Stora Nassa

Knitting at "Stora Nassa", (or "big schnase - big nose, swe "stora näsan") is a well known adventure for sailers in the Stockholm archepelago in the outer area. With wonderful weather this weekend we found this calm place, which I of course used to knit. Ahh, you do not see the progress of the camisole? And my happy face? Ok, have a closer look! That smile can only come after a calm and wonderful summerday - with many dips in the cold sea. Honestly, this is in the top sailing with our dear "Alice"... Sohoho nice.... It was extra hard to be back to work. But I hope the weather stays on another weekend...My thinking around this knit is - easy.... too easy, perfect for a fried brain, but almost on the "boring side". It is time for a more complicated knit again... Many UFO's that measure up to that in the pile! So, should I go for a cardigan, or a camisole with shorter sleeves and short pants? As you see, I have long sleeves even in the evening heat (sensitive to the sun!) and with "bingowings". Im at least trying to do something about it.... but age you know....and time! We will see..Well, have a great summer you out there! And as we say in Sweden, - ja, that was a great summer day!

FO- Ice Cream Blouse Bunny Holders

Finished! Pattern: Citrus Top Yoke, yarn Debbie Bliss Pure Silk. Colours chosen from Ice-cream memories.... Pistage, strawberry, Vanilla and dark Choclate (ok it black!) which were the only ice-cream flavours when I grew up. Making this was really a challenge. Not only can you see how I have added an extra layer both on the top and on the sides of the cup. It does sag in the back and the underbrim should have been a bit tighter under the bunnies to get a better "hold", but all in all - it is wearable in the secluded garden of my home ;-) And the sunshine is out, so why not get the white flesh some vitamine D. Im already thinking how to improve the back, and do some shorts... maybe put in a metal bar.. hmm. A fun and fast project. Ahh Summertime! Blouse Bunnies is of course said in Scrubs by the Doc... well, if you get it you get it.

YARN and some summertime...

In Vienna I got these two small little cuddly Lana Grossa Merino Print, where only one posed with my sulfur yellow tree-peony.. Thinking socks... or??? just felt so good. And then the three Noro Ganpi (or is it Ganbi?)
tape, that will make an entire top... It is just wonderfully weird and beautiful. Knit with paper. I wonder if it is washable? But one of those whimsical projects. Ps... The Sacher cake I got as a present was YUMMY!
I also realized that pulling weeds makes my hands a bit sore - which impacts my knitting. But Im in a garden heaven. Roses are fab!

Yarnhunting In Sofia and some in Vienna

Sofia, Bulgaria. A country which is a cross between Tallin and Rome, well, it is different, unreadable letters for me, making the yarnhunting a bit difficult. In 30 degrees heat (celcius), I did mangage to follow the lead of Ravelry hints - and by accident - the dear lady knitting in my tutorial (the real reason for going to Sofia). Plethe. To Knit. The only question I was asked form the "tech guys" was: What does "knit" mean... I said Plethe.... (of course that is the ONLY word I know in Bulgarian, but nevertheless, the coincedence created a gasp!)So, here is the shop. to the left. A small little place. The inside can be seen. All yarn carefully wrapped in plastic. I mean, no dust or bleaching on it, and no sogging.... so fresh in that respect. But, oh dear what a yarn snob I have become. There is really no words say. The worst in my book. Acrylics, nylon, microfibre and fake fur... ok, I could spot some cotton in there, but colours was the last put off. Im so NOT in sync with the local fashion in Sofia. The sort of young girl was ok, but, no, I could not even find one ball of souvenier yarn, that is how "put off" I got. It was for sure not the money. It was cheap. So thinking of my stash at home, Im going NO NO NO... took a picture and backed out. Poor Sofia knitters. There was another shop, not far from there. But I was one street off, so I had to go back day after - and that was closed for lunch then. So, no, honestly. I know the two shops in Bulgaria, and that did not tickle me at all. But again, I can say nothing about the supernice and friendly Bulgarians. The legal Taxi's (OK) are cheap and great, but there a lot of very expensive "mob" -cabs, so be careful what you step into. Since these cheap and legal cab get so little, I really tip well. That is so much more comforting, than getting ripped. Well, a short flight to Vienna, I realized I had not checked Ravelry or knit-map, and relied on my memory to find the way to Neubau gasse and FE Wolle und Mode. This shop I remembered were filled with goodies, last time, where I definitely got some Lana Grossa yarn. Now, I was panting in the heat, and could not even touch the wool, cashmere but glazed on the cotton...But ended up with some really strange hanks of Noro (?) Ganbi tape - which is basically paper yarn. Really weird. I guess it was the colour that seduced me. Ok, I got some merino throw in for a pair of socks. But really... that was all I had time for, so when later spending time on the free Vienna airport internet, I realized that there definitely are both new and great yarnshops in Vienna. Well, a bit of flight screw-up, worked in my favor going directly home, instead of passing Copenhagen, so Im happy! Only the luggage has still not arrived - so pics of the result of the yarnhunt will come later. Happy midsummer. There is now a short break when it is not raining here, so Im in the garden ;-)

