This and that

Some pictures and projects from the last weeks, this and that. A-L from blog Bewitched fingers has kindly remembered me with Liebster Award. Here are my answers to the 11 questions that followed with the award. Unfortunately I am really bad at sending these awards forward and I have the feeling that this award has been going around in blogs a lot already. So I thought to only answer the questions I got. 

1. Which craft project are you most proud of?

Well, I don't actually know, but maybe a knitted sweater I made some years ago and which you see in one of the pictures above - or the color work part of it. Each round of the color work took an hour to knit and the instruction was not very clear so all the decreases had to be counted at the same time as following the pattern. I am also pretty proud of Lenni and Laila. And I am happy that I figured out the technique for diamonds with clear lines of course - and all the other patterns you can create with the same technique. 

2. Do you have any favorite pattern?

It is difficult to name just one, and I don't often follow any pattern even though I love to buy patterns. I just never seem to have time to try them even though there are so many patterns by wonderful designers out there. Creating and exploring by myself is just my way of crocheting. But I would love to crochet and knit more projects with patterns from others, and I know I have a lot to learn as well. I just have to take some more time for that. Above you see one wonderful book I have been looking at lately, by Anna Wilkinson. The book contains many lovely cardigan patterns, a type of crochet project I have not yet had the courage to try. I also admire for example the work of Danish designer Jeanette from Lutter Idyl. She is just such a skilled, versatile crocheter and designer, and has a modern take on crochet (and I hope to get her new book in my hands soon).

3. Your best memory from craft class at school?

Oh dear, this is a tough one as well. Probably a pair of leg warmers with fair isle pattern I knitted at the age of 14-15? I used them many years. So it was all about pattern and color for me already back then, if I now start to think about it.

4. And your worst?

My first knitted cardigan with color work, I guess I was also 14 when I knitted that. I had made a big mistake in one of the patterns in the middle of the cardigan :-). And I don't think I was actually pleased with most of the projects from the time because I just didn't have the same patience to learn and finish projects than now. 

5. Why did you start blogging?

Needed something new, back in 2009 after having a hard time at work. I tried to think what I liked to do as a child and found crafting. So I started this blog and started learning and reviving skills in crochet and knitting. I remember how proud I was when I managed to crochet my first basket and how lovely it was to make and create something very concrete compared to work. It is a bit sad that I seldom feel the same accomplishment nowadays even though I often like the outcome of what I make. When creating your own projects and patterns, the process of making is a lot longer of course as well, starting from choosing the yarn and hook for a project. And this process is sometimes frustrating and the joy disappears on the way. Then I just leave the project there and pick it up later again. In this post you see pics of my crochet projects from lately and each and one of these are still a bit under construction, or the first versions. I am for example going to use the arrow pattern for another project. 

6. Where would you like to travel?

There are so many places, but here are a few: Azores, Halifax in Canada (and to stay a few days in Iceland on the way), Lisbon, Gothenburg and Aarhus. Above you also see one place I like visiting, one of the beautiful houses in the little town of Lund (part of museum Kulturen), taken almost exactly one year ago. I have also studied in Lund one semester at the university ages ago and wouldn't mind living there again for some time. I think it is an inspiring little city and near Copenhagen as well.

7. What kind of a cook are you?

I am most often busy with crafting and crocheting so I prefer that in my free time :-) . I bake more than cook, simple and quick things, like bread rolls, apple pies and blueberry pies. I like to bake without too many kitchen appliances and without hurry. Baking is as much about enjoyment for different senses as about the end result. I like to feel the dough in my hands, to smell the lovely scent at home. I also like to use ecological products as much as possible. When it comes to cooking I just often make salads, soups, pizza and sometimes some Indian flavors and often fish in different ways. 

8. Chocolate cake or cheesecake

Chocolate cake. One of the simple baking projects I like is kladdkaka, the Swedish version of mudcake.

9. Favorite month?

I like autumn time as probably many of us crocheters and knitters, but every month has its good sides (maybe November excluded). I try to go out for walks in the nature and every time there is something to admire and to discover during every season.

10. Which song is playing in your head at the moment?

A French song Belle sung by Garou, Daniel Lavoie and Patrick Fiori.

11. Do you have any other hobbies than craft related?

Nothing regular. I read some, but very irregularly. Last fall I took a couple of courses in ceramics and would love to learn more, and to make my own plates and cups with pottery wheel. Hopefully someday. I am a home person and interested in interior design as well.

Well, I guess this was more than enough about me.  

Wishing you a good week!

Pirjo