Temporary setback..

I could celebrate, the Solveig Hisdahl Camisole from Poetry of Stitches, was a fun knit (you saw a glimpse from some places it ws done....but honestly, it is wrong, wrong, so wrong (Quote Perry Cox, Scrubs). I was so smart in this side by side project, and added a few rows here and there, because unfortunately, as many fashion geniouses, she believes the largest size is Medium in this pattern. So, all cup cake bakers like me sob. But, hey how hard can it be? Then - when almost around, I realized this wonderful hand-dyed yarn from solsilke (wool and thussa-silk) was still plenty around. I had to make sleeves. Not a problem. The genious Hisdahl just have you turn the page, for "almost the same pattern" with sleeves. Well, you realize that you have not knitted the NECK as you should, and you do not want to frog. So, Im make the shoulderbands just a little wider (to compensate for that extra ease. And of course, I realize that the camisole is surprisingly short... Well, gauge.. Sigh....so I make the shouldbands just a little longer. It is still short, and unpropotional. Ok, now comes the worst bit. It is TOO WIDE! no, not in the waist, That is where it is perfect, but being short and the mid front and back is "hanging" when I wear it. So, I think -pull a thread through, so it does not ease, as garter do. Of course ,I have already crochet the little edge all around, which took an entire evening, so of course, ripping it out to make a closer neck will now really hurt. I know it will need to be done, when the I just let go, since now it will really be too chilly. Now, I have started to work on the sleeves. I hope they fit. I have a creepy feeling they will be too small.... Hmm, lots of compensation work here. But lovely soft it is. So, what thas a yarnie/knitter like me do? Grasp a quick and rewarding project awaiting for this failure to sinks in (no, just a summers worth of knitting...hey, who am I to complain?) So, I think my Ice-cream top needed a Panty to go along with the rest of the yarn (yeah, a LOT of small ends) Basically a few evenings knit. Follow pattern, largest size, slavishly, and when I try it on, it does not even cover my lovely behind. Oh dear, what a disappointment. More re-work. I can rip/frog out the waist-band (that fits) and continue on the back, sigh.. Im sure this happens to all knitters - who do not swatch...! but Im sure many do not tell about them on their blog ;-) Well, I can only tell you, who actually READs all this a great advise. Run to the store and pick up the latest number of the swedish magazine "Hemslöjden". It is filled with knitting treasures from the swedish heritage, and a lot of my guru Britt-Marie Christoffersson! So what do I do? Lusts again, and of course pick up yet another needle (I do have many) and pick up some sale cotton from stash, to make the new and correctly fantastic camisole in a better version. Now, when I know how the pattern is REALLY going to be. I plan it for my Greek week vacation with the larger family. Yarn colour is is how I see the mediterian sea in my mind. Even if it is all Italian yarn cottone... well, let it rest and back to sleeves.

FO- Swimmingpool Lace Yoke top ala Malay

Same top, with and without sleeves. The original pattern to the right from Knit 1. Angela Hahn pattern. But I did both add a lace border on the bottom, and then added sleeves with an added leaf lace border. I love this pattern. Fun and fast knit. And yes, it has the same colour as the swimmingpool and sea. I just "had" to change the name! Thank you Milly for noticing. Colour matching is fun, and this teal is very summer colour for me. It was a great cotton yarn, Euroflax, a sale find from another trip to Rome 2004.... This is all knitted on my recent trip to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and the wonderful Langkawi (also picture right), where we are at the pool-bar, taking a cold beer and some great satay sticks (no, was it not the "health" sandwich with a Mango fruit juice something?" hmmm.... This country knows its food! It was just fab, which means I really had to suck my belly in in the FO pic. Still a bit jet-lagged, I cannot decide if Im just going to knit the I-cord around the neck with or without beads, or at all. I still have a ball of yarn (200g) so Im contemplating to knit one of the following: A bra (to wear underneath) and a small underpants to match... OR which I really would like to, but have this gut feeling it is not enough yarn: some "hotpants". Maybe with a lace leg ending just above the knees ;-) But again, If I just had one more ball! Anyhow, it is very comfortable, just some more situps ;-)

Pulau Dayang Bunting, Lace Yoke Top, Langkawi and K.L.

