Knife (free chart)

Here they are: Nordic Collection of Important Items... all three of them together. Talisman, Knife and The Hammer of Thor. Now each available as free chart. My very own design.

Here is the key for Knife (= Puukko in Finnish).

And here is the chart itself.

Make a nest...

... I made a nest in Levi. I had my left over thread box, some 14 Count Aida band and Donna Kooler's fabulous book with me. I chose the design from the page 102 to stitch "thank you" gift for my mother-in-law for looking after my angora rabbits meanwhile me being away.

First I stitched the tiny feather border around the book mark.

Then I stitched the letters above...

...and below.

Make a nest of pleasant thoughts <3

This is how I sew the hems.

Because I had only my left over threads with me and I was literally quite in nowhere :) I had to change a bit the shades compaired to the original Donna Kooler design.

MyHusqvarna

Helga is getting old. She is my 2nd ever sewing machine. She is Husqvarna Viking Huskystar E20. She has got her name from literature; according to Hagar the Horrible's poor wife.

My 1st sewing machine was called IirisRukka (free translation = PoorIris) according to Finnish author Anni Sawn's story about orphan girl. I can not remember which type my 1st sewing machine was but it was the simplest available on 1996. It was the time electronic started to get into sewing machines more and more. Embroidery abilities and everything. I wanted just basic sewing machine so I got IirisRukka as my WeddingMorningGift which is traditionally given to bride so that she can earn her own living if something happens to her brand new husband. Still I named my new sewing machine PoorIris because I knew how hard she will need to work no matter will my dear husband stay alive or not. And I would feel totally orphan if something ever happens to my hubby. <3

Years after I needed new sewing machine because at the end -when my dear hubby was still very much alive- PoorIris just literally fell apart. I still miss her: peace to her soul...

So I ended up to Helga with whom I've been singing a lot. Helga has been chosen like PoorIris. PoorIris was the last iron based Husqvarna machines which still were produced in Sweden despite she looked all plastic. She had much plastic but more iron than PoorIris. Helga has not been as excellent as I wished. Too plastic, too light. And so she has started to give me a hard time. So, seriously, despite she is still working, I have started to consider to get another sewing machine.

I have always loved Husqvarna sewing machines. Why? Well, they come from Sweden so availability in MyWorld is great; also for the replacement parts. They are proper machines so I do just fine with them. But I've been seeking and seeking new machine. Even been considering to change the trade mark. I don't dare to buy it because I don't know what to get today. They all look plastic, promise this and that... but how can I know. Over 20 years have passed and Helga last must less than PoorIris... I need power, not pretty out look, from my sewing machines.

BUT... on the other day before Easter I was visiting my mother and realized I had forgot something about my grandmother. But when I saw IT I got flash back and immediately at the front of my eyes I saw granny very much alive. IT had started to be revealed under the piles of stuff stored and sorted out in her bed room. IT was breathless. I was holding my breath. We stared at each other and then I could only say with greed and love: "You still have IT here! Can I have IT?" Well, I didn't got HER so easy. At First I needed to tell why I suddenly want it despite I had been offered even more ancient sewing machine after the death of my mother's granny. Well, I was young and fool then and didn't understand these could be better than brand new ones. When my mother understood I am going to use it if we get it function she allowed Him to carry it out.

And so IT became SHE. I heard HER taking HER 1st breath after too many years. The story tells SHE should be just fine like SHE was before my granny had her stroke but He took HER to sewing machine mechanic to get oil changed, checked up and pampered before we demand anything from HER. The mechanic was enthusiastic and said SHE'll be doing just fine and is going to be a great worker. He'll call me by the arctic circle when SHE is ready to come home from her rehabilitation holiday. Hopefully in a month.

So, may I introduce... Anne of Green Gables!!! (Vihervaaran Anna in Finnish.) Yep, from Lucy Maud Montgomery's stories.

She is Husqvarna Automatic sewing machine from 50's I think. She has electric lights! WOW! I love her already.

She is as nostalgic as Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. I wish her to be as everlasting and legendary too. At the moment I set all my hope on her and wish she will stay with me for years and last over the times, storms and disasters.

