1st of advent.. Christmas present panic!

Not only is it time to drag the candles forward, it is also time to dink some glögg (mulled wine) and have gingerbread cookies. One more thing - it is time to panik about knitted christmas presents. I have heard the jacuzzi hat was snached by the you teenage kid, and used all the time. Thats good. It is apprechiated. But I have a long list. And I have not even started. Im stuck with my knitting. But, I guess, I should really stop the stress. This christmas is all about relax and enjoy. This little Santa is from Budapest.
Reminds me I both have a Christmas sweater in the plan and a islandic lopi! But presents.... hmmm...take care out there!

Budapest yarn hunt part 2

As claimed in my last posting, Budapest - great, yarnhunt not that thrilling. But I must admit, that this exhibition was very thrilling. I had no idea his paintings were so vibrant. Kadinsky and Klee are in my mind way more exiting than Picasso (at least in this exhibit) which showed sketches that I can find on the any auction house from him. So... Also some fun Arp sculpture. But the work "from a rainy day" was so great... And I just wish my fantastic brother - who I think is definitely in the same realm as Hundretwasser got to design some cool houses....We are after all the children of two architects...and I still think the Pierre Cardin house on the frensh riviera is something for me. Round rooms. Maybe I was a hobbit in an earlier life. Anyhow, sorry for flipping, but this blog has got to have some vibe. This should be my TIFO as we say in Sweden (P1 radio isnot bad!) Budapest. yeah, already a memory far away. So yarnshop on Ulloi (very little yarn) next to it is a beadshop. And opposite the street (cross carefully) is also a beadshop. I guess this is not the most exiting pics, but I really had just luck running in to these. A local would have known, but I guess work was so busy I didn't want to pressure them into finding something. But I will be back. And yeah, it was not this snowy, but their ice-skating was already there. And immideately I thought of "great knits on ice". That could be is so great. More weird is that I got VK knits AGAIN today. A month later. They have absolutely no check. I did not get one (had to buy them all in "loose numbers") and now I get twice..I have become the worst bloggar. The reason is obvious. I joined Ravelry.
Great fun. Now I finally getting my projects in order. And I have just begun getting my stash there.... what fun. Knitters mainiac.

Budapest - Yarn - and progress on UFO revived (1)

Budapest, great vacation and bad yarn! The Donahue is slowly passing the castle, and in the "blue hour" we had wonderful long walks in the rain-misted city. Anyhow, the yarnchase were particularly "bad". Try google "yarn" and "Budapest", you see what I mean ;-) Oh, yes there exists some brave souls, but I must admit, Im a yarn "conosseaur", so it got to have some thrill. Somehow, big acrylic balls, or "plastic glittery" eye-lash yarn does do it for me. Bead shopping looked great though. Anyhow, this one Buberék, is on just one parallell street up the shopping street. Going from square towards the Market (but do not cross under the big street). Take left and then right. Should be there on your right (if remember right). Well, I brought with me an old UFO, my grey Jaeger Aran sweater, that I have knitted TWICE (since the first was according to pattern, and Im not build according to any Rowan/jaeger pattern). Yes they have gotten better now.. which I used a pattern as suggestion for cast-on. The pattern is my own. I just invented this long cables to make my figure a bit elongated. The problem (why it became an UFO) was that I did not know how to finish it in the front. So suddenly I just did it. It is , supposed to have sleeves, and I definitely have yarn for it (still haven not ripped the small size) and Im contenplating either knitting them from shoulder down or both back and forth at the same time. Im rather pleased, and it was great to have under the jacket. Here Im posing outside the Museum of Applied Arts on the road Ulloi, which actually have some yarnshops (and bead shops) not long from museum towards city (on both sides of the road).. Applied Arts showed a textile exhibition, that had only one (!) knitted sweater, and not as exiting as I would expect. Some few things were good. Most were "what should I do with this sample". The great exhibition was Art noveau glass, both Tiffany, but most my favourite Ernst Gallei (hmm, sorry if i spelled that wrong)... with his fantastic flowers, beetles and snails on leafs, landscapes and this glass in great colours. Why do they not do this anymore? It is a class of its own. Much more exiting than most glassworks of today. I guess people do not have skill or patience. In addition there was Kelim's (if you are not an expert, it is just rug's) and ceramics from the 1600 which was somewhat exiting. Anyhow, more on Budapest soon.

