MiA

Handspuns

2012-02-06T13:08:00.001+01:00

Lace knitting

2012-02-06T12:23:00.001+01:00

Pattern: “Ribbonwood and fern scarf” by Margaret Stove
Yarn: “Artisan NZ merino lace” 20gr/300m colourway “Sage”
Needles: Addi lace circular 3mm

No tangle

2012-02-04T12:36:00.001+01:00

New ear-phones for my ipod.
Using zauberball scraps to make them tangle free.

Lots to love

2012-02-01T20:40:00.001+01:00

The new 2012 spring collection from Gudrun Sjödén.
As always, lots to love.

True Colours

2012-01-23T11:55:00.001+01:00

The true colours of my fisherman’s sweater.
Only one more sleeve to knit.

Handspun Inspiration

2012-01-19T22:45:00.001+01:00

1. Handspun ASU socks, 2. handspun - knit up!, 3. Handspun Socks - Wide Awake,
4. 2-ply handspun knit up!, 5. Handspun Inspira Cowl, 6. handspun knitted wrist warmers
7. Handspun Knee highs, 8. handspun - knit up!, 9. knitted magical dreadtam number two

Gotland sweater

2012-01-15T20:05:00.001+01:00

Lime green “Drops Karisma” out of stock at Garnstudio.
Wanted to start my sweater right away, decided to go for turqouise.

Spinning with friends

2012-01-14T14:52:00.001+01:00

My wheel going into it’s bag to go to weekend spinning meeting
with good friends Lena, Marie, Jane and Heidi.

Some fibers goes into the bag as well.
This will make a nice 3ply.

Looking forward to chatting, laughing, spinning, knitting and
a delicious moroccon soup à la Jane.

Maybe

2012-01-10T19:25:00.001+01:00

Maybe this will be my next project.
The traditional fisherman’s sweater from Gotland.

Picture from Deisy Design >>

Very popular, and also known as “Pippi sweater” as
Pippi Långstrump (Longstocking) used to wear one in the movies.

But, don’t want to use the traditional colours.
Thinking, these could be more fun.

Maybe.

A true miracle

2012-01-08T12:55:00.001+01:00

My daughter picked up a phone call this morning.
I realized it was from my kiwi sister, and got very worried when all I heard
was my daughter saying Oh my God! Oh my God! over and over again.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, vulcanos, accidents…
Lots of thoughts rushed thru my mind until I got the phone.

Yes, something really really terrible had happened.
The whole family on their way home from a few days holiday by the coast.
Their car went off the highway in really high speed and crashed
on the passenger side down into a small river.

As by a true miracle, all survived with minor injuries
and could leave the hospital in a few hours. Still in chock though.

Sending my warmest thoughts and big hugs to you all!
And blessing the angels who guarded you!

See you soon!

I’m so happy my dear sister and family are all ok,
but they lost their car and some valuable belongings.
If you want to give her a helping hand in this bad situation, you can

Send her warm loving thoughts here >>
Purchase some of her amazingly beautiful handdyed yarns >>
Purchase one or more of my shawl patterns below.
The next couple of months all pattern sales revenues will be
donated to my sister and her family.

Click on pictures to go to the pattern.

Lots of love to everyone who helps me help her!

Handspun

2012-01-06T15:19:00.001+01:00

Available on Etsy >>

Sock yarns

2012-01-06T14:10:00.001+01:00

Dyed some new gorgeous sock yarns today.
Each 100gr 400m. 75% wool 25% polyamide, superwash.

Purple/teal, hotpink/red/purple, soft blues/turquoise.

One multicoloured skein and one pinks/lime.

Will be listed on Etsy when they are dry.
Just give me a note for a reserved listing.

Crazy weather

2012-01-03T18:26:00.001+01:00

The last two winters we had really cold weather and lots of snow.
This winter is all about rain, and storms.

This is what we are looking forward to tonight…
The Swedish westcoast to be hit the hardest… again.

Danish weather institute call it an “atmospheric bomb”.
Swedish weather institute request people to stay indoors.
Yepp – I will for sure.

Making plans

2012-01-02T21:08:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately the knitting tour in Australia was cancelled
due to too few participants.

But, we have new plans for the Easter holidays.

Surfing at Muriwai Beach >>

Tree Adventures >>

Maori warriors >>

Wai-o-Tapu thermal wonderland >>

Luge >>

You might by now have guessed it..
Yes – I am taking my teenies to see their kiwi cousins!
Flight tickets booked today.

Looking forward!

Kakariki Cardigan

2012-01-01T14:42:00.001+01:00

My first completed project of 2012.
”Kakariki Cardigan”

I love it very much!!

Pattern: Cable Luxe Tunic by Lion Brand Yarn >>
Yarn: Stansborough Mythral, Kakariki green >>

Clever surprise

2011-12-31T10:58:00.001+01:00

A couple of months ago I found this funny picture
and posted it on my facebook wall.

Yesterday my dear teenies came back home from spending the
xmas holidays with their father and family.

They had some christmas presents for me.

