s-knitting

Twinset

2010-10-07T08:27:00.004+02:00

Finally some FOs. School is already taking up most of my energy but at the weekend I could whip up this:

My sister-in-law is having twins pretty soon so they get a little set with a pair of baby Shedirs and matching shoes!

The shoes are so cute! I love the pattern. it is easy and well written (Baby Strap Shoes). there also a lot of other patterns and I am definitely making more of them!

Baby Shedir and a cold

2010-09-25T11:50:00.003+02:00

My sister-in-law asked me to knit my niece another Shedir. So I did :-) I don't know yet, if it will fit her as I used another yarn this time and so it seems a bit smaller. However, with the cables it is quite stretchy. But ...her siblings are already on the way, so they will get it! This time I used Rico baby Cotton Soft DK which is really nice to knit with. Thank God that I can do cables without a cable needle so this project was doene in about 4 hrs.

The bad news are that I have a cold :-( I tried all week to kill it before it might break out properly and I thought I did, but yesterday evening we went to the Oktoberfest and it started to rain. My dirndl is a long one but not very warm. I was wet all over because we didn't have an umbrella and now I feel pretty bad. And in time for the weekend. I really am a good teacher...

Old and New

2010-09-20T18:27:00.003+02:00

Something old:

I made this dress back in January for a ball we go to every year. It is Nora from Burdastyle. I think I made size 36 but I can't remember really. What you can't see is the skirt , I made it in black. I like the colour of the outer dress a lot! Sadly I can wear evening dresses only once year.

Something new:

This is the aforementioned Kirigami. I have to do about 4" more on the body. The sleeves are 7/8 at the moment but I think I will do them a full length as the sweater is rather warm and then my lower arms will be cold and then I probably won't wear it. The 7/8 are really cute but then you need to use lighter yarn than suggested (maybe sport rather than aran).

Today was the first "real" day at school and I feel tired. The first day is always the worst and I hope it will be better tomorrow. I think I have nice students this year which is a relief!

Kirigami

2010-09-16T10:40:00.002+02:00

Sadly, no pictures today as I am on a school trip. everything runs very smoothly, my students are nice and well-behaved. And I will go to my favourite store now and shop for hours - yay!!

Knitting: before we left I started "Kirigami" from Twist Collective and I love it! I am (after three days) already doing the body. The construction is very unusual which prevents you from getting bored. I do it with Takhi Dove in Grey and White and I can't wait to finish and wear it.

Pics coming soon!

Baby Jacket!

2010-09-11T21:27:00.003+02:00

Another UFO turnd FO that has been lying around for ages! This is the "First Coat" from Debbie Bliss's "Essential Baby" for 9-12 months and I used the rest of the "Sea Cashmere" from the Washington Square Vest. It's really cute I think.

I don't know who will wear this as my niece is too big... Well, let's see what will happen this fall...

Old FOs

2010-09-07T18:21:00.002+02:00

As mentioned, I want to show you my old Fos of this year.
The first one is the Zoe Vest from Interweave Crocher Winter 2009. I always wanted to crochet something out of this magazine but for me the project descriptions were all a bit daunting. This one was pretty easy and I did it on the train and during breaks in school - in the deepest summer :-) The yarn is some no-name brand which I inherited from my Grandma years ago.

The second one is the Washington Square Vest from Interweave Knits Winter 2008. I did this during our skiing holiday in the Easter break when we went to North Italy (Sterzing - check out the Wiesnerhof, it's great). I'm not overall happy with the fit of this, it's very loose and floppy although I knitted it to the measurements. The middle part with the cables takes ages and goes very, very slowly. I made it out of "Sea Cashmere" from Lana Grosso which is sadly discontinued. I liked the feel of it quite well.

The third one is the lightweight pullover from Knitbot which I made out of some old Junghans yarn. I don't have the ballband anymore because it was a dress before :-) I was feeling like doing some plain stockinette at the time as I had a lot to do at school and felt really stressed out. The fit is great and it is nice autumn pullover as it is not too thick (as suggested in the name...)

The next one is Cerisara from Chic Knits. I saw it at Robin's and instantly wanted to have one, too. I especially orderd the yarn, Eucool, at Web's (which was pretty quick) - this is also a great yarn which knits up quickly. I haven't worn this one yet as summer this year was either brutally hot or bitterly cold so I hope Indian summer has mercy on me.

The last one was originally the fitted rib Turtleneck from Hollywood Knits by Suss Cousins in GGH Goa. However, the yarn was so heavy and the smallest size rather loose on me that it sagged too much to be comfortable for me. I only wore it one or two times over the years and finally decided to frog it. And now it is the short-sleeved cardigan with ribbing from Stefanie Japel's Fitted knits (only with long sleeves). This is definitely a winner and also perfect for autumn!

Sorry for the pictures, I should have cleaned the mirror before....

Monkey business

2010-09-07T12:44:00.002+02:00

This has been a very, very old UFO and finally I got around to finish it. According to the printout of the pattern it has been lying around since last November!
I think this is a very cute monkey and the pattern can be found here.

At the moment I am trying to "get rid" of my UFOs so that I will have a fresh start with the beginning of the new school year next Monday! And I'm making good progress!

Busy, Busy

2010-09-05T22:09:00.005+02:00

Well, you see I have been pretty busy with this for the last year:

So sadly my blog got very deserted during the preparations. Nevertheless, I still found the time to knit and sew a lot which I will show during the next weeks.

We just came back from our honeymoon to the Seychelles and Dubai. It was really, really, really great!! We relaxed a lot which was desperately needed and I managed to come up with this:

The first pair are "Eleanor Socks" (found on Ravelry).

The second pair are just plain socks with a left row every thenth row.

The third pair are easy stripes.

And the last one are a variation of the "Snicket Socks" (also found on Ravelry).
Somehow it seems that I was in favour of reds but this was wholly unintentional. I just picked the yarn out of my suitcase without looking! I like socks as a vacation project because they are so handy. I even knitted at the beach but this was a bit difficult with the high humidity on the Seychelles.

At the moment I am on a big sewing mission but more next time!

My first amigurumi

2009-10-10T10:22:00.002+02:00

May I present Ole, the pig? He is my first amigurumi. I was always sceptical of doing one of those patterns but I took a class at the Ravelry meeting in backnang with the great Diana and she showed us some very useful tricks. As I was lying in bed all week, I thought of trying this. And voila!

I am definitely feeling better and will start to do my fisrt test knitting while watching football (Germany vs. Russia) tonight.

Over half a year???

2009-10-06T19:50:00.003+02:00

Believe it or not, I'm still alive. If anyone is still looking at this blog that is. To say my life turned upside down is quite an understatement. I don't know where to start. First of all, in July the bf and I movved in together. We have a huge appartment (5 rooms, 105 sq metres) in a very posh neighborhood - for less rent than our two smaller appartments together. It was a stroke of luck, because the money we pay is in no proportion to normal price here. And so far I haven't found anything bad about the flat. Apart from the fact that you can't shout from one room to the other because they are so huge! We had to move at the end of last school year which was absolutely horrible. Out of sheer exhaustion I got sick and it wasn't a nice feeling to leave the work of moving to the bf and friends.
Around mid-August we were relly settled and there were no more boxes. And then we went to the south of France on vacation. It was very relaxing, alas the weather wasn't that nice. It was very windy on the beach and a couple of days were cast over. However, we went to Andorra and Barcelona and we had a great time.
The new school year started well ,I have nice students - but yesterday I was supposed to go on a five day school field trip and I got the flu really bad. I have everything you can imagine I - don't want to go into details here. Suffice it to say that the doctor said I wasn't allowed to work for the whole week. I feel really bad because now another teacher has to go on the trip on very short notice.
I did a lot of knitting over the past months - not as much as I would like but I was productive. Everything can be seen on ravelry. On Saturday I finished the Manchester Jacket from Interweave and I like it a lot. At the Moment I am working on the Trellis and Vine Sweater from this fall's Interweave. Finally apattern that captivates my whole attention. Until I got to the lower body - stockinette stockinette stockinette....
In September I went to the German Ravelry meeting in Backnang. It was really a blast. Sadly I could only go for one of the two days but it was great nevertheless. I met a lot of people and bought a lot of yarn :-)
At the beginning of November we will go to NYC for a week. Yeah! I'm so looking forward to this. I have nevver been there so far. I went to the west coast a couple of times but never New York. Any advice on yarn shops (apart from Purl?)

