WOW, everything changed so quickly during these past few days! We are glad that everyone that was on our knitting cruise in Norway was able to disembark safely and that they are on their way back to their respective countries!
We ourselves have been placed under quarantine in our home in Norway, due to the fact that we travelled outside of the Nordic countries after February 27th. As dictated by the Norwegian government, we will be spending the next 2 weeks isolated at home, in order to make sure that we do not spread the virus.
We are healthy, in good spirits and will be together in the same house during these weeks so that’s something to be positive about! But, to be honest, just thinking about the next few weeks in complete isolation, is already driving us nuts…
So, therefore, we plan on starting a daily podcast on our YouTube channel and hope to get as many of you to join us for a fun mystery knit along, that you’ll be able to do using the stash of yarn that we know you all have in your home! It’s going to be completely free (the patterns, which we are designing and writing right now will also be free!) and we hope that this initiative will inspire, support and encourage everyone during these difficult times. And hopefully, this activity will help us all keep our sanity, while we are in isolation!
So, stay tuned, as we will release more information in the next few days! Tomorrow, we will publish our weekly video (pre-recorded in January) at the usual time and we will continue doing so each Sunday at 6pm CET. This new daily podcast that we have planned for the next few weeks will be in addition to our Sunday videos!
We send everyone that has been directly affected by the Corona virus our thoughts. Our hearts go out to you, to those of you who are isolated due to being in a high risk group as well as to all of the small businesses that are (and will be) struggling in these difficult times. You may be isolated, but you are not alone! Feel free to comment this post and ask questions and we will do the best to answer them.
Sending you all our love, ARNE & CARLOS❤️
📸 Cheryl De Ville @chief_of_stash
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Thank you, we need more in the world work your attitude
Thank you both for your kind message and effort to do something positive for everyone. Looking forward to knit along. Please don’t forget you are not alone either.
What a great project. I’ll be joining in.
Ellis-Lynn Duschenes
What a wonderful attitude and spirit!
Take care of yourself, looking forward to your videos.
Thank you for thinking of us ………. I am looking forward to your daily podcasts 🙂 Wishing you the best of health during these trying months.
How fun! I will look forward to this each day. You two are wonderful.
You wonderful, positive people!
😘
I am sitting here with needles and a ball of yarn. I cannot wait for the knit-a-long to start!!!!! 😘
So excited! Thank you. You will be in our thoughts. Happy knitting.
Hi Arne and Carlos, This message is so uplifting. In the states it has been crazy. Such panic. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing what you two have in store for us. A big thank you coming your way.
Thank you for thinking of everyone. I pray that you both remain healthy. I look forward to the knit a long. Take care.
It’s very generous. “See you” tomorrow !
This is so wonderful to have something to look forward to each day even though we are sequestered inside our homes. Thank you for all you do!
I am so glad to hear that you guys are healthy and well. I am really looking forward to joining you in your daily podcast. My thoughts are with you guys.
Thanks for the update, and what a great idea.
We are in Western NY in USA. About 2 hours from Niagara Falls. We like others are shopping for toilet paper. We always for yrs always had on hand Toilet Paper for two weeks. Now running low. So inside crocheting, reading and etc. . Except not for a while tomorrow. Hoping to fine couple things we need. Stay wellPat
Thank you Arne and Carlos. You are always so positive, creative and generous and I love your idea of a mystery knit along as you make your way through a quarantine of two weeks. I’d love to be part of the fun
Oh how exciting, Arne and Carlos, I’m over the moon to be joining you again for more knitting adventures from inside the home hahahahahah! Stay happy and we’ll see you soon on our screens. Love Lu in Australia
Thanks so much guys for this thoughtful distraction. Those of us who are parents of children who have chronic diseases or are immunocompromised are feeling especially anxious. This will help me pass time. Hopefully it’s something small because I don’t have a huge stash, yes I am that knitter! , lol, and my LYS closed yesterday to protect their staff and customers. And not too complicated because I seem to be having a bit of difficulty concentrating because of stress. I so wanted to come see you when you were near London Ontario, but same child was unwell and I couldn’t make it. I hope you loved my beautiful country!