Chocolate… – Yum! They know I’m kind of a chocoholic…
Lasagna… – Eh?! A bit confusing…
Prosciutto… – Ah! They are planning a great dinner for me?
A London picture… – Eh?! They are planning to go to London and
are making sure I’m not starving while they’re gone?

So, Sofia reminded me of that facebook picture.
OMG! They are sending ME to London to see my sister!!

Such a funny and clever and lovely xmas present!

Thank you dearest Sofia and Martin!

Temptation

2011-12-30T19:47:00.001+01:00

Qiviut – muskox yarn – the softest you can get!

From Sisimiut Greenland >>

From NZ with love

2011-12-30T13:32:00.001+01:00

A wonderful christmas present from my dear sister.

Lots of beautiful pictures and lots of useful information.
I am very happy for this book, and it is really a something special
about a book you know the author held in her hands.

To make something really beautiful with inspiration
from the book, I also have the perfect yarn.

From Holland Road Yarn Company in Wellington >>
Two skeins of Margaret Stove’s Artisan Lace merino.
Colourway “Sage”, each skein 20gr 300m.

Thanks sis!!

Great customer service

2011-12-29T13:37:00.001+01:00

My lovely buttons have arrived!
The green celtic knots could not be more perfect in colour,
and the moon&star buttons are divine.

Unfortunately, three of the buttons broke in the shipment.

I sent a convo to Christine, and within minutes
she replied she is making new buttons for me already today.

That is what I call great customer service!

If you want personal buttons for your knitting projects,
make sure to take a look at her Etsy shop.

Etsy BeadFreaky >>

Shawl pins

2011-12-26T12:10:00.001+01:00

Shawl pins for the addicted knitter!
Kilt pins with cute yarny charms and vintage glass beads.
Selected colours – ~~only 5 pieces available~~.

4 pins already gone, now only one left.
Do you want me to make some more?

Etsy VickeVira >>

Woolly slippers

2011-12-25T14:30:00.001+01:00

Many years ago my dear kiwi sister >> sent me a warm gift,
a pair of woolly New Zealand slippers – perfect for cold winter floors.

I loved my slippers and used them a lot.
They kept my feet warm for years, until I had worn them to pieces.

Last spring when I visited NZ I was looking around for new slippers.
But, no woolly slippers to be found.

Yesterday I had dinner at my mother’s, and although we agreed
not to give each other xmas presents, I brought her a jar of homemade
orange marmalade with vanilla, cinnamon and badian. Yum!

And… she also gave me a present, size of a shoebox…
Inside was a new pair of woolly slippers!

Beautiful and perfect size – goes well with my handknitted socks!

And – it turned out she did not find new slippers for me,
she actually used an old pair as a template and made them herself!
Amazing isn’t it?!

Made from thick woolly fleece and with crochet stitching
using beautiful blue NZ wool yarn.

Thanks Mum!!

Merry Xmas

2011-12-23T23:12:00.001+01:00

Christmas at mine will be very quiet and peaceful
with lots of knitting in lovely colours.

Wish you all a very merry Xmas!

Congrats Maria

2011-12-23T18:05:00.001+01:00

I am happy to announce the winner of the handdyed alpaca/silk.

Christmas inspiration

2011-12-21T21:03:00.001+01:00

This is Ernst, a swedish home decorator and tv star.
I would not say I’m a fan of Ernst as a person, but I must admit
he makes a lot of beautiful and inspirational things.

Xmas decorations and DIY at TV4.se >>

Recipes at Recept.nu >>

Project on queue

2011-12-20T22:12:00.001+01:00

When I ordered the green celtic knot buttons I also ordered some others,
which will be used for a project I have in my head.

This a glimpse of my inspiration for the project.

And these are some of the yarns I think I will use.

But, the idea still needs some polishing.
More about this another day.

Pst.. don’t forget to enter my celebration giveaway >>
Open until friday dec 23rd.

Perfect buttons

2011-12-19T15:27:00.001+01:00

My cardigan is growing amazingly fast as the Mythral yarn is
such a pleasure to knit with, and it is turning out even more beautiful
than I could ever hope for. Will be a true fav in my wardrobe!

Only one more sleeve and the fronts to knit.
Then, some careful washing to make it softer and blocking
to get all parts shaped and draping beautifully.

And, I found the perfect buttons for my cardigan!
Just keep your fingers crossed their true colour is not too blueish…
Ordered from Esty BeadFreaky >>

And, don’t forget to enter my celebration giveaway >>
One lovely skein of lace weight yarn for one of my lovely readers!

Dear followers

2011-12-19T10:13:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I noticed my blog reached a happy milestone.
Some new followers added and you are now 500 persons following my blog!

I can’t tell you how much you dear readers mean to me,
but to thank you all for visiting and leaving nice comments about my projects,
I thought it a great xmas idea to hold a giveaway.

This is what I will give one of you as a xmas present!
100gr of supersoft babyalpaca/silk lace weight yarn, 800m.
Bought in New Zealand last winter and handdyed by me in a
beautiful vintage soft pink shade.

How to enter?
Easiest way – just leave a happy comment to this post.
Winner will be drawn day before xmas – friday december 23rd.

This giveaway is now closed.

