Standstill or just VERY much on my mind...

What a day, what a week. It feels like I have irritated everyone around me. And Im a bit frustrated as well. I was so planning to present Jaywalker socks, and a new slipover.. with my own cabled pattern. And instead I have But this weekend we have been totally crazy, trying to book a trip to Gran Canaria with mom, mother and father in law, dearest husband and me. And we were on our way to nothingness before we succeed in this fantastic trip. Wow, how fab. I will knit and hopefully see sunshine. And get a dip in the pool. But there is really no excuse. We have just being cleaning, trying to get my life, goals and jobs in order. And renovation. It is not that I have not been knitting. It it the fact I do a bit about every knit. Im reaching the heel-flap on both my Jaywalker socks. I have still one upper half of the vest to go (but it is growing), and then there is the christmas shawl, that i knitted one more ball (almost) of - meaning, only one ball left = 1/3 scarf. Finally... Im slowly, like sipping great wine, knitting on my stranded Wedding cardigan with beads of Poetry of stiches, by Solveig Hisdahl. Another great thing, is that I freaked out on books: I have now the following fab books in my Starmore collection:

22 Aran Sweaters for Men, Tudor Rose, Celtic Design, Pacific Coast, Fair-Isle, Fishermans sweaters, American Portraits, Scandinavian Knitwear, Designs from British Isle -- Lovely!

And I have also got a lot of Danish design-books, Isagers "Inspired from" series: Inka, Japan (added to Knitting out of Africa and Strikk) among other gems. Im truley blessed - having found Amazon! Also, I have placed a huge order on Japanese and other asian knitting books and magazines. Im feeling my knitting library and stash looks really good. And with all cleaning, this place is starting to shape up. No winter this year. I wonder if it will be an early spring, meaning high time to get out in the garden and start the pruning.

No FO. 2ManyKAL!

I love Shaun the Sheep. I rather watch every 7 minute session on You Tube than knit. That must be the most smart program after Scrubs. I have no FO's. I think the reason is I was too ambitious. Im now on Jaywalker (for one KAL) and then Sticka's socka is next. Also trying to work on the Christmas calender scarf, the Wedding Cardigan, the cabled west.. and hopefully cast on some mittens before month end. Im thrilled I have readers. My mom confessed she printed my entire blog, and read it all. Now, this entry is so coded mum, you MUST google it ;-) Im here. I will present. Meanwhile. What Shaun on You Tube and tell me. What is the best scene? How to pass a cat blocking the door is great! Painting sheep on windows haha...

My ears are RED....

No, my ears are red, is NOT due to the cold winter weather (it is surprisingly warm now) but to the fact that this blog have been nominated to "you make my day" at dear Millie's blog Stiches and Stories. Well, I think it is amazing that someone across the world even find me. Yet alone apprechiating my "broken" english/american... But it is encouraging, that I have an audience. Having trouble living up to this fantastic grace Im diving into my knits again. That is humbling. This is the current focus: Poetry of Stiches (Dikt i maskor) by Solveig Hisdahl. This is the Wedding Cardigan. But Im not using the kit, Im such a good girl taking the yarn from Stash (bought at Gunga Din) which I very much suspect is Kampes (!) yarn and beads from Indian market... Also, the lighter burgundy (not the purple) is a gift from Zoë in the tea cup swap - Jamieson Shetland spindrift. To this I have also added one strand of yellow silk (you will see...). The main problem with this is: The pattern calles for 30x34 and I have 20x ? (!!!) as gauge. Really something to laborate with. But it makes it easier to "fit" it to my size. Since the biggest complaint is that it is fjord-climing Norweigian models that Hisdahl is knitting for - meaning small and medium. She never met a full size women poor thing. Having also "nagged" at Oleana - who has the greatest patterns, but carries Max XL and only very rarely... Well, It is an experience, since the sweater is a completely different experience, when all patterns is enlarged. So Im knitting "small" and it will become a great XXXL. Well, I have started to exercise, but it is not even close shrinking. I think people who knit a lot - that are mini's that is another thing. But It is really a "third" more sweater on us. Anyhow, when it becomes too much "pattern", I swiftly jump over to a free-knit. Cable- vest done in Debbie Bliss Maya yarn. Quick and easy, but fun with just experimenting with cabling. Very similar to Braid from Rowan..this square lattice... But Im knitting it from the back-side. It is really great actually. It creeps up on me this "I must do things in a certain order" why did I sing up for all this? Two Sock KAL's and one Mitten KAL, and the Sweater a month KAL is ticking. I will so not live up to it all. But - knitting is fun, so keep them jamming! It is obviously the Sticka-sock who is February. And Jaywalker sock.. and then we have some great Cable mittens (in finish!)... Ohlala! BTW. Brother tells me it was Sandviken and not Gävle he had his exhibition, and it does not matter now, it is already back in storage. Sigh...Pictures, I say PICTURES! Im also in the "Knit a MILE" KAL for January - I will not make it. Im just reaching 900 meters... And then "Finish UFO's in February".. well yah, that is i feable attempt to at least finish ONE of all of them. Pressure! Now, I really must knit some more.
Love to you all my knitting - blogging friends!

