Short update. Domino!

Im knitting squares of the yarn from Loop (London). It is the bottom of the little top I planned. It is fun. But requires some counting every new square. Yepp, "BertandFelix" you got it, in Sweden the custom is that the birthday"child" is served on the bed (breakfast at least, but with presents and a cake). Imagine how my last day was- Sleeping in. Everything went wrong. But I guess having birthday a funeral on the same day was not a good coincidence. Anyhow, glad to have camera back, and my research computer to serve as my new blogging computer (before home-computer is fixed). It looks like it is sunshine, but I really feel for you poor English people. It rained 5 minutes earlier. We usually have drizzles, but this was really "cats and dogs". Raindrops like teacup size pounding hard. Most of this rain is the "left over" from UK, and we got local showers. Hubby (who has been to long ;-) in OZ is an avid cricket fan - and of course listens to the Oz-India game. Well, I do have vacation. But the late "stress" really makes me wonder. Im not very good being lazy. Anyhow, a little square update - great cotton yarn! Wow, it looks slanted. Hmm. Anyhow, I also finished a little scarf, Silkyarn from Stash (but really Canadian Handpainted silk)- reminds me of "Ahlgrens bilar" (which is a swedish candy). Anyhow, this day feels much better. A good nights sleep, a great breakfast and a hubby-made Caffe Latte (as good as Starbucks! but better because of secret ingridiense - Luv!). We are of course discussing what to do with the day. I started to clean my office - who serves as a storage for all papers floating around the house. Basically piles on floor. Time to reclaim the space!

A day of sorrow, joy and choclate cupcakes!

Slept in too late. Woke up and realized it is my lovelys brithday. He was already up! Skipping breakfast, dressed in black and even put my computer in a black bag - after all, it was funeral. Since it is in V-ås and I study there, I thought I would squeeze in some supervision on my research before. Ok, just check computer (mail) on where. Computer broke down. Panic. Late to train. Hubby drives panicing me to station. Half way, I realized 1. I forgot my phone (how can I call for directions?) 2. I forgot my watch, 3. I forgot my ipod and 4. I forgot my knitting. Drove back (since good girl checked train yesterday, it leaves every hour). Ok, packed and breakfast this time, I had time to work up anger towards my blogging computer. Yeah yeah I know I should know better to take back-up (Please Zoe, resend your info to me - I can pick it of the server on another computer). And all lost mail and phonenr. Time to reconnect with me ;-) Anyhow, Hubby dopped me of enough to grab a Latte and, how weird it did not say V-ås on screen. Ask in info, no train until 2. Meet with supervisor 13.30. Funeral STARTS 15. And train arrives 5 past. No way. Calls hubby. He does not have the phone on. Panics. Calls friend. Asks for a ride. Cries for funeral... It rains. My tears are raining. It is said. 52 years old. What a loss. Well, he lived all the time. And would not stop smoking. He was a great musician and a great geologistand unbeatable in TP (Trivial Pursuit) if you do not remember... among other things. It is so sad. But home now with hubby. He has attempted to fix computer. What a sweethart. He also found the camera. It was of course deep in the knitting-backpack desperately filled with too much yarn for sailing. Im reknitting the collar on the cosy sweater. Great advise, thanks. Pictures back tomorrow. With puffy eyes I at least have now baked him choclate cupcakes with nuts and 85%Lindt. They are yummy. Easy to do: 125 g choclate and 125 g butter melted on stove. Take of to cool. Beat 2 eggs with 2 dl sugar add 1.5 dl flour and 1 tbs vanillasugar, some dashes of salt. And at least 1 dl chopped almonds (big chunks). I also added a tbs of conjac (goes well with choclate). blend and then add choclatebutter mix. in "muffins/cubcake forms - (smaller) and in oven 200 degrees in lower half 16 minutes. Done. Add a bit whipped cream some berries on top and your husbands favourite ice-cream (pistage). Thank you all for your KIND comments. they mean so much to me. I virtual cupcake for you!