Magic

2011-12-18T12:18:00.001+01:00

Not only do I have in my stash 17 balls of the Stansborough Mythral,
or, as some has been knit up there are now 13 balls left…

… but I also have the lace weight yarn from Stansborough,
the beautiful Mythral Magic!

Two skeins of 2ply lace, each 50gr 450yards (410m).
Soft but with bounce and personality.
Magic is the right name for it!

Mythral Magic comes in six colours; light grey, mid grey, burgundy, red, blue and lime.
As with the Mythral DK, all shades are dyed on the natural grey wool
which makes the yarn vivid and keeps the woolly soul to it.

I know I will dye my grey yarn, but as I have not decided yet
what to make from it, I am not sure what colour it will get.

Read more about the Stansborough yarns,
and where to get it, in my blog post below.

Gorgeous Mythral

2011-12-17T15:26:00.001+01:00

Do you remember I told you about the Mythral yarn?
This gorgeous yarn is spun from wool from the Stansborough grey sheep of which there is
only one flock left in the world, at the Stansborough farm in New Zealand.

“It is a long wool that produces a yarn that is very silky and much more lustrous than the
‘average’ wool yarn that you’re used to. It has beautiful draping qualities,
superior strength, crease-resistance, durability and lustre.
It literally shimmers in the light!

Projects knitted in this yarn are destined to become heirloom pieces – lasting a lifetime,
without going out of shape or looking pilled and rubbed.”

Quotation from: Kiwiyarns Knits >>

Ever since I first heard about this yarn I have been waiting to knit it.
Now, I finally have it on my needles! – and I can from my heart tell you that all that is
said about the Mythral yarn is absolutely true. This yarn is nothing but magic!
It is so soft and shiny, the stitching is bouncy and perfect and
the yarn flows thru my fingers without twining or splitting.
Pure LOVE !!

I am knitting the “Cable luxe tunic” by Lion Brand Yarn >> , but with a few changes
inspired by Kathie77’s “Cable Yoke Cardigan” >> found on Ravelry.

About Stansborough

“Famously known as the maker of fabrics for the Lord of the Rings, Narnia and other
movies filmed in New Zealand, Cheryl and Barry Eldridge own and run Wellington-based
Stansborough. A world-class operation, Stansborough makes fashion fabrics, accessories,
interiors, baby wear, corporate gifts, and now, by popular demand, knitting yarn!

18 years ago, Cheryl and Barry Eldridge discovered a primitive breed of rare grey sheep
used by the Vikings in ancient times. The Goth sheep were highly prized by the Vikings for
making sails for their ships to carry them to new horizons. These were intricately woven in small pieces and joined together. The wool was light and durable, didn’t rot and was strong enough
to hold up against the inclement weather. Cheryl’s love of fibre prompted her to begin
breeding the sheep to bring out the inherent qualities in the fleece that she could see
would be so suitable for woolen fabric production.

By selective breeding, the Eldridges created a unique grey sheep from the original flock,
which they named ‘Stansborough Grey’. It is now a Registered Breed in its own right
with the NZ Sheep Breeders Association. These sheep are the only ones in the world
– producing a truly rare fibre.”

Quotation from: Kiwiyarns Knits >>

Where to get this gorgeous Mythral yarn

I will definitely get more of this yarn when I have the opportunity.
Current stockists are Wellington’s own Holland Road Yarn Company, all 10 Knit World
shops around New Zealand, Fantail Fibres in the US and at Ecoyarns in Australia.
I really hope the Mythral yarn will become available in Scandinavia within soon!

If you want to know more about the yarns or get some for yourself
you can contact Stansborough direct where you can make an online purchase,
or get in contact with lovely Wei Siew at Kiwiyarns >> for more information.

Winning colours

2011-12-17T11:11:00.001+01:00

Our house won the gingerbread house competition.
Thank you for voting for colours!

Den här bloggposten innehåller nötkräm

2011-12-16T22:04:00.001+01:00

Det pågår en tyst katastrof. En katastrof som varje dag dödar 21 000 barn under fem års ålder. De flesta barnen dör av näringsbrist, diarré eller andra sjukdomar. De dör av orsaker som med enkla medel skulle kunna förebyggas. Det som saknas är vaccin, medicin, rent vatten och näringsriktig mat. Saker som UNICEF >> kan leverera. Saker som vi tillsammans kan leverera.

Foto: UNICEF

Den här bloggposten är mitt sätt bidra.
För i och med att jag publicerar den här bloggposten blir inte bara fler uppmärksammade
på den tysta katastrofen utan dessutom innebär det att re:member skänker sex påsar av
den nötkräm som UNICEF använder vid behandling av undernärda barn. Tre påsar nötkräm
om dagen är allt som krävs för att ett barn som lider av undernäring ska kunna överleva.

Har du också en blogg och vill göra något viktigt i jul?
Hämta bloggmaterial här! >>

Tillsammans räddar vi barns liv.

Ps. Vill du köpa fältprodukterna som räddar barns liv, besök UNICEFs gåvoshop.
Du kan välja ett snyggt gåvobevis designat av bland annat Tove Styrke eller
Elsa Billgren att ge bort i julklapp.