Monkey Socks and more..

Monkey - the third pair of socks for January! A free pattern from Knitty, very popular, fun to knit, and just nice. I killed a sweater for the yarn, that is what knitting socks from stash means. The yarn is made in Italy, Gepard CottonWool bought at Trassel in Täby, ages ago. I have a whole sweater of this, in baby blue, baby pink and light grey. All of them is going to be my new socks - to be used. I decided to make reinforced heel, and also knit the pattern longer into the toe...
Thinking a bit practical, and having been warned that the pattern might be too tight, I went up from 2.5mm to 3mm. Idea was that socks could be thrown in the machine - and shrink comfortable. Since Im really going to use them, I thought that would be and advantage...But they feel a bit too loose right now. Anyhow, recomended. And also knitted for the Sockklubb 2008, as my January entry. At least I did all my main goals for January. Now it is only a sweater to finish (HA!) forget that. So, Im inbetween Poetry of Stiches "Wedding Cardigan", and Bohus "Vildäpplet". I picked Wildäpplet up, just to check where I was, and that soft great yarn. And I started to count stiches. Something aint right here, that is all what I have to say. Did I count wrong when dividing the collar into sleeves front and back? Hmm.. Im curious of next month. And - I found more now, when cleaning the Yarn-room that should go on the UFO/WIP list. I at least have started some other "goal". Do some repairwork in my clothing area. They are also thrown into the yarn-room, and the amount of busted buttons are surprisingly big. Im planning for a lot of things getting fixed. Now it is a matter of getting into Finishing Februrary. But I only have "heavy" projects... so that is not so easy with all KAL's ongoing! (KAL= Knit-A-Long, translation for my brother, who I know is checking in! ang complains about our knitting lingo) By the way, he and his friend has an exhibition in Gävle now. Have a look: Johan Mauritzson - skulptur och måleri Plats: IDKA Kulturkiosken Nygatan 41 mittemot musikbörsen, Gävle.

WIP or Unfinished Object (UFO) list...

