FO Pomatomus Sock

Pomatomus from Knitty. A great pattern not really showing as well as I hoped in this patterned yarn. Anyhow, the Southwest Trading Bamboo, is really a great thick silky yarn. I actually liked it so much that I got two more of them, in different colourways. This is the July StickaMera SockKlubb entry. And Im really working fast on the August pattern as well. Olympics is over, and we have been sailing this weekend. Great! After one week I realize I have worked a lot this summer. It is already preparing for the winter. Chasing deer in the garden. So these socks are a bit big but really soft. I think this would be a great yarn for a summer top. But that is a bit late now. More thinking of the warm sweaters and cardis that needs to be knitted. And should I attempt another Lace shawl? Hmm. London next weekend - why have conferences on the weekends? So there will be loooong working week(s) here. I hope I have time to blog.

FO-Sideways Socks and progress on Aachen Bliss

Sideways socks in wonderfully handpainted yarn "Nickerjack" from UK (Stitches). The pattern is a Drops (Garnstudio) pattern, but I must admit, it was quick and fun to knit, and they fit great. I really love them. Initially I thought that the seem was a bit bulky, and there is a lot of sewing of that seem, but wearing them you do not notice almost anything. So, it have my thumbs up. The Clematis Jackmanii blooms its best on a Salix. So this was the 2nd Juni sock ;-) Now Im just "3 socks behind and some" for the StickaMera SockKlubb "do them all!" Well, had 1.5 hours on the Wii-fit today. much better than yesterdays 18 minutes. Husband claimes it already shows (after 9 days....maybe a bit). At least Im not totally wobbly. Btw a new butterfly in my garden (getting drunk on overdone cherries. Anyhow, thanks for your encouraging comment. I was in Fresno, CA as an exchange studen actually - Class of 80! How great. Bullard High. Anyhow, I have knitted a bit on my "Aachen Bliss" which was started on the plane to Aachen in a Debbie Bliss yarn (bought on sale!) I think it is a bit tight, and I decided this was a good sweater I can practice steeking - So I might cut it up and add on a bit in the front. But I have not decided yet. Im also conteplating frogging this back down to the sleeve-holes, and then Really moving them a bit to the front. The problem is really me being lazy to measure it up correctly. I should have done that long time ago, instead I knitted on like there is no tomorrow. But there is. A wonderful tomorrow. We are finally having a bathroom IN the house (so we do not have to go outside in the snow in the winter - to take a shower hmmm)...
That feels so good. But it is raining and rather quiet here. On the Stove the red currant lemonade is cooking for my brother. "Saft"! Well, take care and have a great week.

Last report from North America and FO: Seattle Noro Sweater

Mt St Helena without its top. I was actually in US as an exchange studen when this happened. Big drama. I even have a little bag of dust from it, that a friend brought me. Cool to see for real. Well, US is really floating into the background now, when the handimen (polish) are making a bathroom outof nothing. It sure sounds like a Vulcano eruption.... and also a lot of dust... But great guys. Silent, hard-working and smelling good. A handiman that smells good is a good omen. I do not want to start my bathroom with B.O. of someone! Sorry.... Seinfelt on telly.... hmm... Anyhow, I sort of realized why no one is anywhere in Sweden is because of the Olympics.... I have totally missed that notion, and yet I hold a Goldmedal from my winter olympics, when I knitted a coat. Well, Im just struggling with my sock KAL in slow motion. Actually I finished a pair of socks today (but I keep them for tomorrow!). Too be really cool, this picture is taken in Olympia (haha....) - the name of the pennisula and national forest not far from Seattle. Ok, it is "near"... since we are rummaging the beach. It is so amazing. So much great beach and so cold water. Poor west coast of US. But the sun is great. And as you can see everything is BIG in the US. Every tree, every beach, every meal. So it is not the most flattering posing in my fishished sweater I do.... I knitted it on the vacation. It was really fun. The Seattle Noro Sweater - or is it Noro Seattle Sweater? Of course an invented desigh. Yarn bought at Knittery (on SALE!) and finished during the vacation, and shown next to the hotel pool. It is actually some wool, and it is very warm, even if most is cotton. I was worried about the neck, but that really worked out. I have enough to make a headband and maybe a net-bag as well... we see. Ipod cosy? Hmmm.... At least I got some knitting done... And a whole lot of yarn. and some really great memories. I love the walks in the forest...Sorry for ranting... I should bring you the picture of the sushi-pigout before we went. Also Seattle had some great dim-sum, but no real Curry Laksa. We guess no malaysian lives in Seattle (and drives a resturant...). Happy enough we got that confirmed on google, the new travel companion ;-) Well, we are happily home as you guessed. Im back knitting socks and sweaters. Soon back to work. Hope you enjoyed the trip..... I think the yarn will fill the year in many ways.