2 hours gone- again!

So blogger lost 2 hours of editing. And now Im fed up with it. Short summary. Lost camera. Relatives visiting. Sailing great. Rain. New shop in town (for me), but Ann-torp better. Ordered Bohus - Wildapple. Busy as crazy (vacation?) Yarn in a teacupswap - Zoe is great. And why Im focussing on knitting bulky yarn - TO GET SPACE IN SHELFS! No lace yarn now. Order. Travel. Wedding, Stickstämma. OMG:Was that an abbreviation or what.

FO Cosy warm cardigan!

Here it is, the Noro Kochoran nr 10. With yarn from US and from Nysta. Remember my earlier discussion from 22 June (just scroll below)? Pattern? Well, It was designed like a small shrug. Added and added, so, it is really my own. As well as the square buttons (stoneware).I made it in an angel by choice, I guess I have been inspired by "Project catwalk". Glasses? No it is not sunny, but I was too lazy to put on any make-up for a foto. Too much of a summerbum. Anyhow, click on picture for enlargement, and enjoy my new "hot seat" chair for a neckless (in silver). Well, I thought we were sailing, but in fact it has been stormy, thunder and cloudy. Im making more lemonade - and right now, Ice-cream from our wedding-gift ice-cream machine. You could help me out. should I add pockets? Im contemplating that... but Im afraid it will be a bit "front heavy". Also, Im thinking if I should make the collar a bit larger. I definitely have yarn for it. But it seems to "sink" on the shoulders. Also had a debate with myself to make a hood. But somehow I dropped that. What do you think? Any opinions? Actually, this sweater makes my July entry for the Sweater a month KAL. But it is a winter cosy, not for the hot summer. I Love that you daughter liked the picture. And a day-lily for joy.

London Yarn shopping (3) STASH!

Stash yarns is Fabulous. May be because it is filled with the luxurious quality hand-dyed yarn from the world (mostly US- Canada). You are so lucky over there. The prices are so way over any reason, it is crazy. 20 -25 pounds a hanl. But look at it. The first top is Camel-spun (camel yarn and silk), below is Sea-Cell and Silk - same colourway fron Hand-painted yarns from Canada. I have no idea what I can create of those cuddly beauties. But Im happy to have these GEM's in my Stash - from Stash! Below are the cashmere 4 ply, which I only could find two matching pairs of. So they have to be highlights. In fact, that is the only "complaint" I have. To few hanks in same colour - and the prize.But otherwise - a store made to dream about. I actually have been there before (see this old posting), and remakable enough, the store-owner recognized me. But who spends their entire travel-budget on yarn (and skips food?) A true yarn-vulture like me. Ok, the cashmere was to dream of. Then, last time, I bought this silk and mohair (one thread of each), which I just grabbed on hank of (enough for a shawl!) See how well it does next to the "Henri Martin Rose" in Dark burgundy?. Or does it do better next to "Giseland de Feligonde"? A musk-rose that flowers over and over. No, it is just one hank, and a photographer with time... un un-usual situation. The sunshine was great today. We had a quick visit to the very abandoned city. And after some knitting in the garden I had a go at the weeds again. Cooked some black-currant lemonade. And picked some dark cherries. They are great, and the tree is so full, we went over to all our neighbours and offered them some. Just open a Lindemans red to the great salad and steak. And now we are sipping it with some very dark Lindt Choclate. This is the best holiday ever. Knitting, good food and choclate! Anyhow, Stash made me very blue. I also got 3 balls of Fiddlesticks lace-spun in blue, and this last picture is filled with something that will also be a great quick-knit on the sea, a summer-top. Strange how colours affect you. But I guess Im feeling a bit blue for the moment. All winter - Im definitely green. And in fall, it is all about leaf-colour. Hmm. Is the first spring green LIME? When is then lilac? Of course the lst top is Lorna's Lace. Isn't it just yummy looking yarn? It posed well with the red-currant. I have 3 bushes of red-currant, which is enough to make so much lemonade I have to give it to my brother. I just hope I have time to pick it this year.
And sorry for not linking you up with Loop.
That was sloppy of me. Anyhow. So, ranking of Liberty, Loop and Stash? Easy. Stash has best colour-ways and best quality, but are not cheap. Loop has great bargains, and a clip-card for good customers and definitely a bunch of great yarns. Liberty has a complete Rowan-Jaeger stash, and some bargains. So, it is defintitly a tie. For lace knitters- Stash, otherwise Loop. Eh, you get the picture. You must see them all. 4 hours would give you enough time and 3 hours is a bit tight! London shopping is almost as good as Stockholm ;-) But I think it is natural. What you do not have - you crave for. Now I got to finish something for tomorrows posting (ha, it might takesome more days....)

