folded in the fjords

Have you ever visited a place about which all you can really say is that it’s cute? Cute, that relatively condescending adjective. I have to admit it: That’s how I feel about Norway.

But then, I also identify as cute myself (I mean, aren’t I?), so I’m in conflict. And Norway probably outdoes even me for pretty.

farewell, norway!

When I was there in May, Norway really outdid itself for prettifying. The feet of snow that covered everything the last time I was there were gone, and we were lucky enough to get blue skies and perfect weather for the entire week. Even Bergen, the rainiest city in Europe, obliged with a beautiful day with not a drop from the sky, and all our drives through the countryside offered the most picturesque views.

133.norway won me over today

It seemed to me that Norway would be the perfect backdrop for my latest sweater, one that I think both makes me look cute and also is pretty all on its own. We took these pictures while taking the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, which took us on a boat down the fjord. And while I found the fjords less impressive than I’d hoped, they sure made up for it in prettiness.

folded

Folded, by Veera Välimäki. I bought the yarn, Tess Designer Yarn’s Silk & Ivory, at Maryland Sheep and Wool in 2007. For four years I toyed with various designs to use the yarn in. I’d even bought patterns with that yarn in mind but never acted on it. Apparently I was waiting for the right one to come along.

128.fjord!

The knitting was fast and easy—it’s all stockinette, after all. The gathers are a cinch, and the pattern is very clear and well written. A short time after finishing the sweater I bought Stripe Study without paying any attention to who it was by, and only realized that it was by the same designer when I went to print the pattern and recognized the identical file format. There’s a plug for branding and consistent looks for you! Turns out I have a new favorite designer and I didn’t even realize it.
folded
I’ve since worn the sweater a few more times, and I love it. It’s warm without being hot, and it’s comfortably but at the same time professional. And I sure as heck look cute in it. But not, perhaps, as cute as this little town (part of Flåm).

i want to go to there

17 Responses to folded in the fjords

  1. Bertha says:

    Oh, this is the perfect sweater for you! Super flattering and it will look fabulous with jeans or a skirt!

  2. carolyn says:

    yo that 5th pic isn’t loading for me – I assume it’s another one of the sweater?

    I’m so glad you had a better experience this trip. It does look quite cute. ;)

  3. Jodi says:

    I love Norway! It’s just so beautiful, and Norwegians generally seem to enjoy a much healthier and more active lifestyle. I lucked out and had gorgeous weather (no rain) when I was in Bergen, too. I wonder if part of your lack of enthusiasm comes from doing a “Norway in a Nutshell”-type experience. I don’t enjoy those ANYWHERE, and I think it would take away from the trip. Perhaps the fjords seem more fantastic when enjoyed on a small boat? I look back so fondly upon celebrating midsummer in Norway in the fjords — out on a small boat, with family and friends, picnicking, and celebrating the solstice.

    The sweater looks fantastic.

  4. LaBean says:

    Folded looks great! I like that it’s simple and comes in my size. I think I have the perfect yarn for it too!

    I got to peek at Stripe Study and added that to my Ravelry queue. Though I don’t know if I have enough yarn to do it in garter stitch, so a change-up to stockinette will have to do.

    Also, I love the miniaturization of the town in the first photo.

  5. janieb says:

    OK I’m on vaca & you’re making me want to book a trip to Norway…

    New sweater is fan-tas-tic :)

    If I book a trip to Norway I’ll be tapping you for LYS tips!

  6. Sandra says:

    I love these pictures. I am originally descended from the Vikings of this area, so these pictures are of great interest to me. I also like the sweater. Unfortunately I wear a 2x in tops. I seldom find a pattern that is large enough for me. Do you know how to enlarge these patterns for larger women?

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