Posh DIY Christmas Tree

Stockholm is dark this time of year.  We get about seven hours of daylight now and by Christmas that number will fall just below six hours.  If that weren't enough, we also had one of the darkest Novembers in history.  As of three days ago Stockholm had had 3.5 hours of sunlight ALL MONTH!  We were blessed with a few more hours this weekend which I think may have even doubled that number bringing us to approximately 7 hours of sun for November.  Things were getting gloomy.  I decided to get the tree up early so we could add a little cheer and light to our dark Nordic lives.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, everything in Sweden is expensive and Christmas trees (Julgranar) are no exception.  Last year the cheapest one I saw was 450 kr, which is about $70 Canadian.  So, my middle guy and the dog went to the park and collected some sticks.  We tied them in the shape of a tree and hung it in the living room.  The decorations are Brian Gluckstein Home, that we brought with us from Toronto so the only thing we paid for this year was twine.  This DIY tree is bright, makes no mess, takes up no space, cost nothing and no tree has been chopped down.  I think we may have a new family tradition.

Sommarstängt and Welcome Back

Sommarstängt is a phenomenon in Sweden when shops or businesses shut down for a period of time during the summer.  Don't even dream of getting anything done during the month of July.  And then there are several weeks during August when people try to catch the last of summer before the dark sets in. 

With a move in mid-June and no daycare set up in the new location and all community services on vacation, I found myself in a state of Sommarstängt.  Now everything is back in order and hopefully we can get back to design in Stockholm.

Nu kör vi!

Stockholm Directory - Bokslukaren - Mariatorget Sodermalm

My sisters-in-law introduced me to this lovely little kids' bookstore in Stockholm's Mariatorget in Sodermalm.  I wanted to add it to the Stockholm Directory because it is a nice place to be.  I know, you're thinking, "but Ange, what does this have to do with design?".  Nothing.  We'll call it a lifestyle post and leave it at that.  Bokslukaren is a small business that relies on the patronage of locals and a lot of word of mouth.  There is a little cafe in the back, which is a cozy place to look at books with the kids and grab your caffeine fix.  And if you're an expat like me with very limited Swedish, then (some of) the books here are close to your level.  Side Note:  I was getting confident that I could read Swedish as I've been able to translate a particular kid's book into English for my 4 year old (he hates hearing me pronounce Swedish words) but then I picked up a Bamse comic book and was put right back in my place...

Translation just in ... Bokslukaren means eating books or to enjoy reading lots of books.  What do we call that in English?  Bookworm?  Anyone got anything better?

Bokslukaren
Mariatorget 2
118 48 Stockholm 
Bokslukaren.com

Ultimate Swedish Glögg Tasting 2013

Glögg is Swedish mulled wine that the Swedes enjoy during the Jul season.  It comes in either a stronger version available at the systembolaget and a lighter version (2.2%) available at the grocery store.  We decided to try out a few of the lighter version and report on how they faired.  I have to say that after this taste test I was inspired to make my own (strong) glögg ... a little closer to the weekend.  So you lushes will have to sit tight until later this week to bust out the real booze.  Until then, let's keep it lagom*.

No. 1

Dulvenkrooks Chili Choklad

Dulvenkrooks Chili Choklad

 

The top place goes to a flavoured glögg and with that Design Stockholm's findings fail to meet the requirements of a controlled study but this isn't exactly dissertation material either.  So Dulvenkrooks Chili Choklad is my favorite.  It has lots of punch and character.  You don't drink a lot of this stuff so you might as well make it count.

No. 2

Blossa

Blossa

Last Christmas some Swedish friends of mine broke out into song with "B-L-O-S-S-A, glöggen heter Blossa".  So there it is. Blossa is the go-to glögg over here.  They have that catchy tune and they make different labels for each Jul season.  I guess we need to give them some credit for their marketing clout but how does it taste?  Good.  I like it.  In fact it has a piney flavor that reminds me a bit of Greek retsina (I think I may have revealed something very telling about myself with that).

No. 3

Dulvenkrooks Original

Dulvenkrooks Original

Dulvenkrooks Original is a tasty glögg with a bit of a kick so you know it will warm you up on a cold December night.  Nice.

