a compliment...

My son and daughter were telling how low-maintenance they are, and that they don't cost me much, because they don't wear designer clothes... But of course, added my 18year old son, it would add up if you counted the value of all those uniqe, handknitted socks I have. And he continued about how much he loves those socks, warm in winter and surprisingly cool in summer... How could I deny him these pleasures ? All it takes is a stash-dive, and some mindless knitting evenings in front of the TV (lots of political debates with elections coming up here in Belgium). Those socks may look boring, but it feels good to know they are appreciated....

specifications :
yarns used :
the black/white speckled one is one skein of Regia (my LYS), and toes and heels in a left-over bit of Meilenweit tweed (bought in Berlin in 2006).
the brown and grey speckled yarn is Annell super extra. It's a Belgian brand of sock yarn I use regularly, because it is cheap, hard-wearing and comes in a lot of colors (variegated too). I bought this ball in a very small yarn shop in the centre of Brussels. It used to be kept open by an older, knowleadgable lady. She retired, and a young, less knowleadgable lady took over. The shop was reduced to half it's size, and the choice of yarns was limited. The last time I went to Brussels, I noticed the shop doesn't exist any longer.
I have used some brown knitpicks 'essential' sock yarn for the heels and toes, a gift from Jane in Texas
pattern :
my own basic sock recipe. I knit a cuff for 15 rows, a leg part for 30 rows, knit a standard Dutch heel and finish of with a star toe. Usually I don't bother grafting the toe, I just knit until 8 stitches left and draw yarn through all stitches. I have heard referr to this as a 'cats arse' finishing. I wish I remember where I heard that one, but haven't told my son yet !

SP 10 questions

I am participating in the SP10 swap, and our host Bobbi asked us to answer some questions about traveling and knitting.

1) What do you pack to knit?

On a short trip I always pack something mindless, mostly socks. On a longer trip, I would pack socks and something more complicated, but still light-weight. Lace qualifies for this. In the summer 2005 I spent 2 weeks in Stockholm, and I knitted the Mystery Stole 1. Last summer, we went camping in the south of France, and I knitted Mystery Stole 2 - with yarn I bought in Stockholm the summer before that. When I was in France, I had to find an internet access to download the next clue of the Mystery stole. There was this teenager at the campsite that helped me download and print the pattern. I have never really explained what I was printing exactly. Just told him it was 'très important'.

(you can still buy the Mystery Stoles patterns from Melanie at www.pinklemontwist.blogspot.com)

2) What do you hope to shop for?

I would have said 'sock yarn' before. It makes a nice souvenir, and you don't have to buy lots. And in a next face I would have said 'lace yarn', something that is very hard to get here locally. But the thing is, I am not sure that I am a true lace knitter. Now I would say 'something unique' - and by that I mean 'something I cannot get in Belgium'. I love yarns from local spinners, or something really luxurious, like one ball of cashmere or silk.

3) Assume that you will be gone for ten days to someplace "foreign" that is known for having great knitting locations. (Bonus: Where would you go on a "knitting holiday"?)

I guess I have already answered that in my previous post : Scandinavia ! There are so many knitting traditions there, and knitting is still very much alive. I am looking forward to my trip this summer, where I will visit all Scandinavian capitals. You can read more about it at www.craftcruises.com. Tips for meeting up with local knitters, or good yarn shopping are still welcome !

test

this is a test, to see if my 'comments' mode works again

knitting in scandinavia

This is a test - somehow my 'post comments' mode is not functioning. I am not sure tough, because what I see is the 'editing mode'.
So I am writing a short post today, to see tomorrow on a different computer if it's possible to comment.
I am taking a trip to Scandinavia this summer. I will be in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Aarhus, Talinn and St-Petersburg.
I visited Stockholm before, but am looking to find more about opportunities to meet up with knitters in these cities. When I was in Stockholm, I met some knitters at the STHML knitting café (see my september 06 entries). I loved sharing tips about yarn shopping with local knitters. Any hints for the other Scandinvian capitals ? Blogs from knitters in these cities ?
Just let me know ! (if you can't comment, you can send me a mail)
I will write in more detail about the upcoming trip soon !

Even testen : blijkbaar werkt mijn 'commentaar' functie niet op de blog. Ik weet het niet 100%, want ik zie alles in editeermodus. Dus schrijf ik nu een kort stukje, en kan ik morgen op een andere computer checken of commentaar mogelijk is. Deze zomer doe ik een reis langs de Scandinavische hoofdsteden. Ik zal in Kopenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Aarhus, Talinn en St-Petersburg komen. Ik was al eens in Stockholm, en daar bezocht ik het breicafé van de STHML-knitters. Ik vond het heel leuk om met plaatselijke breisters tips uit te wisselen om op shopping toer te gaan. Iemand tips om plaatselijke mensen te ontmoeten in deze steden ? Of kent iemand blogs van plaatselijke breisters ? Laat maar horen ! als het niet via commentaar kan, dan misschien een mailtje ? Ik schrijf nog wel meer over deze reis binnenkort!

knitters treat exchange

Good news ! My knitters treat package arrived, and I am absolutely loving everything. Lots of thought went into assembling this package. Wendee in Seatle has really spoiled me.

In it was :
- a skein of alpaca-silk blend, together with a pattern to knit a lavender sachet and of course, some lavender.
- a skein of Mountain colors Goat in the 'ruby river' colorway (will make a nice hat !)
- stitch markers, made by Wendee
- chocolates in a little box, and a bar of dark chocolate (with the strange but tasty combination of 'french breadcrumbs'
- a recipy for a yoghurt cake with citrus glazing (went out to do the groceries today, and made sure to put everything I need on my shopping list)
Not in the picture - a bottle of soap liquid, and a magazine (blueprint - Martha Stewart group)

Wendee carefully attached little notes on everything, with a word about the object and why she had selected that one.

I must say that this package has opened my eyes on US retail. I always imagine the US as big chain stores, not much in the way of individual, personal retail shops (can't express this exactly, I hope you know what I mean).
Of course, I have only been once to the US, and that was in Kentucky. We used to do home exchange for holidays, and we went were they wanted us (Belgium is not really big on the list of desirable holiday destinations). In Lexington, KY, it was just too hot to go outside much. We visited the mall, and drove around a bit. The people were very nice, but as I didn't like the climate, it was not a great holiday. On top of that, my DH broke his wrist. I want to visit the states again one time, but DH is not much in favor of it. And then, I would like to visit more northern states. Anyhow, it won't be the next years, because our kids will start their universitary studies, and that will cut in the budget.