Packages!

2009-02-27T10:21:00.003+01:00

I'm sorry I have been absent for so long but I was pretty ill in January. First a bad case of cysitis, then one tooth broke out while I was eating and now I had also a wisdom tooth removed. No good month! Work was also pretty hard ,too, yet I had some knitting done, however I lacked the time to put everything in Ravelry - but I'm working on it. On the good side: packages!
First of all the next to last installment of "Seven Deadly Sins" (theme: envy):

And I got a package from my SP 13 pal. The yarn is pure alpaca and so soft. I already started the Montego Bay Scarf with it :-) The magazine is beautiful as well - sadly I can't speak Finnish. Does anyone know if there is a Finnish- English translation of knitting terms on the net?

Dear secret pal - thank you sooo much for all the beautiful things!

Happy New 2009

2009-01-06T20:38:00.002+01:00

Happy New Year! I know that I am a bit late on that but it's still the beginning of January, right? I had the most blissful (and needed) winter holidays - tomorrow I have to go back to work. Sadly I had the flu over Christmas but I stayed mostly in bed so I was over it pretty soon. After that we went to North Italy to a sweet hotel. The food was fantastic - I guess I have gained some pounds. For the bf I went skiing, something which I haven't done for 15 years and which I didn't really like as a child. But I have to admit thast it was kinda nice this time. Maybe because of the skiing instructor (the bf :-) ) ? Anyway, I think I will keep on doing it - it's a good contrast to dancing anyway.

I did also a lot of knitting but I didn't have time to take photos yet. After months, I finally finished the second sweater for the bf (no sign of the curse yet), I mad a travel neck pillow and a felted bag. I also started a cardigan (I'm on the first sleeve) and today I frogged the silken scabbard and started on the baby cables. I also sewed an evening dress as I'm going to a ball with the bf at the end of january. As soon as the shoes are delivered you will get pictures!

I also got lovely, lovely yarn from my secret pal - it 's soo soft and the colour I really nice. Thank you again so much! Pictures of that also soon.

TGIF!

2008-12-12T21:09:00.002+01:00

Thank God this week is over - it seemed like neverending. Anyway, my birthday was super-great! And the biggest surprise: I got a ring from the bf!!!! And it's from Tiffany's!!!!! I was so stunned, I could just blurt out :"You are crazy!" And he is. And I love him for it.

I finishd the CPH in time to wear on my birthday and it's great. Actually I used some really cheap merino wool but it looks great and I love the colour - it's really warm.

I needed some instant gratification because of some annoying things at work and I made the aviatrix for the baby of bf's sister (due in March). Isn't it cute??? I used some old leftover yarn - Details are on Ravelry.

I started on a panel sweater from Classic Elite yarns and am nearly done with the front - pictures to come. Only one week to Christmas brak - can't wait.

Happy Birthday...

2008-12-08T21:16:00.000+01:00

....to me. 30, I can't believe it!

Packages!!

2008-11-30T10:32:00.003+01:00

I am soo spoiled by packages this weekend! Back in summer one package of "The Seven Deadly S(p)ins" got lost in the mail, so in September I got two of them :-)
I have already made the Prezioso Hat, you can see it on Ravelry:

I haven't started on the lace project yet, I think I will take it on my winter holidays:

Yesterday I got this beautiful package - again it is soo beautiful and carefully assembled:

I am sooo tempted to cast on for the purse but I want to progress on the CPH and I got tons of papers to grade :-( As the bf is away for the weekend I really want to use the time for work but...aaah well, maybe tonight I will start it nevertheless ;-)

On Thursday I got my second Wollmeise Sockclub package - pictures of which can be seen her:
http://numenna.blogspot.com/

So many FO's

2008-11-28T20:40:00.002+01:00

Being absent from my blog for so long, I have to show you a lot of FOs! You can find all the details on Ravelry.

First some baby soakers for bf's sister who is going to be a Mum in February. Isn't it cute??

Next a bowtie scarf made with some leftover yarn. I am really scarf addicted and wear them all of the time.

A really soft mohair t-shirt made with Rowan Kidsilk Haze. This is really a great yarn! So soft and luxurious.

And finally a cardigan from Phildar with yarn I bought on Corsica during our summer holidays. I love the buttons, they are made with bits of sea shell.

At the moment I work on the Silken Scabbard (but have some problems with the yarn), a sweater for the bf (too much stockinette at the moment) and the ubiquitous central park hoodie.

Life is really crazy at the moment so knitting kees me sane and grounded and makes me relaxed very quickly. Sadly it seems I don't have as much time for this as I would like to.

Secret Pal 13 Questionnaire

2008-11-15T18:58:00.003+01:00

I'm sorry for this long absence but the last three weeks were challenging, to say the least. I went on a field trip for 5 days with 30 5th graders and - again - came home sick. I had the flu for the last 2 1/2 weeks, called in sick (which I hate to do) and it didn't get better. On Friday I had to cough so hard during a lesson that I left school after two lessons to go to the doctor. Now I'm on antibiotics and rest a lot so that I am hopefully restored by Monday.

But now my Secret Pal 13 questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I absolutely love Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece but there aren't really any fibers I detest.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
In a drawer in my living room cupboard.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
It feels like I have knitted forever and I learned it from my Grandma and mother. I'd put me between intermediate and advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope

5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavender and vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I absolutely have!!! No favourite candy - everything that's sweet :-)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I would like to spin but lack the knowledge and equipment. I sew, crochet and do needlework and dye yarn. Want to start handpaining and already got a book about it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can listen to mp3s but can't really define my taste in music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like all pinks and purples. I'm not really a fan of red and orange.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a boyfriend. Does that count as a pet? ;-) (ok he just read it..guess I have to delete this...)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, yeas and have never tried one.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Everything that's a challenge and not boring.

13. What are you knitting right now?
The Silken Scabbard by Stitchdiva.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, please!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
That depends on the yarn and the project but generally I do like bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No and yes

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Some months I guess

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
I like the summer holidays because they are the longest. I celebrate Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
No

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'd like to have the new "Interweave Knits" (wink :-) ) I subscribe to the Burda sewing magazine.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to learn how to spin.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I am. My shoe size is a European 38.

23. When is your birthday?
8.12. (the big 3-0 this year....)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
My ID is Stoeps

Cornwall

2008-10-06T17:48:00.002+02:00

My trip to Cornwall was great!!!

We had the best weather and everything was good....

Apart from me getting a cold on the way there...

Knitting content comming soon!

A looot of things

2008-09-18T17:15:00.002+02:00

The new school year has started and there is so much to do before I go to a field trip next week to Cornwall! What brightened the week was the first installment of the Wollmeise Sock Club!

The package is so lovely that I don't want to open it!

I also got the third package of my SP 12 and it was as great:

I really love everything that's in it!! Thank you sooo much!!!

It is surprisingly cold in Munich at the moment and I always have cold feet when I'm at bf's, so I knitted these slippers out of my stash with Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. The details are on Ravelry:

On Corsica I found a Phildar store in Ajaccio and of course I bought some stuff (while the bf was reading a newspaper). On book I bought was full of toys and the bf especially wanted to have this pig:

It now resides on the bf's sofa and reminds us of a beautiful holiday. The pattern is ok for my French (I get the hang of it slowly) but there are many, many parts to sew together!

I'm back!

2008-09-09T10:15:00.002+02:00

So two weeks of being lazy on Corsica are over now. Just to give you a hint - this is where we stayed :-) We had such a good time!!!

I was busy knitting, of course. First I knitted this:

You might wonder what it is. Well, a uterus. BF's sister is a midwife and she asked me to do one for presentations. And I love Ravelry - I found a pattern for it there! I hope the size is right for the "baby".

Next - beach projects: Socks! One pair in Tofutsies, which I found to be a really great yarn.

And one pair in Red Rocks Fiber Works which I got on a swap from Kelly. The colourway is really great and will always make me think of the sea at Corsica:

When we came back, the weather in Germany was very bad so I made myself a sun that I can take with me! Isn't it cute?

