WIP's

I have a few WIP's in progress, this scarf is so much fun to knit, it's a free pattern on Smariek's blog (There is a link to her blog listed under my favorites) and the pattern is called Osiris. The yarn is one of Knit Picks "Essential" in the colorway called Mermaid and I am using a #3 circular needle which seems to be the right size for the pattern. The photo above shows the true color of the yarn, but I couldn't get good stitch definition so I turned on the dreadful fluoresent light and got the stitch definition - but oh my, the color became ghastly, so please use your imagination and merge the two together (got the picture?)

I am making progress on my the other leaf sock, I did get distracted by Osiris, but will get this sock done shortly, although it's almost too warm to wear them now, but they shall keep nicely for next winter.

The wimple I'm knitting above just refused to be photographed, I shall have to wait until it is completed to see if it will pose for me. The colors are really rich shades of brown flowing beautifully into greens, the yarn is a fingering weight yarn by Schaefer Anne. The Pattern is Wavy Feathers and I am knitting it with a size 4 circular needle, I really do need to find a better way to take photos of my knitting, I see these lovely blogs with gorgeous photos and admire their ability to not only knit well, but take the most marvelous photos of work as well! It will give me a goal to work towards - oh to have gentler light streaming thru a window - instead of the Harsh California sun BLASTING in.

This is my new sock yarn, I finally caved in and bought a vibrant colors, it by Jitter Bug and the colorway is called Tapis 72. It is comprised of various shades of red and some black. I'm looking for the right pattern for this beauty, got any suggestions?

I came across these daffodils during one of my recent strolls at the Huntington Library, they looked so fresh, the contrast between the blue/green leaves and the stark white of the flowers is setting off little ideas in my head, perhaps the perfect colors to redo my bedroom, or maybe just dress it up a little with a new summer quilt.

Sometimes you come across something so appealing, I wish I could put my finger on it, but I really liked this vignette, it was in front of a shop at Fashion Island and I loved it.

Tranquil Weekend

What a wonderful, tranquil weekend and I feel rested. I was fortunate enough to stay again at the Marriot Bay View (they just redecorated) The suite is even more wonderful with a King sized bed that has a feather bed over the mattress and a lightweight down blanket to snuggle under.
There were few people and it felt so quiet, you could stand on the balcony and listen to the sounds of the back bay and the wind as a storm blew in. The view from this room is a little different as you can see some of the hotel grounds as well as the incredible back bay in the distance. Flocks of birds descend on this area and I suggest binoculars if you really want to see them clearly. The storm caused flocks of birds to seek its refuge. There was an enormous white bird that I could not see very clearly as he was as he shielded by the mist, he had to be at least 4 feet high as the egrets looked minuscule next to it.

Embossed Leaf Socks

I began a new pair of socks and started with the Wavy Lace Socks for about the first inch and then moved onto the Embossed Leaves pattern (both from the Favorite Socks book). The yarn is a very reasonable yarn from Knit Picks "Essential" and the colorway is Granny Smith. The yarn is soft and cushy (a rather thick Fingering weight at 15.5 WIP) and since I knit loosely I used size 1 circular needles. The second sock has been started, this is such a pleasant sock to knit and I know this sounds silly, but its like having a good friend around, someone easy to be around, not too demanding and yet still interesting enough to hold your attention.

This sock also has an attractive side view, the purl stitches highlight the heel which seems to really hold it shape well. I wonder if this yarn will wear as it did tend to want to split a bit while knitting, the softness makes this a forgivable fault if the yarn keeps its loft thru my long days.

MORE FARMER'S MARKET PHOTOS

Giada had featured this place during one of her shows and I've had the opportunity to try it a couple of times. The crepes are nothing to write home about, mine (as well as a friend's) were thick and on the tough side and the savory fillings we chose lacked flavor. I would recommend their French Press Coffee and their Belgian Waffles ( be sure to splurge and get the real Maple Syrup).

There are a few bakeries at this market and I feel it is my duty to try them all for you (will the sacrificing never end?) There are so many beautiful foods at this market, the glass cases that they are housed in are unforgiving, most of my photos had reflections due to this glass...Argh!

These candy sticks reminded me of my childhood, they were in our local general store and when I moved to Southern California they bring up my childhood memories of Knotts Berry Farm (when it was free to walk about, no fence, and you paid for each ride your rode on).

Appreciation

Life is full of surprises, though some not so pleasant ones do arise, please do pardon my absence, and the absences that may occur from time to time, an unpleasant health issue has arisen and while not life threatening can be painful and will definitely slow me down, I have placed myself in the care of a good Holistic practitioner and hope that I will recover from this completely with time. (Ok enough of that now). I am a fortunate woman who loves life and all it has to offer. I have a Niece who is getting married in April, she also appreciates my knitting and so I took her shopping for the yarn (she wanted a scarf for her Honeymoon in San Francisco). What a fortunate Aunt I am to have loving Nieces who appreciate the simple things I knit.

Thrift - I decided to use this leftover yarn and created a simple crew sock, It fits well, but I must admit that I am so spoiled now by the beautiful patterns that I am discovering that I lost interest in knitting up the second sock and so this sad little single will have to wait for its mate.

