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.

WIP or UFO-list... Sweater confession!

For you non knitters (have I not scared you away yet?) This is knitting-lingo, UFO is unfinished object, and I always thought WIP was "very important project" but that should be VIP - so "Work (knitting is not WORK) in progress". Hmm, Im sure you will correct me. ON or OtN is also ok - "On the Needles". And that is true. I buy knitting-needles. They are all tied up in some yarn ;-) When is it a knitting project a UFO or WIP? for me it is all UFO. When Im knitting on something else. Especially when I start with something new. Definitely more than casting on. Interesting. The Sweater A Month KAL forced me to make a list. But - this is only a "drip" in the ocean of started sweaters. So this list will just make you tired. And order? Should I start with "least time left to knit"? Gah - I have the list below right coloumn... hmmm. The best way to make a list (which I love - I love MAKING lists)... but difference with work is that this list is not solid in rock. This is plan that can be changed. So- what about this? Plans to knit 2007 (ha!)
August Sweater: Must finish top, must finish domino top - and maybe Noro Silk-garden cardi. September Sweater: I already started - It must be WILDAPPLE Bohus. I will try and get it on the long flight! Also, Start on 6 cap's to boss. October: Brioche- one threaded lime-green - one front half shoulder and collor - and two sleeves. and starting on Viola scarf November: Hanne Falkenberg Sweater Studio 9 (alt- Marianne Isager) (This might be Hexagon sweater instead - where should I fit it in?) December: Jaeger Aran Cable sweater with left to do is: front and two sleeves then start on Islandic Cardigan (Sticka-pattern). But friends: Im going to China (Shanghai and Beijing) on Saturday. Anyone knows an address in Shanghai for a Cashmere yarn? Time to tell me now! Anyhow - the long flyingtrip will definitely make it a 24 hour + knitting trip. That will definitely make a dent in some of the knittingprojects. Is that good or what. Im more thinking about what knitting to bring than any other packing. It is the first thing I pack. Today was a happy day.

Bambi....

Those little buggers are eating my rose-buds. But Hubby at least captured the little devils (yes they do have horns) on camera. Nothing has happened that is not work-related. At least I had a good nights sleep and a great lunch. The Ikki-zen at Kista Galleria - which is a bento of tempura, sushi and same Yakitori. You have realized Im only filling blogspace up - instead of talking about somehting more knit-related. Knit related. What is my
my UFO - planned project list? Would that make us happy? Or is it just stressing? OK, UFO-list! Socks: 3 different pairs ongoing: 1. Hydragena socks from Hila, 2. home-spun woolsock where my fleece ran out (need to spin more now for second sock) and my third sock is the Austrian wool sock, where one heel is finished, and starting on then second, but yarn will be different for toes probably. Mittens: 1. From Handplagg (the Norweigan mitten book) p.203 Telemark Vott, I have knitted the gloves (1.25 mm) but all embroidery is left. 2. I have a started 1 Latvian mitten in Baby Alpacka in blue, white &grey that is sooo slow, but will be great to wear - except detailed pattern will not show and 3. the other Latvian mitten in Östergötland woolspinnery that I entered the contest (and lost) with - I only had yarn for one mitten, now I got more. and 4 the secret brother half-glove mitten for wood chipping and collecting in winter... needs to be re-knit. And then: UFO shawls: 1. Haapsalu lace shawl from Tiina course. Pattern and all memory of it is gone. 2. I have done the Faroese shawl, but must have taken in too sharp and messed up in the end, so I plan to frog half of it and reknit. 3. I must do Aunt Violas Birch in dark blue. Ahh... Lets wait with the UFO sweaters list for another day ;-)

Hoho... work and fun! so much OT:..