What a nice idea! Looking forward to tomorrow!
I Just had an argument with my husband about the shortage that we will be facing. I do not panic as I am a very positive person, but he does. Every night before going to bed I read my latest emails and voila here it is, your most endearing message to all your followers. Both of you, by now, know how much we need knitting in these times of isolation. May GOD Bless you both and the world. May we keep our sanity and love among all and peace. Grateful!
Thank you my dearest Arne & Carlos.
Gives me strength to read that we are
not ‘alone’ .. Love you guys!
I had a virus. I spent 3 weeks in quarantine and another 3, which I am in now, in isolation.
When I had the virus, I didn’t care if I knitted again, I fought for every breath.
Now we have a new baby coming in the family and I am trying to knit and I am having a bit of trouble concentrating.
I hope I get some energy soon,
So glad you are better. God bless.
Jeg er gjerne med på dette morsomme iniativet😊👍🏼🧶
Hi Arne & Carlos! Greetings from rainy Southern California! This post has brought a BIG smile to me as my area has been affected by the virus. Yet Ed and I felt good enough to go out yesterday for Chinese food and shopped at an Asian market. Unbelievable, but people are going crazy and hoarding toilet paper, bleach, and sanitary wipes! Looking forward to your podcasts.
I’m so happy to hear you two are at home and taking care while the world goes all lopsided. I personally can’t think of anywhere better to be confined to than your lovely home by the lake. I’m SO excited about the mystery knit!!! I’ll be sure to tune in and play along!😊
Be well and give Freya loves and cuddles (Get those moose, girl!)
Merci beaucoup pour votre soutien. Est-ce que votre projet sera accessible à ceux qui ne maîtrisent pas l’anglais?
Prenez soin de vous.
Wow, just found you guys! Got yarn and needles from my daughter in law for Christmas 2018 and haven’t stopped knitting since. What a lovely idea to knit with friends from far. I fear as a novice that your patterns are way out of my league. But still I will knit!!
Hello, I do not have my stash. I was not able to go home anymore. I only have 1 project with me, a pare of socks, wich are almost finished. I was on my way to Norway, via Holland, but my trip to Norway was cancelled. I am staying with my 91 year old father. The planning was to go together after my trip to Norway to Cyprus where I live. But everything got cancelled. My husband is alone home, but I am glad I am with my father, because he is very scared. We talk, watch television, read, puzzle, to keep a little bit busy.
This are difficult times. But health is the most inportant. Only wish I had my stash here 😊
For Marianne Kitsios on March 16, 2020 at 6:32 am
Order some yarn online if the mail is still working.
or, if not- make “plarn” which is yarn from plastic bags and knit or crochet a market bag or basket.
or, if plarn is not your thing- see if dad has an old sweater in his house to frog
or, see if dad has any old t-shirts to make into t-shirt yarn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-UOc9RHdAY
Hai Marianne Kitsios iam Petra iam living in the Netherlands Frisia.
Can i dou somting for you?I whil dou that .Ilive in the upper part of the Nederlands. you have too by in Frisia sorry for that
I have abig stas. so we my husbant en i can bring from my stas . iam 62 and home.
Great idea! I doubt I will be taking in your podcast “live” as I am in Australia but if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night I’ll have something useful to do. I must remember to keep my knitting beside the bed. And if I do manage to sleep through, I can catch up in the morning. I’m not in quarantine or self-isolation yet but I am being careful. Bring on the KAL!
You are so kind, thinking of everyone else !
Good that you are safe and sound, and that everyone on the cruise got home safe.
The is one person, who must be extremely happy : Freya ! Now she has got you for herself, and perhaps you will take her for long walks ?
Been home from Norway for several days and finally rested. What a wonderful trip and I guess we finished just in time to get through all the airports without any problems. It was great to meet you both, but I’m happy to be home with my chihuahua “kids.” Your airports and personnel were a lot easier to deal with than the one in San Francisco! Thanks for doing this project to keep us distracted while we stay home. Love you both, Barbara from California
Thank you!
Inspirational, as usual.
Looking forward to your knit along.
