Knitting, Needlebinding etc, Svenska dialektmysterier, Klingon and misc
Knitting, Needlebinding etc
One of these days I will succeed in knitting socks. Yes, that heel part of the socks, wooooes, I tell you, woes.
Needlebinding goes soso. Starting a hat from the base and working ones way up is the smartest though, I have realised. But, if one wants a flatter top, starting from the top is probably most desireable. As increasing is a pain, if starting from the top. But that soft alpaca wool, so lovely and soft and nice. < / praising adjectives > The one downside is that it feels more sheer compared to sheep wool, so I think I'll have to layer it twice, to get proper thickness when using my own stitch.
Speaking of needlebinding stitches, I got some ideas on how to interpret that U/O system (one of at least three such, trying to describe needlebinding), but I best try them in practice later so I know if I understood things correctly. As you use your own thumb to loop yarn around with a threaded needle. There can be variations in how many loops you have "on" your thumb, how many you release, and how many stitches you loop into before you loop the needle through stitches that are behind the thumb. In short, it can get really messy!
Needlebinding socks is almost as tricky as knitting them. One has to have oooodles of patience, since it goes so slowly. Maybe I ought to start from the top though, seeing as this is not going very well from the toes.
Svenska Dialektmysterier
I've been watching Svenska Dialektmysterier (eng: Swedish Dialect Mysteries) on svtplay.se. SVT = SVeriges Television, ie Swedish Television. In short, they unravel the dialect background and mysteries of Sweden. Very entertaining, addressing some not only dialectal but cultural stereotypes. The host of the series is really well chosen, and I love the very intro, the music and all. Not to mention all the illustrations and animations, and the fact that the host, Mr Fredrik Lindström does use cursewords in Swedish every now and then. Not that Swedish cursewords are that exciting in themselves, but still, it adds a certain character :P
Klingon - Qapla'!
A little something for you fans of the Klingon language! :D
Most of the interview with the linguist Marc Okrand that created the language is in English, otherwise the program linked below it is mostly in Swedish. And there are also two Swedish people that will try to speak Klingon only during a trek out in the woods (and the consequences that brings, teehee). Apparently there are 30 ish persons around the world that speak Klingon fluently. Yens Wahlgren, a Klingon expert, say that the typical "klingonist" is a male, beareded such (!) 36-40 ish years old, many have studied linguistics or puter releated stuff with at least one academic degree. Klingonists aren't necessarily fans of Star Trek but are drawn to and fascinated by the Klingon language. There was also a bit about other invented languages and their success (or lack there of) in the program.
- Kobra - Om rymdspråket Klingonska (will be available until 22nd of Jan, 2010)
And this was quite the article:
- Parlez-vous français? Qapla’! More Grade 11 boys proficient in Klingon than French: local survey
And haha, I've just now caught up with Dexter season 4. What a great contrast ;)
And mm, more eps of Sanctuary (thanks to this youtube user), ohyes, more Mr Heyerdahl and his fabulous voice to the people, and Stargate Universe (via here) has proven to be better than expected.
Earlier assignment for English C course was to read short story by Philip K. Dick that Minority Report is based on as well as watch the movie. Refreshing rewatch! And yes, those scenes with Swedish, still makes me giggle.
Next up to read this week and discuss: Written On The Body by Jeanette Winterson!
I just need to wait for my book to arrive, seems I forgot to order it in time before, ack.