Coolum at Sunshine Coast, Oz

Coolum, just south of Noosa Heads, view from room. We are doing fine. So nice to be on holiday. And I just say that I found the best woolshop in Perith (just west from Sydney - on the way to Blue Mountains). I sure found some Possum there yarn there. And - the Starmore book "childrens collection". Anyhow, a quick one... Here is the possum sleeve. Yarn from Naturally. It is great knit. Knitted half the body, and frogged it. Now Im fine. Next to it - Red Papaya. It tastes so fresh here. Something else. Fruit it is. And salty swims. Take care back home!

Sydney - 17541 steps today!

A room with a view! It is a city that I have not understood until today. It has the beautiful Operahouse by a Dane ;-) and also Chinta Ria have found its way here (our fav Melbourne dining place). C.R. have here a larger "but not as rich with octopus" Curry Laksa as in Melbourne. But that started the meltdown of my heart. You see, I have always thought the Sydney city to be too much traffic, high rises, and a absence of resturants in the centre. Today we took the ferry (see big white one in view from room) to Watson´s Bay, and had a hot walk to Rose Bay along sandy beaches, cliffs, and the best location up-scale housing area. Wow. A lot of climbs up and down - since here the waterfront is not always protected. This area won me over. Great sandy beaches, and not at all full of traffic pollution. Ok. I have planned a quick visit to a yarn shop tomorrow. We will see if it measures up ;-), but I like Sydney much more now than in my memory (of course not as great as Melbourne). Anyhow, I'm still a bit annoyed I went too "blend" on the colours of the Merino, Alpaca and Possum yarn from Naturally. I could have had some ball of red - that would have done it. Or lilac. Bummer. Why oh why! I guess I will have to send my Melbourne friends on a yarn hunt. Ok, I have started... and sorry for the fuzzy picture. I have no idea what I'm going to make of it. A sweater, maybe a sort of fair-ilse...? It is filling and warm, and oh so soft. Great to knit with. Inspiration will come. Before this, I also started a sock from the Winter Knitty 2008, but realized I had not printed the entire pattern, so I have got "toe up" half way. Anyhow - We are heading to the Blue Mountains tomorrow - to get another good walk before hitting the Gold Coast. I hope to hit some more yarnshops, but I suspect wool will be harder to find up in the heat. Just for the sake of it - some more pictures from the wonderful rainforest down at the Great Ocean Road. Those tree ferns are truely amazing. BTW - I finished the Crochet top ;-) Still have a half ball (as planned) for the flying home (sleeves) but it will remain a top for this trip. Pictures will come. Promise!

Yarn from Downunder

Quantas made me crochet. So here I am displaying the halfway new top in Cotolin at Great Ocean Road. Still have not got into the 33 degree celcius heat. But, as hubby explained, I have now done four woolshops in Melbourne. And - yes we have been eating Curry Laksa, Yum Cha (twice), Singh's take away Korma with Mango Lassi and Nan, and of course enjoyed the Vic Market Caffe Latte with Croissant and freshy presed fruit juice. Carlton looks a bit different, but our former house at Jacka Street has evolved into a beauty. The new owners have made ponds, and the garden and house was just fab. Anyhow, the Yarnshops here are number 1: Wool Baa, great staff, CathyC knitting there and wonderful selection of yarn. This would definitely be my LYS. I was very calm here and only got one ball of cotton sock yarn. And the last Kochoran nr 10 (I did a sweater in this, but Im thinking of reknitting it). Wool Baa is in the picture ;-) Then there is the Woodoflex at Malvern road. Filled with goodies. I fell for a NZ merino and angora yarn in wonderful lilacs. And some complementing Millifine cotton for to some odd balls at home. Finally our favourite stop at Whitehorse Rd "The Kind and I, Balwyn Thai" where we usually had our dinner meals when we lived here 12 years ago, it was a nice little shop, where I got some Clackhurst Bamboo for socks. Finally - central Melbourne on Elisabeth St have Clegs - it is not too bad actually, lots of fabrics - but the Merino, alpaca AND 10% Possum made the buy. Cheap? Absolutetly not. 16.95 oz dollars for 104 meters 50 g. Yepp, Possum yarn is heavy. Pictures to come if I get a good internet. Now it is time to join the BBQ party here. Keep knitting!