I also found a Phildar Store on the island which I of course visited and I just started a cardigan from one of the books I got there - my French is good enough to translate the pattern :-)

On insomnia

2008-08-18T05:07:00.002+02:00

It's 5 o'clock in the morning and I'm awake. I listened for half an hour how the bf was sleeping and then I had to get up because it didn't make me sleepy but even more awake. So this is a good time to show you my latest FOs!

First of all the Shetland Shorty from Knitty. The pattern is interesting and you can finish this on a weekend. I did size S and it fits perfectly. I am still thinking about dyeing it but I'm not sure. The yarn is still the same from my MS3 and the Snowdrop Shawl and there is still a bit left on the cone!

Nest up is a Little Shedir which I made after this instruction. I made it out of Schachenmayer Jazz and it turned out quite stretchy so the recipient to be will be able to wear it for a long time!
I wasglad I could do cables without a needle when working on this!

I am currently still working on the February Lady Sweater but hope to finish it before my vacation next week!

Sp12 package received!

2008-08-13T11:13:00.002+02:00

Thank you soooo much Sp 12 pal.!!!!! I love everything that's in this package. You've spoiled me rotten!!! I just wonder what the black thing on the chocolate is for?? I guess i have to learn Danish to do the pattern for the shawl ;-)

Cobblestone fits!

2008-08-10T20:46:00.002+02:00

BF tried on the Cobblestone yesterday and it fits perfectly!!! I'm so relieved" Although I measuresd him up I was still pretty unsure while knitting it up as I have never knit a sweater for another person before. He seemed to like it very much :-) So much for the "boyfriend sweater curse"...
At the moment I'm working on "Shetland Shorty" from the recent Knitty and I guess I will finish it up today - so photos will be up soon!

Cobblestone finished

2008-08-06T10:38:00.002+02:00

I know all about the "boyfriend sweater curse" but lacking inspiration and my bf pestering me about my knitting him a sweater I decided on the famous Cobblestone - and here it is!

Spending hours on Ravelry looking for a decent men's sweater I just had to decide on it. It looks neither gay nor 80s (which I think most men's pattern do) and is mindless enough to knitt in stressy times. I wasn't really sure about my choice of yarn ("Achat" from Junghanswolle) but I have to say the result is nice. It took a bit of figuering out how to start a new skein but I think the changes in colour make the design even more interesting than with plain yarn. The bf hasn't tried it on yet as he is away on a trip - so keep your fingers crossed that it will fit him. Well, otherwise I will use it as a lounging sweater for myself.
I still have to finish the February Lady Sweater but I don't feel like it at the moment. Maybe I will turn to some sewing instead or on another shawl. I don't want to start any socks becuase that is for our trip at the end of the month.

We are going on a summer holiday

2008-08-03T10:05:00.003+02:00

Finally, finally the summer holidays have arrived. The last two weeks have been very hard indeed. It felt like I was dragging myself from day to day. But now - six weeks without grading papers, handling kids and doing paperwork. It feels great! And I can fully concentrate on knitting and sewing again - all the more as the bf is away next week :-) All I managed to achieve in the last weeks were these well- known baby booties. We went to see bf's sister who lives around 2hrs away and she is expecting. So I thought these would be a good gift. I made them out of leftover yarn from my Firestarters which I dyed myself with Kool Aid. I chose this yarn as we don't know yet whether it will be a boy or a girl, so neutral colours were the best in my opinion. The pattern is great - I knit them up in about 1-2 hrs.

Old FO's

2008-07-21T18:08:00.002+02:00

Today two old Fo's which I haven't shown you yet:
Fisrt, the intarsia sweater from a German magazine in Schaenmayer Catania:

And second the lace t-shirt from a book I have forgotten tthe title of in Cascade Sierra;

Two more week suntil the summer holidays - I will make it!

Sp12 package arrived

2008-07-16T21:19:00.002+02:00

Before I went to Venice (which was sooooo lovely - but more on that later) I got the package from my SP12 pal. Thank you sooo much - I love everything in it and already ordered stuff for the Amy Butler bag!

What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

2008-06-29T09:47:00.001+02:00

I would say the perfect amount is to have the yarn for 2 or 3 projects one really wants to do and 3 or 4 skeins of sock yarn. I try to achieve this - my stash fits into two large drawers in my living room cupboard!

Finally...

2008-06-28T08:30:00.003+02:00

I have an FO to show! This is Titania by A Mingled Yarn in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece and I love it! It took me ages to finish as we are in the last month of the school year and there is so much to do to finish it off!

Furthermore :Football!!!! I watched nearly every game of the Euro Championships - and we are in the finals!!!! Yeah!!!! When Germany played, we made little parties and invited some friends to watch with us. That was really nice, even though I had to work the next day and was really, really tired. Thank God I have a day off on Monday, so I can sleep in after the final.

Things are still great with the bf - I can't quite grasp how good!

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

2008-06-19T15:57:00.002+02:00

I always looked forward to spend 3 weeks (we only have a total of 6 weeks summer holidays in germany) with my whole family in a foreign country. My parents always took us either to France or Italy or America and it was always a great experience. I learnt a lot about different cultures, the food, the history etc. but also had a lot of time to relax at the beach.

SP12: What is your favorite summertime drink??

2008-06-18T09:00:00.001+02:00

I drink a lot of "Apfelschorle" which is apple juice mixed with sparkling water. And when I go to a beergarden there is nothing better than a "Radler" which is beer mixed with lemonade. it#s really good and refreshing

Dishcloths and potholders

2008-06-15T15:58:00.003+02:00

Finally I have the time to show you the second package by the "Seven Deadly S(p)ins":

The theme this time was "peace":

I have already finished the dishcloth and the soap sack:

The only things I achieved this week in terms of knitting/crocheting were these potholders. Two are for a friend's birthday (plus a cookbook) and two for the bf:

i want to get some sewing done tonight - it's agreat project! Wait and see....

SP 12 Questionaire

2008-06-03T21:38:00.003+02:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really, really like Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, my favourite yarn ever! There are no fibers I don't like
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
In a drawer in my living room
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have knitted forever and I think I learnt it from my Mum. I would put me between intermediate and advanced
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No
5. What's your favorite scent?
Vanilla and lavender
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I absolutely have a sweet tooth and love chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do sewing, crocheting and cross-stitching. I don't spin but are envious of people who can do it
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
No special taste in music and I can listen to MP3s
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all pinks and purples and I can't stand red and orange
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I just recently got a bf :-))))) Sadly, no pets
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I love scarfs, do wear hats and mittens but never tried on ponchos (a bit undecided on them)
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I love everything that is challenging
13. What are you knitting right now?
A dishcloth, a sleeveless pullover, socks and a top
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, please!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
That depends on the project but I prefer bamboo
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a swift but no binder
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
A couple of weeks
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Six weeks of summer holidays
19. Is there anything that you collect?
No
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Some more Amy Butler patterns (apart from the ones I already have) and the Mason-Dixon Knitting book and - as always - Kool-Aid!
I don't have any subscriptions
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
i would like to try entrelac
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I like knitting socks
23. When is your birthday?
8th December

It's official....

2008-06-01T20:17:00.002+02:00

..I have a bf!!!!! Happy, happy, happy :-)))) Due to this, no time for knitting. I hope for an update on that soon!

I'n back!

2008-05-24T14:50:00.002+02:00

The trip to Berlin was great in every respect. We had a nice hotel which was in walking distance to the "Potsdamer Platz", we had sunshine all the time and the whole atmosphere was just good. We walked miles and miles (my feet hurt like hell every evening), watched all the important sights, went to the theatre and found the best Bar in Berlin Mitte which was around the corner of our hotel. I also did some shopping (especially at the KaDeWe) for which I have never time during school. We had coffee (and prosecco) in the café in top of the Reichstag. This is a good tip to anyone visiting: if you don't want to queue at the Reichstag (which usually takes about 1 1/2 hrs) you should make reservations with this café. Then you can enter via a "special" entrance without any queues. We also did a boat trip on the Spree through the city which was very relaxing. On the train I knitted this:

It's the famous "my so.called scarf" in Wollmeise Lammdochtwolle in the colour "Puderdöschen". need I say more?

Also, my Clapotis is finished and being blocked at the moment on my sofa:

A close-up:

I also finished my Pucci Pullunder (but have no space to block it yet..so no pics). Today i got my package from "The Seven Deadly S(p)ins" and again this was really done with love and consideration. Pics coming soon. Off to work now - school starts again on Monday. AND: I have a date tonight! Yay!

