Enterlac -Malabrigo-Noro progress!

This is my latest new project, I just could not resist the soft Malabrigo wool. And Im so into turquoise. This colour is called "emerald". And it is just exactly the same as in Noro. As you can see Noro (183) is much more brown, black and grey, and very little lime - and turquiose. I love enterlac. It moves you into great progress. The problem is of course fixing the neck and sleeves. This time I have an even number of squares. An improvement at least. To be brutually honest: It is a bit strong in the colours. A bit too strong, and busy. I do not think I would have done it if I new the result would be like this. But, I think it will be one of those loved sweaters anyway. Cheerful. So I better finish it. It is a quick knit. 13.40 and the sun is almost setting in our horizon. It is very close to mid winter (the 21) when the day is the shortest. Talkning about december and winter holidays. I'm so stuck in the knitting Christmans calender. It is a bit quirky pattern. I'm still on dec. 4th. So behind. Not as smooth as I would expect. But, ok. Johanna is great as a person, I forgive anything. As usual, torn between the different knittings. Finish Enterlac or be done by christmas? Thank you for my well wishes. I do feel terrible. My head is ready to pop, ears, throat hurts, coughing is pain. Still fever, and my nose is read as Rudolfs. Already used up two packages of Kleenex. Better? not Really.
Enterlac, I think it is so fun. I feel sorry for people claiming their perfectionism prevent them from enterlac. They do not get it. It is just great. Try it. But use WOOL, not superwash or combed (kamgarn). That would not even out the special lifts.

Oh no, sick again - Paris in a fever

So,hectic at work at get back. My dear brother, the ARTIST Johan Mauritzson (my great birthday present from him on left!) came from up north for a visit. And I just got the worst cold, so I couldn't really talk. Such a sore throat. Now, I have to explain some things. My brother have a red shoe in his fridge. It is a long story, but, visiting Pompidou, the modern art museum in Paris, they had this giant shoe looking very similar, and my guess is that my brother, about 30 some years ago saw this when he was interrailing there. He does of course deny the connection.
But, the shoe (very clean!) is in his fridge. Un Object d'Arte! Anyhow, I was a bit bad yesterday, not only did I sneak off work a bit early, I also visit Maria's Yarn shop to have a good chat, and view her fantastic work. Im so impressed by her. She had knitted that fair-ilse from Loop-d-Loop, in an estonian yarn that has slow colour-changes. Just absolutely breathtaking. Of course the purpose was to buy Johannas knitting christmas calender. I confess. Im still on december 1. And decided I would stick to it.Knit it, and then open the next day. Then I just had to go to dear Nina at Nysta to make my malabrigo and Kureyon complete (I hate when I ran out in a sweater). So yarn shopping. Stockholm is so lucky! Ohh, I hate being sick. It was that rain and walking and bad belly, and all french kissing on the cheeks. The latter probably the reason, with too many hotel rooms and too little sleep, must be a good way to get some germs. Well, I have three packages of wool that I will take pictures on tomorrow. And of course the enterlac. Today I was just too bad to do it. Please excuse me. But still great Paris memories.

Back from Paris and some more Speede..

The classical picture. The new head-piece from France. And - this is me. Oh, I have missed the blogging. Actually I have been 3 days in Rijen (Breda) in Holland, and then 4 days in Paris. Work, but at least a weekend in Paris. And, It has been a lot of knitting. The new plane craze for water, makes them totally ignore wooden circular needles - equal size to pen.. so, I have done half an enterlac in Malabrigo (turqoise/Emerald) and Kuyreon (nr 183, that has just the same tinte of turqoise in it). Is it busy? You bet. It is a colour-chock. But Malabrigo get the best recommendations from me. Soft as a whisper, knits thick and filling, and is surprisingly long for a hank (usually thick yarn is so short). I pure pleasure to knit. Paris was raining (in picture it just cleared up), and my favourite food Beuf Tartar (sorry guys, it is RAW MEAT) was so tasty the first evening, that it was worth one day of very frequent visits to WC's. Say no more. At least it was only one end, so it was manageable. Anyhow, In the rush between packing, I remebered the name of where to go, but did not print the blog, so I had to phone to find it. After a day of chasing, we ended up at La Drougerie . Of course, this was a shop filled to the brim with goodies. It did a fine job presenting yarn (wool, alpacka, cashmere, cotton, blends) in the same colour-scheme. All hanging in hanks displayed. Unmarked yarn. You needed to stand in line for 30-40 minutes to get help. So, a weird experience, when I had husband (and a bunch of frustrated men) pacing outside the door when I had gladly said "it will only take 15 minutes dear". But being "etranger" is not always bad. I decided, and somehow got to buy some expensive cashmere (10 g, 4 Euro).
But the experience for me was the weaved silk-bands. This fits just right into my Speede-sweaters. So I bought a meter of this and that. Just great. Bon Marche? I wish. I was content.
I had my little bag - and HEY I have a yarn room.
So, How did my course-work look like? Half way through (I'm not finished) I have slaughtered a sweater (to practice before I knit the new), and done the band attachments and some stiches. This is how it looks like in progress... You will have more later. And I have so much more to show and tell. This blog will be busy the next days.

