my knit sensations

February UFO

2012-02-01T22:55:00.003+01:00

Time for the next challange - my own fight with my UFO pile.During February I want to finish the first thumb and the full second mitten of Fiddlehead mittens. If I do the lining of not will depend on the size, I started with 3 mm and then thought they became too big, change to 2,5mm and now they might be too narrow to have lining. But some alpaca would be nice.
The yarn is from Mejeriet om Gotland (dangerous "candy" store).

Stjärnhop UFO -> FO

2012-01-25T20:45:00.005+01:00

I'm done. I still havn't counted all the border stiches but it is ready, washed, blocked and also worn. It is huge and I like it a lot.

Happy happy!!!
It's also the my first project completed in 12under12under2012.

Stjärnhop, scissors and looong border

2012-01-18T11:57:00.003+01:00

It is always a bit scary when scissors are close to my knitting, even if this time I was holding them (the combination daugther and scissors are even more scary).
But now it's done and I'm knitting the border - many stiches - maybe I count afterwards.

My Noro striped scarf

2012-01-17T22:16:00.004+01:00

I found some Noro yarn on sale this fall and had to have them (at least that was my feeling then). When they arrived they where darker than they looked on the screen but I went ahead anyway. I used the Jared Flood pattern (ravelry link) but I casted on 43 stiches.
I just started but it turned out that the two skeins were changing from light to dark at the same time and the result wasn't good.

..................It was better the second time.
I like the way that Noro yarn changes and I often want to do "just one more row" to see what will happen next.

The pattern (1x1 rib) is an easy knit, a good project to have have handy for slow Holiday knitting.

T got it as a (little late) Chrsitmas gift.

Lovikka mittens for N

2012-01-13T19:34:00.007+01:00

Years ago I bought pink lovikka yarn on sale (I don't even remember where now). My earlier attempts to finish mittens for N has turned into UFOs so a restart was needed.

I also felt for a quick project for the Holidays. The pattern is from this book. The hat is actually also from that book and a FO 2010. The scarf was made 2009 - maybe.

Being pink they were quickly accepted. She actually decided herself to also put on the scarf and the hat that I've made earlier.

In the future I'll maybe do stuff that matches.

Christmas is over

2012-01-12T23:06:00.003+01:00

During the Holidays part of the family (myself not included) re-installed the PC but this is now completed for me to use and also reach pictures taken during Christmas.
I managed to complete the stockings for both girls. N (5 years) was thrilled over the candy content while A (1.5 years) more was trying to wear them and walk (with little success).

Both are made in Lima from Drops and if no one eats them during the year I'll use them again.

12under12under2012 January UFO

2012-01-11T22:23:00.005+01:00

I've joined 12under12under2012 to get some energy to finish hopefully 12 of my projects.

First out in January is my Stjärnhop.

With my investment in a mew sewing machine I have now restarted the project and hope to end it during January.
It's "only" the border left.

Stockholm knits for homeless

2011-12-22T00:16:00.002+01:00

See the article in DN.se (in Swedish) and link to their blog here.

for me?!!!

2011-12-15T22:26:00.002+01:00

- Oh, I shouldn't....it is too much..... thank me very much! ...This is exactly what I wanted..............and it's not even Christmas yet.

Maja hat

2011-12-12T22:32:00.003+01:00

I like all of Johannes patterns and decided to start with the Maja hat.

I like the Zauerball yarn in the pink/white/green shades - so I bought it.

The yarn is definitely not my colors, but in combination with grey it's wearable. (I think it would be even better with dark brown.) The pattern was fun to knit and I chosed the larger size since I do not like my hats to be too tight.

I just should have remembered that my head is still rather small and next time I'll try the smaller size.

Sprangeled cap or hat with tinsel (dvs paljettmössa)

2011-12-10T21:07:00.004+01:00

How to translate "Mössa med paljetter"?
At Syfestivalen in November I bought some yarn to make this cap to my daughter N.

At a first glance - pink/orange yarn with "paljetter" I thought - how tacky can yarn be?

Then knowing my N, she would love a cap in this yarn. I continued shopping some pink soft wool and here it is. The pattern is based on a cap in this book.

Recap - Skirt in Muskat

2011-11-27T22:07:00.003+01:00

Early this summer I started on a skirt to N in Muskat. The pattern is fron Nina's book, Sticka till babyn. A cotton ribbon should be placed on the inside and I took out my (OLD) sewing machine.
I felt like I was back in the 3rd grade and on the first ever sewing class.

The result was terrible. I had to remove it and place it back sewing by hand.

A helped out and checked the result.Luckely, N also liked the result and has worn it a lot. Here is a picture from Gotland this summer. Coffee in Visby and me knitting on "Stjärnhop". I think I only have 10 more rows to go and I should get going. I now have a NEW sewing machine that I bought at Syfestivalen, yet to be used.

Plenty of time!

2011-11-26T23:13:00.002+01:00

With 4 weeks to Christmas I feel completely relaxed.