:-)

2008-05-17T16:54:00.003+02:00

Life got in the way of knitting over the past few days. Let me just say I am H_A_P_P_Y!!!! Out of superstition I won't say more. Knock on wood!
Anyway, today I've been knitting for hours and I want to finish the intarsia pullover. I only have 40 rows to go on the front side and I am intent and very much resolved to finish it today. The batteries are too low on my camera to make any photos and I have to search for the thingy that reloads batteries.
We have finalised our trip to Berlin next week (I am going with a former colleague turned friend) from Tuesday to Friday, so another thing to look forward to!
Have a great weekend!

Relax, take it easy

2008-05-14T17:24:00.003+02:00

The holidays are great! The weather is really fine ( I got sunburnt on Friday!) and I do next to nothing except knitting. I have the desire to finsih off some of my Wips. At the moment I am doing the clapotis and I hope to be finished tonight:

I use some very pretty sock yarn. It is softly variegated in beige, white and lilac which you can't really see on the photo. Anyway, pretty, pretty, pretty.

I sewed this a while ago but now is the weather to wear it. The pattern is out of an English magazine but I added an belt to make the shape nicer. The fabric is from my SP11 pal Robin:

The back is the nice part about it. Do you know how hard it is to photograph your own backside??

I made it!

2008-05-11T17:51:00.003+02:00

Finally the holidays are here! Don't ask me how I made it through the last week but somehow I did it. Even with a major lack of sleep. I had a bet with a colleague of mine over a football game and it said that the loser had to cook dinner. Well, it ended with a draw so we both had to cook. I don't really like cooking but I made an effort and even made a dish with meat (which I usually don't do for me alone - I am more of a snack or going out to dinner person). Well, we cooked, we drank wine, we watched a movie - and it was all of a sudden 2 a.m. and I had to be at school at 8 a.m. in the morning. This was really the hardest day of all! For the long weekend I am at my parents just now and relax - and knit. I just finished Rosalind by A mingled yarn:

I think I could have done a 32" insted of a 36" so this jacket is a bit loose around the arms, me being a 34" around the chest. But then I can put a blouse beneath it and also wear it in cooler weather. Do you think it looks big on me? I used all of my 8 skeins of Knitpicks Shine sport that I got in the last Mystery Swap. I also realized that I have to get bigger buttons. Please don't mind the wallpaper in the background - I made this picture in my old bedroom.
I started Titania and I will do a 32" this time.

Progress

2008-05-03T09:30:00.002+02:00

I am nearly done with the back of my sleeveless intarsia pullover and I am proud! It is slow work but it keeps me on my toes. A LOT of grading going on at the moment as there are the final exams at our school (Abitur). I just have to get through this weekend and then the next week and then...vacation time!!! Yesterday a friend of mine asked me if I would like go to Berlin with her for a couple of days. That would be verys nice as I could meet some people there I haven't seen for ages. So only one more intense week - I can do it!!
Have a great weekend!

Intarsia and a hell of a week

2008-04-26T11:07:00.002+02:00

This week has been the worst of this school year. Communication was really difficult as everyone was very edgy and I was near to tears a couple of times out of sheer frustration. I felt like walking backwards and didn't trust my abilities anymore. Furthermore I have had a sore throat for some days now and it doesn't get any better or worse. Somehow I wish I would finally come down with a cold because than this shilly-shallying would finally be over.

Here a picture of the blocked Shallowtail Shawl. I really fell in love with this and wear it more or less constantly!

Due to all this stress there wasn't much knitting. However I started a new technique - intarsia!
I cast on for this project and I am not sure if I do the intarsia right, but I think it looks ok for my first time (and this is the back anyway):

TGIF

2008-04-18T13:52:00.002+02:00

Some FOs for Friday!

I finished the crochet trench and I like how it turned out. The texture is great and it will become my favourite spring coat! I am not sure if I will do a belt or not, I just have to play around with some fastening options. I haven't done crochet in a while and after this piece of work I will probably stick to knitting for a while.

This week I was all into the Shallowtail Shawl and as of this moment it is being blocked. I wasn't really sure about the yarn (Wollmeise Lace "Birkenrinde") but i think it worked out quite nicely. This is a quick knit and I am looking forward to wearing it. I still have half of the skein left and I am thinking about what I could do with it. Any ideas?

My Brown Cotton Fleece (colourway "Wisteria") order from Webs finally arrived and I will probably start with Titania this weekend.

We have won nevertheless

2008-04-13T15:56:00.003+02:00

We did it in the end! Bayern Munich made the impossible possible and scored a goal virtually in the last minute of the game. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep for a long time. This, and the spring weather, made me so sleepy on Saturday that I had the feeling I couldn't open my eyes properly at all. Initially, I wanted to work but I felt so drowsy and besides myself that I could only recline on the sofa, listen to the radio and drift in and out of sleep. I hate days like that! Anyway, at night I thought I had to get out and moving so I went to the movies with a friend of mine. We watched "21" which is really good! The story at an unexpected twist at the end and kevin Spacey starred in it. For me, he is one of the best actors around. I just loved "The usual suspects" and "K-Pax".
I feel more awake today but this means more work! After I set in the sleeve for this crochet cardigan I grudgingly sat down at my desk:

I started this before Easter and I want to finish ist as soon as possible! I can't tell you much about the except that I bought it on Ebay on a 2,5 kg cone (which means I probably get another sweater out of it). I am really looking forward to wearing this on a nice and sunshiny day!

Scarves

2008-04-10T22:52:00.002+02:00

Bayern Munich is losing in the UEFA cup. I can barely watch it. They have to score two more goals and I am pretty sure they won't make it. So I show you my scarves instead.
The first one is a plain one with one dropped stitch in Lang "Silk Dream" which I got from d.knit for my birthday. It is so unbelieveably soft I want to touch it all the time.

The second one I just started during the match. It will be in garter stitch with a dropped stitch edging. I dyed the yarn with kool-aid myself. It has some acrylic in it which didn't get any colour which gives it a nice structure.

Keep your fingers crossed for Bayern Munich!

Gluttony

2008-04-09T09:48:00.002+02:00

I have finished my Gluttony Socks and I am also very proud of them because this was my first sock pattern and I found it quite challenging language wise. it was a fun knit however and I am looking forward to the next procject from "The Seven Deadly S(p)ins"!

Yesterday night I went to a wine seminar which was a present for my birthday. We learned to taste red wine correctly. It was very interesting and I learned a lot. The wines we had were very good (and expensive). However, it took more than 3 hrs and I feel really tired now - and I have to go to work in an hour! I hope this day will pass quickly. Unfortunately, we have a teachers' meetint in the afternoon...

Not much knitting going on at the moment, just too much work and too many things besides that!

Firestarters finished

2008-04-03T22:05:00.002+02:00

I am sooo proud of these socks. Not only did I dye the yarn myself but my first toe-up socks are presentable!

They turned out exactly like I thought they would.

Happy, happy, happy!

I couldn't resist...

2008-03-29T21:08:00.002+01:00

...to cast on for yet another project - the Firestarter:

This is my first toe-up sock and I think I managed quite well. Finally, a new challenge for me :-) The pattern calls for two circular needles (which I don't have) so I used 4 dpns as I am also more comfortable with that. I dyed the yarn myself with kool-aid and from the beginning I thought of this pattern for it.

Yesterday I went ballroom dancing. 10 years ago I was very successful in it but haven't danced a bit since then. I went better then expected, somehow my subconscious remembered nearly all the steps but I was a bit "rusty" in the joints. Today my muscles are sore but I feel great!! (although I could use another two weeks of spring break!)

I'm back

2008-03-27T15:01:00.002+01:00

Rome was really great! It is such a historical and impressive city. There is so much to see that I have definitely to go back there. We saw all the "musts" and walked a lot around the city. Unfortunately the weather was really bad. We had monsoon-like rain for all but the last day and it was really, really cold. This isn't good for exploring a city when your shoes and socks and feet are wet. And it certainly doesn't make you want to queue for the Vatican museum for about 4 hrs. And I couldn't wear this on my trip:

I made this shortely before my trip from a pattern I got from Robin. The fabric is designed by Kaffee Fasset and I have to say size s fits me perfectly. I can't wait for summer now! I definitely have to get more tanned for this top.