You would think this was the pool, even if the resemblance of the colour is great. No - here we swimmed with the sharks and like an aquarium.. so many beautiful colourful fish. Giant and small Scalare, Sharks, Barramundi (almost 2 meters), and wonderful clownfish, black spikey sea Urchins.. I can only say WOW! A life-time experience in a day. And yes, where but in Malaysia! A wonderful land - food and great service. Im a fan! We are of course doing the Coral snorkelling swim outside Langkawi Island, where we have had a great week! I mean, the beach is from the sun chair! where I knit! What do I knit? Well OF course! The Lace Yoke Top from the Knit1 is the perfect cotton knit. I found an old cotton yarn in stash from Rome, Italy called "EuroFlax" 560 meters in one ball... knit on babe, and yes, I think ONE ball ;-) is the entire top in the picture... OK, picture taken on the boat, so not the best Quality! Ohhh ,I have so much to tell you! What a fantastic vacation! There is no words for this! I mean First we went to Kuala Lumpur (for those who do not know what KL stands for.. but you expect people to know LA and NY doya? Just kiddin! I guess some rest, a good massage (the only thing Swedish so far) and a record number of swims in the luxurious pool, and the Hot-tub warm sea. I mean, it is so hot in the sea that it DOES NOT COOL YOU OFF! The pool is just slightly colder...., but also close to 28 or 30... but after a few days, you think anything below 25 degrees is chilly... I'm burned having missed some spots of my sunfactor 30...Well, Great food, great service. Wonderful singing birds! And great company! What else do you need? I guess I should tell you about the two yarnshops in KL. Both of them located (just around from Times square bldng), called Sungai Wang Plaza had TWO: I just love Jet Sun, where I found a great fellow knitter chatting away, and many many great knitting books (no, I do not shop yarn anymore.... LOL), and yes they do have SILK yarn, but I was good, I almost need a diploma for being so good. And Lily's Handicraft also have yarn especially I spotted Zara yarns, but restrained myself. Thinking I might come back to KL sooner rather than later. Instead I freaked out on beads (the glass beeds) where the biggest bag went for nothing.. I mean, arrgh, that was so cheap, and Im so mad I did not bring less with me (so I would have room in bags!) Husband will of course carry nicely ;-) Cotton is so great on summer burnt legs. Do I recommend Malaysia? Yepp definitely! What are you waiting for? It is a long plane trip but yes, You can always KNIT!

Cotton and PAPER yarn

Yes, Paper yarn is really in! I got the Noro Ganpi Abaka paper yarn, mostly for the colours, but the feel in a garment was not off in the store. When it is really hot, that is almost a linnen feel. Sturdy as any yarn, but knitting on 6mm needles, it becomes a bit to peekabo, so starting with the top part, I mixed it with the Eco-friendly Cotton from Huskroken in just the matching colour. And after a few rows, the paper yarn looks like a mess. But definitely a weird, but great feel to it. And, excellent with the cotton mix. Must find more cotton! Not that I lack cotton, my stash is weirdly full, but not in THAT wonderful blue colour. Decisions, should I mix with existing cotton, or go on a chase? No, not decided. But it is again too hot for any other (I mean WOOL) knitting. And the summer is at its prime. The cherries are great - dark and sweet, and the washingmachine seems to have troubles. C9, is its remark. I do like bugs ;-) the software kind (if I can do something about it!) but not this one, and definitely not last night when I chased a huge night butterfly out (I dear not say MOTH!) out of the yarn-room. That thing could have devaoured the entire cashmere stash by the size of it..... Ahhh, it is so knitting time. What to do with the Patagonia Nature cotton? Sunkist? Or a top? I love summer!