No. 4

Per Morberg

Per Morberg

Upon further research on this glögg I discovered that it is made by a very famous (and temperamental ) actor and chef here in Sweden and I think the picture on the label is supposed to be an elf version of Per.  So here I am giving it the No. 4 spot.  If he were here right now I'd be in deep sh*t but I'm sticking to my decision.  It is just simply too mild.  Ok fine, we'll call it "smooth" but its elegance is lost on me.  I guess I'm just not refined enough to appreciate it.

No. 5

COOP 

COOP Glogg

 

 

Didn't think it had much kick at all.  Maybe a little closer to retirement.

 

* Lagom is a Swedish term meaning "just the right amount", a constant reminder to "keep yourself in check".

 

Advent

Advent is a countdown to Christmas Eve or Julafton as they call it here.  On the four Sundays preceding Christmas Eve the Swedes light a candle and apparently eat rice pudding (risgrynsgröt).  The Swedes are famously non-religious so the fact that they celebrate Advent is a little perplexing to me.  My Bible toting, Jesus lovin', year-long hymn singin' Grandmother doesn't even celebrate Advent.  Swedes do love their candles though, and their gröt*, so I guess that's it then.  There are a couple ways you can do this.  You can use an advent candle holder or simply use four candles upon which you stick the numbers, 1, 2, 3 and 4.  I think the latter is super ugly, I don't care how glittery or fancy those numbers are.

Speaking of the Ekdahls, this advent candle holder reminds me of the opening scene of Fanny and Alexander.  The angels spin making a slight "ting" sound.

 

 

Advent Candles at P.U.B.



 For the lover of clean, Scandinavian and Modern.

 

 

Allas by Andeas Engesvik for Iittala at P.U.B.

If you absolutely must go the number route, then here's an option from Indiska.
 

 

Advent Candle Numbers at Indiska

 

 

 

 

 I like these the best.  Simple yet versatile. They come in different colours too.  These candle holders work together as a unit without actually being the exact same.  This creates visual interest and asymmetrical symmetry (you'll earn points with the design snobs for that one!)

 

 

Candleholders from MIO

We'll continue to look at the ways that the Swedes worship their sources of light at Jul as we approach December 13th which is the celebration of St. Lucia, the patron saint of light. 


*Gröt:  Basically this is porridge.  It comes in oat, rice and some other grain "manna" that I have yet to identify.

Nu Är Det Jul Igen - It's Christmas in Sweden

We start off the Jul season with an old Jul song appropriately called "Nu Är Det Jul Igen" or Now it's Christmas Again.  So how do I know this old song?  Bergman.  Until just a few years ago, there was only one Bergman movie I knew anything about, Fanny and Alexander.  I grew up watching Fanny and Alexander every Christmas.  It is easily Bergman's most upbeat movie...with all the strange and creepy stuff you expect from Bergman.  And to be part of the Ekdahl life was the greatest way to spend four hours (or six, if you had the made for television version).  So if you haven't already, dust off your copy of Fanny and Alexander, or go buy it if you don't have a copy and start the Jul season with the Ekdahls, dancing around their massive apartment singing Nu Är Det Jul Igen.

Nu är det Jul igen och nu är det Jul igen

Och Julen varar väl till Påska.

 Nu ar det Jul igen och nu ar det Jul igen

Och Julen varar väl till Påska.

Det var inte sant och det var inte sant,

För där emellan kommar fasta.

Det var inte sant och det var inte sant,

För där emellan kommar fasta. 

(Now it's Christmas again and now it's Christmas again

And it's Christmas all the way to Easter

Now it's Christmas again and now it's Christmas again

And it's Christmas all the way to Easter

That isn't true and that isn't true,

For in the middle it is Lent

That isn't true and that isn't true,

For in the middle it is Lent) 

To sing this song successfully you must squish the words together in such a way that it sounds more like...

Nuyjuliyen, o Nuyjuliyen

Click here for a small taste of Fanny and Alexander and Jul with the Ekdahl family.