And look what awaited me yesterday night after a 10 hrs train trip. My discloth swap package from Diana:

The stuff she sent me is great - I love everything that's in it!!!!

As I said - 10 hours on the train (single way), so of course I was very productive. Another pair of monkeys in Cherry Tree Hill Yarn:

And some spiral socks in Crystal Palace Panda Cotton:

Colourful Saturday

2008-03-15T15:53:00.003+01:00

Today I got my first package from The Seven Deadly S(p)ins - and it is sooo cute. I love everything thats in it!!!

I want to start right away, but I force myself to finish other projects first!

I used up all my Cascade 220 for this little bag from D. Stoller's "The Happy Hooker". I made it slightly bigger to really use up all the yarn.

The other side is in blue:

I even lined it with some matching green fabric:

The sun is shining, I have nothing to do - I feel good! (And I hope this will stay this way all through the holidays..)

It's the holidays!

2008-03-14T14:07:00.002+01:00

Finally - two week off :-) I sooo waited for this day all week.... Somehow my knitting mojo is on holiday already- so not much to show. I decorated this box with the "napkin technique" and I think it goes well with this little vase from Italy.

Speaking of Italy, I will go to Rome over Easter and in preparation for 10hrs on the train each way, I dyed some sock yarn with Kool Aid (of course i will take more than these two skeins):

Have a great weekend!

Small projects

2008-03-08T16:25:00.002+01:00

This week was crazy - I was away nearly every night which wasn't so good for my mood on Friday. And I only had time and patience for small projects. First of all, another hedgehog. This has already been presented to my pregnant colleague and she was enchanted.

Then I made these "sofa socks" out of a German sock book. I dyed the yarn myself with Kool Aid. No modelled picture as I can't show you my legs at the moment. I don't look at them myself so as not to feel too guilty.

Last, but not least the "Fountain Hat" from Interweave. This is also sock yarn, also self-dyed, but this time with Ashford colours. Still haven't quite figured out how to take a photograph of myself with a hat on. And I am neck-deep in grading papers, so not much patience there.

The good thing is: only one week to go until the Easter holidays!!!

Stormy Saturday

2008-03-01T19:01:00.002+01:00

We had the strangest weather today: stormy winds, then a thunderstorm, then hail, then snow and then sunshine. Crazy!

I finished this vest today and I think it came out quite good. I wasn't sure about the white buttons (vintage) but with a white tee or blouse I think they match well. This is again a Drops pattern. (For all the English speaking world: I give the link to the German patterns. They are, however, also available in English. Just go to my Ravelry site).

Yesterday night I felt like sewing again. And I made this really cute bag. It is from this site. I used up some leftover fabrics. The pink one is from the curtains in my living room, so I probably shouldn't sit next to them with this bag :-)

Tomorrow we have the local elections here and I am one of those people to count the votes. It is all very complicated (split tickets etc.) but I thought as a civil servant I have to give something back to the community. (And hey, I get a day off for it..) Tonight, I have to study, what exactly I have to do. I hope there are some people there tomorrow who know what to do!

Spring is coming...

2008-02-26T19:54:00.001+01:00

I wore my new tee on Monday to school and my colleagues were in raptures! I love it,too. I felt really good wearing it and made me feel all spring-like!

Where is the weekend?

2008-02-24T10:55:00.003+01:00

It's Sunday morning already and I feel, I need a couple of days more to relax from this week - it was really insane. On Tuesday and Wednesday I had the most horrible headache thanks to a pecularity to Munich: Föhn. I don't mind the nice weather coming with it but I barely made it through the day then rushing home and lying down as still as possible. And taking Aspirin didn't help at all.
Friday night I stayed at school as we had a reading night with my students (12 years of age). We slept and read in the library - of course they didn't settle down until about 4.30 am and we got up at 9 am again. So you can see not much sleep there. Yesterday I slept and knitted in turn but I still don't feel very much rested. And today I have to prepare my lessons for tomorrow. Ugh!

I got my package from the Mystery Swap 2 - thank you sooooo much Claudia!!! She only picked things I really, really like. The Knit Picks yarn is awesome and I use the Degas bag all the time.

More destahing. I started this design from Drops (I just love this website!) and it nearly drove me crazy. The gauge is 22st and 30r and that partly in stockinette. I thought I would never be finished. I did the green jacket (also from Drops) in size s. Here, I moved up to m and I think this fits me better. Scarily I have never worn m in all my life. I don't feel like having put on any weight. Very strange...

I just have to do the sleeves and I really think this is a good pice to start of into spring!

Looking forward

2008-02-17T15:34:00.002+01:00

Thank you for your nice comments on the rather sad issue of last week. We had a memorial service at school on Friday and it was really moving. Now we have to look to the future and make the best of our lives!
While collecting my thoughts this weeks I made this (I really can think better when clicking away):

I am really, really happy with the outcome and will wear it to school tomorrow. It is from Drops Design, Nr. 106-11. I found an error in the pattern, sent them an email and they corrected it at once. Swift service, I'd say. Even if the picture suggests it - the cardigan is NOT assymmetrical. I think that the model stands in a very suggesting pose and this proves (again) that one cannot rely on fashion photography. I knitted it exactly after the pattern and you can see for yourself - straight lines.
What makes me even more happy - I used up some more yarn from my stash!!! It is getting smaller and smaller by the week! This is Junghans Opal and originally it was intended to become a dress. But I think I like this even more.

On Loss

2008-02-15T18:27:00.002+01:00

On Saturday a colleague of mine died very suddenly and unexpectedly. he wasn't ill or anything - his heart just stopped beating. I'm still trying to come to terms with never seeing him again (he sat next to me in the teachers' lounge). I'm very, very, very sad and not in the mood to think of Valentine's Day. I'm knitting a lot at the moment because it helps me to think somehow. Pictures will follow when I feel up to it.

More De-Stashing!

2008-02-08T11:43:00.000+01:00

I'm still busily destashing. Yesterday I crocheted this One-Skein Scarf out of D. Stoller's "The Happy Hooker". Quick, simple, mindless and done in a couple of hours. Great! I used Cascade 220 Superwash and have about 20gr (out of 100gr) left.

And I have finally found some embellishments for my Sophia bag. I think it is ready to accompany me to the concert tonight!

Cutie!!!!!

2008-02-06T22:31:00.000+01:00

I made my first hedgehog and I just love it. It's soooooo cute! I'm definitely going to make another one. This one is made of Cascade 220 Wool and Schachenmayr Brazilia.

I made myself a gift today: I bought the Denise Interchangeable Needle Kit (of course, in pink
:-) ) This is so handy and so great - I already used it on the hedgehog.

I went to a "Faschings"-Party on Monday and I went as Jackie Onassis. It was really fun and I came home in the early hours of the morning. I slept nearly half the day yesterday and am still a bit tired today. Thank God I don't have to go to school this week!

I couldn't resist

2008-02-02T13:53:00.000+01:00

To cast on another project. but when I saw Stella's Blouse on Interweave I just had to have it! It is so retro and it is so me! I thought about buying the yarn that was given (Rowan Cotton Glace) but it would have cost me about €60. And, as hard as it is to admit, ever since I started to earn "real" money I got kind of miserly in some areas. I just feel, I work so hard for that money that I want to spend it wisely. (Not that that is always possible...I just say: Prada Shoes). Anyway, I rembered that I had some yarn with the right gauge in my stash and I cast on yesterday evening while watching the soccer game. And this is how far I got until now:

The colour is slightly off - in reality it is darker, but after 30 pics I just gave up getting the right light. I can't wait for this to be finished!
I got one week off due to "Fasching" and I'm really happy about that. I had the feeling that the work atmosphere the last week wasn't really the best. I think everyone was kind of glad to leave school on Friday and not have to return on Monday. I hope everything will be a little more relaxed when we get back.

A note to Holly's comment: I did about half of what you see on the picture while wathcing the game. The other half I did this morning! Even I'm not that fast in knitting :-)

Slipover finished!