Mother, Roses and Bunny Holders

So here is the wonderful Alchemy Silk Purse in a wonderful stingy lime, with a black satin ribbon. Yepp, the Blouse Bunny Holders. The yellow band is temporary, and used for the shoulderstraps as a measure, still not done. And - it is hard to make a great fit with it, so I have done some alterations as usual, but this has triggered a new knitting craze in me. I have so much great silk. It is slow here. The summer reminds me it is short and wonderful, and research is still going on full time. And life goes on Mom is here, we are going to a funeral tomorrow. Our dear uncle, Knut passed away. So my summer roses, the moss-rose Henri Martin suits well in days of sadness. Just imagine your life-partner for more than 50 is years is gone. Poor Viola. Well, between showers, and clouds the sun shows is warm face, and the helicopters ar buzzing together with the bumblebees, after all - 1200 meters (less than an english mile) from here the first EEC-top meet will take place, with all European leaders. They should relax in my garden instead, take a knit and a caffe latte. PS. No, the machine-knitting is "resting" for space at the moment dear April. But not forgotten. And dear Sue, finally the package is on its way, sorry for delay. Well, we are preparing for great adventures... The blog will be a bit slow in the summer. But much more to come. Many of my UFO's are getting closer to FO's. Hang in there! And enjoy the great summer. It is short, but wonderful.

Stora Nassa

Knitting at "Stora Nassa", (or "big schnase - big nose, swe "stora näsan") is a well known adventure for sailers in the Stockholm archepelago in the outer area. With wonderful weather this weekend we found this calm place, which I of course used to knit. Ahh, you do not see the progress of the camisole? And my happy face? Ok, have a closer look! That smile can only come after a calm and wonderful summerday - with many dips in the cold sea. Honestly, this is in the top sailing with our dear "Alice"... Sohoho nice.... It was extra hard to be back to work. But I hope the weather stays on another weekend...My thinking around this knit is - easy.... too easy, perfect for a fried brain, but almost on the "boring side". It is time for a more complicated knit again... Many UFO's that measure up to that in the pile! So, should I go for a cardigan, or a camisole with shorter sleeves and short pants? As you see, I have long sleeves even in the evening heat (sensitive to the sun!) and with "bingowings". Im at least trying to do something about it.... but age you know....and time! We will see..Well, have a great summer you out there! And as we say in Sweden, - ja, that was a great summer day!

FO- Ice Cream Blouse Bunny Holders

Finished! Pattern: Citrus Top Yoke, yarn Debbie Bliss Pure Silk. Colours chosen from Ice-cream memories.... Pistage, strawberry, Vanilla and dark Choclate (ok it black!) which were the only ice-cream flavours when I grew up. Making this was really a challenge. Not only can you see how I have added an extra layer both on the top and on the sides of the cup. It does sag in the back and the underbrim should have been a bit tighter under the bunnies to get a better "hold", but all in all - it is wearable in the secluded garden of my home ;-) And the sunshine is out, so why not get the white flesh some vitamine D. Im already thinking how to improve the back, and do some shorts... maybe put in a metal bar.. hmm. A fun and fast project. Ahh Summertime! Blouse Bunnies is of course said in Scrubs by the Doc... well, if you get it you get it.

YARN and some summertime...

In Vienna I got these two small little cuddly Lana Grossa Merino Print, where only one posed with my sulfur yellow tree-peony.. Thinking socks... or??? just felt so good. And then the three Noro Ganpi (or is it Ganbi?)
tape, that will make an entire top... It is just wonderfully weird and beautiful. Knit with paper. I wonder if it is washable? But one of those whimsical projects. Ps... The Sacher cake I got as a present was YUMMY!
I also realized that pulling weeds makes my hands a bit sore - which impacts my knitting. But Im in a garden heaven. Roses are fab!