Gingerbread house

2011-12-12T21:40:00.001+01:00

Many years ago we used to have a gingerbread house competion with
a friend family of ours. After a few years they resigned..
This year we have a new friend competitor.

Now, as this is a competition – I will not tell you which house is ours
and which is made by our friend… And who should be the proud winner this year
I want you to decide. So, come on voting for house nr1 or house nr2!

House nr1: The Vasilij Cathedral, Moscow Russia

House nr2: Norrvidinge Church, Sweden

You give your vote just by writing a comment.
If you by any chance would guess which house is which – please don’t tell!

Winner will be decided on friday december 16th.

Meringue Shawl

2011-12-11T16:55:00.001+01:00

The Meringue Shawl is finished and the pattern written.
I love all about this shawl – the yarn choice, the colours, the stripes..!

The pattern is available on Ravelry!

Dream big

2011-12-11T09:21:00.001+01:00

Lots of ideas in my head.
Two of them already on the needles and I love the outcome.
Part of a really big project I hope to make come true.

Want to knit more on this one,
but first I have to finish the meringue shawl.

Knitting meringue

2011-12-08T20:41:00.001+01:00

I had some ideas for my “Nuts” shawl which did not turn out as I wanted it to.
Now a bit stuck on that one, I put it aside until I have figured out how to go on.

Started a new one instead – already got it perfect in my head.
Using Drops BabyAlpaca Silk in white and handdyed semisolid pinks.
Looks a bit like candy… or like meringue.

Striped socks

2011-12-05T10:04:00.001+01:00

Dyed another selfstriping sock yarn for myself.
It turned out really nice.

Christmas fair

2011-12-04T18:29:00.001+01:00

Some pictures from the christmas fair today at the local heritage museum.
Yes, it was windy rainy and cold – but lots of people there and some
yarns sold. And they had party tents to keep us dry.
A good day after all.

And I met a lady who is dyeing with plants and mushrooms and
held a workshop at the museum this autumn. How could I miss that?!
Hope they will arrange it next year too.

Rain rain rain

2011-12-03T23:15:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow I’m supposed to be at an outdoor christmas fair.
Weather forecast: Rain rain rain…
Do I want to go? Nope.

Anyway, I’ve got everything I need to bring already packed up,
so let’s cross our fingers the forecast is wrong and I will wake up to
a big happy smiling sun shining thru my windows.

Yarny ipad apps

2011-12-01T22:28:00.001+01:00

A quick review of some yarny ipad apps I like very much.

Lion Brand Yarn
This is a “must-have” app for all knitters and crocheters!
Thousands of free patterns – sign up to mark your fav’s for easy finding later on.
Do not miss the Stitchfinder located under FAQ button – it includes every
possible stitch, pattern and cable you would ever want to knit or crochet,
and also lots of patterns for flowers and motifs!

Yarn U
A great yarn dictionary featuring lots of popular brands.
Info about the yarns, browse pictures and links to free online patterns.

Vogue Knitting
Lots of digital magazines and ebooks for purchase download.
The emags contain tons of beautiful high resolution pictures and great features
such as detail closeups and short videos showing garments from all sides.

SpinKnit
The emag SpinKnit is really worth the money.
Beautiful layout, great pictures, videos, pdf downloads and much more.
Also from Interweave: ColorKnits and ColorWays.

Gudrun Sjödén
Not much of knitting here, but really a source of inspiration!
The lovely winter collection in gorgeous highres pics, preview of the spring 2012
collection and video shots from the autumn fashion show in Stockholm.
Go get this one!

Hurricane

2011-11-27T18:55:00.001+01:00

Although I’m having a lazy and peaceful sunday,
there is really a strong hurricane passing over us right now.
The local Gothenburg newspaper is showing this picture from earlier this afternoon,
taken just a few hundred meters from where I live.

Picture from GP

Lazy sunday

2011-11-27T14:31:00.001+01:00

A lazy sunday.
Doing what I like the most – turning wool into beautiful yarn.

And some knitting.

Dear Santa

2011-11-25T23:24:00.001+01:00

Dear Santa,
I don’t have lots of wishes for xmas, but this would kind of be ok.

Picture from Kiwi Collection

“prettypleasewithsugarontop”

White fluff

2011-11-21T10:05:00.001+01:00

Ran out of yarn and did not want to wait to get the cardigan finished.
Used some Drops Symphony for the last three rows.
White fluff around the neckline.

Knitpro button – a NZ memory.

Colour love

2011-11-20T16:12:00.001+01:00

Today’s dye-session was truly successful.
Sockyarns to be.

Cardigan love

2011-11-19T11:30:00.001+01:00

I love cardigans.
Perfect to wear those cold autumn mornings in the shop.

Knitting with Drops Alpaca Bouclé and Drops Babyalpaca Silk.

Stamps

2011-11-18T21:11:00.001+01:00

New Swedish stamps released yday.
I like!

Short days

2011-11-14T19:13:00.001+01:00

Days are getting shorter and at 5pm when I left from work
and waiting for the bus to take me home, it is now already dark as night.
Christmas decorations lighten up downtown Gothenburg.

