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.

Secrets in Garden of Eden!

Next project is growing out of my new knitting friendly handbag. Noro- Yes, Kochoran- yes. Nr 10 - does not exist in Sweden (and Denmark anymore).. If you find 1 or 2 hanks in your LYS I would definitely reimburse you! But - Not enough yarn speaks to creativity. I just love this colourway - it is to bad

Eisaku do not understand how well it fits the Nordic "blue hour". Anyhow- thank you for your nice comments. It feel a little vulnerable for exposing myself, but hey - nothing for a Pippi double! Anyhow - the mast is on, and the sweet peas are planted next to suger peas. Anyhow - the garden is amazing. I have never had such a bloom of rhododendrons - Truely the first mild winter. And having Tulips, peonies and Tall bearded Irises next to syringa. It is amazing. I could post every day with all the flower shots (at least until Im done with this knitting!) Well, Mary, what do you know. Im going to Grenoble for a week 4-9th of June, so Ill be in France too. Busy schedule visiting research labs - but also time for Chartreuse munks. Then we (hubby and I) discuss if it is Midsummer at the Riviera- I have some work that weekend I should do - but hey - largest holiday in Sweden is something you want to spend in the sailboat. Decisions. I just love theese decisions - how fortunate Im that I have a choice.

Tagged - 7 random facts about me!

Dearest Texas Mary tagged me ( I hope the storms didn't get you - I just watched CNN) and I will not pass this along.. Sorry - feel free! Anyhow some Random facts about me:

One: I use knitting magazines as a visiulizing aid to get to sleep, when Im wind up from work. Dreaming about great sweaters and indulging in fiber and colour (and yes - I admit) thinking about how much better I could desing, choose yarn and improve the pictures - gets me in a great mood of self-worth and fantasies that makes me tired with good dreams. (and I am a night owl - so Im constantly trying to go to bed earlier and get up earlier).

Two: I was a man-eater when I was younger. After 10+ years of intensive gestalt theraphy (becoming a gestalt therapist) and meeting my husband - I have eyes for no one else! That is true character change!

Three: Being on the subject of hubby, he is an excellent cook, so we are really wining and dining toghether - and a lot of candel-light dinners. First we chewed us through all resturants of Stockholm, then Melbourn Oz and now his great home-cooking. Being lazy by nature (and a computer-geek) I have gained weight like a hippopotamus- baby.

Four: Now being a hippo, I indulge in my earlier "greatness" in sports. I competed horses in show-jumping and cross-country events (have owned four of them), - which filled my bookshelf with prizes. I have danced classical ballet for 15 years, competed in volleyball ladies and mixed, have practiced Kioukyshin Karate, and I was definitely a disco-diva for years. I have run Solstastaffetten, Maja Gräddnos and DN-stafetten and other small races (no not marathon) with decent results.

Five: I have a ceramic studio in my basement - I loved it - but I saw great potterist (?) living of "nothing" and I do love economic security, so It is just another hobby alongside knitting, sailing, gardening and house improving.

Six: When I was 10 I posed as the Swedish Pippi Långstrump (Pippi longstocking) double, since we were at the same riding-camp. I handled the media -without them knowing! That was a true moment of fame for me. I think I would have been a great actor if I ever tried it.

Seven: Im a screen-addict. I watch to much TV in parallell with playing Civilzation (a computer game) , knitting, working, blogging etc... I feel this addiction is my greatest problem - which makes me a couch-potato. Anyhow, I seem to get a lot done in my life - I guess that is because absence of kids. Anyhow, I have really pulled my self into walking my 10 000 steps a day and cutting down a little on the choclate. And If I had lived in NY - I would take up Pilates with a very special great teacher - that is for sure!

Ttthatts alll foooolllllkkkss! Back to writing my Licenciate Thesis.

FO: Enterlac-Sweater

Finally, (big sigh of relief) Im done with this 2(!)-year old UFO. Yarn is Jaeger - Matchmaker Merino in lilac and light blue. (3 lilac leftovers- 2 in my hand). Needlesize is 4. (and I think 3.5 had been better). And- this was my first attempt to make an enterlac sweater. I learned a lot with this sweater. First - NEVER use superwash yarn for an enterlac, since it will not be so smoothly when you lift the stiches, it doesn't fluff and is not even. Secondly, it must be an even number of squares - and even back and front. This is not, and the sleeve I have cleverly hidden ;-) is a bit bumpy in the connection to the body - since they just do not match. Anyhow, I really do not like this knit - having frogged the sleeve 4 times, so "lost it"and of course started a new knit which feels so much better. And I realized I do not like superwash. Never again. It has a plastic feel about it. Yepp, it is soft, and the colours are great, so I think I will definitely wear it. I have used it today and it was quite ok on the windy sea-side (yepp, we were fixing on the boat), so maybe it will be ok for "around the house".....Sweden has summer tempratures (19 Celcius) and very windy, so It was too hot to wear. The good thing is that this finished item brings me to the APRIL sweater in the Sweater a month KAL, so Im catching up. Before end of May - the May sweater should be done ;-) Anyhow, I guess bug was temporary, now comments are back. So check two posts down... I still think M-I-L sweater is fab. Had to put one more pic of it!

Bug in Blogger?

Sorry - Im trying to get comments to work, but blogger decided they shouln't... Buggy!
Anyhow! Peace and love to you out there. The rain has started to drip, and almost one more enterlac done. (And sneakily started on a Kochran shrug).... Got to have a CAR-knit. Today I had a quick NYSTA visit to find if there are more of COLOUR 10 of the NORO. It is out. So if you have one - I will buy it. Or hint me if you see a store. (If those bloody comments work!) We will see! Hugs!

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!