At least this one ought to be ready in time.....

...the rest of the to-do-list I'm not sure.

It's from last years Interweave knits Christmas magazine, the pattern is Holly Berry Stocking. I used Lima from Drops. I've changed the year into A's name. N's is already finished.

I used the I-cord cast-on from the Fiddlehead mittens. They are still on my to-knit list.

Did she have to make it?

2011-11-22T20:51:00.007+01:00

I was having trouble enough to choose from the two "Fritt etter..." already out. And now I think I like this one even better.

But there are a lot more difficult and hard decisions in life than this :-)

Picture borrowed from here.

Granny stripes blanket ready

2011-11-19T20:29:00.003+01:00

I've finished the blanket for N. Big and colorful enough for an almost 5 year old. It been in use for some time before I made the edging. I used a little more then half of each skein. So if A should get a blanket it needs to be just a little smaller, may I'll pick the colors radom the next time, or make a Babette blanket.

I just want to share with you what I picked from the garden last weekend. Roses, lavender and wild strawberry flowers. Not the usual situation in Stockholm in November.

Aidez in Drops Andes

2011-11-18T22:57:00.004+01:00

I finished Aidez. I saw the pattern this spring and bought the yarn at Litet Nystan in the Drops supersale period. It was a quick knit. I used 6.5mm and got the same width but different row count. I ended up 20 rows/10 cm and adjusted the raglan shape by adding 6 rows in the decrease. I'm happy with the result apart from the sleeves. I would have liked them less tight.

If you plan to do it and see the error description and picture. My interpretation is that the pattern is wrong. The cross in the middle should be done the other way. I of cause noticed this after knitting passed it and unlike other knitters I left it in there. The bottom one is made according the the pattern description.

Crazy about yarn - at the museum

2011-09-15T20:31:00.002+02:00

I want to visit this!At the Nordic Musem on October 2, a day full of activities around yarn, knitting and more.
I hope I can make it :-)

Summer of stars - Stjärnhop

2011-09-11T20:27:00.004+02:00

I'm not the fastest one starting with Stjärnhop. When I saw the pattern I knew I wanted to do it. At Syfestivalen in February I bought the yarn but it took until June for me to start.

I started at the summer house and then the knitting followed me to Gotland. It rained some and we didn't have the best weather - but with coffe and knitting I'm happy.

I'm starting on the 13th and last star row.

Next problem is to buy a new sawing machine, my current one broke down this summer. To spend money on reparing a 25 year old machine - I think I rather spend it on a new one. Just need to find the time. Maybe on the coming Syfestival in November.

I didn't think I would miss it so much - I almost never use it. The things about the "possibility" to do something when you can - and the knowledge of not be able to do it. Kitting is a good example. You would always carry a knitting with you - otherwise you will miss it!!!

I just couldn't resist (again)

2011-08-18T21:11:00.003+02:00

In the end of July the family when to Gotland and of cause we had to visit Mejeriet.My intention was to only look at ceramics, not yarn. I lost - or thinking of it I think I won. I just had to have these hanks with me home. The are very much autumn for me. I have no idea what to do with them. Just looking at the colors make me happy now.

Winged shawl

2011-08-14T21:00:00.004+02:00

In the Interweave Knits Christmas magazine I found the pattern for the Winged Shawl.
I bought the Drops Alpaca silke when it was introduced at Litet Nystan, with the purpose to make it as a thank you to friend. I added beads and I like the result.
The pattern was easy and the yarn very nice to knit with. The adding of beads (with a hook) was a bit tricky, the yarn feels a bit too thick.

The best thing it the the reciever was happy with it.

Princess dress for N

2011-06-06T13:23:00.004+02:00

I bought my own sewing machine when I was about 16 and still living at home. Most of the times I've used it to adjust the length of my curtains (few and easy to count).

Being home with A I talked two other mothers (also beginners of sewing) into making princess dresses for our older daugthers (4-5 years of age).

I mean - how hard can it be?

Three beginners, three babies and three months later we've finished.

The dress is best at a distance but N likes it and she now have her own princess dress.

Granny stripe blanket - yes yes yes!

2011-06-04T16:44:00.005+02:00

The blanket is getting bigger and bigger. I have done 4 repeats out of the 6 I'm planning to do. I like the colors but realized I forgot one (pomegate) and is then only using 16 in the Lucy pack. The acrylic yarn is softer than I thought and the colors look great together.

I will have yarn left and maybe later will do a another one and then I think I'll pick the yarn in random order.

Hjärtekatter

2011-06-01T11:44:00.004+02:00

Yesterday I went to Avigmaskan and saw "Louise" and 17 other Hjärtkatter leave for their new adventures and caretakers.N was OK with me making a cat for another baby and I promised to make her one as well. I even bought yarn in pink and purple (her two favorite colors, being 4.5 years). However she wanted one that looked the same. Me being a nice mother (I think) I went along and the sibling without heart problem is almost ready (3 paws missing).

