Quest for Knowledge

When walking I often think things out and try to explore different viewpoints on life, it occurred to me to try the same perspective from my camera as well. The photo above was taken while standing under a tree at the Huntington Library - I thought the limbs resembles knitted lace (I have a fanciful imagination)

Here are a few of the books that I have recently purchased on my quest for knowledge. The books on socks I hope will really help me to understand sock construction so that I may begin designing my own socks for myself (as well as to share). The Nicky Epstein book on Signature Scarves was just too irrestible and has provided me with a new outlook on scarves, her designs are so beautiful that I no longer look at scarves as just a simple accessory - her scarves are inspired and beg to be knitted, displayed and cherished.

I just completed the Sweet Pea sock in Schafer Yarn's Anne, the pattern was such a pleasure to knit, just enough variation to make it interesting. The instructions provided by the designer are clear and easy to follow - even for a sock novice like me. The sock is flattering and feminine, I still can't believe how well home knitted socks fit, no bunching up! I hope to have the other sock knitted over the next few days as I can hardly wait to wear them.

Sock Yarns

I've been fortunate enough lately to have won several sock yarns on ebay and I wanted to share them with you. Each yarn in its own special way captured my attention and I had to have them. The soft colors are soothing for my eyes as Southern California's light is so bright (sometimes I feel like the odd man out as so many knitters prefer the brightly colored sock yarns). I have been rewarded with the soft textures of these yarns which will be a total pleasure to work with. I have been working with Schaefer Yarns, they have spoiled me with the quality of their yarns, watching your knitting project develop is so satisfying as this incredible yarn knits up beautiful. While I am still a sock novice I am enjoying the process so much. Part of the joy has come from reading other blogs and learning from their experiences, some have shared their knowledge with me thru wonderful emails which I plan on organizing so that I can draw from this treasure trove when I need it. If anyone has any suggestions on favorite sock patterns using these yarns I would welcome them.
Lorna's Laces Sandridge

Lorna's Laces Black Purl

This adorable couple are both Schaefer Yarn "Anne" the colors on the right hank are browns and sages, and the one on the left is various shades of brown - leaning towards cinnamon.

Cherry Tree Hill (on the left) is a soft green Schaefer Yarn's "Anne" (on the right) has various shades of green and reminds me of a cedar which has been only kissed by the sun while still mostly hidden in the shade.

Delights

I have started another knitting project that I simply could not wait any longer on, It's the Persephone scarf from Smariek Knit's blog. The yarn is a yummy dk weight merino by Ecco which has been a pleasure to work with. I was hoping to be able to share a photo of my completed sock, but I had to frog it and start all over again, it seems that I am a loose sock knitter, so I had to switch to a smaller needle to get a better fit.

The columbine is making a valient attempt at a second bloom, here's the first bud. (Is it my imagination or does it seems to be staring at the frog which is hiding in the Alpine Strawberries.)

Yellow Columbine during last spring was really prolific, an unexpected heatwave did burn the edge of its beautiful leaves, yet it still rewarded me with these beautiful flowers.

The volunteer tomato plant hit its growth spurt, almost 2 feet in about 1 week! I just hope it will survive the summer heat and reward me with beautiful large red tomatoes. It must be from a tomato that had dropped off the plant from last year. Its almost time to thin the plant so that the little red treasures have room to grow.

The French Lavender seems to be enjoying the heat and is quite proliferous in its bloom, I shall definately look into other Lavenders next year, they seem so happy in our climate.

I had relocated this bunny last spring as he was enveloped by a salvia, I don't think he minds the shelter for now and seems to be playing Peek a Boo from behind the columbine, while nestling up to the French Lavender which has gone a little wild and is about 4 feet wide

Schaefer Yarn & Plant Photos

Yup, I've started another sock. This is a simple pattern that is in Knitting Circles Around Socks and is knitted on two circular needles. This yarn is the softest merino I have ever knitted with. Its' by Schaefer Yarn and is called "Anne", this was inspired by the watercolor artist Georgia O'Keefe, the colors really do remind me of her paintings with the washes of color that dance across its width. It's too early to tell if about the fit yet, hope I don't have to frog it.

