Danish? Yes please.

There is exactly one bad thing about Ravelry:  It lets you discover patterns and fibers not available in the US (or wherever you might be.)  Fortunately, Ravelry also provides a remedy for its only downfall: other users who can help!

I have been wanting to make the Mini by Else Schjellerup since I saw it last year.  It's not a complicated peice at all.  Just a top-down baby sweater or dress (depending on where you stop).  Unfortunately, it is only available in Danish and in stores in the Netherlands.  Also unfortunate: how badly I wanted this pattern.   I tried to make it by sight, but my version was missing something... something that was cruicial to the aesthetic of the dress and why I really wanted to make it. 

So I tried and tried to find someone who would buy the pattern for me and send it to me.  That was a no go.  I emailed the designer.  No go #2.  I posted on boards, googled, sent emails.  No, no no.  

BUT!  About a month ago, I finally found a website that shipped internationally:  www.pinnsvin.no.  I got my package yesterday and now I can start this little sweater/dress (I haven't decided yet) for Misha's holiday present!  

The pattern is only available as a kit, so I also received some Design Club DK Duo Merino.  It says fingering, but it feels like lace.  It has beautiful texture to it, and the heathering is really nice.  You can barely tell, but this is a grey-ish pink.  It's going to be perfect.

So, about the language thing..... right.  Well, I spent way too much time looking up Danish words online last night.  Then I wised up and thought I should use my beloved Ravelry!  So I PMed someone who had made a mini and asked for translation help.  True to Rav form, she was totally up for it and so helpful.  For all you Ravelers, check out her version here.  It's one of my favorites.  Another one of my favorites and probably the reason I needed to make this dress is here (for ravelers) and here (for non-ravelers).  

I should finish up here.  It's finals time and I really should be doing many other things unrelated to knitting right now.  Should.  Off to my beloved mini before bed!