Yarnhunting In Sofia and some in Vienna

Sofia, Bulgaria. A country which is a cross between Tallin and Rome, well, it is different, unreadable letters for me, making the yarnhunting a bit difficult. In 30 degrees heat (celcius), I did mangage to follow the lead of Ravelry hints - and by accident - the dear lady knitting in my tutorial (the real reason for going to Sofia). Plethe. To Knit. The only question I was asked form the "tech guys" was: What does "knit" mean... I said Plethe.... (of course that is the ONLY word I know in Bulgarian, but nevertheless, the coincedence created a gasp!)So, here is the shop. to the left. A small little place. The inside can be seen. All yarn carefully wrapped in plastic. I mean, no dust or bleaching on it, and no sogging.... so fresh in that respect. But, oh dear what a yarn snob I have become. There is really no words say. The worst in my book. Acrylics, nylon, microfibre and fake fur... ok, I could spot some cotton in there, but colours was the last put off. Im so NOT in sync with the local fashion in Sofia. The sort of young girl was ok, but, no, I could not even find one ball of souvenier yarn, that is how "put off" I got. It was for sure not the money. It was cheap. So thinking of my stash at home, Im going NO NO NO... took a picture and backed out. Poor Sofia knitters. There was another shop, not far from there. But I was one street off, so I had to go back day after - and that was closed for lunch then. So, no, honestly. I know the two shops in Bulgaria, and that did not tickle me at all. But again, I can say nothing about the supernice and friendly Bulgarians. The legal Taxi's (OK) are cheap and great, but there a lot of very expensive "mob" -cabs, so be careful what you step into. Since these cheap and legal cab get so little, I really tip well. That is so much more comforting, than getting ripped. Well, a short flight to Vienna, I realized I had not checked Ravelry or knit-map, and relied on my memory to find the way to Neubau gasse and FE Wolle und Mode. This shop I remembered were filled with goodies, last time, where I definitely got some Lana Grossa yarn. Now, I was panting in the heat, and could not even touch the wool, cashmere but glazed on the cotton...But ended up with some really strange hanks of Noro (?) Ganbi tape - which is basically paper yarn. Really weird. I guess it was the colour that seduced me. Ok, I got some merino throw in for a pair of socks. But really... that was all I had time for, so when later spending time on the free Vienna airport internet, I realized that there definitely are both new and great yarnshops in Vienna. Well, a bit of flight screw-up, worked in my favor going directly home, instead of passing Copenhagen, so Im happy! Only the luggage has still not arrived - so pics of the result of the yarnhunt will come later. Happy midsummer. There is now a short break when it is not raining here, so Im in the garden ;-)

FO- Indietop Pinktober and FO- Mothers socks!

Hi there! Very proud to present the Indietop (started on a flying trip to India) with saleyarn from Garnverket in Linköping and Stockholm (Rowan summer tweed in two pink colours) adding some Giotto tape-yarn to spice it up. The time started was october - and all should (even in June) be aware of breastcancer, so therefore it was named "pink-october = Pinktober". No, no pattern, the usual "garngamen knits on circular" and makes a sweater to wear... Ok, a tense smile, but hey Im posing on the street here, give me some cred! Note - it is in front of the syringa to the left the wonderful "Katherine Havemyer" fragrant, and bluish pink that changes to pale lilac when in full bloom, and to the left - the Syringa reflexa. Anyhow Im very proud of the last one, since I raised it from seed! Well, I must admit Im a bit overwhelmed with your kind comments. Do not feel obliged. I was having a down period, but Im back again, realizing it is great to celebrate our knitting and yes, you are out there! Ok, I finished My dear mothers socks. They are big, on request, but yummy soft. Patons "JET" is the cuff yarn and the foot is in Eskimo from Garnstudio. They were really heavy on the wonderful white tree-peonies. But was posing better on the tender Hostas, just opening up their leaf-charm. And I have been a good girl doing the steek of Sue's secred cardi, and starting on the cuff. Ohh, I forgot. The most fun knit is the blouse-bunnie holder- from a patter called Citrus yoke top, but you can see - this is all ICE-CREAM. I tell you the story later, ok?

Mothers Day!