The chocolate was divine (emphasis on was). DD and I shared it together. Now we live in a country with very good chocolate, and this one could compare with Belgian chocolate. Dark and lots of flavor, without being overly sweet.

This was really a treat exchange ! thanks again Wendee

And I am glad to say that the package I sent to Sarah, was equally received enthousiastically. It's a nice feeling to spoil somebody, and to be spoiled. That's what these exchanges are all about for me. I know it doesn't always end up this good, and I feel double lucky to have such nice exchange partners

back on-line

This blog has been very quiet - the computer died. It left us for repairs, and it took 10 days to return ... They had to replace the grafic card, but as it was still under garanty - so no costs involved (fortunately).
I won't write much, just catch up with some pictures ...

I received a first package from my SP10 - sock yarn, tea, a candle and candy. Thanks SP !
No sign of my knitters treat exchange package yet, but she left me a message, so I know it's on it's way.



I have been swatching with the Bergère de France yarns. I didn't like knitting with the green and white linen-acrylic blend, so that one is out.

Then I swatched with some Phildar bambou that I bought on my trip to the seaside. I swatched for the 'ruffled surplice' - Interweave spring 07 issue. Beautifull yarn, nice pattern. BUT - I would have to buy a lot extra to knit this cardigan.
I really was in the mood for summer knitting, but would like to use up some stash. May has been an expensive month untill now, with a sister marrying and other stuff.
I'll dig out some more stash yarn, and see what I can make with that.
So, I really am between projects now.

I tried finding a good way to finish the lizard ridge - crocheting it together makes a rather lumpy finish. I'll have to undo that. I hate finishing. I knit a lot in the couch, watching (or listening) to the TV. To sew up an afghan, I need a lot of space, and the right mindset.
So - to sum it up : I swatched - no result yet. I tried to finish the afghan - I'll have to restart that. Deeply in need of some tangible results, I knitted socks.

I finished 2 pairs for DS - these are black and whites, knitted with leftovers of Lang 'jawoll', and Schoeller stahl 'sockina'. He likes short cuffs, so I always have leftovers. I also finished grumperina's 'Roza's socks' (no picture yet), started another pair for DS, and started 'spiral boot socks' - Interweave summer 07 issue. More pictures to come!

looking for the perfect summer knitting

I received a nice package from my SP10, with some sock yarn, tea and candy. And my knitters treat exchange partner anounced a package is on it's way too ! I feel spoiled.

The computer died, that is, I can only start it in 'safe mode' - so no pictures to show.

Ik ontving een pakje van mijn SP10, met een bolletje sokkenwol, thee en snoep. Ik dacht al dat ze in Duitsland woonde, en mijn voorgevoel bleek juist. En mijn KTE partner heeft ook aangekondigd dat er iets onderweg is. Jammer genoeg kan ik geen foto's laten zien, wegens computerproblemen.

I am in between projects so to speak. I still need to sew up and finish the Lizard ridge afghan, but the weather has been too nice to work on a big woolen project. And my HF 'ballerina' sweater becomes to big and warm to work on with this weather also.

I am longing to knit something summery. It's unseasonably warm for April, but still a bit chilly in the morning. A nice lace cardigan in a neutral color would come in handy. So I went to my Bergère de France yarn store, and selected 3 possible projects. I bought a ball of each yarn, and decided to do some swatching.

Ik zit zo'n beetje tussen projecten in. 't Is veel te warm om aan mijn wollen projecten te werken (de lizard rigde deken en Hanne Falkenbergs Ballerina).

Ik heb zo'n zin in zomerbreien. 't Is wel warm, maar 's morgens kan het nog wel frisjes zijn. Een mooi ajour vestje in een neutrale kleur is juist wat ik nodig heb. Ik ging naar mijn BdF winkel, en selecteerde 3 mogelijke projecten. Ik kocht een bolletje van elk soort garen, en besloot een paar proeflapjes te breien.

One is called 'gilet à nouer' (knotted cardigan ?). It's knitted in a yarn called 'Flammé Lin', a linen/acrylic/cotton blend. The cardigan is finished of with a crochet scalloped border (I love a little bit of crochet). So this seemed just the ticket. I started swatching, and became confused about the lace part really fast. The nature of the yarn makes it difficult to 'read' my knitting. The yarn consists of a strand of thick and thin fiber, sometimes really loosely spun (acrylic? cotton ?). There is another strand of shiny stuff, sometimes hard strawlike fiber pokes out (maybe the linen part of the yarn). I didn't like knitting much with this yarn, so I decided this would not be my favorite summer knit. I gave up. I did try to swatch the lace pattern in some cotton I had in my stash, and that worked well (I could read the lace). Unfortunately, I don't have enough of this cotton.

Deze noemt 'geknoopt vestje' (geen fantasievolle namen bij BdF!). Gebreid in 'Flammé Lin', een linnen/acrylic/katoen mengeling. Onderaan is er een gehaakte boord. Ik hou wel van een beetje haakwerk, dus dit leek me een leuk project. Ik begon met een proeflapje, en raakte al gauw verstrikt in het ajourpatroon. Deze kwaliteit laat niet goed toe om mijn werk te lezen, ik zie niet echt waar ik mee bezig ben. Frustrerend ! Het garen bestaat uit een matte dun-dikke draad (acrylic of katoen ?), die ook nog heel los gesponnen is. Daarnaast is er nog een blinkende draad, waar harde, stro-achtige deeltjes uitsteken (linnen?). Aangezien ik niet echt genoot van het breien met deze draad, gaf ik het maar op. Dit wordt niet mijn favoriet zomerbreien.

Daarna heb ik het ajourpatroon nog in een gladde katoen geprobeerd, en dat werkte wel goed. Jammer genoeg heb ik er niet genoeg van in voorraad (en geen mogelijkheid om bij te bestellen). Ik laat nog wel een foto's zien van mijn proeflapjes als de computer weer in orde is.

I still have 2 more yarns to try out - BdF 'Esterelle' to knit this :

not really a cardigan, I know

Ik heb ook nog BdF 'Esterelle' gekocht, voor dit leuke truitje dat eigenlijk niet voldoet aan de criteria (geen vestje om ergens over aan te trekken 's morgens).

and BdF 'Aquarelle' to knit this :

Also called 'gilet à nouer'. Aquarelle is a cotton/acrylic ribbon tape. Not sure if I will like knitting with it, but they had this sweater as a shop sample, and it looked good on me. I took the pattern at hand, and was immediately discouraged. It involves very complicated crossed stitches (digging down in your knitting 2 rows below). Or maybe it's just the way the BdF patterns are written.