Caught in action - #%&@ bug!

2011-05-26T10:59:00.005+02:00

I found a pälsänger in action eating up N's cardigan. I admit it died to qiuckly and painlessly.
I now have to decide if I think it had many relatives and if I should start hunting them down and what means to use if so or if I should hope it was on its own and wait and see.

I'm not happy thinking of my stash right now (and of casue the rest of the wardrobe for the entire family).

The cardigan will get a small flower over the hole - in time.....

Too late or very early?

2011-05-19T20:48:00.003+02:00

Since I didn't start until after Christmas I vote for very early, at least with the first one. The pattern is from IK Christmas number 2010 but I changing the year in the pattern to the names of my girls. The yarn is Drops' Lima. It was a fun knit and I liked the I-cord cast-on.

I just hope I will be in time with the next one.

Granny stripe blanket - Acrylic, here we go!

2011-05-17T11:50:00.006+02:00

When N was a baby I made a wool blanket for the stroller. Becoming a big sister made her rediscover this blanket(approx 50 x 70 cm) and decided she had to have it in her bed as a blanket (under the cover!). I found the granny stripe blanket at Ravelry and decided I wanted to do for N as a replacement.

First I made a swatch(!) that become a doll blanket, this time in wool.

Then I crossed the line - I went for the prepacked "Lucy stile" acrylic yarn. I got it from Mason's in the UK for about 40£/400 SEK.

Second step was to decide the order, here N helped out on the kitchen floor.

I have approx 170 "stiches"/57 clusters and hook 4mm and plan to make 6 repetitions of the 17 colors. Here is the first one ready.

GLAD PÅSK!

2011-04-22T20:00:00.003+02:00

Spring is here and I and the kids had a great day at Skansen yesterday and followed the Swedish tradition of dressing up as påskkärringar (Easter witches).VERY little knitting/chrochet is done now. T has a bad back and is in constant pain so I'm busy with everything.

But I'm dreaming and of cause of new projects, how about the granny stripe blanket . I'm also considering the acrylic yarn but that is to cross a line.......

Knit cafe at Parkvillan Bogesund Sunday

2011-04-12T09:39:00.003+02:00

I took my whole family and Therese took hers and we headed out to Parkvillan at Bogesund, Vaxholm. It was a really beautiful Spring day and the kids could run around without jackets.

Parkvillan was a nice and very pretty place and the cafe offered a full range of cookies and other goodies. I like the idea that everything cost 20 and you pay when you leave.

After lunch the men and children were let out and Therese and I joined the happy group in the knitting cafe. With the camera outside there are no photos of us knitting but I started on a new(!) project, a skirt to N in Muskat. The pattern is from Nystas childrens book. The phrase "Trassel was out of the pink yarn but I got you purple" was used to alter the color in N's wardrobe.

I was very temted to buy of of each color of Erika Laurells cotton yarn from Muchis but behaved myself. But in my head I'm planning for childrens summer cardigans in "ice cream colors".

A very good day Spring day!

I never got to Avigmaskan Tuesday

2011-04-08T21:54:00.003+02:00

This Tuesday Avigmaskan had an evening for finishing up project. I packed a (huge) bag with six project that are almost almost finished (just the boring parts left - or?)

One of the project is Cobblestone - T's Christmas present.

How close to finished can an UFO be?

I have 16 stiches left and then I'm done (since 2 weeks maybe)

Then T had to work late and I couldn't make it in time so I decided to stay home. Did I do any of the projects?

No, I started a new one! This will probably be mittens for N for Spring (or Fall 2011).

Japanese Garden Shawl completed

2011-04-08T21:41:00.004+02:00

It was a fun and fairly fast project. I like the yarn I got for it, Ella Rae, it's a hand painted merino and I found it at Trassel. Should I do another one I would make it larger.

Japanese Garden Shawl

2011-03-23T23:25:00.002+01:00

Wendy has a pattern on Ravely I bought the pattern Wendy sells on Ravelry.

Wendy wrote:
I will donate all my proceeds (after Paypal takes its cut) from this pattern’s sale to the American Red Cross for their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific, for all sales of this pattern through the end of April 2011.

She got 1200 USD the first day.

Two colors at Avigmaskan

2011-02-23T12:08:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I took my self to Trassel for a night with two color knitting with Avigmaskan.

We should have started a knitting prior to the night, the Heart Mittens (Ravelry link) were so fun that I actually finished the first one beforehand. I tried to start on Stjärnhop but it felt too odd having one strand in each hand. I guess I need a smaller project (e.g. a hat) to practice on.

I switch the dominating color on the other mitten and had to start over when I came home.

But I enjoyed myself!!!!!

Visit to Syfestivalen

2011-02-23T11:50:00.003+01:00

This year I visited Syfestivalen with my friend Therese. Just the feeling of walking without a stroller or someone calling "mommy" every minut was great. I actually thought that we would have time to sit down and knit while drinking coffee. I was wrong.....