Sneak peek

2011-11-13T13:06:00.001+01:00

Working on a new shawl pattern “Nuts”.

Knitting with VickeVira sockyarn “Yoga” >>
The stitching is beautiful and the yarn is sooo soft and cuddly,
just perfect for a warm winter shawl!

Synesthesia

2011-11-08T22:14:00.001+01:00

To me it comes as natural as the taste of strawberries, and equally hard to describe
to someone who never experienced it. Synesthesia, combined sensorial impressions.

Wikipedia says:
”Synesthesia … is a neurologically based condition in which stimulation of one sensory
or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or
cognitive pathway. … In one common form of synesthesia, known as grapheme … letters or numbers are perceived as inherently colored, while in ordinal linguistic personification,
numbers, days of the week and months of the year evoke personalities. In spatial-sequence,
or number form synesthesia, numbers, months of the year, and/or days of the week elicit
precise locations in space, … or may have a (three-dimensional) view of a year as a
map (clockwise or counterclockwise).”

So what does this mean?

To me, all letters and numbers are coloured. They have their individual specific
colours which does not change over time. Also, weekdays and months have their
individual colours. This comes totally naturally to me, and I did not even made
reflections over it until just some years ago. It also seems a bit weird to me that
this is not how all people experience it, in fact quite a few of us do.

How letters and numbers are coloured in “my world”.

How days and months are coloured in “my world”.

Some say synesthesia is connected to a highly estetic sense, and
some say you are more an emotional type of person if you have synesthesia.
I don’t know if this is true – but I do love to have lots of colours around
me, and much of the fun for me in knitting and spinning is the
dyeing process, and the combining of colours.

As I know you are lots of creative, colour-sensing people reading my blog,
I would love to hear your comments about synesthesia.
I bet I am not the only one!

Same but different

2011-11-07T13:35:00.001+01:00

A new pair of christmas socks.
Same but different – the beauty of handspun.

Broken seed

2011-11-07T10:40:00.001+01:00

Knitting the broken seed stitch >> with my handdyed self striping
Jump sock yarn. A pair of socks for myself.

It’s looking really nice indeed.

Sock yarns

2011-11-06T09:25:00.001+01:00

Spinning sock yarns for christmas gifts.
100% bfl wool 3ply.

Angora

2011-11-04T09:20:00.001+01:00

So happy with the mittens for my mum, I made a pair for myself too.
Handdyed and handspun merino/bamboo, picot edge of softest angora.

Milk fibers

2011-10-31T14:41:00.001+01:00

Spinning milk fibers.
Sounds crazy, but it really is made from milk.

If you tried spinning silk and found it slippery, this is even worse!
The fibers need quite a lot of twist to stay together, but on the other hand
if overtwisted they snap break immediatly. It takes 100% concentration
to spin it – but lots of fun and the result is stunning!

Mittens done

2011-10-31T12:36:00.001+01:00

Finished the Lakshmi Mittens today.
They turned out beautifully. I hope my mum will love them.

Still have yarn enough for a pair of wristwarmers.

Hot from the dyepot

2011-10-30T16:39:00.001+01:00

Hot hot hot! – from the dyepot today.
3x150gr bfl to become sock yarns, and 150gr milk fiber dyed in semisolid
turquoise/pacific. Excited to see how the milk fibers spin up!

Put it outside to cool down until I can wash it all and see the true colours.

Lakshmi Mittens

2011-10-29T13:15:00.001+02:00

Using my handspun “Lakshmi” – sari silk and wool for a pair of mittens.
Crochet pattern from Stickfrossa (swedish) >>

A birthday present for my mother.

Christmas socks

2011-10-29T11:37:00.001+02:00

Handdyed and handspun bfl 3ply.

Fortune cookie

2011-10-27T19:59:00.001+02:00

Inspiring

2011-10-26T22:58:00.001+02:00

Inspiring shapes and colours.
Must find out a way to use this in knitting.

1. Polymita jaune, 2. polymita rouge et noir, 3. Papuina pulcherrima,
4. polymita, 5. Polymita picta, 6. Image00101

Deluxe for me

2011-10-24T15:35:00.001+02:00

Stansborough “Mythral”

“Coming from the ‘Stansborough Grey’ sheep (of which there is currently only one flock in the world), this is a long wool that produces a yarn that is very silky and much more lustrous than the ‘average’ wool yarn that you’re used to. It has beautiful draping qualities, superior strength, crease-resistance, durability and lustre. It literally shimmers in the light!”

Have ordered for myself “Mythral” in Kakariki green for a cable cardigan.
Ever since this deluxe yarn was released in June 2011 I have been soo curious
about it, and now sooon I will have it in my hands. Can’t wait!!

Stansborough “Mythral” is grown, processed and spun in New Zealand and
comes in two qualities, 8ply DK and a lambswool “Royal Mythral”.
Just a few – but very very beautiful colours.
More info at Kiwiyarns Knits >>

Do you want some of this luxury too?

Get in contact with lovely Wei Siew >> to find out more!

High twist

2011-10-24T12:36:00.001+02:00

High twist spun and high twist plied.
Someone dear has got warm socks on the Christmas wishlist.