PS. How did I do Domino? Just as normal squares. A square is simple. Cast on an uneven number of stiches. purl back. knit and the middle three together (I think it is ssk2tog and slip the slipped back over) knit and always end with purl, and first stich is lift knitwise. Purl back not together) the on knit side, make 3tog, etc...automatically you end up with the last only stitch. pull thread through. The trick is to always cast on the same, and then pick up from the next squares one side, have a middle free, and then pick up the next from anothre square. You will figure it out.

FO- Domino Summer Top!

It is done. Domino-knitting, my own freehand pattern. It is knitted in soft Blue Sky cotton (thick) bought in London. And it is my August (!) Sweater a Month KAL entry. Ok, a bit behind. But that is life. Two buttons to fasten it. This is the "tight" version, with the crossed straps in the back. The "loose" version would really be hot Ibiza-look. Conclusion. Took too long to do, and a lot of loose ends to fasten, and I suggest Domino is better knitted in thinner yarn, and in wool, so the ends are more easily disguised. But ok. It was an experiment. And it will be nice for the hot days. Anyhow, here are rather horrid pics of me with the two different back strapping. Anyhow, it I must admit it feels nice to think that there is weather to wear this, when it is snow outside. Ok, time to finish some more sweaters. Should not be impossible to fulfill the goal. Just a nice long christmas holiday will do it ;-) Take care... and commets are always inspiring. Hint hint....

More Bohus..and knitting chats

It is soft, cuddly and waiting to get done, The Bohus Wildapple is slowly growing on the needles. But some nights I have worked myself so late it is hard to get to sleep, then I dig into my "good night" knitting. I have finally finished August summer top in Domino squares. Well, I was not overly happy about the cutting, but the thick cotton was a soft delight to knit in (Blue Sky). Finishing immediately made me start a "quick-knit" in my secret desire to get rid of all bulky yarn. This is Point 5 from Colinette and Im almost done with the sleeves. Makes me tired for bed and is a good extra to the very thin needle Bohus. Next week and weekend is Budapest. Interesting, that the first thing you think about is "what knit I should bring" that works on the plane! Bulky - is .... to bulky. And thin needles are "weapons"... so wooden needles mid size. Anything I can finish? Hmmm...Also thinking about another Quick-knit in semi-bulky, the Maya yarn - and a west. I have started to like wests. Which is interesting turn of taste. Very practical at work, when you need the business suit on the west is easily snuch unterneath!

Bohus Progress and ART

The Backside says it all. Knitting Bohus is a demaning task. Great, but demanding. I love it!
Now the collar is done. Up to 4 colours in the row. It is great, but now I have to wind another ball of the base colour. We had a great sunday. Going to the very Jugend (Art Noveaux) "Centralbadet" and did a good swim, some steam sauna, and wow, you feel tired and fresh. I sent of the latest version of my thesis, and after the usual home duties, washing, cleaning, eating...I look forward to knit until I drop. Mom loved the two bags of yarn I donated to her knitting group in Dalarna. Anyhow, mom-in-law have been heroic and knitted one teen-age sweater for the Latvian kids. Mom says it is beautiful. I have no doubt. Hope I can get a picture. Anyhow, I just have to brag about the great fantastic picture I got from my brother, the fantastic artist Johan Mauritzson. Look at it. It is like he knew I was knitting a wildapple. They match. I do not want to spoil all the Bohus fun, but I have of course some other great pic's coming. This is eye-candy for this week. Next week Im going to Budapest (and missing a Baptism).. always interesting. And celebrating the new year in New York? When does the after christmas sale start? Or do not US have them? Hmm... anyhow, around 2 of January..OOpps....Now it is BOND, James BOND on Telly. Solong...Have a great knitting week.

Trollhättan - The Swedish Trollywood!