For the first time at Syfestivalen I joined a workshop. I made a hat for N. It is a little big but over time she will grow. The most important thing is that she liked it and wore it the whole weekend.

Of cause I got a few other things as well. The black and pink/gray wool from Ullcentrum will (maybe) be a "Stjärnhop" one day in the future. The purple rabbit skinn - I'm not sure yet. If N decides they will be in her bed all the time.

Valentine's heart

2011-02-14T20:55:00.002+01:00

Last Tuesday I went to Trassel to participate in Avigmaskan's "double knitting evening. I had fun that night and I hope to be able to return for other events during the Spring.

I had never done it before but managed to make 2! hearts.

Next time I do this I'll need to remember to twist the yarn when turning. Otherwise it went fine and was fairly easy, but I think I need a lot of training before trying it in front of the TV :-)

Maybe in my next life.....

2011-02-08T13:53:00.002+01:00

A possibility to learn how to spin at Skansen.
I think I would like it very much but I'm too afraid to start spinning. I feel that the yarn stash takes up enough space in our home with adding a new stash of fibres :-)

So in my next life I'll attend..........

Citron - blurry picture

2011-02-07T10:51:00.005+01:00

I've knitted a Citron in Malabrigo lace. I made it a bit larger than the original pattern but have still to wear it.

I think I started in 2009 and finished the blocking part in 2010.

Start and restart of Cobblestone

2011-02-03T20:49:00.003+01:00

For Christmas I bought T yarn to a Cobblestone sweater. N, now 4 years thought that he should knit it. I explained that I was going to do the knitting part. I bought Heavens hand in an olive shade at Litet Nystan.

While starting many other projects (and finishing very few) I started in a good manner. I swatched and meassured. I made it "the old way" meaning (only) making a small swatch 12 cm at the tops and not really long enough to count the rows. It was according to the gauge - so - I frogged it. (At HV I was taught to make a larger swatch, prefferably in the same manner that the garment will be knitted - for Cobblestone, it in the round. Then wash it and save it. Never seem to remember that part of the preparation)

Size was decided and I started. A, 8 months helped me winding the yarn but mostly she was trying to eat it.

Feeling good about the progress I asked T to try it on after one skein, it looked OK. After the second skein I asked again for I thought it looked a bit too small. Of cause it was.....

Time for restart making one size larger:

Current status is almost ready to start the yoke, T is away this week so I've started on the first sleeve, and of cause also started two other projects and brought home yarn for another three :-)

Cardigan to N in Drops Lima

2011-02-02T11:08:00.005+01:00

Of cause I had to try the noew yarn Lima from DRops. I made N a cardigan in pink and purple. The design is a mix of a basic pattern from a Miss Bea book from Rowan and traditional norweigian stars.

Difficult to get a representative picture of the colors, I think the picture of the back is more like the real colors.

I like the yarn and the colors. Being me I bought some in different colors when the yarn was on special price and have more ideas of what to do.

Cowl in alpaca ready

2011-02-02T10:59:00.005+01:00

I finished a project!!! The cowl is ready.

I actually made it already last year, just havn't got the time to update the blog.

It's warm and nice and I use it a lot - it was a great project. I had to shorten the last rep of the pattern with 2 rows since I ran out of yarn. It was a fun knit with little finishing (I LIKE THAT!)

Tänk vilken julklapp

2010-12-24T06:17:00.002+01:00

om jag vann den vackra stickgömman.

Oops - what happened?

2010-11-18T12:43:00.003+01:00

I was too curious and just had to start the dress in Kalinka for N. I changed the pattern to make it in the round and started with the green pocket. What more can be done to minimize the finishing up part?

Winter and Christmas is getting closer - look at this beatiful flower - thanks!

Want to start (another) new project

2010-11-11T12:03:00.004+01:00

With the snow coming to Stockholm I wanted to get a new scarf, a warm cosy one that would look good with my new jacket. I also spend a lot of time in the playground and swings with N (and A) and I'm cold after a while.

Last week I took a walk to Trassel and bought a really soft and thick alpaca yarn.

I'm thinking of making a scarf or a cowl inspired be the pattern on this book cover.

But then I want to start on the dress to N, and a hat for her and A and the green cardigan and all the other ideas and dreams I have ready to start working at.........

Top Down Round Yoke Cardigan started

2010-11-09T10:56:00.003+01:00

I have now played with the software and hope to have a pattern that will fit me. I'm using a 3.5 mm hook and got 19 x approx. 14 on 10 x 10cm.

Here is the start of the cardigan. I like the color and the feeling of the yarn. I only bought 1 skein this summer but got great help from Eva to buy the extra 3 I think I need to complete the cardigan.

I think that I've increased where I shouldn't but hope to correct it as I go along.

I think that the button bough Sunday will look great.

I didn't do an UFO last week, maybe this one..... have to think about it :-) I now want to do the new projects and just enjoy that.

