tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21582457248750238892012-01-11T22:20:25.009+02:00crochet, knitting and life in northern finland- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.comBlogger1351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-33741264192304796512009-12-13T18:48:00.004+02:002009-12-13T19:23:33.367+02:00

Getting quite behind the times here...this one was finished in April, dear me! You can see from the snow melting in the background...and there was the whole summer and almost three more months of snow since then!Pattern: Textured Shawl Recipe (more of a set of guidelines rather than detailed instructions)Designer: OrlaneSource: Orlane's Ravelry project notesFinished Measurements: 180cm wide x

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-29189962243826042252009-09-13T10:08:00.002+03:002009-09-13T13:56:23.823+03:00

Here's another project that I finished many moons ago...Pattern: Solid and Reversible Afghan (free free free!)Designer: Jane WierowaSource: Knitlist.comFinished size: approx. 100cm x 190cmNeedles: 4.5mm addi turbosYarn details:Novita 7 Veljestä75% wool, 25% nylon150 grams = 300 metres878 grams used (5.9 balls)I had originally bought this yarn to make the Burridge Lake Aran Afghan, but after

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-28071690370861487412009-09-11T21:49:00.004+03:002009-09-11T22:08:56.582+03:00

Oh dear me...let's not mention how long it has been since I blogged. I can't even blame it on my superbusy summer.Down to business!Check out these two little fellas! They've been keeping my grandmother's hands toasty during the southern hemisphere winter.Apparently she gave them names, but I seem to have forgotten what she called them. Something starting with 'M'...Moritz and ... and ...

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-35113581163101992842009-06-29T01:04:00.002+03:002009-06-29T03:29:48.610+03:00

Here's another piece that I finished ages ago...a cute little yellow dress for my half-sister's daughter. I haven't given it to her yet, for reasons that I shall explain below!Pattern: 76. Neulottu Tytön Liivimekko (Knitted Girl's Dress)Designer: Arja ViitalaSource: Novita Lehti Kesä 2009 (Novita Magazine Summer 2009)Needles: 3.5mmYarn Details:Novita Bambu68% bamboo, 32% cotton50 grams = 135

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-39142578821296461682009-05-31T22:30:00.004+03:002009-05-31T22:57:08.762+03:00

Yep, I admit it - I've been laaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzyyyyyy!No posts for the whole month of May...naughty naughty! But here I am at the last minute, pulling out this vest, which I finished almost three months ago! Dear me.Pattern: Neulottu Salmiakkiruutuinen SlipoveriDesigner: Anne-Maija ImmonenSource: Novita Magazine Spring 2009Needles: 4.5mm and 5.0mm bamboo straightsYarn Details:Novita Rose

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-78515693029596350752009-04-30T00:40:00.007+03:002009-04-30T01:17:47.897+03:00

I've been finding myself repeating some patterns...the Drops Baby Jacket (here and here), several pairs of Endpaper Mittens (here, here, here and here), and now another pinwheel baby blanket.Pattern: Round or Pinwheel Baby BlanketDesigner: Genia PlanckSource: KnitlistFinished Measurements: 110cm diameterNeedles: 6mm dpns, plus circulars in 80cm and 150cm lengthsYarn Details:Debbie Bliss Cotton

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-73141208255746071712009-04-13T16:18:00.002+03:002009-04-13T19:58:47.455+03:00

Another long-ago project that is now getting some air time! Here she is, my VESTISH!Pattern: VestishDesigner: Robin DodgeSource: MetaPostModernKnitting, Spring/Summer 2008Needles: 3.5mm and 3.75mmYarn Details:Hjertegarn Lima100% wool50 grams = 100 metrescolours #211 (darker brown) and #282 (lighter brown)285 grams usedI really like the design of this vest and how the v-neck melts into the straps.

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-36656811187021842102009-03-27T21:51:00.005+02:002009-03-27T22:34:55.437+02:00

Geez, back in October 2008 I started this baby jacket. Worked on it a bit, put it away, worked on it a bit more, let it gather some dust...six months down the line, I was fed up with looking for my 3mm bamboo circulars and finding them attached to a work in progress. I finally decided to bite the bullet and finish all of that garter stitch and reclaim my needles.Pattern: Jacket in AlpacaSource:

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-80816051102594089502009-03-22T12:14:00.003+02:002009-03-22T13:42:20.484+02:00

There's nothing quite like a deadline to motivate the stitches to get moving.I'd had some blue and white self-striping sock yarn for quite a while, with the thought of turning it into knee-high socks. Blue and white are the Finnish national colours, so what better way to celebrate the Finnish National Day than with some self-made Finnish socks?Pattern: Knee-high SocksDesigner: Mary Jo

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-76973171811820816742009-03-13T20:44:00.007+02:002009-03-13T21:33:09.516+02:00

I work with a lady who likes to wear what I call 'indoor scarves'. They're not substantial enough to wear outside in winter, but are a nice accessory for indoors. She has a nice collection and looks great all the time, so I thought I'd steal her idea...here's what I came up with:Stitch Pattern: "Diagonal Lace"Source: Harmony Lace and Eyelet Stitch Guide, page 248Needles: 4mm bamboo straightsYarn

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-5908387577817225652009-02-28T11:16:00.003+02:002009-02-28T12:14:41.616+02:00

A long, long time ago, in a faraway land of high peaks and excellent sausage, Princess Steffi tried to knit a cute little top for herself. But oh my! how she failed. Her tension was way off and her darling little top was fit for a Sumo King.Many years later, Steffi brought out her magic knitting sticks (in a substantially smaller size) and tried her hand again at producing the same top. And lo

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-51996449901596298082009-02-14T18:56:00.004+02:002009-02-14T19:18:54.137+02:00