London shopping yarn (2) Loop

Loop, a bit to walk from the Islington tube station it was not hard to find this little store. Filled with people, kids and mugglerhusbands, and both old little lady to find something for baby footsies, and desperate houswifes. And me. Carefully browsing the rather jampacked store for goodies. A lot of Noro, Colinette and Manos the Uruguay with the normal Debbie Bliss. A bit to messy for me - it had the same "look-and-feel" as my yarn-room, piles and baskets and knitted artifacts all over, but, definitely some finds in the sale bucket.
I got my hands on 10 balls of Noro Cash Iroha (black!) and 4 balls of the Debbie Bliss alpacka-silk dk in teal. Good backup yarn. After a lot of fondling, the Blue Sky Cotton became a summer top: one neon-lime, one black and 2 naturebeige hanks. Must have thought about whasps. Anyhow, then 1 very expensive Habu minature ball of featherlace snuck its way to the basket (10 punds! - a fortune!) - to complement the very yellow-green 2 hanks of Alchemy yarns. Cleverly layed in a Big Daddy Hosta leaf (the largerst Hosta there is!) Anyway. Silk.
Hey, to top it all off, I always buy to odd sizes circular (3.25 and 3.75) of some Addi needles. I was content, filled that empty space some. And the I have no idea what to do with the black. By the way Anna, I found no yarn in India. To be honest, I found only a very small shoppingcenter, but not like my last visits, which was more in style of street market - where you would find anything. India this time was just work.
Anyhow, Im better today. I guess my belly just wanted Swedish food and some TLC from Hubby. Im so much better. But tired. Must be relaxing. Picked cherries today, and Hubby makes me our great Italian risotto (with chicken, asparagus and saffron) Yummy! Tomorrow - the last London shopping spree posting.

Vacation starts today! But first some London (1)

Ahh! First day of vacation - spent cutting off dead flowers and getting the weeds out! It is sunshine. I have days to fix all I have pushed in front of me! It is just fantastic. Anyhow, the last week was spent in London, on conference - with the worst "Delhi-Belly" I have had. Basically, no eating and stomack pain. Then being to hungry and eating sandwishes... which had a "bad end". Anyhow, great conference. I learned a lot (which was the purpose this time). Unfortonately not really fit for knitting or socializing with 20 visits to the "loo" a day (and night). But do not feel sorry for me at all. This was just spice to life, salmonella? Well, waiting for results....The worst part was a dear friend of mine just past his 50th, died of Lungcancer. He was a smoker, and of course, even if that was not the direct cause, Im sure it made him more vulnerable.That was a chock. Gets you thinking. I have cried. It helps. Life is too short. So, maybe that is why those wonderful balls of yarn was such a comfort. This top one is from Stash (but really, Handpainted Silk from Handmaiden - Canada - crazy). Just that right summer colour for a scarf. Anyhow, the conference had a great reception at the London Eye (with great small nibblets and Chablis). Which I ate too much too quick and it had record-speed through the system ;-( Ongoing joke! Serious Knitting blog: Back to business:Three yarnshops was visited: Liberty, Loop and Stash (and in that order). Liberty had moved their yarn and it looked like they had expanded. Always expensive, it was sale. And that big wool in lime looked fab - as the yellow Siena. But, something made me turn off ("Gut-feeling"?) so I just walked away with the booklet "Classic". Lot of nice patterns, patting myself how great my stash at home is (ha!). This was one of evenings. The "big" shopping day was after conference - 3 hours of Bliss! btw. London is humid hot - but sizzling great.
Tomorrow you have a LOOP "blog" visit and review, and the same goes day after on Stash (which of course is already reviewed!). Meanwhile, Im knitting away on Noro Kochoran sweater. It is just that comfy knitting I need right now.