North American West Coast (4) Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Butchard gardens. As I remember it, one of the highlights 25 years ago, when I was touring the North American continent for three month (on my own!). Today it is a spectacle. Too expensive, too many people that pushed their carts in your ankles, and too much summerflowers in bad taste colour combinations. I realized that I have become a garden diva too. Some years ago I was a secretary in the Stockholm garden lovers society (STA) and I guess learning about plants, and frequent visits to the master class - all the english wonderful gardens have made me yet another "besserwisser". I realize plantcolours are taste, but it seemed so wasteful to have 200 similar plans in two colours, instead of having a mix of perennials with different highlighting times. The japanese garden was fantastic though, and this border (picture)was an exception. But, after this, I was really sad. Not at all the tranquil stroll to grasp beauty, but shuffeling and shoving with a screaming eyesore of plantings. Rows, yikes. So Husband was a gem, and took me to the nearest yarnshop, Beehive in Victoria. Absolutely a solace. I bought much too much of the Canadian yarns "Handpainted" and hmm....what was that other copying colour.... hmm F... something. Oh boy was I happy. I was stroking my yarn when we went to the super good japanese dinner, before hitting rainy Vancouver. That is how I remember it last time, it was cats and dogs all then time then, 25 years ago, and still is. Gothenburg is not even near. Bergen might be. Anyhow, Vancouver was work for me, but instead of visiting Whistler as we booked, the road had diappeard behind a rockfall, so the way around was 9 hour drive instead of 2, so we cancelled. And again, husband allowed me to visit three shops. The first. Birkeland brothers was not a hit, but had a lot of fleece, and some discounted second sortings of Handpainted yarn..... (yummy)... ps. Avoid the husband. He was almost insulting. But Wife great!... Then just up the road Main Street was the greatest shop, Three bags full. Filled with goodies. And great people there. Look both for inside and outside pics. To the right is supposedly the lace knitter expert. Now, I forgot the name. I was still checking here fab shawls in the store and getting lost in the yummy lace yarn. And Kogiou and ....They were even so nice that they actually so nice that they recommended a competitor! That is what I call service! I asked them if there was one other yarnshop we should visit in Vancouver, what would that be? And they said - Urban yarns. For that, Go to Three Bags Full! Great yarnshop. Great expertise, super yarn. Honest people. Now Urban Yarns is located in a great area, and the shop was packed. And - they have a sale. I think that really is nice ;-) So I found some great baby alpacka for mittens, and also some more daisy circular, and some more treasures. Wahaha... just wait. I have not even STARTED with pictures of all the yarn I bought. I feel I sure have spent all my leasure money for this year. I hearby promise I will not buy any more yarn 2008 - UNLESS I need to finish a piece! And I promised mom some sockyarn!
Not even an exception for a Bohus kit, sigh. This means, no yarn festival this fall either. Yes, It is patient husband outside Urban yarns. And he just beat my record in Wii Fit Slalom. Sigh. 2 more days of vacation. And I have lost a sock somewhere.. in my house. And I need it to measure to the first one. Well, I think this almost - bring us to the last chapter in our vacation..Still one more to come. Hugs out there!