Yet another long-ago project that is just now finally being given some blog time. I made this for my husband for his birthday in November last year, but finished it a month early. I was so worried about it not turning out okay that I started it with plenty of time, just in case I had to rip back or redo sections. In the end, I needn't have worried, and the whole process lasted about two and a

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-41636813966754392882009-02-05T19:15:00.002+02:002009-02-05T19:54:43.179+02:00

Well, okay, so I'm a bit behind the times with this post, seeing as I finished this project a fortnight before xmas. It's such a useful hat, especially now that it's friggin' freezing here. The Snowflake Tam that I made back in October just doesn't cut it as winter noggin protection.Pattern: Moss Stitch BeretDesigner: Kent TurmanSource: Kent's CraftNeedles: 3.25mm and 4.5mm bamboo dpnsYarn

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-44372181866815620052009-01-21T08:39:00.006+02:002009-01-21T09:36:00.782+02:00

Just before xmas I bought a second-hand jumper for the very tidy sum of €2.50. It appeared to be at least partly hand-made and a small 'tag' of sorts said that the yarn was 100% silk. A long-sleeved, pure silk jumper for €2.50 - what a find!Harvesting the yarn was a process unto itself, and I probably lost about 30 grams of the yarn in the un-knitting, due to accidentaly snipping the ends of rows

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-61957076069243457872008-12-31T14:20:00.003+02:002008-12-31T15:13:21.595+02:00

I suspect that many bloggers are enjoying posting photos of projects made in secret before xmas, and this is my day to reveal to you my xmas knitting.Back in September (geez, that seems like such a long time ago!), I spotted a felted flower hotpad at a friend's place and thought that I could make one of those myself! So I found a pattern online for a flower hand towel and went to work. My

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-69131667195694522462008-12-28T20:39:00.003+02:002008-12-29T21:02:45.110+02:00

Finally! I have something to show you! Much fiddling and editing the colour of the final pictures was required, but in the end I'm almost satisfied with the colours in the pictures...my crummy artificial lights will never live up to the sun's output, unfortunately.Pattern: Chevalier Mittens (Ravelry link)Designer: Mari Muinonen (aka Tikru) (Ravelry link)Source: Made by Myself Needles: 3.75mm

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-87652484720988093002008-12-27T13:56:00.002+02:002008-12-27T14:01:43.906+02:00

So, I'm still suffering from the no-sunlight thing, but there should be a few rays returning our way really soon. Finally! But you know what I just noticed on my side bar - there are only five days left until my yarn diet officially ends!!!Those of you who know me personally know that it hasn't been the strictest diet in the history of the world, but at least it curbed my indulgence greatly. Plus

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-81658678588359786132008-12-09T19:23:00.003+02:002008-12-09T19:37:28.328+02:00

It feels like I've hardly produced ANYTHING for the past month - in terms of knitted or crocheted goods. Well, I definitely have been knitting, but those blue and white socks were my worst nightmare for a couple of weeks. I probably ended up making about three and half socks because of sizing issues and problems with the heel. But I finished them in time for the Finnish national day last week,

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-73841193407849158502008-11-10T19:11:00.002+02:002008-11-10T19:37:35.490+02:00

So yeah, alright, I admit that there hasn't been much blog action going on lately. That doesn't mean that I haven't been crafting! Thousands of stitches have passed over the needles and indeed there are many finished objects that need some blogging, plus more projects in the works, plus some secret Christmas projects which will not been spotlighted until the new year.Here's a taste of some of the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-56754401175951275172008-10-28T11:15:00.007+02:002008-10-28T15:00:31.071+02:00

I'm in lurrrve...with my own hat! A quick browse through some leftover yarn uncovered the last remaining scraps from the Revontuli Huivi. It was easy to pair up those scraps with a nice crisp white wool, and, after a speedy search, Ravelry provided the pattern. It was impossible for me to put the needles down for a couple of days, it seemed, and since it was finished last week I've worn it every

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-58996928823722411872008-10-16T19:45:00.003+03:002008-10-16T21:05:06.775+03:00

Hmmm, I'm starting to get a bit behind in my blogging, as I finished this blanket last month! This is also the time of the year that the needles and hooks begin to work on secret projects that must remain hidden until the day the fat man comes down the chimney. So, even though I've been busy, some things will have to wait a while before they're given their 'airing' on the blog.Back on topic: back

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-67961129326730196812008-10-03T19:13:00.006+03:002008-10-03T20:59:55.333+03:00

Watch out readers! More alpaca on the way!What is it with me and this yarn? At last count, I've made 14 different projects with it and there's still pleeeenty left over in the stash! I actually finished this latest alpaca project a while ago but hadn't quite come to the point of posting about them. I think I was waiting until some better pictures of them came along, but it looks like I've given

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-19106561069700471062008-09-24T12:44:00.009+03:002008-09-26T21:39:33.014+03:00

Finally! Completion is here! After a couple of months of gathering dust under the couch, my Peacock Feathers Shawl was resurrected and completed with gusto. And here it is: What was it doing under the couch for so long? Nope, I didn't get bored or frustrated with it...this one turned into another story from Steffi's file of 'ran out of yarn' projects. Remember what happened with the Hemlock Ring

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-873875261685590332008-09-14T13:35:00.003+03:002008-09-14T13:54:06.671+03:00

Wow, in just a couple of days my two balls of yarn ended up as this cool bolero. Super easy + super fast = winning combination!Pattern: Ribbed Lace BoleroDesigner: Kelly MaherSource: 10 feet highMeasurements: 40cm deep and 63 cm wide, measured at widest point when flatNeedles: 5mm and 6.5mm bamboo circularsYarn Details:Novita Isoveli75% wool, 25% nylon100g = 130mcolour #228about 170g usedI wanted

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-14857596959258486382008-09-07T08:06:00.003+03:002008-09-09T08:06:30.373+03:00