Titlefield blocked? Wow, talk about bug - of course, that is my profession (to find them ;-)


This is an OT message: Chennai, India!
After a long flight and only some rows of Lotus Blossom Tank (IK06) I arrived to Chennai, southwest of in India. Since it was mostly work work - it was hard to steal pictures at daytime. But, pictures from taxi describes a different life than mine. In short words, India looks like a great construction-site. With high-rises next to sheds. Roads in construction. Im happy that things are improving. And that companies like mine pour in money and jobs there. And they are all so kind. A great pleasure. What is not the pleasure is the food poisining that hit me on the taxi-drive to the airport. Exploding in both ends and trying to wait in endless lines for enterence, security, immigrations and passports. The famous "Delly-Belly". I counted my thow-ups to 12, and I was glad it was a nightflight with aisle seat, all sleeping but me - no lines to toilets. So, detailed enough... Im slowly recovering. Knitting? no not much. But at home the very expensive DHL-package of Kochoran nr 10 was waiting. And a new Knitters Magazine. Anyhow, no sight of yarn (but I had really no time to hunt). And - I have a Stash Beyond Life Expectancy! No, Im going to knitaway on the very wintery Kochoran Sweater. Maybe pockets. And tomorrow it is off to London for last weeks conference before summer holiday!
I always end up with yarn there. It is a must. Lets see. How will I have time to get to Stash, Liberty and that new one I have not been to, Posh? hmm... Take care dolls - gottago again....

FO-Circular ..more Tallin knits and yarn

It is finished! My Greek sea and with sand Twisted floated shrug (see more on its KAL)- or Circular Shurg with pattern from Vouge Knitting Fall 2005. And It is rather big (and warm) in summer rain in front of Honey-roses. Came home from Tallin - and boy, Im behind on updates. It has been a YARNILISHIOUS week. I must say Im still discussing some addition to the front of this. It is so belly exposing. From the side - it says it all! I think I increased just a few stiches to much on the last rows, so it got a bit bubbly, and the snug sleeves make me look much better, but the tighter sleeves are not as compfortable as big ones. Anyhow, Im thinking to alter the front a little. Maybe add some short rows so it is easier to "button up" and it closes that gap in front. Anyhow, This also finishes my JUNE submission to the SweaterAMonth KAL. Im "back" on track. Actually this looks so much better from behind. Yarn: Debbie Bliss "Maya" which I figured out is the same as Manos del Uraguay Wool yarn, then it is two, two-stranded wool from Estonia (Kauni) in turqoise and purple, and also the purple yarn and plain turquoise. The white is Mojärv - wool (two strands). The white of course represent the salt when the waves are breaking. So much Greek vacation inspiration. Truely my colourscheme. I luve it (it looked better from behind in pictures than it felt wearing. Interesting phenomena. Anyhow, you have to live with this huge long posting, since Im gone to India an entire week - and no chance of blogging ;-) So, here is more of the great yarn - hand-dyed I bought (not that I needed it, but I like to support them!) in Tallin (Estoina). It is difficult to judge from this picture, but a series of different yellow and greens. Anyhow, this will fit in snuggly with my own hand-dyed yarn. I will definitely show you a series of the Tallin knitwear sales in the future. Somehow, they are much into knitting machines these days, and not at all like the first time I was in Tallin. Still have warm memories on 1992 winter, when I bought a handknitted sweater from an old lady for 300 Estonian (200 Swedish = 20 dollar)... should dig that up and show you. Craftmanship. Now prices are grown, but they are now 0.6 EEK to a Swedish Kronor. and 7 kronor is a dollar. DO the math! Here is just a "bad" picture of the last little tail of knitwear saleswomen just inside their great medeaval wall. There is noway to describe it. But maybe this picture? of the more modern knitware for sale? Ok, I will bore you with more pictures. I had some reactions on my "inside knitting language"..But we all Know what Good SEX means? Stash Enrichement eXpedition! Now you know. That is how I earned my yarnoholic membership. And I do have Stash larger than life expectancy. And it has not gotten better. I did a find on Nysta today too. But that is another story. And- Terrible that I do not have time to comment on your blogs. I feel lousy - but you are on my mind - and your progress is amazing. Bags? Hmm Bags is not a bad knitting.. But what should I bring to INDIA: a long flight, so...

