Lovely Gift

A friend who I have not seen in awhile brought me back this lovely yarn all the way from Ireland. Isn't it gorgeous. I believe it is calling to become a scarf, I've never worked with this kind of fabulous tweed before and so am not sure what kind of pattern would show off this beauty. Any suggestions?

This yarn became the Basket Weave socks, I still have one skein left, plus a little extra and shall have to ponder what to do with it, Should my darling Niece think of anything else she should want from this, please let me know.

The basket weave socks are finally done, and my Niece's patience will be rewarded with warm feet as I am sure that winter will eventually come this year (temps still in the upper 90's so it is a little hard to imagine right now).

This lovely yarn is drawing OOOOHS and AAAAHS where ever it goes. This is my break time knitting project as it can tolerate the many interruptions that I experience so a simple knit is a must. So far this has been the most popular yarn, everyone automatically reaches out to touch it, exclaiming how pretty it is and are astounded by its softness, this will really be a joy to wear and Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns did such an outstanding job with the dye, the pattern that has emerged is lovely and really does remind me of Birch Leaves - so the cowl will have the name Birch Cowl which I think is most appropriate.

Coffee Nirvana!!!!! This is by far the best coffee I've ever had, it is rich and so full of robust flavor with no bitterness - REALLY! At work I've created my only little peaceful haven, a small coffee maker, my radio playing classical music Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven... Anyone who enters my wee little cubicle said they can't believe how peaceful it is. Oh and of course my knitting bag has a prominent place and sits on top of my in box.

You could smell the chocolate perfuming the air down the street from this chocolate shop and of course I just had to investigate the cause for these aromas. I spotted these in a large glass case full of sweet wonders, Espresso Truffles, they would make a lovely companion to my coffee - yummy!

I had taken this photo during one of my Farmers Market trips this past summer. I remember these well, their intense color - perfection - wonderfully fragrant - so full of flavor - don't they just make your mouth water?

Beautiful?

Dare I? I still have to locate the beads(am pondering whether they are really needed), I have the right yarn and needles now (see below). I just love the look of this cowl and am such a romantic at heart that I know I would wear it, especially when on a foggy morning. (photo is from Knitty's website)



This is the lovely stuff of dreams Rowan Kidsilk Haze that I won on ebay and now it has a destiny. Hope I can do it justice. I will need to learn how to do a Provisional cast on (I don't know how to crochet, guess I'll have to learn). I needed a 16" circular needle with sharp points and I could not locate the Addi Turbo Lace in this length.

I've discovered that the right knitting needles does make a difference in your knitting experience. One of my friends Tricia innocently stopped by my desk with some of these beautiful colored wood knitting needles from Knit Picks - they were so smooth and shiny - with defined points, plus they were pretty reasonable, considering that I have been purchasing the Addi Turbo's as needed, it was time to shop smart so I bought the detachable cables which will be more reasonable as only the needle part needs to be purchased and a few circulars. I will be venturing into the world of sweater knitting soon and the multiple cable lengths will really help. I have really come to appreciate the needles that I have acquired and remember when I first started I had a bunch of old heavy metal needles which made my hands ache. So it was either give up knitting or begin to explore other materials. We learn from experience about what we like and dislike, and now I stick mostly to the Addi Turbo or wood knitting needles depending on the project to be knit and the yarn I am using.

Aren't these pretty? So my theory is, pretty needles = pretty knitting. Right?

These headbands are such a quick knit, they hide a world of flaws (such as when your hair color is growing in faster than your trips to the salon, which of course I would not know about as my hair just naturally changes color all by itself every four weeks). I love Kody May's headbands, I get so many complements on them, she has several free patterns on her blog and her hats are really cute on. These headbands are knitted on size 8 circular needles with Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes), it is reasonably priced and available at most craft stores.

The Farmer's Market has become quite small, so this was my last visit until next March. I had a difficult time finding subject matter as for the most part my berries and fruit were gone and the vegetables were definitely limited. (This might be due to the heat wave and the Santa Ana's we experienced with wind gusts of up to 85 miles per hour).

The onions were quite lovely, they just have so much more pizazz than your ordinary store bought variety, they shimmered in the late afternoon light.

There weren't many fruits left, these grapes did look good though.

Neck warmer or Cowl

My current project is so simple that I thought just to cast on without reference to any patterns. So far I have cast on 130 stitches on a size 8 circular needles and a simple knit one purl one rib. The yarn was bought for sock yarn -this was the Birch yarn (merino & bamboo blend) that I had bought from Celtic Memory Yarn - but it is far too pretty and I just couldn't see it being hidden by shoes, so a cowl came to mind. I'm not sure if I have cast on enough stitches and will have to wait and see how it turns out. I really wanted to photograph this outdoors, but the Santa Ana's are howling outside and just blew down our gate, I can hear things being blown about, so this is the only photo I could get and the flash does wash out the color a bit.

