Spagetti-arms!

Hibby and I have washed, scraped, and painted the blue, and the whit is washed, rubbed and waxed. And - I now know why "Wax-on Wax-off" is such a great exercise in Karate-Kid. After this trying to knit is really a fumbling exersize, since my arms are like spagetti, and have no control. But half a sleeve done. And - 1.5 to go. It feels so good to knit again, after (it feels like) a long break. Anyhow, Birches are blooming and eyes are clogging up (allergy)... so it feels great when the rain came tonite. Tomorrow is early - and Im tired (of all medicins). This week - Linköping (tomorrow) and then Dusseldorf (Germany). More work, but some time to knit I hope. You know me by now... I had to throw in some great yarn there. Old, but hey.. We can have a second look at Färgkraft- swedish wool hand-dyed. It is a bit fall colour, but I really want to do something nice with it. Thinking about a Aran - but it might be to busy with the colours and pattern. Or just simple cardi. Just some nice trimmings. Thank you Epstein!

So, Blogging about knitting books are boring?

Books were a welcome break. I really enjoyed studying patterns and techniques. And taking a break solved it. Or - 6 reknits of some squares solved it. Sleeve beginnings seemless is just a matter of passing rules. My Enterlac is now progressing again - with superspeed ;-) Today it is really fix the boat day. So no time to blog. But at least some travel-time to knit, and maybe between the primer drying. More updates soon!

More Book reviews!

First in new Pile is Artic Lace. With promises of both Lace and Quivit (Swe: myskoxe) is felt like a must have. But the first 5 chapters is more pictures of animlas, maps and "here we are" - would suit great in a blog! Then finally it begins, with fleece, how to spin and some ok (rather ordinary) lace patterns.But clear graphs, and some hints on quivit - which Im btw a proud owner of quite a lot of fleece (that I do not have courage to spin yet - it will be my master class spinning!). But mixing it? That would be sacrilage. No, sorry, little to much local celebration and not enough uniqueness. That could on the other hand be found in my next find, Heirloom Knitting's "Shetland Hap Shawls Then and now" by Sharon Miller. Fantastic pictures, great discussions and some interesting colourways presented in a boring way (hey - we are fiber addicts- SWATCH!) Heritage is really something. Then "Spinning in the Old Way" by Priscilla A Gibson-Roberts was opened..First it felt like a kids book, then detailed sketches, WOW! This is a find for any spinner. Will be studied and applied in detail! "Spinning designer yarns" by Diane Varney definitely are filled with good ideas and handy tips. But, after this I desperatly wanted pictures. All hopes filled with my last book of todays batch arrival (I told you I went crazy)... Nicky Epsteins "Knitting beyond the Edge" - Her series is a must for any ambitious knitter. Here are ideas for many many knitting items, and some laughs too. Those loose collars? not in a million, but great to see a book about cuffs, necklines and buttonholes. And, that is inspiration. I could definitely use many of these ideas. And Loose collars is not such a bad idea. Outside is rain. At least it keeps the allergy away... (thanks brother for wonderful picture of me and horse!!)

The first Knitting Books have arrived!

Alice Starmore & Anne Matheson's book "Knitting from the British Isle" had some interesting patterns, not so much fair ilse, mostly aran, gurnsey, but some I have had hear a lot a talk about. I fell for "Tree and flower" which sounds like a great Fair-ilse! Simple and straight forward.
Vandyke was a shetland lace who also looked fab. The "Knitting from the Netherlands, Traditional dutch fishermens sweater's" by Henriette can der Klift-Tellegen, was rather interesting, since they all felt like Guernsey variations. I think if you are dutch this must be more meaningful, since it has some great local history and pictures. But ok. Definitely ok. My last in this first batch was Pam Dawson "Traditional Island Knitting", which Had also Guernsey's fair-ilse and some interesting patterns. Many cable, Aran as well, and many looks very time-less in easy patterns. Actually a lot of sweaters I could give for Hubby. All of these were used but in Mint condition. Im still fighting a "under the sleeve join the enterlac" war. I see why people make simpler solutions. Im into a challenge. I have won before. It just takes courage to tweak the square a bit. Yarn on right is for fair-ilse! Yarn on left is just from stash. It is getting warmer. Time to pick up the silk, cotton and linen-yarn....Soon all the new Artic Lace, Victorian Lace, Heirloom Knitting etc will show up... Oh, I love book sprees, but - I do not really need them. Im just a yarn and Knitting-book collector.

Knitting (Sewing) with tears...

