Peonies- and M-I-L Sweater

Favourite Peony - "Molly the witch" or "Molkowitch" is opening its short - but fantastic show. It is holiday in Sweden, and I just love spending the day in the garden. Both Mother-In-Low with Hubby, and my own mother is visiting! And - M-IL is fantastic knitter. Look at her in her "Knitters" wrap (front cover 2006) It is so great - done in Garnstudio Alpacka and Maria's garn hand painted by her. Well, this baby needs a close-up. Anyhow, I translated the pattern, and participated in yarn-hunt (I think I showed you the little pile and and the ball of yarn earlier). Anyhow, I have been planning to knit my first baby-gear to a friend of mine, Carmen and Klaus who recently had a little-one. And asked M-I-L about pattern. She had it in her head (!) and knitted a little cap and footsies to the infant. Looking great! And I must say, really easy pattern. Basically, you start with any number between 20-26 stiches. Then knit as many rows as stiches - just straight - and every second row you add on one stich (2 stiches in) and at the end on the same row you take away one stich (2 stiches in). After for example 10 rows (20 stiches) you turn the slant the other way for 10 rows, and then turn the slant back for ten rows (half number of stiches). Then you end by turning another 20 stiches slanted the other way. You will have a zig-zag like a W. Then you saw toghether"the outside of the W and the middle point is the little point in front. And add to bands. The footsies were equally simple. Just 30 stiches, and back and forth for 8 rows.(this is writst) then 10 in middle straight forward for a bit (10-rows- or upper footlenght) then pick up the left over 10 at each side, and "around" the side of the flap you just knitted. Back and forth 4 rows (makes edge). Then cast off all but in the Toe (the flap end) 10 stiches, and knit the sole. Make a little "round" by casting a few stiches off in the heal to shape it. Then cast off and sew togehter in back and sole to edge. Out in a band to tie it. And - Done. One day knit by M-I-L. Impressive. Very. And less than one ball of yarn. Otherwise, the theme has been children. My mother is really engaged in "Save the Children" charity - and has taken on (at 74 years of age) to support a day-care for children outside Vilnius in Lithuania. So, we picked her up at the airport, and she came back filled with stories of abandoned children, and alcoholic parents who use their child-support money to buy booze instead of food to their small ones. She is such an impressive lady doing it - even if she has a hard time to walk herself. Then singlehanded just goes in and make things happen. I think it is healing for both her and them - just sharing and caring and bringing practical gifts to all the children. She does not see her own beauty, it is so sad. Well, not the best picture of her, but I had to "steal it." She does NOT like her picture taken. Dear mom. Otherwise, Im after some hard working weeks finally got the go-ahead to take my Licenciate Thesis (A scandiavian construct, sort of half-way between Master Thesis and PhD). So Im now into desperate writing - or should be - if it was just such a great holiday day. Ahh, I love Sweden in spring. Light, flowers and a lot of holidays to enjoy them. Knitting? Well, there Im going at it.. Enterlac-war. Soon ready to join an unmatching sleeve to a body. That will be MAGIC.

Presistence! 4 Times Frogged!