Dit is een katoen/acrylic lintje. Ik weet niet zeker of ik het leuk vind om een lintje te breien, maar ze hadden dit vestje in de winkel. Ik heb het aangepast, en 't is een heel mooi model. Maar toen ik het patroon bekeek zonk de moed me helemaal in de schoenen. Er komen 'gekruiste steken' aan te pas, die je moet maken door 2 rijen naar beneden een steek op te halen en die te kruisen. Het ziet er heel ingewikkeld uit, of misschien is het gewoon de manier waarop BdF patronen schrijft.

So far for summer knitting. My DS needs new socks, and that's what I knitted the past few days. Black socks in European size 46. Mindless knitting, but I have something finished.

Dat was het dus wat betreft zomers breien. Zoonlief had dringend nieuwe sokken nodig, en die heb ik dus gebreid de vorige dagen. Zwarte sokken in maat 46.

lizard ridge square before ironing


lizard ridge square after ironing


I have been ironing the lizard ridge squares. I know the pattern says 'steam blocking', but I really pressed and pushed with my iron to get the fabric very flat. Not what I normally would do with my knitting, but it works for this afghan !

Ik heb een paar vierkantjes van de deken gestreken. Het patroon spreekt over 'blokken met stoom', en ik veronderstel dat ze bedoelen 'lichtjes boven het werk wat stoom aflaten'. Ik heb echt geperst en geduwd met mijn strijkijzer om het breiwerk plat te krijgen. Niet iets wat ik normaal gezien zou doen, maar voor deze deken werkt het wel.



And I also visited my LYS. I bought some Lang superwash to do the sewing up, and I chose a beautifull Rowan tweed DK for the border. Of course it is discontinued, I hope I'll have enough (2 more left in the shop). It's a charcoal grey, with little flecks of burgundy and navy. I am thinking about an attached i-cord border. I do have to reread my post before posting another one, I notice I have been blabbering about grey borders the previous 2 entries.

Ik ben even langs geweest bij mijn lokale wolwinkel. Ik kocht Lang thema voor het bijeennaaien, en ik koos een heel mooie Rowan draad voor de boord. Natuurlijk is dit een oud garen dat niet meer in productie is, dus ik hoop dat dit genoeg is. De winkel heeft nog 2 strengetjes op zolder. 't Is een steenkoolgrijs, met vlekjes bordeaux en marine. Heel subtiel. Ik denk nu aan een gebreid koordje als boord. Ik zou beter mijn vorige bijdragen op deze blog eens goed nalezen voor ik een nieuwe schrijf. Ik merk dat ik al een paar keer over grijze boorden aan het praten ben.

lizard ridge lay-out

This is my finished lizard ridge afghan. When I was knitting it, I envisioned an afghan for the men in the house - not super bright, but cheerfull, with washed out, muted tones. It came out a bit brighter then I would have liked - but that's OK. Probably the final result will depend a lot on what kind of border I use. I want a knitted one, not crochet as in the pattern. I am thinking a tweedy grey, in a soft merino. Of course, I don't have a yarn in my stash that fits that description. Maybe some yarn shopping is in order ? I am surprised at how much blue there is in this afghan. I was worried about too much red, but it's OK; even the pink square is not out of place. Maybe a royal blue would work also as a border ? The first task at hand will be assembling the whole thing. The pattern doesn't really tell me how to do this. Any suggestions ?

Dit zijn alle gebreide vierkantjes bijeen. Al breiend zag ik voor mijn ogen een deken voor de mannen in huis. Geen superfelle kleuren, maar wel vrolijk, met afgewassen, gedempte kleuren. Sommige vierkantjes zijn toch wat feller uitgevallen, maar dat is OK. Het eindresultaat zal heel erg afhangen van het soort boord dat er rond komt. Ik wil een gebreide boord, geen gehaakte zoals in het patroon. Ik denk aan een tweed gevlekte grijze wol, liefst in een zachte merinowol. Natuurlijk heb ik niets in mijn voorraadkast zitten dat aan die beschrijving voldoet. Toch nog shoppen ! Ik ben ook verrast over hoeveel blauw in de deken zit. Ik was wat bezorgd over te veel rood, maar dat valt mee. Zelfs het roze is niet te. Misschien kan ik ook een koningsblauwe boord overwegen ? Dat zou er weer heel anders uitzien. Maar eerst moet ik al die vierkantjes aan mekaar naaien. Het patroon zegt niet echt hoe dit moet. Suggesties welkom ! (ook voor de kleur van de boord)

last lizard ridges squares !

These are the 2 last squares, both leftover squares. I have finished knitting 24 squares, and now I have to think about assembly and lay-out of this afghan. And what kind of border should I add ? I preferr a knitted one over the crocheted one in the pattern. In what color ? I wanted a 'manly' afghan, so I am thinking grey. Of course I have not enough suitable grey in my stash ! Decisions, decisions ...

Dit zijn de laatste 2 vierkantjes, alletwee van overschotjes gebreid. Ik heb nu 24 vierkantjes, en nu moet ik nadenken over hoe ik die aan elkaar zet, en in welke volgorde de verschillende vierkantjes komen. En wat voor een boord komt errond ? Ik vind een gebreide boord beter bij de deken passen, geen gehaakte zoals in het patroon. En in welke kleur ? Ik wou een stoere deken voor de mannen in huis, dus ik zou graag een mooie grijze boord breien. Natuurlijk heb ik niet genoeg grijs in mijn voorraadkast. Nog heel wat om mijn hoofd over te breken ...

changing knitting style

My knitters treat exchange pal left a message in the comments that she is really going to spoil me ... I must say that piqued my curiosity !

Ik heb een berichtje gekregen van mijn knitters treat exchange vriendje dat ze me heel erg gaat verwennen. Ik kan niet wachten tot het zover is !

The mailman also brought another surprise. More Kureyon !. This time Emma sent me 2 balls of shade 170, a very nice blend of colors that is at the same time washed out/muted and cheerfull. Thanks again Emma !

Mijn postbode bracht ook een verrassing. Nog 2 bollen Kureyon (kleur 170), van Emma. De kleuren zijn uitgewassen, maar toch vrolijk. Net wat ik zocht. Bedankt Emma !