Now it just needs a bit of blocking and shocking
to become softer and stabilized.

Selfstriping

2011-10-22T19:22:00.001+02:00

Selfstriping sock yarn, not dyed but spun.
Navajjo 3ply bfl 103gr 270m – can still go thinner.
Challenging myself.

Sudden love

2011-10-17T13:13:00.001+02:00

Our budgie “Livajs” was a terribly lonely budgie, never learnt to fly and
did not at all want to explore our home or try other food than seeds… Poor him.
In May when Sofia moved back home she got a girlfriend for “Livajs” – a beautiful
turquoise blue girly budgie whom she named “Chanel”.

Livajs did not really like the new company of the little girl. And Chanel
did not really like the grumpy, boring old geezer she had to spend her days with.

Time went by. The two budgies fighting almost every day.
After a couple of months we noticed a small change in Livaj’s behaviour,
he began tasting new food and was climbing around the cage a lot more and
actually sometimes played with their toys a bit. But – they were still not friends.

Until yesterday when obviousely the two budgies suddenly fell in
LOVE

Just knitting

2011-10-16T16:57:00.001+02:00

Three days off from work. Nice.
Doing not much but spending the days in my favourite chair - knitting.

Self-striping

2011-10-15T13:34:00.001+02:00

If sis can do it – I can do it.

Cast on

2011-10-15T12:02:00.001+02:00

Cast on for a new project found in the fall 2011 issue of Vogue Knitting >>
a beautiful colorwork vest with a zipper. I like.

Black&white are not really the colours in my wardrobe. Instead I picked
three different shades of soft pinks of the Drops Alpaca.

Cubics

2011-10-07T19:33:00.001+02:00

We have been waiting since early this summer for the new
Rosewood Cubics needles to arrive to the yarn shop where I work >>
Today, the box from Knitpro was finally delivered.

Square needles… sounds weird to me, but as people who
tried them love them soo much, I sure had to give them a try.

The size in mm is measured diagonally, and
as the circuit of a 4mm square needle is less than the circuit of
a 4mm round needle you need to use larger needles to get the same gauge.

I decided to cast on for a "Andrea’s shawl” by Kirsten Kapur >>
Picked the yarn “Drops Delight” for which I usually use needles 4mm.
Gave it a try with cubics 5mm, but it became too loose so I changed to 4,5mm instead.

Now, what do I think about the cubics?
Well, I only used them for a short time… but cannot say I find them
much different from the round needles. Maybe they are a little bit easier to hold, and
I noticed I don’t tend to turn the needles in my hands as I usually do with round ones.
It is not a knitting revolution to me, but I like them.

A bit stupid

2011-10-04T19:50:00.001+02:00

A bit stupid of me to promote my sisters handdyed sockyarns
when I just recently introduced my own… but I just HAVE to share this with you!

She makes the most amazing selfstriping yarn in gorgeous colours!
Knitting socks with this happy yarn is nothing but great fun!
Now I must learn how to do this…

Want a skein of your own?

Happy go Knitty >>

Jump socks

2011-10-03T12:49:00.001+02:00

Soft, warm and cozy. Socks to love!

Knitted with VickeVira handdyed sock yarn Jump!
Available here >>

Something new

2011-10-02T17:49:00.001+02:00

Finished the luxury yarns shawl today.
It is really large and warm and very beautiful.

Now I can cast on for something new.

Yummy yarns!

2011-09-28T09:28:00.001+02:00

Lots of yummy skeins of VickeVira Yoga.
Will be listed on Etsy tonight.

Luxury yarns

2011-09-25T17:24:00.001+02:00

A bouquet of luxury yarns.
Luxury shawl to be.

Baby Alpaca & Silk. Handdyed and handspun – navajjo plied.

Merino & Silk. Handdyed, drumcarded and handspun – navajjo plied.

BFL & Silk. Handdyed and handspun – navajjo plied.

Merino & Silk. Handdyed and handspun – single thread.

550m 100% mohair – won in a yarn lottery.

From WIP to FO

2011-09-25T14:03:00.001+02:00

Rivendell Smoke Ring.
Knitted with Ella Rae Lace Merino.

Combo cardigan

2011-09-24T18:37:00.001+02:00

Knitted with one thread Drops Alpaca and
one thread handspun merino/silk Ashford Poppyseeds.

Jump & Bounce

2011-09-18T17:12:00.001+02:00

More sock yarns now available in my Etsy shop!

VickeVira Jump!
100% high twist superwash bfl wool
Colours: Amore, Fuchsia, Herb Garden, Mountain Poppy and Zinnia.

VickeVira Bounce!
100% high twist organic merino wool
Colours: Fuchsia, Mauve, Mustard, Pacific and Rhubarb.

Etsy VickeVira >>

VickeVira sock yarns

2011-09-18T11:48:00.001+02:00

I am happy to announce that I am now introducing
VickeVira handdyed sock yarns!

