...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....

More Bohus..and knitting chats

It is soft, cuddly and waiting to get done, The Bohus Wildapple is slowly growing on the needles. But some nights I have worked myself so late it is hard to get to sleep, then I dig into my "good night" knitting. I have finally finished August summer top in Domino squares. Well, I was not overly happy about the cutting, but the thick cotton was a soft delight to knit in (Blue Sky). Finishing immediately made me start a "quick-knit" in my secret desire to get rid of all bulky yarn. This is Point 5 from Colinette and Im almost done with the sleeves. Makes me tired for bed and is a good extra to the very thin needle Bohus. Next week and weekend is Budapest. Interesting, that the first thing you think about is "what knit I should bring" that works on the plane! Bulky - is .... to bulky. And thin needles are "weapons"... so wooden needles mid size. Anything I can finish? Hmmm...Also thinking about another Quick-knit in semi-bulky, the Maya yarn - and a west. I have started to like wests. Which is interesting turn of taste. Very practical at work, when you need the business suit on the west is easily snuch unterneath!

Bohus Progress and ART

The Backside says it all. Knitting Bohus is a demaning task. Great, but demanding. I love it!
Now the collar is done. Up to 4 colours in the row. It is great, but now I have to wind another ball of the base colour. We had a great sunday. Going to the very Jugend (Art Noveaux) "Centralbadet" and did a good swim, some steam sauna, and wow, you feel tired and fresh. I sent of the latest version of my thesis, and after the usual home duties, washing, cleaning, eating...I look forward to knit until I drop. Mom loved the two bags of yarn I donated to her knitting group in Dalarna. Anyhow, mom-in-law have been heroic and knitted one teen-age sweater for the Latvian kids. Mom says it is beautiful. I have no doubt. Hope I can get a picture. Anyhow, I just have to brag about the great fantastic picture I got from my brother, the fantastic artist Johan Mauritzson. Look at it. It is like he knew I was knitting a wildapple. They match. I do not want to spoil all the Bohus fun, but I have of course some other great pic's coming. This is eye-candy for this week. Next week Im going to Budapest (and missing a Baptism).. always interesting. And celebrating the new year in New York? When does the after christmas sale start? Or do not US have them? Hmm... anyhow, around 2 of January..OOpps....Now it is BOND, James BOND on Telly. Solong...Have a great knitting week.

Trollhättan - The Swedish Trollywood!

Trollywood... they do have stars on the main streets. A week of international conference. Up as a sun, and down as a pancake. Overall, I met a bunch of interesting persons, but on Friday I became too tired and sad of not sleeping and not enough knitting. So I worked hard on the short-rows of the Bohus Wildapple, collar is done, and now it goes faster. Anyhow, Trollywood have a nice little yarnshop called Stick-in. Nice people, and a normal Swedish variety with a twist. Too much large 100% acrylic to get me going, but hey... I have a great knit. Anyhow, I must agree with "When the tough gets going, the tough gets Knitting" my dear friend H. The New Regia Kaffe Fasset sock-yarn is great. I bought 2 balls today at Wincent. And also the Marie Wallin great Rowan pattern book Kidsilk Dream. Well, not really patterns I NEED, but they pictures were great, really inspirational. Anyhow, Im now healthy again. And ready to start my new healthy life. I have booked my Technological Licenciate Degree date to 18 of December. In Sweden this is the degee between a Masters and a PhD. .Im so exited. Im actually moving forward. All this hard work is start to paying off. But I carry a huge guilt. Not only am I 4 sweaters behind in my "sweater a month KAL" but also, Im not knitting the shawl for may aunt either, or not fast knits to the children in Lithuania. Feeling selfish. But the Bohus is the most seductive knitting. It is so soft, so rewarding. It just feels like DREAM. Anyhow, I must get into serious exercise. Might have to visit New York very soon, to get a private Pilates lesson ;-) I miss you out there!... I have at least signed up for Ravelry...so we will se what happends. Anyhow..... It is really vacation planning. Im definitely absolutely coming to US next year. In fact, Im planning a bit lengthier research trip, and also attending conferences.... Time to enjoy the dollar! it was almost double to the Swedish crown the last time I visited so....Again, take care! Here planning is happening.

First Snow! Wildapple progress!

Here the first snow falled tonight - while I was upp working on the last rows of the collar to the Bohus Wildapple. Im om 65 and it is 71 rows before "motorway knitting" begins. Hubby through one row took 5 minutes, but more than 450 stiches, and 2-4 colours, definitely takes 30-40 minutes, depending on how concentrated I am. Im explaining it is more about knitting beautiful, than fast. All stiches should be just the right tension, and the floatings on the back should be just right to create elasticity, but not become to loose. But you know this of course.
I have packed two big plastic bags of yarn for mom and her knitting cafe. And again Im making a plead to knit warm sweaters for a Latvian day-care center for Youths (10-15 years). Mom want to give them all a sweater for Christmas. I should get into Christmas knitting. But the apple is so beautiful. Need to start Violas Birch - shawl.

ECF for All Saints Night!

Oh summertime. I still cherish the memory.
It is from Gotland. And at all saints night, you should remember the dead. I dedicate this to three really close persons that past away. My father, the story-teller. The architect, the card gamlbler, that loved his dog Felix. And Alf, my uncle, that helped me more in life than anyone can believe - he saved me. The Gestalt guru, the angel, the giver. Gotland is your place. For you- peace. And finally my friend Johan. The silver miner, the trivial pursuit winner, the guitar-player, the fun and safe man. The Tolkien-fan. I miss you. And it is so great to cry. The best cleaning in the world for the soul. Bless you all out there! This is life.