So second course day at Speede. Inger Ohlsson, trying to teach us. Margareta (right) holding up a Speede Inger have done, and discussing patterns and yarn. Me realizing she never learned the first lessing in sewing. Things move, so even if you did measure, you should re-measure. And, the fault was made last time (november!). Catastrophe. But now, all work (4 days) in vain. No, I do not like sewing. But I love Speede. Then I learned that Twinni is a "wrong yarn" for Speede. Hey - I do consider myself rather knowledgable on yarn. I would not go so far. It is to fuzzy and doesn't make a clear relief pattern? Hmm... I really have to swatch some more. Dear Kahlund thought it was ok during her course so.... Any how these to things started to build up... and having a brave face at the course for all textile experts, f.ex the maker of this: Carina O(h?)lsson (I was in awe!) She was just fantastic with the needle. I think Im ok with the knitting, but I never claimed I could do embroydery (even if I really would like to). Anyhow, I felt like a failure and I went home and cried. Great to have a sweet hubby. And I really longed for a good knit. Then I picked up my enterlac, and realize, I just am stuck under the sleeve. Last time I figured it out, but not this... More tears. I just do not get why it messes up. That is no pattern for you. And my new favourite show - Men in Tree's became cancelled for some boring soccer game. So the first warm weekend, I have been stuck inside - tired and sad - and what have I just accomplished - frustration. Not the good news you expect? Well, no pain - no gain... or as someone said. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. So some more choclate from Lindt, stealing (sorry Monika) great links from a lot of blogs and a lot of self pity. Maybe I should rename my blog "The Knitting Martyr". Any help in the self-pity? No, I said no, no, nono no....Well.. It will get better No worries. Im feeling better already! Much better! Look how beautiful you can make these sweaters if you know what you do. AND know how to sew. Mine, that will be a big swatch! It was moth-eaten anyway. Hey new week, new life and new challenges. I need to invent "comfort knitting" totally soothing yarn and no brainpower needed. What is that? Tell me! Islandic sweater! With a pattern! No not another one. Finish. Finish... (and then someone cracks "noooo Swedish!"): Assuming you have humor. but I doooo.... (as Apu in Simpsons sing when he longs for his lost Kwickimart).

Knitting Books and more Speede

Remember us? Malabrigo - Noro Enterlac? That is so on the needles...WIP very WIP and I successfully joined the neck (with a sweaty hands- since I make up pattern as I go along).... But wow how fun this is. Anyhow, I have spent almost 1 hours surfing through Amazon's books. And totally flipped. There is no excuse. And I see a lot of rare things there- A knitting book from 1700+ UK POUNDS! I hope it was just wrongly entered, but anyhow! So, now Im 14 books richer (ha, there went the company bonus!) - no, I did not buy that! Among them: Starmore's British Isles sweaters... Sharon Millers Heirloom Knitting, and some other interesting stuff. I can REALLY recommend Britt-Marie Christofferssons - Swedish Sweaters. That is for the experienced knitter to bite on. I have it in Swedish, and here it is a rarity. In the process, I almost ordered books I already have! And today I found (in my self) Sheila McGregors Traditional Scandinavian Knitting, that I have earlier rejected as boring, with a new interest. For a weird reason (p.82) the Speede (which is a short for Späta = Sticka = Needle) is listed on Danish section, but hey, Southern Sweden (Skåne) where Speede comes from was also once Danish - so I guess the exchange was rich also back then (not only me going to Copenhagen to lust in yarnshopping). The same/similar style was also in IK Knits (called Nattetröjor)...Anyhow. I have been back at the Speede course today, trying to finish my sewing on my sweater (which is of course a modern "re-make" version). I do not swatch. I do trial Sweaters! So, a LOT of work, but fun. And - I realize Im a knitter, NOT a sewing-anything. So this is an old photo.. But, that is until Im done ;-)
PS! Today is summer warm in Sweden. Really crazy to be inside! Also, thanks for all nice comments! I just love to hear from you!

Butterfly traces - Fjärilsspår!

Presenting: Recycled Silk Sweater - Butterfly traces - "Fjärilsspår". The spring feeling was overwhelming - and I finished the very summery Buttefly traces. Named by hubby who saw my yellow traces. It is hard to see, but I added a butterfly on the chest. It is snuggly fitting, and feels very cool. (Brr...) In the background you can see - IT SNOWED this past night. It is melting away, but it is chilly. Definitely not the weather for this - which is made for Texas heat ;-) Anyhow, Im pleased with my design, and it was really a quick knit. And - I started with the sleeves! then knitted it circular and added sleves, and then raglan. I still have some yarn left, and thinking shorts would be ok to match, and a headband. O maybe, doing a top..... Anyhow. This is February entry for Sweater a Month KAL. Im catching up (soon)! To finish the continuing story. Bohus is resting. I just realized - My dyslexia played me a trick, instead of 4 extra added I just added 1 extra stich, and I have to rip half of my collar up. We are so not friends today -Mrs Yellow Bohus and I. Sigh. I have not even started frogging. But, that is good. Now Im back to original UFO plan...And yeah, Mary, I missed Orange and Bouton D'Or, but it was Easter - and I assumed it was closed, also I really wanted hubby to have my attention. A factory of yarn. That could have been me going crazy ;-) And Monika, Jaeger Aran is in dark grey almost black. Impossible to shoot a good picture of. But.. we will see when it gets ready!

