1st knitted item of the year

I started my first knitted item of 2008. Unfortunately it was not because of my own will but I'm still happy that I started. It's actually an order for a kitty hat. I'm happy that there's still a demand for it. I'm also glad that it's something to get me started on the making. It has been so depressing ever since construction on our flat started.

I've been super unmotivated because it's just too cramped and dusty to do anything. Not to mention everything is displaced and needs to be dug out. Fredrik and I are really looking forward to the end of this construction. Not only will there be no more construction, we will also have a spanking new bathroom complete with a bathtub. Hopefully it will be done by the end of next week.

Fredrik is coming home today. YAY! (^-^)

I would like to say that I will be able to start my crafting the moment he steps into the flat. But unfortunately our flat is also going into chaos mode. Today people from the company that owns the building came by to change our electrical system. I spent most of the day with Ull inside our bedroom.

kitten + electricians working with wires and drills = not the best of ideas

They will start the dismantling and rebuilding of our bathroom later this week. We may have to send Ull off to a boarding home so he doesn't get scared by the loud noise or be in the way of the workers.

I should get working on the surprise that I started over the holidays. At this rate, it might turn into a 2008 Christmas present.

lazy lazy lazy

Aside from the usual business of Christmas and new years, Fredrik and I got ourselves a Nintendo Wii for Christmas. It's rather addictive.

Not to mention the fact that right after Fredrik left for Australia, I came down with something awful. I was confined to the bed for the past couple of days with fever and serious tonsil pain. But I'm getting better now.

I cleaned up the flat today 'cause I had been neglecting it for the time Fredrik was home. I finally got all the dirty laundry off the floor and vacuumed the place. Ull's been a little walking lint magnet. But he's been a total darling during my time of need for rest. He's napping right now.

I got into playing Super Paper Mario and I haven't really don't much that is productive but what the hell, I'm still sick and what else is there to do other than watch TV and play video games when you're sick? I hope to resume the crafting as soon as Fredrik gets back from Australia. I might even start next week depending on how I feel. I hope I get better soon.

Ull inside my messenger bag

Ull inside my messenger bag
Originally uploaded by souvenir_kattunge

Fredrik comes home on Friday. :)

1st project in a long while

I've decided that I will start a new project when Fredrik comes back.

I've seen so many yummy sock patterns. Patterns like Eunny Jang's Bayerische Sock and Gabriella's Clessidra Stockings. I was thinking that I would give those cotton blend yarns a try. The socks that I knitted earlier this year are great and all but they're 100% wool. It was really nice soft yarn but they also made my feet really itchy. I am like Yarn Harlot's friend who simply cannot wear wool.

I've also been eyeing some mitten patterns. Hello Yarn has been knitting some REALLY nice looking mittens and have been posting pictures on her flickr. I would like to give the pattern she has in that set of photos or her Squirrel and Oak Mittens a try. With mittens, I can knit with a wool yarn but I can always line them with some nice soft fleece or flannel.

Maybe the mittens and the socks are a bit "ambitious" since I haven't knitted anything in over a month. Maybe I'll just start with something simple. Maybe I'll try Hello Yarn's Mushroom Pulse Warmers. They'll be a quick knit. These can be lined with fleece or flannel too. I would also like to try Anushka's Twisted Maiden Fingerless Gloves. These however would have to be knitted with a cotton blend yarn.

THE itch

As I've stated in my earlier posts, I haven't had much time to do very much beyond playing with Ull. But today I felt THE itch.

I get Interweave Press' Daily Knitting newsletter and there's been so many interesting things in it. You really can't help but to be tempted. I've also been browsing some online yarn stores for delicious looking yarns. I keep thinking that I should stop by Knit Lab in Stockholm the next time I go into the city but I keep getting distracted by the worries that Ull is home alone.

Fredrik is going to be home next Friday. I hope I will be able to get some stuff done while he's home to play with Ull. But he's gotta leave shortly after New Years for a tour in Australia. Thank goodness that's only going to last about 2 weeks. Then he's home for a few months. Aside from me being able to have some quiet time to do stuff like knit, paint, crochet and maybe even teach myself how to drop spin.

In other news, I received word about my application for a Swedish language and culture program in university. I've been accepted! So in January, I'll be studying Swedish in university instead of at SFI. I'm really looking forward to it because the program will be offering more than just learning Swedish. The downside is that the university is in another city. I'll have to commute to and from via the train. Luckily, it'll only be for 1 year. From my experiences in the past with taking the train to and from somewhere, it's perfect for catching up on that bit of knitting or crocheting.

what to make...

Fredrik left on Sunday for the US. It is time again for me to fend for myself. At least now I have Ull to keep me company. He also makes me look less insane when I start talking to myself. I can at least pretend to be talking to him.

I guess my break from making is over. But at the present moment I have no idea what I want to make. I can sew some more or knit some more. I really should finish Stella's hat.

There is an order for another set of kitty charms but I am waiting for the buyer to tell me which 3 kitty charms they want. People seem to miss/forget to read the part about telling me which 3 kitty charms they want. Oh well.

I was also thinking that I might buy a Print Gocco kit. Although, I just bought myself a new iPod. I feel bad about spending so much money already. Maybe I'll wait a bit before I buy the Print Gocco kit. I haven't been particularly creative lately and don't think I'll come up with something in time for something like cute cards and whatnot before Christmas.

a wee break

Fredrik is home till Sunday before he has to run off to the US for another tour. Then I'll have to fend for myself AND Ull. I am going to take a wee break this week. I finished some orders last week and think I'll just take it easy.

I might make some more hats. Although I have to finish Stella's hat first. I feel bad that I've been taking so long but there's been some orders that take priority. I will try to finish Stella's hat sometime this week.

I want to take a trip to Knit Lab to check out their yarn selection. Although, it will be hard since I don't really want to leave Ull at home by himself. Mind you, I don't really have anything in mind project wise at the present moment.