Investments from Syfestivalen

2010-11-08T17:07:00.002+01:00

Here is the catch I made at Syfestivalen Sunday.I got some wool detergent from Färgkraft, with anti-moth scent. I hope it also helps againts "pälsängrar", I think I have at least one feasting in my closet.

Two to party

2010-11-08T16:59:00.004+01:00

N claimed that one cake was not enough, we need at least two for a tea party.

She is so right!

When will I use my fair isle capelet?

2010-11-01T21:59:00.005+01:00

I've completed another project as well. Actually, I had a few ready for some days but daylight and T at home to take a picture took time to coordinate.

My Fair Isle capelet is now completed and blocked!

I like the colors and I'm glad I switched to larger needles so the size got right, at least in width. I'm not fully sure the length is OK, it might be loo long. If it's not raining I'll try it tomorrow with a 3 yaer old and a stroller - will I be able to move my arms enough?

I'm happy with the colors and also that it all came out of my stash!

Eleanor in Delight

2010-11-01T09:33:00.005+01:00

New project:
I found 1 (actually 2) balls of Drops Delight and decided to make Eleanor. This time I think I blocked it too much and in combination with not changing to a smaller needles the last rows it turned out a bit too loose.

I like the pattern and I'm thinking of using it again with a thicker yarn for the winter.

It was also interesting to see the color combination, the contrast was bigger than I imagined.

Hourglass sweater completed UFO ->FO

2010-11-01T09:22:00.003+01:00

Finally finished!

I bought the yarn last year and did the knitting this summer (a fitted knit with a big belly was not my cup of tea). Then it ended up in a bag just waiting for the sewing parts.

The yarn is lovely and it was a fun project to knit.

UFO frogged

2010-10-27T09:21:00.003+02:00

The yarn from Färgkraft is lovely. T wanted a scarf that wasn't to thick. It didn't turn out well - at all.

The good thing was that it was fairly easy to frog. Maybe something for me in lace in the futue....

Chrochet pink pig/mouse

2010-10-26T17:11:00.004+02:00

While at it I made a pig, or a mouse if N decide - and she does. Both patterns can be found in this book.

Change of plans for UFO work

2010-10-26T16:31:00.004+02:00

On Friday the first chicken pox dot appeared on N so I put my hour glass sweater aside and finished a cake instead.

Next UFO - Hourglass sweater

2010-10-20T21:56:00.002+02:00

It happened again, my project halted at the finishline.

The knitting is done - "just" to finish the sawing.

I can always dream....

2010-10-20T21:48:00.004+02:00

..but maybe I can be the winner. Read more about it here (in Swedish).

My knitting corner

2010-10-11T20:45:00.003+02:00

When we moved last year I talked about a knitting room. Now I have, not a full room, but a knitting corner.

I need to decide which drawers to buy (all from IKEA), transparent so the yarn can be seen or basket, or boxes with lids, or..... Mean while I'm using baskets that my mother painted with roses.

I also realised I need yet another shelf to hold my stash. T wondered if the amount of yarn shouldn't be decreasing since I do knit from it. I have informed him that a yarn stash will rather grow.

I also noticed I have a lot of knitting books.

I'm happy!!

What to do next? Maybe Eleanor

2010-10-09T09:54:00.003+02:00

My UFO pile is still huge but why not start a new project, Eleanor from Knitty looks like a must have. I'm thinking of using yarn from my stash, Drops Alpaca or maybe Delight.

Swallowtail completed - UFO 2

2010-10-08T08:46:00.005+02:00

Another quick fix - 2 threads to fasten and then blocking, I wonder why that took more than one year?

Aeolian completed - UFO 1 done!

2010-10-07T10:15:00.005+02:00

I've finished it! I like the color and the "heaviness" of the beads. I made the largest size but used 3.25mm needles and Malabrigo lace so the finished size it much smaller than suggested.

I had to start on the 3rd skein to complete the last rows.

Next UFO project is my Swallowtail shawl.I knitted it last summer in one of Färgkrafts yarns, I think the color is named Trollskog.

Aeolian UFO - hmmmm

2010-10-04T09:03:00.005+02:00

First out in my UFO pile was my Aeolian shawl.I thought I only had to block it but during the 15 months since I finished knitting a small bug(?) decided to enjoy it.

I'm leaning on a "quick and ugly" solution - otherwise it will go back in a bag for years to come....

Fair Isle capelet

2010-09-30T14:26:00.004+02:00

There must be somethink wrong with me!

I don't complete almost any projects, I just start new ones.

Lately when my hourglass sweater came to the place when my project normally comes to a halt, when I'm done knitting and should just do the finish up part (and for an hourglass sweater that is extremely complicated (not) since it is done in one piece). I then started a zipped raglan cardigan in cotton (Muskat and "kabeltvinnad") for T, and realized it will not stretch as I thought. Back in the bag whith it to later be restarted.

Time for next project:

In the book Inspired to knit I found this great capelet and using some of my left over yarns (mostly Rowans Magpie, but also thinner wool used with 2 strands).