Flash my stash and startitis...

It is a bit early with Flash my stash - but I can reveal the new containers of
the garngamen yarnroom. On the right behind the chair you can see my new project yarn, Wåhlstedts Vålberg yarn that is to be used in St. Brigid (from Aran Knitting/Starmore). Closeup below ;-) Anyow - you cannot spot the 4 boxes above the left Billy bookcase on the left. It is alot. These boxes definitely hold some 10 Kg of yarn...Only one on the right. Ok.. I have more corners, but these contains at least half of my yarn ;-) Nice to have your own yarn room. I must say Im mourning Nysta's closing her shop. I was there just a day too late (misread the sell-out date), and all cleaned out. Nina's shop was great - but I guess she will be around on the net. Not the same as touch and feel though, and the great chats I have with her. You grow fond of your local LYS. That is a fact. But still... I had startitis and just HAD to start the aran. I have been looking at the pattern and yarn for years now, and frustrations from my other knitting just craved for a nice starting - which is the best. New yarn, new pattern and a lot of fun. Otherwise Im trying hard to keep finishing stuff. But this yarn wanted my attention. What has kept me back is the fact it is 2-.400 meters too short (or more) We will see how that can be compensated. Otherwise it is still snow and grey, with some "slush" factor here in Sweden. It feels cold, since it is "humid" cold... an I guess all pictures have a dark teint to it - even with flash! Keep on knitting out there! The spring will come. And soon we fly out to a great vacation in Oz. Have a nice weekend.

Progress in sweater-land

This is Poetry of Stitches - Hisdahl - Wedding Cardigan. The holes will be where it is folded. So almost there. but STILL two sleeves to go...Im Trying to decide if I should; a) cast off and fasten - fold the steek on the outside, and make a special extra band to hide it? or b) cast off and fasten, but cut the steek so close - resew and turn it IN the edge (which will probably hide it, .c) just continue to knit on the inside to create a longer inside flap to cover it. or just fold it, and make a nice fastening (edge) of it (hopefully does not show in front...I have no idea. b) is least likely. a) is my strongest hint but c has the advantage of "just continued"... therefore it is halted- awaiting the best destiny. Now A.Starmores "Luskentyre" is progressing.. but in some for of ultrarapid motion for the moment. I have realized I messed up, and the size ball weight changed from 38 g to the standard 25. Since I ordered nr of hanks, I had no idea about this - and I have already since the end of some yarn.. Im not really sure, but I continue as long as I can (yeah- pic is upside down...so what? it reflects my life right now. OK, what really takes something to discuss is that I picked up the india top "pinktober". And knitted away two sleeves, and started the yoke and short rows, evindece of a sleeve left. All was well, and then I did the normal "try on" and yepp, I still have a distorted self-image. It hardly passed my elbow. Only one weeks evening knitting to be frogged. Yikes, that was a short romance. Back in the UFO-pile. Oh, this last peak is the secret knitting of a Lopi cardi for my for my friend. And it is not as much brown there as you would think... Just some, progress hint of what it is meant to become. Both sleeves done. Im soon getting in with the yoke. So big cleaning week. I cannot believe the amount of ceramics I have collected/done. No wonder it is dusty. But a lot of old computers is now gone to the place where all calculaters go aka "silicon heaven". So, progress is true. 3 steps forward, and one back.

FO my winter Lopi Cardigan

Finally, the last finishing touches are completed on my Lopi Cardigan. It is still not completely dry. I added on extra rows to the collar - which was too short in my opinion. I also have added a series of short rows in the yoke - so it is lifted enough in the neck. The pattern is from a small booklet called Lopi No 23, and this is design 1. Plötulopi (cakes - 3 threads) used. Now - even if I have followed the pattern to the letter, I have lately got a fling for pockets (great place to put a hankie or my astma medicine). Anyhow - I sewn on the pockets in the very late night - being so stressed I could not sleep... and - I must laugh, that even if I have counted the stitches - I have placed the pockets so uneven it is hilarius. Now to really make this cardi fab, I must restitch the pocket - AND make an inner lining in the collar - so it is nicer to wear and it stands straight. Anyhow - this Lopi-craze is still going on. The interesting part is - when I attempted to knit up my stash on Lopi (or Plötulopi) I have just realized my stash has instead gotten larger than before. Glad I have gotten at least one in the making, one in planning and two that I still do not know which patten to use. I guess I save some to the next winter... these heavy yokes takes a strain on my shoulders... time for some lightweight knitting...