Short update.. Speede preview.

This is not me! This is Machineknitting chair for group "Kullerbyttan" Ann-Britt. She wears a sweater inspired by speede (it is machine knitted!) orginials are done by hand in intrecate patterns on 1.5 mm or smaller. I spent the weekend on a great course for Inger arranged by Sticka. Speede, means needle in the souther sweeden ol' dialect. Anyhow, it is all about doing it nice. Really nice. But I'm a knitter and not into sewing, but knitting, so I have struggled. Therefore I will photo and show you and tell about it when Im back. Anyhow, next week Breda (Rijen) in Holland, and then on Friday to Paris. So, no posting (if I do not get some minutes tomorrow). Now it will short sleep until 7.20 train (meaning 5.30 i.e. 4.30 hours is get-up time!) good nite!

You got it! Smart knitting people!

I know I'm somewhat strange or "original", in this bad swenglish blog. And I try hard to entertain a very spoiled (?) crowed of blogging knitters. But, then it just happens (ad on tv). You got it! What are the sweet sheep doing? Of course, Top models in a knitters view. You just cannot blog without pictures. Then you loose your crowed immediately! btw (=by the way) Sorry, I sure hope in my heart I do not offend anyone. Models and sheep are of course totally different, but humor is peculiar. And Yes, figuring out WHO MURDERED someone by looking at forensic evidence (CIS, NCIS) it is the same thing as figuring out - why did I knit my enterlac sleeve, so I totally closed the sleeve-gap BEFORE realizing that I have done a serious mistake AGAIN. Second time. Rip it! It is like a POND here. Sigh. Now, I do need some smart support. I'm soon knitting the sleeve from the other way and doing a "bad fit" to make it work! Ahh, And Colin Firth. He is just one year older than me, Yummy. I agree, Google him. I do feel a bit weak for Hugh G. too, but Colin is more of a MAN. H. is "about a boy". And I did like both Timothy Dalton and Pierce B. as Bond, I'm so not sure of the new Bond. My latest favourite for some time Keanu R. has gained weight.Real Hearth throb, Mr Aragon himself - Danish Viggo Mortenson, has a soul, face and charisma and body to luve (yeah ride with him in the sunset), but finding out he is a smoker and snuffer (swe: snus) and maybe a danish drinker (hey whiskey and gammeldansk) makes him rather revolting to kiss, but I wouldn't mind spending time with him. Artist too, and poet. Ahh!. But, that image has a crack for me. (Ideal men should be flawless!) Also, back to Keanu, I have a problem with that is becoming a bit "filled" (well, I'm a big girl), but he looks like he need a good cry and less romantic dinners with Ms Pretty women.(My hubby calls her, "huge grin" and no face.). Julia R. ok. But Keanu in Point Blank. Druel. Matrix ok. Sigh! ok... this must be the good wine and dinner I had with my friends. I guess Hubby still wins any contest. That is good... Ignore all wine ramblings! Serious (ha): I do knit on travels, but lately, I have been too tired to do any real work, sleeping all over the place. Oh, I forgot Sense and sensibility. Of course. I have seen it now... hmmm 8 times? Yeah the enlish version. Remember Howards End? That is als0 good (and sad). Ahh, these romantic movies.I will never be able to knit my enterlac wrong math sleeve PhD in knitting would be better then testing. I know it is wrong!
Anyhow, this must be the most unstructured posting yet. I allow it. I have no ambition but to entertain you and me. And you are still reading?! Hey THANK YOU!! This weekend I will be on a Speede-tröjor course (swedish special sweater knitting - almost like "nattetröjor" from Denmark). And I just got a letter, there is YARN to collect at the post office. So, keep tuned. Turkish pattern. THANKS M: very nice to share it. I had no idea that was the english name. Hugs! Here it is raining and dark. MORE pictures on Speede? Ok, it is on needles 1.25mm, it is one colour. It is pattern (star) in purl. It marks seems and is a THIGHT thing, often short, since the skirts were sitting high! AND it uses nice bands for neck. That was the "luxary".(yeah, I do not need to go on the course, but it is still FUN!) I will use Twinny. I will knit it in LIGHT BLUE. I have a plan. I have a lot of plans. I luve having plans. I luve reading those comments.