Anne of Green Gables, I hope you will be just fine. I don't mind you are people powered sewing machine; a treadle sewing machine... as long as you work proper with thick materials. I love you already. <3

MyLevi

I've been far and away. Well, not so far; just 4 hours of drive up to the north. Far enough to listen audio book for The 2016 Reading Challenge and knit something for my BubbleHat, BubbleSocks and BubbleMittens.

We were in Levi meanwhile Mr.W was looking after my angora rabbits and cat with Granny.

We've been there several times. There's a log cottage we are allowed to use. It was built on 1979. Usually we spend our time there during off season.We like it small and quiet. EasterRush was a bit annoying but this cottage has  been hidden pretty well despite it is not far from the center so we survived. I still am not complaining. A small break from my daily life was needed indeed. A week before Easter I exercised even 35 hours (10 hours more than regular amount) so I really needed an opportunity to lay down and lift my legs up. So I allowed the teens disappear into the woods and relaxed.

Meditating session were daily routines. I do it always on this acupressure mat. Card playing, craft making and reading was included too. I had MySmartPhone and MyComputer with me too so I was able to do some work; which didn't need any kind of exercise at all. I also did some cross stitch design. I will publish -later on- a free chart of that souvenir design which I made for you all MyDearReaders.

I spend so much time just resting. He was wonderful and spoiled me a lot with these daily little tasks He did for me. Every now and then a mug of something was carried to me. He also was so kind and just read His book beside me and stared hours out from the window this snowy view with me. We were like buried in the soft silent nest of snow. The teens spent their time around and also made fabulous MrSquirrel. I love especially HisCuteTeeth and acorn.

But I did put MyNose outside into the fresh spring air. I had MyBrandNewRedShoes with me. Don't you think I had some exercise. No, you can not call it that. I just had small walks with Nuka in the forest behind the cottage.

More than exercise I had these moments to rest and load my batteries. I baked my own Apple-Almond Tart to be enjoyed on our terrace. I really enjoyed my break of and am even more 

I N S P  I R E D & E N E R G E T I C

We'll be collecting the harvest of all that in the close future!

Happy Spring Time to You all!

Time to Seed!

Despite I woke up today morning with -17 Celsius degrees frost outside it is 

S P R I N G !!!

It is time to seed! It is time to dream!

I had difficulties to find herb seeds. I still miss oregano, lavender and some other. Well, I must keep on seeking them. I do love to grow our own herbs. My veranda is perfect for them. I also re-plant flowers I got by last Christmas. I was surprised these green plants are still alive despite they seemed to be painted for Christmas season sale. I let them be only to be curious to see how they will suffer and die because of the painting. But so little I know about BigBadWorld. They do seem to have plant friendly paints out there. I was very excited to see they didn't die but decided to grow. They look very spring at the moment with green "blush".

Easter is not far away so tiny card factory has been around.

This year I was using my old storage to create the cards. These Easter cards include recycled ribbons, chocolate box covers and cut outs from junk mail.

Tomorrow morning I will go to MyVeryPrivateCarMechanic. I know HisCuteLittleKids will be awake so I am going to spoil them by bringing them some Easter Eggs. These are very special eggs laid by Rooster. Yep; R O O S T E R. In Finland Rooster lays chocolate eggs by Easter. No rabbit brings them. These RoosterEggs are my favorite; no gluten, no milk... They are Fazer's Mignon Eggs. Here you can see how they are made.

The 2016 Reading Challenge

I found Modern Mrs Darcy The 2016 Reading Challenge on December 2015. There's also a printable list of it all.

So here is the list of what I have and will read according to the challenge. I am actually doing this with YougLady and we find it very interesting and fun to do together.

***

A book published this year: It is going to be Finnish author's Milja Kaunisto and her new book Luxus. No translation available; I am sorry for that. She writes historical stories with a bit different aspect. I've read all her previous books. I do am a fan of her work.

A book you can finish in a day: It is a cartoon! It's been years since I read a comic book, a cartoon. I was at the library and my eyes found this one. I realized I really should try it out. It's been too long since the last time. I enjoyed and read it several times. It is Bill Stott's The Crazy World of Cats and made me to understand I am not the only one who wonders what on earth cats are doing... Old book, published already on 1989. Found it at Kemi City Library.