2008-01-29T20:21:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note: I have finished Bryant's Slipover from Interweave. It had hibernated since summer and I picked it up again this month as I am very avidly destashing and de-Ufo-ing. It is a bit big round the waist but I do have a very tiny waist and I can control it with the I cord. The Interweave model has a very androgynous shape and for a more womanly figure I would do it one size smaller next time (even though I have already done the smallest size given). The yarn is ggh Scarlett which was great to knit. I have to say I love all ggh yarns so far. They have a great texture.

More destahing: I started the Prosperous Plum Tank and I have two skeins of Cascade Sierra. I hope this will be enough!

Another Sunday

2008-01-27T13:25:00.000+01:00

I can't belive how fast this week went by! It's Sunday again and it feels like two days back to last Sunday. I had a fairly uneventful week and caught up on my sleeping. I have I friend who always calls me after 10 p.m. and I don't get him off the phone for an hour or so. Which means that I don't get enough sleep. I need about 7 to 8 hours a night and if I don't get it I am really cranky. So I decided not to answer my phone after 10 p.m. and the quality of my life has got so much better!!! I feel more rested and relaxed. Furthermore, this was a good weekend as I didn't stay at home and worked all the time but went to dinner with two of my colleagues on Friday night and yesterday I went dancing with my girls. It was soooo good! What wasn't so good, however, was that I met cute guy, which was so unnecessary. It was just my luck - there were about 500 people there and who did I met at the bar? Of course, him. That's Murphy's Law, I guess.

I am on the second sleeve of my tailored cardi and I am so relieved - I have enough yarn!! I really like the fit of this and for once the sleeves are long enough for me. (Usually I have to add 1 or 2 inches, seems like I have longer arms than other people).
The picture doesn't do the yarn justice - I will try and do a better one in daylight. I just didn't want to have a pictureless entry.

Already Sunday??

2008-01-20T17:45:00.000+01:00

Work is eating me up. We are close to midterm and I have to have all the grades of my pupils done by the end of next week. So no big and fast knitting there. However, this morning, I made these two dishcloths for my swap. A great design and I can use up my stash (these are made of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece)! This is especially good as I gave myself the promise not to buy yarn in the near future!

I signed up for Secret of the Stole 2 and I have already finished hint 1 from Friday. So now I have to wait the whole week :-( I use recycled yarn from a crocheted dress that was just hideous and bulky.

I am currently also on the arms of my tailored cardigan and I am afraid that I don't have enough yarn. And I can't buy more as it is approximately 10 years old and the company where we got it from doesn't exist anymore. Well, we just have to see how it will work out.

Discloth swap

2008-01-17T21:52:00.000+01:00

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I do both
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
I really like bamboo needles
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I don't have any favourites
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
The kitchen is yellow and brown and my bathroom is mainly white
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
I love all kinds of pink and I don't like red
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
I really count the days - I love summer!
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
Knitting, reading a book, phoning my friends, take a bath (in that order)
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?
chocolate
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
mainly coffee but I like the others as well
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to the USA and visit someone special
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
No

New frontiers and old methods

2008-01-14T15:44:00.000+01:00

New year - new frontiers! On Sunday I made my first felted bag:

This picture was taken still in the drying stage. The pattern is Sophie and it is an easy an quick knit. I used Cascade 220 for it. I think I will put a crocheted flower on one side as an ornament. At first I was a bit afraid of felting but it is so easy!!! I think I will do another one of these bags in another colour.

I got some Asford yarn dye on ebay (only the primary colours yellow, blue, red) and this is the first hank I dyed with it. It is not perfect but pretty well done for a first attempt I daresay!

Another mindless knitting project. Simple stockinette socks in Wollbutt's "Venezia":

And a new cardigan! This is from the Drops website (Tailored Cardigan) and I use some recycled yarn from the 1990s I got from my Mum:

Too True...

2008-01-07T18:06:00.001+01:00

What Stephanie Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people.
Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems.
Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

2008 has started..

2008-01-05T22:55:00.000+01:00

I had two weeks off, and look what I accomplished! (Besides sleeping a lot and grading two sets of class papers):

First, Mystery Stole. My third attempt and I really, really, really like it. It's a great design!

I finally finished this sweater made after a free pattern from Berroco "Anja". A simple turtleneck pullover, because I think the yarn speaks for itself. I am going to wear it on the first day back to school.

Halcyon from Knitty. I just have to find some ribbon for the ends to weave in. The yarn is from Woolbearers courtsy of my SP 11 pal Robin.

Yesterday evening I made this. It's Cabled and it's great! I wore it all day today, even though I didn't leave my flat. I don't have a photo of me wearing it because I seem to be too stupid to take a photo of my head with the hat on it. I used Cascade 220 and added a few cable repeats to fit it on my head. The button is rather antique, I think from the 50s or so (courtesy of my Grandma).

I also did the Snowdrop Shawl by the Harlot and I will show it to you when dyed and blocked.

2007

2007-12-31T18:39:00.000+01:00

Before I head to the End-of-the-year Party, a quick run-down what happened to me in 2007 - not chronologically, but what I can remember:

got my big love back - and lost him again after a couple of blissful months
went to a great vacation on Rhodos wiht my sister
didn't go to the Oktoberfest
spent a lot (and I mean a lot) of time at various beergardens in Munich
fell in love and was let down (remember cute guy?)
had some great parties at my flat
used up 10 pens of red ink to grade school papers
knitted, knitted, knitted
started this blog
started to go to the local S'n'B and met a bunch of great people there
went a last time to "my" disco (which closes today after 10 great years - I will miss you K41!)
was said to be pregnant two times (not true!!!)
got my new sofa (love it, love it, love it)
spent great times with my friensd (D, B, U, F, T - what would I do without you)
went to the "Wir sind Helden" concert

All in all, a great year - hope 2008 will be as great! See ya then!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

2007-12-30T19:54:00.000+01:00

Before Christmas i got this truely amazing package from Lacey - she definitely is the best!!! Thank you sooo much!

Packed:

Unpacked:

Seasons Greetings and a contest and an update!

2007-12-23T22:51:00.000+01:00

I wish all of you Merry Christmas!!!!
A quick update on the knitting: I made myself as a Christmas present - the Mystery Stole #3. I only have 20 rows to go on the wing then I am finished which will probably be tomorrow. And the person who first guesses the day when I started this project will win 100gr of Regia Silk in your fav colour!

Update on Christmas Eve: I am done and blocked!!!

Insensitive and rude

2007-12-17T17:12:00.000+01:00

yep, that's me. Funnily, I never thought I would be called that. If you want to follow the discussion, go here.

Good news: I nearly finished the blue white pullover.

Bad news: I have developed a sort of ear-ache tinnitus thing over the past weeks.
So I will take things slowly and probably not blog anymore this year.

Slow work

2007-12-14T16:20:00.000+01:00

Compared to my usual speed of knitting, I have slowed down very much over the last two weeks. It seems like there is no progress. I started this simple turtleneck a couple of weeks ago but I am stuck on the front. The yarn is also courtesy of Amelie and it is a kind of "Bändchengarn" (I don't know the English expression for this) - I hoep it will not stretch too much. The colourway will work nice with a pair of jeans. I use 6mm needles and still it feels like it doesn't grow one bit. I think I need the holidays desperately - I have only energy for the most basic work to get through the day. Only one week to go!

Happy Birthday to me

2007-12-10T23:35:00.000+01:00

It was my 29th birthday on Saturday and I got these lovely roses from my parents (I edited this photo myself and am proud of my ever growing skills). Thank you for all the well wishes I received on that day!! my new age didn't start well as I have a cold - again - and my nose is so clogged that I can't sleep :-(

My soul

2007-12-09T20:25:00.001+01:00

What color is your soul painted?

Red

Your soul is painted the color red, which embodies the characteristics of love, strength, physical energy, sex, passion, courage, protection, excitement, speed, leadership, power, danger, and respect. Red is the color of the element Fire, and is associated with blood, life and death, birth, volcanoes, and intense emotions.

Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

New Beginnings

2007-12-02T11:32:00.000+01:00

First of all, a plain stockinette sock in Regia Nordic Color:

Secondly, a Ganny Square Afghan consisting og one huge Granny Square:

Have to be optimistic, forward looking and have to let go of the past.