SO OT Knitting. Season Finale Top Model 6

OK, confession! I knit mostly in front of the TV. And that makes me look at a lot of TV. So favourits are: Scrubs, Star Trek, Absolutely Fab, Nanny, Mash, Top Model (Go Tyra!) and Oprah, of course occasionally a Dr.Phil, and E.R. But I like feel good movies. I Luv Forrest Gump, Sound of Music, Pretty Women and the drama I watch is Matrix and of course The Lord of the Rings trilogy. But good TV is what makes me totally need to frog several rows. No, simple knits there. So Which of the girls will win? I have no clue. I so did not agree last time, and somehow I like Jade, Diva as is, but she works hard. Arrogant? What a projection on her. Now, For real it is sooo exiting: It is Joanie.It is what they want. With fake teeth. I just hate veneers. It is Jade going out. It is CRAZY! Oh now. I always my favourite that goes. Ohh...Well. Sigh. Anyhow. Im doing a serious Enterlac fix. And it is soo difficult since it is uneven numbers of squares.

Trekking

Thank you for all your great hints about Paris. I think it mostly will be doing what my Hubby want, since he has never been. I have had many romantic trips there. Sailboat show? Hmm, great hint, Monika, but I do not want to tempt me with anything bigger than we have. Small boats, small worries, big boats, big worries! And Dear Mary! Hang on to your yarn. I truely need nothing else. Im just so glad for that. It is your thoughts that matter. So warm, the Texas heat comes all the way to the very dark Sweden. The truth is, I have too much yarn myself. Over 2 years ago my dear mother-in law told me I had enough for life. And I have not stopped buying. I think the frustration of one of my favourite yarns, the Yorkshire Tweed 4ply from Rowan was out, made me order from Angel yarns even more (enough for a good sweater) over the net last night. So, it will be a fair-ilse ala A. Starmore. Anyhow, this is my Trekking yarn (from London/ Stash). Thank you so dearest NY friend, without your encouragement - I still cannot believe we met.Makes me so happy to see you smiling in your knits. Amazing world this blogging. The Trekking yarn will be a sock some time, but it is way down on the to do list. But some updates. My green silk (both sleeves) are done, and 1 dm re-done (I do listen, sleeves FIRST!). My cerise/cyklamen I'm half way down on one sleeve, and have another to go, now syrup-knitting. Twisted floated shrug still needs one more sleeve (the one I just ripped), it should have belly extension to be wearable. And Jaeger Scotland Tweed in dark grey (Aran) I'm finally doing the last neck pattern (and then sleeves). Will be great. Tudor Roses: Catherine Parr needs ripping and reknitting from scratch. Well, I have at least decided all, so it is just GO GO GO. And Hanne Falkenberg also needs ripping and redoing (Studio 9) which I just begun. Then we havethis Matchmaker merino in Enterlac, just one sleeve to go. Needs half ripped up, some tricks and reknit...So, Too much to do, too little time. And I must confess, my mind is thinking about Bohus and an Island cardigan. I have problems finishing. Serious problems. Therefore I like Julia. It is finished. And I wear my Noro in brown everyday. And I also think about my new enterlac in Noro Malabrigo turquoise. And spinning the rest of that sock. Ohh, the SORK gotland spun cardi with spun colouring Hmmm.. Ok, stop it, and good girl. Finish the sleeves on my cyklamen. It is in the sofa. But it needs a wide collar. Sigh.... first some bloghopping...

Julia with collar!

