Jacuzzi-caps!

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

Scrubs- and Gothenburg - Strikk

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

Finally fri-day!

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

TIme to get into knitcleaning!

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

Hyvää- from Korea to Finland...

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

Seuol, Bohus and IK Lotus Tank top...

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

Spinning, sockknitting...

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

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

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

Thanks folks! Im Back to black!

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

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

Some reflections in the night...

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

Windsor Park and Wild Apple start

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

Ni Hao- Shanghai yarnshops

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

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....