This is a fun knitting. I'm using 5,5mm needles so it will be much larger than origibally, on the other hand the girl in the picture looks really petite.

With only the threads to saw in and maybe do something about the edge I should be able to finish it.

Then it's time to starting blocking shawls.

UFOs work to be done - I'm joining Marias idea

2010-09-30T10:04:00.004+02:00

Maria has i great idea and I'm joining in the UFO work. I have a huge pile of things to complete, many of them are just to block or saw together.

Here is a snap shot of the things to do:

Crochet jacket, crochet hat (the olymic one), swallowtail shawl, crow waltz shawl and lemon shawl.

First out is the Aeolian shawl from 2009. Remaining to do is blocking :-)

Vill vinna vackra stickor

2010-08-15T11:33:00.002+02:00

Gina firar många besökare med en utlottning.

Tänk att snart vill jag inte bara klappa garn utan också stickor :-)

Inspired by Pippi

2010-08-12T09:38:00.006+02:00

She liked it!

Last summer I bought Muskat yarn at Marias garn and started a sweater for N. I took a pregnancy paus so I frogged it and restarted this summer.

I got inspired from the "Pippi sweater". Here I changed the main color and kept the stripes the same. I used a basic Rowan pattern I used before.

I used a version on the strips that I have on my Pippi sweater.

The next best thing?

2010-08-11T11:48:00.005+02:00

If you cannot knit outside in the sun, winding yarn is almost as good. At least it takes me one step closer to knitting (or crochet if I follow my plan).

A very nice morning with A sleeping outside and me winding yarn in the sun.

The yarn is from my trip the other week to Gotland. The result (investment) looks almost the same as Toves :-).

The 5 in the from are from Gotlands spinneri and the 2 in the back from Mejeriet.
At home I regretted not getting more of the green instead, a crochet cardigan would be great. Next time maybe......

In addition I also bought some ceramics, the bowls from Mejeriet and the cup from Thord Karlsson. The cup is filled with coffee!

I just couldn't resist this one! The colors are so beatiful.

Oriental Lily ready

2010-08-10T12:36:00.004+02:00

N is posing in the Oriental Lily dress. It shows that it's made with 3 different shades but I think it works fine. Just hope she likes it.

New name labels

2010-06-24T16:45:00.003+02:00

After many years I ran out of name labels so I ordered new at Minanamnband.

100 new ones - better start knitting again :-)

Happy midsummer!!!

(Too?) many books!!

2010-06-23T11:07:00.003+02:00

This morning felt like Christmas Eve.
It all started last week when the Hurt sale was announced at Interweave. I spent some time making a nice list but in the end realized that shipping would be 60% add-on to the price and the delivery time was rather long.

Instead I made the same list, first at Adlibris in Sweden and then at Amazon in the UK. They had so many more books and I probably got a little carried away. (But it is an investment!, at least that what I tell T). One book will be shipped separately but these will keep me busy dreaming for some time ahead.

First visit to Litet Nystan

2010-06-22T17:32:00.004+02:00

Yesterday the girls took a trip into town to visit Karin at Litet Nystan. N knows the way around in the store and helped walking the toy snail.

Isn't it great what support you get in many ways, Karin managed to get A (now 6 weeks old) to sleep so I could choose yarn. I decided for some fairtrade Pima cotton. I've made a dress last summer to N and will probably do another one, this time in green & blue.

Olympic knitting result - Cork blanket

2010-06-10T11:30:00.005+02:00

During the winter games I started on a cardigan in Cork (from my stash since a sale at Wincent some years ago). Having come this far and also redone the back once with smaller needles I frogged it and made a blanked of it instead.

Now it adds a nice Spring color to our sofa.

Oriental Lily in progress

2010-06-07T20:42:00.006+02:00

Earlier this Spring when Marias garn started the yarn sale I got three hanks of Araucania Ulmo Multi (2 different colors and 3 different shades, Maria talked about them as three sisters).

I love the colors of this yarn, all three versions.

N first said she wanted a cardigan but then having seen the Oriental Lily dress picture decided for one. I'm making the big sister version, in a size 3 & 4 combined.

I'm not completely happy when multi colored yarns creates this pattern of one shade "moving" over the garnment. So I frogged part of the skirt and I'm now "cutting" the yarn every 2-4th row to prevent this further. I'm making the top part in one shade, the skirt in a second and the sleeves in the third. The contrast part i Garnstudio's Muskat.

I'm now trying to get N to try it on prior to finish making it up (OK, I'm actually begging). So far no luck.......

Stickfrossa bag

2010-06-05T11:34:00.002+02:00

Even if I didn't knit much last fall I got my hand on a bag from Stickfrossa. She has now opened a webshop with a lot of nice and beatiful things.

Calmer sweaters ready for my girls

2010-06-04T14:02:00.006+02:00

I passed Wincent earlier this spring and found the following yarn on sale, calmer for two sweaters and some 4-ply for a very girly cardigan (which can now be 2, one for each of my girls).