Here is Julia "again". It is great. I knitted a collar I can add on, After a short walk between two yarnshops (hey, best way to spend a saturday shopping day!) I was HOT, and with a swift move, it was gone again. Here you can see how loose it is, but I guess big belly doesn't make it nicer (this is one out of 8 photos, where I didn't look like 7 months...) I still belive Im like the dog who wants puppies so bad she is faking it "sken-dräktig", sorry, untranslateable. Anyhow
I got another Kid-silk Haze at Wincent, and stocked up on some more Yorkshire Tweed to my fairilse. Shop was crowded. I also bought a ticket to see the man himself 12 december for a lecture... Kaffe Fasset. But I'm a bit unsure here given Mia's encounter. Well, it is a long time to the 12th of December. A Paris shopping spree planned around 1-4th of December. (Yarnshops anyone? Paris central?) Anyhow, then the parking ended up just next to Nina and Nysta (not the first time). And, Some more of that Noro below and 2 other hanks with some wooden needles find its way. And - I gave up on VK and bought that one and Knitsimple. VK was great! Wow, white looks so fresh. I just want to knit it ALL!

Compassion - my favourite word! OT and some Knit

More compassion in the world. More compassion between people! More compassion from me. It is a great word taste it: COMPASSION,
including passion, engagement, love and also the word together. I think comments is a way to show compassion. And I'm always so excited to here from you out there and I try to be good commenting myself! Even if I have realized that my somewhat limitid vocabulary often make me say Wow or fantastic, which are often the true word of all great things made! It is all those small things. Helping in the small.
Anyhow, Vk has not arrived, but hey, they gave me an extension, so now I'm on VK Stockholm hunt (tomorrow!). The week was terrible. No air. Worst Asthma-week for years, ended up in a allergy/histamin "afylactic chock?" so I was totally "breathless" for some hours before my heavier stuff started to work. It really wiped me out. I guess the constant munching of chochlate with hazelnuts traces (the latter Im sensitive too) did the job toghether with the irritating cold.
Anyhow, I missed another Sticka deadline (sigh). My Cerise is now a wrap-around vest, and I have started on the sleeves. First fitting made it obvious it needs a big collar to look nice. Oh, I had a look through my Noro - it is Norovember. And do I have Noro?! Well only some boxes!
Please forgive me. Im human. And I do think the Kureyon looks great in Enterlac. That seems to be something everyone have figured out. It is like a plaige. But I do find Enterlac fun to knit. And now it is finally week-end. How great!

Move on, relax, enjoy.

What to do when everything feels dark? Start a new bright knitting ;-) Cyklamen/Cerise. Ahh. To the left is the wonderful Silk bag where I got my petal collection, and one wonderful Kid-silk Haze in Cerise from Dearest HPNY Knits. That is mixed with Nikolaj (Danish yarn) and the bright cerise handcoloured from Solveig (Wool-angora) and 3 thick silk/alpacka from stash. So, the entire bottom of this wrap-cardigan is soon done, Ok, it is LARGE needlesize (8 Swedish!) I also got some Noro from Fuzzymabel based on a hint from NY. All Noro of course. Crazy I know. The customs will probably get the prize up to strange levels. But It was to easy, and I was a bit down. That is the second heeling tip of depression. Buy more yarn. Fixes you every time.
(Hey it is NOROVEMBER!!)
Of course being such a fan of my NY friends blog, I act like a true fan,not only stealing her great links, but her great ideas. You can see the Noro in my cerise knitting ;-)
With my yarnstash - you would think Im very depressed, but I can find many reasons for buy yarn. Anyhow, Do not worry about Julia. Elastics are out (since I, allergic to that stuff) and reknit? Forget it. But I will need to wash it before wearing it. Cotton shrinks a bit. Maybe a big belt. Just that the yarn was overrated.
So this blurry greeinsh yarn is Catherine Parr (A. Starmore, Tudor Roses) edge to be ripped. Give you a photo to have the colours. No, Im not using the blues. That yarn is still from the London show in last posting (Jamiesons colour scheme). Sorry for confusing you. But that is stress sympthoms. Cannot even blog structured. Take care. In Swedish Newspaper DN an article about knitting is on the Sunday part. Books and hints. Fun! We are making a mark. Now I need more cerise Kid silk, or should I be bould without it? I sure have been knitting. Luv to you! And thanks for commeting and caring, It makes it so great to see those comemts! Hugs. (Now I must rush to put clothes on my sailboat for winter!)

Disappointments and updates.