A book you've been meaning to read: It is a book I supposed and wanted to read last year! Finally Santa Claus brought it for me! It is a book from Finnish author Kaari Utrio called Paperiprinssi. No translation available. Utrio writes historical stories. She has written since 1968. I have read many of her books and they teach so many things about history from female aspect. This book Paperiprinssi also tells about paper factory business on 1830 in Finland.

A book recommended by your local librarian or bookseller: Well, here I didn't follow exactly the rules. I chose a book recommended MyDearFriendL. who has very wide knowledge about books and everything connected. She has some kind of addiction or obsession to them; like I have to crafts. So, that's why I am going to read Mia Kankimäki's book Asioita jotka saavat sydämen lyömään nopeammin. I have no idea who she is. Never heard about her. And never read her stories. Need to find out. She is Finnish author but I just googled it and found out the book is available also in Italian. It is going to be like an adventure when I will pick up this book.

A book you should have read in school: In Finnish school we have this book evaluation challenge connected to Finnish lessons. It supposed to introduce literature and support children to read. I was already then passionate reader. There's a list of books from which you should pick up certain amount of books to read and write an evaluation. I ever left only one book unread. It was Frances Hodgson Brunett and The Secret Garden. I didn't read it because my friend said it is so sad. Now YoungLady read it and said it is a wonderful book. She said it is not sad at all. She really loved is so I am going to read it too; eventually.

A book chosen for you by your spouse, partner, sibling, child, or BFF: It is chosen  by -of course- YoungLady. It is Erin Hunter's A Dangerous Path; a book of Warrior Cats. The begin of this book was very difficult because I think being over 14 creates some walls and edges. Especially when you jump in the middle of long saga from the adult space. But when I got used to it and all the clans and cats -which happened after 150 pages- I started to enjoy the reading and it wasn't anymore just something I need to do. I really want to thank Erin Hunter of encouraging YoungLady to read in English at so young age. She was not older than just 12 years when she just had to get these books; no matter they were in English. All the books are not translated in Finnish and YoungLady is a bit addicted to them. Good job! But again, like with the cartoon I read; I do recommend adults to pick up children books too! It makes really good!

A book published before you were born: Persian Fairy Tales by Jaroslav Tichy (illustrated by Ludek Manasek) was published in Finnish before my birth. It is -again- considered as children book. But at the end; what does it matter. I remember being young school girl and our teacher reading us Arabian Nights. Since that I have read many folk stories but not anything back to Persia or areas around. At first I considered picking up some legendary novel for this. But then I wanted to read something even older. Something published before my birth but born perhaps hundreds of years before my time. Folk stories are good choice for that! Viking sagas would be good alternative too; but they are more familiar to me than Persian Fairy Tales. Reading should amuse but also educate.

A book that was banned at some point: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. It was surprising to notice that this book has been banned. The reason is that it has TheN -word in it. After childhood, reading again books by Mark Twain I must confess I doubt if the reason to ban this book because of its N -word has only been an excuse. Mark Twain express the time and its habits and people's ideology quite honest and frank. I wonder if the real reason to ban his books -any- is the will to hide how awful people have behaved and accepted slavery and considering AfroAmericans as something lower than they experience themselves to be. But still, also this book, is very educative and brings you your childhood memories. Just don't stare and focus on TheN -word. Read it and learn how the word was then and have we really came that far...

A book you previously abandoned: I started A Fort of Nine Towers on 2014 when it was published in Finnish. It is written by Qais Akbar Omar and it is very interesting true story. By then I had no time to concentrate on it with the passion I wanted. At the end I had to drop it out and write it up on a list about the books I want to read and to be able to continue it later on with better time. On 2015 I found it on sale. Previously I tried to read library copy of it. So I bought it on sale and brought home. It was the 1st book I read in this challenge. And I recommend it to anyone to read. It tells more than just a family story.

A book you own but have never read: Out of Africa by Karen Blixen.