FO- Indietop Pinktober and FO- Mothers socks!

Hi there! Very proud to present the Indietop (started on a flying trip to India) with saleyarn from Garnverket in Linköping and Stockholm (Rowan summer tweed in two pink colours) adding some Giotto tape-yarn to spice it up. The time started was october - and all should (even in June) be aware of breastcancer, so therefore it was named "pink-october = Pinktober". No, no pattern, the usual "garngamen knits on circular" and makes a sweater to wear... Ok, a tense smile, but hey Im posing on the street here, give me some cred! Note - it is in front of the syringa to the left the wonderful "Katherine Havemyer" fragrant, and bluish pink that changes to pale lilac when in full bloom, and to the left - the Syringa reflexa. Anyhow Im very proud of the last one, since I raised it from seed! Well, I must admit Im a bit overwhelmed with your kind comments. Do not feel obliged. I was having a down period, but Im back again, realizing it is great to celebrate our knitting and yes, you are out there! Ok, I finished My dear mothers socks. They are big, on request, but yummy soft. Patons "JET" is the cuff yarn and the foot is in Eskimo from Garnstudio. They were really heavy on the wonderful white tree-peonies. But was posing better on the tender Hostas, just opening up their leaf-charm. And I have been a good girl doing the steek of Sue's secred cardi, and starting on the cuff. Ohh, I forgot. The most fun knit is the blouse-bunnie holder- from a patter called Citrus yoke top, but you can see - this is all ICE-CREAM. I tell you the story later, ok?

Mothers Day!

This is how I spent mothers day - knitting on socks for mommy dearest - out at Ladviken one of our favourite spots. I had hoped I would finish them, but I guess when the great weather hits, one melts in the sun. It is rare to have such fab weather, mild winds and it hits on a weekend. It is so nice. It seems like we have one weekend a year with this wonderful quality. So what is happening? I had some intense workingdays, but 30 minutes I managed to visit Strikk in Gothenburg. It is a great and inspiring knitting store, filled with goodies. What is especially fun is their own range of "quick and simple" knits at display. I was there picking in buttons and patting yarn so long, that they really wondered what kind of weird person I was, so after several "are you sure you do not need help?", I had to admit having a yarn-storage at home beating the store... but - that it still was a pleasure. Of course, this "not-buying-any-yarn-I'm-sohoho-good-and-in-control"-void made me immediately run and buy 2 large choclate bars (Mmmm Marabou) and then throw myself into the new Star Trek movie, so I would not go yarn nuts... haha..., yeah, that travel and living in hotel does to you... I stayed up until 2 fixing my presentation after that... Sigh... But I managed to avoid buying anything new! I have lately been aware how my stash mysteriously grow instead of shrink, and the trend is going to change. Anyhow - my dear readers, thanks so much for the encouragement. I will continue blogging in my old fashion. Especially now, when summer is coming up there is more time for travel, knitting and blogging. Since - now the weather is back to normal, it dropped seriously in temprature, the rain is hammering - and will be for the rest of the week and weekend. Great knitting time! So, latest report? ok, second sock for mom almost done (be patient mom, they will arrive in mail, perfect for you!), progress on camisole..., and yeah, I have been knitting a holder for the blouse bunnies. So many threads to fasten, some more attachments, straps, but getting there. Very fun and inspiring (ok, pictures coming too). Inditop is on the short-list, as well as finishing the secret Sue sweater. Now when it is colder, motivation comes back. And then back to socks. All in June plan! Hang in there! It all must be finished soon. Sail on!