Im sorry. Im not a happy puppy! Two days wear, and Julia ribbings are all flat. You would think a yarn has been tested, not only created for "cool" looks. It is the Rowan Cashcotton 4ply. Cotton, Angora and something. Totally lost its form. Sigh, after half a years work. I should have figured overexpensive and micro-somthing does NOT mean it is great! Now I should really stick to WOOL. So, I started Catherine. Worked like a dog, and, even if I have swatched, I must have counted wrong, Ok, I'm big, but not THAT BIG, which of course means a 2 dm (20cm) should be removed. I did on circular, so, Rip rip. 6 hours work gone. But it will work great. Interesting I will knit small size ;-) Anyhow, I realized I did not have Catherine on wooden needles. So, I needed a new small project on the plane. I found HPNY Knits great Kidsilk mohair in cerise. Just matches the Danish Tussah silk -merino mix (Nikolaj). Wooden needles size 8 (no! NOT US size). And-now are Vouge Knitting on every news stand, and I have NOT got my copy? Why, I say WHY! I sure hope I will not miss IK too!

Confusing or just tired? All is Fuzzy!

No Zoe, the last blog-entry pictures was from London. The yarn was for a yarnshop called Stash. The snow was gone this morning. So I walked out in the ice-cold and took this gloomy picture of what I got yesterday.Bag of fleece to the right, three hanks of this superthing green-yellow from Estonia, and the silk in from Solsilke. Grayish white is the merionostuff. It was cold, sand I didn't want to put the yarn in the wet (sorry for all bags).
And I realized that most pictures are fuzzy (shaking with cold probably)..
It is just above freezing, but It will get warmer (All this for you Z - weather!) But good part is that I rushed to Kaffe Fasset exhibition at Waldemarsudde with our Knitting-group Sticka. Nice to meet everyone. Mostly quilts, and I learned that Kaffe has some women sewing up for him based on his colours. Interesting guy that told some history though. And some knitted garments, but I saw them before at Steninge Slott (a castle here). I knew I was going to get disappointed a it (thanks all other blogs), but I still HAD to see it. Rushed home to hubby who changed tires (winter-tires on know!) Yeah!. We were to wrap our sail-boat, but they hadn't lifted her out of the water yet. Im so worried about our little Alice (the boat!). Well, I have started to do the Catherine Parr. Ohh, is she a slow one?
YES. 4 hours 2 cm. 3.25 on yarn. I mix Kempes green (normal 2threaded worsted), and one thread Estonian superthin (so fuzzy picture!) almost sewing thread! that has slow change of greens with a very light touch of bronze. Tough workweek again. I'm off to Aachen (Germany) tue-wed. Västerås (MDh) thursday. Exhausted Friday ;-) I will try to get a lot of Lindt Choclate (the factory is just next to work), and if I'm lucky (do not think so) I will have an hour at Anna Strasse (Görg & Görg) yarnshop. I know where it is at least!
So H. I have not a clue what "left over yarn" I will use for 70 swatches? But the example was a bit too mixed for me. I think I will be more coordinated (like Kaffe ;-)
Have a theme of several colours. Think it through. Create something more calm. All shades of green? no, I do like the Prins Eugen's palett. Blue. Or I actually saw a great painting. Listen to this combo: old pink, lime-grass green., brown-grey, white-grey, and lilac.... Hmm... colours are personal and changes. And we are almost loosing our light here in the blue Sweden. Sun drops so slowly that it is a loooong dusk. All have a blue tint. Just check the pictures.. Like this silk. Sorry for being so confusing. Late nite and brain-dump. Does not work! Luv ya out there. HUGS! Be patient with human flaws, it helps.

Winter- All saints night - Another yarn-show :-)