As an over 70 Yr old, here in England, incarceration for months, is not obligatory!
Yikes!
I plan to knit this years Christmas presents ❤️
Love you both.
What a great idea ! I look forward to joining you ! Thank you for thinking of others . Keep well guys !
The sun is shining in Geneva and all my weekly activities are cancelled except our church choir (because now we are the force for our online worship service) and my Swedish lesson (I’m the only student.)
And NOW! I learn that my dear Arne and Carlos are going to appear on YouTube every day!!!!!!! Wow, I like it!
Thanks for using your talents to shore up everyone’s feeling and give them something to do. Will have to compare you to the Italians who are singing on their balconies during this unfortunate time. Keep safe and keep knitting. I finished a pair of your easiest socks in the world and they fit magnificently. Working on a pair of your fairisle mittens from your book but adopted them for 4 ply yarn-another great pattern!
wishing you both good health.
I want to thank you again for the lesson on twisted rib knit and for yesterday’s lesson on hat decreases. I really like the idea of the 2 together back loop method. I’ll be trying it later today when I am ready to decrease the hat I am working on. I’m on my 500th hat for charity here is the U.S.
I enjoy “our” Sundays together. : )
Warmest regards,
Tere
Thanks Arne and Carlos – you somehow lend an amazing amount of sanity and perspective through those needles and yarn – just what we all need. I suspect at the ‘end’ of this crazy time many of us will have finished our UFOs – delved into our stashes and created goodness know what !! ?? I have already done some of that but think if we must tangle with this horrid virus that we should at least ‘tangle’ it in creativity and wrap it up in a million shades of yarn so that at least we have a creative output and some artistic expressions to counter the real human tragedy …
Do stay safe ‘you two’ !!
Best wishes
Della (Western Australia)
You two are lovely! Thank you for thinking of all of us at this difficult time. Looking forward to the podcasts, they will be a fun distraction. Take care of yourselves.
Hej!
Det låter jättekul! Bra initiativ! Jag är gärna med om jag kan. Håller mig hemma med min hosta. Tack för allt roligt och intressant ni delar med er av 🙂
Excellent! I look forward to it.
Keep well ❤️
What a lovely idea! Thank you. Panic has set in here in Norfolk, UK, and it seems wise to stay as isolated as possible. I shall look forward to your daily dose of fun and virtual community. Stay well, everyone.
hai agan thats a better idea you can order online from http://wwwhobbydoos.nl the are pritty faast.
Sooy for my Englische greatings Petra
I take care of my husband at home and feel like i have experience with isolation. But that being said, this situation feels so much different. Knitting is a great escape tool. Family whose hobby is running around are not handling the covid19 quarantine very well. I am blessed with a wonderful support group, worldwide fellow knitters!
Feel grateful and appreciative.
Thank you!!!
You are correct Carlos, this situation changed so quickly. Frankly, I was hoping we would have been quarantined on the ship knitting with you two. I’m safely home in Sunset Beach with temperatures of 70 F. Miss my boys, the Southern Belle, Judith Gerdes. P.S. looking forward to the knit along and daily podcasts.
Thank you for the daily podcast! I need your “spirit” or essence in my life right now so I am excited for the daily podcast and mystery knit along. I wish you the joy of being home safe and sound and trusting in the best for your health.
Shawn in Missouri and me in Maryland are joining both of you in quarantine for 14 days. We feel very fortunate that our trip went as planned and we had the most wonderful time with both of you and the other 50 in our group. Thank you for the most fabulous trip ever! I’m curious if your trip down went okay. Can’t wait to see the mystery knit along.
PS. The IKEA bag made it all the way to Maryland in perfect condition!!! Thank you.
Arne and Carlos, your kind and caring message brought a tear to my eye. I love your podcasts and will be watching the daily offerings and joining in with your mystery knit-a-long. As a compulsive, daily knitter myself I am inspired by you both.
I have recently moved from South Wales uk to live in shropshire . I’m missing friends and social trips but I have a stash of wool to keep me busy and if I have no other project on the go I just crochet squares.
I love reading all the posts from different countries.
