Throughout the series, viewers experience the loves of Rory’s young life along with her. Jared Padalecki nailed his audition immediately. Newcomer Padalecki’s Dean Forester from Stars Hollow High was liked by all and the first to tell Rory that he loved her, causing Rory to freeze up and freak out. Played by Milo Ventimiglia, Jess Mariano, Luke’s nephew from New York, was a rule-breaker and may have been her intellectual equal in both books and music, but was unable to commit to her. Experienced actor Matt Czuchry originally auditioned for Jess, Tristan, and Marty, ultimately landing the role of Logan Huntzberger. A fellow Yale student, Logan was adored by Rory’s grandparents for his family’s social status and provided her with the adventure and spontaneity she so desperately needed. Regardless of their love for each other and a marriage proposal at graduation, they ultimately break up when Rory turns down his ultimatum.

While very different people, each boyfriend fills a void left by Rory’s absentee father, and each is instrumental in shaping her into the woman she will become. Actress Lauren Graham remembered, “It has all these points of entry in terms of how old the characters are, and it never talked down to the audience. There was an aspect to Stars Hollow that was unique and unusual, and not everyone in the town was 15, 17, or 20. As you would have in any town, there were people of all ages and sizes. I mean, obviously it’s fun to look at attractive people, and the boys were cute, but it wasn’t just that. I think Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show’s creator and executive producer had a real talent for casting people that were interesting, who you believed were real people.”

There’s nothing like a cozy sweater to snuggle up in on a cold New England day! Inspired by Rory’s comfy high school after-hours wardrobe when with her boyfriend Dean, this striped pullover is worked in the round from the bottom up. Beginning with ribbing on the torso, the body is worked in stockinette. Set-in sleeves are worked from picked up stitches in the round and shaped with German short rows. Different colors are used for the ribbed cuffs, with matching ribbed collar added and folded over, then sewn in place at the end.