Freezing at night, and snowing wet at day, I realized that the "syfestival" = Sewing festival (hey no knitting or yarn in THAT name!) was on. Some dear person squeeled that the Danish Kartehuset was there, so I buy more fleece to finish my sock ;-) So, I rushed there. Kartehuset had the best spot, just inside the door, and they also had yummy merino,silke, camel tops to spin! But, the weirdness of these festivals is that there is 99% cash! and I had almost nothing! (Well, Euro's but hey, Swedish people still use the KRONOR!) I got my fleece and went around with sulking eyes. No, I HAVE a yarn room. I really do. Buy NO MORE: Ha! I met Tanja who have done a fantastic silk-garden alpacka mixed wrap-around (Vouge knitting-pattern) and she merrily told me about the new secret moneymachine ;-) Ahh! Plastic saves my day! So, after that, I got (I finally figured it out) some UlloMera one thread that will go with the rather "dull" Kempe's wool in green to my Catherine Parr. Ok, Merono silk from Grinasco (to color). Then I met dearest Margret from Färgkraft. Drueling at Dearest Nysta - bought a book and another head-band yarn, Garnverket - bought two books (she has the Fardhem Gotland-yarn), and of course everyone and everyone at Sticka's stand. I found "just the right" two hanks from Solveig's silk to mix with the cotton from Arcu...you know that Peru unpronouncable mark... Wow. Then Inspired by Tanja's merio-freak-out at Kartehuset I went back and got a whole set of turqoise. Im so into those shades. After giving Stäket (Eva) a quick buy of needles, I ran out in the snow and back to hubby. I have not deared to open my bag yet. I'm so ashamed. But when this turtleneck (loose) is done to Julia, it is Catherine Parr that is on. That is just it. Get going. Winding yarn and REALLY go for it. So, Top picture is the most expensive yarn (even worse than cashmere!) I have bought 22 pounds for one hank (Yes, it is from London).
This one is just from some shelf. (Not mine). If it is not to sloshy outside I will try and do a picture of latest stash enhancement! Im crazy. Clear Hording of yarn. At least I didn't buy any new Bohus (only because she didn't bring it!) Ohh, I forgot to tell about Margaretas ¨(Sticka) scrazy idea.Do 70(!) squares for 12x12 cm and then we are meeting to do a coat in august next year. That is crazy. I got to do some! All with "left over yarn". That could be cool. Baglady in grannySquares. I of course (with no sense at all after being hypnotized by all great yarn) signed up. Please forgive me.

Snow, Socks, Trekking, and Chaos!

Snow Chaos hit Stockholm by surprise. My dear warned me to take the car with summer-tires, but hey, he has cried wolf one time too much, so I ignored him and rushed to work yesterday. When leaving work it was too late. I left the parking at 6 and had to dig out the car with no gloves. I also didn't take my long-Johns Hmm, wanted to look slimmer at the meeting today, but hey. Thank you for dear, who had left my knitted Noro cap in the car. That helped. So after 2 hours! not getting more than 1 km (1000 meters) I resigned taking the car BACK to the parking and walked to the sub. I was very lucky, I only had to wait 20 minutes, and then coming to the central station, where 99% of all trains were cancelled, mine went (2 hours delayed) after 15 minutes. The train (Pendeln) stopped over the motorway, and cars and lorries scattered to block the traffic. No bus, (I saw it later stranded. Now it is -10 degrees Celsius, A hand of snow and a lot of ice. I worked from home today. Thank you for computers! Anyhow, I had Julia on (and thank you all for the nice comments) but NO ONE commented at work. I guess it looked so professional, noone even thought it was handmade. Anyway, you nice comments and the work I know was behinding made me smile all day (which is rather strange when chaos is lurking!) Was it warm? Surprisingly soft AND warm, with the angora. Im very happy. Now I'm thinking of Knitting pants again. I'm NOT finished with what I bought in London. I got one ball of TREKKING (normal sockyarn, 75% wool, 25 nylon), great colours. I need socks. They would probable be durable. And the "Trekking button" is just too nice! Last minute "join". Anyway a good way to find Normas blog and Zeneedel! First picture is the Nickerjack's sockyarn, hand-painted. I winded them today. They are very different. Interesting.
But in this sock-yarn discussion, I forgot to tell you about the greatest present I got from my dear HpNY Knits, which is from the PETAL collection. It was a bag, great hydrangea socks from Sundry. Just that heart-warming gift. Three pair of socks coming up. Also, I have really prepared for Catherine Parr. Swatched, and yarn winded. Ready to go. Like the bag from Stash yarns? I do. Great pattern. Smart! Maybe a little bag first!

Julia! Great Julia!