One of the 2 is already knitted up. Isn't it amazing how surprising the colors are. That's the great thing about knitting with Kureyon, you never know what comes next. And the picture proofs it : I am knitting again.

Jane in Texas suggested to try to change my knitting style. I am a thrower (yarn comes from the right), and for some reason this is called 'english' or 'american' knitting. The pickers (yarn comes from the left) are called 'continental' knitters. That confuses me to no end, because I live on the continent. I know ladies in Germany and Switzerland knit like this. Not sure about the Netherlands and France really. Anyway, for sake of clarity, I will referr to it as 'throwing' or 'picking'. I can knit picking the yarn coming from the left hand (maybe my crochet experience helps with this). Purling is another matter. All my stitches come out twisted. This is not really a problem, providing I knit in the back of the stitch on the next row. But still, it bothers me. I have checked Sally Melvilles 'Purl' book, and tried instructions online, but am still not getting it. Maybe because it is so counter-intuitive picking the yarn instead of throwing ? After all, I have been a thrower for the previous 40 years ! And yes, I can knit again, but still have to be carefull not to overdo it. Instead of knitting one square each evening, I knit one pattern repeat (12 rows). And then I really feel it is time to stop. A whole square would take 4 hours, and that is a bit much. And learning a new knitting style slows me down too, which is a good thing.

En de foto bewijst het : ik ben weer aan het breien geslagen. Jane in Texas stelde voor een andere brei-stijl te proberen. Ik doe het al jaren zoals op school geleerd, ik sla de draad om de naald (draad komt van rechts). Dit wordt 'Engels breien' genoemd. Je kan ook de draad door de lus op de naald halen (draad komt van links). Dit wordt 'continentaal' breien genoemd. Vind ik een verwarrende term, want ik woon toch op het continent ? Ik weet wel dat Duitse en Zwitserse breisters zo breien, maar ben niet zo zeker over hoe het in Nederland en Frankrijk gaat. Iemand die dit kan toelichten ? Ik zal dus maar over 'omslaan' of 'oppikkend' breien spreken (ik ben hier de termen zo'n beetje zelf aan het verzinnen). Dat oppikken van de draad lukt nog wel op de rij waar je rechts breit, maar bij averechts gaat het fout. Al mijn steken zitten dan verdraaid op de naald. Dat moet ik dus nog eens verder uitzoeken. Uiteindelijk is dat niet echt een probleem, in de volgende naald moet je dan gewoon de steek breien door in de achterste lus te steken. Dus het lukt wel, maar 't is nog niet perfect. Ik heb dit opgezocht in het boek 'the purl stitch' van Sally Melville, en ik heb ook online een paar sites bekeken. Het gaat toch wel wat tegen mijn natuur in, dat oppikken van de draad ipv omslaan. Tenslotte doe ik het al 4 jaar op de laatste manier. Ik ben dus weer aan het breien, maar moet toch oppassen om de pols niet snel weer te overbelasten. Dus, ipv 1 vierkantje per avond, brei ik nu een patroontje van een vierkant (12 rijen, en elk vierkant heeft 4 patroonherhalingen). En dan voel ik echt wel dat het tijd is om te stoppen. Een nieuwe breitechniek aanleren vertraagt ook het hele proces, en dat is maar goed ook. Wel jammer dat ik nu niet op automatische piloot kan breien en tegelijk TV kijken.

weekend at the Belgian seaside

I just returned from a long weekend at the Belgian seaside. We had great weather (not warm but very sunny) and I really enjoyed being away. My DH is training to swim/run/bike a triathlon, and basically I was on my own during the day. And knitting was just not possible, because of my wrist problems.

Of course, I had to check out the yarn stores over there, and I found one that was called 'Dominique', - Zeelaan 72, 8660 De Panne. More a general hobby store, but they had a small but nice selection of Katia, Nomotta and Gedifra yarns.

Of course I had to buy some yarns, but I won't show it here. My SP10 already found my blog, and I still want to keep a bit of a surprise to her.

After all that shopping, I had a nice coffee in a place called 'Kommilfoo' - Veurnestraat 83, 8660 De Panne. You can also eat there, and it looked very nice, but I had a next stop planned on my yarn-hunting trip.

Net terug van een lang weekend aan de Belgische kust - mooi weer (wel wat koud), veel volk, echt een vakantiegevoel. Jan is aan het trainen om een triatlon te zwemmen/fietsen/lopen, en overdag moest ik mezelf dus bezighouden. Ik besloot dan maar de wolwinkels onveilig te gaan maken. Ik vond er één in De Panne met de toepasselijke naam 'Dominique'. Meer een hobbywinkel, met een kleine, maar interessante selectie van Katia, Schachenmayer Nomotta en Gedifra garens. Wat ik gekocht heb toon ik hier niet, het moet nog even geheim blijven voor mijn geheime vriendje. Daarna even een koffietje gedronken in een gezellige brasserie. Op naar mijn volgende adresje !

I was close to the French border, and looked up the nearest Phildar shop.

It was in Rosendael, a suburb of Dunkerque. Although it is in France, all the little villages there have Flemish names.This Phildar shop was not big, but the lady was very helpfull, we really had a nice chat. Whoever is interested, I also recommend a visit to the Phildar website, where you can browse all pattern books (first go to 'magasins, and then click 'catalogues'). I love the Phildar patterns. I bought 3 pattern books (all for gifts).

Most Phildar yarns are natural/synthetic blends, so for yarn I want to see them before I buy. Nothing beats touching the actual yarn.I found 3 new summer yarns to try out : Phil bambou, Phil Lin, Phil Thalassa (one bamboo, one linen/viscose blend and one cotton/seacell blend). This shop has weird opening hours (10 to 12, and 14 to 19h), but is also open on sunday morning, when there is a market going on in this village. I had a great afternoon, and would do it again any time !