Of course it was not 2009.. But I thought it was funny I wrote it wrong, and let it stay... Time goes fast, but not that fast.. still 2008. Am I trying hard to finish all unfinished objects? Hmm...
So I made a list of UFO's.
1. Bohus WildApple, collar is done, now on the short-rows
2. Cardigan (machine-knitted, but really hard to assemble and add brims.) See green bottom picture
3. Noro Silk Garden Cardigan (Rosedale inspiration), sleeves and most of body done!
4. Sleeves for grey Jaeger aran cable sweater
5. Sleeves for Bergå west (but I like the west…Hmmm)
6. Brioche one-thread in Färgkraft (lime and green) still half a front and two sleeves…
7. Märta-stina inspired bag (yarn is so hard I get blisters!)
8. Scarf (christmas calender) about half (from 2006)
9. Wedding Cardigan - fair-isle from Poetry of Stiches (just started... fun and diffucult)
10. Shinano cardigan (yeah,,,should I frog or?)
11. Two-end knitted cardigan, purple Anne-Maj Ling's (simplify...)
12. Speede-sweater (actually 2 of them, one green, one blue) Both are blocking needles!)
13. Bohus Yellow Lace collar -Needs frogging back a bit
14. Latvian mitten -Blue 2 place...one to go
15. Latvian mitten - baby alpacka more than one to go
16. Håndplagg vott (embroydery still…)
17. Hubby bottled green sweater. sleeves…(picture below)
18. Alpacka cap for cousin (!) must make more fun...lots of VM (Vegetable Matter)
19. Two-end knitted mittens (see Pic above)
20. Hydrangea Socks (just started)
21. Re-knit of Bohus Skogsmörkret (just around of waist)
22. And the very recently added Maya Vest (my new good nite knit)
23. And the Monkey socks almost half a sock left and Im working on it like a maniac...
24. Handspun sweater
25. Gotland Fardhem Sweater
26. The Gurnsey (just done the rib.... Still waiting for my decision on pattern
27. The Newspaper sweater variant (Marianne Ishager)
28. Hanne Falkenberg Studio 9 (pattern for short, but I want it long!)
What have I left out? Probably a lot more... At least these are in the box of UFO's. How many are realistic to finish this year? That is a question. Also, the KAL's will definitely force me into a whole bunch of socks and mittens.... so - a Sweater a month, and the socks and mittens. And the Sweater a month will be based on the UFO list? I have also a list of what I call "decided". that means, I have the yarn, I have decided on the pattern, and it is just waiting for me to want it enough to get going. Examples:
29. Enterlac in HV-lime yarn (been planned for years)
30. Kochoran II - Large Cardigan with Red brim
31. DaCapo Hanne Falkenberg
32. Hexagon-sweater by Norah Gaughan
And a whole lot of Bohus....No... this is a bit much. If I do these and can keep up with my KAL's. But we could all call them WIP's insted. Wonderful important Projects (or VIP - VERY IP!) or What I Produce ;-) just kidding...Time to knit some more! Got a pair of socks to finish.

...and 2009 is also Mittens, HATS and UFO's!

I really understand why knitting hats are great! You only do one, and then your are done. No need for another one with a pattern repeat, like socks and mittens. Anyhow, I got a flu just getting better from the cold. A real bad one. Lost my voice, and now Rudolf the rein-deer has competition with his red nose! But, a trooper like me... between kleenex, and lots of tea (and ice cream - great for a sore throat) -at least I can knit. So, with 3 balls of Noro Cash iroha, I started with the Mitten KAL 2008 january entry "Tweedy mitts". Then I

noticed that February had a great pattern - Hand/Wrist warmer from Canadian Living (that b.t.w. has a lot of great free patterns!). The twisted pattern became the second pair of "fingerless" mittens, with a hole for the thumb. So, what now? Still some yarn. Of course, I combined these two patterns and made a Twisted tweedy cross-bread hat. Of course, so the hat would fit both mittens. Warm, soft and cosy! Now it is really time to get the Moneky socks going... and finish some UFO's (unfinished objects). The "set" looks a little weird. You have to use your imagination! But quick knits are somehow rewarding. You cast on and off the same day. Big difference from the XX(X)L sweaters I usually do! Got to blow my nose again... CU! Attjo..

2008 - The year of Socks!

Starting strong in the new year, with finishing of an UFO (Austrian socks 1) Outer pair, and then quickly knitting the inner socks (Austrian socks 2) for myself. Husbands socks are a bit longer on the calf, and I got stripes. Hubbies are a but uneven, Mine just looks uneven in the toe. It encapsulates the year and all goals set for next year. Knit UFO's (Unfinished objects), knit from yarn stash and knit socks. At least Im going to attempt a sock a month, maybe be good and follow all the Sock KAL's, and in addition Im also doing a Mitten KAL and a Sweater a month KAL again. But Im not going to chase myself with it. I knit for fun, not to complete projects. I knit what I want, and really, I need socks. Anyhow, these socks are from Saalbach area, bought 2004 Both in two colours of Bergenzerwälder "Bauernwolle" naturbelassen, on 4mm needles. Of course my own design with a reinforced heel. Knitting from stash does not mean I will not buy yarn. I will just knit as much as I can from stash.