Heidi saved you ;-)

Seriously, I was thinking to end my blogging time completely due to the severe lack of comments, and my stats falling, Im thinking this blog are more a surrogate for my family, instead of talking to me. But I guess there are some knitters out there, that occasionally drops in, and actually reads my ramblings... like Heidi and her great knitting, I mean Autumn Rose, that is a fair-ilse, and her latest cardi... how great. Me Im fighting with the template to get the blogheader better. Im so tired of looking vanilla, Im almost walking down and buying photoshop only to fix it... Well, It is holidays here, but so much work, garden, reviews....so sigh, Im NOT getting my knitting done. All "many projects knitters" know this, 5 rows here, and 10 rows there, and suddenly a whole lot are done at the same time. The rain showers are to short, so there is not enough serious knitting time. But - thank you - my thumbs are getting back into order. I think it was a cold infection that played there in the joints. Like an alien. Now it has moved elsewhere in my body. Ok, this is a small sample of my new banner (if it works)... Ok the yarn pic is z-twined Kempes (Anne-Maj's Ling's colour chart!).

Spring time! Cherry Blossoms!

Our wonderful cherry tree is in full bloom. My research paper is now on its way to the 12% acceptance cut, but hope is in the air. Thumbs up, Im better ;-) Started a series of knits, they are always lightweight in the beginning... so that would make the knit easy for the aching thumbs. This weekend Im going to take a break. Enjoy the wonderful life. The air smells fragrant. It is still just a bit cold, but in the sunny spots, yum. Like this wonderful yarn, the new summer camisole (sommarlinne), by the norveigan Solveig Hisdahl, from the book Poetry of stitches. A great and easy knit. I love it already, it will be soft and smooth. Maybe a little grey, now when the colour is sparkling in the garden. It is the best yarn, Schappesilk from Solsilke. Her handdyed fab. Im so happy for all my flowers in the garden. What happiness there is, really, just here. The soft silk, the blue... the light is so wondeful. I must say that the bamboo has a great feel too. This yarn was a treasure from Australia,a staple brand. I guess Im really into grey/yellow right now. And yeah, the wondefully faithful rhododendron, flowers twice a year. The pattern i th April sock, diagonal lace, a toe-up pattern... but I have just realized Im so much a top-down knitter. The pattern was easy, though, it is an easy knit.. but I need to find my shorter needles to get some speed. These flop around all the time. So, yes, Im still like a bumble bee where every knit is a flower, buzzing around! Wonderful. Bzz bzz on you too!

Knit related injury! and Art...