My son and partner live in the Netherlands and were due to fly here this week but it has been cancelled. We have a ferry booked in April but don’t think that will happen either.
Stay safe everyone .
You two are so brilliant, generous, positive, kind, thoughtful and fun, just what the world needs right now. Thank you soooooo much from Cumbria , UK xxx
Thank you so much for doing this knit along and keeping our spirits up!
Again, you reveal how kind and generous you both are by reaching out to offer support in times of crisis. Thank you Carlos. Thank you Arne.
I’m happy that your cruise tour knitters were not adversely affected or quarantined on a ship; and that you, both, are well. Maybe the weather will show kindness in return and provide you with enough good weather that you’ll be able to spend time on your lovely back deck or out in your garden space. “Here’s to hoping” 🥂 May you continue to be well! 🙏
Thank you Arne and Carlos! I am just glad your home safe and not sick. I work in Pharmacy in the US it is crazy in the world right now. Praying I dont get the virus so i can keep working and helping some people be less worried.
Thank you for the knit along! It will be a most welcome distraction. I hope the world gets back to normal soon.
I think one ” good” thing from this is that it has reminded us how small the world is and how we are not really seperate.
Love you all!
It’s my knitting (and my dog) that have been giving me comfort during these strange times. Thank you, Arne and Carlos, for reaching out. No surprise to any of us that you are doing something positive for your community.
Hooray for yarn therapy! Thank YOU, Arne and Carlos, for doing this. Really looking forward to something (for a change)!
thank you for this KAL. I definitely need another project on needles. I’m in Massachusetts (USA). New phrases have been a added to our daily speech. I am self-isolating in an effort to flatten the curve. I understand that I am in the age range at risk to have more serious disease when infected by COVID-19, but since I feel fit and well at present I think I am doing this for the community at large. This social distancing to be effective will likely have to go on for months. Fortunately I have a garden that always needs work. I also have enough yarn to last until doomsday, which is to say, more than a two weeks supply. 😉
BRILLIANT! You both are such positive people who relish every moment of every day. You are helping all of us to enjoy our home time by giving us a daily good time. Many thanks!
Thank you for thinking of others and creating a positive activity for everyone while in isolation!
Knitting has been proven to have a calming effect. We need more of this as this susurration develops so a BIG thank you to Arne and Carlos
Thank you for your nice message. I live in the Netherlands and it’s about the same here. Children are advised not to visit their grandparents. There is no mention about the other way round 🙂 so I take it to mean I can go and visit them 😉
My daughter, SiL and granddaughter live in Sandnes. No way to visit them, alas.
Fortunately the internet is not affected by this kind of virus.
I wish you continued good health and enjoy your garden, knitting and designing!!
thank you. here in Italy it’s hard. your help will be very great. thank!!!!!
Thank you Arne and Carlos for thinking of others as you take care of your own needs. Be well, my friends!
Greetings from southern Michigan in the U.S. Thank you both!!!! Although sorry you are under quarantine and my prayers for your continued good health and safety go out to you, it’s so encouraging that you are going to make the best of it. Thanks for thinking of a daily podcast and sharing all of your patterns with us. You’re just tops in my book!!! =)
What a brilliant message and a brilliant attitude ! keep well, keep happy, keep knitting !
Thank you so much, we appreciate you !
Thank you Arne & Carlos. Here in North Carolina, we are under some temporary new rules too. My wife, who is an analyst, is teleworking from home over the next few weeks. My son is finishing his semester from College here at home, using online classes and what-not. I am in my recliner, feet up, knitting at my side. I’m over 60, have chronic health issues and am in the high risk category. Not to worry or fret… My current stash is literally 54 skeins of wool, and wool blends that are waiting for me to knit something. I have 5 WIP and more wanting started. This C-Virus will do what it will, and we shall continue! I really look forward to the Sunday YouTube sessions with you guys, and now, getting something more will be a good treat! Thank you and hang in there. Wishing you both super health and good times while quarantined. Cheers 🙂👍
You two are quite simply awesomeness (hmmm, is that a real word? Well, I use it all the time so I guess it is for me anyway). I am sequestered because I am in a high risk group but our home has lots of big windows to let in lots of light so it isn’t too bad. Plus, I have all of my yarn, my spinning wheel as well as my loom to keep me busy. Your videos will be wonderful so I can feel like I have company and am not alone. I love you both…
Hugs for now from Virginia, USA
Elizabeth
Thank you! You guys are the BEST!