6 nr 6 Totally OT!

So, challenged by Maria to find the 6 picture in the 6th folder and show and tell is an adventure. Not only do I have access to 3 computers, but also - restrictions apply. The work-computer is of course empty on pictures - and I never blog from there. The home-computer I have all pictures on is share by husband (and also - the ctrlbutton is badly placed, causing me to loose stuff on the blog), so the research computer is my blogging choice, and I do think Swedish state mind me practicing my english. Anyhow. On this computer, there was not 6 folders. Or I should say, the 6th folder was "sample pictures". No - but I have a folder which has folders - which have pictures that I use as background for my research presentations (to poke the very left-hemisphere oriented people a bit). So unfotunately the 6th of 6th contained flight accident shots, Im unsure if they are not carrying publication restrictions.. But - hey it did not say 6th reading left to right upside down, so going from the back in the folders I found this - much better inspiration for a blog. My brother Johan's great Art again. This is from 1991.... but still have the vigour of the now. I love it. I have this huge plan to knit based on his paitings... But of course - that is also using someelses genious instead of exercising your own. But the colours here would be a great sweater. So - art and knitting (and a lot of travel)....Anyhow I have decided what to bring to Australia two UFO's. One to finish on the plane down (and then wear)... one brainless "motorway knitting that lasts" 2.5 mm body and sleeves left of the wild-apple would take care of that.... and then Im discussing the third with my self -being sure to have something to knit on the plane back.... but I got to have room for yarn,,, I love planning. Otherwise Im in fight with two (2!) lopi sweaters. One uncooperative - one very cooperative. The uncooperative has now got pockets, (to be attached) and needs a lot of sewing (of a band in the collar) and then the fun secret one. Well. I hope to get one done to show this weekend.... Oh yeah - I told you - Im a dead end for this "hand the torch over". If you read it - you are it (assuming you have a blog) ;-) Hugsies from the tv-sofa...

FO- Jaeger Aran Tweed Cabled Sweater

In 2007 the wonderful Cabled sweater looked like this west. You can easily see how the "simple cables" moved into some more advanced to form a great V-neck. It has been waiting since 2004 when the body was knitted - twice. NOW it is finally a FO. After only a week (!) of intense knitting - two sleeves got done - and I have now a new favourite in my closet. I just had a small cable - like the bottom part, running down the sleeve. (Unfortunately the picture really does not show it as well.) But I have a bad cold so Im not taking any pictures this weekend. Now, I have done the bottom part once - so I have an extra "body". It was way too tight. Im thankful for this sweater, since it taught me a valuable lesson - cables do definitely mess up the gauge. And this was very much "contracting". anyhow. Im soo pleased with this invention. Not only did I explore cables. I also got a great size and fit sweater in a favourite yarn Jaeger Aran Tweed. Yummy yarn. Strongly recommended. Heavy - fat and a great quality. It has already been test-used ... In Athlone- Ireland where I was this week with work. It is warm. REALLY warm. But feels good. And no pilling. Great. Just great. It is perfect when it is drafty and chilly. Yes I know.. I should dedicate this post to Mary who nominated me for this blog award. I mean - Im not sure about chain-letters. Im a "dead end".. But I must admit Im flattered of Mary's kind words. Hard contemplating what are my fav 6 blogs? Being such a surfer that is almost impossible - but some I check more regulrarly, that is for sure.. Having "return capabilities" being interesting and new - and gives a hint of what is in: I guess, HPNYKnits will cause a loop, but she and Mary are definitely on my top. Then Im such a fan of Marina and her goals. She is the expert I awe.If there is a Knitting nobel prize Marina is a candidate. If anyone wants to keep up with the Swedish happenings and trends- my near neighbour in Älvsjö Maria's blog has quickly become the in place to be. Familiar faces, colours, and lots of new stuff. Then I must admit Im a always paying tribute to my friends: Zoë, Milly, Heidi, Gail, Barbro, Marianne, BertandFelix, Helen, Anna, Agneta, Johanna, Eva and ....you get the point? I cannot even count to 6 and I SURE have forgotten many dear and great bloggers I do check out over and over. Im pushing myself to blogg every weekend, and Im deeply worried to become "boring" here so I try to stay focused... but you really do find me in Ravelry. The "home-page" there gives a great overview of FO's. If you are a knitter, there is no better place to be. And I know it is Valentines day. Sue - I would say my dearest knitter pen-pal friend - WITHOUT a blog - I wish you - the knitting world (including all above and all not mentioned) -my dearest hubby, friends, other blogpals, ravelry addicters and family (and the occasional work stalker ;-) - many lovely feelings and happy thoughts. If you cannot forgive and forget, get in touch with love. Hugs... and PS. I have NO trouble to knit up Plötulopi...Cakes are a piece of cake!