This is how I spent mothers day - knitting on socks for mommy dearest - out at Ladviken one of our favourite spots. I had hoped I would finish them, but I guess when the great weather hits, one melts in the sun. It is rare to have such fab weather, mild winds and it hits on a weekend. It is so nice. It seems like we have one weekend a year with this wonderful quality. So what is happening? I had some intense workingdays, but 30 minutes I managed to visit Strikk in Gothenburg. It is a great and inspiring knitting store, filled with goodies. What is especially fun is their own range of "quick and simple" knits at display. I was there picking in buttons and patting yarn so long, that they really wondered what kind of weird person I was, so after several "are you sure you do not need help?", I had to admit having a yarn-storage at home beating the store... but - that it still was a pleasure. Of course, this "not-buying-any-yarn-I'm-sohoho-good-and-in-control"-void made me immediately run and buy 2 large choclate bars (Mmmm Marabou) and then throw myself into the new Star Trek movie, so I would not go yarn nuts... haha..., yeah, that travel and living in hotel does to you... I stayed up until 2 fixing my presentation after that... Sigh... But I managed to avoid buying anything new! I have lately been aware how my stash mysteriously grow instead of shrink, and the trend is going to change. Anyhow - my dear readers, thanks so much for the encouragement. I will continue blogging in my old fashion. Especially now, when summer is coming up there is more time for travel, knitting and blogging. Since - now the weather is back to normal, it dropped seriously in temprature, the rain is hammering - and will be for the rest of the week and weekend. Great knitting time! So, latest report? ok, second sock for mom almost done (be patient mom, they will arrive in mail, perfect for you!), progress on camisole..., and yeah, I have been knitting a holder for the blouse bunnies. So many threads to fasten, some more attachments, straps, but getting there. Very fun and inspiring (ok, pictures coming too). Inditop is on the short-list, as well as finishing the secret Sue sweater. Now when it is colder, motivation comes back. And then back to socks. All in June plan! Hang in there! It all must be finished soon. Sail on!

Heidi saved you ;-)

Seriously, I was thinking to end my blogging time completely due to the severe lack of comments, and my stats falling, Im thinking this blog are more a surrogate for my family, instead of talking to me. But I guess there are some knitters out there, that occasionally drops in, and actually reads my ramblings... like Heidi and her great knitting, I mean Autumn Rose, that is a fair-ilse, and her latest cardi... how great. Me Im fighting with the template to get the blogheader better. Im so tired of looking vanilla, Im almost walking down and buying photoshop only to fix it... Well, It is holidays here, but so much work, garden, reviews....so sigh, Im NOT getting my knitting done. All "many projects knitters" know this, 5 rows here, and 10 rows there, and suddenly a whole lot are done at the same time. The rain showers are to short, so there is not enough serious knitting time. But - thank you - my thumbs are getting back into order. I think it was a cold infection that played there in the joints. Like an alien. Now it has moved elsewhere in my body. Ok, this is a small sample of my new banner (if it works)... Ok the yarn pic is z-twined Kempes (Anne-Maj's Ling's colour chart!).

Spring time! Cherry Blossoms!

Our wonderful cherry tree is in full bloom. My research paper is now on its way to the 12% acceptance cut, but hope is in the air. Thumbs up, Im better ;-) Started a series of knits, they are always lightweight in the beginning... so that would make the knit easy for the aching thumbs. This weekend Im going to take a break. Enjoy the wonderful life. The air smells fragrant. It is still just a bit cold, but in the sunny spots, yum. Like this wonderful yarn, the new summer camisole (sommarlinne), by the norveigan Solveig Hisdahl, from the book Poetry of stitches. A great and easy knit. I love it already, it will be soft and smooth. Maybe a little grey, now when the colour is sparkling in the garden. It is the best yarn, Schappesilk from Solsilke. Her handdyed fab. Im so happy for all my flowers in the garden. What happiness there is, really, just here. The soft silk, the blue... the light is so wondeful. I must say that the bamboo has a great feel too. This yarn was a treasure from Australia,a staple brand. I guess Im really into grey/yellow right now. And yeah, the wondefully faithful rhododendron, flowers twice a year. The pattern i th April sock, diagonal lace, a toe-up pattern... but I have just realized Im so much a top-down knitter. The pattern was easy, though, it is an easy knit.. but I need to find my shorter needles to get some speed. These flop around all the time. So, yes, Im still like a bumble bee where every knit is a flower, buzzing around! Wonderful. Bzz bzz on you too!

Knit related injury! and Art...