I am not a very good knitter due brain surgery, but love watching you both interact and teaching us new things. I am so happy that I can go back and watch the episodes again to refresh my memory- well, it is always new to me.
Love the idea of knitting together!! Thanks that we are in this together!!
Stay well and healthy!
You guys are the best, as always.
My guess and hope is, after all is said and done, the “cure” (the relative isolation and disruption) will be far worse for most people than the effects of the virus itself.
I just got over a head cold. I live in Washington State, a hotbed. CoVID-19? Probably, but even as an over-60 year old with autoimmune disease, it was no worse than the usual cold.
There is much to celebrate, and even enjoy: the cleaner air resulting from fewer cars and airplanes polluting our beautiful planet, the lovely quiet of rest and contemplation, the chance to assess and reorganize one’s home life, and for those of us who create with our hands, time to do so without guilt.
It’s also a good time to call friends and neighbors, especially those who might be in need. If you can share and spare a pantry item, you will feel more blessed than you can imagine.
Dear Arne and Carlos. I want to thank you for being the little rays of sunshine that brighten our lives, and to wish you both health and sanity! Keep knitting!
Thanks for reaching out at this time – it feels like we’re all cast members of a science fiction film – probably a very long one! Looking at the lovely Spring sunshine here in London, it’s hard to believe that we’re surrounded by a potentially deadly virus. Staying home and knitting is by far the safer option and I’ll look forward to your podcasts. Stay well!
Thank you, the internet is a great way to stay connected in these strange times. I look forward to reading your blogs as I live alone and most of my normal activities in retired groups are now suspended. Nice to think that knitters across the world will be staying sane and creative. Happy knitting everyone!
Thank you, thank you for creating these daily video podcasts on such short notice. Your humor and creativity will help us get through this.🤗
Great pod cast! Wonderful to see you and I’ll be watching every day. Dick might even watch with me!
So far we are not in quarantine but we are in the age group that is supposed to be careful. Hoping the Garden Tour goes off as planned. Some domestic flights are now being cancelled in the US. My brother Mark and his wife Gigi , who were on last year’s Garden tour with us, just had their flight to San Antonio cancelled today.
I knew you two would come up with something to lighten the gloom!!! I’ve been self-isolating since last Thursday and actually, I’m enjoying it. We spend so much time make our homes cozy and pleasant, so what’s not to enjoy. Lot’s to do, knitting, sewing, writing, the computer……..I’m very, very lucky and grateful. Stay safe and be well.
Hi to both of you,
What a fab idea. Could I ask if you could do a little crochet project too? Esp from one of your books or a new one?
Love from London –
Sonya xxx
We have a crochet project coming near Easter!
What a lovely thought. Just the thing to get us all busy with something to look forward to each day. Well done lads. Isabel from Edinburgh Scotland
I love your idea and its great! While I may not be able to join in the KAL, I will enjoy seeing the projects each day and the overall results at the end. Thanks for all you do for us knitters!! Hoping you and all those on your cruise will stay well!
you two always make me smile hope we all get though this test in time .i am stuck in too with hubby and doing some knitting and quilting and my cross stitch so many things to do and now a lot of time to do it. happy knitting
Hi arne and carlos, just to thank you for your initiative of a daily podcast, and all the other things you do to keep contact with the knitters world , I really like watching and listening to you both. I wish you could come to see my garden too ! It is so green now and there is like a perfume from the lemon trees flowering. I live in Israel, and have been knitting since my grandmother’s sister taught me to knit at age 7 ! I am Dutch , but live here for the last some 40 years. Anyway, looking forward to the podcasts , and don’t forget you are invited to Israel ! Be healthy ! Lidwine
I look forward to watching your YouTube broadcast all this week and using up my stash yarn on your daily patterns! Thank you for your positive attitude and thoughtfulness in these crazy times. ❤
Was so happy to be on your March 3,2020 cruise. Phyllis and I had a wonderful time with you. Good luck in your quarantine. Looking forward to your podcast. Kathy from Arizona!