Knitting thoughts...and yarn...

Cashmere from Paris. The luxury of luxury. This is "the only" thing I spend money on when there, no expensive handbags, or couture clothes, no- couture yarn! That is what my hearts desire (and some choclate too ;-) There is one problem with this fab yarn though. What to do. Im collecting for a wonderful Sweater. "The collection" sweater. Knitting from the yarnshrine is difficult. I had Pashmina - from Lana Grossa (Also cashmere-merino mix) in plain white out for "getting ready to go". 10 great balls. But I have not found the right match between pattern and yarn yet, so after a few weeks and 100ds of patterns browsed, It is now back in its box on the shelf. Knitting is really demanding. My friend Halla mailed me and told me the books from Island had come, so I had to make a visit yesterday. And - Of course I thought of my friend Sue - "who likes beige".... I have hardly any beige at all.I mean - look at this Plötulopi cakes. This is some of the current "left-over". After browsing in all the wonderful new Istex Lopi pattern-books (also the new book Einband - who had great lace shawls patterns...) I have decided that the very busy "fair-ilse" inspired Saga pattern will be when Im all done with the main sweaters - and then digging in the left-overs ;-) Well, I hoped I would be "a good girl" showing not one - but "two" finished items. But, one have still one more hour to knit (and the week-end photo-light is gone anyway) and the second, well, I need to add pockets, add more on both sleeve-length and neck. And also.. have a good wash and streatch. Maybe next weekend? Hugs out there. Enjoy life. Im. PS: Reserach is going fab!

FO: The Eclectic sole: Migration

Migration socks are done, As you can see I have added one more cuff row and a wavey edge - I just thought they were a bit short. Other modifications are adding 18 stiches on cuff. You can clearly see how I have adapted the extra to fit the pattern on the side. But still - an inspirational sock. Yarn: varigated is Lorna's Lace sockyarn, and the blueish is Drops alpaca. It is supposed to be knitted from toe and up, but I had already started when I actually READ the pattern. By know you know me. I do not walk to the frogpond if it is absolutely necessary. So I actually knitted the heel an quite a bit, until I realize the sock is too small. So I have ripped all patterns. But then I did not have the pattern with me (I was in Paris, remember- La Drougerie). Anyhow, today I checked Nysta - and Im so proud. No new yarn - EVEN if it is a sale.... But two pattern-books. And also a book about old vintage patterns (in Swedish, but author is probably norweigian or danish.) Anyhow, had a look at Johanna's bok. Looks great, but not my type of patterns.. I guess it is very personal - though I think she is very inspirational. I like the gloves. A bit bulky, but ok.. Of course Im NOT very fond of Basic patterns and "tubes"... Anyhow Im in desperate help to figure out my travel-companion knitting for australia. Bring patterns and needles? One big one for the planes? A huge lace shawl? Assuming buying yarn in Oz? Merino... ahhh....

Much better Pictures from My Artistic Brother!

