swallows return

scandinavian holiday.

This weekend, I was lucky enough to attend a Bohus Stickning workshop by Susanna Hansson put on by the West Coast Knitters' Guild  (of which I'm not a member yet).  Friday evening consisted of a talk given by Susanna on traditional Norwegian knitting - really interesting - also, where I discovered Oleana's beautiful patterned sweaters.  And then Saturday, my last hoorah before life becomes rather chaotic.  I got to sit down all day and knit these wristlets made out of the softest blend of merino and angora.  There was fluff all over my protruding belly, which, now, at 39 weeks is just about beyond what I can fathom (the ice cream truck is playing "Music Box Dancer" outside my window as I write this - happy, sunny day). 

The pattern is the "Blue Shimmer", designed by Anna-Lisa Mannheimer Lunn in 1947.  I am seriously needing a kit from Solveig Gustafsson's website (click on Bohus Stickning to see the sweaters).

After a few hours of knitting, Susanna broke out her collection of sweaters.  Seeing these brilliant handmade garments, most of which were made in the 40's or 50's, was nothing short of amazing - the colourwork, structure and design - ack!

jansdotter fabric.

Waiting for me at my front door today was my box of beautiful Lotta Jansdotter remnants.  Every time I've gone to her site to order these, they've always been sold out so when I saw they were in stock again last week, I ordered right away.  Both sets - small remnant bag totaling 24"x36" and 4 larger linen pieces as well.  Each set comes in a cute screenprinted muslin bag.  The perfect addition to a sunny, breezy autumn day.

white tigers on a paper boat.

Over the last couple weeks, my thoughts have been almost completely occupied by how this baby is going to be born.   I don't exactly have fears per se, but I am concerned that I might develop the same complications that I had last time (namely, pre-eclampsia and all the nastiness that went along with that).  I am gathering the tigers and sending them off on paper boats, down the river from awareness into oblivion.  Deep breaths are my best friends these days and I am trying to rest LOTS.  Luckily, I still get to steal a nap when little O takes his in the middle of the day.  And, the knitting has taken a back seat in order to get at least eight hours at night too.

I am somewhat obsessed at the moment with putting together a Moses basket and have bought some Southdown wool batting, cotton batting and unbleached cotton flannel for the mattress.  I'm also hoping to get a couple slings made.  Bought some super soft bamboo jersey, a cotton french terry and a wool/tencel jersey that I think will do nicely - just a couple seams and zip - they're done!

Well, I always have more words in my head when planning posts but then they sort of just peter out so perhaps more images in the upcoming days.

bridie finished

Pattern: Bridie by Anna Bell available in "KnitKnit" by Sabrina Gschwandtner
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft DK in Mist
Needles: 3.75mm and 4mm
Modifications: Made the sleeves slightly shorter as I like them to just hit the wrist.

The finishing of this sweater took quite a bit longer than anticipated and I deprived myself of needed sleep to complete it.  Alas, I didn't finish on time for a successful Ravelympics project (2 days late) but I'm extremely pleased with it and think this pattern is my all time fave.  The combination of twisted rib and lattice stitch blend so nicely with the asymmetrical opening.  How can you tell I'm such a big fan of Anna Bell's designs?  They're so simple with just the right amount of "design" to make them interesting.  I don't much care for overly designed anything.

September has got me into major nesting mode as there's only 1 more month to go (hopefully) until duffer #2 arrives.  I'd like to get a couple of wee projects in like another Norwegian Baby Cap and Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Leggings and Baby Surprise Jacket, both from "The Opinionated Knitter".  Some lone skeins of Louet Gems Sportweight, Koigu KPPPM and RYC Cashsoft 4 ply will play a role in these pieces - all in gender neutral shades of camel, cream and grey.

I really hope I can keep my posts up - shouldn't be too hard in the first months right?  We'll see about that...