Trollywood... they do have stars on the main streets. A week of international conference. Up as a sun, and down as a pancake. Overall, I met a bunch of interesting persons, but on Friday I became too tired and sad of not sleeping and not enough knitting. So I worked hard on the short-rows of the Bohus Wildapple, collar is done, and now it goes faster. Anyhow, Trollywood have a nice little yarnshop called Stick-in. Nice people, and a normal Swedish variety with a twist. Too much large 100% acrylic to get me going, but hey... I have a great knit. Anyhow, I must agree with "When the tough gets going, the tough gets Knitting" my dear friend H. The New Regia Kaffe Fasset sock-yarn is great. I bought 2 balls today at Wincent. And also the Marie Wallin great Rowan pattern book Kidsilk Dream. Well, not really patterns I NEED, but they pictures were great, really inspirational. Anyhow, Im now healthy again. And ready to start my new healthy life. I have booked my Technological Licenciate Degree date to 18 of December. In Sweden this is the degee between a Masters and a PhD. .Im so exited. Im actually moving forward. All this hard work is start to paying off. But I carry a huge guilt. Not only am I 4 sweaters behind in my "sweater a month KAL" but also, Im not knitting the shawl for may aunt either, or not fast knits to the children in Lithuania. Feeling selfish. But the Bohus is the most seductive knitting. It is so soft, so rewarding. It just feels like DREAM. Anyhow, I must get into serious exercise. Might have to visit New York very soon, to get a private Pilates lesson ;-) I miss you out there!... I have at least signed up for Ravelry...so we will se what happends. Anyhow..... It is really vacation planning. Im definitely absolutely coming to US next year. In fact, Im planning a bit lengthier research trip, and also attending conferences.... Time to enjoy the dollar! it was almost double to the Swedish crown the last time I visited so....Again, take care! Here planning is happening.

First Snow! Wildapple progress!

Here the first snow falled tonight - while I was upp working on the last rows of the collar to the Bohus Wildapple. Im om 65 and it is 71 rows before "motorway knitting" begins. Hubby through one row took 5 minutes, but more than 450 stiches, and 2-4 colours, definitely takes 30-40 minutes, depending on how concentrated I am. Im explaining it is more about knitting beautiful, than fast. All stiches should be just the right tension, and the floatings on the back should be just right to create elasticity, but not become to loose. But you know this of course.
I have packed two big plastic bags of yarn for mom and her knitting cafe. And again Im making a plead to knit warm sweaters for a Latvian day-care center for Youths (10-15 years). Mom want to give them all a sweater for Christmas. I should get into Christmas knitting. But the apple is so beautiful. Need to start Violas Birch - shawl.

ECF for All Saints Night!

Oh summertime. I still cherish the memory.
It is from Gotland. And at all saints night, you should remember the dead. I dedicate this to three really close persons that past away. My father, the story-teller. The architect, the card gamlbler, that loved his dog Felix. And Alf, my uncle, that helped me more in life than anyone can believe - he saved me. The Gestalt guru, the angel, the giver. Gotland is your place. For you- peace. And finally my friend Johan. The silver miner, the trivial pursuit winner, the guitar-player, the fun and safe man. The Tolkien-fan. I miss you. And it is so great to cry. The best cleaning in the world for the soul. Bless you all out there! This is life.

Jacuzzi-caps!

This is the collection of 6 beanies.. Multi-size, soft and cozy, and in many colours. Mostly Colinette one zero, but two others yarns as well. Lets look at them one by one! (the ones you have not seen!) The bright blue Jay to the right. My happy colour! If was a fun knit, such a quick knit. Not more than one and a half hour. How exiting. It regained my knitting spirit. I just found my Maya yarn. Thick and in beautiful colours. Anyhow, it is just exiting, to knit - and Im drowned in the Bohus Wildapple. Great progress. It is slow with four colours and more than 450 stiches... but ahh so beautiful. Anyhow, back to the head-pieces! They all have a hole in the tip, to hang up next to the jacuzzi. Soft to fit snuggly to my bald boss ;-)
And this. with the brown blob. Together with the ladylike pink. It looks good Nice multicolour. Looks great on.