Bananadreaming arrived from Australia. Our new huge aboriginal painting. Framing first! My thumbs are sore. It is pinching the 3 stiches in the cables (6 stiches) for the heavy St Brigid .Grr.... so Im not into anything heavy. It hurts. Crochet? At least I can plan. That is how I fall asleep after my mind is going circles around my research paper. A nice yarn to pet. Like this little beauty. A rarity, from Sue. Im still thinking how to do some great soft unmentionables. Ok, Im knitting socks for mummy dearest. Nice and warm Yarn Patons, Jet - will not be enought -which requires creativity. Sue - who send me these blue jewels, are getting a Lopi Cardigan. Im just in that scary STEEKING moment. But every time I put up the fight with the sewing machine, I hope it gets better. So brim and collar to knit - which is a piece of cake if my thumbs did not complain. So I started yet another knit. Solsilke Schappesilk camisole from Poetry of Stitches. Norweigan knitting master at work. (the author!- Solveig Hisdahl!) It goes smooth. Maybe this could also be a camisole? I think that pattern is great as a starter for much innovation. Also giving heavy glances on this little yarn. 4 balls of Silk garden lite. Now. Is that a camisole or what? No, no lace shawl. Im on anti shawl for the moment. I need more clothes! Summer like - easy to wear and combine, and great! And there are so many patterns. Just time. So maybe a vest? a Lace vest? Hmm... Inspiration! My inner eye says....I got it. V. that is cool, like Jade Starmores complicated . Same shape. Knit three together in the middle, and adding in the sides. Or...Maybe this is the yoke of a great sweater. To combine with......? No, Im trying to finish some of my UFO's. But it is so fun, I keep starting new stuff. 3 socks in the making, and tons of sweaters. My thumbs. sigh.....Well, I wish I had some yarn in these last paintings wonderful colours - from my dear brother - the famous artist Johan Mauritzson. That would be a great sweater. Where is my yellow? Ahh.. cure me quick!

FO-Possumsweater and Notodden - Norway

After 650 kilometers to Notodden, Norway - I had plenty of time finishing this. Ok, I admit. Reknitted front and collar twice, but pleased with the result. I could have had one more button to tuck up the bottom, but the Buttons are from La Drougerie, so I guess not. It is warm, and the sleeves fit perfectly - and compared to my bodyshape, it is not too bad - I mean stripes, what was I thinking? Im particularly pleased with the pockets with the buttons. Perfect for the asthma medicin in springtime. Yarn? Naturally Yarns brand Karema - which is merino and some Possum fur. Super warm and soft - meaning, not very good for steeks, so I have to cover the seems on the inside. Anyhow - Why Notodden? My brothers son, Martin had his "human confirmation". That is really the big manhood rite in Norway. The kid is 15, and already a smart one! What a family gathering. And at the cermony, we saw tons of "Bunad" which is the folk-costume here in Norway. And I must say- Telemark is very exiting place. Look at the belt from the yarn-shop owner - all done with "brick-weaving" (another secret hobby). The yarn-shop extra vaganza where I got tons of Norveigan patterns, what filled with goodies - and restrained myself to two thin alpakka in mixed colours (like this belt) from Du Store Alpakka and from Sandes, one odd lime Alfa (which I already have enough for a sweater - this was just a highlight). But I really played with Per Tyving, Rauma Finull in all and more colours...Drops, and sockyarn in all combinations and much much more interesting stuff- well displayed. I got three wonderful buttons, Large, square, and with filigran work...but she has all the tenn "hooks" (or whatever that is called) and buttons you can need. It was fab. And all the silver broches, you know the type in "Poetry of Stitches".. I guess I will make a long wishlist for next time Im there. I did have a long look at the Knit-pics sock-yarn kit. That looked wonderful. But I restrained myself... Now, enough.. Im tired.. it was such a great party and such a long drive home. Tomorrow - research paper and tax-declaration. So yarn hunt in Notodden - It is Alfhild Jörgensen! Ohh what a shop. To dream of. And I have the possum sweater on. Still. Like a glove, yummy soft. It is fun to finish! Also did one more ball on St Brigid on the way home. Great pattern!

Almost there...

Steeks are cut, only brim and collar left - and assembly is next on the list. Good project for work in car (no- Im NOT driving) on the way to Notodden in Norway. The work week in Coventry was - work! But I got to get my pulse going driving on the wrong side... I mean the left side! And at least 3 more rows on the beaded kidsilk. Two interesting knitting magazines bought. No yarnshops. Magazine 1..The Knitter - who had some great patterns in a well packaged number of "eco-friendly". Magazin2. Simple Knitting. I feel a bit bored with the magazines. Too simple, and copies from books you already have. Sigh... but some bamboo handles as a gift was not too bad. One potential great article- about a dyer and spinner in Mag 1, that could have been jampacked with facts, instead was only "oh- how nice she does this". Grrr... Still that is like Choclate to me. Got to have a piece. especially on a dead hotelroom, with only news and sport. But too tired to knit. Now- we are on the way to Norway.. just going to hack some more on my research paper...I doubt there is a minute for yarnhunting. Have a gret Valpurgisnight! Valborg!