I guess the net swallowed this beautiful pictures, so it took a while to get them up..... But they are so fantastic, and so is my dear Brother, don't you think? Presenting The Famous Artist Johan Mauritzson. He is displaying the knitted gifts and the Lopi sweater. The hat (with his special (and copied!!) initial JM) and the hat have earflaps you can wear down (looking like a dog)- or actually you can attach them on the nob in the top (ear up!)...(PS: this pattern will be available). Hi kindly shows off the Half-gloves that he got as a christmas present to wear in his cold house while painting and sculpturing. All the pictures behind him is his work. I mean - look again, he is rather remarkable. I mean - one goes speachless - this is a work of an artist. Thank you textile arist Christina Oscarsson for taking the pictures (I assume that is what happend!?)Christina is modest of course, but has not only gone through the tough Handarbetets Vänners School, but is working with her weaving, and knitted objects..in hard competition. Well again- Congratulation dear Johan on your 50th birthday. May you have many great years in front of you...! And share the fantastic paintings with us mortals.
Love those glasses.. Mmm... That is what the boring glass manufacturers should use. Hire an expert artist like my brother. We would all laugh in the sun. Up north of Sweden - now very much covered in snow - it is a must not to go snow-blind....(when the sun is out - which is still a very short period!) PS. If you want to see more of the art Im sure it is for sale ;-)

FO Brother Lopi and FO Bergå Sweater!

OK, I did not get my brother to pose in the Sweater and hat for his 50th birthday - but I did it before.... and it was given away last weekend. It is 3-threads of Plötulopi (förgarn) wind together, and the pattern is from Lopi nr 12, which I did rework the colourscheme totally to fit his wishes. The sleeves and neck has a Debbie Bliss Silk-alpaca coating (I still remember his anti-itch approach)... But he claimed this will be ok on top of 3 other sweaters to keep warm in his old schoolhouse up north (Käckelbäcksmon).. It is only 12 C inside, so he will need it. It is hard to heat big artists houses ;-) The snow was sure coating the place! Well, so this week I have been good, trying to do the what I do not want to and that is sleeves. So I started easy! Very easy, with the Bergå sweater, that I have used as a west for more than 5 years. The yarn (Bergå) was bought at Tällberg around 88. And is actually one-thread (but it was claimed to be two....) so something is not right. It is super-thin, and super light. And REALLY brown. I like it, even If it is a bit to high in the waistline. I have been working on the sleeves - and actually got a bit of help sometime ago when my mother-in-law had the knitting itch.... so she did at least a big chunk of them... So the Bergå now are finally finished (the sleeves completed this weekend) and assembled. I'm still contemplating if I should do some cool embellishments on it - I still have white yarn of the same quality. So, Bergå will be a staple in my wardrobe.. Plain, light and great to wear, but very silent. Btw, we had to use the flash outside - midday - and the picture is STILL a bit blurry - Do you think we need some sunshine here? I do. So, should I have it plain or splurge into decoration? Give me your thoughts! Please! Well, It was freezing outside, so pulling the sweater down is great... I guess that is a different way of saying I need to wash and stretch it, pin it... but I just HAD to show you. So - by this Ihave finished TWO sweaters for the 2009 KAL "Sweater a month"... Good to be ahead.

ok... the sock-bug bit me....

I must admit that I was longing for knitting sweaters. But faced with the pile of UFO's and no real "new" knit... (Im still desperately trying to mix up Pashmina from the shrine with something) I resorted to the huge choice of socks (and my great books). In fact I needed something for my train-rides... so I realized, when I could choose myself - I LOVE knitting socks. Ok. It is in the open.. it all changed this last year of the sock. I luv the colours it is Lorna Lace's sockyarn and the plain Drops alpacka in blue. Why I have done like this is because the two hanks from Lorna was in different colour-baths, and it showed really bad. By mixing it up I get two different pairs. This is called Migration Socks and is the front cover of a great book Eclectic Sole - of socks....... But the original pattern is ment to be knitted from the toe up. Anyhow, I had already started (and now I have also ripped it up, the pattern is MUCH too tight!) and restarted. Well, this was on last weekends trip to Paris, so I did not bring the pattern. But this time I added 3(!!!) bubble = 18 stiches. Much better. Anyhow. I dear not to speak about the Copenhagen yarngalore: Summerfuglen was sort of restrained, just 3 hanks of Cashmere (Lotus -laceweight) and some Isager Twinni yarn in lime and one hank of Angora. But Bette Design - and the Henrichsen spun Nikolaj "USA" yarn. U = Ull (wool), S = Silke (Tussah Silke) and A = Angora. Say no more. It is the "best" yarn I have, lusturus, thin and beautiful. Also found my New Zealand Possum yarn (at Strikke.....) cannot remember shopname.. but just around the corner of Uldstedet - the latter where I went crazy on Twinni on sale! Ok. Still a yarnvulture! So This was Copenhagen. 4 Bags full. Can you imagine going to La Drougerie in Paris? Im saying ohh, ahhh... Ok.. more cashmere, buttons and some cotton in an overcrowded shop. They could triple their size. And this sock. A support on boring plane. Now knitted twice to the place at the picture.... I mean.... my real knits I cannot show since they are a secret ;-) Next week!! Next week! Hugs out there!