Sometimes you need a bit of a break from 'serious' knitting. After lots of lace shawls and complicated charts, I was ready for a quick and fun project - and I found it...in the form of a chicken hat.It got me laughing!Mauno wasn't quite so impressed......and this dude refused to be seen in public with two drumsticks poking out of his head.Project: Chicken Viking HatDesigner: Sarah MundySource:

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-37993300791049098472008-09-02T08:30:00.005+03:002008-09-02T09:09:18.612+03:00

A couple of weeks back I took a long train trip.This is how I spent the time.Project: RiverDesigner: Sharon MillerSource: Rowan 38 (although it has also been published for free here)Measurements: 47cm x 133cmNeedles: 6.5mm bamboo circularsYarn details:Novita Rose Mohair65% acrylic 35% mohair50gr = 190mcolour #010about 125gr usedThis worked up quickly and I was surprised to find that it was done

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-75609261595987095322008-08-24T12:26:00.006+03:002008-08-24T13:00:08.298+03:00

Welcome to the Gold Medal Ceremony for the event of 'Lace Weight Long Jump'. It has been a tough and gruelling event, with many surprises along the way. There have been tears of disappointment and jubilation, but in the end, there can only be one victor.Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you:The WINNERof the Lace Weight Long Jumpwith a Jump of 1.88mRepresenting TEAM OZSTEFFI![rapturous applause]

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-49878617246925037912008-08-12T15:47:00.002+03:002008-08-12T17:43:10.009+03:00

I haven't blogged in a while, but believe me I've been busy! The Ravelry Olympics are up and running (or rather, stitching) and Team Oz is counting on me to bring back the gold in the Lace Weight Long Jump event!The idea behind the Ravelry Olympics is to set your own goal and reach that goal within the time frame of the Olympics. My goal was to start and finish the Faux Russian Stole from A

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-14469100769579012542008-07-31T11:49:00.003+03:002008-07-31T18:22:33.364+03:00

Well, it's the last day of July and already there is talk of Autumn in the air. What?!?! The weather forecast is promising grey skies and 13 degrees all week (yuck!), so it's good that I have my new blanket to fend off the coming chill!Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket Designer: Jared FloodSource: Brooklyn TweedNeedles: 5.5mm double-pointed needles and circularMeasurements: 120cm from point to

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-90177216457807830632008-07-26T23:28:00.008+03:002008-07-31T11:48:51.684+03:00

Wow, I haven't been around much over the last couple of weeks, but earlier on there was some knitting action in the form of fingerless mittens.A few months back, mum requested a pair of Endpaper Mitts, but in shortened form. I happily obliged. Some time later, she requested another pair in a brownish hue, to match a winter jacket of hers. Despite inner thoughts of mine imagining making twenty

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-83713145660069428132008-07-15T19:29:00.002+03:002008-07-16T00:39:01.465+03:00

It's nice to be back at home after a week up north hanging out in the tent, far away from the city. So there's not much to report on the stitching front, but I did make this cute little reindeer cloth before the getaway.Pattern: Reindeer DishclothDesigner: Carol CallawaySource: Yahoo Group 'Knitted Kitty Dishcloths'Needles: 3.25mm knitpicks bamboo circulars (yay! I'm new to knitpicks and I love

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-25778293705071465742008-07-06T18:03:00.005+03:002008-07-06T19:53:15.976+03:00

About five years ago, I made a crocheted scarf for a good friend of mine. Now, many years later, she apparently still uses the scarf, which is lovely to hear. Knowing that she appreciates my gift, I asked her if she would like an updated present and she mentioned a certain fondness for fingerless mitts. So here they are!Pattern: Endpaper MittsDesigner: Eunny JangPattern Source: See Eunny Knit!

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-54047567261304987862008-06-29T19:08:00.006+03:002008-06-30T23:34:55.794+03:00

Remember this???Have a look at it now!Wooooooooo hooooooooooo! After approximately NINE MONTHS of slogging away at this beast, it's hard to believe that it's finished! I calculated that this shawl is made up of aroundabout 130 000 stitches. With that number, I suppose that it's not so surprising that it took nine months. To be fair, though, I did complete more than thirty other projects in the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-57207899844518960942008-06-22T18:29:00.011+03:002008-06-22T19:06:31.671+03:00

Maaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwww! Our little babies are just over two weeks old, born to my father-in-law's kitty. When I saw them last weekend, their eyes weren't yet open, but this weekend they're so much bigger already and are looking around and wobbling about on their teeny tiny little legs!The ginger-coloured one is rather vocal and doesn't like being away from mum for too long. The white, ginger

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-39527898393371697212008-06-13T23:48:00.003+03:002008-06-14T10:56:41.503+03:00

KNITTING TECHNIQUE CHECKLISTColourwork? Check.Lace? Check.Cables? Uh, erm, no.Well, we'd better get cracking on some cables then, hadn't we? Instead of full-on aran cables, let's start with twisted stitches first - a whole hat of them!Indeed, it's true, my cable skills are woefully lacking. Last year I had a bit of a play around with some cables for a pair of socks, but only got about ten

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-78710866540774199612008-06-09T17:51:00.004+03:002008-06-09T18:22:09.487+03:00

So, not everything that I've done lately has turned out like I had wished. Take the following foto as an example. Try and guess which one I did first - the red one or the purple one?If you guessed the red one, you would be correct. So why do I not class the red one as a success? Because it was supposed to be for an 18-month-old baby. And it's even too big for my noggin. The purple one came

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-43320857014527092352008-06-05T18:28:00.003+03:002008-06-05T19:26:37.891+03:00