Happy Easter my friends!

Easter lilly (Narcissus) are blooming in my garden..and tonight was almost frost again. It looks decievingly warm. These little cuddly yarnballs were bought in Arles at a horrific price of 9.50 Euro at La Farandole du fil. The girl in there was great though. It is Anny Blatt's Angora (70%) 30 Wool yarn, in a mixed colour. Lately I have noticed Im becoming somewhat of a colour- control-freak, I like to control the colour myself, and it is so easy to mix yarn in if it is even colour. If you have a blend, you need to really work something out. And Im still thinking why I didn't buy the strong Rose-pink colour, but then again, that is not my colour. There is a right place for everything, so this yarn will eventually find itself in a knit. Back home,now Im in a mess. I started on an Bohus, even if I promised myself to finish UFO's, but again, (which means the sofa is jammed with half finished knits). But they were not possible to carry around as is (on plane's and stuff).
But now there is no excuse.. except the Bohus is such a seductive knit - Im into TRANS- knitting. It is great. Hey, Im two! sweaters behind for the Sweater a month KAL, and looking on HpNYKnits, I realize, I have not understood the Project Spectrum KAL. So the aim is to post pictures on the KAL blog? Im not even sure I am a member. And - I obviously missed first quarter. I thought it still was some time. But hey, I guess I do it my way then. Back out gracefully. Great pictures there. And the new Bohus fits great with the current colours scheme. Im really great at justifying things... So I have one-2 days to finish the green silk sweater. It is still to cold to wear anyhow - so there is no rush. I could knit my bohus (ok.. probably most likely). Or I can finish my enterlac in Malabrigo and Noro. Just two sleeves and the neck. Or I can do the grey Jaeger sweater in Aran? Also just two sleeves and the front. Is there not Knitting therapist out there? Well you will be the first to see the result of what is going on. Anyhow, Im celebrating, since my research paper got accepted, which means a lot of stressful work, but also, that Im going to Tallin this summer to present it (great place to buy cheap wool yarn!). Yeah, I agree Gail. I'm so lucky to have a job like this. Happy Easter! (Which in my case right now means: Go and fix up sailboat - wash, scrape, buff, paint, buff and more cleaning.) Nothing comes easy!

Vive La France! and very little about knitting!

The frensh Riviera, say it. Say - Working 18 out of 24 hours in the weekend, but having the best meal of your life in a small resturant near Marseille airport? Anyhow, Monday, our vacation started. We went to Nice. I basically were exhausted, but hubby (who have been walking around Marseille waiting for me, did the same in Nice). But it was a good to stress down. Anyhow, after a reward night at the great Nice hotel (I love collecting hotel-points) we went to St Raphael- Frejus. This is their beach. A bit windy, but clearly 22 celcius, about 20 degrees warmer than Sweden. It is my favourite, since I was at a teen- language camp 29 years ago. And then, I started a BOHUS - the yellow lace collar, as a cardigan. Our hotel was great, just above the Marina.
And we are sail-boat fans. I actually stripped and soaked my white flesh in the sun. Blinding white. Soon turned into red. But hey, vitamine D is good. And it was very long time ago since I felt that warmth. OK, this wasn't the best Bohus picture. Does this one look better?
Yep, great few days. Long walks, doing those 10000 steps easily. Anyhow, the Great Bohus knitting really requires focus. Being the map-reader, this was not a car-knit. Great on the balcony, and instead of incomprehensible TV. Anyhow, good food, and too much beer and wine - and then, knitting was really demanding. Sorry, had to pop in the blooming Wistera "Blue-rain". Just fantastic. Anyhow, we took the car up in the mountains to see the Frensh version of Grand Canyon. OK, it wasn't too bad. Well, not the SAME colours as the real Grand, but a great trip anyhow. I have a ton of pictures of this grey, and really that little river in turqoise-white, really got me into designing a sweater. Grey, with some tweed and this wandering turqoise river going across. Yummy. that would look great. Maybe an angora turquoise river? Anyhow, I feel rested, and I have done 41 out of 71 pattern-rows on the Bohus cardigan. Then we took our mini-rental to Beaucair - a weird town in central Provence. On the way we were stacking up on a huge amount of Lavendel to put into the yarn collection. This fear of bugs you know. Great anyhow. And cheap. Felt like summer to smell. Ahh, to finish the trip we visitedArles, where I bumped into a shop who actually carried yarn. (the one in Nice did just have cotton and acrylics, so I do not even count that!). Anyhow, more about that - tomorrow! Vive La France! It is so great with vacation. I just jumped out of bed today. Now it is time to get going here. Fixing sail-boat. cathing up on my 5 different mail-boxes...Reading blogs. Im sure you have done some great adventures out there. Im amazed how fantic our world is. So beautiful. And - all that I really needed was some sun, TLC, and a great knit. Blue skies and great ambitions. I have started to see sweaters in almost every picture. Pardon my french, but that is just great!