One of my more successful bowls in stoneware. Very Japanese. Anyhow, now the flash is on and working. Wow, what close-ups. Fantastic camera. Hubby could spot it was time to fix those eye-brows. That picture is NOT here, but the magnification is amazing. Blogs are a powerful thing. By just complaining on my Domino-top, I got the strenght to work on it on the way to the shop. I also had to review some 9 papers....its been a working weekend. But cold is getting better. I just wish I COULD RELAX. Im high strung as a violin, and I feel Im not enough. That is a bad state. I catch myself longing for swimming in the sea. Then comes a hefty shower, making that heat turn in to fresh - and cold. The nights are getting shorter, already darker at half 9, tells me the fall has arrived. And I have to force myself back to some more work. Long week.I know I have had this pic before, but Televinken has captured my hart. My childhood idol - painted by my brother, is what I which I could have - always right - very creative and curious. He waves to you out ther in the blogiverse. I realizes I do not like the current state Im in. Not taking care of my health. Not being able to relax. Why do I feel so much pressure? Well, time to make things managable. Make take a walk. I have only taken 1389steps today out of 10 000 so it is time to take a night walk.

New camera...new computer

Ok, Photo is inside. No flash. The new Pentax K10 that can take my objective from the old LX SLR. But, I think we need a new one - with zoom and all the autofunctions. It feels Im coming back. I somehow have had a Pentax all my life. More and better pictures. A program that actually CROP.... That will be an enhancement. Anyhow, this is Domino top. Anyhow, I crashed into a knitting cafe at Maria's today. A lot of lace going on. And we discussed Loop-d-loop Ballerina Shirt by Teva Durham. I luve it. I just used the Pantagonia cotton.. and added some stiches. Great pattern. Maria had also added a Garnstudios Muscat (cotton), but it became a bit sturdy for me. I want it to be airy - it is a summer-top and in sommer it is hot. But, looking at the Patagonian hand dyed cotton again. I really enjoy the colours. Being a good girl I did not buy any yarn. I think the hand-dyed and-spun 50 gram (1 pound) for the sum of 400 SEK = 57.87 American Dollars - is a bit hefty. My guess is Maria want the yarn for herself! It was wool from Taos in New Mexico... (I think...). So Eunny Jang is the new favourite? Well, she has not the same bodyshape as mine, definitely some good patterns. Anyhow, back to work. Reviewing papers.... Tack care! New plans and new knitting. And - they only take the knitting NEEDLES on the plane- never the knitting. So it is not that bad. But it has never happened to me. But the needles today - 130 SEK for 5 Rosewood dpn (=14 UsDollars) mabe I would not like to loose..Hexagon shirt by Norah Gaughan - Nature Knitting has become the "secret bedroom knitting".

Silence

How amazing. Not only crashing home computer but also research computer. Now Im down to the last. Hubby saved the harddisk on my home computer. Backup... well, have you heard about the shoemakers children ?? Well, I was about to, I should know better. What could not be saved is the downloaded mail. All mail. 1000nds of mail - and the favourites - link lists. But the net remains. You are out there. And Im quite happy this exists. I just was a setback. Then the cold hit me. HARD! And I know I shouldn't work, but mouldy hotelrooms with no ventilation in this humid summer and no sleep (Sweden hotels does NOT have aircondition)... did make my cold have a second coming. Knitting some more squares. But - I got a request to knit 6 wolly winter hats to my bold boss - who has put up a wooden jacuzzi outside. And he wants to use it in the winter. Well, they could be fun and different- Free hands. But I guess a secret requirement is warm and soft. That is a creative task! Also, I have been such a ego knitter. Only sweaters to me. It is time to think about my near and dear. Anyhow - GREAT to get comments. And I noticed: More are struggling with decision. I think I will drop my little dominoknitted top. I have tried it on. It is loose, and I probably have not enough yarn to put the last pices together. And that Wildapple Bohus is acing in the needles. Or finish some UFO. Anyhow, the mailman (or someone) did not steal the Vouge knitting for the first time (!) so I got the 25 year anniversary knitting mag to just cherish. Absolutely fabolous. And- they said silver and grey. I have a great "almost done" knitted grey winter sweater. Is it that one? Or should I go for GREY MIST (also a Bohus knitted item I have really wanted to knit!).... Or six crazy jacuzzi hats.. Well, in a week Im off to China again. This time it is Shanghai, but at least 1 day and night in Beijing. After that Im going to sleep at the Windsor Castle grounds .... on the Old Queens conference place. This will be a time to have a good knit. So - now Im really thinking what I shall bring to the long flight. Bohus needles are not flight friendly. And thin needles I must have metal.
Well, Im hoping for a good weekend for me and you. I will get camera up - but this is just to make sure you come back. New camera is planned as well. Im thinking of you - knitters around the world. If I listen carefully I can hear the clickety click. No, that was the computer......Decisions decisions - the typical Libra. Should I knit this or that.....hmmm...

