In some respects, it seems a little American arrogant to be heading out for the airport when the only reason I’m able to get where I’m going is to have a US passport in hand. It also seems a little bogus to think that just because of that little booklet I am somehow less likely to be carrying COVID-19 than anyone else I’ve been hanging out with for the past 3 weeks. On the other hand, it’s time to go, and since I already had to purchase a new suitcase for yarn (I hope this give Suzanne L a good laugh), it’s probably a good thing, or I’ll be into excess luggage.
The last part of this trip was to Gotland Island — home of Gotland and Gute sheep as well as dozens of stately churches and Viking picture stones.
After a few days of trying to locate the elusive sheep, I thought this sign might be as close as I would get. I was informed that the mommies are all inside at the moment, preparing to deliver the spring lambs. Also, it was perhaps a little chilly to be out and about quite yet. Since, at least in theory, Swedish sheep are supposed to be hearty stock, I thought this might be spoiling them, but then, it really was pretty cold.
And then it began to snow. Gotland became a picture postcard, and then right next to a spinning mill (maybe awaiting their spring hair cut), I found sheep. They were a bit far away, but it was comforting to see them. I understand that in the summer they are literally everywhere.
One of my big reasons for going to Gotland was to see a collection put together at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th century by a school teacher who feared the loss of the traditional knitting patterns. It was particularly emotional for me to see her notebooks, with handwritten instructions and samples. They show her careful eye for detail and interest in so many different uses for the designs. In addition to her notebooks there were many fragments of socks, mittens, hats and even pieces that can’t really be identified.
Detail of a fine silk stocking (lower)
This hat may have a very simple border pattern, but the soft white wool and the swirl decrease pattern at the top really caught my eye. The decrease pattern looks very much like the whirling image on the Gotlandic picture stones. I found some lovely yarn to try and reproduce this one…we’ll see how that goes (given the number of stitches/inch).
We did make it as far north as you can go from Gotland, taking a ferry for 5 minutes across the Baltic to a very small and beautiful island called Fårö. These haunting rock stacks dot the coastline, and the windswept landscape seems empty and mysterious this time of year.
And so, the adventure continues. I have pounds of yarn needing to be swatched, a whole Gotland fleece to pet, and then hand off to a really excellent spinner to enjoy making yarn. I have another hundred design ideas, more unbelievable memories of friendship and kindness, and miles to go before I sleep…..
and miles to go before I sleep.
Safe travels back to the US. Cannot wait to hear more of your travels. What an amazing adventure. I love that yarn and sheep can be fuel for an adventure!
Better make note of all those idea I can see churning in your brain.
I’m rather disappointed that you only needed one extra suitcase but I suppose it depends on the size. So happy that you found a man to share your adventures. You are perfect for each other.
Miss you. Hope to get together soon.❤️
Oh, yes, it was the extra-large duffel size! I am going to make a pile when I unpack and get a photo for the next post. We will be in the 14-day quarantine when we return — not that we expect any problems (the cases here all are related to a group who went on a ski trip to Italy). 14 days straight of knitting when we get home!
So glad you got carry out your plans, and especially glad you’ll be able to fly home. We were worried about you, hoping you wouldn’t get stuck……..although there are far worse places to be “stuck”.
We wouldn’t have minded being stuck, but I do have lots of work to do when I get back…there is the expert knitter sweater waiting to be worked on — that is first priority when I get back, and with 2 weeks of self-imposed quarantine, that should give me an opportunity for progress.
What a beautiful trip! I especially love the hat with the simple border and hoping for a pattern! You and Bruce have a safe trip home 🏡.
A pattern is in the planning stages!!