Chronicle over 2007 = NEKHIAD

Time for the chronicle with the title NEKHIAD = Not enough Knitting Hours In A Day! A travalling year. I have been to France (Marseille, Nice and Riviera, Grenoble) and some great Anny Blatt Cashmere (among others). Seuol in Korea, Shanghai and Beijing in China with some great yarn (picture), India (Chennai), London (Stash and Loop) and Windsor in UK, Aachen (with great yarnshop and finds e.g. Maya from Debbie Bliss from Görg und Görg in Annastrasse) , Dusseldorf in Germany, Budapest in Hungary, Tallin in Estonia and Gotland (Swedish great island.... with LOTS of great Fardhem spinnery yarn Huskroken etc!). Not to mention all Swedish great and new places...Travelling it has mostly been knitting on Lotus Blossom tank top (see last posting), time consuming lace! But lets LIST this years accomplishments!

1. Alice Starmore's "Tudor Rose" Catherine Parr in Kampes mixed with estonian laceyarn, and Mojärvs mixed with färgkraft. 10 weeks knitting! Posting a 18th of March here!


2. "Buttefly traces", own design, in recycled silk! Finished on 9th of April!


3. Turquoise Enterlac, own design, in Noro Kureyon and Malabrigo Emerald, May 1


4. My 1st "Enterlac", own design, in Jaeger Matchmaker merino, May 20 Definitely was an UFO....


5. "Ballerina" by Teva Durham in Loop-d-Loop, adapted (sleeves) by me..in Aracunia Cotton, June 10 ! That was quick... a one week knitting (in Grenoble!)


6. Circular Sweater or "Twisted Floated Shrug" by Annie Modisett from Vouge fall 2005, a UFO from 2005 finally finished 30th of June


7. Kochoran Cosy Sweater, own design and buttons. July 18. Got addition on collar...and might get more...


8. Handspun socks, knitted own design. Fleece from Kartehuset 6 oct


9. Six different "Jacuzzi hats for boss", own design. All six finished ad Blogged Oct 31 and on Oct 26. I hear the sun in the house adopted the dark blue for regualar use! Great!


10. Domino-modular Knitted top, own design based on Vivian Höxbro's square! Nov18


11. Good-night Quick-knit Sweater, my own design in yarn Colinette Point Five bought on Sale from Fantasy (Arvika) ages ago..., Finished Dec 9th.


12. Lotus Blossom Tank Top, from Interweave Knitting by Shoji, and added sleeves in yarn Du Store Alpakka Baby-Silk posted 30th of Dec.

And maybe a "cheat" entry, just outside the list... but I made this UFO into a west. Maybe it s a "half sweater"? anyhow, my own design, and Jaeger Aran yarn, on 27th of Nov. All in all a great knitting year. I did not achieve all I wanted, but I had a good run. at least 10.5 sweaters! Also, the stash got organized in shelfs with glass doors (some of it), and I got my tech. lic. degree. Not bad at all. Other great knitting news is of course me joining Ravelry, which is absolute fab for knitters. Im afraid I have started some knits in the same pace as finishing them... So I guess I will not make any promises at this point Finally a chronical also need some reflections.

• Best knit of the year? No doubt Cathering Parr. Great result, quick and fun to knit.


• Worst knit? My first enterlac sweaters last sleeve (the first was easy), which had uneven number of squares, which ment an unfitted sleeve, re-knitted 3 times, until I gave up and did it from cuff and up. No wonder it was an UFO!


• Greatest yarn-buy? I was extatic when I found the yarnshop in Shanghai! Not to mention my "find" in Aachen - Maya a discountinued yarn (now Manos del Uraguay) from Debbie Bliss. Or maybe was it the Kochoran buy (on the net and also at Strikk)... no it must be..


• Worst yarn? Match-maker merino from Jaeger. Not only superwash (which I did not see at purchase) but it also behaved like an acrylic and lost all spoonginess in wash, ruined the first enterlac.. How depressing!


• Best Knitting book? When I found the oldest Bohus knitting book original I have been searching for at least five years to find.


• Worst knitting context experience? Realizing on the Swedish Knit-meet in Leksand that the wedding was on Saturday and on Sunday, having me forced out after only 1.5 days. What a disaster.


• Best knitting context experience Gotland vacation and yarnhunt - Summer and fibers. What could be better?

On that note I let it rest for looking back. Beware of looking forward in the next few days. Take care out there in 2008!

Last day! Last FO Sweater!