Before I start, be warned: foto-saturated post ahead! Last weekend we had the most perfect weather ever and I couldn't help but spend some time in the park getting snap-happy with my new creation!Pattern: Revontuli-Huivi (this translates as 'Northern Lights Shawl') by AnneM, available for free in Finnish in Ulla 03/07 and for free in English here.Needles: 5mm bamboo circularsYarn Details:Kauni

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-30425194941210211942008-06-02T19:15:00.003+03:002008-06-03T01:41:46.956+03:00

I'm not usually one to make garments, for several reasons, the most prominent of those being that I don't much fancy the pressure of having something fit exactly. I've also felt like my knitting skills have been lacking in certain areas. Since I got into the online knitting and crochet world about a year and a half ago, though, the wealth of information that I've gained has been incredible and I

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-34191285815975153642008-05-26T18:57:00.003+03:002008-05-26T20:08:00.413+03:00

Fastest project ever!Started: Saturday, 24th of May, just before the Eurovision Final (my faves were Azerbaijan, Israel and Iceland, btw)Completed: Sunday, 25th of May (quite late in the evening)Project: Round or Pinwheel Baby Blanket by Genia Planck, free free free!Yarn Details:Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora80% cotton, 20% angora50gr=78mcolour #15511Needles: 5.5mm dpns and 100cm circularFinished

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-67430569085079820502008-05-22T12:56:00.004+03:002008-05-22T16:05:09.507+03:00

Back in February (when I was still allowed to buy yarn), I got my hands on some pink, grey and white self-striping yarn, specifically with the intention of making some socks.I am not an experienced sock-knitter. At least two of the pairs of socks that I've made were fraught with worry about running out of yarn. So, this time, I decided to try the toe-up method, as I figured that way I could just

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-44076629719690279672008-05-19T00:46:00.003+03:002008-05-20T11:52:19.921+03:00

Recently I've been making lots of small projects and it has been giving me great project completion satisfaction. So here we have another little project - some fingerless mitts for me!I thought these would be good for summer here, but it doesn't look like summer is really on the way yet, as it snowed a bunch last week and is still trying to snow this morning, although the rain is winning the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-38549802069222923142008-05-16T10:39:00.007+03:002008-05-16T15:56:21.135+03:00

I finished this at the beginning of the week but didn't snap such good fotos at first due to crappy light. Yesterday, however, the sun shone on the balcony for just long enough to allow me to whip out the camera and the tripod and snap away. See the shadow?Pattern: Ellin Mekko/Elli's Dress by Jaana - here is the English pattern and here is the Finnish one, find her website here and her Ravelry

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-43953875454411641492008-05-13T11:32:00.002+03:002008-05-13T12:46:54.664+03:00

When I was in Oslo last month, I took a trip to a shop called Husfliden, where they had all sorts of gorgeous Norwegian knitted garments, national costumes, glass and ceramic art...plus tonnes of yarn! Woo hoo!Those are just a couple of corners in the shop. There was much more stuff than just that! I loved how they had many of the Hanne Falkenberg Designs kits, as well as the finished

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-17246708158493822632008-05-08T18:35:00.006+03:002008-05-08T20:21:17.644+03:00

Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow!!!!!!I can't say much more than that. Yesterday we took a trip to a local dam, as apparently this is the only time of year that this particular dam has a barrier open all the way to allow the breaking ice from upstream to pass through.I was dumbfounded by the speed, force and power of all of that water and all of that ice! So much of it, and huge thick chunks. Makes

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-58906236241907627762008-05-02T14:17:00.004+03:002008-05-03T20:15:11.900+03:00

I posted a little picture of my clementine shawlette as a work-in-progess a few weeks ago, before my two-week break. I actually finished it quite quickly, within a week or so, but I wasn't happy with the result for two reasons. One, it was too long to sit nicely on my shoulders (although it fit around my neck perfectly) and two, I didn't like the grafting job that I did on it.So, lots of

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-29611446422635159042008-05-01T21:05:00.003+03:002008-05-01T21:54:23.176+03:00

Some of you may have noticed a little countdown bar in the right column that appeared fairly recently. It's counting down my self-inflicted yarn diet. Being overyarned happens to most of us knitters and crocheters every now and then and something drastic must be done before it gets too out of control. Hahaha, 'too'.So yeah, the first step is admitting that there is somewhat of an imbalance in

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-35399611009505439412008-04-24T22:53:00.003+03:002008-04-24T23:36:06.876+03:00

While mum was here recently, we sat down together and perused page after page of shawl patterns on Ravelry (why do I always feel the need to give that a capital R?) and she short-listed around half a dozen patterns before whittling the huge choice down to just one: The Swallowtail Shawl. I didn't have the magazine that it was originally published in - Interweave Knits Autumn 2006 - so I looked

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-14115458202349073692008-04-22T18:27:00.004+03:002008-04-22T19:07:28.413+03:00

I made a pair of Eunny's Endpaper Mitts for my bro as a Christmas present last year, and here we have another pair, this time for mum, on request.Pattern: Enpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang, free on See Eunny Knit! (her old blogsite, where lots of other delicious goodies can be found)Yarn details:Garnstudio Drops Alpaca100% Alpaca50gr = 180mcolour #100 (white) and #6347 (purple)about 15gr of white used

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-12698410407403225962008-04-20T16:16:00.006+03:002008-04-21T10:31:38.011+03:00

Here she is: the Luna Moth Shawl!Pattern: Luna Moth Shawl by Shui Kuen Kozinski, free on Elann.comYarn Details:Baruffa Cashwool100% merino wool100grams = 1335metresabout 60-65gr usedNeedles: 3.5mmFinished Measurements: 152cm x 88cmI had had my eye on this pattern for quite a long time before I got the opportunity to cast on, but the yarn really makes this project one of my favourites. It's oh so

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-40397366802336740902008-04-19T13:56:00.005+03:002008-04-19T16:46:58.848+03:00