In Tallin

Tallin is very much a Hansa city. Looks just like Visby in Gotland (Swedish Island) and is only 83 kilometers from Finland. Anyhow, it has an old wall, and many towers. And is known for its knitted artifacts (among others). This time of year (summer) filled with tourists that walk in guided tours. Myself attending the conference is mixed feelings. Both happy to have done my presentation, and a bit sad nostalic from when I worked here 91-93 just after it got free. Anyhow, Now city is tourist shops and I sniffed up the yarn store - filled with acrylic blends. Anyhow - succeeded to find the only sale yarn (12 EEK) I mean 6SEK (less than a Euro) for one ball of italian cotton. But the true wool (which I already have a lot of) was the same price (or more) than in Sweden. So... no, Not a big buy. Of course two one threaded white wool (a shawl?) was cheap enough, and some "förgarn" "fleece" cut in strings....! Good SEX! Stash growing. I have for the first time the luxury hotel SAS Radisson (especially when I remember all the hard years and many tears I had for my therapy education and supervision here. I definitely learned a lot about pain and compassion from this country. Im so tired, my feet hurts, and Im have so much to do, I just had to take a break and blog. So, Have a look... The cotton balls with ¨pink, beige white and beige are great. And the fleece is planned for two socks. The problem with great hotelrooms is the minibar. They have displayed all choclats in a glass-box so you see it all the time. And I was good this time not buying Toblerone at the airport. Really Torture when I cannot kiss my dear husband. I guess Im a bit lonely. Im so tired. But have to show you the great view from my window, the sun setting and reflecting in the tower. A bit fuzzy but on the 13th floor the windows are definitely shut tight. Tomorrow it is the conference dinner, so I will be late to get home. And I have not even started on any knitting here. It is interesting. The Sweater a month KAL have me being true to ongoing project. I do not really want to start anything new (again).
I decided. Your great respons got me to choose. I ordered (5) hanks of Kochoran nr 10 from the US. Might as well. Now it will have hood, be long and have pockets. Not such a bad idea and thanks for playing. Also, realized that the 203 is not Kureyon but SILK GARDEN. And - Im done with Circular Jacket - or "Twisted floated shrug" Vouge front Fall 2005. Anyhow, still are fixing all those loose ends, and then needs some pressing. Maybe Saturday. We will see. Take care - and do stay out of the rain and heat.

Noro Kochoran 10 Update - Midsummer! and ECF!