A book that intimidates you: Surprisingly I am again out of my habits of reading. Colin Meloy and his book Wildwood is one I have been watching at book shop to buy for YoungLady. Still have not done that. But I was going on the road again. MyDearFriendL. always talks about audio books she listens to when driving. She keeps on nagging about them; how great this an that is and how awful one reader had been and so on. Obviously all her nagging had lead to the point that last time when I was at the library I picked up an audio book. Only interesting available was Wildwood. I picked it up and it really was a great thing to do! I am in the middle of it at the moment. Since I was 10 I have not been listening to audio books. Of course kids have but not me. I am so scary with my imagination and books. This is far enough for me. After the start of the book I have started to understand a bit better my friend who is afraid of birds which I never before have been considered dangerous. Since I started this book I still daily see flock of birds but never before have started to leer around with trepidation when meeting them.

A book you've already read at least once: On 1986 was published Pilvissä taivaan laiva by Finnish author Laila Hietamies who is the same person as Laila Hirvisaari. It tells abut the life in Finnish Karelia region on 1910. From her books I have learnt a lot about our close history; many different things than boys learn in war & action books. I used to read a lot of her wide production but not much during the past 15 years. I used to enjoy a lot about her fictional stories which could be so true. It is time to step back and pick up one.

BubbleHat

I've been knitting more bubbles.

I designed and knit WoollyBubbleHat.

It fits perfect with BubbleSocks and BubbleMittens.

I used the same yarn as in socks and mittens. It is Sublime's lusturous extrafine merino dk yarn (67% extra fine merino wool and 33% of nylon, 25g = 95m).

I like it a lot.

It is all mine.

But hey, I still have this yarn left. Let's see what else will be designed to accompany MyBubbleSet...

BubbleMittens

My BubbleSocks got BubbleMittens!

They have green thumbs!

I used Sublime's lusturous extrafine merino dk yarn (67% extra fine merino wool and 33% of nylon, 25g = 95m). Exactly the same shades than in BubbleSocks. Again my own design.

I  *L O V E*  KNITTING

Gluten free Apple-Almond Tart

I made my own gluten free Apple-Almond Tart for friends who visited me to Chat & Craft. I love to Chat & Craft with you too. Next time you visit my blog you can have a cup of tea with my Apple-Almond tart.

Mix well together by electric mixer:
200 g butter or margarine
2 dl sugar

Add into creamed butter-sugar and mix well:
3 eggs

Add in the following order and still keep on mixing it all well:
2½ dl white gluten free flour mix (I use Semper FinMix)
½ dl coarse rice flour (I use Farina's)
1 tea spoon ginger powder
2 tea spoons baking powder

Pour into heart shape baking tray and spread out

Spread over the dough in the following order
1 grated apple
½ dl crushed almonds
½ tea spoon cinnamon powder
Cook in 200 Celsius degrees approx 25 minutes

Bucket head

Nuka has had a rough week. She was overkilled, sliced in two, left alone to die, given no medicine and demanded to stay alive after all that. At least that was how she felt each 10 hour after her operation. I am honest to say; she indeed got her STRONG antibiotics and pain killers. And still gets them daily. She just has not been sick before. But now it is done. She is sterilized.

Why?

Well, she is mixed breed so none is interested to have her puppies. We have no intention to breed her no matter how great she is. She is a hunting dog. They say sterilizing fades away their instincts. But that is not true; opposite. When you get them fixed, they concentrate even better on it for what they are created for and forget all their hormones and heats.

And THE MAIN REASON: in hunting she runs free. If she is not sterilized we may end up accidental pregnancy and puppies none wants or want but at the end have no skills to keep. At the end she was sterilized to avoid heart-breakable rescue dog stories. All our female hunting dogs have been sterilized and I really encourage everyone to do the same.

After the operation she was wrapped in two woollen blankets and put on a mattress against electric radiator. It is cold up here in the north. Operation makes the body temperature decrease. This was how we made sure to keep her warm. The blankets were fold in the way she gets her legs free easily. And all the time someone was sitting next to her make sure her breathing is correct and body warm. She actually slept 8 hours after the operation. So at the end she had just 2 hours awful time. 1st night she spent with Him sleeping happily with Daddy. :)

Despite early hours after the operation felt awful; this is how it turned out after that. She is having pretty lazy relaxing moments with her "bucket". It didn't took long to get used it despite on the begin she looked very pathetic. When she noticed we are not going to take it away; she has spent her days coping with it great. At the moment only BORING thing in all this -in her opinion- is that OurLongWalks are banned. The Vet told so. She needs to wait until the stitches are removed.