Hello friends, glad to be back after a couple of weeks away. I didn't mention in my last post that the reason I was taking a break from blogging was because of some holiday time in Hamburg, Oslo and Stockholm. I had a lovely time and enjoyed visiting the three different cities.Now I have lots of things to share, including not one, not two but THREE finished objects to parade, plus some of the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-56561215900599963522008-04-03T10:24:00.003+03:002008-04-03T10:33:28.166+03:00

Hello friends, I'm taking an internet break for a couple of weeks and so this is goodbye...for now, not forever!Try not to miss me too much [cynical laughter].I'll leave you with this:It's the beginnings of the Clementine Shawlette from Interweave Spring 2007 with Novita Bambu. I'm really enjoying the pattern and yarn so far and hopefully, the next time we speak, I shall have a lovely finished

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-85388868146898571032008-03-31T14:21:00.003+03:002008-03-31T14:54:11.250+03:00

Look who's pleased with herself! A whole blanket, and in just a few days! That's crochet for you, so much speedier than knitting. This ripple blankie is for my unborn nephew, who is the product of my brother-in-law and his partner. The little guy is due to appear in June.Pattern: somewhat based on Ripple Afghan by Mary Jane Protus, which can be found on the Coats and Clark site and on Ravelry

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-80299897941887789872008-03-28T12:36:00.003+02:002008-03-28T13:08:25.112+02:00

After finishing the frilly cardigan, which was quite a large undertaking, I had a fabulous sense of accomplishment and achievement. That, paired with the fact that I've finally reached chart 3 of the Frost Flowers and Leaves Shawl, gave me 'permission' to start something new! I've had my eye on the Luna Moth Shawl for some time now. I like the wavy lace pattern and the open texture. The yarn

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-45049655224823701862008-03-25T01:48:00.003+02:002008-03-25T12:19:29.245+02:00

Woo hoo! It's done! The striped cardigan is done, done, done! And it's so cute!Watch out, tonnes of pics coming up!Project: The Big Frill, published in 'The Sublime Merino Handknit Book'Made for: mum, on requestYarn details:Sublime Yarns Extra Fine Merino Wool DK100% extra fine merino wool50 grams = 116 metrescolour # 015 (navy blue) - 1.7 ballscolour # 006 (light brown) - 1.7 ballscolour #

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-30957133301864554572008-03-19T11:44:00.002+02:002008-03-19T11:59:16.176+02:00

Oooooh! Look what I found the other day!It's a little cushion cover, about 30cm square. I bought it from the local 2nd hand shop. I had actually gone in there to find some old pillowcases to use as knitting bags, but this was much more beautiful!It appears to be handmade, although I could be mistaken. There are yarn ends hanging out on the inside and I can see the difference between the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-7765065235401836092008-03-14T17:41:00.003+02:002008-03-14T17:51:46.294+02:00

I've spent all week working on the frills for the stripey (and now frilly) cardigan and boy they're not as easy as they look! Seeing as I don't have much to show for a week's worth of work, I thought I'd share some recent fotos.Let's start with some action! A snowmobile in full flight during a race.And some more action (a little less exciting but much more necessary), the husband doing a nice

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-70950806711622237622008-03-10T19:18:00.003+02:002008-03-10T19:34:04.637+02:00

The main parts of the frilly, stripey cardigan are done! Here's a picture of how the pieces are at this stage.Two sleeves, the back and two small front parts. Now we need some blocking, some frills and some seams! Sounds easy, eh?I'm really glad that I checked out this pattern on Ravelry, as quite a few people mentioned that they ran out of yarn on a few colours, so I got an extra ball of a

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-57798801911149430462008-03-07T19:00:00.006+02:002008-03-07T19:34:54.534+02:00

Oooooohh! It's done! The Candle Flame Shawl is finished and looking fabulous!Blocking really changed the look of it, and for the better, I feel. It's definitely a spring shawl, as the material is too thin for winter-time.Pattern: Candle Flame Shawl by Dean CraneYarn Details:Ohut Pirkkalanka by Pirkanmaan kotityo Oy100% Pure New Wool100gr = 400mabour 180 grams usedNeedles: 3.5mmMeasurements:

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-636008903239853802008-03-05T19:04:00.002+02:002008-03-05T19:25:55.035+02:00

Well, can't really call it a mountain. Let's call it a big hill instead. After four or so days up north on the slopes with some weird long straight things attached to my feet, it's back to the real world now, where the shoes are easy to walk in and the ground is flat. I'm quite proud to say that my skiing skills have improved rather a lot. Not quite so proud to say that I'm an absolute wimp

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-25605786171385275092008-02-28T17:51:00.006+02:002008-02-28T19:45:39.896+02:00

The good news: I've done half of the frost flowers and leaves!The bad news: I still have half of it to go.It's almost tragic. I'm so happy that I've reached this milestone, but oooh sooo defeated that it's only halfway. So many stitches, so many hours, so much work...and only 50%.But it is becoming easier. I've done the second chart five times already and so it's well and truly memorised (

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-76476150863035729342008-02-24T12:26:00.005+02:002008-02-24T16:48:27.522+02:00

Woops! A whole week without a post! Kinda had other things on my mind this week, I suppose. But I've still been busy working on all of those WIPs, of course.This is the current status of the Candle Flame Shawl:I was starting to get a bit tired of it, but then I changed needles from some unidentified metal ones to the inimitable Addi Turbos - and that sped things up! It's amazing what a big

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-18306565972056098482008-02-17T11:54:00.006+02:002008-02-17T22:32:27.276+02:00

Some of you might have read a post I did last month about some 'alternative' uses for the humble dishcloth. If you haven't had the pleasure, refresh your memory.I found it perfectly natural to use Sarah's handmade cloth as a toilet accessory, but some others, who shall remain nameless, thought it was perhaps a little inconsiderate to use a handmade gift in such a way.Guilt ensued. I worried.

