Cable Rib Sock

I just finished the Cable Rib Sock from Interweave's Favorite Socks book, it suggested using a cotton based yarn, but I just haven't found a cotton sock yarn that I really like, so I used a yarn with 65% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon & 10% Donegal - Knit Picks Essential in the colorway Ash Tweed. The sock pattern is quite forgiving in the fit which is especially appropriate as this is a gift for someone with a size 10 foot, unlike the petite sock, this one was not so quick to knit, so I must knit the second one soon, and maybe reward myself with a treat when it is complete. Hmmmm what should that be?

I haven't been gardening much this year and am grateful for the faithful perennials that are making an appearance now, this Japanese Hydrangea is especially lovely as it cascades over a volunteer Columbine, I love surprises, it will be interesting to see what color the Columbine will be and hopefully the Hydrangea will share in a bloom together with its nearby companion. We shall see.

Have you ever had a dear friend snap at you or perhaps get irritated with you? Well this just happened to me and my response? Give them some beautiful flowers that I cut from my Hydrangea shrub in a recycled Royal Blue vodka bottle. I feel that life is too short to hold grudges or to let my Ego get out of whack over something trivial. My gift was received with a warm smile and a tender hug.

I also cut a couple of flowers for myself and it looks lovely on my old oak dresser. They sit quite happily in an old antique bottle. Hydrangeas are such delicious flowers, the shrubs need little care and reward you with a such long lasting blooms.

Petite Socks

I just completed the first of the Vilai sock for a very petite friend of mine, I modified the pattern so that it came just above the ankle, she has very small feet (size 5) and has a petite stature so I thought this version would be suitable. Oh by the way - it is a delight to knit for someone so small! The sock came about very quickly and has motivated me to start to second sock immediately (I have to remember all the changes I made). This sock pattern is alot of fun to knit and really holds my interest. The sock yarn was one I had won from ebay, it is wool and nylon and has pretty good stitch definition.

She really likes this sock and thinks I'm a fast knitter. (That could definitely earn her some future socks).

FUN! FUN! FUN!

I met with a knitting group at the L.A. Farmer's market, what a delightful group of women, I had such a great time, I will definitely be back next month. I found the group on a lively blog called LA IS MY BEAT (http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/ ), there is something about this woman that just draws you in - she has panache. I felt so comfortable with this group, no expectations on any one's part, just sharing the pure joy of knitting and chatting.

The sweetest little baby was there, she was just a bundle of joy, all laughs and smiles with the prettiest blue eyes.

Rivet - Rivet - Rivet

This post should have had a few projects to show, I earnestly tried to knit with the cotton sock yarn, they would have come in very handy for summer and they just left me feeling like Goldilocks - only nothing was quite just right. I thought the hot pink yarn would look darling in the Latvian Socks pattern as it featured a heart pattern what I had failed to notice until after I started knitting is that the charts have a different number of rep stitches, chart 1 - 32 st reps, chart 2 35 st rep, chart 3 33 st rep and I wasn't sure how to go from chart 1 to chart 2 - do you make the extra stitches??? I am a self taught knitter with only 1 knitting lesson under my belt. So I frogged the sock after completing the 12 rows in chart 1. Then I took my last remaining skein of yarn and began knitting the Uptown Boot Socks, the pattern is very simple, but the yarn was having nothing to do with this pattern and the stitches were very mushy. So the yarn will reside in the frog pond for now. Which brings me to my next frogging adventure. I fell in love with the Vilai socks and found a decent yarn for the pattern in my stash - Yipee - the yarn would really show great stitch definition. This is my first time using one of Cookie's charts and I had misplaced all of my highlighters, but I marched on determined to begin this gorgeous sock. I had completed the ribbing and was beginning the set up - row 2 when I received my first interruption, Watson (Black Standard Poodle #2) insisted on being petted and cuddled. Went back to the pattern I had already read what the symbols meant, so did the Rib Cross - funny the stitches did not end evenly - never mind I'm sure it will catch up in the next round. Hastings (a VERY LARGE White Standard Poodle) begs me with his pleading eyes to follow him - a crisis had occurred, the food was running low in their bowl and he wanted fresh water. Return to knitting sock and begin the main chart pattern ... many interruptions later - the stitch count does not seem to be matching and I keep making or decreasing to try to bring the pattern back into shape. Approaching row 27 and realizing this does not look like the sock in the photo - frog, frog, frog, back to the ribbing and went to the store to return with... Highlighters - to help me keep track of what has been knitted - notice my helpful kitty, I swear she wasn't in sight when I brought my bits to the garden to photograph, but she was a very good model - her petite paws framing the highlighters.

Poking her nose at my camera lens and gently pushing my hand about as I held my camera and tried to get my photos.

I also bought these Post its (in case I stop mid row - yes I know never stop mid row, but distractions are ever present) I love this little frog sprinkler - it sits among the Alpine Strawberries and peaks out at me thru the leaves.

I also purchased some ribbon to go with the lace stocking I plan to knit. I am especially fond of the pink and green ribbon. The wide green ribbon with the orange polka dots was just irresistible and felt so silky and smooth, don't know what I will do with it, perhaps wrap a little gift with it or should I include it in my give away (this June)?

Finally a finished project to show you, I had to really rush to get this photo, no dallying as Lila was attempting to pounce on them as they sit atop the French Lavender. These are the leaf socks, they are so pretty on - the toe is not really that pointy when you have it on.