NAWC (3): Mt Rainer, and Pomatomus sock started

Ok, do you see me in the first picture? With wonderful Mt Rainer above. We were superlucky and had the best weather for out climb quite a bit up that mountain (4 hours up, 1.5 down!)over snow and just fantastically beautiful sunshine day. Im not fit to it, but again, Im a stubborn willpowered girl, so all nice americans thought I needed their sunscreen, well, I tell you, bad shape. (btw..But already 3 days on the Wii fit is making wonders. It is just so fun. I had no idea I could love exercise!) Anyhow, Mt Rainer is just near Seattle. Clean air and silent. We slept over and enjoyed a greattalk about the 3 tribes of native americans in the area. Ok, I was finished with my Noro Cardigan by this time, and started on the July Knitty-sock Pomatomus in South West tradings Bamboo yarn. I can tell you, I should have gone done one size in yarn and needle, but I would not know until the first sock was done. I know this is a super popular pattern, but for some strange reason, it is not mine. Maybe it steals to much concentration from the beautiful surroundings, and I do mistakes and have to frog. The yarn is yummy soft and such a hit, I bought some more balls. Approx 14 USdollars for a ball.To be honest, the pattern and the stranded yarn here did not fit together either. This is a pattern that should be knitted with a one colour yarn in my opinion. But definitely not super easy. Ok, typical Yarn Harlot pictures. But it was fun. I really got the crowed laughing and definitely some ladies nodding in secret understanding. "Us knitters togheter. Im so amazed with the US knitting crowed. It is such a big hit - and such comeradery. I feel welcome and apprechiated. Again, a great time hereand this few days in the mountains was actually at the end of our journey, (ok Im no telling this in order, sorry)... but really was great. A kickstart in the new and healty lifestyle of garngamen. Well, I do have more pictures than the blogger can hold. Im getting more and more concerned I have to move from here. Well, we see what is happening. I feel I spend most of my time in Ravelry anyhow. And knitting of course. That is the minus. to much time on computer - to little knitting and exercise. But, this vacation has been such a rest, a kick into new life. I feel soo much better. Really slept well. And up early, and no problem falling asleep as Im usually having. I guess I have stressed down a bit. Take care and more to come.....

Nort American Westcoast: Yarnshops Seattle (2)

The Seattle Needle from Hotelroom. So, have you checked out google yarn Seattle? My listing said 323 hits in Seattle area. I printed the first 30 yarnshops on a google/knitmap. Ok, I only had time to visit a few, but nevertheless, it makes it a goal to visit suburbia on vacation, so you actually see the city. My first yarnshop was Knittery in Renton (just next to my first hotel in near the Airport). I found the wonderful 87% cotton and 13% wool yarn "Matsuri" from Noro there on Sale (6.95 and tax). And grabbed all blueish..(2A) Wonderfully open on a Saturday until 6, I really like the staff. Then I took my Denise needles and started a garngamen improvised sweater. A quickknit, nothing fancy, the sort you can stare at the american version of antique show on TV and still whip away on your circulars... It turned out to be "the knit" on this vacation, it suited well when driving up to Vancouver and having a rubber neck like a good tourist. Here posing near a lake on the Olympia National park... So. Knittery OK. Then "So Much Yarn" in downtown Seattle, was in a "rough" hood, but a fab, well kept yarnshop. It sure has its supporters, and great staff, as well as wonderfully expensive cashmere and a whole lot of other interesting yarn. For some strange reason (the walk there in the heat?) I just felt hot, and the yarn that I wanted was new great colourway in Kochran (Noro)just made me sweat...soooo I restrained myself. Ok. Stiches we can skip entirely, since they had nearly to no yarn (some wool) but has a lot of fabric. I would not waste my time there. But Tricoter is in my mind a very typical spiffy yarnshop in a great area. Not only did it have a sofa for my hubby outside in the shadow to read his book, but the yarn was colour coordinated. I think for you one colour favourite people, this is great, but I usually browse yarn quality for first selection, then I check colour for that yarn, but an inspiring idea. The staff were unpacking yarn, and the shop filled, but I just did not find almost anything... Ok a hank can always be found of some sockyarn ;-) Also, I had no idea that the americans were so "sock" programmed. Most stores have an entire section just for sock yarn. Anyhow, tired? Im not! Seattle's best is without a doubt Weaving works that I actually visited twice! Definitely the place to find books, fleece and quality yarn. Great owner and staff too. Another real good one - filled with yarn in a great big period house is Spin a Yarn. Definitely worth a visit, with a great rose garden, and sofa for husband on the porch. I liked this one, but again, it was a bit tight - and all the great yarns were on the floor (they had legs) as the store personnel said. I ended up with one odd hank there. Also good for its great variety is Village Yarn and Tea. It had fleece, great yarn selection and a lot of books in a big cool room. Very neat. Both of the above, way out and north of the city. South is that has a huge store Seattle Yarn Gallery with all and more Noro that I really loved. I guess my suitcase was already full at this point (since I visited this the last day)... so no go there, but filled. Definitely a lot of yarn. Finally the cute - and very nice owner with great display (pictures) is the much smaller The Yarn Stash in Burien. No, nothing there either... but a lot of interesting patterns. I just love the knitted Bagles and the Fiber food. Husband also found a real Oz-pie next too it, so he was also happy. Well, what can I say... this displays 2 weeks of hunting. Just wait until I get the yarn out for pictures ;-) And maybe I will treat you with some fantastic photo's of the nature. ok, I will. But this is a knit-blog. I mean, I did a lot of work here and in San Jose as well... and a research conference, so showing all the fun-parts maybe not all accurate.