Omdat ik niet zover van de Franse grens was, besloot ik een Phildar winkel te bezoeken (die zijn er ook wel in België, maar niet waar ik woon). Deze was in Rosendael, een kleine voorstad van Duinkerken. Alle dorpjes daar hebben Vlaamse namen. Dit was niet echt een grote winkel, maar een zeer behulpzame winkelierster (zonder opdringerig te zijn). Ik beveel iedereen aan ook eens een kijkje te nemen op de Phildar website, waar je door alle patronenboeken kan bladeren. Ik heb 3 patronenboeken gekocht als cadeautjes. Veel Phildar garens zijn een mengeling van synthetische en natuurlijke garens, daarom vind ik het echt wel nodig om de bolletjes te voelen, alvorens te kopen. Ik vertrok met 3 bolletjes van nieuwe zomergarens : Phil bambou (100% bamboe), Phil Lin (40% katoen, 15% linen, 45% viscose), en Phil Thalassa (75% katoen, 15% seacell = gemaakt van zeewier !). De openingsuren van de winkel vind je ook op de Phildar website, en de winkelierster vertelde me ook dat er een markt doorgaat op zondagmorgen ! Lijkt me een mooie uitstap. Toen ben ik maar moe en voldaan terug naar Oostende gereden (waar ons hotelletje stond). Ik heb nog wat adressen verzameld, maar dat zal dan voor een ander uitstapje zijn.

dreaming of knitting

Well, resting and icing my hand has helped a bit. I haven't knit for 3 days in a row, and thought I could 'try' again yesterday evening. What I did was knitting during commercial breaks. Never thought I would want commercials to last ... Unfortunately, I am paying the price today. My doctor thinks it is 'de quervain syndrome' . I have a GP that starts by waiting how it goes first. That's what he calls 'conservative treatment'. Not much treatment really, just rely on the healing powers of your own body. Maybe he is right, and is rest the best cure.


Amber also sent me some more leftovers for my lizard ridge afghan. And I sent her some leftovers from my stash. A win-win for the both of us !

no knitting - knitters treat exchange.

Chris was so nice to send me a skein of Kureyon for my Lizard ridge afghan. This is color 164. I tried knitting a few rows, but had to stop. It looks like there will be no knitting in the near future (or very limited knitting). The side of my hand (at the base of the tumb) hurts like hell every time I try to knit. Writing by hand is painfull too, but fortunately I can still type. I have decided to try rest and ice. Maybe it goes away quickly.


I have gone shopping for my SP10 spoilee. She lives in the Netherlands, so I can write to her in Dutch. She wanted to try some natural summer yarns. And opportunity for me to buy cotton, bamboo and bamboo/cotton blends in lime green and turqoise. (sorry, no picture) I hope she likes everything. Altough we live in different countries, I suspect the brands of yarn she can get are mostly the same. So I hope she hasn't tried these out.

I also joined another exchange, namely Knitters treat exchange. Not only is this a nice way to get surprises in the mail, but also an opportunity to get to know other knitters.
Here are my answers to the knitters treat questionnaire :


1. What's your favourite type of yarn?
I like all natural yarns, but I really like anything with a bit of silk in it. I once made a cashmere/silk scarf for my son, but sadly managed to felt it the week after I knitted it.

2. What's your least favourite type of yarn?
100% manmade fibers, and I am allergic to angora. I do believe there is a use for every yarn.

3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop?
Look around, and look out for the sock yarns ! Sometimes I have an idea for a project (say a Clapotis) and ask about fiber suggestions for that particular project. But if they have a nice display of projects, I might get inspired by those too.

4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do?
Spinning looks interesting, but I don't think I would like to build another stash. I like designing a quilt, but don't like all the cutting and sewing ! I also do a bit of crochet, but it has more limited uses then knitting.

5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to?
Interweave knits. I can buy Vogue knitting locally, and buy an issue if I like it. Other magazines are harder to get. There is no real knitting magazine in Dutch, I do like the general craft magazine 'Handwerken zonder grenzen'.

6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting / Crochet / Other Craft / Food / Home / Fashion / Celebrity Gossip / Garden
I like this order of preference ! I am not into gardening at all, and celebrity/gossip is not my kind of thing either.

7. What items do you like to knit / crochet?
the occassional sweater, afghans, socks and smaller objects. I have tried lace knitting, but am still new to that (and lace weight yarn is hard to get here).

8. Are you allergic to anything?
Angora yarn

9. What do you like to* smell of?
(*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of)
Don't know if I understand this correctly, but I like anything citrus-y

10. What's your favourite way to relax?
Knit and have a good glass of wine (but not at the same time!)

11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first?
I would chose the bakery

12. What do you come out with?
Fresh baked bread and croissants ? And if they sell dark chocolate, I would thake that too (any bakery here in Belgium sells chocolate)

13. Where do you go next?
to the library to get a good book, and then to the park to eat the chocolate and start the book

14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal?
I trust she (or he) is probably wise enough

sock experiments

The lizard ridge afghan is on hold now, I am waiting for some more Kureyon to arrive. And the Hanne Falkenberg Ballerina is progressing nicely, but becoming a bit too big to take away with me. Time to start some socks !


What do people do with leftover sock yarn ? I try to use it in combining 2 different sock yarns into a new sock.
I can't say it is succesfull all of the time. This is failure number 1. I tried combining some vintage solid grey yarn with a variegated grey in a slip stitch pattern. It didn't work because there wasn't enough contrast in the colors. And slipping all those stitches on tiny needles was tedious. On top of that, the grey yarn must have been attacked by moths, because it was cut on several places in the skein. I got this in a thrift shop, and was happy with my find then (25 eurocents!). Now I worry that I let insects in my stash. (I hope not !). So I threw this away in disgust.




This is my second attempt - variegated Online supersocke and a leftover Stahl socka wool/cotton blend. The colors don't work together, nor does the weight of the yarns. The wool/cotton is thinner. I will probably frog this.


So what can a girl do then just start another pair of socks, now just a simple pattern in a very nice yarn ? This is 'roza's socks', in Cherry hill tree supersock merino. This pattern is in the latest Interweave knits. A much better picture of this sock can be found on Grumperina's blog. This yarn was for some time in my stash, I was a bit hesitant about the 100% wool content for socks. I am a bit worried that they may wear quickly. But for now, they are a joy to knit !

SP 10 - lizard ridge progess pictures

I am making good progress on my lizard ridge afghan. This is square 1 to 14, but in the meantime I am already knitting square 16. I have another 3 balls of kureyon, I am still waiting for some more in the mail. It looks like I will be 4 to 5 balls short. If anybody wants to trade some Kureyon for something from my stash or LYS, just drop me a comment.