In my Rose Pergola I proudly present the unfinished Noro Kochoran nr 10 Update.
As you see sleeves are done. And I desperately need a collar - since it is WIDE in the neck. And it is short. My Budda Belly sticks out, though in this first picture I cleverly hide that fact. Im so sorry I have not been updating as often as I would like. You see my free time is really sailing, knitting and garden. But this week I put in 14 - 21 (!) workhours a day trying to keep all my committments. Im so thankful for my work, I love what I do. Now an odd task has been putting together an internal conferences and selecting speakers, and Im preparing a course to go to India (Chennai) to teach collegues more about my expertise area. Meanwhile Im at the embassy getting visa, handling mail, planning program, and writing frenetically on my Licenciate thesis (A very Swedish degree- it is "inbetween" the Masters and the PhD). It is like a dress rehearsal for the PhD. I love it. But of course I blog about my hobbies. Right? Anyhow time for some Knitting science! Im having a long conversations with myself on what to do with this Shrug/Cardigan. And I need your help! Some of my options Im contemplating. 1: I have ONE yarnball of the same colour but in IRO (much darker) my plan was to add this on a VERY loose almost large lace/net knit to get length, and then add the colourway (203) of Kureyon who surprisingly is the same colourway (and that I just bough several balls of - and started a separate cardi) - Pro: I use what I have. Con: The 203 could be put to better use in other cardi, and - it might look ridiculus with the dark lace bottom and collar. 2. Accept the fact that this is a HOT and warm cardi - but sneakily and colourblind just go for another Kochoran - I happen to have stocked 4 skeins of in nature beige. That could easily go for a collar and a bottom part. Pro: All Kochoran at use. Con. I just do not like the colour combo - otherwise that would already been done. And that Iro ball is just waiting to get used. 3. Crawl to the altar - and just be a rich bitch and buy the yarn in US (and pay up my nose) - to make it a GREAT sweater. Pro: Obvious. Con- the idea of this Sale yarn is lost, and it a simple and rather boring solution, isn't it? 4. Use the Iro to finish the edge and make a collar - AND GO ON A DIET so Budda belly is not such a eyecatcher. Pro: That was the intention when yarn bought. Con: Im such a computer geek that Im glued to the screen - When will I have time and energy to slim down? Im such a couch potato. Solution? HELP! Being a Libra, I cannot choose this! Also a great trick I learned when I was doing my Therapeut education is: If someone tells you to choose something - you will immediately know if that choice is wrong! My garden is fantastic. This last picture had a good setting, but pinning it together with the needles were not the hot solution.. No, not my house, the next door in background. Im not a fan of tiles. Today is Midsummer Eve. The shortest night in the year in Sweden. Does not get dark until 10 and gets light about 2-2.30. That is SHORT. But a bit cloudy.. still a fantastic time in Sweden- I would call it "the best". We got married on this day many years ago. And Im still happy and in love. Peonies and Clematis competes with the Roses for my attention. Husband - Hubby (australian nick name of husband) got it. And I just feel that summer vacation like Paradise (mening garden!) Only three weeks of work and studies. First Tallin- Estonia next week. Then India Chennai. And then finally London - 9-12 July (ISSTA). Definitely some yarn hunting between lectures and teachings. Unfortunately I will miss the Thursday evening knittinggroup at Liberties in UK.
But I doubt there will be time to reach Stash. Anyhow. Fantastic situation. I must say I have never been so happy in my life. And I have worked for it (and are still working on midsummer)... So, It will be short Saturday updates here for awhile. But On my vacation I will keep you much better posted. And Yeah Zoe- I think the teacup idea is great - It is more about WHEN... now I feel I have to much on my plate to sort it out. Ill swap you. PLEASE dear readers - VOTE on what option you think I should go for - or if you have a new creative idea to solve the Kochoran puzzle. I have contemplated going for a full angora as well. Hmm.

Blank - Really blank!

More stressed than ever -dearest husband and I decided to have our premier sailing tour for the year. Furlex on, and off we went to Ladviken. We had no boat in our near sight and it was quiet - and a bit cold. But waking up to the sunshine morning with the sea completly flat was amazing. All stress form work just had disappeared. My hands went immediately to my recently bought Noro Kureyon 203 sweater - which is alike a Rosedale- imitation. (Since I did it form memory - and invented the pattern). Now this is the last week of being home for a long while.
I will just "drop" in to swap suitcase once a week. Anyhow, what will I do with the cashmere? Well I have browsed all my magazines I bought from Phildar and Anne Blatt and found one in the later spring "houte corture" version, and a pullover with a lace pattern. I just glanced at the angora last nite and thought It would really spiff-up the camel yarn with just some few lines. Anyhow, the Anne Blatt mag had a great knitted jacket that looked like weaving - that I fell for, so that might be something. That jacket used a variety of yarn qualities to make texture. I must say that the french sure know their textiles and fashion. Great inspiration. Isnt hubby cute when he does the boat-dishes? We got sunburn on the way back yesterday meeting all boats on the way out. Today we knew we planned right - since the rain is pouring down. It is so nice to wake up at home. And - both sleeves knitted - and almost 15 cm on the cardi from the bottom. Thinking raglan. We will see. Yarn tells.
And now, when Im home I can browse Rosedale at Knitty.

