Have you ever visited Denmark? I grew up there and I am currently spending a few days there. This weekend I am teaching at KnitWork 2018 in my old hometown of Copenhagen, Denmark. I took the opportunity to spend a few days with my Danish family beforehand. And as per usual we ended up by the sea.
Denmark is a nation shaped by the sea. It is predominately an island nation (more than 400 of them! Oh, and one peninsula) and you are always just a short drive away from the nearest coast. I grew up in a rural area on the western side of Denmark’s largest island, Zealand. While most of my childhood memories revolve around running across tilled fields and climbing trees in the forests, there is something about the sea and the coastline that makes my heart beat stronger.
And there is yarn, of course. My mum took me to Gørlev, a small town of some 2,400 people and two yarn shops. One yarn shop had eight shelving units in a row with yarn from Hjertegarn, Filatura di Crosa, and Mayflower. Eight large shelving units! Eight! The other yarn shop mostly specialised in cotton and acrylic yarns aimed at crocheters. I am quietly amazed that such a small town (and its surrounding area) can sustain two relatively large yarn shops. I fell a bit in love with Hjertegarn Incawool which reminded me strongly of the old Rowan Creative Focus Worsted. Still, no room in the suitcase nor in the stash cupboard.
Speaking of knitwear and Denmark.. I finished this glorious pullover this week. Knitted in Hjeltholts Håndværksgarn — a small-batch Gotland/Merino yarn from a Danish yarn spinner, this pullover is probably my favouritest thing I’ve ever designed and knitted. It is certainly the quickest idea to project to pattern process I’ve ever had. It is strongly rooted in my Nordic identity and I love the colours. There is a particular Danish yellow colour you see everywhere, and I love that this yarn is the same colour.
The pullover is currently away being tech-edited, so watch this space.