MORE GETTY PHOTOS

I will be sharing photos from the Getty's garden over the next few posts. I love the use of rebar to show off the bougainvillea, this is a wonderful place to rest and view the surrounding garden, read a book or knit for a spell.

I stood at the base of the and looked up, the magenta flowers against the blue sky was gorgeous and I thought - great colors for a sock yarn!

There are so many vignettes, the gardeners use of textures, shape and color, one has to stop and admire their work. Taking the time to notice the fragrances lingering in the air.

Enduring Beauty

This statute greets you as you exit the shuttle at the Getty Museum. Glistening in the sunlight it causes you to pause for a moment and fills you with anticipation as to what lies within. There are so many treasures that are within its walls and with the visiting exhibits you could easily see incredible works of Art with each visit. My purpose this visit was to stroll thru the gardens so that I could share them with you.

The garden itself is a work of art. I could not believe this composition, the way the succulents sparkled in the sunlight, the pop of a yellow poppy(?) that was on the wane draped so delicately across its neighbor. The vignette so fleeting, just a moment of beauty that I managed to capture on film, its moments like this that takes my breath away and fills me with awe.

The contrast between the vibrant Orange poppy against the delicate poppy (which reminds me of a petticoat) was so visually appealing and I was so happy that the bee was so accommodating to visit while I was taking this photo. The garden was simply abuzz with bees and they peacefully flew about the place their buzzing quietly filling the air and an ocean breeze wafted thru (causing many a blurred photo) .

The color on these Roses was a shocking Orange (the sun did wash them out a bit in the photo) its contrasting dark green leaves forming the perfect background for them.

On the other hand these Roses were quite hidden under a tree, the sunlight peaking thru the leaves, they looked like they were stretched out to gather up every bit of sunshine they could find. After my visit to the gardens today, I reflected on the joy that all plants bring to me, but especially the short lived beauty of the flowers, they can always bring a smile to my face.

FUTURE PROJECTS

I purchased the Interweave Knits for Spring 2009, I found the beautiful cardigan above its called Hannah Fettig's Whisper Cardigan. For some reason I don't feel intimated at the notion of knitting this and will be looking for the yarn - Morehouse Merino Lace (has anyone worked with this yarn?)

Please forgive this rather blurry photo, but my camera was having problems focusing on it and the sun was going down, so this is the best I could do. Its called Bettie's Lace Stockings, it incorporates calf shaping into the stocking so, it will definitely be a challenge. The yarn is Rowan 4 ply (yoohoo has anyone worked with this yarn?). I hope it will look as charming on me as it does in the photo. Now to think on the color and perhaps a pretty sundress to wear it with. If all goes well, I would wear them to have Tea at the Huntington Library or perhaps for an outdoor concert under the stars.

Appreciation

There is so much beauty in life - when one feels inspired to share its wonders, sometimes its a simple as looking up at the clouds when the sky is blue and realizing how good it feels to be alive. To feel a breeze as it brushes against your skin or to smell the flowers that can fill the air with their fragrance, especially on a hot day. This weekend was a scorcher, much too hot to knit, but fortunately for me, I can escape to the ocean where the air is clean and its scent fills the air, leaving you with a sense of well being, my lungs grateful for being able to take deep breaths of clean air. I may not have any knitting to share with you, but I wished to share my gratitude for everything I've been given, the ability to appreciate and to love life. Happy Knitting my friends!

Knitting Cotton Socks

Well I'm knitting my first pair of socks using a cotton blend. I purchased Risata from Knit Picks, its a blend of 42% Cotton, 39% Superwash Merino Wool, 13% Polyamide and 6% Elite Elastic. Its really different than knitting with wool, casting on with this yarn is a bit alarming as the yarn was unwinding and separated a bit so I had to be careful not to split it with the needles. After the first couple of rows the yarn tames down and knitting returns to normal. So I chose to knit the sock pictured below. The pattern is simply called Lace Cuff Anklets (Favorite Socks book) and here is my version below. To tell the truth, I'm really not that crazy about it, maybe it would look better in the green color. The pattern was interesting as it started off with a size 4 needle, then went down to size 3, and the body of the foot is knitted on size 2, its a good thing that I began expanding on my circular needles, Knit Picks has such affordable needles, its hard not to get a few each time I order. Great News though this may end up being the last photo of my feet in socks (Do I hear a collective YIPPEE!!!), no more pale legs and weird camera angles.

I splurged and bought a pair of sock blockers - so my photos will look ever so professional. (giggle) I was a little unsure about how this pattern would knit up and as a precaution I purchased three skeins of this yarn. So for now the second sock is on hold. Why - do you ask?

Because I plan to try this sock (just in a single color). The pattern is called Latvian Sock from Vogue's Ultimate Sock Book. I just cast on a few minutes ago (yes this skein also unwound and tried to split on me). And if all goes wel I will show you the sock on my next post. Then I feel that I will have reference point and be able to make a proper decision.

By the way does anyone have any suggestions on a decent cotton blend sock yarn (for lighter weight summer socks) any pattern suggestions would also be greatly appreciated? I've really grown to love sock knitting, being a slow knitter with limited time, it allows me to accomplish something. Egad, I can't even imagine knitting a sweater. Maybe during a vacation when I have loads of time on my hands. I can imagine myself sitting on a porch of a lovely cabin overlooking a valley full of trees, rocking and knitting, the aroma of a fresh baked apple pie drifting over the porch, my Standards curled up near me - Who Knows Maybe someday, it sounds like a pleasant way to live, simple. By the way my Blogiversary is coming up this June and I will have a contest, its been fun shopping for the prizes.

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 .