unraveledgal

Sock Summit 2011

2011-08-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

It is just a few days ago that I was in Portland, having the time of my life. I arrived the day before classes started at 10:30 AM, took the MAX to the Red Lion Convention center, parked my bags and waited for my ride to the luncheon. Debby Accuardi is not only a dyer, she and her husband own Gino's Restaurant. For the first SS and again in 2011, she hosted a wonderful luncheon for SS attendees. As soon as I saw it mentioned on Ravelry, I jumped on the opportunity to go again. Chrissie Gardiner picked several excited ladies up at the lobby around noon and drove us across town to Gino's. Half of the group had enrolled in a dyeing workshop and were already there when we arrived. The food was wonderful! Debby's menu this time was all vegetarian.

There were wines, too! Not one, but two wonderful desserts were included with our meal...

Sock Summit 2011 was awesome. There were fantastic classes and events to be enjoyed...even a flashmob that you can find on utube, if you are truly brave.

My purchases were few, but mighty. Besides Signature Needles in three different sizes, I scored yarn from Hazel Knits.One last picture that I want to include in this post was snapped just before the flashmob swung into action. Three lovely ladies from the Skein Gang at Skein, in Pasadena, CA.

Sock Summit 2011

2011-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Portland Convention Center here I come (in 69 hours).

Ok people....I am packing for the trip to Mecca! The most important items are ready to go. That would be: 1) a Fascinator crafted by Janie Basil

2) the de rigueur tiara

and 3) Stitch markers packaged and ready to swap

For the Love of Socks

2010-10-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a couple of projects...and thinking of adding another to the mix as soon as I finish the first Cubist Sock. Thus the lovely line on my finger. Only another knitter would recognize the dye residue deposited on my tensioning digit. The sacrifices we make for our craft! On the other hand, the sock is a delight to knit. Cookie is such an exquisite designer. Her charts (once I have them enlarged to the proper size for my old eyes) are fun, fun, fun!! For yarn, I am using the latest installment from Blue Moon. The colorway is Piney and the color will stabilize after a rinse or two. The finger will return to normal quickly. No fear- it is this knitter's badge of honor.

Give me Shelter!

2010-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist when Brooklyn Tweed posted about his yarn line, Shelter. It arrived this morning and it is lovely...don't you think? He has several new patterns that will probably be ordered up soon. My daughter has already approved one and suggested a colorway she would like.

The other exciting, knitterly event is Stitches West registration...which opened this AM. I almost missed the starting gate trying to figure out what 9AM Central Time translates to in Altadena, CA. Thanks to the trusty Mac I found out and grabbed all the classes I wanted.

End of Season

2010-09-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

We harvested what appears to be the last few tomatoes from this year's sad little garden. It was totally neglected and we got what we deserved for our lack of attention.

They were quite tasty, I am happy to report!

I have another picture of the BSJ ... of the buttons that were sewn on last night. They are a good match, don't you think?

Baby Set

2010-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Things have been a blur since we arrived home. The first week back I worked the entire week (except Thursday) because the other teacher, Nancy, took a few days off. No rest for the wicked, I guess! Also, the secretary for the Youth Accountability Board is about to go on maternity leave and I hadn't made her baby gift. Yikes!! Once again the much loved BSJ to the rescue! Not only that...but the perfect skein of Jitterbug was found in my stash. You can locate the particulars about the yarn and hat on Ravelry, if you are interested.

More of the Baja Trip

2010-09-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

In response to yesterday's posting, I received a lovely email from Margarita Carrillo de Salinas, Don Emiliano's Chef and owner. She is in Mexico City preparing to leave for an International food conference in Ireland. Margarita is a leading proponent of the Slow Food movement. Here are a few more shots taken at our two dinners with her...

An evening spent on her patio is a must if you visit San Jose del Cabo!

Back at the Hacienda del Mar there were many places to explore. We took several walks with cameras in hand. You never know what you might see there...