Report from the North American West Coast (1)

I have been gone for a while. But not any more. How do one explain a yarn, work and vacation adventure without boring the audience? Well going there is easy. Just a little hop Stockholm, Copenhagen, Seattle and some hours wait before reaching San Jose in CA. Silicon Valley - Here Im! It starts with curing the jetlag and itch to see american yarnshops. With a knitmap and a GPS, you cannot go wrong. The first shop had not open yet. The second and third had closed their business (Knitting Arts and. The third- after a yummy Starbucks, was Yarndogs. A medium sized but yammed packed with great expensive luxury yarn. I also got my pink Denise needles. Actually - I spent some hours in that shop. Great area in them hills. Anyhow, I happy with the first big catch, I rushed on to the next shop - thinking (haha) I would not buy anything more...It was the newly opened Green Planet yarn. A big airy store, also with a lot of interesting yarn - and a great owner too. I really like this place, maybe the lace-shawl curtain won me over (great idea!)... so I got some more (yarn). She also spared me a visit of a third closed down store...And boy did they have people signing up for their courses. Then over to The Knit Room. A shop that has been around. Jammed packed with patterns - and knowledge. In the beginning I was a bit hesitant, maybe because this was the first real sale I saw and I assume people have been cleaning the shelfs a bit. But I got some great cotton yarn (of course without thinking how heavy that is...the hot weather... does have an impact). Ok you see two blue, nuances there on the desk.. Really nice folks though. Im sure they could solve any pattern problem. Ok. Long day... Finally, I went down town and visited Commuknity (on the right - interior). Orderly airy and filled with great books and some good yarn and stuff, I thought this would be a great hangout place. But somehow it felt a bit too hip for me. Maybe I was growing tired..My final store visitin San Jose is Purlscence yarn. It was again filled with interesting yarn, people and knitting going on. So, after this, please do not ask me to RATE this yarnshops. I realize it is all about what you are looking for, what kind of person you are, what yarn and colours you like, and if you tick with the people in it. I love them all. Otherwise I must say having breakfast on IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is not healthy. I got maple syrup like a very thick sweater on me now - except it is under the skin. But I started the day with 49 minutes on me and hubby's new toy. Wii fit. Shwosh..... Im back!

FO Slipper Socks in Noro..

StickaMera's SockKlubb (Swedish sock KAL) have me in a grasp. I mean - check the members different socks (scroll a bit down!)- Garngamen is behind.. so now -Socks it is! And this was a true pleasure. The Noro Kuyreon Sock yarn is just fantastic. I heard some complaints, but it is true. It works well as a sockyarn. Thin but hard spun so it is strong. Long strands of almost even coloured that is joined with a bit thicker wool. It is perfect for this great pattern - done "almost" to the letter. If you know how to knit and move one stitch cable - it is so fun. If you don't this is not your pattern. But learn it - it is fab! I really enjoyed it. Now Im throwing myself on the sideways socks before starting on July's entry Pomatomus socks (which I have long wanted to knit). But these babies are not well travel companions, and Im boarding a lot of planes (US westcoast - Here I come! San Jose, Seattle and vicinity)... So not only will this website be closed for some weeks since uploading pic's is a costly endevour)...So I have to have some thick needles on the plane, wood, that passes security - and still gives me hours of lace-knitting on the plane. What about this lightweight yarn easy to pack. And - now here is some planning. If Im to knit in US, should I assume I should knit with freshly purchased yarn? Or... should I bring one UFO to accompaign me in the car? Hmm decisions decisions....Im thinking first and most on what knitting to pack than anything.