I made some changes so that A got a cardigan instead of a sweater, which makes it easier to dress and undress. I found the buttons at Trassel (my new closest yarn store).

Last buy from Marias garn

2010-05-31T12:00:00.003+02:00

Saturday was the last day for Marias garn, one of my preffered yarn stores, located only a short walk from our old apartment and day care (which made me an N frequent visitors).

N and I made a last visit and brought home the last bag with very nice yarn.

I was inspired by Marias latest projects, the Crow Waltz Shawl and N decided she wanted a blue cardigan in Classic Alpaca.

Today is the first day for Litet Nystan in the same location, time to plan for the next visit down town.

Our daughter A, three weeks old

2010-05-27T12:09:00.006+02:00

Our daugther A is here, now three weeks old.

N is a very proud big sister, already over three years old.

She is one reason for not blogging, in the sense that the only "morning sickness" feeling I had was when knitting. That over now so I may post more frequently than last year.

...and some more yarn....

2009-08-17T21:03:00.003+02:00

From the sock club I saw these socks and then I followed the link to the yarn producer, Miss Babs. There I got stuck looking at all the nice yarns and color combinations. My sister went to the US and voilá, an opportunity for her to bring me back some yarn.

Looking at all the colors and not being able to decide I went for the blackbird shadows. I lack a black sweater sometimes and the idea is to make an Hourglas sweater.

more rag carpet cardigan

2009-08-16T20:53:00.003+02:00

It's fun!!

I think I'll need more yarn than I origially planned.

I'll use the same coloring on the sleeves as on the body. I used my Lady February sweater for measurements, I hope it will fit :-)

I like!

2009-08-13T21:36:00.005+02:00

a lot from the last Interweave knits.

Maybe it is because I would like to look that way :-) I guess it's warm (and that's a good thing!). I think I would miss the long sleeves. I havn't really figured out all the thick woolen cardigans with short sleeves just yet.

http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2009_fall.asp#Alpaka-Tunic

...and here is another one I can imagine wearing (maybe in off-white)

http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/clasica-coat.asp

Summer crochet cardigan

2009-08-13T00:31:00.003+02:00

Inspired by Maria and then also by Liselotte I've started a new crochet project. I got some great yarn in the second Drops sales, Muskat in 9 different colors and have now calculated, and re-calculated and also started on my cardigan.

So far it gives me the feeling av rag carpet (trasmatta) but with the colors it makes me happy.

Summer knitting - Eco cardigan for N

2009-08-12T21:35:00.003+02:00

N is growing (or at least I hope so) and it's time for a bigger size of my "standard baby cardigan".

This time a red one in the eco cotton from Huskroken. I have 4 hanks and took one random to start with. When completing the back it noticed that the other 3 hanks are colored differently, the first one has more pink and white dots and the other have a darker pink shade. Time for a re-start and this project is now in the standard "Anna stand-still". That is when the finish-up starts and the last knitting of neckband etc.

Here is at least a picture of the start.

I share the FO any day....................... I'm lucky she is a small size yet.

Summer dress for N

2009-08-11T23:16:00.003+02:00

At some point this lovely cotton yarn followed me home and was turned into a summer dress for N. Here she is at my grandmothers 90th birthday.

Danish design and made on 2.5 mm, the yarn is from Marias garn (I don't remember the name now)

Happy Birthday Dad - 70 years

2009-08-11T17:20:00.003+02:00

What do you give to someone how has everything he needs? Something knitted of cause!

I bought the yarn at Marias during the first Drop yarn sale this spring. It's a classic alpaca yarn and I used the Classic Camel vest from Knitting Daily.

With classic leather buttons it tirned out great and the size was perfect. (I did the last finishing after he tried it on just to be on the safe side).

Aeolian help & progress

2009-06-03T00:54:00.003+02:00

I got some help with the knitting and sorting all the beads.

I'm now binding the threads and will soon block it. I had to start the 3 skein of yarn to finalize the bind-off.

Eco cotton sweater for N

2009-06-03T00:33:00.005+02:00

I made the sweater using the eco cotton yarn I bought on sale earlier this year. I used a combination of two patterns from the book "Miss Bea's dressing up". I took the Tinkerbell Sweater flower but used the Hula Hula Sweater for the gauge.

The yearn feels good and N enjoyes it.

Mosaic Yoke Jacket completed

2009-06-03T00:27:00.005+02:00

Neckline re-done and ready to use (I'll wash it some other time)
Lovely yarn, warm and soft.
I had to change the needles size, I used 4.5 mm, 5.25 for the pattern part and 4.0 mm for the edging.

Aeolian start

2009-04-26T22:50:00.003+02:00

I've started on the Aeolian shawl. I'm using the orange Malabriga lace yarn I bought at Nysta and beads from Marias garn. Lovely pattern and very soft yarn, maybe too many beads for a relaxing subway knitting.