{via Criterion}

Savory Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

It's the first week of November and things are getting chilly here in Sweden.  Soup is one of my favorite foods to make and it's perfect for long cold winter days.  Not to mention nutritious. Here's a savory twist on the classic tomato soup with  red peppers, curry and other rich spices.  Although not particularly Swedish per se, the Swedes do seem to love their curry *smak.

olive oil
4 cloves crushed garlic
2 large red onions
6 large chopped tomatoes
5 sliced, lightly roasted red peppers
6-8 leaves chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup brown sugar
water
2-3 bouillon cubes
cumin
cinnamon
curry
salt to taste
black pepper


In a large soup pot simmer on medium heat oil, garlic and onions until soft but not brown.  At the same time you can bake the peppers, lightly drizzled in olive oil, in the oven until they soften.  Add the tomatoes, peppers, basil and sugar to the pot and continue to simmer until tomatoes start to liquefy, stirring often.  Add cumin, cinnamon and curry - spices are personal, which is why I have not specified an amount.   Start off light and increase to taste.  I recommend no more than 1 teaspoon of each.  Add water making sure that the water level comes to just under the level of the veggies in the pot.  This will ensure that you get a nice thick soup consistency.  Add bouillon cubes according to the approximate amount of water (1 cube / 3 cups water).  Simmer with lid on for 45 minutes to an hour on low, stirring occasionally  Let cool slightly then blend away large chunks with a hand blender.  Finish with fresh ground pepper.

*smak - Swedish for taste or flavor.  Pronounced smock 

Swedes, Pumpkins & Godis

Pumpkins

So it's Halloween in Sweden.  The Swedes have only recently adopted Halloween.  But really, is it surprising that these godis* lovers would jump at the opportunity to have candy on a day other than Saturday?

There's just one thing.  To earn the candy, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty.

You have to make a jack'o'lantern for your front steps or window, which indicates to all the little ghosts and goblins that you have candy to offer.

1. About 5 cm from the stem, cut a circle to make an opening in the top of the pumpkin (Pumpa på Svenska).

2. Dig out the slimy mess inside (separate the seeds if you like, which can be roasted with salt).  You can use a soup spoon but I think you'll find that using you hands will be necessary also.  Make sure the inside is scraped clean so as not to catch your jack'o'lantern on fire when you put the tea light in.

3.  Cut out the face. Basic shapes work perfectly.  You don't need to get fancy and for what it costs to buy a pumpkin here in Sweden, better to do something not too challenging.

4.  Put in a tea light. Leave the top off while the candle is lit.

Now you can enjoy your Halloween godis guilt-free.  Even if det är inte Lördag.

Jack'o'Lanterns

 

*Godis - (Pronounced Goodies) A Swedish tradition where kids can have candy but only on Saturday, which actually makes the Swedes the top candy eaters, globally.

DIY - Custom Red Paint

Deep, rich red is one of my go-to colours.  It is so dynamic and works well for all types of different spaces.  When we came to Sweden I had the worst time trying to find a red I could love.  It happened one day, as I was deciding how I felt about our newly painted black front door, the reflection of our traditional red snickarbod hit the black and there it was, the rich red I had been searching for.  So I mixed the two paints and the result was perfect!

Door with Polyacrylic Seal

All you need is:

- A paint brush
- Black façade paint (färg) and some Fula rödfärg.
- Mix them by adding the red pigment to the black paint until you get the colour you like, testing on some spare wood as you go.*
- Polyacrylic

* It is very important to note a few things:

1.  Rödfärg is a pigment made of copper minerals.  It is intended for exteriors.  Our front hallway is separated from the rest of the house by an inner door.  The paint smells for a few days so keep things well ventilated.  We actually sealed the painted door once it had dried with a polyacrylic to protect the paint and make it safer for the indoors.  The seal also made the colour that much richer.

2.  As noted above, rödfärg is made from mineral pigment.  It separates.  I took a soup ladel to dig up the pigment and mixed that with the black façade paint.

3.  The colour in your mixture may be a little deceiving.  You need to test often as the motion of spreading the paint will make the pigments burst thereby releasing the red colour.

The result is a wonderful, dynamic red that you will love!

Adjacent Wall without Seal


Swedes are pretty well acquainted with the inexpensive Fula rödfärg and will likely need it for the sealing of their house or summer house at some point.  I understand that the Fula rödfärg is likely not available in North America.  I suggest, if you love rich red, Sherwin Williams' Concepts in Colour Series - "Crabby Apple" is a delicious red!