Bananadreaming arrived from Australia. Our new huge aboriginal painting. Framing first! My thumbs are sore. It is pinching the 3 stiches in the cables (6 stiches) for the heavy St Brigid .Grr.... so Im not into anything heavy. It hurts. Crochet? At least I can plan. That is how I fall asleep after my mind is going circles around my research paper. A nice yarn to pet. Like this little beauty. A rarity, from Sue. Im still thinking how to do some great soft unmentionables. Ok, Im knitting socks for mummy dearest. Nice and warm Yarn Patons, Jet - will not be enought -which requires creativity. Sue - who send me these blue jewels, are getting a Lopi Cardigan. Im just in that scary STEEKING moment. But every time I put up the fight with the sewing machine, I hope it gets better. So brim and collar to knit - which is a piece of cake if my thumbs did not complain. So I started yet another knit. Solsilke Schappesilk camisole from Poetry of Stitches. Norweigan knitting master at work. (the author!- Solveig Hisdahl!) It goes smooth. Maybe this could also be a camisole? I think that pattern is great as a starter for much innovation. Also giving heavy glances on this little yarn. 4 balls of Silk garden lite. Now. Is that a camisole or what? No, no lace shawl. Im on anti shawl for the moment. I need more clothes! Summer like - easy to wear and combine, and great! And there are so many patterns. Just time. So maybe a vest? a Lace vest? Hmm... Inspiration! My inner eye says....I got it. V. that is cool, like Jade Starmores complicated . Same shape. Knit three together in the middle, and adding in the sides. Or...Maybe this is the yoke of a great sweater. To combine with......? No, Im trying to finish some of my UFO's. But it is so fun, I keep starting new stuff. 3 socks in the making, and tons of sweaters. My thumbs. sigh.....Well, I wish I had some yarn in these last paintings wonderful colours - from my dear brother - the famous artist Johan Mauritzson. That would be a great sweater. Where is my yellow? Ahh.. cure me quick!

FO-Possumsweater and Notodden - Norway

After 650 kilometers to Notodden, Norway - I had plenty of time finishing this. Ok, I admit. Reknitted front and collar twice, but pleased with the result. I could have had one more button to tuck up the bottom, but the Buttons are from La Drougerie, so I guess not. It is warm, and the sleeves fit perfectly - and compared to my bodyshape, it is not too bad - I mean stripes, what was I thinking? Im particularly pleased with the pockets with the buttons. Perfect for the asthma medicin in springtime. Yarn? Naturally Yarns brand Karema - which is merino and some Possum fur. Super warm and soft - meaning, not very good for steeks, so I have to cover the seems on the inside. Anyhow - Why Notodden? My brothers son, Martin had his "human confirmation". That is really the big manhood rite in Norway. The kid is 15, and already a smart one! What a family gathering. And at the cermony, we saw tons of "Bunad" which is the folk-costume here in Norway. And I must say- Telemark is very exiting place. Look at the belt from the yarn-shop owner - all done with "brick-weaving" (another secret hobby). The yarn-shop extra vaganza where I got tons of Norveigan patterns, what filled with goodies - and restrained myself to two thin alpakka in mixed colours (like this belt) from Du Store Alpakka and from Sandes, one odd lime Alfa (which I already have enough for a sweater - this was just a highlight). But I really played with Per Tyving, Rauma Finull in all and more colours...Drops, and sockyarn in all combinations and much much more interesting stuff- well displayed. I got three wonderful buttons, Large, square, and with filigran work...but she has all the tenn "hooks" (or whatever that is called) and buttons you can need. It was fab. And all the silver broches, you know the type in "Poetry of Stitches".. I guess I will make a long wishlist for next time Im there. I did have a long look at the Knit-pics sock-yarn kit. That looked wonderful. But I restrained myself... Now, enough.. Im tired.. it was such a great party and such a long drive home. Tomorrow - research paper and tax-declaration. So yarn hunt in Notodden - It is Alfhild Jörgensen! Ohh what a shop. To dream of. And I have the possum sweater on. Still. Like a glove, yummy soft. It is fun to finish! Also did one more ball on St Brigid on the way home. Great pattern!

Almost there...