FO - Back home to heatwave! More Stash Enh.

Ballet shirt from Loop-d-Loop - Thank you Teva for a great pattern (just some small adjustments - with extra sleeves, and ) and mabe not so wide in the neck! Trying to look decent. It was 12 hours approx. knit. That is the amount of free time I obviously had this week. A lot of plane, bus, taxi and a short breaks before fainting to bed. Anyhow, the garden and weeds compete now - and and unfortunately the blooms come and go so fast in the heat that you miss them in a breeze. My blog really became a conversationpiece. And I think D. took it ok. You now BertnFelix... he is a bit young ;-) Did have a quick check on your blogs - and really what have you been busy! Hi NY - H. I luve that scarf! And Z. Those cap's are Great!
And many Swedish are now on the boatride to Mariefred -and Cornelia Hamilton - our Noro, Malabrigo importer! That is probably great. But I need this day to wash, and swap suitcase - because tomorrow is off again (Linköping then Lund). Anyhow! My "knit in public-day" ended up just before rushing to the bus from Grenoble to some great experiences. First - I bought this left box of Angora at Phildar: Really at a bargin price! Then after spending 45 minutes at Phildar: I mean - have a look at this: Isn't it fab? But all I saw was acrylic, acrylic cotton acrylic, wool acrylic, superwash wool .... and acrylic. Of course in hot Grenoble weather you tent to look at cotton, and they had Cotton and seacell (which is polyamide) - I for sure would like a lecture in acrylic, polyamide and microfiber.... Because right now, seacell and bambo feels soft, as well as microfibre - but how do they behave? Sun? Colour? Against skin (meaning) breathing? handling sweat? I no for sure some do not breathe and feels great but wears like a plastic bag. And Im a silk girl. Any how, angora is really winter great. Anyhow In addition to Phildar and a bunch of frensh knitting magazines, I took a lazy stroll to be back for lunch on time, and walked right into Anne Blatt. Not only did I get my right box fun I also met this very frensh lady, that warmed up when I bought 15 (!) cashmere balls at full prize - yep, covering the counter and emptying my credit. Well, Too far away from the Factory, but I need that adress Mary ;-) Precise! Anyhow, I feel I do rank Grenoble a city to return to. Expensive - but OK! (This posting would definitely quickly bore all my research friends to never return here again - so - be good boys and loose the link!) OKOK, I will post the recepie (hoh - that could NOT be spelled) I mean CAKE patterns. Now reality hits me, and I need to dig in to work preparations..Take the best care!

From 90 years, Jössefröjda and to Grenoble!

