Opulent Handwarmers

Well I've finally dove into knitting handwarmers and they turned out no so bad. Still have to work out the little gap that is at the thumb and the main body, does anyone have a solution for this? I found this pattern on Ravelry "Opulent Handwarmers" and they hole your interest while you are knitting. This yarn is fab, its a superwash merino by Avanti and was made in Germany, I had picked this up in a sale bin as the yarn was discontinued. It is a wonderful dk weight and should be useful for the morning drives and should keep my hands toasty.

THE HUNTINGTON

More photos from my last stroll, seems I took several decent pictures and I can't take the credit for this, the flowers seem to almost pose for the camera. I had a hard time selecting between these two photos that I took of Magnolia blossoms. I've been watching this tree forming for a couple of years now and the shape of it is so wonderful. I love the blossoms against the bare branches, its petals curled with the sunlight playing off of them.

This bust of Shakespeare has been softened by time, its beautify only magnified by the touch of the elements.

I did attend the Chasing the Sun powwow and did not take photos. It didn't feel right at the time. I had incredible conversations with the Natives, most of the ones that I spoke to were from the Navajo tribe, most lived on a reservation. I met a native from the Huichol tribe that came from Mexico from the state of Nazarit. These two gentle men seemed to reflect a deep sadness in their eyes while their lips held a smile, I can imagine that they missed their mountains. I also met the granddaughter of a spinner, the sheep are hand sheared and her grandmother lap spins the wool into yarn, it was thick sturdy stuff that would wear generations. This was a time for to listen and absorb which brought on quiet reflection. May your day be peaceful.

You're A Gem Cowl

My first attempt at designing so I thought I would stick to something simple like this cowl. I've been trying for a couple of weeks not to get a decent photo and these are the best I could do. The question is should I write the pattern for this on my blog? (it would be free of course) I'm not sure that anyone would be interested. The cowl has a nice drape and I made the top a little narrower than the bottom by changing the needle size. The yarn was Lima by Rowan which was delightful to knit with, 84% Alpaca, 8% Merino and 8% nylon, and is described as a worsted weight. I used 3 skeins of yarn and had some left over in each color, though I think this would make a fine looking cowl in a single color as well.
Huntington Library was quite warm today with temps in the 80's I tried to find cool places along the path and stopped to rest in the shade when possible. The air was clean and so many plants benefited from our recent rain, they just couldn't wait to show me all their glory.
I loved these Red flowers against the blue sky.
The blast of Spring flowers in all their soooo vibrant in the brilliant sun.

Chondropetalum tectorum S. Africa
These flowers were startling - yes these are the actual colors, the leaves looked like chocolate the the flowers looked as if they were made of candy. I even noted the name to share with you. I will be posting a few more photos in the next day or two of a couple of fingerless mitts that I am knitting (didn't realize it would get so warm so soon). I'm giving a set to my hair stylist Kim this week along with a slouchy beret. Also more flower photos from my walk today.