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-38186229976665405722008-02-15T19:47:00.003+02:002008-02-15T21:23:04.163+02:00

Finally, we had a brilliantly sunny day today - so shiny that I could well have used a pair of sunnies whilst outside. The sunshine allowed me to break out the most recent FO for some happy snaps.May I present to you, the Anemoi Mittens.Pattern: Anemoi Mittens by Eunny JangYarn details:Garnstudio Drops Alpaca100% alpaca50gr = 180mcolours #100 (cream) and #7240 (petrol)about 35ish grams of each

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-22268039146472198362008-02-12T10:58:00.000+02:002008-02-12T11:20:39.460+02:00

Hello friends :-)I was debating whether to put pictures of this project up...it's a gift for my mum. She chose the pattern herself, put in a direct request for me to make it and she even bought the wool! So I figure it's not going to be a surprise and I won't be ruining anything by letting her see these progress shots.The pattern is called 'the big frill' and it's from sublime yarns. It's a

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-49105170784092669202008-02-11T22:13:00.000+02:002008-02-11T22:34:07.614+02:00

The Single Crochet Stitch - abbreviated as 'sc' - is another basic crochet stitch that you will meet often. The stitch itself is not difficult, but the terminology can be. In American English crochet terms, the stitch in the video below is called 'single crochet'. In British English, it is known as 'double crochet'. As for Australia, we always seem to have a mix of British and American (as

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-17426412094081214202008-02-09T15:13:00.000+02:002008-02-09T16:42:36.859+02:00

Dear me...what have I gotten myself into?An innocent purchase of some self-striping wool this week (on sale. excellent.), a vague idea of making some socks with the aforementioned wool, and a conversation about knitting two socks at the same time - - - all of that led to this project:Two socks, toe-up, at the same time, on the same set of dpns, one inside of the other, yarn in each hand,

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-77523571591633515902008-02-08T15:47:00.000+02:002008-02-08T16:22:04.511+02:00

So, you've chained your beginning stitches and are ready to roll with your pattern. But now, a problem: where the beep do you insert your hook? I admit it - the first row of crochet can be horrible. Fiddling around with little tiny loops, nothing substantial to hold onto...it's enough for any newbie to put down her hook forever. But this video will hopefully help clear up that all important

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-16973652115552685312008-02-05T14:10:00.000+02:002008-02-05T14:26:35.010+02:00

Here is a short video demonstration of the most basic crochet stitch of all: the chain stitch. Why is the chain stitch the most basic stitch? It's the first thing that needs to be done to start crocheting. The chain stitch is crochet's 'cast on' method. But it doesn't end there...if you are working a flat piece of material, you will most likely need to use the chain stitch when turning your

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-62208242700661072942008-02-02T19:10:00.000+02:002008-02-02T20:08:10.490+02:00

Just five weeks ago, the length of the day here was a measly two and a bit hours...and now it's going strong at six and a half, and getting longer every day. So earlier this week, when I spotted some sunny-looking yarn in town, it inspired me into casting on a nice spring-like shawl. The pattern is the Candle Flame Shawl, found right here. There is some errata for the pattern which I found on

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-48407482049705395822008-01-31T17:25:00.000+02:002008-01-31T18:05:51.658+02:00

Hey all!First, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who left a comment about the Inga Hat and the reasons for its creation. It was so nice to receive those congratulations and good wishes from you. It has been quite an emotional couple of weeks, to say the least, and lots of love has been in the air. So thankyou.Now, onto serious knitting topics.I managed to reach my target of 40% for the

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-68179874358333178952008-01-26T20:44:00.001+02:002008-01-26T21:30:46.427+02:00

I finished it in time! The Inga Hat is done!Pattern: The Inga Hat by Sheila Macdonald, you can find it free here.Yarn Details:Garnstudio Drops Alpaca100% Alpaca50gr = 180mcolours #3620 (red), #517 (grey), #100 (cream)about 20grams of the main colours usedNeedles: 3.25mm for the band, 3.5mm for the restI made this as a wedding present...for my husband! We were married yesterday, the 25th of

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-48058707625044033932008-01-22T19:03:00.000+02:002008-01-22T19:22:31.126+02:00

Wow, talk about a niiiice delivery today...it's a package from Kim Hargreaves......it's...just...so...beautiful!!!First, the lovely box opens to reveal the pretty tissue paper, ribbon and card:Then, the tissue paper is peeled back to reveal the pattern:And finally the oh so smooth and velvety yarn:The pattern is called 'Flo' and you can find more pictures of it here at the Kim Hargreaves website.

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-82543200244165760742008-01-21T20:18:00.000+02:002008-01-21T20:20:06.255+02:00

Hi all, just a quick note to let you know that I'm knitting furiously to finish a present for the man before Friday. It's the Inga Hat, and I'm close to being done, but as this is all secret squirrel business, it has been slow-going.So, hopefully a fabulous finished hat by the end of the week!Happy stitching :-)

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-29355176335535728162008-01-17T16:38:00.000+02:002008-01-17T16:53:19.557+02:00

Here's a little video of me which has absolutely nothing to do with knitting or crochet, but the weather has been really sh*t all week and it's unbelievably slippery outside, just like one big ice-skating rink - but with no handrails to hold on to. It's so crap! So here's a short video of me when I felt better with all of the snow and ice and winterness: my first time skiing! This was November

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-77852394547878037002008-01-14T19:07:00.001+02:002008-01-14T22:01:27.060+02:00

My first Anemoi mitten is (almost) done!Quite pleased with this, even though I made several rather big boo-boos. I suspect the major stuff-up was with the tip; I did the three-needle cast off that the pattern suggests...but I forgot to turn the mitten inside out before doing it! Arrrgh, undoing that, turning the mitten and picking up the stitches again was very frustrating and to be honest, it