What is going on? Spring!

Spring? That means - all old grass is gone, and 6 apple trees are now pruned (with a blister in my hand - not inflicting on the knitting). Eyes are running from the pollen, and like a bumble bee I join in buzzing around the garden to look for the first flowers. It is warm, and after having invited the black ant for winter (cleverly joining some plants)... all are all carried outside. Still chasing those little buggers, though a good clean of the living room did the trick. (At least I have no crocs in my garden ;-) I must say - a work intense week. Not much time for anything (which means knitting!). And the "yacht" is now in water. Still needs the mast. Definitely spring. At least I had a break-through today and got into a good fight with the sewing machine to give my very tight steeks on my possum sweater a go. It really fealt hugely risky, since I have re-knitted it three times, and now It is cut - and cannot be reknitted. It is something scary that you cannot rip it up. With the last yarn I will knit the front, a small neck and add evey inch of what is left of the yarn on to the sleeves.I could easily do with 2 or three more balls, but, I guess that is the consequence of shopping yarn across the world. I have started diagonal lace sock - toe up, and I have at least worked a bit on Sue's secret Lopi cardi Yoke. Stupid me having 4 colours along for the next three rows, bound to get slow. I wish I had time to finish the Possum cardi, but it is not to carry - and my flight tomorrow for Birmingham, UK (to Coventry!) leavs at 6.20 in the morning. Work, work, work. And next weekend is Norway... I guess I continue to start new stuff to bring with me. Oh, I forgot to tell Im doing a few rows on St Brigid to... She is a cable galore. So fun to knit! May she wants to travel? Hmm, she is on steel-needles.. A bit bulky... Ahh that lace with beads might be a hit.

Yarn from downunder (it is a pun!)

A "story" from Australia is called a "yarn"... well noone got that I guess...? Wxcept the aussies themselves. Did I show the wonderful Karema from Naturally Hand Knit? Possum yarn with Merino...yummy. I have knitted sleeves and body. The body was frogged once, but is done again (now in Cardi-form with steak). And I admit, I have frogged the yoke twice (trice?) but now last time in its entirety. So instead of a FO - you have to see more the raw material...I thought I was done, but tried it on and No - absolutely not. No Islandic sweater yoke for this. Not enough yarn. They talk about swatching - but my own design under the influence of vacation is more a "swatch" sweater. I love just knitting on. So I frogged it AGAIN and am now knitting with body seperate (steeking) and then will sew on sleeves. Hmm. Having now been back a week in Sweden - I can still yearn for the wonderful vacation and the great memories. Thank you all for the nice comments. It has been a dream vacation. Really. I think the picture of the view from a hill over Arnhem land - this is Ubirr in the northen Kakadu. I mean - the colours. They are unbelievable. As it was hot. I just love this view - of course after a climb in the heat. But what a place. It was swarming with dragon flies, and just a few more degrees and I would have said elves. So the 10 ply 30% possum yarn with Merino - also from Naturally hand knit was such I treat to find. The plan is to share it. Colours like autumn. Wonderful!! And I have no plan at all what to do with it. Fill up that stash - I have had this strange thinking of Poncho - I have actually not knitted one. Maybe just a large shawl... it was a long time ago. Hmm.. it will probably be a sweater.... or a slipover. ..
Ahhh. so nice. soft yummy yarn. A great way to start the weekend. Mmmm.. Still Jetlag?