I hope you don’t get this virus! I will pray for you! Thank for you knit along keep happy!
Hi to you both, thank you for creating this group to help others and keep us all focused at this terrible time.
I am wondering if the knitted squares could be knitted in a strip so making sewing up easier?
Thank you for doing this. It’s such fun to be with you in this way. Be safe. We’re isolated here in Indiana because we are over 70 and have underlying conditions. I’ve been knitting a lot, trying to bust my stash.
I am from the East Coast of US. Thank you for this kal I am in quarantine for I don’t know how long due to being at high risk for having medical issues if I were to get Covid19.
I love your podcasts and tutorials.
Your smiling faces and heartfelt message means so much to all of us. Thank you Gentlemen. You define the term. Looking forward to this fun KAL. Until tomorrow then, I am sincerely yours, Susan from Colorado.
Thank you both for your spread of good cheer in these challenging times.
I am preparing a free mystery KAL myself for the same reason as I have not quite quarantine yet, but be wary of outside contacts due to underlying health conditions. And goodness knows for how long that will have to be…
It’ll be lovely to follow your KAL over the coming days and tusen takk for putting it on!
Stay healthy!
This sounds like fun! I can’t wait to go through my stash and looking up the pattern!
Thank you for doing this!
Judi
Dear Arne and Carlos,
I am waiting to hear if my daughter who is in England can get a flight back home to Australia. I am so anxious and the thing I thought of doing this morning until I go to work is seeing your utube and reading your messages and knitting instructions. So thank you so very very much for sending a little calm around the world. Keep well Gayexxx
Hi Arne and Carlos! Your daily knit alongs are so wonderfully positive in this awful pandemic. I was lucky to be able to pull up your blog just now on my phone. I often pull up your videos when I get a connection. We don’t have internet. I live in a camper at 10000 feet in Colorado. We are bracing for a
Winter storm. I look through your slipper book all the time. You two make me smile and I am a huge fan. I taught myself how to knit by watching Arnes hands (I use to have internet-long story). You gave me the gift of a lifetime in knitting and I just taught my daughter. Thank you! Sending you both a socially distant hug with some love. Stay well.
Thank you boys you really cheered me up this morning with your optimism and happy faces, I cannot wait to start on my first block and look forward to watching you every day. Xx those are Carona free distance kisses btw 80)
My sister in law in Canada told me about you two when I mentioned that,to help my mental health, I have started to knit a jumper.
I have ordered your Christmas bauble book as I reckon that they will be great Christmas presents to family. I am in England and following social isolation advice . Looks like there will be many weeks in which to knit. I do have a garden and I also paint but my sister in law and I will start a long distance knitting group. Great support. Thankyou and best wishes to all ,wherever you live.
I’m Home in place in Boston, in the Senior age group and immunity compromised. We’re grateful for wonderful people like you who reach out to our needs! I’ve enjoyed your books and excited about the online daily broadcast! Will be following along! Sending Prayers for your health and families in Norway, you fan, Pat
I was not sure how to comment but hopefully I am in the right spot! I joined.the group just over a week ago and think it is wonderful! So excited to see where everyone is knitting from! I was invited to join by my cousin in England! I live in Canada! Not sure how to post pics to you so I have just been putting them on fb! Thank you for bringing us all together!
Your blog is lovely and thank you for everything you have done for us! I’m keen on knitting and crocheting so your knowledge and designs are definitely helpful and inspiring for me. Hope these difficult times will pass soon. Hugs.
merci beaucoup!grâce à vous, si le virus est international, la solidarité aussi.
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Thank you Arne and Carlos for your uplifting thoughts. I am enjoying the Quarantine knitting as we are on our third week of social isolation. So much knitting to do! It’s wonderful to be part of a worldwide community and can’t wait for the celebrations once this passes.
Thank you so much for sharing the knitting on You Tube and this wonderful letter to all!. You are surrounding by a beautiful environment which will make your stay at home more tolerable.
Take care and say well!