Stockholm Directory - Ljusbutik and Ljushuset

Louis Poulsen Ph5 Pendant

Both the Ljusbutik and the Ljushuset are located in Kungsholmen within walking distance of one another.  The products range from traditional shade lamps to Gustavian inspired crystal and glass chandeliers.  There is of course the quintessential Louis lamp (Louis Poulsen of Scandinavia that is) and some interesting contemporary pieces.  The selection and affordable price point are comparable, so it's really a matter of preference or which is closer to you.  And while we're on the subject Belysning is the Swedish word for lighting.





Ljushuset
Drottningholmsvägen 13
11242 Stockholm
ljushuset.se

 

 

Ljusbutik

Fleminggatan 17

112 26 Stockholm

ljusbutik.se

Kräftor - Sweden's Farewell to Summer

By the middle of August, the Swedes know all too well that the end of summer is near.  The nights become longer, darker and cooler.  There are even a few scatterings of early fallen leaves. As a final farewell to their beloved summer the Swedes have their Kräftor celebration - Kräftskiva.  There is no particular day reserved for kräftor, rather an open time slot to celebrate when (and how often) you like.  But it should fall within the last 2 or 3 weeks of August.

Kräftor are essentially crayfish, which are simply boiled in salt water and fresh dill. Kräftor are small and yield an alarmingly small, yet hard to attain, amount of meat.  Especially when you consider the heavy emphasis (again) placed on drinking ... a lot.

If you are new to Sweden or want to celebrate like a Swede in your part of the world here are the basics.

1.   Kräftor

You can use local crayfish (if you are not here in Sweden) or you can buy them at Ikea ready to eat after you thaw them.  You can of coarse, if money's no object, use lobster instead.  Might be more fulfilling and you may not get as drunk...or you just drink more.  In Sweden you can get kräftor everywhere at any grocery store, either fresh or frozen.

2.  New Potatoes

The Swedes have a surprising relationship to potatoes.  They eat them at pretty much every celebration.  The best ones for kräftskiva are still covered in dirt.

3.  Sill (pickeled herring)

Like potatoes, sill is a Swedish staple.  It comes in dill, cream or mustard sauce.  There is a basic version of this in most grocery stores in Canada.  Otherwise, yep, Ikea.

4.  Snapps

Another term for it is Aquavit.  You may be able to get this wherever you are but I think outside of Sweden and Northern Europe it is pretty rare.  They call it snapps but it is herb flavoured hard liquor. You can make your own by letting caraway seeds sit in a bottle of vodka for a couple of days or weeks.  Like Midsommar you are expected to enjoy drinking ridiculous amounts of hard liquor and beer (öl), which are accompanied by (or the cause of) the next Kräftskiva essential.

5.  Drinking Songs

Swedes are quite reserved and composed.  So it's surprising the silliness that unfolds during a booze fueled celebration.  I can only imagine that the Vikings are to blame for this more, ahem, rowdy side of the Swedish disposition.  Here are a couple of the most popular and well known drinking songs, with translation.

Helan går (a good starter song)

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lallan lej

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lej

Och den som inte helan tar

Han heller inte halvan får

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lej

Drink it all down

Sing hopp faderallan lallan lej

Drink it all down

Sing hopp faderallan lej

And he who does not drink it all

Does not even deserve a half

Drink it all down

Sing hopp faderallan lej

Små Grodorna (the song that quacks about frogs)

Små Grodorna, små Grodorna

Är lustiga att se

Små Grodorna, små Grodorna

Är lustiga att se

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de

Koack, ack, ack. Koack, ack, ack.

Koack ack ack ack kaa.

Little frog, little frog

So funny to see

Little frog, little frog

So funny to see

No ears, no ears, no tail do they have.

No ears, no ears, no tail do they have.

Koack, ack, ack. Koack, ack, ack.

Koack ack ack ack kaa.

You can certainly make up your own songs too.  Just be sure to write them down as the best will likely be inspired by the most alcohol. 

Skål!

Spring is Here! (?)