Scrubs- and Gothenburg - Strikk

Strikk has moved location in Gothenburg, of course I did not know. But the shop now looks and feels like Uldstedet in Copenhagen. Anyhow, they have a range of Twinny, unfortunatly not the angora mix variant, but what a goodie yarn-shop. Not only did I find the last Noro Koshoran that I have "half a sweater" in. They were filled of new interesting brands, and of course a whole lot of old brands in new colours. What I really liked is the display. Also a yarnshop who has all "sizes" of yarn, chunky, aran and super thin. Especially I like the very handspun alpacka in natural greys. Fat and felt (ha) great. Anyhow. A very pleasurable visit, lot of people and nice personnel. Great for you. Gothenburg is knitting. And the buttons I found is a perfect match. Also got som really weird feathers. Will be a great bag. Im sure it is already out of fashion, but so what. It should be fun anyhow. So, all that yarn on the counter is MINE ;-) and the feathers..... Surprisingly , they were rather cheap. These cellar shops are just hugging. And look at those shelfs. Yummie yummie....This was the "exotic" shelf, I assumed the most "plastic" sorry, acrylic one.... Anne Blatt is still good. You can spot the färgkraft hand coloured (from swedish sheep) hank in the great colour Soy latte (or maybe Caffe latte)... She is so clever with her yarn names Margret.
A happy visit. After that, hemslöjden felt really boring. Very exiting embroyderiy pillows, but no, not the pleasure of squeezing these little dumplings. Anyhow, I had some good hours on the apple last night. Now it is time to sink in to the old re-runs of Scrubs. So good. And breakfast with hubby. Better than any hotel ;-) Take care out there.

Finally fri-day!

What IS that - a hat? Im back into knit-frenzy! I have bought the most wonderful yarn from Nysta, and are producing the Jacuzzi-caps for my boss. Since I really, really really (do NOT repeat now) want to go at the apple again. So I did a BLUE and a fall-coulur. Both these were the the two last in the series. Anyhow, Im not only a flying I have taken the train. Do-desk-kaden, do-desk-jaden (a japanese movie that made an impression)... well, This was just a short train-trip to Gothenburg this week.On the train I knitted this multi-size beanie-like thing. Outside the fall showed its best matching colour. A beautiful day, full of hope. Actually this conference was ok. I did my presenation, and got a lot of serious advice on my research. And I found some new collegues. Anyhow, what was best was I could help some other persons with their. Well. I also met an old friend at the tram. He recognized me. I really did not initially. But old brainwaves jogged me into realizations. Anyhow, I found Linked-in. I have heard the sell the information to recruiters. So. Who knows. Is it good? It is great fun. I found some other old friends I have not spoken with for years. Feels great to get back in contact. Of course, the problem is Im starting to doubt blogger. Do they also sell the information? Are all pictures here automatically someone elses? Hmm. I stay out of face-book, they keep copyright. Well. Im sure not many got the Swedish pun.
I actually thing FRI-day is a Viking invention, because FRI means FREE in Swedish! ;-) And I sure feel free for a very very long time. Now it is time to take care of me for a while. Of course I ended up with some infection again, but, hey no wonder. Now it is wonderful weekend. Snuggle with hubby. Water my Hoya's, eat some good food, get exercise - AND KNIT! Do another Apple. Well, you know, this weekend will be just filled we life. Maybe some great knitting pictures of my Gothenburg trip. And Now you have seen 2 of 6 Jacuzzi head-pieces. So now I wonder if boss is sneak-peaking on the blog. Shold I wait until I have delivered them? Confess!
Well. Thats life. Silence.

TIme to get into knitcleaning!

Korea fashion is really great knitting. I like that! Then I browse around my "knit-corner" inspired by Zoe's neat and tidy place and realize that my intestive week-program has a prize. - It is a knitmess. So Not only am I taking on my very warm and great sweater, and having som Stach Enhancement eXperience at a few of the LYS, Im going to clean this mess. Clean on the outside, makes inside better. It is a beautiful day, cold and crisp, and time to pick the last apples... Im conteplating CABELS, it seams like all is now CABLES and fair-isle. Anyhow, Im a bit stuck on order in knit-mess. Finish august summer top (and take a pic)... ok. That would be a first choice. Then Wildapple or Lotus tank top. Now, now it is break for 6 caps! And Im longing for A QUICK KNIT! When I looked through the mess for cap-yarn I realized I had some great Maya yarn. It screamed to me. "knit me.... knit me". And Im packing a big "charity bag" of yarn and posting to my mum! That is strange. I thought I could never part from a thread. Well, Cronicals are hacking on!

Hyvää- from Korea to Finland...