Because I enjoyed SP9 that much, I decided to join Secret Pal 10. I had great upstream and downstream pals, and of course I am hoping for the same this time.
So, here are my answers to the SP10 questionnaire :


1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like everyhting - really. I think there is a place for every yarn. A good acrylic can produce a nice baby garment. But of course, I love knitting with the 'better' yarns. I just know that not everybody appreciates real wool. Me, I looove real wool, especially lace-weight yarns (hard to get here). There is one yarn that I sadly am allergic to, and that is angora.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have old plastic tubes that were designed to store needles. They are but-ugly, but serve their purpose. My circular needles are in a carboard box, that I covered with KF fabric. Nice box, if I do say so. It also has a shelf for smaller things (needles, beads, stitch markers ...)

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned as a child and hated it then. Picked it back up when my children were born. Untill I discovered the internet and the knitlist, I was a beginner. I think I will qualify as intermediate now. To become advanced, you would need to design your own stuff. I almost always start from an existing pattern.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
no

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I like fresh, citrus scents. Nothing to flowery or sweet and heavy.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love chocolate, but living in a country that has a rich tradition makes me a bit sceptical to foreign brands.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
a little bit of crochet, dyeing, occassionaly cross-stitch, patchwork, cooking. I don't want to take up spinning, I am fearing a new stash might evovlve from that !

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I don't have a real preference, but nothing to heavy. I am not into music really. I usually just listen to the radio.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
If I use it for decoration it can be pretty wild. But for clothing I like more subdued colors. So I will like a burgundy, but not a bright red, a mustard, but not a true yellow, olive but not forest green.... I love all browns and greys ! My blog will maybe give you the wrong idea, because I have posted several Kaffe Fassett sweaters there. I have discovered that I love to knit with color, but I don't wear those garments. That's why I have knitted/crocheted blankets recently. For accesoires it can be a bit wilder. I have hot pink scarves that I wear with black outfits.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a husband and 2 teenagers (or young adults) - my DH and DD are allergic to pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I don't wear a hat often, only when it's very, very cold. I love mittens, and have one poncho, and one poncho/shawl thingie.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
socks !

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am finishing up a lizard ridge afghan. I started a Hanne Falkenberg sweater (ballerina). I really should start a pair of socks. My DD wants some, and my DS is going through his pairs very quickly.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
that depends - surprise me

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Again, there is a place for everything. I have learned to knit with a needle in my armpit, so if it's possible I preferr long straight needles. But some projects need to be knit on a circular needle. And I knit all my socks on very short bamboo dpn's, because socks are my travel project.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I don't, and I really think it would be a nice addition to this household. But I am the only one to think so.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I don't think I have one lying around that is older then 3 years, and that one will probably be frogged.


18. What is your favorite holiday?
I am not really a holiday person, but for seasons I like late spring and early autumn best here in my country.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
'only' yarn and knitting books

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I am always interested in new stuff ! I am subscribed to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I have a Danish kit for a scarf in double knitting, and I haven't mastered that one yet. And I have never tried out entrelac. In the lateste Interweave knits (spring 07) there is a gorgeous pair of long socks in a 'woven' entrelac style.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I knit a lot of socks. I wear an European size 39

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
August 25th

I'm knitting again !

Actually, I haven't stopped knitting, but now I am able to blog about it again. I have been packing and unpacking boxes for a whole week, but now everything is back in its place and I can sit in my chair and knit... We had our floors redone (new protective layers), so everything had to go. Gave me the opportunity to do some spring cleaning. I threw away a lot, but no yarn of course ! Actually, I added to my stash. Amber sent me some Kureyon, and I immediately cast on for a lizard ridge afghan square.

Ik ben natuurlijk niet gestopt met breien, maar nu kan ik er weer over bloggen. Ik heb de hele week dozen ingepakt en daarna terug uitgepakt. We hebben nieuwe laklagen op onze kurkvloer laten plaatsen, en dus moest echt alles de kamer uit. Goede timing voor wat lenteschoonmaak. Ik heb veel weggegooid; maar geen wol natuurlijk. De voorraad is zelfs aangegroeid, want Amber heeft me nog wat Kureyon gestuurd. Ik heb onmiddelijk een nieuw vierkantje begonnen voor mijn lizard ridge deken.


This is colorway 52, beautifull blues and bright turquoise.

And this is knitted from leftovers from an unknown colorway. I am gratefull for leftovers. Everything that adds up to finishing this afghan is great.
Deze vierkantjes heb ik gebreid toen alles weer uitgepakt en op zijn plaats stond.

In between the packing/unpacking I knitted along on the Hanne Falkenberg ballerina sweater. Really good inbetween knitting. I finished one front and a sleeve in one week.

Voor op verplaatsing had ik maar één project mee, en dat was de Hanne Falkenberg ballerina. Heel veel breien op dunne naalden (3mm), maar toch een afwisselend patroon dat de aandacht gaande houdt. Perfect dus om me bezig te houden. In één week heb ik een voorkant en een mouw gebreid. Alles wordt aan elkaar gebreid in een stuk.

Found a good home for the jawbreaker cardigan

I am glad that I have found a good home for the cardigan

- I have sent it of to Amber in Scotland. She will send me some Kureyon for
my afghan. Sounds like a perfect trade to me. She gets a warm and cozy
sweater, and I can knit on my afghan. The generosity of knitters is amazing !

Ik heb een goede thuis gevonden voor mijn Jawbreaker vestje. Ik heb het verzonden naar Amber in Schotland, en zij stuurt me een beetje Kureyon voor mijn deken. Een perfecte ruil : zij krijgt een warme wollen/zijde/mohair trui voor het koude klimaat daar, en ik kan verder werken aan mijn lizard ridge. De vrijgevigheid van breisters is verbazingwekkend.

I also received some Kureyon from Lies - it's color 115, warm reds, browns, hot pink and a bit of bottle green.

Ik heb ondertussen ook wat Kureyon gekregen van Lies, in kleur 115 - warme schakeringen van rood, wat bruin, felroze en flessengroen.

I immediately casted on an knitted a square.Until I receive Kureyon from other sources, the lizard ridge afghan is on hold.

Ik heb er onmiddelijk een vierkantje mee gebreid. Totdat ik nog wat Kureyon ontvang van andere breisters, is de deken nu even niet aan de orde.

That's why I started Hanne Falkenbergs Ballerina. As I already explained in a previous post, I have switched colors from other HF kits. So I am knitting this in 'non-official' Ballerina colors, but still with Hanne Falkenberg yarn.

