Plum Colored Cardigan

I still owe you the pictures of my cardigan –  I almost forgot. Remember, I worried about ruining it in the washing machine? Well, luckily I did not.

Finding the perfect buttons took pretty much as long as knitting the cardigan. For days I could not decide which ones to attach. Finally, I decided on mother of pearl. Depending on the light, there is some brownish-violet-plum inside that beautifully matches the yarn.

Then, I had M take pictures. That – again – would take a long time as either the yarn was depicted a lot lighter than it actually is (but all stitches were clearly visible) or it was pictured in its beautiful proper color (too dark to see anything at all).

Now, here is what we agreed upon:

IMG_1990 IMG_2020

It is a perfect cardigan in a very pretty color. However, if I were to make another one of these, I would probably choose a different yarn as the cardigan is now very heavy. I am afraid it might wear out at the yoke sooner or later. But for now it fits like a glove (is that what you say?).

Talking about colors, my hair started to turn gray when I was in my mid twenties. I would color it for a while (brown, blonde, blue) until I became too lazy (and less of a revolutionary …). Weird to see how white it has become (actually, quite a nice contrast to the dark cardigan 🙂 ).

Journey to Work

I live in Berlin (SE) and I work in Berlin (SW). However, going to work takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r …

“f-o-r-e-v-e-r” means: a 5 min. walk + subway for 16 stops + 13 stops with the commuter train + another 15 min. walk = 1h 26min.

That’s one way.

Going home is another 1h 26min (unless a train is cancelled – in this case it might take longer).

At first, I would dread the journey but then I came to terms with it for three reasons:

(1) it is considerably less expensive than taking the car, better for the environment, and (usually) stress free

(2) I get to knit quite a bit (or to crochet)

(3) when I get off the train after 1h 26min., I am still in Berlin (I mentioned that before, I know). And this is what I see:

IMG_1832 IMG_1837 IMG_1855IMG_1850No real happy ending though as I still have to walk little less than a mile from there, so I do not see the lake from my desk … 🙂

How long does it take you to go to work and what’s it like?

 

Flower Blanket Reloaded

It has been a while since I gave the red flower blanket to a wonderful friend of mine. M and I got to stay at her house last weekend and I was thrilled to see her actually using it. In spite of (or because of?) the space between the flowers it’s snugly and warming – perfect for those long-awaited evenings spent outside.

Makes me want to crochet another one right away …

red flower blanket haekelmonster.com

My Cardigan

This morning I sat in front of the washing machine, never loosing sight of the “bull’s eye” … 600 rpm spin speed … a hand knitted cardigan inside … nerves all on edge … 🙂 Luckily, all went well.

I am sure you have been there before.

IMG_1902It has been a while since I knitted a garment. Even longer since I knitted something for myself. Scarves, wraps, monsters, wrist warmers, blankets for others? Yes. Something for me? Not really.

Until now.

IMG_0937Now, a cardigan – the color of dark plums and knitted in garter stitch with a leaf pattern on the yoke – is recovering on a big towel. As soon as it is dry I will show pictures.

Sifu Design Studio & Fine Yarns

Sifu is Chinese for “Master” or “Teacher.” In Mandarin it is pronounced like “sure foo”, whereas in Cantonese it is more like “see foo.” However, no matter how you vocalize it, it is used to express the speaker’s utmost respect with regard to the addressee’s skills and experience.

A Japanese friend (when taught how to knit) called Lisa her Sifu. Understandably, Lisa would feel very honored and when starting her business the Sifu became her mission statement: “You, too, can be a master of your craft.”

When asking where and how to get a copy of Chicago Knits Magazine’s first issue I was told to buy it at Sifu Design Studio & Fine Yarns in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. And this is where I went.

IMG_1160IMG_1163To cut a long story short: it is a store with a soul! Does that make sense? I so wish it would be in my neighborhood!

There is that huge table in the back, where probably ten people of all ages would sit, knit, work on computers, laugh and chat away, while one was trying to refloat a knitting machine (or loom?). The center of the store (if there is a center) is an old counter, surrounded by mostly antique furniture along the walls, such as drawers, suitcases, shelves, boxes and dressers, brimming over with yarn of all colors imaginable. The walls are covered with paintings, thread spools, and other decoration. There are books, magazines, postcards, all sorts of hooks and needles, ribbons, buttons, stitch holders in little drawers, trinkets everywhere.

IMG_1153An amazing store, punishing me for every time I had been (too?) strict with J: “You’re supposed to look with your eyes, not with your hands. Don’t touch it! Put that down!” Well, here I was, in knitting wonderland, wanting to touch everything, as everywhere was something to see, to admire, and – yes – to desire, to long for …

IMG_1154As the world is small, my friend Mamie has known Lisa for quiet a few years and when I told her that I wanted to go to the store, Mamie left a gift certificate for me behind Lisa’s counter. What a treat!

IMG_1155No doubt – M and J needed quite a bit of patience until I was done choosing from all the lovely yarn and stuff that was there … Here is what I (finally) picked: Four skeins of Cascade 220 sport in “Lake Chelan Heather” and the most beautiful handmade little stitch markers in turquoise and orange. Again, thank you so much Mamie – once I have decided what to make out of it I will let you know!IMG_1882

And guess who I met while there: Kim Richardson, the Chicago Knits Magazine‘s “mother.”IMG_1157If you like to know more about Lisa and her Sifu Design Store – she is featured in the magazine. If you get a chance to visit – GO!