Knitted pants? And a top in black jeans? The latest Korea fashion, would have been nice now, when the fall sweaps in like a frosty hug over the fantastic leafs. It is dark, and only in the sky I see the sun. I have had a strange experience this week. One of my blind spots in life is when people are mean, I mean, really deliberate sadistic to me over a long period. This time I just started to cry. Then I finally saw what was happening, and I just feel so sorry for that poor person that must attack me so personally. Anyhow, from a magic corner I re-gained my strength, honestly proud for being able to clarify the situation. Re-strenghtened I prepared my course and now I have worked two full day and nights. Anyhow Nights rhyms with tights. And I really had success. so Im a happy person again. This is life. Ups and downs. I wonder why I have not knitted any thights to myself. I must. No pics from Finland, but definitely you need a cute little Robot from Robotshop Robot & Robot in Korea. I need to un-Robot myself. Tomorrow is YARNSHOPPING. Im going to do 6 caps for boss. He is bald and he complains of the frosty winds when snuggling in his Jacuzzi. Take care!

Seuol, Bohus and IK Lotus Tank top...

So last weekend Bohus had some progress. But again another research paper is done. Fingers occupited. Sigh,.. and my nose is still dripping. Do not feel sorry for me. It is just inner crying. Crying that I cannot knit enough (or fix my home, and kiss my hubby enough). Anyhow, I do not balance. Im 100% all the time everywhere until I get sick, and if people are unfriendly I get sad.... Better to cry, when getting hurt. Anyhow, deer Bohus is on steel needles and watch out for row 21 (was it?) I have reknitted it 3 times. First I counted 6, then I counted 5, third time right, it is 6 then 5 then 6..... hmm. Need glasses ON. Not just HAVE them. Anyhow, how much I longed for taking it with me the Wildapple is not the knit to sneak through airport-radar on steel needles. So, instead I took my very flyable bamboo-travel-knit-will-last-forever IK knit Lotus Blossom Tank. Im knitting it in Babyalpacka and Silk from Du Store Alpakka in seagreen-blue. It is becoming heavy, and it is slow knitting. One section of the lotus lace pattern for a trip to China, one back, one to Seuol and one back, and then I just had one more, so I have been in knitting-coma. Now Im off the lace pattern and on to "motorway knitting"...Great companion on the plane. I have of course plans to use all yarn and make some sleeves to it, instead of a bear top. Im living in Sweden, not California. Already frost and geraniums and Dahlias have to go inside for winter sleep. And I wish I was at Stiches meeting you! Next year. I promise, next year.... But I will definitely get to US first. That is a plan. Anyhow, Seuol. What can I say about that wonderful summery, clean and fantasticly interesting place. I mix of China, Japan well, you base judgement on earlier experiences. Korea was great. Clean, polite, lost of fun stuff. And I was at the COEX hotel, conference and definitely had one evening at the mall. And By painting needles and yarn ball on a piece of paper, I succeeded to explain the the girls in the book shop that I was looking for THIS: What a treasure. Do not understand a word, but great pics. Very lacy, very fashion, and a lot of weird and fun stuff. I settled for these three. Unfortunately I had so much work, so much Jet-lag (7 hours from Sweden) that I was awake weird night time again. So it was early to bed and not too much chasing yarn in the only evening I had. Anyhow, It was a short trip 2 working days, I spoke, I got offered a job (always good for confidence), and I have a looong meeting. It feels great to be back. And VK is really calling itself VK. That is weird. But a great new number. The S*rmore cardi looked great. But what now. Finish domino-knit (not more than one hour, but that is a COLD top! Or Motorway the Lotus to finish. Or back to Bohus? This week is a trip to Jorvas, Finland. And I know some yarnshops in Helsinki, but usually it is work to 5, so no time for yarnshopping. And, Im trying to cut down. I do have a filled yarn-room. Anyhow, Mom is doing a "Save the Children" knit-cafe (she IS amazing) to try and knit sweaters (and caps and mittens) for christmas presents to all children at Day-care center (9-13 year olds, very skinny) in Lithuania. So I better help her. At least a few should be possible. Warm, soft and happy colours is the order. So, time to stop the shelfish knits for awhile. Christmas is coming fast. And I also promised a Birch shawl for my Aunt - in Blue. Time to start NOW! But I want to do my Sweater a month KAL". So it is getting stressful. Time to knit some more. Hugs out there! Im fine! Sick, but great. I can be such a martyr sometimes. It is hereditary ;-) But it is great to get some sympathy... even martyrs need it ;-)

Spinning, sockknitting...

