learning

Spinning has been on my mind for a while now. I have been taught to spin in school, but I did find it rather difficult back then. I still have left the yarn I spun then, and now I think it's simply beautiful tough the color choices are a bit strange (white and purple and some blue!?).


But last week I discovered a beautiful, old double-drive spinning wheel from a shed at my husbands family's summer place. It was covered with spider webs and dust and everything, but it had all the needed parts and it seemed fully functional. A little cleaning and oiling, and it worked like a new (well, I do not have any experience on a new spinning wheel, but you get the point).


I did not have any wool suitable for spinning, but found some wool that was planned for felting. It was difficult to spin, but the wheel seemed to work just right. And it was so much fun, even if it was a bit too hard for a beginner like me! So now I must first get the wheel home to me (which my dear mother-in-law kindly promised) and find some proper wool for spinning.

grey

I am one really impatient person. I'm not proud to admit this, but waiting is hard for me. Knitting, generally, has helped me to appreciate the journey, not only the goal. Now I do love to be quiet, calm and slow. But sometimes I can't help it.


Beautiful grey yarn, big needles and only little time were needed for this perfect little tunic/dress. It is a hybrid of inspiration from Black on Black by Black Dog Designs and Jasmine by Kim Hargreaves. It was unbelievably quickly knitted and very rewarding.

Pattern: my own
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool
Needles: 7 mm


Now I might have enough patience for a slower and more time consuming project.

dipped in honey and in salty sea

Warmth, sun and summer are here! We had a beautiful and long day on an tiny enough island today. Rocks, sand and sea wind, swimming and friends. Everything you can wish for. Now we have a bunch of happy and tired people. Since I didn't have my camera with me (which I greatly regret), these sweet little mittens may give you the idea. Somehow they look just like our day today.


Pattern: None but own inspiration
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Fritidsgarn (and several others on the "honey" part).
Needles: 4 mm

These mittens look like they have been quickly dipped in honey. They are super warm and thick. And for once I'm not starting mittens when they should already be in use.

fisherman's pullover

I'm drawn to the sea - sun, salt and water. I'm longing to feel the brisk summer breeze on my face. Even though we live almost by the sea, I still want more. I've been reading The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, once again, and the urge to live on an tiny island is really getting me.


No, we're not moving. I'm directing all that inspiration to my knitting. I have a long list of knits to do, but it started with my Sea Sick Cardigan and here is the second: the Fisherman's Cardigan.

Pattern: my own
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Fritidsgarn
Needles: 5 mm


It's a simple top-down raglan with short rows on the neck. I really love the effect of the garter-panel in front. And the color of the yarn is gorgeous.

whisper (sort of)

I couldn't resist, seeing all those fabulous Whisper Cardigans out there. So I did knit one too. This must be the perfect cardigan for summer, it's so lightweight and easy to wear.


Pattern: Whisper Cardigan by Hannah Fettig
Yarn: Wetterhoff Sivilla
Needles: 4 mm, 3 mm


I love the darkness of this color and the softness and shine of this yarn. My whisper has some mods in it: tighter sleeves in one piece, twisted 1*1 rib and a lot longer (and straighter) bottom-part. Oh, I do love this.

details

It's summer now. No matter where your eyes wander, there's always something to look at. Even more so, since we are on holiday. Lazy days, sun and rain - we have it all. This is a perfect time for details, old and new.


I love the slow life we have this moment, love the fact that we don't have any special plans for this summer. We have time. How great is that!

Seasick Cardigan

I'm so out of season, knitting cardigans in warm wool - but there might be some cold summer evenings coming... So here it is: the Sea Sick Cardigan.


This too has been on needles for a good while, I wanted to study cables and see if they are useful in texture-like fabric. In the end I think it worked well, suits nicely for little boys and is really warm! The texture reminds me of being on boat on a very stormy weather, so I called it the Seasick Cardigan.


Pattern: my own
Yarn: Cascade 220 wool
Needles: 5 mm