I spent last Saturday at Lilleborg (named after the first soap “boilery” from 1833), next to Akerselva, in Oslo having a stand at the Strikk/Knit & Chill event organised by Værbitt – the yarn shop & yarn dyer. Værbitt moved to Lilleborg earlier this summer from smaller premises at Grünerløkka, also in Oslo. For the first time I had a stand at a knitting event as I had printed pattern with Ravelry download codes, copies of the Norwegian book “Norsk strikkedesign. Strikk din favoritt” and a selection of design samples for sale. I was invited to take part by owner and yarn dyer of Værbitt Laila Henriksen, a week earlier when I visited her new shop. Above you see my stand next to the entrance to Værbitt talking to Tuva Hoen of Norne Yarn, a friend, and Lotte Holmboe aka osloknitter.

Michael spent nearly a week printing patterns, making labels and signs for me. By the time we arrived Saturday morning, the sun was shining and it looked like we would have a perfect summer’s day. Above you see the announcement Værbitt posted on Instagram earlier in August, listing some of the participating vendors.

I was wearing my design Ravna, first published in the final issue of the Norwegian magazine Bladet garn, knitted in Lille Persille/Little Parsley hand dyed by Værbitt on Sølje pelt yarn by Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, see the top photo. Above you see a photo Michael took of me talking to Tuva of Norne Yarn, who sponsored yarn for my design Milana and the upcoming Varun. Tuva told me that she had been busying dying a large order for Woollinn in Dublin, hence she had not had the time to dye for this event.

There were a lot of knitters queuing to get into the Værbitt shop during the day and only six were allowed at one time due to the Corona restrictions.  I was glad that I brought a hat as I was baking in the sunshine in the late afternoon.

 Above is a photo Michael took from inside the shop. You can see the shelves filled with Hillesvåg yarns and Værbitt’s own hand dyed colours!

There were many knitters sitting outside knitting in the sunshine and Michael captured the stylish Tuva in action. I spent the day speaking to knitters, designer Kristin Wiola Ødegård, Spinnvilt (the spinning shop next door) friends of Michael including the property developer – and former neighbour of ours Bekkelaget – Per-Johan Placht in charge of the commercial premises at Lilleborg! I had a fabulous day with some sales and even some time to knit too!