Pink Saturday

2007-12-01T12:44:00.000+01:00

I don't know what's wrong with me. I am tired, tired, tired. And what's worse, I look it. At the moment I'm grading papers and I feel like my eyes will close any second, even though I slept 11 hours last night. Furthermore, my mood isn't the best. The time before my birthday is always rough - especially when I am unattached as just now. As Bully said in "Der Schuh des Manitu": "Ich bin mit der Gesamtsituation nicht zufrieden". And I am not in the mood for knitting (not in the mood for anything than hanging about actually). Anyways, I got my self to blocking the Hanami Stole and it turned out pretty well I think. The basket side:

And the blossom side:

A week ago I finished the cardigan with the yarn from Amelie's loot I got for free :-). I used Cosmicpluto's pattern. This is a kind of self-striping boucle yarn that came on a cone. I call this my comfort cardigan as it is soft and roomy and cosy - like a hug.

Winter wonderland coffee swap topic of the week

2007-11-25T12:51:00.000+01:00

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

The perfect setting for a cup of coffee is an early Saturday morning in November. Misty and cold. I sit on my sofa look out of the window, listen to an audio book, drink the first cup of coffee of the day and knit. This is the most relaxing and most peaceful time of my week. Time to forget work and expect a nice and unstressfulo weekend.

On my free day....

2007-11-21T17:08:00.000+01:00

...before I sat down at my desk and graded papers, I finished my pink tomato. I am sorry for the picture but it seems I am unable to take a sharp photo with just one hand. I used my fav yarn for it that I got from my secret pal (huge thanks again!). I think the colour suits me quite well. The pattern is straightforward as always and posed no problem.

Two days ago I did some Kool-Aid dyeing again. This time I used beige sock yarn (the one I also used for the mittens) and as a result the colours got more muted. The effect is really nice i think:

Why don't I get photos like that when I take pictures of myself- it is a mystery!

100th post and gifts

2007-11-20T12:06:00.000+01:00

This is my 100th blogpost. I can't belive that I have written so much already!!! No knitting content this time, just some crafting. These are all gifts that I made for my Mum whose birthday it was last Monday. First of all I made this using the napkin technique:

Then I made her the sleeping mask from Amy Butler's "In stitches" that I got from my secret pal. I also used original Amy Butler fabric. It was my first attempt at quilting and I think it turned out ok. This is the front:

This is the back and the bag that I "designed" (too grand a word) to go with it:

Just a short one as I have to head back to school this afternoon. More knitting coming up soon!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic of the week

2007-11-18T19:40:00.001+01:00

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!

I am thankful for a lot of things in my life:

my family who support me in everything I do and drive me everywhere!!
my best friends (Tanja, Birgit, Ulf) whom I can call with any need at any time of the day and who listen to me patiently for hours
my American sweetheart who changed my life a great deal and who made me into the person I am today (even though he is - again and alas - absent from my life at the moment)
my stitch'n'bitch group for sharing a beautiful hobby
Mr D who likes to eat the christmas cookie from last year and who pays me the most beautiful compliments at the right moment when I need them
the internet that enables me to be in contact with the most amazing people all over the world

eye candy

2007-11-15T20:14:00.000+01:00

I love this and am going to make tons more!!!

I got my last SP 11 package - again it is amazing!!! I want to get to my sewing machine asap!

WIPs

2007-11-11T15:11:00.000+01:00

It seems like I'm too stupid to count until 28. I missed 8 rows on the second mitten by Bente B.

Anyhow, I am very pleased how the first one turned out! It fits perfectly. Well, the second one just has to be frogged for a couple of rows. I used plain sock yarn from Butinette and 2.5 mm needles for this project.

Obviously, I am into smocking right know!

And this is what I finished this weekend. A plain stockinette sock in Butinette "Toskana grün". I am not up to big and exciting projects at the moment, as I have a lot to do at school and this week was as crazy as the week before the holidays. I hope for a quieter next week.

back to work

2007-11-05T17:43:00.000+01:00

First day of school after one week off - and I had a new pullover to show off. Everyone assked me if I made it myself, and I was proud to say "yes". This one is from this pattern and I used ggh Bel Air for it. I think it fits me better than the model :-)

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap topic of the week

2007-11-04T20:04:00.000+01:00

When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!

I started to drink coffee at my first job. From the age of about 16 I worked as a temp (for 10 years on and off) in an office. I did all the jobs whre they needed help. From the second year on I replaced the personal secretary during her summer vacation. Of course, I had to make coffee as well. And as there were no other free beverages around, I started drinking the stuff and have since that day! I love everything about coffe, the smell, the taste, having a mug in your hand....

An anecdote connected with this:
Every time I went to get some coffee at this office there was only a little bit left at the bottom of the pot. After several times of brewing fresh one I came into the kitchen again - hardly any coffee left. My boss was there as well and I said very angrily as I had alot to do that day and already was on the edge: "Who the hell is too lazy to make fresh coffe and just leaves these drops of excuse in the pot?" My boss said with a grin: "Actually, I do that..." Ooooops. Well, I was 17 and I have to admit my coffee was way better than his!

TGIF

2007-11-02T12:15:00.000+01:00

Yesterday night was one of those nights. At 11 pm I go to bed, I read, I eat, I turn of the lights....and I stay awake until 4 am. Sometimes sleep isn't my friend. Usually, when I am alone and worked all day and couldn't talk to my friends on the phone. Thank God it happens less often than it did during my studies. It is not nice. At all. Anyways, I got a lot of things done. I cleaned the flat, I ate and read some more. And I made this tissue holder after this tutorial:

As much as I hate plain stockinette, I started another project which will probably drive me nuts sooner or later. It is this sleevless pullover and I use ggh "Bel Air" for it. The yarn has a really nice texture and it knits pretty fast. The pattern doesn't specify the size so I am not exactly sure how this will fit me. Well, we'll see.

Margaret sent me these key covers in my monkey swap package. Isn't it cute? Today I attached them to my keys - how did you know that I desperately needed something like this?

Monkeys and cardigans

2007-11-01T13:00:00.000+01:00

I have finished my cardigan and I am sooo proud! I think it turned out very well. I was afraid that I would run out of yarn before I had finished the second arm but I have half a skein left for a belt. But after taking this picture I think don't I need it. This solution looks much better! What do you think? Now I hope for really cold weather to wear this beauty.

Yesterday I got my "Monkey Sock Swap 3" package from Margaret. She sent the most amazing monkey stuff! You can see the socks in all their beauty on her blog. I already wore them to S'n'B last night. Thank you so much Margaret!!

Books

2007-10-30T12:00:00.000+01:00

These are the top 106 books most often marked as “unread” by LibraryThing’s users (as of today). As usual, bold what you have read, italicise that you started but couldn’t finish, and strike through what you couldn’t stand. Add an asterisk* to those you’ve read more than once. Underline those on your to-read list.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and punishment
Catch-22
One hundred years of solitude
Wuthering Heights*
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi: a novel
The name of the rose*
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
Madame Bovary
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice*
Jane Eyre*
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: the fates of human societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair*
The Time Traveller’s Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods*
A heartbreaking work of staggering genius
Atlas shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran: a memoir in books
Memoirs of a Geisha*
Middlesex*
Quicksilver
Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West
The Canterbury tales
The historian : a novel
A portrait of the artist as a young man
Love in the time of cholera
Brave new world
The Fountainhead
Foucault’s pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A clockwork orange
Anansi boys
The once and future king
The grapes of wrath
The Poisonwood Bible : a novel
1984
Angels & demons
The inferno
The satanic verses
Sense and sensibility*
The picture of Dorian Gray*
Mansfield Park
One flew over the cuckoo’s nest
To the lighthouse
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver’s travels
Les misérables
The corrections
The amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The curious incident of the dog in the night-time*
Dune
The prince
The sound and the fury
Angela’s ashes : a memoir
The god of small things
A people’s history of the United States : 1492-present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere*
A confederacy of dunces
A short history of nearly everything
Dubliners
The unbearable lightness of being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake : a novel
Collapse : how societies choose to fail or succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics : a Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an Inquiry into Values
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity’s Rainbow
The Hobbit
In cold blood : a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences
White teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The three musketeers

I don't know how to underline but there are a lot of books on my reasding list. I couldn't stand all the books I haven't finished.