Yiha- Another one. And vacation soon

More of Solveigs fantasic colour schemes at Solsilke (from this years yarnfestival). This represents my mood. A bit dark by colourful. Im so inclined to go on vacation next week. I just have to work all through to Sunday. But the weekend work (sure to be very tough) is in Marseille. Then Hubby and me is going on to a fab drive the Rivera for 5 days. The hotels have POOLS (I think they are cold, but still) Palmtrees. Holding hands on the beach. Trying a Galette with cidre, or a glass of wine to a great meal. And - of course a lot of knitting. My main problem is, what should knit, bring an ufo and plan to wear it? Risky.. find something with wooden needles for the flight?
Start on a new project (maybe the Färö- Shawl KAL?) Is this not the GREATEST problem with vacation? No yarnshopping (if I just don't stumble into something ;-) AND Relax. It feels like the last three days I have seen sun for the first time for several months! Then my mode will be like this yarn. Ahh for SILK! Sunny, golden, soft and forgiving (this one from Maria). Just 4 more days. So this also means I will return Easter! Anyhow, I have now knitted my Green Silk Sweater! But, I think it needs enhancements... An extra yellow silk frill, some knitted embroydery maybe... So, you will have to wait a bit more. (see, Im catching up on my Sweater a month KAL).

Yarnshopping in Aachen, Aix la Chapelle, Aken

Amazing feedback. You are soo nice out there. Thank you! The current chill in Sweden is staying. It is on plus, and even the crocus are freezing. The Queen is of course warm - and went with me on the working trip to South-west Germany and Aachen. And, In this flight with MEN in suits (and unfortunately not in trees ;-) and through 2 airports, the Queen really kept me warm. Ok, she is only great outdoors, and not for flight, but I felt Royal anyhow. But, the short spring heat in Germany was gone. they also had a chilly spell, the same as Sweden, with snow-mixed rain! A bit surprising. Anyhow, for once meetings played in my favour so I grabbed a cab to Lindt factory to stock up (Choclate - just the best in Europe ;-) and then to the curiousity of my Taxidriver: AnnaStrasse and Görg und Görg. I tell you that yarnshop is a great secret. Either Aachen people do not knit (enough) or attract knitters (enough), because that yarn-packed store had a LOT of yarn- which is my favourites, that are out! I found Maya from Debbie Bliss (which I think is great!) And I just love this colour. I have absolutely no idea what to use 4 hank to, but Im sure I have some matching yarn in Stash that this can be complemented to into a cardi/jacket/sweater. The Daria Multi Noro (first pic) was just a little X-tra. The colour in that. Yummy! It will be yet another headband (only useful thing I can think of)... But the big buy (for someone who is NOT buying HA!) is to be able to find much of my favourite right now: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4 ply. It is just a great yarn. The new yarn they have is not nearly close to this quality. And Görg & Görg had a lot, so now I have probably for 2 Fairisles ! Anyhow, I plan to use them for the next Tudor Rose Starmore pattern... (and Im NOT going to follow her colourways!) I of course have Henry VIII (in original yarn) also in the plan. Now you colourfreaks, this is NOT MATCHING: It is just some spares in a huge pile. Now I need to get all my yarn out and sort (isn't that just the best) But the idea is: It takes a lot of planning and some guts to dear doing a new colourway. So, After a great knit - dig into an UFO. So I brought down an enterlac... BUT, rushing to Aachen, I realized that was filled with safety pins, and metallic needle, so I had to get another UFO - with wooden needles. It is a green recycled silk-thing. And hey, fast! So I have done half a sweater this week. The think here is not finishing the sweater. I have planned a lot of ruffles and embroydery on it, so even if it is finished it will take some time to really be great. It was not intentional - it was supposed to be a summer sweater. Anyhow, time to prune the apple/pear trees. And - MORE work..Anyhow, I started a FO on the side-bar... but it is only sweaters and not even all. Great to hear from you! And again, thanks for your comments!

