Archive for family
February 26, 2007 at 5:53 pm · Filed under food, family
A few years ago (well, more than ten years to be honest. It feels like yesterday, I promise!) some friends called me “Mama Muffin” because of my habit of always making muffins. I wanted to perfect my baking skills, but I never suceeded with anything else but muffins.
These are Lemon muffins with cream cheese frosting on top. The blue plates are from Indiska.
Muffins are fun to make with kids. Tyra likes to help with almost everything and she of course gets to lick the bowl when we are finished.
Coffee accompanied with something sweet is called a “fika” in swedish. This word contains much more than a hot drink and something to eat on the side. It is a moment of relaxation, often shared with a friend and it cannot be rushed. During our work days we take a “fikapaus” with our colleagues and chat albout anything but work. You can invite or get invited for a simple “fika” at a friends place or meet for a “fika” downtown. Gramatically speaking, it is both a verb and a substantive. A traditional “fika” would be a cup of brewed coffee and a cinnamon bun or “kanelbulle”.
February 24, 2007 at 4:31 pm · Filed under family, knitting
The Candle Flame Shawl is finished! Here it is in all its unblocked glory. It is nice and warm and snug.
Pattern:
Yarn: Östergötlands ullspinneri
Needles: 4,5 mm Addi Turbo circular
I am actually a bit afraid of blocking it, since I am very fond of the texture of the shawl. Now, all I need is a great pin and it will be a perfect gift. I do not know who will get it just yet… I loved the process of knitting this shawl, every single stitch of it. It prepared me for knitting more complicated lace, like the Shallowtail Shawl that I have been dreaming about.
I will leave you with a picture of Ivar at ten weeks. Those chubby cheeks speak for themselves, do they not? We are so relieved to see him grow. He is a talkative and happy little guy. I could plant a permanent kiss on top of his soft little head.
January 9, 2007 at 12:15 pm · Filed under me, family, knitting
I have finally picked up my knitting again after the birth of Ivar. It did not result in anything grand or spectacular. Not yet anyhow. 
My Candle Flame Shawl got a few rows bigger, thats all. I just love knitting the Candle Flame! The pattern is easy to remember and has enough variation to keep me interested. It also helps that it looks more complicated than it actually is. Sitting there, knitting happily, I made a quick list of a few new projects. Not that I have the patterns or the yarn to start with the list. It might be absolutely necessary to purchase a new fabulous book and some luscious yarn, do you not agree? 
Shallowtail Shawl from Interweave Knits
Hats for my Kristofer and my dad.
Baby knits for Ivar: socks, (Gnome) hat and cardigan
Girly girl socks for Tyra
Monkey Socks from Knitty
If I am brave enough I will not start with anything new until I have organized my WIPs. If I am really brave I might post photos of my WIP list here… It is just a bit embarrassing since I must be the slowest knitter in the world
I am slowly adjusting to life with two kids. My wound is still awkward, but as much as I hate having my scar I am so so thankful that the incision saved my baby and myself for any serious damage. We might never get an answer to why my placenta separated prematurely or if it could somehow have been prevented. I do not know if it matters, but at least any kind of answer would help me to stop thinking about it.
Last night I danced slowly with Ivar in my arms to the tunes of Jack Johnson, which seemed to settle his little tummy and put him into sweet sleep.
December 25, 2006 at 2:52 pm · Filed under me, music, family
From all of us to all of you with lots of love - We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our family photo was greatly inspired by this poster from the album Sufjan Stevens - Songs For Christmas. Hope you like it! 
December 21, 2006 at 1:35 pm · Filed under food, family, craft
Thanks for your sweet comments and warm welcome of Ivar. It really warms my heart to log on and read what you write. 
I have not picked up my knitting needles just yet, but the other day I wrapped the Vanilla Butter Fudge that me and Tyra made with my mother some weeks ago before all the drama happaned.