FO-Picot Edge Nutkin Sock

The Nutkin sock was easy and fun to knit. Short row heel and toe was fun, and something new. I just "had" to add a picot edge on the sock, to add something, but otherwise this was done in no time - and with sweaty hands in the heat of Australia. Of course pictured on sheep skin! Yarn is Opal Cotton bought at Wool Baa in Melbourne. Colours like Easter, doesn't it? This is the March entry of the StickaMera Sockklubb, and even if I decided not to continue with a sock a month, I must say - that just by staying on the "member list" I was convinced, and I'm now trying to catch up...ok, a bit late, but so what. Anyhow, the January pattern (yes, I'm behind) is the Plaited Points which is a great cable pattern, just fitting for Noro Kureyon sock yarn, which I also started, but I had not the entire pattern printed, just on the computer, which made it a bit hard to use... had to lay it to rest. Noro has such great colours. I just love it I cannot understand how I got drafted into the sock-crazy, but it is true. I have become a sock-knitter. (Still a Sweater knitter of course!) Socks are fast, easy to take with you, and very useable and wearable. I love the cotton one. Anyhow, not forgetting our recent wonderful trip to Oz, I give you one of the great highlights. We drove in sunset into a huge flock of black cocatoo's. When they get spooked they show their red tail like this. Is this not just fab? I have enlarged this a lot, since getting the camera up, and window down is really an adventure. I have no problem understanding what birdwatchers do now. It was such a sight and experience. I love the colours black with a teint of the brick red. On a green with a splash of heaven blue in background. I wonder if this is how Noro picks his colours? I mean, look at the black/blue hues here on the plaited point sock, and then at the ball - which has a lime/yellow and turqoise splash... true Sweden in spring. I must say - Sweden is so fab right now... birds singing, and galantus (snow-drops) blooming together with Hammemalis (witch-Hazel ), Helleborus (christmas-rose) and cr ocus. Now it is just that spring green/lime we are waiting for. And weather here fantastic, sunny and it is promised 17 celcius today. That is perfect.

Oz memories

Proof of the crochet top! Sexy and cool! Maybe some sleeves to be added. Cotolin yarn (cotton, linen) from Mondial and with a thin thread of red silk as accent. My silhouette is not the best after enjoying too much Curry Laksa. See how we enjoy this wonderful dish, a Malaysian soup with thick and thin noodles, bean sprouts, veggies and with added extra something.. here below- we enjoy the squid, octopus and seafood. It is Chili strong - and just a lot of coconut milk in it. Good? Aahhh heaven. I cannot understand why there is NONE to buy in the entire Sweden. This would for sure be a hit resturant. Hey - I should import a good chef and go for it myself... nah, in another life. But if you are out of a job - this is a sure hit if you are willing to work for it. (BTW, it was hard finding any in the US as well - so!) Anyhow, picture taken in the only rain out of three weeks. We narrowly escaped all flooding, both in Coffs Harbour where the entire town was under water(and where we had stopped for lunch just the day before for a Laksa) and in Noosa Heads (which was just next to Coolum). Anyhow a rainy day is great for knitting, so I finished my pair of Nutkin socks.. Just need to fasten the threads... pic's soon (and you will be flooded this easter weekend)..
Of course rain on the beach was no fun, so we went to Brisbane and had a fantastic Japanese dinner out with our dear friends. They had not changed a bit - and was planning for moving to Byron Bay and build a house. We are sure to return for a visit in the dry season. You can see me knitting on their wonderful garden porch. There is no way to describe their wonderful garden. Here you see pineapple, and two wonderfully large mango trees (oh yes - it bears a LOT of fruit, not just this year), olive trees, kafferlime, and a series herbs like lemongrass, with all the local varieties like Grevilla tree etc. I was just blown away. of the fragrance and wonder. Think about having the Asian kitchen herbs in your back yard, what a treat! All planted with care in a estethic way. Wow. And when knitting there we of course saw Flying foxes (bats) and parakites, and a series of birds I do not know the name of. How exotic. Of course in the heat - about 33 celcious or something, humid and lush. Well, we had rainforest walks, collected a wild Hoya, and took pictures of this wonderful Banksia in bloom.
I must say, this has been a wonderful trip. And it feels so good to be home in Sweden. In 6 degrees celsious (brr - we are so cold, and I'm happy I'm knitting warm sweaters.) Just had to show you that Great Ocean Road picture again (now when we downloaded and seen it all). It is just fab. The pictures are so unreal. It is hard to believe we were just standing there and enjoying this wonderful view.
What a dream vacation. I must say - this will stay with me for a long time. It has been so fantastic. Really. Absolutely wonderful.
Today we woke up 4 in the morning ,jetlagged,,.. and now we must rush to fix the sailing "yacht". before it is time to welcome it to Swedish spring and summertimes. The light in Sweden is incredible. Cold, but wonderful birdsong reminds me that Sweden is also fantastic. I think we tend to forget what is beautiful just around the corner where we live. But change is good. Vacation we need.