Presenting: Queen Catherine Parr! Ready!

Finally, she is ready. I knitted like a maniac yesterday (14 hours!- Personal record!) but now she is done. (ok, I had a short brake shopping yarn and the latest Rowan Mag. at Wincent..hmmm)..Anyhow, noticed I have improved on sewing togheter (which is nice). And a bit pressing with the iron does make a huge difference on a pattern (I Never do that! also nice!). While the rain was pouring down with a bit snow in it, I forced my freezing husband to take some pictures of me posing in it. I have the 4 different yarns I used in my hand. Orange (two-thread) from Mojärv, blended with Bronze-coppar (Bronze-gold) from Färgkraft (one-threded) - but I used two of them to make the pattern more lively. And then a blend green swedish wool spun from Kempes (bought at Sländan in Lund) that is three-threaded (not two as previously said) and in addition, Estonian one-thread of that varigated yarn just in tune, that make the soft transisions. Anyhow, the rain makes it smell sheep. And it feels Fab to be finished. January (!) sweater done (in Sweater a month KAL) no worries. I will be catching up!

And I officially finished the Tudor Rose KAL but I will definitely do one more of Tudor Rose from Alice Starmore, the true master of knitting. Im in awe of this pattern. As you notice, I made it long and big. It will stand a bit shrinking ;-) And, as I horrified noticed, the apple round belly is still sticking out - so it is not too big. Phew! No wonder it is, I have been sitting on my butt knitting for all my spare time! Anyhow, I recommendthe TUdor Rose knitting book, fantastic. So rewarding. Also, notice that the neck is a bit hard to see on (same as in the book). But I have a close up if you scroll down a bit..The body is very straight and makes the sleeve hang down. I do not mind, but pressing it, it became a bit sticking out. It hides my butt, but that is nice in the cold weather. So, for 1 and half week of great spring weather, I have been knitting. And now - it is raining. My luck! Anyhow, it was not so time consuming (but you faithful readers know Im a workaholic, so time to knit is not much..and I have not been travelling so much).

Even from behind.... Yes it is (Im) big. Ultra big. Made on 3.5 mm needles. And I think I recommend to all normal size people to knit it in small. This is large (and some extra - to make the patter fit in the round). Yep, I did remake the pattern to knit on circular, and it is as easy either way, meaning, that when coming to the sleeve division (when you have to guess!) it is no problem going back and forth. Anyhow. Proud as a any knitter! I did it. Oh... And I can finally go on for new knitting adventures. And PS: I promise I should not complain. I'm the typical "projection"! someone gives me advice and I get upset... and hey, a few days later I give someone else advice on the web. PLEASE forgive me - as I will forgive all of you. Now It is time to clean the house (hmm, I have been knitting - not cleaning! - except for those Mother-in-law/F-I-L visit!) Hurray! More knitting to the people. Is it true Alchemy yarn is coming to Stockholm? Is it true they are opening just now? How interesting. And I heard from BBC the sheep gets smaller as a result of the climate-change? Less wool! Ahh! (Good to have a yarn collection!)

One sleeve to go.....

This is really interesting. The new colours from Yllets Linnen yarn. They also changed the petrol from far right to the more lighter (next to it). But this will be a great sweater. As you know I like the coppar on the left. They also had a new yarn made of mohair and wool. But, did not want to give away the mix. Ohh sight, that is ridiculus. I do not buy yarn I do not know what it contains (nowdays). Anyway HuaHia was great advise. Im sure Solveig just wanted to help me, and she was being nice. Anyhow. Do not care. I have finished one Queen sleeve and started on the next. Now Im just dreaming of all other sweaters I will knit. But Im digging into the UFO list. before doing anything else. Need to catch up - Take care out there. Here it has been spring all week, and I have been working and felt the allergies really hitting. Next week Görg and Görg at Anna Strasse in Aachen. Yepp. Great! I luve my work.

Sneak peak of Crazy sweater in progress, more yarn.