What IS this? Apple Blooms! And the purple Jaeger Matchmaker Merino... For my second Enterlac (who is really the first). It is just never finished, since it had uneven number of squares, so this one sleeve is just not working out. The result. I have reknitted it four (4)! times. No kidding. No wonder I stress out. First time it left a gap above the shoulder - that was just too big to be nice, The second - same thing. The third seems to work fine until I realized I closed the hole for the sleeve completely. Then it have rested for two winters- and I have done the turqoise inbeetween - much easier to have even number of squares (on back and front ;-) Anyhow, this last time - brave after finishing turqoise enterlac, I have been knitting away - and it came together. But, I started to run out of blue yarn..Weird. So I lay the work down, and I have done a cone, the WRONG way. Back to ripping again. And then I returned to the last possible solution. Knitting the sleeve from the bottom, and HOPING I will be able to solve when I get up there. It is a math- grafical problem. And it is NOT going to fit. But hey, I love challenges. So.. this is what I have been doing - watching American Idol (I just cannot stand Musikfestivalen -the European song festival)... I of course know the top three in US are Melinda, Blake and 17 year old...(hey it is available on the web!), and even if she isn't the greatest, Gina is really great. Evanesence cought me back early. I know Lakisha was voted off in US but I sure hope someone give her a FAT contract - she sings great. She deserves it. Melinda is in a class of her own - but she need to stop shrugging - she looks like she has no neck. Also a master of voice. But lately Blake has grown. I just love his beetboxing. What a showman. A bit young but sexyhot. Anyhow, Sweden showed "British Invasion" and I must say my favourite song was chubby curlyheads (Chris) song - "She not there" by the Zombies- but hubby claims it was the song, not the vocal was great. But that Stephanie is voted out? She needs help - I really liked her (more than her song). So the top 10 tour? That is interesting. I would luve that. And Sanyayas little fan in the audience. That was sooo cute. Ah, I know, all Americans have forgotten, and all Swedes watches "musikfestivalen". Sorry for being off-beat. Anyhow - thanks for all comments, I have like lace and Im ok with shawls, but I really luve sweaters. AND NOW my Knitting block is gone. The cure was going at my cicular cardi last sleeve (Twisted KAL) in my yarnroom. Sitting there and knitting, and watching all great yarn I have collected makes me itchy again to go at it. Designed a great kid-silk mohair sweater in my head (that colinette TAO) - and realized that Im going to use Solveigs 2 hanks of silk to blend with white baby alpacka and not with the yarn on the left (original plan!). That will be a great top. Sorry Mary, I postponed US and Canada for now. Im just in such a mess with my research and arranging a conference (and participating in several) that I cannot cope. I also got invited to India NOW! when it is 50 C HOT or monsun-rains will start any minute. Here in Sweden it is SO beautiful. Blooming! And I feel so good. Busy, but good.

Rainbow and other gossip

Yesterday I came home after hefty rain- showers, and magically it cleared up with strong evening sunshine. It was two ( fantastic double rainbows, but those few seconds - going inside to grab camera - they faded , so only one over the neighbourgs house was captured. Moral - just enjoy the moments - they are so short and pass by so fast. Im still struggling with what to knit. A great knit leaves a big hole. I realize that all my knits are in very complicated states - and not using patterns is asking for it. I simply have not stamina to work it through. So Im rummaging the yarnroom! Checking all your blogs, walking through every pattern at Knitty, and I must say WOW, Im so impressed - the needles are on fire out there. Complicated socks, fair-isle, lace - so much lace. I just looked at the latest Vouge - and it is all white! And then all yarn has- mixed and blended colours. Where are the great patterns for all those mixed coloured yarn? That is not so easy. Maybe it is just going easy - non-complicating "self" patterned by colour. So, I have silk, 3-4 mm in blend colours.... I just have not MATURED into anything special. I need some focus, decisions. Do it. Maybe because Im stuck in solving Enterlac-tricks, and free form solutions.... I would just love doing ISLAND- LOPI Circular quick knit.Yeah, right. I need a spring sweater. Maybe lace - no something to cover up the flesh! This is a scream for help Send the rainbow! Maybe a rainbow sweater. Or go for another Tudor Rose - that was rewarding. M-I-L is coming - She will get me going for sure! Maybe a silk-alpacka? In pink?

ECF: The world is blooming!