This is the last month for the Farmers Market, the crowds have thinned, but the produce still looks pretty good. The tomatoes were ripe and you could tell that they had just been harvested as the stems were so fresh. There were huge dark Haas avocados right behind, but they were camera shy and their photos did not turn out.

The jalapenos had a jewel like quality and glistened, their spicy aroma filled the warm air.

The peaches sweet fragrance perfumed the air, enticing you to come and buy them. They are probably the last of the season.

The veggies were holding up surprisingly well in the heat (the Farmer's Market starts at 5pm and the temperature was about 90 degrees)

A spontaneous Friday Night - you make plans that go astray and are replaced by the something special. As we strolled down the street intending to go the movies we came across a fellow playing the guitar at an outdoor cafe. You could tell he loved what he was doing and that made us stop and we began to listen to him play Croce, the Beatles and lots of other songs from the 60's & 70's. I couldn't recommend the latte or the pastry, but the performance was worth the tasteless items that this cafe served. I didn't get a photo as it seemed I thought it would disrupt this magical moment.

Belated Post

This is the Crofter's Cowl knitted with Malabrigo's Stonechat, this photo does not due the color justice, they are quite rich in person. I still need to wash and block this cowl which leads into the next picture.

Most indulgent (or I'm telling myself maybe it isn't REALLY as it is difficult to find a safe place to block with three Standard Poodles looking for soft things to carry to their beds to chew or cuddle with ).

This set of blocking tiles was in one of Knitty's featured articles. The compact storage was a big plus and now my projects are calling for them. I've never used tiles like this before so I purchased the small kit and will see how far that will get me. This will be especially handy when I begin my sweater making adventure.

One down, one to go, these will help keep my darling Niece's feet warm this winter, they are a sportweight yarn by Nature Spun (Brown Sheep Co.) and the pattern the basket weave sock on Criminy Jicket's blog. The pattern is very clear and simple to follow and the results are anything but boring. (Hope you will like them my dearest Niece).

ONLY IN NEWPORT BEACH

Newport Beach residents demand perfection, the stores there are almost beyond belief. This is a local pharmacy in an incredible strip mall - attractive buildings and landscaping (which I failed to photograph this time around) and the most beautiful pharmacy I have ever seen. I was so overwhelmed - it was beautifully composed and attention was paid to the overall look and to the tiny details that you wil see below. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a kitchen large enough to display these Roosters? The hen was especially nice and since this was just a fantasy shopping trip where one did not need to look at price tags and be practical about things, I could choose whatever I wanted and put it in my imaginery Villa along the Cote D'Azur overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

They did not leave out anything, even your sense of sense of smell was pampered with the lovely fragrances of well made candles. (There was just enough fragrance that it was pleasing - not overwhelming and the gentle ocean breeze drifted in the open door keeping the air clean and fresh)

EYE CANDY

I could visit this pharmacy many times and still find something new with each visit. I was so charmed by the flower arranging area that I failed to notice the ribbons until I posted this photo. I will have to be sure to return to this store so that I can pay proper attention to them - ribbons are such usefuly things to have around the house - one can never have too many ribbons. A plain gift wrap is so greatly enhanced by a beautiful ribbon that I believe it can turn a simple present into a cherished gift.

The accessories area is what first drew me into the store as I glimpsed them thru the window. I found the scarves especially soft to the touch, the mixture of textiles and the color combinations made them so stunning.

WOW! I WON SOMETHING!!!

I am very touched to have had my blog nominated by someone who has such a fabulous blog with the most beautiful patterns, she really is the accessorie Queen. (She would have been the first on my list). Please be sure to check out her blog Smariek I promise you won't be disappointed.

I would like to nominate the following blogs:

stitchesofviolet - She is a master knitter who generously shares the results of her tests swatches that she has purchased and gives an informed opinion of that yarn's performance. Her designs are elegant and the quality of her knitting is superb. Isn't it wonderful when someone cares enough to give you the benefit of their experience. She also has delightful photos on her blog that I love to see, visiting her blog can make you feel like your on vacation.

riihivilla - Her blog will astound you with her knowledge of plants, she gives details about her dye experiences, its like attending a private class, her blog is bilingual and English is one of the languages she posts in.

gilraensknits The prettiest yarns are matched to the perfect sock pattern (an accomplishment in and of itself) this is what her blog excels in. She also documents her blog with a very clear photo of the yarn prior to the sock being knitted, teasing us with their beauty.

Criminyjickets This guy has a wonderful sense of humor and warmth that flows thru his blog. His knitted projects are quite varied, he is an experienced knitter that isn't afraid to experiment. To top that now this incredible gentleman is spinning!

I had to add 2 other blogs that I find inspiring not only on a craft level, but these bloggers are so supportive fellow bloggers, their comments are so warm and heartfelt and their beautiful photos delight my heart.

woolwindings The photography alone with bring you back over and over again. When I visit her blog I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt, what will she show me next?