Gotland YARN hunt..

It is easy to explain why you buy 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of yarn (300 Sek!). It is ON SALE! This great Gotland yarn, three-threded wool from Yllet, was cheap (another great excuse) and packed in 500 gram packages. Not much colour-choicee, but it looks good draped on the clematis. A plain OXO-sweater can always be created. Unfortunately - this just moved into stash without no planned pattern. (Dangerous)....I think when I grow old- and have knitted about a 100 sweaters, this is what I would turn to ;-) Anyhow, this was a bargain. Good filling! Anyhow, this is ONLY the beginning. Reading a "Feng shui" book on basically "Cleaning the mess" . Inspirational. I have coughed, drinked tea for my sore throat, and used a lot of Kleenex - but - I have digged in to my "trash-room" where the paper heaps fills it up. My office. A lot of old trahs went. But after a day, Im only half way trough it all. But a great start. Next picture is from the two spinnery's on Gotland. The fleece, light grey in the roll is of course for spinning. On the right the blue and teal is SORK yarn (to complement the grey's I have at home) All this from Fardhem spinnery "Gotland spinnery" that are about to MOVE from Fardhem (could be good to know for other yarn chasers).. Thre thre greys on the left are from Ihre Spinnery (at a ridiculus expensive price - also - felt like it was "dipped" in OIL to make it heavy... Made me a bit suspisious. Unfortunately Ihre had almost no yarn in the shelfs. Anyhow, Fardhem is much better in my opinion. More loosly spun, and soft as a dreep. A little close-up might get you into a better mood ;-) Anyhow - I like it. And that is was counts. This three-threaded "SORK" (which means boy in the local lingo) I have already started to knit. Needed some colour to accent all the greys. The final visit is of course Huskroken, who I rejected at the last years visit - because they were expensive. And they still are. VERY expensive. But I loved the colours, and they are ECO-friendly produced. So, why not. Have a look at this picture.. Of course I will bore you with close-up's for weeks. They are mainly focusing on multi-coloured cotton, but I fell for some SALE nuances that did not measure up, and of course some Eco-produced wool (spun by Gotlands spinnery (Fardhem)) and coloured on location. See the similarity of the blue? Of course - I have really fallen for that blue..... But some one-threaded lime, turqoise and pink can always make a sweater. The smaller green yellow and blue are cotton. EKO means Ecological. They take on-line orders. Yummy. A big enrichment of the Stash. That is for sure.
Anyhow, now I have mailed the Bohus KAL! And here is the link: http://www.bohuskal.blogspot.com/
And the picture is the Wild Apple. I have already got it, and Im starting to wind it.... But now Im in decision split. Should I be good and finish all my UFO's accoring to plan - or just dig in the wild-apple? hmm I should finish the August sweater first. I that cold... This morning I woke up 6 o clock since my hubby sounded like a sawmill. He is also sick. Anyhow! This looks great. Take care - I will!

More Gotland and the sneaky cold...