Swedish Smörgåstårta (sandwish-cake) is the starter of getting 90! Hubby's granny on the right (yep, she had baked all the other real sweet rasperry cake and all small cakes and buns).. Im sure to use some pics of them when have a dry-spell. After digging into this twice. Yummy! So I have had a FAB Yarn experience in the fantastic city of Arvika. They have a jippo called "Jössefröjda" which is like happy hour in all the shops. I went 9 sharp saturday morning and bought myself 11 skeins of Noro Silk Garden, Nr 203 (!), 2 others in an odd colour and some PT2 (Per Tyving 2) a Norweigan honest woolyarn. What a blast - was it 30% off? That is what I like a lot. And that is how I end up with yarn shortage... 11 skeins is plenty. So that will be no problem. I have already knitted one and a half sleeve in that (just on my was home from Arvika). Anyhow, after this I packed and went with my research group to Grenoble in France "Rhone-Alpes". Just a fab city... of course I casted on a short top directly when the airplane was locked. I started a Ballet Tank top from Loop-d-Loop book, which I had scribbled notes of the pattern in my carry-on of bag 4 balls of Patagonia Cotton and some big wooden circular needle. Anyhow I can share my secret trick of knitting on planes: Thick wooden/bambu needles- circular - put with lap-top cords, and pens - passes 99% of all security - and then you do not show your needles until take-off. Noone will say anything if you are discrete, lady and passionatly safe and focused). They are not sharper then a pen, and not more strangling than any belt or lap-top power cord. So, if you are on -you are safe. And Im not asking for a no. Cost? The risk of loosing a pair of needles. Ill take it. It is still less than a boring magazine (they NEVER have knitting magz on swedish airports!) Anyhow: Helen (local swede in Grenoble) joined us for dinner - and draw a map to me. Result - I will desperatly try to get to a yarnshop tomorrow (Phildar), but I suspect they keep us busy. Now when I have revealed my very secret alias to this blog to my research collegues - I also expect some comments from you. I suspect my yarntalk will bore them quickly. Hi guys ;-) ok, and gals (ok we are two..) Anyhow - we visited both Chartreause liquer distillery (hey, it is GUYS that plan this trip), but I ended up with raspberry liquer (like candy). We also had time to see THE monestary where this secret liquid is created (see pic above), a gang of "total silence".... looks isolated in the hills. Fantastic stone and story- All in pouring rain of course - and the busride was excellent knitting-time, except to my surprise I knitted a whole ball of yarn - and the other ones were in the hotel. Some math have me calculating that one ball is three hours, so it is max a 12 hour knit. Goal: To be finished by saturday. Of course I have the Bohus yellow lace collar as reserve with me, but that is not airport friendly. so Im counting the paranoia is on liquids at the moment ;-) Today weather has cleared up (and the reports of 28C at home in Sweden - and all roses and peonies in full bloom mad me....) -it better is nice here! Anyhow nerds as we are- we are all booked at a hotel with internet connection, so I got challenged into writing on my blog (should I not do that EVERY DAY?) well, sorry folks.
Im not THAT interesting. Anyhow- All knitters - sorry for this people late nite wine bubble talk.... I will surely get back to Knit, fibers, spinning and many sweater progress. I feel Im getting 2 ready very soon, and 2 more in great progress so.....I leave you with some great pics of flowers... and not hero-supervisor paying the taxi-driver! Anyhow, FYI, D. next to My roomie, sideways and wears wine-coloured shirt - announces he is single. Does not cook, luvs food, and I vouch him as a great potential sincelast year he was kind enough to 1. follow me around for many yarnstopps without complaining and also carrying bags and patiently (and with curious questions) waiting in yarnshops and 2. Actually carrying home yarn and stuff in my overpacked luggage - since I was going directly to China last year..... So, a great catch ladies. Recommended. Lives in Karlskrona - but probable moveable as any software nerds ;-) /Ha - NOW Im in trouble... for this posting;-) There you have it for sneak peaking at my blog!

ECF- Peonies

No-one missed that I ran out of yarn. I have now a very short shrug, with a very wide neck. But I have two yarn balls that is "sort of" similar in colour but in other yarn qualities. One Iro and one Silk garden. Im planning (worst case) a Silk garden "neck". I will wait for all you wonderful people that nicely saying they should check around in there yarnshops. I will of course put this fantastic Noro Cohoran "shrug- with hope of being a sweater" into a wait state for a while. Anyhow, then - It is time to dig up some other UFO. Im going to Arvika (and Fantasy- yarnshop) to celebrate my husbands granny getting 90 years. And then Monday rush rush for 6 days in Grenoble- France! So might be some hidden angora-shop (haha) there - it IS close to the ALPS so they cannot only have baby acrylics ;-) But If Im awake sunday - you might get a short update otherwise - This blog is sniffing peonies (working) and knitting somewhere else.