Hi there! Sorry for being away, I did try to blog last weekend, but it all crasched on me. Working to much ;-) I actually picked up the spinning wheel and spun the last yarn, that quickly knitted the rest of the socks. I wear them, they are soft and comfortable. Of course all inspired by Interweave "Spin-off" magazine, who had a sock number. So, no, Im not resigning anything. Im a fighter. I worked on my paper until 2 in the morning every day. Anyhow, my birthday was nice, Hubby did breakfast so early, since I was off on the train to Linköping. An my collegues actually put a light in the choclate cake for me on the team evening dinner. Then, after all this wine, I still worked at my paper until 2. So, no wonder that two days later (wednesday) I was sick.. But a week in the hotel, speaking publicly so many times I forgot.... I cancelled the 25 year jubilee with my Masters University place. Rather depressing. That could have been fun. Anyhow, Im now pounding on "the next" science paper. Working like a dog. Work myself into a success. Anhow, Im tagged (Thank you dear Purl happenings) about 7 truths about me. Hmm. Easy!

1. I have a cold right now!
2. Im in love with nature - what a gift of comfort! A stroll in the garden. Treehugger!
3. Im amazed with fiber can produce a wonderful warm piece of art to wear!
4. I got to go to New Zealand and visit Hobbiton... Im such a Tolkien fan.
5. Im a traveller because I love coming home. But I do not like to travel alone. I wish Hubby was around always.
6. Im so on love with my Husband, and I find it hilarious he shares his first name with Dr. Cox in Scrubs (that we always watch as re-runs on saturday mornings) (who he is not at all alike, much more J.D) ok- truth - I watch way to much TV since I work and knit in front of it. Couch potato.
7. I coughed so bad last nite I kept him up, and now I want his very special Caffe Latte with cinnamon and cardemum on the top, why can he not wake up?

Sorry for being SUCH a boring blogger. I hope to get some good new pictures on the Bohus Wildapple. I actually knitted on some centimiters. But it is like great choclate. I want to gulp it down, but it taste better in small pieces over time.

Thanks folks! Im Back to black!

With Amy Winehouse from the speakers, Im sure in a NONONONO place and definitely BACK TO BLACK. I Guess the smooth warmth southern wind, in great weather, no time to live (read Knit) and too much work - takes the best of me. Im about to resign today.

Anyhow, thanks for the great comments! You are so encouraging. On request - My brother: Johan Mauritzson is exhibiting in Sundsvalls Museum- Last weekend now!! Read articles (in Swedish) but pics too: Here and here. Im super proud of him. He would do smashing if someone really just took seconds to have a look. He should be a Hollewood star hit.... Oh.. dream on.. Hazy bugs.. that is my life. Wish i had knitted it... I guess it is not too late.

Some reflections in the night...

I missed ECF... but finally I feel alive again. I have been frustrated with my research - more or less bombarded by musts, which incapacitate any creative (sorry, scientific) writing. But today after sitting still in isolation for two days, trying to focus on the very long list of expectancies from others, suddenly I just got the flow. And - what really started it was last nights knitting in the very messy yarnroom. The yarn-room with 4 smacked filled book-cases with glass windows, 10 boxes of yarn (still), masses of empty plastic bags from different yarnshops accross the world, and a multitude of WIP's. Anyhow, for some strange reason, I picked up my summer top - you know the one in domino-squares. It is big - no "loose" fit, and of course Im running out of yarn. I refuse to rip it up... it was anyway a "free-form" experimental project, that Im now into saving. What happened is - I solved it. The puzzel of the squares. One of the problems was "under the arms" was a bit to open. I do not like the feel of sneak peak there - or a sweaty arm against the side (you hear I was dreaming of summer in a hot place - maybe vacation somewhere?) But big cotton yarn is great, I just K2tog a few times and now it fits great. The cleavage will be something to show on the beach! and just some extra squares will cover any bulges. It was fun. Im now thinking of straigh straps (saves yarn for lenght) or having the cross in the back for better stay up. Definitely buttoned in front. Maybe two button-holes so I can have the straps both ways. Clever. Exactly like this I rambled on last night. And then I got a phone call today from a co-worker that were picking up a job I did some years ago. I really thought about that job, it was one of three "full time tasks" that year. Anyhow, this was a great success - and my confidence really started to rise, by every word I described the project. I need to say those things to myself. It works! Yes Im clever. Yes what I do is a success. And I also noticed I have been copied by a third party. Husband claimed the best form of flattery is imitation. That also stuck. The anger transformed. I feel I have set an example in many respects. Even the most negative people to knit-blogs have started their own. Im glad Im inspiring. Not only for being so bloody clever and successful. But also that I irritate so many - that they happily can say - they are so much better than me. Both privatly and professionally. Mostly professionally though....They knit better, spell better, read patterns better, present better, are more well known, structured, well just are less messy. Congratulations. You have succeed to beat someone who is fantastic. I do feel great. Now research is just bubbling on the fingertips. Have you stop reading? Read my words: You are also fantastic- A success! Unique, no one like you. And I admire every one of my readers. And then my dear dear brother called. I miss you. It was so nice to hear your voice. Remember to call your near and dear! Ýour brothers and sisters. Oh dear brother. Go and see his exhibition in Sundsvall right now. And buy something! Now, I have a weekend in front of me. And Im on the role. I have also booked my trip to Seoul, South Korea. That will be an amazing trip. Yes my passport start to resemble me. A bit "tattered", but filled with good memories. Like this wrist band from Falun Museum from this summers knit-camp. Hmm.. Will the TOP be my August sweater? Yep - Im already behind. Time to catch up on everything. No, now I will go for my "good night knit" on my way to bed. Have a great weekend.