It is just beautiful around the Gotland Island. If you visit Sweden - come in the summer and make a trip here. This is the Swedish paradise. For me, this is vacation. So nice and relaxed. Knitting on a cliff with a great view of the sea. My domino-knitted squares is coming along, but to be truthful, Im not to overly hot about this technique. To much cutting yarn. I suspect it is great for using up left-over yarn. But, Im slowly moving along on this little summer top. I know I do not like it that much, since it goes slow. When I luve my knit, it is done in no time. Husband got a cold at Gotland - really sick, and our cuddling made sure I got it to, so I will not bore you with details, but honestly, I have a heavy fever - and the weather is tropical - so I cannot tell what the sweat come from. Anyhow - it feels refresing talking about Gotland - already sinking back in memory-lane. From my friend Vicki - who has been selling silver jewellery every medievel week for 21 (!) years, I bought this finish replica of an artifact. She tells me it is a sun-symbol (probably). Anyway, I miss my friend Monica - VillaYlle - What happened to you and your blog? It is sad to remove "dead" links. Anyhow, it is nice to have vacation, even if you have a cold. Just bumming around the house. Making small efforts to create some order in chaos. Still the living room is filled with the door and scraping. Anyhow, I have been into silver-making as well some years ago. But I guess I will never have enough time for all the handicraft I would like to do. I guess it I should present the YARN - after all - Im a "Yarnoholic". And - the best about Gotland is really the yarn hunt. It has at least two spinning-mills, and the Gotland sheep is just a great wool. Fab! The best about summer and holiday is - that it is ok to procrastinate. Tomorrow, tomorrow.. Then we are packing for the last sailing trip before reality sets in.

My cousins wedding! Gotland!

Wedding of my dear cousin Rebecca. My mom next to her. R's mom on the right. In Leksand folklore is mom's dear. Groom needs no presentation. So, wedding with the works. I tell you, this island have special cermonies. Great lamb and the favourite saffron-cake with slambärssylt (special berryjam from the island), and every time the bride went out - all girls ran around the table to steal a kiss from the groom, and vice versa - all to slamming the fork to the glass. Well... and then there was a Brideshow - "brudvisning" after dinner. This means a one line ad in the local newspaper for invite, and the entire community of people not directly invited to the wedding, shows up for a bit of "drikku å en kringla". Drikku is a homebrew - very special malt, juniper smoked beer-like drink, which is - of course- only local to Gotland. The maker was the third runner up for the "Drikku-world championship". Very good! Kringla is more like a pretzel - salty sticks. Anyhow, very special. Great summer day and night. It already seems so long ago. This was saturday, LAST week. Day after was a family brunch- opening of wedding presents. I also got a present. A fab, fantastic present. All the way from Bolivia. Where I still hope I will get the photo of its original buyer. My dear cousin R's Brother S. luves the south america, and have been there hiking. I of course wanted some yarn - any yarn, just for treasure. He got sick and forgot (or did not find any)- but asked his dear girlfriend C (!) to fulfill my wishes on her trip with a friend. What a story. So here it is, the ball of yarn on a Cadillac (which the wedding couple was moved around in). Alpacka, of course. Feels it is directly from the animal (meaning - could be washed), but a curiosity for sure. Now the problem changes. What to do with it. Make a cap or maybe some half mittens. Anyhow - it is still a treasure!

Stickstämma - Knitting gathering! Leksand!

Or.. when things does not work out. It started wrong. Mother went to Gotland wedding, instead of being my bed and breakfast. Somehow, the unorganized me did not think of rebooking the ticket. Anyhow, first course was to colour in red - plant-colouring. Washing wool and rain haning in the air. I got a phone-call - No, The wedding is on SATURDAY - not on sunday. (well of course, how could my mind slip). To spear you the details, it cut the meet in less than half. So, I swapped course and went some minute to Many coloured crochet (since I thought - there was something to learn!) I did. Did I buy yarn? Of course! Some more of that wonderful angora-merino used in Bohus (but some other colours). Falun museum visit had many surprises. Not only two mittens dated to the 1600 something - in two-end technique. But some inspirational cuffs and mittens. After a great lunch - the "workshop" began. And- crochet in plastic bags might be innovative - but for me at this time, I wasnt up for it at all. I guess the disappointment of missing all the fun did the trick. Anyhow, I have been in Leksand before. The most interesting part was meeting all my dear friends. That meant a lot. Even if I always feel surprised with the cliques are so effective, it is hard to mingle - and it is easy to feel like a social outcast. Interesting. Anyhow - I meet and talked to many interesting persons, so I was content leaving for my beloved - repacking and taking the nightboat to Gotland - for the wedding. More on that tomorrow. And - crochet is not that bad. Look at this cuff, great embroydery. And the "flossa" edge, that is something else. What detail. Looks great! Thanks Stickigt for the pointer. Anyhow, of course I have to mail...I still have a broken laptop though -this is my research lap-top... so email is not configured yet.. for my "private" stuff....