Happy Old year. In the last minute the IK Lotus Blossom Tank top (with added sleeves outside pattern) is finished. Maybe I will add a lace row on the sleeves, but with just a few hours before the new year - I declare it finished. So, Sweater a Month KAL get another contribution, but I still have some more to finish 12. I must count. I guess I managed until September? or was it October? I still have some in the 90% bracket to be finished, but not this year.
Anyhow, a great KAL to keep me focused on finishing some sweaters. This was a time-consuming knit, and I used Du Store Alpakka's baby alpacka-silk yarn. It is heavy. Also I added on a bit to make it "my size". Sleeves to hide bingo-wings. They do look uneaven but I guess Im stretching around... it needs a press. Anyhow, In front of the librarys knitting book shelfs, re-organized. Typically vacation ideas.
Well, now we have lit the fire in the "kakelugn" (which is a special stove from the turn of the century). Most people go to parties, (except us, who are just enjoying a quite evening) wear silly hats, drink lots of champange, and toast the new year - with a lot of fireworks. Im glad there has been a bit wet snow in this rather green holiday, so the fire risk is not so bad. Also, I live in a neighbourhood, where it seems like everyone is competing to win the "most expensive and extravagant fireworks" because we just climb to our balcony and look out at the spectacle that lasts for 15-20 minutes where the whole neighbourhood is polluted with cemicals. At least, we are not buying any. I hope they forbid it, it has gone too far. Or an age-limit of 30 something. Well.. other New Years musts in Sweden? We also watch a stupid sketch with "James" and the countess (he pretends to be all 4 guests and the servant, and of course get drunker by the minute) We just saw it "I kill that cat" - said after he "accidently" drinks the vase instead of the glass of port....Tomorrow will be the 2007 chronical - and all new years promises, goals and hopes for 2008! Have a great Happy New Year to all of you!

Nostalgia - Bobble Sweater

In Alpacka Sport this old warm and fuzzy sweater is knitted. I promised I should have my blog updated during this holiday, but sorry, holiday got me. Still being sick (time to visit the doctor on the next free day)... with a soar throat and some coughing. Hubby the same way. But we have put some hours every day packinf down our kitchen. Wow, wedding cutlery (IKEA) for 50 persons.... take a lot of room. And it seems like I have collected my entire families heirlooms in the kitchen. Two days ago my Mother-in-law and F-I-L came. Today we have have thrown out the freezer and fridge. And the kitchen is moved to a small "dorm" kitchen at the upper floor (they use to rent it out for students....) Now it is just tearing the rest down ;-) and find some great handy-men. Something difficult in Stockholm-area... now that is another story. Anhow, I have been at Nysta caressing yarn and buying "Simply Noro" with some great patterns. Then - to my surprise - Svensk Hemslöjd (on Sveavägen) in Stockholm had new yarn "Värmländskt skogsfår" = Wermlandskt Forest sheep - in brown. One spun thread. Had to buy some just for the nostaliga. And I found a new great book called "BINGE" that was released from Hallands hemslöjdsförening. A good piece of Swedish heritage knitting patterns and some new. Featuring BM Christoffersson (a knitting guru of Sweden) and Kersti (from Halland!). A must buy. Anyhow this was two days ago. Today all of us went out in the RAIN (global warming) to Old town, and visted Ann-Torps väv. Filled with great yarn as usual and much handdied silk. She is just great. I rummage in the Noro shelfs, and found Kuyeron 150 (which had great colours) but - I did not buy anything. But she and her yarnshop is just great as always. Well. And - now Im doing the second sleeve ont he Lotus Blossom Tank top (that should not have sleeves I know - but Bingo-wings.... I still laugh to myself saying that... ) Anyhow- Reason for too much talk and too little picture is - I have the photo converter at the other computer. And I just noticed - this is filling up my quota in a second... ahh work work work. Take care!

Merry Christmas - God Jul!

Merry Christmas from Garngamen!
God Jul! Im still working on the sleeves, and planning new great things ahead. Belly full of Gingerbread (pepparkakor). And Swedish people (of my age group) have this "stupid" kids memory to watch Donald Duck and his friends at 15.00. It is definitely Christmas now. Hubby and I have shared a real HUG. The best present there is. Free, enviromentally friendly and fulfilling. So, HUG to you out there! Im just blogging my heart out at Ravelry... and Garngamen also have joined (reluctantly) Flickr... where you can find some pictures of FO's and other knits. Share your love! Hugs and kisses all my friends.
Enjoy your holidays....