Hopes for 2009 - Another year of Sweaters!

What does 2009 hold for me? I hope I will finish a lot of my started knitted projects,and most of all finish my PhD. Renovate the kitchen. Im just great to initiate and start things. My energy is so strong then, but then enduring all to the end. I mean, I think I have so many sweaters that is "almost done". Last year it was the year of the sock. This year (and I think every second year) my goal is do sweaters, finish them, and do that little extra. To conclude this: Finishing, having Closure - THAT must be the most important task for me. Here is the current list of UFO's that I have in my mind to finish....LOL!
Sweaters
Luskentyre (Starmore) - last piece to neck and sleeves´(pic)
Wedding Cardigan (Hisdahl) - Sleeves and brim
Aachen a Bliss hommage Cardi - Sleeves, neck, hood
Freeform Artsy sweater - a lot
Jaeger Grey cable aran - sleeves
One-threaded Färgcraft Brioche Cardi - one front, collar, sleeves
Lopi cardi - make buttonhole rim, collar and pockets
Finish edging on summer cotton sweater, hood? brim on bottom
Bohus Vildäpple - sleeves and body (picture)
Bohus Yellow Lace collar - most of it (just frogged)
Bohus Skogsmörkret (I have frogged and will reknit half body for a more slim fit)
Bottle green cardi for hubby (sleeves, neck, assembly)
Two-end knitted cardi - most left to do
Speede remake (finish edging and embroydery)
Machine-knitted cardi - finishing, edges, buttons etc
Studio 9 Long - figure out the wondeful Hanne Falkenberg pattern for short to long. Most to knit.
Inditop for Pinkoctober top half, sleeves
Birch inspired -Lacey Eindhoven kid-silk sweater top half sleeves
Spin my spinexperiment jacket -most..(pic)
My Ishager "newspaper" sweater - most to do
Noro cardi Half top, pockets etc, are sleeves too tight?
Shinano good morning cardi (body, should I rip the sleeves?)
Snuggly pullover
CatnRat sweater (see first picture!)
Bergå sweater (top of both sleeves, assembly)

Socks
Two end knitted short socks. (done half of one)
Home-spun hair-socks

Mittens
Latvian in Alpaca (done one cuff) (picture)
Latvian no 19 (one to go) /pic below)
Embroidery on Håndplagg mitten
Two end knitted mittens (both cuffs done)
Gotland lace mitten (one done, one to go)

Other
Märta-Stina bag
Stickling Cuffs in kid-silk
Second shoe
Scarf "Lägga hank..."
Chinese vest - quick...

Yeah - it is fun to knit! And finish!
I guess I do not need to start new stuff, but starting is fun. When you fall in love with a pattern, it is half done in an instant. On the new list is definitely another Starmore... maybe Strathglass or Rheingold..and another Hisdahl.. the cotton-one is the plan, and maybe the rest of the Lopi... and the Kabuto yarn have yelled to be handled. Another snuggly sweater? Hmmmm... I must knit those socks ....and... Ahh.. great to have choices! I love lists and plans. Happy new year to you too!

The sock year of 2008 - Looking back!