Progress

2007-10-29T11:51:00.000+01:00

As Holly asked me in my last post, I used again Kool-Aid for the yarn I dyed in pink and blue as a lot of Kool-Aid was so generously bestowed on my in the Fall into Autumn Swap. Some progress on my most recent UFOs (I have "some" more - believe me). I finished one arm on the cardigan yesterday and cast on the second one this morning:

I made some progress as well on the Hanami Stole - I am already deep into the Cherry Blossom Pattern:

Bought some new knitting magazines on the weekend (Verena, Vogue's Knit 1) and there are some nice things in there which I am itching to begin. But I promised myself to at least finish the two projects above, before I start with anything new. I noticed that I get bouts of cast-on-itis when I am stressed. Maybe because iI don't have the nerves and the patience to finish what I have already begun?

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

2007-10-28T17:48:00.000+01:00

Coffee
What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!)
I usually drink Dallmayr Prodomo which is a local Munich brand
Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee?
Ground
This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee?
Haven't really tried it yet but Kelly sent me some which I will definitely drink!
Do you enjoy special blends?
I don't really know what that is supposed to be
How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf?
Cream and sugar, at school i drink decaf to de-stress me
Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer?
I prefer large mugs (the larger the better)

Winter and Holidays
What is your favorite part of Winter?
The snow and the festive season
Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday?
First my birthday then Christmas
If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree?
My parents do and I always spend the holidays there, I don't have one in my own flat (yet?)
Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package?
I don't really care
Do you collect anything?
Nope
Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect?
No
Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats?
Yes, yes, yes
What is your favorite holiday or winter treat?Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory.
Visiting the different christmas markets in Munich and Nuremberg. Drinking mulled wine and eating sweets, walking around and look at all thes tuff

Yarn and Crafting
Do you Knit or Crochet?
Yes, both
For how long?
Can't really say, a looong time
Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks?
It depends on the yarn and on the project
Circular or straight?
see above
What sort of projects do you enjoy making?
Everything that challenges me in one way or another
What are your favorite types of yarn to work with?
Cotton blends
Do you spin or dye?
I do some Koll-Aid dyeing
Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else?
Needlepoint and sewing

General
When is your birthday?
8th Dec
Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!)
No
What are your favorite colors?
Pinks and violets
Do you have any allergies?
No

Guten Tag, guten Tag, ich will mein Leben zurück

2007-10-27T15:49:00.000+02:00

This week has been insane. Meetings, meetings, horrible students, more meetings etcetc. Thank God I have now one week off to correct mountains of testpapers, yay!

Highlights of this week: my new self-dyed yarn (see below) and the concert of "Wir sind Helden" - I absolutely love this band!!! Every songs fits my life in one way or another. Amazing!

I am busily working on the arms of my cardigan - I want to have it finished asap!

I got spoiled

2007-10-24T23:35:00.000+02:00

In the past days, two packages arrived. First from my SP11 with beautiful things in it:

The jewellery has been made especially for me and I have already worn it to school, it is just awesome:

Today I received my mystery theme swap package and Kelly had chosen the theme winter. She send me great stuff, I was really spoiled:

Thank you guys so much. This has been a very hectic week for me so far and tomorrow will even be worse, but you sweetened my days!

Hanami Stole

2007-10-22T20:02:00.000+02:00

While waiting for the yarn for the cardigan to be delivered I started on the Hanami stole. I like the design 8as all her other designs as well) very much and I had some left over recycled yarn that is hopefully enough for the project. After frogging the MS 3 two times and thinking of buying another yarn for it, I guess I will finish this stole. I have already finished the basket weave part and am now working on the transitional chart to the cherry blossom pattern.

First snow

2007-10-21T17:52:00.000+02:00

Today it snowed here in Munich for the first time this year! Well, it melted before it hit the ground, but the stuff was definitely white. I took this weather as (another excuse) to be lazy and do only yarn-related things. First of all, I dyed some more sock yarn. Both of these skeins will be sent out as part of swap packages. So look out ;-) For the first one I used only one pack of Kool-Aid each in Cherry and Pineapple:

For the second one I used two packs of Dark Cherry and Grape each for more intense colours:

I like the outcome of both and I have to admit I am a bit reluctant to let them go.

I made some progress on my smok-pattern cardi. Alas, I ran out of yarn for the arms (which I immediately ordered online), so I have to wait till my nice postman comes again to my doorstep. So far I really like both the outcome of the pattern and the quality of the yarn (Online Linie 130 Champ) and I am impatient to be finally able to wear it. I was a bit afraid of the collar as you start out with a certain number of stitches from the middle and then add 2 more stitches at the end of each row but it turned out quite nicely I think.

Yesterday night I went out to a party with two couples who are friends of mine and it scared me that I didn't feel like the odd one out (even when we met up with a third couple). Have I finally accepted the role of the old maiden? Is it time to buy a cat and a rocking chair?
Connected with this, there was a rumour at school among my colleagues that I was pregnant. When my boss (!!) asked me if this was true, I could only laugh uncontrollably. I mean, who am I, the Virgin Mary? Haven't seen any angles hovering at my flat recently....

Hats and swaps

2007-10-20T14:27:00.000+02:00

This week I finished this hat - it's Gretel by Ysolda. It is a bit complicated with all the cables but I think it fits me quite well. I used Schachenmayer's Trachtenwolle.

Last week I received my "Fall into Autumn" swap package from Ariel. She sent me the most amazing stuff! Thank you so much Ariel!!!!

Holly Rocks!

2007-10-15T19:40:00.000+02:00

Not only has she nominated me but also tagged me for a MEME 8 Random Things about me. Here it goes:

1) I can recite the prologue from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" by heart. We did that for fun during a very, very, very boring RE lesson.

2) I only have to see a film once to quote it - and I do it all the time! ("Mini me - stop h***ing the laser!")

3) Although being German I eat American style. I cut the meat beforehand, only use the fork and put my left arm under the table. This drives some German people nuts because they think it is rude.

4) More of my friends are male than female. I don't know what that says about me.

5) I absolutely destest it when people call you and not speak on your voicemail - I always wonder for hours what the wanted from me.

6) For years I have been dreaming constantly about trains, planes and airports.

7) I love to be on the telephone. I spend at least 2 hrs daily on the phone with friends.

8) If I were a boy, my name would be Elmar *urgh*

No more Rudolph

2007-10-13T23:31:00.000+02:00

Glad to say my cold is over! No news on the knitting front but trying to lessen my number of UFOs :-)

My name!!!

2007-10-11T14:50:00.000+02:00

Autumn coat

2007-10-11T12:28:00.001+02:00

As the weather grows colder, and I have a cold, I thought about knitting this, but sans the fun fur sleeves (it is from the latest "online" magazine):

And as I stayed in bed most of the last couple of days (no voice, red nose etc etc) I came as far as this:

The picture doesn't do the yarn justice, it is not that orange, but rather a light brown. I was a bit afraid of the smok-pattern but it isn't that difficult and the result is quite nice.

Off to bed now, I have to be fit tomorrow!

Socks, socks, socks

2007-10-07T11:55:00.001+02:00

Finally, I got all the socks together that I want to show you. The first three pairs I knitted on the beach on my trip to Rhodos. First there was another pair of Monkeys in Schöller+Stahl "Socka colour":

Next up were ankle socks made with the yarn left over from both the Monkeys I made so far:

Last but not least a pattern from Socktopia in a no-name brand sock yarn:

And this week I also managed to finish a pair of plain socks in "Regia colour" that I had started in June - talk about UFOs:

FO and WIP

2007-10-04T13:00:00.000+02:00

I have finished my pink sweater and I love it! I have to say, it is simply perfect! The pattern, the size, the yarn - perfect!! I wore it today for the first time which was good as today the annual teachers' photo was taken. Never mind, that I slept only 5 hrs and had unwashed hair. At least I wore the right sweater!

Furthermore, I couldn't resist to cast on my self-dyed yarn. The colourway comes out grat, doesn't it?

Although I used orange and grape it looks like there is some blue in it which is rather nice, I think.

I'm in!!!

2007-10-03T10:51:00.001+02:00

I got my Ravelry invite yesterday afternoon! Look for "Stoeps"!

Ravelry

2007-10-02T09:54:00.000+02:00

You signed up on July 28, 2007
You are #21246 on the list.
177 people are ahead of you in line.
16872 people are behind you in line.
55% of the list has been invited so far