Mosaic Yoke Jacket - neckline undone

2009-04-26T22:45:00.003+02:00

I followed the pattern without trying so now I have removed a few rows from the neckline and then added the collar. More pictures to come.

Crochet jacket in progress...again

2009-03-16T23:41:00.002+01:00

Time to make up, and pick up a needle.

With my normal way of working, also start a new project :-)

just one more row.....

2009-03-16T23:40:00.003+01:00

soon ready :-)

Last buy at KnitLab

2009-03-16T23:31:00.004+01:00

KnitLab, a yarn shop around my corner closed last wekend.

I couldn't resist the Blue Sky alpaca/silk yarn.....

or the alpaca yarn.I guess this is just one more sign of me being a "yarnoholic". Can't say I'm interested in any 12-step program, however I can admit that I cannot stop when I feel like it.

Can't say if this is good or bad just that it gives me a good feeling.

Crochet jacket in progress...or not

2009-03-06T00:10:00.003+01:00

During the weekend I started on the crochet jacket. I'm using the yarn I bought at Nysta and I'm using this Garnstudio pattern. It is fast and it is fun.

My current concern is the size and also if the pattern is strange in sizing between the back and the front or if it is my changing "gauge" as I go along. The left front is a lot more then half the size of the back. I also realized that the yarn is not enough so I've mail ordered from Nysta the last 5 skeins. I hope this is sufficient.

Subway knitting

2009-03-06T00:04:00.003+01:00

I've started on the second color on my "tube shawl". Lucky me to have a bigger bag so it still fit in it.

The contrast is not that big between the colors but I like it. I just start to imagine other color combination to do in the future.

.....and some books

2009-03-04T01:57:00.004+01:00

I passed Knitlab this weekend and learned that they are closing coming Saturday. Another yarn store to close :-( ,well Nysta will still be around but it will be more difficult to touch yarn there.

I'm tempted to invest in even more yarn but I've started with the following books, so I've done my book sale purchases, and they were all on my wish list.

More yarn investments (=sales)

2009-02-26T21:38:00.003+01:00

I feel that it is almost impossible not buy books at the yearly large book sale in February. I have found that it's as difficult to not buy yarn at any yarn sale.

Here is my increased stash from Marias yarn sale:

- Doredo wool yarn, intended to be a coat to N

- Eco cotton, for a spring sweater/cardigan to N

- Kid mohair, a tube shawl for me (pattern from Nysta)

Mosaic Yoke Jacket - almost there

2009-02-26T19:22:00.002+01:00

It's getting closer! "Only" the neckline left.

I've started on a sock!!!

2009-02-25T22:06:00.003+01:00

The yarn was intended for the January sock (in Stickameras sockklubb 2009)but I think I wait a bit more with those. Instead I started on the February socks (with the "January yarn") and I'm passed the heel on the first sock. Who knows, maybe I'll even finish it.

Last buy at Nysta (IRL)

2009-02-25T21:56:00.004+01:00

at least in the store on Luntmakargatan.

Nina is closing her store (but will be around in other forms). Today was the last day and I made it to the store 5 minutes to closing. Being the last customer out this is what I carried home:

22+2 Eskimo with the intension to crochet a jacket. I have looked at it before and now Maria and Marika has started working and discussing about the same idea.

7 skeins of Malabrigo lace, I just couldn't leave them in the store, green and orange and sooo soft!!!!!

Good luck to Nina and see you around!

Chevalier mittens and 4.7m

2009-02-08T11:01:00.005+01:00

The mittens are completed, very soft and warm, with 4.7 meters of yarn remaining.
Time for a new "subway project", maybe now I should knit socks?

Mmmmmm harmony & Araucania

2009-01-28T21:09:00.002+01:00

Lovely needles!!! The yarn is very soft, like knitting with butter.... Things can be worse.
I almost wish I had a longer subway ride to work.

Comfort shopping yarn

2009-01-25T22:29:00.003+01:00

Thursday I was home with N (again) so I decided I (and maybe N as well) needed to be cheered up. Here is the result of my comfort shopping. Maria helped me to decide that I needed a pair of Chevalier mittens in this beautiful and very soft yarn (Araucania, Aysén) and needles to go with it.

Mosaic Yoke with 3 colors

2009-01-25T22:26:00.003+01:00

Some progress. Now the color pattern is completed.

Isn't it interesting with a knitting technique that creates this with knitting one color at a time and just lift stitches?

Mosaic Yoke jacket in progress

2009-01-18T15:28:00.006+01:00

The Mosaic Yoke Jacket is well in progress. The first sleeve is now reknitted to better fit the pattern in the increases, as I made on the second sleeve. (I should make 5 increase repeats).

I knit the jacket in Drops Classic Aplaca on the paper the same thickness but I had to increase the needle size to 4.5/5 and still had to go one size up and add a few rows here and there.

With the whole jacket in one piece it is no longer a good subway-knitting, lucky me to have the new socks to start:-).