So this is me playing with knitting, colour and yarn. Parts of sleeves and the front (with the red and actually turqoize, lime green). And it will be a lot of purple in different shades. Well, For you my friend, this is secret crazy sweater knitting. No pattern. Just whimsical knitting in all directions, doing zig,zag increase and decrease, joining and adding, holes and glitter. Of course Douglas Adams - Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy shines through in the back. And my camera is seriously breaking down. Now everything had a blue tint. What is going on?
Anyhow, I got Green Mist (bohus) from Solveig, where she lectures me in knitting "too loose". Im not knitting too loose, and it makes me very irritated to get that judgement. I have never asked. It is like golf a holy rule, if you do not ask you do not want advise. And I can write a page why it was like that on Forest darkness (a loose bottom brim, and a bit bubble on the pattern)- but I spear you. Anyhow, a bit surprising, in context of how much money I spend on her. So, I bought a cardi, and a barret and scarf (Large lace pattern). And a lot of silk in fabolous colors. This one for example. Grey brown silver metallic at the yarn festival.

Yep, another week, spring? yarn and scones

What is going on, this week just flew by. I have knitted 32 of 44 cm on the first sleeve (in 7 days) so I guess It is at least 1.5 weeks before the queen is finished. And, blush, thank you all for your nice comments, it really warms my heart to read them. And yes, it is March, and Im still on my first of the 12 sweater KAL (which is really 1 sweater a month KAL) that I sort of rename to better fit me. Anyhow, I have the intention to finish a lot more that 12 this year. (No, I will not get stressed!) So, I went to the yarn festival on Sunday, thank you all for worrying, but Im so much better now!) It was almost empty, and everyone said Saturday was overcrowded, so it as a good choice. (Yes, I will provide photos of more stash collection enhancements, but you have to wait until tomorrow.) (Art is my great brother: Johan Mauritzon - Oil!)Anyhow, I just had a great High Noon Tea (I didn't know there was such a great place in Gamla Stan) that served Scones with clotted cream.... It was great. I actually have a yearning for real warm scones, so it is great I do not have to go to England to get them. Final picture, one of my Raku Tea jars (yepp a bit blurry=me without glasses).......Anyhow, I have started a great fun project. A very creative knitting sweater in size 7mm needles with that thick silk-alpaca yarn. It is so fun, and just before I go to bed, I just do a few rows. Im knitting in "all directions" playing with the different colours, and pattern. Super-ultra modern. You will laugh! But again, It is really fun. I do a little piece, and the, just before falling asleep, Im thinking or dreaming of how I should make it and solve interesting problems. Ok. Outside it is spring (ha, just because it is warm.... we scream spring!) Now it is time to see what you are up to out there. Hugs and again, thank you for all your encouraging comments. I need them to finish the sleeves. The sleeves are the toughest for me..so now it is an endurance test to finish, and NOT start something else.

Sneak peak of Queen Catherine Parr, A Tudor Rose!

So far, so good. She is shining, isn't she? Hurray for Queen Catherine. I just finished the neck this morning, and have started on one sleeve. But, Monica, for you, I will show you the great Queen Catherine, before she is ready. Maybe I spoil the effect, but she is so great. And that extra one threaded yarn that I blended in, makes the hues so interesting. A bit coppar, a bit darker greem, a bit lighter green. Anyhow, a very cleaver pattern. Now it is "just the sleeves", and if you know how many swaters I have waiting for "just the sleeves" you would be laughing. More than 5 anyhow. I just think the neckband is so fantastic. What a great way to end a sweater: Look at it up close: You can really apprechiate the pattern. It is a bit bubbly, but it is stil unwashed and unpressed...! Great fun anyhow. I so miss going to the festival. And I realize that I had ordered yarn (another Bohus!) from Solveig, to pick up. But a dread walking. I was shortly outside and just up and down the basement (yes, you need to go outside in our house) really took the breath out of me. Imagine running around on a yarn festival. Im panting already. Anyhow, Im glad Sticka's speaker was Katarina Breiditis. I know everyone is so impressed with her, but for some reason Im not. I guess, it is because I think Im much more creative than her, and she is also as sloppy as Im - meaning, that does not impress me. But, Hey, Im not competing. Im not even in her business. Good luck to her. But, It is not like Im hanging over every word she says. And maybe, I detest slaughtering a knitted sweater. For me that is a process of making ugly. And - I guess it is a matter of taste, but I just admire neatness - maybe because that is something I wish I had more of. Im a bit sloppy as a person. Does not really bother, and nothing tight in my mind. A person I do admire is Britt-Marie Christoffersson. I admire her. I admire everything about her. Creative, knowledge like any I know (about knitting, colours, design, patterns), and of course the greatest teacher there is, And, the teacher of me (and Katarina B) by the way. Actually also the teacher of Solveig, hey, there is hardly any Swedish person not being taught or impressed by B-M. She is the true guru. Of course, having heard about ridiculus copyright stuff and yarn quarrels, takes a bit off the guru status of Alice S. But her pattern. My oh my, The Queen is a share joy. I cannot recommend it enough. Not if you are worried about "oversize" or not adding inches to your waiste, but what a pattern. What finish. Anyhow Queen Catherine Parr, who died of a fever. I sure hope that is not contagious, because I have not been this sick for years. It just doesn't go away. How I will go to work next week (physically) will be magic. OK one more look and say Ahh! Horray for the Queen. Horray for knitting. At least I can knit all weekend. (so, Should I sneak off to Stiches festival tomorrow? Last chance. Very last.. I must go, I just must. Bohus, Ahh bohus... Ahh more Naturgarn in white, to colour, great yarn!) Maybe some more fleece.. No, have enough.. HELP! Big help! I have a yarn room. Maybe I should stay the day there!)