Coolum at Sunshine Coast, Oz

Coolum, just south of Noosa Heads, view from room. We are doing fine. So nice to be on holiday. And I just say that I found the best woolshop in Perith (just west from Sydney - on the way to Blue Mountains). I sure found some Possum there yarn there. And - the Starmore book "childrens collection". Anyhow, a quick one... Here is the possum sleeve. Yarn from Naturally. It is great knit. Knitted half the body, and frogged it. Now Im fine. Next to it - Red Papaya. It tastes so fresh here. Something else. Fruit it is. And salty swims. Take care back home!

Sydney - 17541 steps today!

A room with a view! It is a city that I have not understood until today. It has the beautiful Operahouse by a Dane ;-) and also Chinta Ria have found its way here (our fav Melbourne dining place). C.R. have here a larger "but not as rich with octopus" Curry Laksa as in Melbourne. But that started the meltdown of my heart. You see, I have always thought the Sydney city to be too much traffic, high rises, and a absence of resturants in the centre. Today we took the ferry (see big white one in view from room) to Watson´s Bay, and had a hot walk to Rose Bay along sandy beaches, cliffs, and the best location up-scale housing area. Wow. A lot of climbs up and down - since here the waterfront is not always protected. This area won me over. Great sandy beaches, and not at all full of traffic pollution. Ok. I have planned a quick visit to a yarn shop tomorrow. We will see if it measures up ;-), but I like Sydney much more now than in my memory (of course not as great as Melbourne). Anyhow, I'm still a bit annoyed I went too "blend" on the colours of the Merino, Alpaca and Possum yarn from Naturally. I could have had some ball of red - that would have done it. Or lilac. Bummer. Why oh why! I guess I will have to send my Melbourne friends on a yarn hunt. Ok, I have started... and sorry for the fuzzy picture. I have no idea what I'm going to make of it. A sweater, maybe a sort of fair-ilse...? It is filling and warm, and oh so soft. Great to knit with. Inspiration will come. Before this, I also started a sock from the Winter Knitty 2008, but realized I had not printed the entire pattern, so I have got "toe up" half way. Anyhow - We are heading to the Blue Mountains tomorrow - to get another good walk before hitting the Gold Coast. I hope to hit some more yarnshops, but I suspect wool will be harder to find up in the heat. Just for the sake of it - some more pictures from the wonderful rainforest down at the Great Ocean Road. Those tree ferns are truely amazing. BTW - I finished the Crochet top ;-) Still have a half ball (as planned) for the flying home (sleeves) but it will remain a top for this trip. Pictures will come. Promise!

Yarn from Downunder

Quantas made me crochet. So here I am displaying the halfway new top in Cotolin at Great Ocean Road. Still have not got into the 33 degree celcius heat. But, as hubby explained, I have now done four woolshops in Melbourne. And - yes we have been eating Curry Laksa, Yum Cha (twice), Singh's take away Korma with Mango Lassi and Nan, and of course enjoyed the Vic Market Caffe Latte with Croissant and freshy presed fruit juice. Carlton looks a bit different, but our former house at Jacka Street has evolved into a beauty. The new owners have made ponds, and the garden and house was just fab. Anyhow, the Yarnshops here are number 1: Wool Baa, great staff, CathyC knitting there and wonderful selection of yarn. This would definitely be my LYS. I was very calm here and only got one ball of cotton sock yarn. And the last Kochoran nr 10 (I did a sweater in this, but Im thinking of reknitting it). Wool Baa is in the picture ;-) Then there is the Woodoflex at Malvern road. Filled with goodies. I fell for a NZ merino and angora yarn in wonderful lilacs. And some complementing Millifine cotton for to some odd balls at home. Finally our favourite stop at Whitehorse Rd "The Kind and I, Balwyn Thai" where we usually had our dinner meals when we lived here 12 years ago, it was a nice little shop, where I got some Clackhurst Bamboo for socks. Finally - central Melbourne on Elisabeth St have Clegs - it is not too bad actually, lots of fabrics - but the Merino, alpaca AND 10% Possum made the buy. Cheap? Absolutetly not. 16.95 oz dollars for 104 meters 50 g. Yepp, Possum yarn is heavy. Pictures to come if I get a good internet. Now it is time to join the BBQ party here. Keep knitting!