Windsor Park and Wild Apple start

The first knits of the Bohus Wild Apple a great knit. One long week in Windsor Park (well, not really, but Cumberland lodge)... for a great conference. Except - midweek the foot and mounth disease had a break-out in Egham (the nearest village) so suddenly we were stuck on the premises. Not the great walks among the deer in the park. But a free bar every week, and mid-through I started the apple... I just love that smooth yarn, and coming home to Sweden, the weather was just right to use it. So I better get knitting. But work, ohh, Im just soo stressed. But hubby is a jolly fellow, he made sure I would get my mind off and we went to the city for a walk and to buy him nice shirts. Why is all male shirts blue-striped or pink? Anyhow, he had checked them out and was happy when I choose the same! Anyhow an extra evening walk, a nap and now Im happy again.

Ni Hao- Shanghai yarnshops

Following where the Taxi drives on the map gives rewards. Intensly stearing out the window to look for yarnshops on the way to and from work, I managed to get back to Tianshan Road (W.) near Changning district, where near Beixinjing metro line 2 (north side of road) 2 yarnshops were very close! Did they have yarn? Yep! I really had expert support by my host, S. , who learned more about yarn then he wanted. But he was intrigued of my dedication. And - Im knitting caps to boss, and he could relate to that. So- the picture of him discussing purity of wool and % humidity (weight) was an experience. We had to figure out Pure wool, since a lot is superwash. The shop on the right had 1000g (1 kg or 2.2 pound) cashmere on cone, for 658 RMB.. which was just a bit to expensive at the time (just having had a lunch for 10 RMB) but I guess now in hindsight it was not so bad. The only thing Im thinking is - was it really cashmere - but they seemed honest, so I think it actually would be. None of these shops had silk, but plenty of cotton and variants of wool. I got just 100 g of the turqoise wool on the picture up left and another 300g of the same wool brand (ISO certified!) in natural grey. very thin - probably good for a slip-over with a descrete pattern in turqoise. Anyhow, I also got thin cotton in lime (you can glance it on left bottom corner). Of course, 116 RMB for the lot. Cheap. Except 3 days of raining, and a lot of work day (and night) I also managed to get my favorite "dumplings" and nodel pancake dumpling that was heaven. XieXie (= thank you very much). It might not look great, but I tell you , these "slimy things" are yummy - Yum Cha. Food for dreams. Of course my suitcase was almost exploding with the yarn - and yes, I got some that might be for bosses caps too. My work went great. The intense flying to Beijing, taxi to conference, speaking, and then Galadinner (opposite Tsingtao univeristy), and then back to hotel - forgot my computer on the bus (which I got back midnight) and up 2 o clock to catch plane home... That did not give me many pictures, but intense experience. Spiderman 3 on plane back.. and some knitting on the Lotus Tank top from IK-06 summer issue. I slept like a log when coming back home. And now Im off tomorrow to London - and Windsor Castle grounds! No shopping time this time. Just work (again). Anyhow. Shanghai was really interesting. For sure.