Three different yarns will be available:

VickeVira Yoga – supersoft 70% bfl wool 30% nylon – superwash
VickeVira Jump! – high twist 100% bfl wool – superwash
Vickevira Bounce! – high twist 100% organic merino – superwash

The yarns are all of fingering weight, suitable for needles 2,5 – 4 mm.
They are perfect not only for sock knitting, but also for shawls, neckwarmers,
wristwarmers, mittens and any other knitted accessories.

All three yarns will be registered on Ravelry as soon as they are listed on Etsy.

Already up are two colours of the VickeVira Yoga, Mustard and Sage.

Much more is coming up sooooon!

Etsy VickeVira >>

WWSPD

2011-09-17T18:10:00.001+02:00

World Wide Spin in Public Day.
Pictures from today’s event at downtown Gothenburg.
Big hugs to all my lovely spinning friends for making it a great day!

Found this pic of myself at The Willow Fairy blog >>
(Hope you don’t mind I borrowed it)

Rivendell Smoke Ring

2011-09-13T19:50:00.001+02:00

Ella Rae Lace Merino.

Neckwarmer on the needles. “Rivendell Smoke Ring” by Susan Pandorf.
Pattern here >>

Will be a nice accessorie to my LOTR “Lothlorien Cape”.

Sock yarns

2011-09-11T15:26:00.001+02:00

My dearest super talented indie-dyer sister Happy-go-Knitty >>
have recently decided to add sock yarns to her handdyed yarns. Great idea!

Got so inspired I test dyed some myself today, and they turned out so super yummy
I could not resist to order more yarns to dye. 1 kilo of 4ply bfl, 1 kilo of 4ply organic merino
and 1 kilo of icelandic single thread shawl yarn are now on their way to my dyepots!

New yarns

2011-09-09T20:11:00.001+02:00

Happy stripes – handspun bfl single thread shawl yarn 107gr 422m

Changing weather – handspun bfl single thread shawl yarn 106gr 371m

Herb garden – handspun bfl single thread shawl yarn 105gr 414m

Will be listed on Etsy when blocked and winded.
… or give me a note …

Mushroom dye

2011-09-07T20:00:00.001+02:00

Yarn dyed with mushrooms.
Must learn how to do this… Book ordered.

Lystickan >>

Sunrise

2011-09-05T14:57:00.001+02:00

Sunrise – handspun bfl single thread shawl yarn 127gr 435m

~~On Etsy when blocked, or give me a note.~~
sold

Day off spinning

2011-09-05T11:14:00.001+02:00

Today is day off from work, the sky is all grey and rain is pouring down.
Perfect for spending the day by the spinning wheel.

Got some spinning done yday too.

Blue Ocean – single thread bfl shawl yarn 127gr 425m

~~Spicy Amore – single thread bfl shawl 105gr 371m~~
sold

Will be listed on Etsy when washed, dried and winded.
As always, give me a note for a reserved listing.

New yarns

2011-09-04T17:08:00.001+02:00

New shawl yarns listed today in my Etsy shop.

Amore – bfl single thread 122gr 434m
Forgetmenot – bfl single thread 105gr 344m

Etsy VickeVira >>

Wool dyeing

2011-09-04T16:23:00.001+02:00

Warm and windy late summer day.
Perfect for some wool dyeing and hanging outside to dry.

Rosewood

2011-09-03T13:21:00.001+02:00

Dyeing and spinning for a custom order of 600gr shawl yarns
to be shipped to our neighbour country of Norway!

“Rosewood” handdyed and handspun bfl shawl yarn.
104gr / 418 m

Do redo

2011-08-27T19:50:00.001+02:00

Thanks for the tips about the “Annukka socks” errata!
After finding it, I frogged the socks and started all over again.
Now it looks a lot better!

Spun yesterday a new gradient shawl yarn “Mushrooms”.

Will be listed in my Etsy shop VickeVira when blocked.
Or, as usually, give me a note if you want to make a reserved listing.

LOTR Cape

2011-08-26T20:03:00.001+02:00

Finished my LOTR “Lothlorien cape” yesterday.

As it is still summery hot outside, it is far too warm to wear now,
but for cooler autumn mornings it will be great.

Going downunder!

2011-08-24T20:52:00.001+02:00

Australia 2012 – Knit a rainforest or a reef with
Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton >> and Jane Thornley >>

Looks a wee bit gorgeous…? – or a lot!!
I thought so, and looking forward to meeting wonderful creative knitty people,
and having a lifetime adventurous experience in a true beautiful country.

I have signed up – hope you will too!!

More info and registrastion at Jane Thornley website >>

Day off dyeing

2011-08-22T14:04:00.001+02:00

Got myself ready this morning and went to the busstop to go to work.
Picked up my calendar and realized I’m off today!

Still knitting my “Lothlorien cape” and took a break
to dive into the dyepots. Love it!

New knits

2011-08-19T18:20:00.001+02:00

Love knitting the “Galadriels mirror” shawl, and decided to start also another project
from the Lord of the Ring’s series by Susan Pandorf; “Lothlorien cape” >>

And, as both of these require complete concentrated pattern reading,
I needed also a project to carry with me on the bus to and from work every day.