The Eclectic Sole has so many gorgeous sock patterns, this is the Hydrangea pattern, it is so feminine, I can picture it with a lacy white skirt for summer. These colors are a perfect reflection of my Variegated Hydrangea Shrub that sits outside the window, a perfect place to rest your eyes, especially during a blogathon, where one wonderful blog draws you to the next...

The Rivendale Sock is completed and the second sock is about 1/2 way done, I will have to try this sock again in a solid color, perhaps an orchid color or a soft butter yellow would really show this glorious pattern to its fullest. The sock is so interesting that even knitting the second sock has been fun!

I've made the most wonderful discovery, the LA Farmer's Market. What a fabulous place to wander about, It is so full of life, surrounded by warm families, couples in love, Senior Citizens in groups chatting over cups of coffee, the people here have a love for life and the warmth of this place reflects that.

I had been craving a great donut for months now, and finally found the best I've ever had at this place. A friend and I sampled a few donuts, but then discovered the most incredible Beignets here, they had a wonderful slightly crisp exterior and the most tender interior that just melted in your mouth. The good old fashioned coffee went well with this simple fare. I HIGHLY recommend this place.

The Farmer's Market has a wonderful Tea Shop, teas in bulk, I was enchanted with these beautiful rose buds (my friend did purchase some and I'll bet it was wonderful). Can't you just picture these lovelies being presented to you in a glass tea pot. Perhaps with a lovely bowl of Fresh Strawberries. The aromas would be heavenly!

These Oranges were so vibrant, they looked juicy and felt heavy in my hand, with so many things to choose from, I had to leave these behind as I would have needed a very large truck to take everything home. I have more photos of the Farmer's Market to share on my next post.

Anniversary Socks

This photo was in my archive, I had taken it while on one of my trips to the Huntington Library. It was so stunning, these glorious colors just glowing in the winter sun. Now as I reflect upon this, wouldn't these colors make for a great hand painted yarn? How wondrous Nature is.

I am so delighted with these socks, perhaps not the prettiest of photos (it is a little difficult to photograph your own feet). These socks are so comfortable that I slept in them, the aloe is a wonderful addition to this yarn and they actually fit!!! I did do the daring (unlike me) thing and just let the stripes fall where they may.

I am in a bit of a pinch, I had started the Rivendale sock from the Eclectic Sole book and have hopefully only temporarily misplaced the book. I made a copy of the chart, but can't go any further without the key. I have taken this book to so many places that I don't know where I left it I do hope to find it soon, it was my favorite sock book and I was planning on knitting several of the patterns. Do wish me luck on finding my treasured book.

I bought this book on a whim, not for its patterns, but for the actual writing. It is humorous and will really pick up your spirits. Hmmm buying a craft book for its whit .

Knitting Goodies

This is the sock I knitted from the Red Heart Heart & Sole with Aloe, and it knits up very nicely, I'm still learning to match yarns to patterns and perhaps I should have just kept it to plain stockinette, but I like the lacy pattern on the front as it will help to keep my feet a little cooler. I am about half way thru the second sock, and deliberately decided to just see what it felt like to begin knitting the sock without trying to match the pattern (ohh, I'm such a rebel!!).

I had to sneak in another photo from my trip to Roger's Gardens, this Magnolia blossom was so beautiful in person, the petals looked like rich velvet, I could just picture it as a mature tree covered with these gorgeous flowers.

I have admired the socks on Gilraen's blog and know that she has made several of the patterns in this book. It has some incredible patterns that I will now have to knit, the challenge will be to match the perfect yarn for each pattern (something Gilraen excels at) and one that I hope to develop as I gain experience.

This book also caught my eye, especially the hats that are in here, they are quite stylish and should make for quick projects, ideal for spare time knitting.

What is it about receiving candy in a pretty box that just warms my heart. I was given this box of caramels a little while back and just love looking at the pretty box and bow. Eventually I may get around to opening it.

Enchanted Garden Store

I am mesmerized by this garden store and each trip inspires me. They present wonderful little vignettes that can be used by gardeners even in a small garden and had the hardest time whittling down my photos to just nine. I love subtle mushroom ornaments and thought these so darling. Can't you just picture a fairy dancing among them? In person the blue flowers played off beautifully against the dark green leaves of the shrub behind them and the interplay between the blue and white was quite dramatic.

This place is large enough (6.5 acres) to indulge gardeners in a plethora of different plants, from cactus and succulents, to trees and shrubs, and of course my beloved flowers and herbs as well as garden ornaments. The placement of the succulents below is so appealing. (I'm not especially drawn to succulents and so that says a lot)

There are a plethora of flowers in containers, these Ranuculus were so prolific that they obscured the containers that held them and held me captive in their beauty.


These mushrooms almost escaped my view, they were nestled in the shade under a large tree and with so many things to see, I could have easily missed them. I thought how beautiful they would look against a snowy background where their colors could really pop.

I so wanted to take this home with me, it would look wonderful with my Hydrangeas serving as a backdrop and surrounded by some Thyme which so thrives in my garden.