Ambermoggie I love her photos of the UK (wish I could be there right now). Her colorful projects, lush photos, the poetry she inserts in the perfect places lets you drift off in your imagination to places of wonder.

Nominees here are the award rules:

1. Please put the award on your blog

2. Add a Link to the person who awarded you.

3. You must nominate at least 4 Fellow bloggers for this award.

4. Add links to the recipients

5. Leave a comment so the recipients know that they have received this award.

Stop & Think Sometimes

My brain should have said this to me!
Mindless knitting - Garter Stitch scarf - so you would think. So I merrily caston while watching a movie and failed to note the number of stitches I had done and believe it or not I still did not notice as I was knitting how wide the scarf was. I was about 3/4 of the way thru when I finally realized it was too wide and would look almost like a shawl, (not a good thing for a guy). So I frogged it and now it is just right. The photo doesn't do this marvelous yarn justice, it is one of Schafer's yarn and was a joy to work with. Its very soft and supple - you would never guess it was wool.

Greenleaf Street in Whittier is chock full of charming details that are comforting to me. Its nice to see that everything has not been homogenized and painted the infamous beige. I will definitely go back for daytime photos of various buildings as I love the little details. This street encourages you to slow down, and look around you. A nice street to walk and shop (see photos below)

I searched the street for the lovely flowers that I usually notice, the heat wave we've been having has tired out most of them, these were still lovely (the protection of the mighty Ficus may have helped some.)

I really enjoy going to the Sweet Shop, their displays show the care the owner has for her shop, just little touches that make a difference (at least to me). Their truffles are so smooth and creamy and they tenderly place them in a box for you with such care.

There were several barrels of candy - all eye catching in there own way, the color contrast between the bright and more pastel shades was surprisingly pleasing don't you think?

I loved the way these candy boxes photographed - reminds me a little of a Warhol.

Ahhh The Sweet Life

Vanilla Marshmallows - food is especially difficult to photograph as my three Standard Poodles can reach almost everything that I can (and sometimes more) - so I firmly shut the bedroom door and photographed them on the bed. They were so soft and squishy - pillows of sweetness.

Kidsilk Haze - the queen of lace yarns, isn't this an incredible color? I found a cowl in a lace pattern and I am working up the courage to delve into it. (I LOVE RED).

Beauty in a bundle - this is Malabrigo's colorway Garnet which is a soft red. Both of the Malabrigo's will be made into cowls, currently I am considering the Crofter's Cowl. - If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

The color on this yarn is a little richer than the photo shows, it was very camera shy and refused to be photographed by my camera. It is Malabrigo's Stonechat (rich reds, greens and browns).

I found a delicious simple recipe for slow roasted tomatoes http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/slow-roasted-tomatoes/ my photos aren't that great, but the taste is sublime, The tomatoes were of the heirloom variety and I used some of my favorite extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany to secure these little gems.

I have always adored still lives (this one is by the Dutch Master Willem Kalf). The painting's rich details draw you in, It is so enticing that it makes you want to reach out and grab the golden pitcher and pour yourself a glass of wine.

Sometimes I feel like I'm living in a still life at the coffee house, it is rich in details as the photos below illustrate. This place is so comfortable it feels like a home away from home, where one can linger for hours, either reading quietly to oneself or chatting with a dear friend while knitting on my latest project.

I was comfortably seated in the library section of the coffee house - really cozy.

Orange you glad you checked my blog?

I found a dishcloth that I really liked On Criminy Jickets blog, I liked the pattern so much and the cotton yarn was actually decent to knit with (Ok so it's not cashmere or merino, but not bad to knit with, this cotton is actually pretty comfortable on the hand). I knitted this up with Sugar N Cream's Hot Orange and Sage Green, I am hoping that it washes well.
Do you remember lazy summer days, sitting on a porch and sipping a cold soda from a bottle. Well this was the soda from my childhood (on the rare occaisions that my Mother allowed us to have soda). There is something about drinking soda from a glass bottle, the flavor is crisper, cleaner, the fragrance somehow bolder. Soda's from a plastic bottle just seem to be missing something.

These carrots were very sweet and crunchy, they were very smooth in appearance compared to the carrots in the other stalls. I may end up succombing to the urge to straighten the vendor's produce prior to taking a photo.

Fall is definately on its way and these little mini pumpkins were quite charming, recalling the aroma of pumpkin pies baking in the oven

I spotted this lovely Orange daylily in a parking lot, there were lots of daylillies strewn throughout the lot, yet this one captured my attention.

Orange, Orange everywhere - ok now maybe it wasn't everywhere and maybe I had to be a little more observant than usual to see all these orange possibilities, still it was a pleasant diversion. I'm done with the color theme for now. So here is something beautiful that isn't orange. I spotted this bouquet at Costco and was amazed - it was SO romantic, I was tempted to pick it up, but it was the only one of this quality and I am a hopeful romantic, I could imagine some galant gentleman bringing this to his lady love.