This blog will be quiet for some time. We have a big redoing of the floors in our livingroom. This weekend I'll have to empty the entire room - lots of work ! We'll have to spend 2 nights in a hotel, so I won't be able to blog. I plan to take the Ballerina coat with me - and hope to be knitting in between moving furniture.

Daarom ben ik maar aan Hanne Falkenberg's 'Ballerina' begonnen. Zoals ik al eerder op deze blog vermeldde, heb ik wol van 2 pakketten verwisseld. Ik brei deze Ballerina dus in 'niet-officiële' kleuren, maar wel nog met Hanne Falkenberg wol.

Het zal even stil zijn op deze blog. In onze woonkamer wordt de kurkvloer opgeschuurd en herlakt (4 lagen). Dit weekend moet de volledige kamer leeggehaald worden. We zullen ook 2 nachten in een hotel verblijven, dus dan kan ik niet bloggen. Ik neem als mijn breiproject de Ballerina mee, en hoop er veel vooruitgang mee te maken. Misschien kan ik zelfs nog wat breien tussen het inpakken door...

jawbreaker cardigan disaster

Well, the good thing is that the Jawbreaker cardigan is finished. I went to my LYS to find the perfect button for it. I wanted a very big round one, but instead came home with this oblong shaped one. It was expensive (8€), but I figured I only needed one, and the yarn was 'free' from my stash ...

But then disaster struck. I always, always hand wash my sweaters, and let then spin them in the washer ... I have a new washer, and I must have pushed the wrong button... It has been washed on a short cycle, with 30°c temperature and spun on low agitation, but still : my jawbreaker cardigan shrunk.

I lost 8cms in width, and 4 in lenght. I hasn't felted tough, it is still wearable by the right woman, who sadly is not me any longer. So, I am organizing a cardigan give-away ! Anybody wants a nice short jacket, knitted in a silk/wool/mohair combo ? Finished size = 52 cm width (total circumference = 41inches), total length = 48cm. Closes off-center, asymetrical collar, 3quarter sleeves. I would love to see it go to a good home, and will send it of for free. Just leave a note in the comments.

De jawbreaker cardigan is af. Dat is het goede nieuws. Het slechte nieuws is dat het vestje gekrompen is in de was. Ik moet per ongeluk de verkeerde knop op mijn nieuwe wasmachine hebben ingedrukt, en nu is dit vestje gekrompen - 8cm in de breedte, 4 cm in de lengte. Het is niet helemaal geruineerd, niet vervilt, alleen gekrompen. 't Zou nog altijd heel goed staan op de juiste vrouw, maar dat ben ik dus niet meer. Ik heb ook nog in de plaatselijke winkel de perfecte knoop hiervoor gevonden, een mooie grote ovale knoop van 8€ (de wol was toch 'gratis' uit mijn voorraadkast). Ik wil dit vestje sturen naar om het even wie dit mooi vindt - gebreid in een wol/mohair/zijde mengeling, driekwart mouwen, assymetrische kraag, sluit vooraan met een beetje overslag. Laat maar iets horen in de commentaren !

Kureyon 184

Still working on the lizard ridge afghan. I have several balls of the same colorway, and I was a bit worried that this would yield a monotonous afghan. No need to worry ! This is the same color (kureyon 184), knitted in the same way : alternating knitting from the inside and the outside of the ball . As you can see, these squares look very different. I guess that's what you get with yarns with very long color repeats. And with the yarn that is still on its way, it looks like I will have plenty to finish this afghan.

Ik ben nog altijd vierkantjes aan het breien voor de lizard ridge deken. Ik heb verschillende bollen van de verschillende kleur, en ik was een beetje bezorgd dat dit zou leiden tot een monotone deken. Geen reden tot bezorgdheid ! Dit is dezelfde kleur (kureyon 184), gebreid op dezelfde manier : afwisselend gebreid met een draadje van de binnenkant en de buitenkant van de bol. Zoals je ziet, heel verschillende kleuren in de vierkantjes. Dit krijg je dus als je breit met wol met heel lange kleurveranderingen. En met de wol die nog onderweg is, ziet het ernaar uit dat ik ruim voldoende zal hebben om dit deken te breien.

lizard ridge afghan progress

OK, I am obsessed with knitting this lizard rigde afghan. Forget Jawbreaker, forget Kaffe Fasset quilt. It's not that I can be terribly creative with this afghan. It's just good, simple knitting with very nice yarn. Sometimes that's all I want.

I can finish one square in one evening session of mindless knitting, and still have this great sense of accomplishment.

Ik ben geobsedeerd door de 'lizard rigde' deken. Jawbreaker en de Kaffe Fasset quilt zijn volledig in het vergeethoekje beland. Nochtans is dit deken breien geen toppunt van creativiteit. Het is gewoon, simpel breien met hele mooie wol. Soms is dat alles wat ik nodig heb om tevreden te zijn.

Ik kan één vierkantje breien tijdens een avondlijke breisessie, verstand op nul en heb dan dat grootse gevoel van iets gepresteerd te hebben.

And it is (mostly) knitting from stash. These are the first 4 - starting from the top left : Noro Kureyon 150-51-149 and 184.

En ik brei (haast uitsluitend) uit mijn voorraadkast. Hier zijn de eerste vierkantjes - Noro Kureyon 150-51-149 en 184.

And these are the squares with 2 newly bought skeins : left is Noro Silk Garden 234, right Noro Kureyon 92

Dit zijn 2 vierkantjes met mijn nieuwe aankopen : links Noro Silk Garden 234 , rechts Noro Kureyon 92.

I decided to be frugal, and knitted a square with leftovers.

This one is knitted with Noro Kureyon 51, 149 and 92. Especially n°92 is a colorway that has lots of different colors in it - it goes from red-blue-green to yellow and black (the last 3 were knitted in this square). I plan more of these 'frugal' squares.

Ik besloot zuinig te zijn, en breide een vierkantje met restjes. Deze is gebreid met Noro Kureyon 51, 149 en 92. Vooral 92 is een bolletje met heel veel verschillende kleuren. Het gaat van rood-blauw naar groen-geel-zwart. De laatste 3 kleuren werden gebruikt in dit vierkantje. Er komen nog van die 'zuinige' vierkantjes.

And I am expecting more yarn in a swap from Kerrie and Lies - thanks in advance !