Vacation is no vacation!

OK! Im here. Busy. Raining. Hubby and dad-in-Law have teared down the rest of the kitchen. Mum- in-law have helped me ironing a big stack of inherited tablecloths... and also scraped most of the kitchen sofa. Myself have been project-leader for 2 bedroom (Correction: BATHROOMS, I must be tired!) "complete" selection, measuring and ordering. Exhausted hubby and I escaped on the sailboat. 11 hours sleep. Finished Slippery socks. But forgot camera. We got caught in the rain back. Drenched. Otherwise. Life is great on the one week vacation. Pictures...yeah.. socks will be tomorrow.

Progress on Slippery sock(s) - Roses.

Slippery socks from Knitty. A "genious" very young pattern maker Olivia, is behind the pattern - which is wonderfully smart in many aspects. Knitted in the new sock yarn "Noro Kureyon Sock yarn" which I think not only have faboulus colours, but is strangely surprisingly dry in its feel. Thinner also then expected, but does great as Sock yarn- since the dry feel makes it cotton-like, and very absorbing. The travelling one stich is so fun to work, and the cables are all around on the cuff. This is terribly "unblocked" in the picture next to the honey-rose. A huge fab rose. So, we are still showered in roses in my garden, I mean, it is beautiful. Most of them are climbers and ramblers (I never understood that nuance in english) but basically are overpowerly fantastic. Well, I have had a "Raverlry" knitting friend from US here. And we crazed around 7 yarnshops in an afternoon. I was "alsmost" keeping good, but not only did the 25% at Nysta and Garnverket seduce me into some yarn (Rowan summer-tweed - a silk-cotton yarn) but also Maria's Garn. Got some newly handcoloured pinkish bambo-wool yarn for socks (for my cousin Rebeca) and also Nature Cotton from the Arcunia (well, I NEVER can spell that!). In conclusion we visited my yarn-cave. Well, it was nice, but I have a tendency to make a mess when looking for a particular yarn of WIP in all the boxes. I feel it is cleaning every day. and still overwhelming amount of yarn. Well I think the roses have got to me. I have bought pink and rose-coloured yarn. Strange. Dear T. from US also gave me a fab hank of hand-dyed sockyarn. Smooth as a horses mule. (yes, I have petted more of them than any babys bottom!) Well. Im just casting on the second sock - actually LONGING for it. That is a good pattern. But if you do not know how to cable with one stitch without lifting from needle, Im sure it is very slow. So summer in its prime. Im still working.. and Im soohooo tired. Might have something to do with the great 35-year Jubilee-party in a Tolkien-club Im a member of. What festivities. A real Hobbit-house was built. Just amazing.

FO- Hydrangea socks... and Midsummer

Some calls it paradise. Some just say - it is Midsummer in Sweden. 1000s of Roses are blooming in my garden. This is Henri Martin a moss-rose that together with white Kiftsgate and Gerbe Rose are swallowing my rose-pergola. Venusta Pendula - white with red edges has also just bursted, and the yellow Honey Rose have 1000s of buds. Flammentanz is still building up its dark red, Ghiselande de Feligond in apricot and finally the wonderful white Mme who is like a bride in a parade. With this Canadian rose Louise Bugnet also white in red bud, and all the other scented pink, rose and white, stong flowering rose bushes, and oh the dear pink Celeste.. I almost forgot the only purple teinted Violette climber. Ahh Roses, finally all years of planting and killing lice, feeding them and pamper them, has payed off. 10 summers in this house, 10 years since we got married. All these roses together with 30+ some peonies are celebrating us. Im in heaven with my husband. Midsummer the greatest time in Sweden. Light almost all night. Im home. In this, I finished my Socks, called Hydrangea socks. A gift from a dear friend, Hila in New York. Sundara yarn and pattern. They feel like cotton, but no, they are treated wool. A "twisted" pattern, fun to knit. But no sailing as I hoped this weekend. The strong rain have also broken the heavy peonies, the winds have scattered rose leaves all over, the gusts winds are definitely to much for us and we have been running in and out to avoid getting drenched. Final decisions on bathrooms... and some cleaning in the house. And the frist "feel" of summer holidays. 2 days off - with the weekend, and holiday - 5 days off work. And it has just disappeard. How was your midsummer and weekend? We cheer you with a Tattinger. Still as good as 10 years ago. Celebrate light, love and roses (and occasionally a finished sock!)