Spring brings hope. No real heat yet, but that means I have enjoyed my Enterlac! I must say I was just amazed of all wonderful comments. Thank you! Thank you so much! It felt a bit wild, but It very cosy. Yes I did a neckline, very thin (just four rows), but it is true, It binds it better together. You have no idea how great it feels! I took my sweater to work and I had a someone I never met approaching me (Hi Uppsala Knitter!). Actually I have been working on my "all directions, all colours - free form- happening sweater". I try and put it on, and yepp, It need structure. But I notice a bit craze running around, finding the right pattern and yarn for the next knit. It felt Cotton or silk. I have a great silk yarn that I really want to knit, but I have just not found "THE pattern" for it. That is rare.
Anyhow - I noticed had great pleasure finishing, so maybe I should keep on working on UFO's. (But I got to start some new inbetween). Time to use all those great books and mags! No, time to go outside.. Spring - is sneezing and runny eyes. Attjo, as we say in Sweden. Mitten is from Museum in Hälsingland - Got to have some related eye-candy.

Presenting: Enterlac-Noro- Malabrigo sweater!

So I'm done with a very enjoyable knit - the home-designed enterlac with Malabrigo (colour Emerald) and Noro Kureyon (colour nr 183). I still have three skins of Kureyon left, so Im still debating a neck-line, and yes, it is still unpressed and unwashed. I noticed it is a bit slanted on the pict. but that is more me being exited throwing it on (and a cold husband taking pictures before he fell asleep on the sofa). Knitted on 4.5mm (and on sleeves ending up with 3.5 mm at the cuff). Circular knitted of course. So, I thought it would be rather useful without a high neck/collar, but now (contemplating the picture) I see a neckline would probably make it feel more even... Dear H. 24 hours yarnshopping in NY I just say WOW! - I would go crazy in a city like that - but it sounds wonderful! Do you not end up after a good dinner with a lot of wine (and somewhat lost judgement) buying your Amex to the limit? Waking up with a headacke and 6 bags of yarn? I would - I do it sober! Unfortunately - I have little influence on trips booked at work, so I do not see that easily happen, but, the year is not over yet. This sweater brings me just one month (and 1 day) behind on my Sweater a Month KAL! But Im hanging in there, and I have still not given up to finish some UFO's. Anyhow, Im extatic by this sweater. I will definitely wear it during this coldspell! At least the cold perserves the flowers to a long blooming! Today we are off work on national Holiday. It is really political holiday, but a great recovery from Valpurgis (Valborgs) night yesterday! The students worst party time - but for me now, very quiet and relaxed - my memories of Uppsala champange-galopp are still vivid in memory. This is the time of year filled with hope of a long nice summer. The light is back (4.45 am- 8.45 pm) and it is getting ligher by the day - and the sailing boat is (unmasted) but in the sea!

ECF - Spring and stories...books..

I couldn't believe this week. Wild strike among Danish SAS (plane) cabin personnel, and I was stuck in Copenhagen. After confusing information and 5 hours (!) in 2 different queues, I was shipped to Sörups herrgård for a great buffe with wine instead of going off to Dusseldorf. Of course - without luggage. Interesting experience. No Asthma medicine, not even a toothbrush.. Anyhow, after inteste days with no knitting and some airport crazy shopping (NOW I know what a "hipster" is...) I came home, and after a long hard sleep, I woke up to a long weekend into my garden bursting of flowers. OK, I paid a little visit to Knitlab (a new yarnshop in Stockholm), and Yep, as new yarnshops look like, a bit careful, but great. A lot of Manos the Uraguay (great colours) and Alchemy -mohair-silk (with one small skein - 215 SEK = 31.27 USD!) It is just too much But those colours.. Ahh.. Anyhow, I got some more interesting books "Victorian Lace Today" and Pam Allens "Lace's Style", not to forget "Heriloom Knitting".... Im Laced up!and ohhh so many beautiful pictures. Anyhow, Im working like a "dog" to both do tax declaration, clean up the garden and finish the wonderful Enterlac before work begans again. Hugs and kisses, and maybe, just maybe - I will be going to Texas about two weeks. But, nothing is set in stone! Then Mary, you better be home for a tour of your LYS's ;-)

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.