Great Swap! Great fun! And a lot of anticipation!

Yarn in a Teacup swap is a hit! Great job Zoe! I recieved a package yesterday, and here is half the content, the choclate and cakes was gone so fast not camera had a chance. The tea is already used. Yummy! So having Jemisons Shetland yarn really put me on a shopping spree. What could be good from here? I have no idea what is available in England, but I have now put together a "true scandianvian" mixture for the swap and send off a package. I hope it will be recieved well. Anyhow, I also have a wedding to think about. My dear other dear cousin Rebecka is getting hinged - in Gotland, where she lives. Hubby and I have really gotten into shopping - something we are not very used to. I mean - R. does not want yarn, so I have no experience! Yarn I have ideas about. Also Ingemar Bergman - the famous Swedish director died... He was old, but if you have never seen a Bergman movie - you do not understand the "country sorrow". Like Fanny and Alexander. I think it won an Oscar for best foreign movie. It should have. All filmed in Uppsala. What a tale. Yep, Bergman is deap as the sea. I feel superficial like summer wind. This night I had a dream, I was in Reykavik (which I have never been), with no map, and could not find any shop with Lopi (but several yarn stores), the only yarn I found was either acrylics (which I do not like) and the Anny Blatt Cashmere (same colour I already bought) and I could not work out the exchange rate to Swedish croners (can never have enough) What a dream! Of course some resemblance with the recent Tallin visit ;-) My husband lauged at me when I told him. I Mean - no Lopi in Reykavik! What a disaster. I guess I dream about yarn now. What a great life. Last night I finished the collar to the cosy sweater. It is much better. Thanks for encouragement. Now, I have started to plan for the Stickstämma in Leksand What knit to bring. What courses I had entered. And what will happen. Then it is straight home and night boat to Gotland for the wedding. Should I pack yarn for that too? That will be GREAT! But - This blog will probably be on vacation for a week. But you never know. I might be able to drop you a line. Anyhow, living on a tallship, Mary? No, Im much to comfortable. Our own little sailboat is much more cosy - I goes in small bays, and it is just enough. Big is not always better - except for a yarnstash! Take care.

OT: Tall Ships Race! A Sunday in Stockholm

Many nice ships, briggs, and similar large vessels coated the quayside of Stockholm. It was crowded. Tall-ships race has a visit, and it was amazing with all the masts and sails. Hubby said yesterday with a sigh, that it was UK-India that plaed cricket (not oz, as a wrongly mentioned) Sorry, Im that just explaines how much Im into it. Its a Test match and the wet english are getting whipped bad. In Stockholm city (with old town and castle in backdrop) was showers and sunny in a quick mix, rainbows time. Knit-lab, as one of the few sunday open knitshops here was passed when looking for a parking spot- but Im not up for a knit-cafe. Im saving up to handle 3 (4) days of knitting meeting (Stickstämma) in Leksand. It is a nice place to meet other knitting maniacs. Anyhow. I have started to shop for the tea-cup swap. A mug - and some local mixed tea.... hmmm and what yarn now... I need a special shopping day tomorrow for that - NK only had Rowan and Schachmeyer- nothing Scandinavian. So... what a great excuse. Or - a rummage in my yarnroom maybe? That is much harder. I have plans for almost everything. Im doing nothing and Im so tired. Got my 10000 steps today at least. And some great pictures. And yes dear H. I know, of course I will knit them together - I follow Vivian H.'s Domino-knitting advise. This was just the first (bottom) row below. Also, I joined the Bohus Knitting KAL. Of course. Im a Bohus sweater collector. I love them. And "the Wildapple" just arrived. Looks great.

Short update. Domino!

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

A day of sorrow, joy and choclate cupcakes!

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

2 hours gone- again!

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

FO Cosy warm cardigan!

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

London Yarn shopping (3) STASH!

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

London shopping yarn (2) Loop

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