? Those good old cardigans will still be around next season. I promise.</p> <p>How do you most like to wear a sweater? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em><strong>For more of Dorrie Jacobson, please visit <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.seniorstylebible.com/" target="_blank">Senior Style Bible</a></span> or her <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seniorstylebible/?hl=en" target="_blank">popular Instagram here.</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/return-of-vintage-clothing/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The return of vintage clothing</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/15-stylish-seniors/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">15 stylish seniors you will love</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/iris-apfel-accessories-tips/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Iris Apfel reveals accessories tips</span></strong></em></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Meet the woman who knits woolly hats for homeless greyhounds

<p>Meet Jan Brown or as she is popularly known, “Knitty Jan”. She runs an online store called Knitted With Love, which sells a range of hand-knitted doggy hats and coats.</p> <p>Five years ago, the 52-year old from Sunderland in the UK began knitting coats to raise money and awareness for greyhound rescues. She has now hand-knitted over 300 jumpers for abandoned dogs. Each one can take up to 20 hours to complete, but one things is for sure: they are all made with love.</p> <p>She quit her job in 2012 to start knitting full-time and set up her shop, where a percentage of her profits go toward greyhound rescue charities, the site's Facebook page states.</p> <p>“I can’t think of anything I would rather do than knit woolly clothing for dogs,” Jan says. “I have spent over 4,000 hours knitting but it’s all worthwhile when I see them sporting their new jumpers and hats.”</p> <p>“It’s really sweet seeing them in their festive Christmas jumpers and it’s giving much needed help to the rescue centres,” she adds, explaining, “Greyhounds have very thin fur so they really feel the cold during the winter so my gifts help keep them warm during walks.”</p> <p><img width="451" height="338" src="https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/ad_189524534.jpg?w=748&amp;h=561&amp;crop=1" alt="This woman knits cosy hats and jumpers for homeless greyhounds at Christmas" class="img-align-none wp-image-5538551 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/baby-goat-learns-to-hop-video/">Baby goat learns to hop by copying human friend</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/the-oldest-cat-in-the-world/">Meet 121-year-old Corduroy, the world’s oldest cat</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a></strong></em></span></p>

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