carnival

We saw the grand parade of the Limassol carnival and I particularly loved the dancing gypsies (above) and the owls [at 05:52] in this clip. Was also impressed by the well made Cypriot folk dresses [at 00:23].

To celebrate green Monday, first day after the "meat" festival, we had a vego lunch. But for the rest of the fifty day lent we won't stay much "orthodox" with small children.

some cypriot handicrafting

Knitted fabric is slowly growing while my thoughts are wandering planlessly. I'm knitting on another cardi.

This is the process with my two year old: Any minute when Eddie is calling for my attention I lay down my yarn blob, resuming knitting, and the planlessly wandering thoughts, as soon as his mind is again focused on something.

On my mind lately I've had crafting with a local twist. I went to the Municipal Folk Art Museum in Limassol for some inspiration. I saw pompoms, bobbles, embroidery, lace. Graphical and colourful. Silk, lace and cotton. A lot of vests and table cloths seems to have survived the 20th century.

Oh, and the museum floor. I really like those old Cypriot floors.


Made Leo a vest before new year. It's a Pebble, with some modifications. I sized up using larger needles. It's a cosy little chest warmer. Actually I think big sister likes the vest more than him. I used leftover yarn from husbands cobblestone. In the background is a IKEA Hemnes cupboard, for my craft materials.

Somehow related links:
Traditional dresses of Cyprus.
Medieval silkworks.
Beautifully patinated necklaces by Tinctory, and her blog.

fascinated by knitting

Lemon trees are still bearing fruit everywhere, so we're enjoying the local lemons. Sponge cake made with lemon zest is one favourite. Best enjoyed still warm together with a cup of plain black tea with honey and a lemon slice.

Sometimes I fascinate about the art of producing a knitted garment. The thing that fascinates me most is how little equipment is needed to produce something so functional. Some yarn and a pair of straight pegs. Of course the knitting time too is a relevant factor, probably best described by the art "More Love Hours Than Can Ever Be Repaid" by Mike Kelley (via billigt-garn, in Swedish). But that is a whole different chapter.

The cardigan I'm proudly presenting is the recently finished Atelier by knit pattern designer Heidi Kirrmaier. Knit in Madelinetosh's Pasmina, a beatiful hand coloured yarn in a merino, silk and cashmere mix. I enjoyed knitting with the yarn and really appreciated the geniousness of the pattern. As I run out of yarn, the pocket linings where partially knit with a contrasting yarn.