16 pairs of socks. 32 socks have been knitted this sock year of 2008. I kept the promise to myself and did at least one sock a month, and some. And yes, they are used and loved, and I have realized that socks are fun to knit. Fast, sometimes tricky, and these patterns are very rewarding. I have finished 3 sweaters and one west, 1big lace shawl and 3 other shawls, 2 hats and 1 wristwarmer, and only one pair of mittens. But I have started (and knitted more than 60%) of 8 sweaters whereof two are just at 20%. I guess every second year MUST be a sweater year. Socks are perfect to bring on the train though, and I commute to my Uni - which takes its 1.5 hours one way. I guess in retrospect, Im rather pleased. I had a thing on socks - Now it is gone. But it is funny, for two pairs I really suffered on second sock syndrome, and also, when past the heel it is usually fast as anything. I will definitely knit socks next year - from my books. And instead of (hmmm) knitting a way that box of sock-yarn, it is now filled to the brim from my US visit this summer. Looking back, I think the BEST shopping-experience was Knit-map, a rented Mazda with GPS, and one day hopping yarnshops in San Jose with a Starbucks in my hand. Or the entire vacation just thereafter, with yarnvisits in the Seattle, Vancouver area, climbing mountings and knitting. Yummy! Favourite yarnvisit: Weaving works in Seattle. Favourite yarn. Well, that is a tough call, between lushious Fleece-artist and Handpainted yarns vs Plötulopi from Alafoss Istex that has been the latest fling. But I must say I very much love the Southwest Tradings Bamboo. It has a soft cool feel, that is just like a caress. Well. Yummy knitting year. I also cleaned and reboxed all my yarn in the yarn room. That feels good. Another thing about 2008 is this is where I fell completely into the Starmore chant. Yes, I have bought yarn for 6 sweaters. And Im still working on the first. Also in 2008 I spent a fortune on knitting books. Starmore for sure, but a lot of others - Japanese, many american, Danish and some Swedish. It is the greatest hobby. Can a year be summarized? I had a great knitting year. All over the world. Happy New 2009 to you all! Many happy Knitting hours!

FO - Lopi Sweater deisgn 19 book 12 - reworked

Finally finished. Still a quick-knit. Alafoss Lopi with the einband "plötulopi" is fast knit - if rolled 3 for 1. Needle 7mm. I did use the general pattern from book 12, design 19, and changed it around. I was Inspired by the pattern Sigridur from the book "The Best of Lopi"... and thus added to pockets and opened the neck. Also I did short-rows to lift the pattern in the neck (4 of them). The neck is a open an high, and will have an added layer of alpaca (so it is a bit smoother to the chin and cheek) on the inside. I can see how it roll now. I also swapped colours around, - adding white (a fourth colour) and just played around in the order. But basically, it is the same pattern. 30 hours of knitting was what Halla suggested, and I thought - that is too much, but no, I think she is really on the spot. Warm and really cosy. Definitely something to wear in the chilly Swedish winter. Not a white Christmas here. Frosty - yes, but I hear that the snow fell elsewhere. So, time to dive into the next Lopi. Well, thank you all for your nice wishes. We have had a great holiday. too much food of course. Relaxing. Fab knitting time. I wish you all a great holiday for you all. All Merry and a Happy New Year!

Winter solastice--- Fruit cake and Ham!

Boiled, than grilled shortly for the crust, is the typical Christmas food for us. Ecological ham.... sorry all veggies. Yummy.. some are VERY tight about it not being eaten before Christmas EVE - which is the BIG day here. Well, the two of us are not THAT traditional. We love the food, skip the tree this year, but got some stars in the window. Today it was so slow.. well, except for the food. Hubby did most anyway. I did a Fruit cake. This year filled - as always with goodies. It is after all 14 wonderful years we have been together me and hubby... it was this magic night - a Christmas party.... 1994 that in the darkest hour love found us!... Great is it not? Ok, for you... here is:
Garngamen fruitcake: Snip in small pieces a small bowl (totally about 1 pound, or should I say approx 500g) of half-dryed figs, apricots, cranberries, rasins) pour half a squeezed orange, and the graded crest of the same together with 100g (a airline bottle) of fine conjac over it... Let stay overnight well tucked in. Then add another half cup of Glögg (mulled wine) over the fruits. mix 250-300g of soft butter in another bowl with farin (dark brown) sugar approximate 1 cup. Whip. Then 4-5 eggs whipped on the side and mix togheter. Now- put half the fruitmix with the sugar/butter and egg-mix. Add about 2 cups of normal flour. Mix well, Add about 200 g of chopped almonds, and whatever nuts you fancy (I had pecan this year) and then mix... Then I added cardemom (a tbspoon) and cinnamon (a tbspoon) add more flour (slowly) not more than 3 cups, until it is a bit more steady.. it should be "clickable" but not too steardy! Then in the oven in an appropriate big ovenproof shape. 175 degrees celcius for one hour. It will not rise much, and should rest (the longer the better!) Then sprits some sugar (we call in florsugar probably from Flour sugar... since it is like powder!) one half eggyolk and this sugar (1 dl which is 3/4 of a cup approximate) mix, and then make a pattern... sprinkle... and I also sprinkled some pomme-granade. This is of course all eaten up, when the cake is wrapped. Enjoy!