While my tastes definitely gravitate toward English cottage gardens, I can't help but appreciate this giant below, it towered above me and demanded attention.

They have gorgeous plants for the indoors, artisans pots, fresh cut flowers, I could go on and on as I feel like I am leaving out so much and doing it an injustice. (I guess I'll just have to sacrifice myself and make another trip to for you)
The orchids were so amazing, they have so many, one patron was commenting on the "fake flowers" as they were perfection in bloom and as well as being artistically displayed.

I was very good on this trip and walked away with two superb African Violets (who were quite camera shy and refuse to make a show of it in my photos). Spring shall come all too soon and my little garden is greedy, so the next time I shall not escape so lightly. I do promise to post knitting photos the next time.

Life on a budget

I've been trying my hand at budget yarns and found they can be enjoyable for the right person and the right project. I made a friend the above bath mat out of Sugar N Cream. This knit up in only a couple of days, I used two strands on a size 11 needle, with just a garter stitch border, this cotton was not bad to knit with and on sale was quite a bargain, plus being available at most craft stores was easy to obtain - so no excess driving as my local independent yarn stores have all closed.

Never judge a book by its cover - we've all heard this before -but- Red Heart, EGADS! I am guilty of this and would have never have given this sock yarn a chance had it not been for Trish (a knitting instructor) who brought some in one day at work, I was very surprised, this yarn is soft and the addition of Aloe really makes it wonderful. I ran to one of the large craft stores and picked some up, it was reasonably priced, I was also surprised to find it had been made in Italy. It is knitting up very nicely, hope to have photos for you on my next post.

Here is another budget project with just some Lions Brand yarn. I knew it had to be easy care for my soon to be Nephew who was kind enough to request a hat from me, it looks a little small in the photo, but stretches nicely and should fit a man size medium. The yarn is a wool blend that he can just throw in the washer and dryer. The pattern was from Knitting Pattern Central, I like the twist on the Knit stitch it gives the pattern a little more interest.

Last weekend I was quite delinquent in my knitting, it was very warm and sunny so I spent most of the weekend outdoors. The air was dry so the water feature of this delightful shopping center was much appreciated.

There were loads of beautiful flowers in pots and containers, their colors cheerful and bright, merging together in a happy fellowship.

When I came upon this view, I was hoping that the camera could capture it's loveliness and it did a decent job. In real life the colors were so rich, the winter sun is a little kinder in Southern California, I believe it allows me to see things clearly, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. I know people think of Palm Trees when they think of Southern California - and rightfully so - they are a frequent focal point in the local landscape. They REALLY thrive here.

I looked carefully at all of the beautiful planters and especially liked this one, I thought of my fellow bloggers who dwell where the weather is cold and wanted to bring you a vignette of colors, and a little taste of the warmer weather that is soon to come for you.

Hot & Sunny in Southern California

Today it was hot and sunny so I headed out for Fashion Island in Newport Beach, hit the bookstore and did a quick impulse buy. I wandered outside and found a wonderfully shady spot under a large tree and began to read. The warm weather was so comforting, temps about 80 degrees, sitting in a sleeveless top and pedal pushers and innocently sipping a tropical ice tea. This book should come with a warning, CAUTION - COULD MAKE YOU SNORT YOUR ICE TEA as you collapse in laughter. It is so much fun to read, she really gets knitters and her take on things is outrageously funny!!! A fresh viewpoint sure to cheer up any reader (although I think especially knitters).

This is my latest WIP, I've tried for over a week to get a decent photo of this, red is so difficult to photograph. Yes it is slim, it is supposed to fit like a glove and my very tall Niece has long slender hands, so I believe they will fit her perfectly. I am supposed to have them done my next weekend. This is my first pair of mitts and I must admit, they won't be my last, they were very entertaining, This was a free pattern with great charts and clearly written instructions, I had no problems with any part of this and was quite surprised. Here is the link (I really need to learn how to create a better looking link, any helpful hints would be appreciated.) http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6695468479892351081 The yarn I used is by Cherry Tree Hill and it really is a pretty yarn that is lovely to knit with, the stitch definition is quite clear ( in person).

I promised to share more photos of the Huntington Library. This was the main residence of the Huntingtons, it is filled with the most beautiful art, painting by Remington and Gainsborough, beautiful bone china, exquisite French Furniture, so many more beautiful and priceless treasures. There are other buildings that include art and also an impressive library, a few items are on display, but most of the library is for scholars and their research.

The view from the rear of the Residence is stunning, so in addition to this amazing garden they had a clear view of the local mountains and it must of been really spectacular before modern air pollution dimmed the view a bit. It must have been a great place for afternoon teas or a place for breakfast on warm summer mornings.

While on my stroll thru the gardens, I came upon this butterfly precariously balanced atop the delicate Love in a Mist, the orange of its wings showed so strinkingly against the blue flower.

Pots of Amarlysis were displayed on the Logia, this place has a lyrical quality, even without the orchestras that play in the summer evenings. I can imagine all of the symphonies that were played here throught the decades. The music still seems to linger.