FO- Clover - Juni Socks

Finished with the Clover socks for June entry in StickaMera Sockklubb (Swedish KAL).. Feels good, fun long cuff, and great yarn: Cotton Wool from Gepard. 50% cotton and 50% merino wool. A fab pattern. And - I do have a bought sock with the similar lace pattern... but still, very enjoyable. And - I challenged myself. I have done these in a week. But it feels so good. I think I could have made them just a bit wider in the cuff (that is what extra weight means for your legs).. and I could have made them tighter around the wrist... I just GOT to trust my instincts next time. But still, I have a good feeling about them. Now I only need to finish the april socks, and Im back on track. But I long for finishing my sweaters. Also, I need to prepare a long and difficult knit for my US travel. But there are weeks until then. And still much work to do. But this was at least a bit "ahead" of my usual week posting. I learned somthing with this picture. Front sock should be a bit back - so you see two fronts instead of two heels..... Life - and knitting - is a learning adventure.

FO- Seduction Socks

Dirty socks in Rhododendron.... Yepp, I used them ;-) and they are already a bit "saggy"... They are Seduction Socks (Interweave Knits by - Ann Budd!) for StickaMera SockKlubb (KAL -May entry) are a fab pattern. Really fun, easy and fast to knit. The yarn is Opal Cotton. Very jeans colour, soft and - already a hit! I wish I had done the cuff a bit longer, but the next pair :-) Since it is cotton, Im glad Im doing them a bit on the big side, so the will "shrink" perfectly to fit. A hate too tight socks. They got to be just right! The garden is in a week turning from a blooming paradise into a brown place torched place (the heat- the heat, it is so unusual... it is 3-4 weeks AHEAD of normal summer!) Roses are from bud to past tense in a day. Peonies are on speed. Im like a big piece of dough of heat, and fantastic eating (including sweet swedish strawberries with gream and choclate cake.....) and also because Im filled with great memories from Länsmansgården in Sunne, big family gathering (husbands), with more good food, and then on the way back, we were using my great Lic-present - a dinner at Frank's in Västerås. So, today and now, Im slouching inside the house. Yepp, I found this Iris in bloom. Got to save some of the delicate garden flowers. Otherwise Im just working hard on all the great socks in the SockKlubb (KAL) from StickaMera. Have started June sock Clover.. great intrecate pattern of lace and some simple cables. This time I did a loooong cuff. Ok, so Im still behind in the KAL. I have not done April's socks, the Slippery socks, that I unfortunately chose Noro Sock yarn Kureyon for. I almost regret that choice. A more "spongy" yarn would probably be better. It feels like all the hard work does not show. It is SO slow....But Clover is fun, so June will be done before for sure. So, Im a happy gal. Summer is when Swedes get all their life back so when the winter comes - we will survive anything. Busy is the word.
Take care!