I have been making this fudge for Christmas with my family since I was a kid and it feels good to be able to pass it on. It is delicious and not very difficult. Just make sure to make enough of it - for the holidays, for gifts and some just for you.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cup sugar
100 g salted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves and butter is melted.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture reaches soft-ball stage, or 238 degrees on a candy thermometer. Add vanilla.
3. Spoon into a greased 8 x 8 baking pan. Let cool, then cut into squares.
Merry Christmas!!
December 17, 2006 at 10:38 pm · Filed under me, family
Let me introduce you to my new knitting model, 47 cm and 2.5 kg.
Me and our baby boy Ivar are finally home on a visit! It is impossible to describe exactly how good it feels to have both my children and my darling Kristofer all in the same place. We will have to go back to the hospital tomorrow to do another full check up on Ivar, who has a some mysterious blood in his stomach. Meanwhile, we stock up on many hugs and kisses.
December 11, 2006 at 5:22 pm · Filed under me, family
We had, six weeks early, a little baby boy on the 6th of December. He is absolutely beautiful and as you might imagine rather small. The birth was a bit of a drama. I was not prepared at all for a delivery and had planned to keep on working until Christmas.
None of my baby knits are finished, or the right size for that matter. I am so thankful that despite the early arrival, the sudden incision and the current hospital stay - we are doing quite fine. There is still some worries to be solved before we can go home, but I hope me and our baby will be home for Christmas.
I long for my family, especially my daughter who has not met her little brother yet. You will not hear from me in a little while, but please do not worry. I have got a new love in my life to add to the ones I already cherish. I am blessed.
Hugs,
Emma
November 27, 2006 at 10:18 pm · Filed under family, knitting
These toe-up two-at-once socks on a magic loop are finished. I really like to have two socks ready to wear the very instant that I bind off them both. It was also nice to be able to simply tuck the whole knitting into a pocket in my jacket without fear of dropping any stitches. Finally this “magic” cast on is by far the best I have tried. The stitches line up very neatly without the need of extra needles, yarn or techniques. I actually do not think I will ever cast on differently for any new toe-ups for now on.
It is getting awkward to move around and my nesting instinct is screaming very loudly. I am a very tired “preggie” right now, but nevertheless pretty focused on getting things done. My little baby is moving around a lot and we are getting to know each other. He moves softly whenever there is music on and has a lot of hiccups. It tickles.
November 16, 2006 at 3:47 pm · Filed under music, family
“And I have a kettledrum
I’ll hit the earth with you.
And I will crochet you a hat.
And I have a red kite;
I’ll put you right in it.
I’ll show you the sky”
Sufjan Stevens “Sister” from the album Seven Swans
As a birthday gift I gave my love two tickets to the Sufjan Stevens concert last night at Berns Salonger. The songs of Sufjan can often be heard at our home and has climbed rapidly on both our lists. To attend his concert last night was a magical and playful treat and I would not hesitate to see it again if I had a chance.
Here is a link for a video at YouTube to give you an idea of the concert, although it is not recorded in Stockholm.
I actually believe that my baby enjoyed it too, listening in my tummy. His somersaults were calm and careful. It was not easy to stand up for several hours, but I saw at least two other clearly pregnant bellies in the room.
Why dio I feel a strong urge to start a crocheted hat?
November 11, 2006 at 5:15 pm · Filed under me, family, knitting
I am growing. It is the strangest feeling to carry a new little life around with you everywhere you go. It is both a bit freaky and very cozy. I will tell you a bit more about it, but first – some knitting.
Many fellow Sthlm knitters have been knitting these beautiful Candle Flame Shawls and I finally gave in to the craving and started one myself.
It grows fast and is a fun pattern. The yarn is a wooly dream in pink and purple from a Swedish manufacturer. This is also why I will have to either gift it or swap it. Purple, however beautiful, does give my very pale skin a greenish tint.
The weather is getting colder and my four-year-old needs a new pair of socks. It gave me the perfect excuse to learn how to make two-at-once toe-up socks on a magic loop. I really wanted to avoid the mistake from last year, when we all had just one sock each when the snow fell. Tutorials can be found at Knitty.
« Previous entries ·
Next entries »