En ik verwacht nog wat wol in een ruil met Kerrie, en van Lies die me 'zomaar' wat wol stuurt. Bedankt !

canopy forest shoulder shawl finished

As I have to work this weekend, I don't have much time to knit (there are still house chores to do). I was convinced I had a suitable yarn for the bind-off for this short shawl, and I finally found it. I used a brown sock yarn, doubled (scheepjeswol invicta). It is a slightly different shade of brown, but it works for me.
And I have been thinking about my lizard ridge afghan. Two people mailed me, and I can probably arrange a swap with them. That means another 3 to 4 balls of Kureyon. I passed my LYS and looked what they had, and walked out with these 2 : kureyon 92 (left) and silk garden in 234 (right).
I want this afghan to be cheerfull, without being too loud. So I am looking for muted/washed out colors in Kureyon.

dikke truien-dag

Today it's 'dikke truien-dag' at work (put on a sweater-day). It's about concern with global warning, and making people aware that it is OK to turn down the heating. Too bad that I have a day of, so I cannot show a sweater to the collegues today !

starting a new afghan ?

I am contemplating knitting the 'Lizard Ridge' afghan in the previous Knitty issue.

I have a bit of Kureyon leftover from other projects, namely 3 skeins of shade 51 (upper right ), 4 skeins of shade 149 (lower right), and 1 skein of shade 150 (upper left). And I received 2 skeins of shade 184 in the secret pal 9 swap (lower left).
The afghan is made up of 24 squares, all knitted in a different color of Kureyon; or in one shade of this multicolor yarn. When I first saw the afghan, I immediately fell in love with it, but at the same time made a note to myself that it would be way too expensive. But these last 2 balls in the swap really made me swoon all over again. I want to knit Lizard Ridge !
On the other hand, I made this firm resolution to knit from stash during the first 6 months of 2007. I have 9 balls of Noro, so I would really need to buy extra's.
My question : has anybody knit this afghan with several blocks in the same color ? I googled and googled, but it looks like everybody used a lot of different colors. I only found one that used the same color throughout the whole afghan. Do you think it is possible to use what I have, and still come out with an attractive afghan ? I could start it, and buy extra Kureyon in the second part of the year (my birthday is in August).
Or, another possibility, mabye some of you have oddballs of Kureyon lying around, and want to swap with me (for Kureyon in one of the shades that I have, or something else atractive from my stash) ?

I started a block yesterday. On the right shade 184, on the left shade 51.It looks like one block doesn't take a whole ball. The pattern uses 21 balls for 24 blocks - does this mean you use leftovers from every ball to knit the last squares ?
Thanks for any input.

The jawbreaker cardigan is on hold - I have to assemble the pieces before I can knit the collar. Assembly is reserved for the weekend (but this weekend I have to work).
And the Kaffe Fassett quilt is on hold also. I need help to get me going, but the hobbyclub was canceled due to the weather. My LYS-owner told me about an informal quilt group she is having once a month. I went, and it was very nice. I have finished designing, and need to start sewing. Not something I am looking forward too.

all the way from Canada...

... came this nice Secret Pal package. I really like the alpaca yarn - it's always interesting to see 'new to me' yarns. And of course, some Kureyon never hurts. Actually, I was considering to knit the 'Lizard ridge' afghan in the previous Knitty. I have 3 colors of Kureyon (leftovers from other projects) in my stash. This one is a nice addition. In the package was also a nice card, a painted box and a tin of mints. The secret pal is Deb, and she suggested using this tin for stitch markers !

jawbreaker cardigan - one sleeve

I knitted a 3/4 sleeve after all. Because I am knitting this from stash, and because the Phildar 'Arome' doesn't list yardage, I am afraid that I might run out of yarn. What I did now was sewing it together provisionally, to check how it looks on me. You probably notice that I used the right side of the stockinette on the sleeve, and the reverse stockinette on the body. I don't think I will keep that feature. Other then that, I rather like how it looks now; it's kind of quirky, but in a good way. The overlapping fronts don't really overlap totally. When I wear it, it falls open, probably because of the onebutton-closure. And maybe the fact that I have a lot to cover on the front has something to do with it also. I now need to knit the second sleeve, and then the collar. The pattern in the magazine uses an asymetrical collar. That will enhance the quirkiness of the garment for sure. The new spring fashion is showing in the shops now, and there are a lot of very short cardigans with big round collars and big buttons. Maybe I will be in fashion for once ?

jawbreaker cardigan - fronts finished

Maybe you have noticed on my blog that I don't knit that many sweaters. I love to knit smaller projects, and my main obsession is knitting with color (Kaffe Fassett really started me knitting).
When I knit a sweater, I make adjustments that I 'think' will work for me. That's why a simple project sometimes can take a long time, because I rework them. I am not tall, but very round (wel endowed ? ample ? ).
I am rather pleased with the jawbreaker cardigan adjustments I have made. Originally the cardigan has slanted (cutaway?) fronts, that close in the middle with one big button. I was worried that those fronts might accentuate the tummy. I made the fronts bigger, knitted one slanted and one straight, so that they overlap. Now the cardigan will close off-center. I still need to find the perfect button for it. I just placed a button there to show you how it will close. I have to make a decision about the sleeves now. In the pattern they are 3/4 sleeves. I think I want long bell sleeves. What do you think ? I am also worried this cardigan will be a tad short. I am not sure what I will wear with it. I like to wear long tunic-lenght t-shirts, sometimes with an A-line top over it. Maybe I'll have to buy new clothes to go with this sweater !

WEDSTRIJDJE
Ik heb besloten een prijsje te geven aan iedereen die reageerde. Er is al een pakketje onderweg naar Anne en Lies. Kan de persoon die anoniem reageerde me even contacteren ?

visually exhausted

I just returned from the Kaffe Fassett workshop today. I decided to use the tulips, and before lunch I was very pleased with the lay-out.



After lunch I wasn't so sure any more.


The workshops ends with KF commenting on everybody's work. He said he would not use the tulips, because they stand out too much. He suggested taking a textile dye pen, and reworking the background of the tulips a bit (polka dots, litlle flecks of color ...). On the other hand, several other ladies in the workshop did like the tulips... I am confused, visually and otherwise exhausted right now. Sorry the picture with Kaffe Fassett in front of the quilts is a bit shaky. Somehow picture taking was just a bit too much today.
I don't feel like finishing this piece at all at the moment. I am a bit discouraged. Probably just fatigue, and maybe a good night sleep will help. Most likely I am not a patchworker at heart. I love playing with the colors, but all the cutting and sewing scares me.
Before I forget : the exhibition in the Modemuseum in Hasselt is very nice. Check it out !