Missing yarnfestivities, but hey, Im not bored!

Do I look like I need to go to a yarn festival? (Syfestivalen, nu på Sollentunamässan 3-5mars). THis was my findings after Warp and Wäft, and I have been shopping yarn since then. But I miss the Sticka yearly meeting. Im still fighting that bad cold, but otherwise Im fine. It was worrying that the lungs could fill up so quickly, but now Im just the normal miserable me ;-) Anyhow, that has not stopped me for giving 10 hours in front of the computer every day (I just HAD to submit my research paper!!) And I succeeded, much thanks to my great supervisors. So today friday, I have done minimum of work, checking mail and actually taking it easy, which means I have sawn togheter the Queen! It is now a vest, and I of course tried it on, and - TADA; IT IS PERFECT. SO, conclusion is - Im huge ;-) Actually Gail, do not worry, I think that not all Alice S. patterns are oversize, this one is, you can see a Large is 120cm! and It actually fits perfectly on me. So I started to knit the neckband, and it is a lot of "make knots", and now Im heading into the pattern (!) for the neck. I must say this pattern is one of the most rewarding I have knitted (next to bohus which forever has my heart!). The finish neck is really something else. I cannot WAIT to show it off. Unfortunately, there are still two sleeves (44cm!) to do. and that will probably take all March!. Then I promise I will do many sweater quick-knits, and finish a lot of UFO's. The painting by my brother (last posting) is Oil, He does mostly Oil hardly any acrylics (especially since he got an allergy from it I think).
Anyhow, do not worry about me. My spirits are great. My hubby grows a beard. I have tulips on the table in front of me, and the yarn-room is packed with interesting projects. Actually I have sneakily started (I know I shouldn't) a new big alpacka/silk mix you know, Catalina yarns? Debbie Bliss think aran? I think that will look great. Im doing it so plain. It is my "go to bed" knit. A few rows just before bed. Weird habits? Yepp! Now I must get back to pattern D, the neck... I just looks fantastic. Can you really wait for the finish product? you do you want a sneak peak? No, you just look at great yarn, and wish you were healthy enough to join Stickas yearly meet, and buy more yarn at the festival. Sigh! My thoughts are with you friends out there! Gotta Knit know, Ahh dear queen here I come!

Garngamen at ER - and back again!

I guess this week was not as planned. Monday I took train to Lund (4someting hours one way) to do a work. No seats other than in dog-compartment. I luve dogs but Im allergic. Not a good start. That astma, stress, little sleep and cold started its magic. The day ended by a great visit to Sländan, which is the very nice yarnshop. I of course bought too much Twinni and some thick Alpacka-silk (looking like Catalina Alpacka! yes, both of them was to complete a project, that is at was Im telling myself). It made the trip home next to a flue-sick girl a bit better. And - I had a semla (hihi).. really yummy on the train. I bet a lot of people thought I didn't deserve it, But I did ;-) The thing with semla (a bun with cream and almonddough) is that sometimes they are cheap and use aprticot cernels in the almond doug. Im sensitive to stone-fruits. (You see how this builds up?) Anyhow, Tuesday I got the flue, and used my great option working from home, And at noon on wedn. I just had to call in sick. Hubby also sick. He told me that when Im to sick to water my Hoya's - Im ready for hospital, and - I was breathing rather heavy. So, ER, here I come. (In this panic, the first thing I packed was Queen Parr!) and -realized that I have not enough yarn, so I panted upstairs to wind two balls....Of course, this was when hubby heated up the car (it is COLD here!) because Im also sensitive to cold when I have asthma. I didn't tell him. So - ER, great people, hardworking nurses, and a lot of strange sick and old people. Stay on intense care - so there was a place at the Heart intense ward. Great nurses, they all luved my Birch-shalw. And took great care of me. Then tossed to Medical. And grueling days became better based on: I have a wonderful husband. I came with homemade caffelatte, sallads, served me all knitting magz I wanted. And - The fact that I had Queen Catherine Parr. I tell you it is hard to knit with a needle in your wrist, a thingi on your finger (puls, oxygen), so it was slow between medicins, but now 18 needlesticks later, Much to much chemicals Im home. And I think Tudor Roses is such a great book. It is such smart patterns. I have planned a lot. And Im very soon finishing the back. And - Thanks for all advide my dear friends. But I will tell you this: It is too big to be pillow. It might be better as a blankie. But you know, I learned that this particular model is oversized, and Im a bit oversize, and also, It is the new fashion to be oversized (accoring to all magz I have been reading, first the short trend, then the oversize!) So, If it is to big? I will not care. I will cherish this sweater for the rest of my life. Life could be short if you do not enjoy every stich. Im fine now. But it was scary. I cannot say enough praise of the comfort a big knitting does to all people in a hospital - at especially the knitter! Now, Im home with computer, Tv, Fresh caffe latte and a Vienetta (Chocklate icecream). (Art - Johan Mauritzson in picture above! Go brother!)

