sparreholm

Ok, so I changed my mind. Now that it's finished, I actually like it. I think that the hood has something to do with it, for some strange reason I love garments with hoods. And the buttons all around are also a nice touch, I think.

I'm still not convinced about this colorway, and I probably would choose something else if I'd do it again, but working with Noro is always a surprise and I'm very pleased with how the Silk Garden turned out, especially after washing. I put it in the washing machine, and it turned out incredibly soft and didn't stretch at all, which I was really afraid it would.








Pattern: Sparreholm, from Noro Revisited
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, color 245 (6 skeins)
Needles: 5.5 mm
Size: smallest


Notes: No changes whatsoever. It's a very straightforward pattern, although it contained a couple of errors. I'm a loose knitter, so even though I made the smallest size it's still a bit loose, especially because it's ribbing all around and would look better with more negative ease.

le chat parti

le chat parti, les souris dansent
(when the cat's away the mice will play)

This batch of softies are now on their way to Belgium, to Raquel's new shop which is opening next May 2nd in Bellefontaine. If you happen to be in the neighborhood please drop by to make a visit !

LE CHAT PARTI
Rue des Prisonniers Politiques 279
B-6730 Bellefontaine

#38 #39 Bastien + Enzo



#41 #40 Clementine + Anais



#35 #36 #37 Chloe + Elise + Noemie

notebook sleeves

Mais sleeves para a livraria Centésima Página, desta vez para cadernos e agendas até tamanho A5

wip

some new softies for a new shop opening soon ...





and this week I picked up a project that had been forgotten since January. Not sure I like how the colors are coming together, but this Noro colorway is quite uneven (or maybe I was unlucky with the skeins I chose). But I love the pattern, so I'm determined to finish it.



and also this week I discovered Goodreads, which is quickly becoming addictive.

Now, dearest sun, is there any hope that you might make an appearance this weekend ? I want to go roller blading ...

Caderno Azul

Peças novas disponíveis na loja Caderno Azul, em Azeitão

Caderno Azul
Praça da República, nº 39, R/C B
Vila Nogueira de Azeitão
2925-585 Azeitão

drops jacket

Here's my take on what it's probably one of the most popular knitting patterns out there. I'm not entirely satisfied with the collar (I knew I should've disregarded the instructions and make my own version) but now I'm too lazy to redo it so maybe next winter when I can actually wear it more often.

I made the worsted weight version because I wanted to use this yarn badly (it was the right color, and besides there's nothing better than a project that knits up so quickly) but if I ever make a second one I'd definitely go for the aran weight. Although I'm not yet convinced about A-line jackets, I don't think they're exactly my style, so I've placed an extra button at the bottom to make it more fitted.




Pattern: 103-1 Jacket by Drops Design (worsted weight version)
Size: S
Yarn: Brancal Manchester
Needles: 6.5 mmm


Changes: almost none, except I used smaller needles, but I'm a loose knitter and so my gauge was just a bit tighter. Made an extra buttonhole and added some length to the cap sleeves because otherwise they wouldn't fit properly (not sure why, but this happens to me all the time)

knitting report

The Drops Jacket: back, fronts, collar and one sleeve done, just another sleeve to go. Hoping to finish it this weekend.





The Gilet Col Tailleur by Phildar: back done, slowly working on the fronts. I think this will take me a while to finish, but I'm loving the yarn (Schachenmayr Nomotta Extra Merino Big)



And a small project I started, a surprise gift so I can't say what it is (but it's my first EZ project, so I'm hoping it turns out well)



Thanks so much for the book suggestions on the last post, I always appreciate and enjoy reading those (and Linda, thanks for passing by and commenting, I can't wait to get started on your book). And for those of you looking for more reading suggestions, check out this recent post by Alicia.

This weekend will be crafty and very relaxing, hope yours will be too (not necessarily crafty, but hopefully relaxing)

TBR

Some new books for my to be read (TBR) pile, most purchased under the recommendation of friends, so I'm really looking forward to reading them. My TBR has been growing exponentially ever since joining Bookcrossing almost 5 years ago, but during the last few months I've been working steadily on making it smaller. And so I decided I was intitled to a few treats ...

- Astrid and Veronika, by Linda Olsson
- Arthur and George, by Julian Barnes
- Water for Elephants, by Sarah Gruen
and Knitting classic style, by Veronik Avery, which doesn't actually count for the TBR, but has some nice patterns I'd like to try someday.



On recent reads, I really enjoyed "A thousand splendid suns" by Khaleid Hosseini. I loved and cried my eyes out when reading "The kite runner" last year and was afraid this second book would be a let down. But it wasn't, far from it. It follows the stories of two women, Mariam and Laila, during the last 30 years or so of Afghan history, and the friendship that grows between them. Beautifully written, and very evocative. On a lighter note, I read "The dream-maker's magic", which is the third in a fantasy trilogy for young adults by Sharon Shinn. Didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous ones but it was light reading and exactly what I needed before starting my current read ("My name is red", by Orhan Pamuk, which also came very recommended)

Knit wise, I've also been reading a couple of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books on and off during the last weeks. Don't ask me how, but I only ever heard of EZ after I joined Ravelry (and started reading the forums) and was curious enough to try out these two. These are not exactly your regular knitting books, although they do contain patterns and a multitude of brilliant advice. But it's like reading something from your best friend, that's how well written these books are. And her personal stories and notes are always full of humour, which makes them even more pleasurable to read.

What about you, what are you reading these days ?

mais / more

para a livraria



#390-#399 (quase a chegar às 400)



Almost reaching my 400th bookcover :) I will make a update to the shop soon with new bookcovers, just a couple more of wholesale orders I have to finish first. The rafting experience was great, we were incredibly lucky with the weather - unlike today, it was actually sunny and warm - and we managed not to overturn the boat once. For obvious reasons I couldn't take my camera with me so I don't have any photos, but if I can get any decent ones from one of my colleagues I'll show you later.

Para os interessados, mais informações sobre rafting aqui

(Billy, foi no rio Paiva sim, e fiz o tal salto da rocha - foi fantástico :)

thinking of spring (part II)

Some more inspiration for spring/summer clothes, from my new japanese sewing pattern books



Otona no couture (Stylish dress book)
ISBN 4579111850








Cotton and linen
ISBN 4277722520









And tomorrow I'm trying rafting for the first time, so wish me luck ! Have a great weekend :)