Steeks are cut, only brim and collar left - and assembly is next on the list. Good project for work in car (no- Im NOT driving) on the way to Notodden in Norway. The work week in Coventry was - work! But I got to get my pulse going driving on the wrong side... I mean the left side! And at least 3 more rows on the beaded kidsilk. Two interesting knitting magazines bought. No yarnshops. Magazine 1..The Knitter - who had some great patterns in a well packaged number of "eco-friendly". Magazin2. Simple Knitting. I feel a bit bored with the magazines. Too simple, and copies from books you already have. Sigh... but some bamboo handles as a gift was not too bad. One potential great article- about a dyer and spinner in Mag 1, that could have been jampacked with facts, instead was only "oh- how nice she does this". Grrr... Still that is like Choclate to me. Got to have a piece. especially on a dead hotelroom, with only news and sport. But too tired to knit. Now- we are on the way to Norway.. just going to hack some more on my research paper...I doubt there is a minute for yarnhunting. Have a gret Valpurgisnight! Valborg!

What is going on? Spring!

Spring? That means - all old grass is gone, and 6 apple trees are now pruned (with a blister in my hand - not inflicting on the knitting). Eyes are running from the pollen, and like a bumble bee I join in buzzing around the garden to look for the first flowers. It is warm, and after having invited the black ant for winter (cleverly joining some plants)... all are all carried outside. Still chasing those little buggers, though a good clean of the living room did the trick. (At least I have no crocs in my garden ;-) I must say - a work intense week. Not much time for anything (which means knitting!). And the "yacht" is now in water. Still needs the mast. Definitely spring. At least I had a break-through today and got into a good fight with the sewing machine to give my very tight steeks on my possum sweater a go. It really fealt hugely risky, since I have re-knitted it three times, and now It is cut - and cannot be reknitted. It is something scary that you cannot rip it up. With the last yarn I will knit the front, a small neck and add evey inch of what is left of the yarn on to the sleeves.I could easily do with 2 or three more balls, but, I guess that is the consequence of shopping yarn across the world. I have started diagonal lace sock - toe up, and I have at least worked a bit on Sue's secret Lopi cardi Yoke. Stupid me having 4 colours along for the next three rows, bound to get slow. I wish I had time to finish the Possum cardi, but it is not to carry - and my flight tomorrow for Birmingham, UK (to Coventry!) leavs at 6.20 in the morning. Work, work, work. And next weekend is Norway... I guess I continue to start new stuff to bring with me. Oh, I forgot to tell Im doing a few rows on St Brigid to... She is a cable galore. So fun to knit! May she wants to travel? Hmm, she is on steel-needles.. A bit bulky... Ahh that lace with beads might be a hit.

Yarn from downunder (it is a pun!)

A "story" from Australia is called a "yarn"... well noone got that I guess...? Wxcept the aussies themselves. Did I show the wonderful Karema from Naturally Hand Knit? Possum yarn with Merino...yummy. I have knitted sleeves and body. The body was frogged once, but is done again (now in Cardi-form with steak). And I admit, I have frogged the yoke twice (trice?) but now last time in its entirety. So instead of a FO - you have to see more the raw material...I thought I was done, but tried it on and No - absolutely not. No Islandic sweater yoke for this. Not enough yarn. They talk about swatching - but my own design under the influence of vacation is more a "swatch" sweater. I love just knitting on. So I frogged it AGAIN and am now knitting with body seperate (steeking) and then will sew on sleeves. Hmm. Having now been back a week in Sweden - I can still yearn for the wonderful vacation and the great memories. Thank you all for the nice comments. It has been a dream vacation. Really. I think the picture of the view from a hill over Arnhem land - this is Ubirr in the northen Kakadu. I mean - the colours. They are unbelievable. As it was hot. I just love this view - of course after a climb in the heat. But what a place. It was swarming with dragon flies, and just a few more degrees and I would have said elves. So the 10 ply 30% possum yarn with Merino - also from Naturally hand knit was such I treat to find. The plan is to share it. Colours like autumn. Wonderful!! And I have no plan at all what to do with it. Fill up that stash - I have had this strange thinking of Poncho - I have actually not knitted one. Maybe just a large shawl... it was a long time ago. Hmm.. it will probably be a sweater.... or a slipover. ..
Ahhh. so nice. soft yummy yarn. A great way to start the weekend. Mmmm.. Still Jetlag?