The four new autumn collection catalogues arrived to the shop yesterday.
Liked this “Pippi cowl” very much. The pattern is a traditional fisherman’s sweater
from the island of Gotland, Sweden. As Pippi Longstocking wore such a sweater in the
movies, they are usually known as the Pippi sweaters. Traditionally and most popular
they are knitted in wool or cotton, offwhite with marine blue and red stripes.
I wanted to be a bit more personal.

Choose the Drops Alpaca Bouclé, a gorgeous soft and beautiful yarn, and
picked the colours turquoise, offwhite and darker pink.
This will be absolutely lovely for the winter!

Pattern here >>

Annukka socks

2011-08-15T21:19:00.001+02:00

A few weeks ago I spun some merino/bamboo 3ply to use for a pair
of Annukka socks… then I sold the white yarn to a friend for knitting mittens.
So, instead I order some gorgeous and expensive handdyed sock yarn
from Evermore Studios on Etsy >> and although I crossed my fingers really really
hard my yarn got caught in the customs and I had to pay tax and vat and
the beautiful yarn became the most expensive yarn I ever bought…

Anyway I was really happy for the yarn, and picked up the
pattern for the Annukka socks, and started knitting the cable cuffs…
… but already after a few rows I was stuck…

Compare these cuffs with the cable chart below.

Do you see? The socks in the picture have cables crossing over the center
of the cuffs, but there is no crossing over the center in the chart!
I tried several ways to do it, but could not make it look at all like the cuffs in
the picture. So I sent a message to the designer on Ravelry, but as I have so far
got no reply… I decided to make a design of my own for the cuffs.

Bad luck with the cost of the yarn, and with the pattern.
Still, I will knit myself a beautiful pair of socks.

Noro star

2011-08-11T13:14:00.001+02:00

Yeeha! Another UFO is now a proud FO!
Today I finished the 840m Noro sekku star shawl – and I love it!

Now I will continue with my “Galadriels Mirror”.
And… new projects growing in my mind… turquoise, hot pink…

Growing

2011-08-10T16:01:00.001+02:00

My “Galadriels mirror” is growing.
I learned a few new stitches, and it is such fun to knit I cannot put my needles aside.

Oops…

2011-08-09T20:42:00.001+02:00

Yupp, I know I did decide not to start new projects until I have
finished some of the UFO’s in my yarn basket.

But, I did actually finish the “scrapyarns-but-not”-socks >>
so I could start knitting the “Lily of the valley” shawl >>

And now today… I just realized I have in my stash…

… this big ball of Kauni effect yarn that I won at a yarn lottery lately…

… and …

… for a long time this amazing shawl “Galadriels mirror” >>
has been in my Ravelry queue. Now, as I did in fact finish my mystery shawl
(no pics yet as it is still supposed to be a mystery to those knitting it) …

… I allowed myself to purchase the pattern and start knitting.
Quite a complicated pattern, but I see it as a good challenge for myself.

New yarns

2011-08-09T15:37:00.001+02:00

“Just pink” – single thread bfl wool shawl yarn 109gr 437m

“Maple leaves” – single thread bfl wool shawl yarn 114gr 390m

Soon on Etsy or give me a note for a reserved listing.
Shawl yarns are USD35 each + shipping.

Mystery shawl kal part4

2011-08-09T13:06:00.001+02:00

A couple of days ago I wrote that I might update the pattern for you
maybe once a week… But, there are many of you who have been knitting this shawl
much quicker than I expected. I take it as a compliment though, thinking you like
knitting this pattern so much you do not want to put your needles and yarns aside…
I hope I am right in this!!

Anyway.
The last part of the pattern is now uploaded and available
for download on Ravelry >> or pick it up here >>

The pattern will stay available as a free download pattern, but without pictures
to keep it a mystery for those who would like to start knitting the shawl later on.

Love to see so many in this KAL!
MiA

Mystery shawl kal part3

2011-08-08T19:59:00.001+02:00

You are a bunch of quick knitters!

Part3 of the mystery shawl pattern is now available
as Ravelry download >> or pick it up here >>

Happy knitting!

Piibelehtkiri

2011-08-08T18:02:00.001+02:00

Some months ago I spun some single thread white shetland yarn
and started knitting this beautiful Maikell shawl…

… soon ran out of yarn – and of wool – and frogged it.

Couldn’t let go of those Lilies of the valley…

Ordered som lovely shetland supreme lace yarn from Jamieson&Smith >>
Equipped myself with a circular Addi Lace needle and…

… again started knitting an Estonian Piibelehtkiri (Lily of the valley) shawl.

This time designing the shawl myself.
First is the pattern for the rectangular center piece.

Later on I will choose one of the delicate edge laces.
I guess have some months of white knitting in front of me.

Now, to something completely different…
My dearest Happy-go-knitty >> sister downunder, sent me a short note
on Facebook this morning pointing me to this great NZ blog and to scroll down a bit…

Oh my..!!
It is a magnificent review of New Zealand indie yarn dyers.
Such lovely words about my super talented sister who dyes heavenly yarns,
… and being non-kiwi and mostly using non-NZ yarns I am also
mentioned in the review as “the amazing MiA”!
*Blushing surprised and proud*

Thank you!!

Read the full review over at KiwiYarns Blog >>