Weird it is.. More yarn to the collection

After a BIG fight with blogger (where I thought I would loose - meaning, not post anything) I hope (if that happens) that you will locate me). It is a warning message! (Im sure to figure it out). Anyhow, weird it is. And Im slowly (I mean slowly) even if there is occasional intense knitting, working on Queen Catherine. So Front is finished, and I just started on the back (sleeve-holes and up). It will be big. no infact HUGE. I think I will look ridiculus in it. And, I just have calculated I would have been done now, if I did fitting me. But I will not rip it up. Who knows, I might have a huge friend somewhere (Pun intended!) And I just reknit it (ha).
Im rather stressed. Abstract due today, and paper due next week for research. I have a bad cold, nose is clogged up (again). Even my new yarn is freezing in the snow ;-) I so like it. This is from the Warp and Wäft visit. It is so spring. Still winter. Real winter. Anyhow, I got to be a member of the Yarn Collectors (Thanks). So I must show you some more of what is in the bag.
This is Silla and Villa.Great for fine knits, like wrist warmers (also WW). I just bought a "few hanks" of each type of yarn. To check it out. I luve planning next project. I have been thinking about Poetry oif stiches in new colours and with yarn from stash.... But It is interesting. I do not really want to decide, because when I do, I want to knit it immediately, and I feel I have committed to finish the queen, and finish two more UFOs (at least).

Yarn collection and the need for quick knits

Most readers know Im slowly working on Alice Starmore's Tudor Rose: Queen Catherine Parr (in green). I have now two cm to reach back neck, and Im getting exited. Today is going to be a knitting day. Weekend. Just a little work to do. That calm is back. But I realized, between yarnshopping and blogging and knitting on thin needles, you need a quick knit. Just to say, Hey, what did I do January? 2 caps. So, It took me 1 hour to do half a pair of mittens. So, 4 hours to a pair of mittens? That is fast. Unfortunately the red cocoon wool yarn was one of those sale "I just got to test it" yarn, which I also have 2 balls of teal.
So Friday at my LYS (Nysta) I picked up 2 more teal, unfortunately the red was out, so I went with black. Im thinking of my cold brother, who freezes in his house up north. Any excuse is a good excuse. Do you not agree? It is so nice to get a comment from you my dear friend H., and a great button it is. I will now proudly disply the Yarn collectors button (of course invented by Presistent Illusion). I had no idea where that expression came from, but these things happen. Someone said Yarn collection instead of stash and you are hooked on the words. It makes me proud. Of course I have good intentions to knit it all. Slowly but surely. Im a bit suprised by the fact that dearest Queen did not use up more yarn. I was sure it would take 1.5 kg (more than 3 pounds) of yarn, but It is less than 500 grams so far, and it is not much left..... (Yeah!) just two sleeves and the half front and neck! Feels like I have done more than half! The sun just came out, -9 degrees. This is how I mess up (and do not finish). I do a Quick knit. After a while, the quick knit is not quick. It was an entire project. Now, this year is the year of finishing staring projects. Finishing all KALs I enter, since 2008 I will start with a clean slate (HA!) I will try. Im determined. First project is the Queen. Then Project spectrum needs its GREY and BLUE. This will also be matching my planned rythm. 1 NEW (Queen), and 2 UFO's. The Queen and I are still companions for awhile. And Montreal, here I come (week 9). I had so much trouble finding an open yarn store there. Now I know at least two. But, as always. Is there time for searching finds to the collection?