Where did the time go?

I had bought a really nice pair of black Mary Janes and was trying desperately to find a nice lacy sock, what I found was that most of the patterns are toe up and try as I may I COULD not get the provisional cast on. Does anyone know of a good You Tube for this? Well anyways I found the Hedera pattern on Knitty and decided to make them into knee highs (hopefully have enough yarn). I started them on a size 3 needle (cast on 60 just like the pattern states) and plan to move down to a size 2 for the lower calf and then the foot will be knitted in a size 1 (hope this works). Using Rowan 4ply has been a blissful experience and so far it fits my calf just fine.
Here is the Mansey legwarmer, its so cool looking on, adds an edge to these worn black denim slim pants (hate to say skinny). I love the way they lay over the boot, if you love leg warmers you should give this pattern a try, the cables make it interesting, I did amend the pattern a bit to account for being just a hair under 5'2" by eliminating one of the cable repeats, added a slouchy effect by using a size 8 needle (verses a size 7 the pattern calls for) and knitted using the directions for the size small. (To get a better photo I think I need to practice gymnastics a bit.)
I'm hooked on reading mysteries again, I am growing fond of Monica Ferris's books that center (at least in my opinion) around a store called Crewel World, the books are very entertaining and an easy read, as the series goes it feels like the characters have come into their own and I grow fonder of them with each book. I am also almost through with Maggie Sefton's series and with only two more books to go - I thought - better find another series to start, so it will be the Tea Mysteries by Laura Child's (this time I'm doing it right and starting at the beginning).
Isn't it PRETTY!!!! A very dear friend knows how much I've enjoyed blogging bought me a camera that can take macro shots - so this will hopefully improve the photos of my knitting. I will dedicate some time later this week to read the manual and then next weekend I'll have to find time to actually play with it (hope its user friendly). This dear friend would wish to remain anonymous, but I am so grateful as I could not afford this myself right now. At the end of this week I will turn another year older and will be 51 years of age (still got carded 2 years ago though - tee hee). It is so surprising how quickly time flies - really amazing how could I be this old?

80 degree Cowl

I have been knitting this cowl in spite of 80 degree weather, the yarn is so pretty and is a combination of silk and wool with a wonderful sheen. It isn't very soft though and it is a thick and thin yarn (not exactly sure of the terminology) that would not hold up well to a garment, hence the cowl, I will have about 3 hanks left - any ideas? I am hoping that when I wash it - the yarn will soften - we shall see.

Last Sunday was photo day for the family so off we went to downtown Disney. The mist from this waterfall was refreshing as the day was a little warm.
Here are my great Nieces and nephew, it was a great idea to bring this along to keep them occupied as the photos took so long. The younger generation kindly retrieved all the balls that kept flying in every direction.
This is the little darling Danzie who is the sweetest baby I've ever had the privileged to have known. Her mommy does such a fine job with her too.
Birds of Paradise just thrive in our climate and are everywhere. This one was a beauty - for my snowbound friends - enjoy!

Flu & Blogging

Woke up at 2am feeling totally crummy, its lunch time and the feeling continues. So what is a girl to do? Blog a little and see if I feel any better. I've almost finished the Mansey legwarmers, got to refresh my technique on i cords and pom poms (used my pompom gadget for the first time). I followed the yarn suggestion this time - Paton's Classic Wool in a nice gray. I liked this legwarmer as it finishes with a bootcut instead of being tapered. My only change was instead of a size 7 circular, I used a size 8 and the fit is perfect, it drapes a bit and is a bit slouchy. Maybe I should knit a slouchy hat or cowl to go with these?

I finished the Red Scarf and true to form, the red yarn would not photograph indoors or out, so I took a quick shot in the car on the way to the Post Office. I do hope the recipient (who ever it is) does like it, the yarn is Alpaca (my own pattern) and I made it with lots of love.

Isn't this fabric BEAUTIFUL! One of my family members is making me a quilt and she just told me the front was done. So off I ran to M & L fabrics with her words ringing in my ear "get something you really love" and so I did. I feel happy just looking at this fabric, I love the butterflies, bees and multiple flowers, they all work so well together (in this design and in real life too).

More photos from the Huntington (taken last month). I love flowers no matter what their stage, so I thought I would share with you this perfect Rosebud.

A Rose in full bloom, dazzling in the sunlight.

Roses in their final stage with only a few petals remaining are still wonderful to me as they peak through the new rosebuds. It almost seems like the older rose above is caressing the new rose bud that is emerging next to it.
Finally, what would a trip to the Huntington Library be without sharing another of their magnificent statues with you. I'll do better next time I go and get more details about the statues to share with you. Well back to bed I go rest and perhaps finally get a little sleep.

Knitting Photos - At Last

Monkey Socks - aren't they fun to knit. I liked the pair I made my neighbor so much that I knit myself a pair. The yarn is from Celtic Memory yarns and is a merino bamboo blend that is so soft and yummy and I think it works really well with this pattern.

WIP'S

Maybe its my love for gardening, but I am drawn to socks with leaf motifs. This pattern is from Vogue Knitting - The Ultimate Sock Book and the pattern is called "Leaf Lace Socks", I really enjoyed knitting the picot edge and the chart is short and very easy to work with. The yarn is Knit Picks on size 1 needles. This will be a nice color to wear this winter, wouldn't these look great with a similar colored skirt?

Project #2 is just a simple ribbed cowl, the yarn is a mystery yarn of Wool and Alpaca on a size 13 needles. I had originally purchased the yarn for a gorgeous little top, but realized that the pattern called for each hank to have 100 yards (these only had about 60 yards - oops!) So a cowl they will be, another great way to extend my wardrobe.
WIP #3 - half way through the Red Scarf that I am donating, I'll put some extra time on it this week and see if there is any way I can finish it before the weekend (my knitting group meets on Saturday). Wish me luck! I read on Stitches of Violet's blog about limiting WIP's to 3, so I am trying that for now, it seems manageable.
Just wanted to share a couple of photos from my last trip to the Huntington Library. These giant bamboos are incredible, I've been near them when there was a strong breeze and the creaks and thunks that they emit is quite loud, I could appreciate them there in that garden and can imagine how they would be in a storm. (am quite happy that I never planted these in my yard though)
Ok, you've probably guessed by now, I love flowers and roses just move me, their fragrances, the way the petals glisten when they are kissed by dew, I even like it when you can see the new buds coming up while the older flower are fading.

FRISCO'S DINER

This place had a lot of character and if you like loud music and
girls on roller skates (in rather short skirts), then this place is for you.
I'll admit the breakfast was good and the prices pretty reasonable, but it was hard to relax and enjoy my food. (I'll just leave it at that).

Thanks to my Fellow Bloggers

I leave for work and it's dark, and arrive home just as the sun is setting (on an early day). This has made taking photos for my post - most challenging. So I sit and read lovely blogs when I get home to unwind from a long and weary drive. My fellow bloggers how I appreciate the care you've taken, with your words so carefully crafted, comforting and inspiring me. The wonderful photos that I sit and day dream about, their beauty is surreal at times. This weekend I will take photos of my knitting and be sure to post them. Last spring I had these dear little columbine pop up again, I love when flowers reseed themselves.