We have a little pocket of the Swedish countryside.  There is a traditional farmhouse, a snickarbod* and a pond, complete with stream.  These are the adventures of a gardening enthusiast who, while completely unqualified, doesn't mind (read loves) getting her hands dirty.

snickarbod*  This is a small building used as a workshop situated on the property of a farmhouse. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Swedish Countryside Spring Thaw

Swedes are very anxious for the arrival of spring.  After the long, dark winter, the promise of warm weather and bright nights, seems the answer for everything.  And I think I have to agree.  Recently we have had short blasts of spring only to be squashed by a snow/hail storm or a dip in the already miniscule increase in temperature.  I think things are finally going to thaw and these will be one of the last crisp nights, foggy with the condensation of the last of the winter snow.

Side Path After Removal of Thick Grass Cover

Much of the property has been overtaken by plants, grass and bushes. Over the past couple of weeks we have been working on clearing the overgrowth of grass from the side path which faces the road.  The many lilac bushes have been trimmed, as have the apple trees. Before anything can be planted there are a couple of plots that need to be turned.  One will be a flower garden and the other a vegetable garden.  Over the next few weeks the hard labour will be done before the planting can begin, after the last frost.

Hötorget - Hötorgshallen Update

 A great way to make your home look and feel fresh is to add fresh flowers.  There are flower stores and kiosks scattered all over Stockholm but I feel like this is the type of thing you want to buy in an open market.  In my opinion, having access to an open air market gives your basic life quality a boost.  The selection is better and the vendors' need to reel you in usually makes them quite animated or super cranky which is also good for a laugh.  Stockholm's open air market, Hötorget* is located just off of Drottninggatan (the pedestrian shopping street) in the courtyard outside the Konserthus, which is painted the prettiest shade of blue.  The majority of what you will find at the market is fruit, vegetables, flowers and luggage (of course?).  And to add to its charm it is a flea market on Sundays!

Hötorget Flower and Fruit and Vegetable Market - Stockholm Directory

Hötorgshallen 

(Update - October 23, 2013)

My home town of Toronto is a multicultural hot spot.  There are "Little insert country"s throughout the city.  ChinaTown, GreekTown, Little India, Little Jamaica, Little Italy, you name it.  Each with its own culturally specific grocery shops.  Grocery shopping can be a lot of fun in Toronto.  But here in Stockholm, I had only ever seen the big name grocery stores with their very limited selection and often not the highest quality ingredients.  I was recently given a little tip from a native of Greece when we were discussing the best place to get olives - Hötorgshallen.  Located in the basement of the movie theatre flanking one side of the outside market, Hötorgshallen is a little market with a great variety of venders selling all sorts of fresh meat, cheese and produce.  Check it out when you are picking up your flowers and produce outside.

 Hötorget* - Hay Market.
 I can only assume that this goes back many centuries to when people would have come to the central part of the city to trade.

Hötorget - Norrmalm

Beautiful Draperies from Inexpensive Tab Curtains

Beautiful, high quality draperies really can make a room.  But they can cost a fortune.  Even fabric in bulk can be too expensive for the average person.  I'll show you how to get great fully lined and pleated drapes for a fraction of the cost.

This project highlights tab curtains.  Here's my problem with tab curtains, no matter how much arranging you do, they always look messy and cheap. And this gives me anxiety, really!  I fear ever opening or closing them so as not to disrupt the delicate balance achieved through arranging and rearranging, often by balancing on a chair.  This is not a good relationship to have with your window treatments.

In the end you really need to invest the time in taking your curtains to the next level.

You will need:

Ikea Lenda curtains - 199kr about $30.  You can use whatever tab curtains you like but I like the linen look of the Lenda)

Ikea Knoppa single bed sheets (as a liner) - 19kr, about $3 (each panel requires one of these, so 2 per package of Lenda)

A sewing machine - if you are a serial decorator like me or simply prefer custom, this is one of the best investments you will make.  It will pay for itself in no time.

An iron

Fabric Tape

Step 1.  Measure the length needed from the rod to the floor

A couple of rules about drapery:

A. Drapes look best if they hang as close as possible to the ceiling.  This adds height to the room and makes the drapes that much grander.

B.  Draperies should, at the very least, hit the floor.  Better still if they rest on the floor by an inch (3 cm) or so.  Drapes should never be higher than the floor, not even slightly.  Think about when someone's pants are too short.  Not a good look.  So ere on the side of caution here - more is more.  Always remember that there needs to be a couple of extra inches for the hems.