FO F-ugly Socks

I tried to put this f-ugly socks in the best surrounding. Finally finished Yiha. Will be coloured. The pattern is great - it is Tropicana for the Sockklubb KAL (March, oh yes, Im behind). Also the YARN is great - OPAL - when it comes to knitting and durability. I know, It is tested, since this sock was - in the making - actually TESTED! (read: dragged behind the car on the asfalt for 10 minutes.. in wet asfalt. A bit dirty, but yarn was not scratched! Surprise....) But Im saying, these colours. OPAL needs serious colourhelp. The colour... Is like a curry gone wrong, on re-tour. Or - reminds me of this week, contained in a small so called no-smoking hotel room (but really, was that non-smoking when we asked for it? I mean since the same morning?) filled with textiles, no ventilation but a small "balcony/window" to the square of Eindhoven MARKET.. where some 1000 oranjie fans was collectivly partying their head of in the worst party, beer-drunk with silly hats and lions on their belly, screeming, like the inferno was loose -with crackers going off until my head spun - feeling deaf- all night (with a broken TV) until 2.30 in the morning... Yah. EVERY NIGHT.... do dutch NEVER sleep???? Not a yarnshop in sight, but monday - it was a yarn-relseller just outside the hotel on the textile market. Now - this was a bit nausiating too. Glitter, acrylic with some fuzzy baby fugly colours... Not a sheep in sight. Sorry, I have a yarnroom of class. Im such a snob. No, I want NOTHING: I had enough of FUGLY YARN: This one WAS a gift, well intended. I cannot throw away good yarn. I will colour. well, you here I have had some beer myself (trying hard to join them instead of sounding like a whining viking ;-) I was there all week on this great research trip, but just too much soccer-crazy fans. (btw, the match ended 1-1 we think (I do not read dutch....) against Denmark - which I routed for... anything with orange is just....UGH! Anyhow, seriously good week. I have seen a 3-D TV. Super cool! Can you imagin when the blogs is going 3D.... I love it. Im such a geek. But Im sooo insipred. Even if Eindhoven have NO YARNSHOPS (that I could find...sigh.... of.... relief!)

FO Birch Shawl for Viola, and spring blossoms

Birch. A lace shawl. pattern by Sharon Miller, yarn Rowan Kid Silk Haze 3.2 balls (ca 800 m). A great knit, and my second in this pattern, since I wanted something really easy - and the fact that my dear aunt Viola wanted one like this, in dark blue. The Lilacs are flowering. The entire garden is exploding. It is so beautiful outside, but surprisingly chilly. Frost last night. So, I took my camera around and just clicked. These dark bearded iris reminds me of my visit to Fresno, where I stayed as an exchange student with the famous Irish grower John Weiler. Such a fantastic man. With many prized blossoms, and fields of experimental iris breeding, he was not only chasing the "black" colour, but also many flowers on one stem, and long blooming. .Even if I bought the Rheingold kit from VY (see last posting), my friend N. came by and we are both convinced. The colourkit sent is definitely not the same colourscheme as the picture in the pattern sent with it (which is much brighter). I would have love a brighter hue. So Im getting desperate. Again, my coloursense is challenged to find the original. Appleblossoms cannot really be pictures, but it is overwhealming. Im just so stunned, also with the Peony which we call Dillpeony (you know, like the herb Dill) because of the leafs. This is a simple, and I also have a double, that I got from a dear friend, since the one I bought died. Sigh. It just need a bit more warmth in the air, to get into the weeding. But we just signed for two-bathroom/wc renovation, so we are pretty busy chasing appliances. And of course, my big plan is to make the tiles in at least one of the rooms. Well. It sounds like a plan. It is a lot of hard work. Well, Im into the socks now. Take care out there and comments are always welcome. hugs!

Progress and some yarn-vulturing..