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-33123222342288134192008-01-11T14:19:00.000+02:002008-01-11T16:43:11.165+02:00

Hiya all! Only a few more days of holidays left, and what a nice little holiday it has been. Stitch-wise, I feel like I've been doing lots of work, but the effort has been spread quite widely and hence it hasn't felt like I've actually been achieving terribly much. But here are two sleeves that can prove that at least something looks like progress.These sleeves are a part of this pattern for a

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-29030795816782872232008-01-07T03:30:00.001+02:002008-01-08T18:27:40.087+02:00

Okay, here's a little post that might be embarrassing for me to share with you. But if we can all act like adults, then it will be fine!Slowly, over the last few years or so, I've been growing increasingly environmentally aware, as I think many of us have been. There are so many messages in the media about climate change and consumerism causing terrible damage to our Earth. As a result, I've been

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-85694034226207663072008-01-02T23:28:00.002+02:002008-01-02T23:52:42.227+02:00

I finished this one a few days back: it's the Ambitus Neckwarmer by Lankakomero.I like this pattern - it is comfortingly circular. Unfortunately for me, it's way too big...thanks again to my lovely loose knitting. But for this project, I used the Eastern Knitting technique, which I had assessed to be tighter than my English style knitting. 'Twas not to be. The shoulder part sits very nicely,

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-62294766926288890352007-12-28T02:19:00.000+02:002007-12-30T10:45:56.704+02:00

Ah, what a relaxing week. A bit of snow, plenty of kittens and way too much food! And - a few new projects.Firstly, the Anemoi Mittens:These are designed by none other than Eunny Jang, and the pattern can be found right here. I'm using alpaca and larger needles than suggested for the largest mitten size, in order to account for my lovely big man-sized hands (and oftentimes dangerously long

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-61396143616347370152007-12-21T23:17:00.000+02:002007-12-23T01:05:33.320+02:00

A few days ago, an innocent browse through the bottomless pit that is 'the internet' turned up a delightful little surprise. It's a knitting style that I'd never seen before. I did some research on it, and it seems that it's commonly referred to as 'Eastern European Knitting', but I've seen a couple of other names, including 'Combined Method Continental Hold'.I don't know how widespread this

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-10631791204750413832007-12-18T16:07:00.000+02:002007-12-18T20:35:52.431+02:00

Yes! A little person is going to have a present when he/she makes it into the world! (I think you can click on the fotos for a bigger size)Pattern: Drops Design b14-27 Jacket free free free free!Yarn details:the label is a bit confusing (more eastern European stuff)it seems that the name of the yarn is 'Donna'50% cotton/50% viscose50gr = 125mcolours 106 (green) and 105 (gold)about one and a half

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-17972362205533235002007-12-17T15:33:00.000+02:002007-12-17T15:57:04.472+02:00

A whole week without a post! (my grumbling about the header becoming autonomous and making its own decisions regarding height doesn't count)I've been busy doing crafty things, as always, but I haven't finished anything in the last couple of weeks. The frost flowers and leaves is making its way along - 20% now - and the baby jacket has only a few hundred more stitches to go! I'm hoping to

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-23944313548709612002007-12-16T16:52:00.000+02:002007-12-16T16:54:47.892+02:00

I don't know whether it's just my computer being a poo-brain, or it's some other factor, but the heading on this page has gone nutters. It's a third of the size that it used to be! And I really don't know how to change it, because the height of this element of the page seems to be controlled with html script and I only have the basics in that. It doesn't look very good now :-(

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-20839182214273588532007-12-10T16:35:00.009+02:002009-10-15T22:19:54.523+03:00

Here's that pattern I was talking about, for the neck warmer I made for the man a while ago. This is the only thing that I've made him that he wears on a regular basis and this yarn is apparently nice and soft against his neck and "doesn't itch". I listened to an interview with Debbie Stoller the other day and she was discussing her new book of patterns for men and what men like in a

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-47763071203546912412007-12-07T21:07:00.000+02:002007-12-07T21:44:53.225+02:00

Twenty thousand stitches, innumerable hours...and only fifteen percent of the way through! The frost flowers and leaves is coming along, slowly but surely.It's starting to progress more quickly, now that the pattern has clearer repeats and I'm able to work without looking at the chart all the time. This is the first time that I've seen it out flat and been able to distinguish the pattern clearly

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-65102577454662158942007-12-03T17:21:00.000+02:002007-12-03T18:18:23.125+02:00

Hey hey! An itty bitty baby jacket has been started! I have to admit that it's a drops pattern...yes, I know I swore off them for a while, but there are so many nice little versions of this on Ravelry and I had a read through the pattern and thought I should just go for it - and so far there haven't been any dramas (but then again the pattern isn't so complex either). Here you can see a pic of

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-58849715703407798882007-12-02T00:54:00.000+02:002007-12-02T15:22:20.351+02:00

The first of the new scarves is completed! The problem with scarves is when to stop...I had planned on just going until the yarn ran out, but it probably would have turned out like the sweet scallops shawl - three metres long. :-)Pattern: 'Stacked Wedges' from Lynne Barr's Knitting New ScarvesFinished measurements: 13.5cm wide and 185cm longYarn details:'Salima' from On Line yarnsColour #360%

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-81023565358773058462007-11-30T18:03:00.000+02:002007-11-30T18:58:40.724+02:00

Right, so here is the UFO pile as it stands now. Five projects completed, three projects ripped, three in progress, two on hold and one hibernating.Completed projects:Boyfriend jacketRailway socksYellow doilyPurple shrugEndpaper mittsRipped projects:Man's cabled vestDrops boleroSecret of the stoleWorks in progress:Frost flowers and leaves shawlLatvian mittensLace dressProjects on hold:

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-64125602208361964492007-11-29T18:21:00.000+02:002007-11-29T19:20:43.456+02:00

I said it would probably be finished this week, and here it is - the star-shaped baby blanket, all done! Pattern: 'Star-shaped Afghan', free from the Diva Crochets! siteYarn: yep, more Macedonian stuff...this one's called 'Menada' and it's 100% fake stuff. What it actually consists of is a mystery. But the yardage is 142m=50gr. I used 2 balls of the brown, 3 balls of the caramel and 4 balls of

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-49620077595307764952007-11-26T14:57:00.000+02:002007-11-26T15:19:39.537+02:00

The man and I spent a long weekend in Levi, hence the blogless weekend. It was a weekend of firsts for me. Thursday night, I saw the Northern Lights! They formed a big arc across the whole sky, pale green in colour, and they moved so quickly, spinning and fluttering as they went. Can't wait to see more of them, when there are more colours. Friday was the one of those really picturesque winter

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-20037105048566341282007-11-21T16:53:00.000+02:002007-11-21T20:33:10.462+02:00

A new scarf! It's the 'stacked wedges' scarf from Lynne Barr's Knitting New Scarves, which I blogged about a while ago.Started it a couple of days ago and it seems to be going fairly quickly and incident-free so far. It's an elegantly simple pattern with an interesting result. The picture in the book used a plain yarn and it showed up the short rows clearly, but with this multi-faceted yarn it

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-65011180306905736852007-11-19T20:06:00.000+02:002007-11-19T20:26:50.296+02:00

So, nothing huge to report at the moment, but how about a few little progress reports?After the painstaking start, the frost flowers and leaves is up and running again. Hit a little bump in the road with the silly 'move stitch marker one to the left' quatsch, but sorted that out finally. Now we're on a roll and things are looking up, although you can see from the picture that I'm not taking

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-69423984020962475962007-11-16T15:36:00.000+02:002007-11-18T12:56:17.430+02:00

Well, winter is here. Today it's -10deg...[shiver]. We have snow, snow, and for those who like snow, we have snow.The first few days of real snow were absolutely terrible, because it was around zero degrees at that time and the snow was turning to ice. Needless to say, ice is bloody slippery. I had such a miserable time slipping all over the place, hurting my wrist and bum and feeling so unsure

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-83011444286013513802007-11-15T19:02:00.000+02:002007-11-15T19:23:29.470+02:00

I have to say that I think I've been doing really well at finishing projects recently - all of the xmas presents, plus the daunting UFO pile...so I've given myself a break and allowed myself to do something that wasn't on the original menu.This is from the Diva Crochets! blog, a free pattern for this star-shaped blanket. It's super-quick, super-simple and is now my talking-on-the-fone/watching

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-6050613393677000062007-11-13T13:48:00.000+02:002007-11-13T14:20:24.776+02:00

The story so far:Early 2007 (perhaps March), Steffi visits a LYS which is having a closing-down sale and picks up five balls of cotton-linen blend for a bargain and promptly casts on drops pattern 98-38, a sleeveless bolero-y thingy which looks very nice in the picture (like very many drops designs do.After completeing the back piece easily, Steffi moves on to the side panels.And above we have

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-9504495568382069982007-11-12T17:26:00.000+02:002007-11-12T17:47:31.530+02:00

Another project off the ol' UFO pile: the yellow doily!This really took only a few hours to finish up, after sitting around for months and months with no progress whatsoever. It wasn't very hard at all; the hardest part was fiddling around doing single crochets into chain stitches for a whole round (at the beginning of the crescents). And the yellow is nice and bright and cheerful, just like me

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-10192038570281781962007-11-09T13:18:00.000+02:002007-11-09T13:44:32.808+02:00

Alright! The snowflake socks are done! (thanks to my model who was gracious enough to endure my pedantic foto-taking)I'm so pleased with them, after the not-so-successful start.Pattern: Snowflake socks from Interweave Knits Autumn 2007 issueYarn: Drops Alpaca, 100% Alpaca, 50gr=180metres, colours #2110 (cream) and #2920 (purple), less than one ball of each colour needed.Needles: 3mm dpnsNotes: I

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-42643147024029826432007-11-06T15:52:00.005+02:002008-02-15T21:34:07.032+02:00

Introducing the Easy Peasy Lime Squeezy Scarf! The sweet little thing is enjoying some playtime on the swing...but there's nobody there to push!This pattern really is super-simple and is perfect for beginners, but it's a little more interesting than just plain garter stitch or 1x1 rib. I created it as a transportable-and-don't-need-to-concentrate piece. It can be easily altered in both width and

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-56049407657753276862007-11-04T18:27:00.000+02:002007-11-04T19:05:12.376+02:00

I'm a happy chappy, after finishing these little beauties!Pattern: Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang, free on her old blog.Yarn: Drops Alpaca, 100% Alpaca, 50gr=180m, colours #517 (grey) and #506 (charcoal), less than one 50gr ball of each colour requiredNeedles: 2mm for ribbing, 3.25mm for colourwork areaMeasurements: 31cm long, 17cm circumference (at smallest point, before thumb increases begin)

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158245724875023889.post-89490282252513684842007-11-01T17:59:00.000+02:002007-11-01T18:08:15.919+02:00

Well, I suppose it serves me right for tinkling with a pattern without testing it beforehand...this is how far I got with the snowflake socks before I realised that this one was definitely too small. It didn't even fit the itsy-bitsy Japanese girl in my language class!So, it has been ripped and started again, this time on bigger needles. Surprisingly enough, I'm only mildly pissed off with

- Steffi -http://www.blogger.com/profile/07982395386265864107noreply@blogger.com0