Oh, Julia is finished. Fits perfectly. After re-knitting the collar twice, and deciding that, no, it will not be a boat neck. And yes, I will do a loose collar that I can attach to this neck (check the small holes in the close-up picture below). It was a VERY slow knit. Maybe the lace on both back and front. The Julia is made from the Rowan Summer collection nr 10 for Cashcotton 4ply. Very nice smooth yarn to knit. It is cotton angora(!) and some weird microfiber.. Anyhow, it dusts a bit, but is soft like the softest cashmere. I started it March, April something this year. Of course, I totally remade the pattern, since all Rowan patters (with very few exceptions) are made for skinny models, not real-size women.
This is done in XXL (pattern largest is L). So it meant one more pattern on the front (and back) and adding a bit on the waist. I also redid it for circular needles, which are much more convinient for flying. I suspect one reason this one is done, is because it has been possible to carry it around with me. Just my lime colour. And a great pattern, very smart. Will be beatuful for a straight scarf with the leafs. Well, it had a flattering model, so, Im very happy. The problem is, that Sweden has got its frostbite (sorry, didnt save those Dahlias) this last nite. Snow on the way. Winter-tire should be on and not in the Garage). Sailboat should be up in is winter clothing, but is still waiting in the water with an ice-coat.Apples should be picked, but is still hanging in the tree. Grass should be cut the last time (to avoid snow-mould) but is long and filled with leaves. Well, Time seems to be shrinking, even if we got an extra hour this nite. Well, I guess I must be clearer.
The Mother-in-law sweater is NOT knitted by me, but by her. She has no blog. She is skilled.Now they left (and I wonder how long it will take until they are coming back, since they both worked like slaves cleaning and carrying stuff). Labour-camp ;-) Anyhow. This very last picture is what my mother-in-law is knitting (also a pattern from Solveig Hisdahl) on "left-over yarns". I'm amazed. Anyhow, it was a crisp wonderful fall day. Sun shining, and now hubby is preparing Gnocchi. That is just great! Filling and yummy. Of course, a typical Swedish forest troll sweater ;-) nothing for the bright city-folks. Well more stories are coming from London. Im sure it could fill the blog until Christmas. That was such an event. Either my life is boring (NOT!) or this was one of the best things I have done. Just following my hearts desire. Now I only have Pitti Filati in Italy to get in to. So, if anyone has a yarnshop, that gets an invitation (or wants someone to represent you), and could consider to send someone (for free to you of course), I'm your Gal! ;-)

Mother-in-law Sweater from Solveig Hisdahl

So Mother in-law and father-in-law showed up. I have had a loong week. Bad cold, but been to Finland (Jorvas). Not a minute to shop but on the airport. Running nose. Then, just have a look at this isn't she fantastic knitter? This is Solveig Hisdahl "Poetry in Stitches", where she have adjusted a bit, because she is small, very small and skinny (it is the diabetic health regim! and walking for hours. Well, it is HIFA yarn from Britt på nätet. It just looked so fantastic in the crisp fall! She got left-over yarn to do another sweater! (It is green). Anyhow, She modified it as you can see. Especially on the sidepicture, you can see she did it one leaf shorter. So the shoulder is different. Also, she used the different hooks instead of buttons. I think it looks fantastic! And, now I have finished Julia. The sleeves are done (last night) and now I'm doing the last on the collar, which I have reknit- since I think it must be perfect. But having tried it, I just cannot wait to wear it. Wow, I MUST knit a sweater like this. It looks GREAT! And pink- hmm, I'm warming up to Pink.
Hmm, I'm so off the seasons. Now we go into wintertime tonite, and it is freezing outside, so I have spent the day of carrying the geranium (pelargoner) and other summer blooms inside. Hmm. Great, just remember I should walk out and cut the last Dahliablooms.

Ohh and even more London, Stash! Part 4.

Clever shop, STASH yarns in Richmond. About a kilometers walk. Dearest HPNYKnits found this little gem, which was filled with american goodies, so of course, nothing for a New Yorker! But, I didn't go on Ally Pally, and had no classes (I will next year), so I thought a little excursion would be fine, before we metup to see the London Craft show (the latter no picture, but great stuff! Really fancy textiles and ceramics!) So, it is a fab yarn shop for the rich. It was just so expensive I GASPED. On the other hand, I did found a lot of colour varieties that I missed at the show. Sohave a close look at this shelfs. Im sure that your best creditcard could help you survive.
Definitely a must for a London traveller. It was not so bad actually took me 2 hours back and forth from central (Picadilly), but ok, I was lingering in this shop. Nice owners! Check them out!
They were nice, and definitely sharing my taste of great yarn! So what did I get, Hmm, One skein of Cashmere in Turquoise (small skein in middle) up left is from the show. No, I will present these little gems much better, one by one. This is not all stash I got ehh, Not on picture is Trekking (Yes, I will KAL too ;-) and a whole bag of Harris yarn from Liberty. Which (when I came home, was NOT the complementing yarn I thought I had. The other one was yorkshire tweed, which was much thinner and better quality/shimmer, ok, I will ignore it, but it is irritating, and of course colours are off!). So In the stash is Lorna's Lace, Nickerjack and hand-dyed silk from Canada. Ahh, It was such a great trip. Links fixed and brain semi screwed on. We did mast-off our sailingboat today. And I have a cold coming up, and a short trip to Finland. Then some workshop. Oh, I'm so tired. But Im working on my knitting, slowly, but surely...