Luskentyre from Alice Starmore pattern Slow like the gourmet-knit it is. Changing one or two colours every row. 2 purl in one colour, 2 in the next (well, I need to "drop" the yarn inbetween, to pick up next colour). I have almost reached the first pattern-repeat in the middle, meaning, it is going to mirror itself to the top. Jamieson and Smith Woolbrokers (Lerwik, Scotland) is just a spongy, well-spun fab yarn. I do 1-2 strands - and one "swap" almost every night. Anyhow, the russion join takes "forever", and Im soon getting how I should measure so it is perfect. Im most of the time just half a stitch to tight. It is so strange how so "ugly" colours can just spark together. Im amazed everytime I pick up a new colour. I knit this, since I would NEVER have chosen this colours myself. EVER.. And I love them. Really mind boggling how colour changes next to each other. Next progress is how far I have come on the Poetry of Stiches Wedding Cardigan. PoSWC! You can see how early I started the sleeve intake, but I think I will have to adjust later, since I did one more repeat than pattern. (8 instead of 7) ok, I have that last one to go. So Steeking, here I come. I realized if it is wider, it will look more propotional if it also is longer. I must say, this yarn is better than expected (Gunga Din) and from Kempes spinnery. I really do look forward to starting with sleeves, since it is transportable, and then goes so much quicker. A very nice pattern. Recommended. (Solveig Hisdahl behind Oleana of course! is the pattern maker - Dikt in Maskor). The latest started (Wednesday - on my way to Aachen) is of course named "Aachen Bliss" (ok, it should be Aachen travel with Debbie Bliss Yarn (Alpaka silk DK). A true Garngamen knit. First I find a needle in wood that is free - circular, and thick enough to be used for travelling The I look in my stash for some BALLS instead of HANKS. Hey, Im in a hurry, I need somehting easy to take with me on the airplain. Stashed - and with nothing else but making it up as I go, I get going. So, what have I learned. For lace, 4 mm could easily be 6. That somehow the stitch definition on the ball has nothing with reality to do... and that it is sohoho, soft and cuddly yarn. I have two colours, both bought on sale from Nysta. And they remind me of spring green and diantus pink....looking at the picture I realize it looks more yellow than lime. Interesting. But that will hibernate until my next long flight. I would not dream to bring Luskentyre on the flight. Having lost a needle and a ball of yarn (to the Birch shawl for Viola) whiles travelling, only "loosable yarn" gets to go. Ok, 3 kits have arrived from Virtual Yarns. The Jade Starmore "Rheingold kit". And then the Strathglass kit (as you see, very neatly packed in individual boxes/packages). And the third is the Zauberflöte (also in Purple hues). Just fab! And I wanted to know how the original yarn looks and feels. What a heavenly package. It is too easy to click and buy on the internet. If you never have seen VY you got to visit their website (virtual yarns).
The Fair-isle "dream". The colour master. Ok. for some reason I have not showed my yarn buying explorations really. So I was in Gothenburg the other week, Strikk (oh heaven). And got Twinni in "highlight colours"... boy has the Starmores inspired me. So I already have a big stash of colours, but you also need somehting BRIGHT to highlight the theme. Twinni is Marianne Isagers (Danish yarn master) yarn. She has by rumour a new yarn, that I have not seen. Need to go to Denmark :-) Anyhow, when in Aachen I also visited my favourite Görg und Görg at AnnaStrasse. A little gem. She had the Rowan Yorkshire Tweed DK left. I added a bunch of balls in a bunch of colours quickly. Of course it is planned for Fair-ilse. Also, I found Noro Sock Yarn, and the owner told me she was one of the first in Europe to have it. Kudos on her. I bought these two little gems. And- to my surprise, it had a feel entirely different than it looks. It is "dry". But now the sock-KAL have a chance to get back on track. Noro is always fun to knit with.

Sailing! and FO! Gran Canaria top in Lorna's Lace!

I finished the Gran Canaria vacation top in yarn from Lorna¨s Lace Lamb and Lion Multi - The colour is called Devon, but It could be any pool - sea! A great an fast knit, that I really enjoyed. The yarn is one of the best I have knitted. Lushious, and soft but heavy and great feel to it. Silk and wool. Yummy. As its colours. Fits like a glove, therefore I have cut it in front... It is a bit to bulgy there now. Hmm. Being lazy (sick) all winter has taken its tool. I did a rather deep neckline, but high in the neck, as I want it. I knitted the last stitches in a weather that is unbelievable for Sweden at this time. It was warm winds (5-9m/s) and clear sunny around 26 degrees celcius at the Bullandö Marina. We took the boat out to our favourite spot - Ladviken with a nice wind from behind. Great dinner (Green curry) and knitting away. With a lazy morning, almost by ourselves in the nice calm nature habour awaken by the birds... Ahh, breakfast is just fab in the Stockholm archipelago. Going home, we had some great legs against the wind in whopping 6.10 knots. /13m/s in the gusts). Im looking like a racoon, with my white eyes behund the goggels and red face. But what a weekend. The evening picture does not make Alice justice. She is a steady beauty. But the calm - mirror-blank sea is just fantastic. I must say, my entire head feels empty of all wordly troubles, and filled with wonderful sunshine and happiness. Oh! I just love this! The best vacation for a long time. Amaazing. And it is just around the corner, but feels like a different world. A weekend to cherish. At home the dandelions have taken over, and the cherry-blossom is at its peak. The yellow peony (Peonia molkowitch) has just open. Time for joy!