You may not have to do any cuts if you have an average height ceiling and make allowances for a thick hem at the floor (take a quick look at step 5).

Step 2.  Sew Down Tab

The tab will be folded down and attached to the inside of the curtain along the existing seam.  Make sure there is enough room in the loop to easily clear the rod and make for smooth opening and closing.  The stitch you use is up to you.  For me it's like the difference between Times New Roman and Stylus BT.  Choose the stitch you like the best.  What you do with the remainder of the tab is also up to you.  I left it in place as I think it adds to the fullness and it won't be seen.  If you chose a thinner curtain then you should remove the remainder of the tab.

DIY Draperies - Fold and sew down tab

Step 3.  Sew Edges of Curtain and Sheet Together

You will need to hem the sheet as it is wider than the panel.  I kept the liner wider than the curtain panel to create fullness ( I will explain how to make it fit in the next step), again that is up to you.  Once you have decided the width of the liner, you can fasten it by ironing it flat with some fabric tape.  This will save you a step of sewing.  Now sew the liner to the panel coming in about an inch (3 cm) on either end.

DIY Draperies - Attach liner to curtain

 

Step 4.  Sew Liner to the Top

Now you will sew the top of the liner to just below where you sewed down the tab.  If you made the liner the exact width needed then you can just go ahead and sew it on.  If you went the wider, fuller route, you will need to plan where small pleats will go along the seam (affix with strait pins) so that you don't get a big bulk of liner fabric at either end.

DIY Draperies - Attach liner to panel just below tab loop

 

 

Step 5.  Make Bottom Hem

Double check your length by hanging the drapes in place to see exactly where the bottom hem will go.  First make a small fold (an inch or so) and secure by ironing with fabric tape.  Now fold where drape will rest on floor.  You likely won't have to make any cuts as the higher the hem the nicer the drapes will look.  In fact, many designers will tell you to make the bottom hem the same height as your baseboards. 

Et, Voila!  or as they say in Sweden "Slut!"*  The spaces between the tabs will create a type of faux pleat.  Now you are ready to hang your draperies.

* Glossary 
 Slut (pronounced sloot) - this means the end or finished or last.  Perhaps we can take a whole post simply looking at how Swedish is the anti-English

Stockholm Design Week 2013 - A Quick Note on Lighting

I wanted to share a quick note about some of the lighting that stood out for me at the Stockholm Furniture and Lighting Fair 2013 before we wrap up my thoughts on Stockholm Design Week 2013 with the Knitting House.

Pineapple Lamp 

by Frank Kerdil

Pineapple by Frank Kerdil

Frank Kerdil's Pineapple lamp was clearly inspired by the iconic PH Lampe and Artichoke lamp by Danish designer Poal Henningsen circa 1925.  All designers pull inspiration from somewhere, often their heros, but the similarities here are a little too close for me.  Marcel Duchamp might argue that because of a slight variation (each segment is pointier than those found on Henningsen's Artichoke), the design is basically up for grabs.  Sure, maybe.  I will give Kerdil credit for his variation of making the segments into different images, which he calls the Magazine.  It certainly follows the patchwork trend so popular this year and is a playful nod to the original Henningsen design.

PH Lampe by Poal Henningsen

Magazine by Frank Kerdil

Artichoke by Poal Henningsen

Hope

by Gomez Paz, Francisco Rizzatto, Paolo

Hope by Gomez Paz, Francisco Rizzatto, Paolo

Hydrangea

The Hope pendant is stunning to see in person.  It really is a show stopper.  My first thought was that it reminds me of a hydrangea, yet looks so futuristic.  Hope is made of specially engineered plastic, which you can read about here.  It is a lovely blend of organic shape and ultra sleek design.  This lamp would look great in either a contemporary chic aesthetic or in a cozy country setting.