Krosstygnsbroderier

Marita Stenberg Larsson's Krosstygnsbroderier (Finnish: Kauneimmat ristipistot) is thin but thick book. It includes seasons and some festivals too. It has geometrical and representational designs. You would not believe there are just 21 designs and basic advice. This is a book I have bought twice; one for a friend and one for myself. I had the book first and found out it has many pretty designs. If you find it on secondhand (published on 2001); just get it.

BunnyBallet

  

Oi! There's a BiG GifT on our VerandaTable. It stands there and waits for TheSunday. First time ever I bought Singer sewing machine. It is START. Just a simple basic sewing machine to be given away as a gift. To be learnt more and get inspired. To be carried with and cared. To be helped in the future to save money by self making. And to be lead through TheCraftyDoor.

TheMEKKO has got the FinalPatterns. YoungLady already sew two fitting versions.  To be honest the 1st one I draw more freestyle on the paper including Her measures. It needed just few changes and the second one was already good.

MrGynter had His BigDay today. The girls had it 3½ weeks earlier. So it has been 15½ weeks ago when I sheared MrGynter for the last time. He has been so well, so I didn't hurry with him. He is such adorable character.

Today I designed Him HisVeryOwnBunnyBalletTutu! How cute it is! I am sure other boys will love it! I designed Him tutu skirt because I don't want Him to get too cold in BunnyHotel.

Mosaic Bubble Stitch -tutorial

Here is tutorial video how to knit Mosaic Bubble Stitch. I used it in my own design Bubble Socks.

The chart shows you how to design your own Bubble Stitch knitwear. In this sample I use flat knitting. Because the work is turned the number of colorful rows -which form out the bubbles- must be even. If you knit in the round; it doesn't matter.

The number of stitches must be divisible four; three for the bubble and one for the space between them.

See the chart to notice the rhythm of the bubbles. There is no bubble standing right on the other. They are like interleaved.

Weddings & Anniversaries

Weddings & Anniversaries is cross stitch by Jane Alford is a thin cross stitch book for special love occasions. It has just 40 pages and 15 designs plus alphabets. I have stitched nothing from this book but charts seem to be quite easy. Only problem may be that the charts are sometimes printed pretty small and because they are black&white someone might find it difficult to follow. On the begin the book includes proper instructions for stitching and finishing.

BubbleSocks

I found fabulous and extremely interesting yarn. It is Sublime's lusturous extrafine merino dk yarn. It looks all plastic and just fake fibers. It feels extremely warm and soft. Also the shades are delicious. That's why I picked it up from a sale basket at my local yarn shop. I was surprised to notice the yarn consist of 67% extra fine merino wool and 33% of nylon (25g = 95m). The yarn has been made in interesting way. The merino wool seems to be locked up inside a web formed by nylon. I love it! I just love it!

I used the shades 332 Laurelie (grey), 335 Peridot (green), 291 Hush (very light pink) and 294 Folie (pink)

I went into the yarn shop because I had something in my mind. I wanted to knit BubbleSocks for Me&MySelf. This is how BubbleKnit looks at the back side. Have you ever tired it out? If not and don't know how to don't worry; later on I will put up tutorial about MosaicBubble Stitch.

I am very curious to see how this yarn will withstand wearing. They should; according to the ingredients. There should be 15-25% of polyamide or something else mixed with wool to make the yarn withstand wearing. But here the nylon is like a thin web around the wool. I have never tried it out mixed in this way.

These my own design BubbleSocks will be MyOfficialVisitSocks.

Rest of the time they will be waiting as folded for special occasions to see MyFriends.

They are not very thick but still feel very warm. I knit also tiny SingleCables to decorate the socks. The Cables are so small that they come clear out only when wearing.

Oh! Just look at those legs. They are not mine even I would love to claim for sure they are! But no, I am too honest; so I must tell they belong to a model. :)