Monday, August 26, 2013

Flerfärgsvirkning, nålbindning, krokning och tvåändsstickning

... oh my.... It's been so long since I've posted. My hands are quite literally full with the shop, kids and something that resembles a household. 

The last time I was planning to post pictures was last summer. That's crazy. 

I was just thinking about my summer in Sweden last year where I took a course in old needle techniques. Namely 'Flerfärgsvirkning, nålbindning, krokning och tvåändsstickning' I had such a great time. Next year I'll definitely go there again. For now, here's some pictures from last year.... 


 trying to translate, lear techniques and learn swedish at the same time... 
 handmade tools at the shop 
 the main building in Falun red. I need a house like that. Someday.
 my very first attempt at Nalbindning (I now give workshops at the shop... I've practiced since then...)
 Krokning, Tunesian crochet in the round. 

Tvåändsstickning, twined knitting 


knitting on the porch 
 our class room (look at the fireplace)
 The colors of Sweden (blue for the sky, black and white for the birches, green for the trees and grass, brownish red for the Falun Red houses, purple for the lupines and brown for all the wood) for my multicolored traditional crochet. 
 smygmaskvirkning ...
 the multicolored crochet is used at the cuffs and bottom for durability. It's incredibly strong and non-stretchy. Amazing work by my teacher Berit Westman. A very kind, funny and skilled woman. It was like talking to Yoda. I turned quiet. And I hardly ever do...
 here we go...
 everything, everywhere at Sätergläntan is handmade, it's amazing! 
 at the library
 very old traditional knitting, carefully packed in rice paper. A sight for sore eyes! 

 this library is probably in my top 3 favorite places in the world 
 very old Nalbindnings mittens. Such beauty! 
little (handmade) jokes, in every corner. 
 flegvarvsvirkning... eh... I don't remember what it's called. It's getting somewhere. (but I have to be honest, it's still in this state in my atticstudio)
 All techniques in different stages
 Done, my wee weird practicing mitten. So proud. 
 And a new project on the needles.

 eating was a very natural, organic and lovely happening. Handmade baskets, bowls, spoons. Unbelievable. You'd never want to buy a factory item again in your life. Such an atmospheric difference! 
The pig says: 'Tack', meaning: 'Thank you!'
 And then the beautiful door closed and I went back home. Full of knowledge and inspiration and a promise to go back! 
 But first a night in Stockholm before I flew home. 
 Banksy?
 Finishing my Tunesian crochet mittens on the hotel boat ...

... and on the plane. Last winter I wore them proudly. Warm and lovely. I taught a Nalbindnings workshop and my friend Maria whom I met at the course has visited me here. I show off my diploma at the shop, it looks so cool with the Swedish and the autographs of my teacher and headmaster. 

I'll be back! Absolutely! 

Maybe spinning
...
or weaving
...
or....


Thursday, November 29, 2012

LOPAPEYSA

I've been in love with the Icelandic Lopapeysa sweaters/cardigans for ages. I didn't exactly get round to knitting one yet. But I've been practicing the round yoke on a few projects. So I think I'm ready. 
I've actually ordered a DVD that shows how to make one. 

Now I'm a good knitter, but there are limits to what I can do. I'm not looking forward to knit a whole sweater only to cut it into a cardigan. CUT, yes, you read it wel; CUT the sweater... 
Steeking... that sounds a lot friendlier than CUTTING (gushes of blood and loops of yarn gasping...that's the images that pops up).

Whish me luck!

'Ja, Wol', my shop, is now offering the one and only lopi yarn, the original Icelandic yarn used for these fabulous sweaters!

(Ja, Wol, mijn winkel aan 't Zwaanshals in Rotterdam (oude Noorden) verkoopt nu het echte Lopi garen waar deze bijzondere truien en vesten van worden gemaakt!)




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Ja, Wol!

BIG NEWS PEOPLE,
SAS Knits It Again opens 'Ja, Wol' knitting/craft store at Zwaanshals 276, just down the road of the current address.

From the 1st to the 7th of november I'll be moving from the studio to this great shop with patio in one of the funnest shopping areas of Rotterdam. 
The workshop schedule will be extended and soon you'll be able to get a good cup of coffee, tea, organic juice and scones (recently voted the best in Rotterdam!) 
During the move you're very welcome but I won't be able to help you with everything. You can always mail or call me with questions. I'll help where I can! 
Opening hours will be unchanged at the new store!

website: Ja, Wol
Hope to see you soon!

Monday, September 17, 2012

The 90's are back!



This Scrunchie was knit with Phildar Partner 6, color: Grenadine.
It's great for a first try at knitting with double pointed needles (dpn's).
(click to see whole image)
Download the FREE pattern here:

Monday, June 25, 2012

'Travel Light' Knit Kit

A knit kit that fits into your purse, it takes as much space as your average make-up bag. The project is long enough to get you trough traveling and short enough to finish and wear during a chilly night or on the way back in air-conditioned vehicles. 


The kit contains:
2 skeins of amazingly soft kid silk in 10 amazing colors to choose from 
+ a plastic circular (safest bet for strict airlines) 
+ pattern for triangle scarf (beginners level) 
+ cute and small packaging (also great as a gift!)


Take it on board!


'Travel Light'  knit kit  €17,50
+ shipping in NL € 6,75
+ shipping in EU € 15,-
+ shipping world € 18,-


Order by mail or phone +31(6)-41759707.