This is Schaefer Yarn's Nancy in Garter Stitch, the yarn is a dream to work with it creates a soft and cuddly garment. This is a close up of the scarf I am creating with it, the colors seem to undulate, almost producing an optical illusion of movement.

Pink & Fluffy - reminds me of cotton candy. I wish I could remember the name of it, but I had purchased it years ago from Heronswood Nursery in Washington State (when it was owned by Dan Hinkley). Every summer it faithfully emerges, grows to about 6 feet tall and rewards me with its glorious textural flowers. If anyone can identify it please let me know.

I had a pleasant surprise when a volunteer tomato plant came up in the garden, it dwells with the summer flower I had just planted, try as I may I could not get a photo of the complete plant, the flowers kept blocking its way. (they want all of the attention you know)

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My first sock

I long for the cooler weather where photos of the garden were serene without the harsh summer sun. Weather that encourages one to don your newly knitted pair of socks. Instead of forcing the socks on my feet (in the scorching sun) to take the photo below .

Voila! I have finished my first pair of socks, and surprisingly they fit well and were quite simple to make. The Opal yarn was wonderful to knit with. I had not realized how great they would feel on. Knitting the socks on two circular needles makes them an easy take along project. I will definately be knitting more socks, there are so many beautiful yarns to try and patterns to test out.

Really hot weather

The weather is so hot this weekend that I am taking refuge in my house. An early morning venture outside confirmed it so I thought I would share with you photos I took at the Huntington Library in San Marino this past spring. We've all seen photos of the magnificent art, wide shots of the various gardens, these photos are on a miniscule scale focusing on something that caught my eye.

This rose was so fragrant and its delicate beauty drew my attention. The Huntington has a wonderful rose garden. There were so many roses to view yet this is one that rose (tee hee) above the rest.

I came across this utility cover in the garden and became quite pensive about it. One becomes quite reflective when strolling thru beautiful gardens and the words as well as the cement really jumped out at me.

This tree is located in the new Chinese garden which is still under construction. I was sitting at a nearby bench when a little girl about 6 years old was strolling past the tree. She was holding her little brother by the hand and stopped right in front of the tree and whispered loudly and very matter of factly "This is where the fairies live". I thought this was so precious, I will always remember this everytime I visit this garden. As this tree grows, think of how many more fairies can live there!

Bernadette Scarf

When I discovered this yarn at Suzoo's I just had to find the right pattern to show off this gorgeous yarn, the yarn is from "Adagio and is 70% Baby Llama and 30% silk, it has a wonderful slight sheen and reflects light when it moves. I explored various blogs and found the Bernadette scarf seemed to fit the bill. The pattern was so generously provided on Smariek Knits blog. I did make the scarf a little narrower than the pattern called for, just had to make it my own.

Vacation Day

I had the most wonderful day off yesterday. Got to run some of my favorite errands and took time out for a relaxing facial at my day spa. The Cheese shop below is a favorite destination.

There are so many things to pour over other than the cheese, they have oodles of condiments and some wonderful wines.

The selection of cheeses in this comforting shop is incredible. This photo just part of the two cheese cases that they have. The staff has knowledge of each cheese, its texture, aroma, and taste.

Sock Trial

Lila his checking out this attempt at sock knitting, unfortunately the yarn did not suit the sock pattern, I just look at it as another opportunity to try a new sock pattern. I am new to self striping yarn and the experience has been educational.

Finally sock success! This is my third attempt at knitting a sock, while technically the other socks were ok, either the yarn did not suit the pattern or the fit wasn't right. The yarn is by Opal which I had purchased at Suzoo's Wool Works in Costa Mesa (great yarn selection with a knowledgeable staff ).

June 9, 2008

My first post, what to write? This is my first attempt at blogging, after receiving so much inspiration from fellow bloggers, I just had to give this a try.

The photo to the left shows a beautiful sock yarn that I had purchased from "emtnestr" on ebay. The colors reminded me of some of the flowers in my garden. Now to find the right pattern to do justice to this yarn.