Lopi-nr 3 Progress... and the SUN!

I saw the sun today. I had to take a break from my reserach paper writing to snap a shot of the frosting garden, and have a look at the sun hanging over the horizon. I was many weeks since I saw it, and it makes me long for other parts of the world. Now - this is Midday (just past 12 in the noon) when the sun is at is highest.... so yes, not far up north it is no sun. Im happy, my dear brother will emergy from the black north of Sweden and pay me a visit. Well, is not really "sis" who is the magnet, it is Mats and Morgan - a band beyond description of genius. No, not the mainstream music, but for the very advanced, intelligent music experts (they play at Fashing - a jazz/boheme place in Stockholm). Yeah, I think I would like to go to, osmosis you know. Anyhow, that made me panic-knit my second...hmm christmas-present last night. I sure miss him. The artist from the north. They have a meter snow (to the waist!), so Im told. Anyhow, knitting goes particular slow, too much work to be finished before Christmas. But Im getting there. Just need to try and meet my Lopi supplier, Halla. Anyhow This is the Third Lopi progress. I have knitted a sleeve, and the beginning of the body, past the first decoration. Im now in limbo if I should put in pockets, of if it just is too bulky! Well. we will see! Take care out there... do not push in crowds - Be there - the best present you can give your loved ones! Well, lunch break over, now it is back to paperwriting. Kudos to you too! And I DO LOVE COMMENTS ;-)

Santa Lucia

Well, here it is dark. Therefore we celebrate Lucia! The Saint and patron of the light, blond longhaird you "brides" in white dresses, with candles in the hair... much like angles they thread the dark and semi-cold Stockholm (no snow - extra dark). Im working the entire weekend, so no fun updates, and hmmmm, sorry but the Lopi on my dear, I confess It was already some years old. The new Lopi's are not done yet. Much fun during Christmas. We all need light and hope. By this, I send you wishes wherever you are!

Oh boy--- soon it is Nobel times....

This years nobel-prize goes to.....
.... My Husband. He wins
..the economic prize (thanks for keeping order of housebills!) the scientific prize (my own private wikiper and know-it-all, yes, he beats any gameshow always!) and also the Nobel prize house awards goes to him for most supporting and hugging loving person...., Best food, and Best Caffe Latte.
The Nobel prize for BEST YARN I award right now (very biased and just right now) to Plötulopi. I must admit, when it is cold here it is COLD, and sitting and hacking makes me even colder. So, there was no excuse to start widing plötulopi and dig in. So - I have faith - I have already knitted one cardigan "almost"...but still need one more cake to finish (and yeah, the steek....!(I need a new sewing-machine dear Santa!) But, Im still having a lot of Plötulopi, so now Im on the second sweater (not cardi, Im cold! Need it NOW! One sleeve done, reaching waist any minute now...). I also have started to think about Christmas presents. My Nobel-prize winner (see above winner) is content with everything. OK Slippers... but then? And the big stuff - a new kitchen, is not too easy to fix. And it is time to start and think of my dear brother, he has is big 50s birthday here in January... but he would not like Plötulopi, since "not scratcy" is his device... But Lopi sweaters, they are sure warm! And so fun to make. Love the yoke. No not the joke ;-) The Yoke... Cannot wait to get there! Brrr, Cold, need to knit fast!