More London....Part 3

So, Check out Mary, Mary quite contrary, my Texas friend. Wow, She is really a good photographer too, and really as fiber-crazy as I'm. I sure missed that Wensleydale Longwool Sheepshop.. How is that possible? but, I agree, Yeah, we three (including HPNYKnits ) had really good times. Next time I make sure I'm not exhausted when I go, and make a real trip out of it. It was so nice. This picture says it? Ok, I admit, I have not even STARTED to take pictures of my own yarn. This is just going nuts at the Knitting and Stiching meet. And I asked the owner if it was ok. So, this first is handpainted silk from Get Knittined.
I have had one day in Linköping, one in Kista, and 3 in Budapest (Hungary). Finally back home. It was all work, but a really good time. Especially finding the choclate shop open 9.30 in the evening just around the corner from the hotel (I mean it - it was Fine choclates from all over the world). Listening to Hungarian folkmusik during dinner and meeting new and interesting workpeople. Unfortunately no time for yarn. And I had taken the wrong Rowan-book, so I had no Sleeve-pattern, so not much knitting.
But, I'm not going to complain. Look at this Jamieson (from Shetland) that also were in London. WHat colours. I bought books, and just had to take some pictures of their fantastic yarn - and get a full sample-card. What do you think? Gahh, druel, gahh.. more.... Even more.. But, they had only brought packs. I think if they have had one sack of each colour, it would have been sold! Bad planning. But next year, I will pre-order ;-) No, that was just it. I promised to fix up my yarn room. Displaying all I got will be the best prevention. But just look at it.

More London yarn craze Part 2

It is breast cancer awareness month. Did you examine yourself lately? This is why half the audience had little pink bands, and why I am going to knit a pink scarf (well, donate!) Well, my story from the Knitting and Stiching show goes on. This work of art (to the left) is done by a young vibrant girl that I met at Liberty (her work at the show). Sorry, remind me of her name please? Every thursday evening a cool group of knitters meet for High tea (and I tell you it was GOOD! Tudor tea (got some champange too) at Liberty for a stich and bitch. The peole I met (which I have figured out - i.e. kindly left a comment on my blog) is Bridgid, and of course I Knit London, also Mary , who is a blogfriend of HPNYKnits, the latter which I was tagging along (like a band-aid ;-). Ahh, the Ally Pally. I leave you with a great druel pictures from the "Get Knitted stand". I bought the Nova Scotia Lace 100% Silk (2 skeins x100g (600m) for 19 99 pounds (yep - so expensive you choke). But, hey you are only there once. But I have to get to Canada. I just love this sea colours, when I get to the pictures of what I bought (none of these are) you will smile.... But this week Im going to Budapest (and Linköping), so no time to blog until next weekend. But, You are not eager are you? You cannot just blog, you gotta knit to!
These last picture is really showing the sea-silk (made of some sea-weed), but somehow the real silk had sharper colours. Below (sorry if I offended some artist rights) I snapped a shot of some of the art-work. I will post some more. I think exposure is important. This is a way to say how much I apprechiate them. Just wish I know names enough (how hectic could it be to jot down a name?) Very, if you are only a few hours visiting one of the greatest yarn-display. So, keep them comments going. They make me so happy. It is great to have visitors. But, rambling on about yarn is really ongoing. I think colour is really an area that is just great. Sparks me. I have all my different hanks laying around everywhere. Just to touch. Silk. Ahhh.
Hanging in a hand... scary and true..Well, I got to get ready for work tomorrow. Train EARLY. Tuula, I do not post my email here, but firstname.lastnameATbredband.net will do the trick ;-) or post your own? Sounds like have progressed in your hand-dying a great deal. Very impressed. Take care! and YES, I really would like to meet you again.