Kumulus Ljuskrona*

by Peter Nilsson

Kumulus Ljuskrona by Peter Nilsson

Mid-century glass candy dish

Nilsson's Kumulus does not conform to the typical Scandinavian minimalist look and I can't help but think that his fellow Swedes might have him committed for this piece.  Almost a Beethoven of the lighting world, really.  But I love it.  It reminds me of the mid-century glass candy dishes my Grandmother had throughout her house when I was a kid.  On special occasions there were candies there but most of the time there were odds and ends (buttons, paper clips, etc.) and it was a kick to check in at each visit to see what new treasure might be stashed there.  You can read Nilsson's own thoughts on his design here.
  
*Glossary - Ljuskrona

In the Swedish language, when they needed to create a word, often rather than choose a whole new word, they just took two other words and squished them together.  Ljuskrona directly translated means "light crown" but that is how the Swedes refer to a chandelier. 

Stockholm Design Week 2013 - Lost in Södermalm

As this is a blog about my design adventures as someone new to Sweden, I'll be honest.  I didn't make it to my desired destination that day.  Well, I did, but..I didn't.

I intended to check out the Knitted House exhibit at the Architecture Museum.  According to the app that I had downloaded, the museum is found in Södermalm.  What a great way to start design week and I could wander around the museum exploring my other love, architecture.

I had researched the route in advance.  There were two ways I could go and both I had taken previously.  I chose to cross over Gamla Stan (the old town) and was careful not to veer off my route for any reason.  I reached the bridge but the sign said "Nacka", so I went in the other direction to find another bridge.

Did I mention it was snowing?  A lot.

After approximately ten minutes of looking for another bridge and at zero visibility, I decided to turn back.

This is a sliding doors moment for me because had I been able to see more than three metres in front of me, I would have been able to see another bridge and by pure accident I would have ended up in Skeppsholmen, which is where the Modern Museum is and where the signature exhibit for Design Week, Glass Elephant, was being held and well, where I was actually supposed to be going.

But I turned back and crossed that Nacka bridge and yes, I got to Södermalm.  Once over the bridge, I took a quick peek at the Google map on my tablet - for good measure.  I climbed up the stairs in front of me and thereby to Södermalm proper.  I had accidentally found my way to the main drag, Götgatan.  With a self satisfied chuckle, I headed up the street.  That was easy!

Did I mention the snow?  Not the fluffy light-hearted stuff people write songs about.  This is the stuff the breaks a gal's spirit, heavy and wet.

I made it to the intersection, I was there, or so I thought.  As I walk along the street to the museum I am already a little worried.  I think to myself, maybe it's just my North American mentality but why is the street so small?  And, I don't know, but why aren't there any signs?  Hmm, maybe Swedes aren't that interested in architecture museums and that's why it's so remote.  As I travel farther along the street I begin to feel more and more uneasy.  And people seem to be looking at me as though I'm trespassing on their turf.  Perhaps these people could have helped me find my way on their turf.  Perhaps.  I didn't ask.  No, this was personal.  Me vs. Södermalm, me vs. Sweden!

Back I go to Götgatan.  But here is a bustling city centre.  The culture school, signs (yes, signs!) for an exhibit at the aforementioned modern museum, a market and a subway station...this must be it.  I try again... and back.  Up some stairs... and back.  I decide I need a coffee break. The snow was seeping through my wool coat.  I didn't think I needed a thicker coat as I was supposed to be inside most of the day.  That was clearly becoming an unattainable dream.  I didn't ask for directions at the coffee shop.  They didn't speak English anyway.  Everyone in Stockholm speaks English!  I decide to cancel the trip and go home.

Ugh.  The snow.  It seems that in Södermalm the wind blows in a circle and no matter which direction you turn, snow attacks your face. One aggressive snowflake stabbing you in the eyeball is unpleasant, two, irritating, nämen*...all day long!?!

You get the picture.

Summary

I remained lost on a street very annoyingly called Ringvagen, like an insidious reminder that I may never get off this merry-go-round.   I did eventually get off but not before another bridge dilemma, which I will spare you and another coffee shop with no English...and a lot more snow.

I didn't see the Knitted House.  The Knitted House is not on Södermalm. Remember that bridge I would have crossed had I seen it, the one to Skeppsholmen?  Ja, the Knitted House is there. 

*Glossary

Nämen – A colloquialism meaning “no but".  The Swedes say this a lot.  Both when they are happy or surprised (running into a good friend on the street – “Nämen, hej!") or in times of great irritation (this is the context used here).