Flash my stash and startitis...

It is a bit early with Flash my stash - but I can reveal the new containers of
the garngamen yarnroom. On the right behind the chair you can see my new project yarn, Wåhlstedts Vålberg yarn that is to be used in St. Brigid (from Aran Knitting/Starmore). Closeup below ;-) Anyow - you cannot spot the 4 boxes above the left Billy bookcase on the left. It is alot. These boxes definitely hold some 10 Kg of yarn...Only one on the right. Ok.. I have more corners, but these contains at least half of my yarn ;-) Nice to have your own yarn room. I must say Im mourning Nysta's closing her shop. I was there just a day too late (misread the sell-out date), and all cleaned out. Nina's shop was great - but I guess she will be around on the net. Not the same as touch and feel though, and the great chats I have with her. You grow fond of your local LYS. That is a fact. But still... I had startitis and just HAD to start the aran. I have been looking at the pattern and yarn for years now, and frustrations from my other knitting just craved for a nice starting - which is the best. New yarn, new pattern and a lot of fun. Otherwise Im trying hard to keep finishing stuff. But this yarn wanted my attention. What has kept me back is the fact it is 2-.400 meters too short (or more) We will see how that can be compensated. Otherwise it is still snow and grey, with some "slush" factor here in Sweden. It feels cold, since it is "humid" cold... an I guess all pictures have a dark teint to it - even with flash! Keep on knitting out there! The spring will come. And soon we fly out to a great vacation in Oz. Have a nice weekend.

Progress in sweater-land

This is Poetry of Stitches - Hisdahl - Wedding Cardigan. The holes will be where it is folded. So almost there. but STILL two sleeves to go...Im Trying to decide if I should; a) cast off and fasten - fold the steek on the outside, and make a special extra band to hide it? or b) cast off and fasten, but cut the steek so close - resew and turn it IN the edge (which will probably hide it, .c) just continue to knit on the inside to create a longer inside flap to cover it. or just fold it, and make a nice fastening (edge) of it (hopefully does not show in front...I have no idea. b) is least likely. a) is my strongest hint but c has the advantage of "just continued"... therefore it is halted- awaiting the best destiny. Now A.Starmores "Luskentyre" is progressing.. but in some for of ultrarapid motion for the moment. I have realized I messed up, and the size ball weight changed from 38 g to the standard 25. Since I ordered nr of hanks, I had no idea about this - and I have already since the end of some yarn.. Im not really sure, but I continue as long as I can (yeah- pic is upside down...so what? it reflects my life right now. OK, what really takes something to discuss is that I picked up the india top "pinktober". And knitted away two sleeves, and started the yoke and short rows, evindece of a sleeve left. All was well, and then I did the normal "try on" and yepp, I still have a distorted self-image. It hardly passed my elbow. Only one weeks evening knitting to be frogged. Yikes, that was a short romance. Back in the UFO-pile. Oh, this last peak is the secret knitting of a Lopi cardi for my for my friend. And it is not as much brown there as you would think... Just some, progress hint of what it is meant to become. Both sleeves done. Im soon getting in with the yoke. So big cleaning week. I cannot believe the amount of ceramics I have collected/done. No wonder it is dusty. But a lot of old computers is now gone to the place where all calculaters go aka "silicon heaven". So, progress is true. 3 steps forward, and one back.