RS virus, Ripping....and weird pic's

Tne likeness of me and a kid playing with his new toy is high. Almost as high as the count of RS-virus in my body... (a really nasty flue) that hit both me and hubby. Still home coughing. But - I did it. I did it. I did it! It has sunk in. And I feel like already got my gifts. 4 bottles of Champange. OMG.
So, do the best of the situation being sick. I have frogged the waist of Skogsmörkret, which needed a longer body, and tighter stretch ending. I have watch the episod of Star Trek I have always wondered about, how they got away from the Borg's. It was a part 2 I have missed - I feel complete. I have also jammed awayknitting on my IK Lotus Blossom tank, and are soon hitting the neck, to turn "downwards" in the front. And Im pacing the yarn-room for a new quick good night project. I still need 4 more sweaters finished for this years KAL major. Instead, Im putting all machine-knitted pieces together, and that takes a lot of time. And Im sleeping, like sleeping beauty. Exhausted. Happy, and rather exited about life in general. Well, one opportunity goes, another one comes. Thanks Gail, yes, I do get reviewers comments. All fair. So, it is not hopeless at all. The paper will be "reshaped". But now, 16 wonderful days of leasure. All travel is booked out, so we are staying at home in "recharge"-mode. So - this blog will be alive at Christmas. I will definitely try to take a lot of Pics of WIPs, UFO's and FO's never shown. And maybe some house renovation pictures. Have a great evening! Hugs (all virus free ;-)

Technologie Licentiate...

A fantastic day! Great party, and all went well. People are so nice to me. Great day, and great view from the resturant at that top of the high-rise (floor 23). Now, exhasuted, and still with a cold....I have landed. Big celebrations are a almost unreal - It is so intense! And my dear brother, and dear cousin, and monther, and aunt and of course, and my beloved husband (also sick) but a trouper, who dragged refreshments and nibbles to get everyone feel fab, (including me). Well - now it is time to "take care of the rest of my life". It has just started. And the first thing I saw was that my latest paper got rejected. Ups and downs. Life in a nutshell. Well, get well is high on the list. Then we will see. Like the two-end knitted mitten with embroyderi?
I have no recollection from where I have spotted it. But I think either Norway or a museum...(Dalarna?). Take care.

No, not a knot. Attjo! Prosit!

In the reflection. No, it is not my neckless. Wow, suddenly I get some great comments. You are out there. Wow, how many smart and interesting people the world is filled with. I wish you could teach me some trick to stay healthy. Im sick - AGAIN! influenza? just a bad cold? Well, the raking of the garden made my "bingo-wings" hihi, collaps the last lymphatic defence in the "Matrix invasion" of bugs into my system. I have been sick. Being VERY careful not to end up at the hospital this time, this cold bare all the same signs as the last springs bad one. My head is like a KNOT, and when I cough I get strings of beads (hmmm, not really) from my lungs. All muscles are sore. And Im just amazed I still can breath ok. Asthma makes me stay up all night and blog. No, I cannot say Im nervous for my Lic. It is more that I "relax" now.... and it all comes. I hope I get well enough to enjoy all the champange we bought. And that I can taste the great dinner. I just must get well, so I drink tea, water, Kan-Jang, echuinqa forte, lost of vitamine C, and hope for miracles. Meanwhile, I have finished the front on the Lotus Blossom tank, and are making good progress on the back. What a great pattern. I was just focussing on the lace, and missed the clever shoulders. (IK Knits summer 2006). Surprisingly fun pattern. Kudos to Shoji for making it. I have decided only salt water and a long vacation can cure this cold in the deap. Instead we are going to wrip the kitchen to renovation mode. That is LONG overdue. Both will make be (sorry, me) healthy. Well. So you know any house cures that clear sinusis, make a hurting cough better? (sorry, I do not drink Whiskey).. If I go to a doctor, I would only get pills, and then - forget champange! Hmm. Think healthy. Eat healthy. Sleep. I would love to sleep. Im sure you did not notice the "knot" in the front of my Good night quick knit sweater (maybe quick knot?) But I know it is there. So on Monday. Dear brother, dear mother will come. I must get well, so they do not get sick! Mom and I always seem to share flues. Then Tuesday it is. The big day. How fun. Maybe Lotus Blossom tank is ready? (with 20 thick sweaters on top....;-) Then the other half to reach my PhD will be a much healthier journey. Much more knitting and relaxing (and exercise). Must learn how to knit and walk, as they did in the old days. Again take care, and avoid Matrix invasions ;-) Pattern in black and white is a traditional Halland pattern in grey and black instead of blue and read. Great for the machine knitting.

FO- Goodnight Quick Knit Sweater

With a fresh Caffe Latte my "Good Night" Sweater, a real quick knit is finished. The yarn was not enough for a collar, but every night this knit has helped me relax enough to go sleep in one of the more work-intense autumns in my history. 6 megere days of relaxing in total for 5 months.... But, I feel good anyhow. My Technological Licentiate is in the print, half way to my PhD! TO be really honest, the snow melted, and we went out and raked the leafs on the lawn (six apple trees, 3 pear trees and 2 Cherries leave a lot of leafs)... and my arms are hurting so bad it is hard to type. Well, I have not invested in my health this fall. it is time to start with some work-out, one hour raking and I have spagetti arms, that is ridiculus. I thought knitting make you strong, but I realize it is the hand muscles. well, 8 balls of Point 5 in 131 Ichia colour from Colinette. Bought at Fantasy at a sale, a LYS in Arvika (where I always shop when Im visiting mother and father in law). What is strange is that for some strange reason I cannot get back to Wildapple. Im now knitting away on the IK Lotus Bloom Tank top By Shoji. I knit in the wonderful Du Store Alpakka yarn Baby-Alpacka and Silk, and it just feels great. Thinking about doing some sleeve. But if I keep raking those flabby arms would improve. Ha. I just notice the sweater looks slanted, but it is just me throwing it on to a freezing hubby taking pic's. Ok, Im at least on September on my Sweater a Month KAL. Again, a bit behind, but hey, 3 more before 31st of December should not be impossible. At least Wild-apple and Grey sweater should be finished... and the Lotus would make it 3... Hmm, the Shinano is rotting on resting... Should I rip the sleeves? or go Crazy?.. My artzy sweater? It will take a LONG time.. My big heavy Kochoran (remember?) you suggested to add more collar. Here is the collar addition, but, Im still thinking If I should add even more! Compare from last (see here) I cannot see much difference in the pic, but it is almost one more ball at the neck. Still have one more Ball. Alternativs are lengthening in the back (it IS front heavy, and a but uneven...) or pockets...... Decisions, decisions. Take care out there, and THANK YOU for all nice comments. you faithfull and new Garngamen blog visitors. Love to you!

Goodnight Sweater in progress and more!

So my litentiate thesis are almost ready for printing, just the ISBN number... It is amazing. Anyhow, I have finished the sleeves, and now I have started on the body. Two nights and two balls of yarn. Amazing. That is why I called it "Good Night Sweater" One ball of Colinette Point Five, and I sleep like a baby. But, you might wonder WHY? What happened to the Bohus Wildapple... It had a temporary move to the yarn-room, and I just wanted to AGAIN get a quick knit done. Get rid of "bulky yarn" to create space in my yarn-room. This is Colinette Point 5, and knitting a sweater is on 15 mm needles. Fast as a wind. Picture with flash (big) small withour flash! Anyhow, should have something ready maybe to the weekend? Anyhow, it is just plain and simple, mindless - ZEN knitting. Anyhow, I just discovered TWO "christmas calender knits". One within Sticka, assuming some yarn (Alaska) which I do not have, and Im not sure I have Yabba is similar..., instead of needle and yarn from stash... And only for members....The second one is the very creative Johanna that blogs every day (already on day 3...) but free - AND in english. This one is great! This totally ruins any hope of soft cuddly presents for christmas. Sigh!

1st of advent.. Christmas present panic!

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

Budapest yarn hunt part 2

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

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

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

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

FO- Domino Summer Top!

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