There is a story about the upside-down saint on the altar....

On the property, actually on the hotel side (Sheraton) there is a chapel with a lovely door and vaulted ceiling. Who knew they had wireless?

The plants are amazing!

The pools were lovely!

..and the beach

Oh yes, we'll be back here!

I promise to include more knitting related items in the future! This little fellow was propped up at the table next to us at breakfast one morning. He travels with a young couple from Boston. Wherever they are, they costume him appropriately ....

Back From Baja

2010-09-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

We took two whole weeks off this summer! Yea!!!!

The first week was spent at our timeshare close to San Jose del Cabo and the second week was at the Hacienda del Mar, closer to Cabo San Lucas. When we were near San Jose, we took advantage of the Urbano (city bus) into town. The rides back were usually in a taxi because were were either coming back late from dinner or laden with purchases. Twice we went to our favorite restaurant in S.J., Don Emiliano's. If you are ever in the area, don't hesitate to stop in for dinner.

Perhaps the most unusual dish we tried was "Mexican Caviar". It is called Escamole and you might be surprised what the main ingredient is....

The Grand Mayan just outside of S.J. is a beautiful resort with an exceptional staff, well maintained rooms and pools. We have never been disappointed with their properties.

Our other timeshare, Hacienda del Mar, has stunning architecture, beautiful grounds with mature plants and the Pitahayas Restaurant, another favorite. The seating is open air, on a terrace overlooking the beach.

It is hard to see, but at the bottom of the evening beach picture, there are whale bones.

Since Greg and I usually split meals, were were able to enjoy some delightful dinners!

Perhaps you are wondering, did she do any knitting?? After all, this is a knitting blog....

I Won the Lottery

2010-07-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

I joined a lottery exchange in a Ravelry group and I won!!! My prize was a beautiful skein of Malabrigo in Ravelry Red. It arrived in the mail today. What a thrill to open the package and see that incredible red color. Now, what to do with it? Any suggestions...I am open to almost anything.

Can You Guess?

2010-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the name of well-known Pasadena restaurant from this hint??If you know me (and Pasadena) at all...you will probably guess correctly.

The knitting has been fast and furious. Nothing challenging so far this Summer since I have been working almost every day at Skein. Nancy better be enjoying her vacation! Payback is just around the corner... (insert evil laughter here)

Off the needles in the last little while are three simple projects you can find on my Ravelry project page, if interested in details.

The bird feeders are attracting all sorts of creatures. Yesterday, once again, the furry grey seed guzzler was observed at work...perhaps I will have to get a spinning feeder.

This morning, while attempting to snap that perfect project picture we saw...a really beautiful hummingbird. He came right over and hovered near us assessing our threat-level. It was obvious that he thought we were not going to bother him...so he hung around the feeder while I snapped away.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful 4th of July weekend...filled with fireworks and good times! With any luck I will have some fireworks photos to post next week.

We haven't attracted too many birds with our freshly filled feeders ...it seems that now we are in the business of feeding the neighborhood squirrels..

This well-fed fellow jumps on the feeder and calmly swings it until a quantity falls to the ground. Then he merrily munches away until he is sated. He doesn't seem to mind if we watch or take pictures. Perhaps we will have to invest in a feeder from this company..

On the knitting front, I have finished one Swing Set sock...from my Socks That Rock sock club. It is posted on my Ravelry project page. Also, buttons for the Iceland top arrived from Windsor Buttons. They are even more perfect than pictured on their website.They were worth the wait!

Bedraggled Butterfly

2010-06-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

So my DH and I decided to spend this Father's Day tidying up the front yard a bit and filling bird feeders. We did have a nice breakfast at Green Street and a tour around Armstrong Nursery before getting to work.

This poor creature was perched on cuttings from our morning's labor in the front yard. He seems to be on his last legs as his wings are quite tattered and he is missing the end of one of his antennae.

The hummingbird feeders are now filled and waiting for clients! If I am lucky, there may be a picture or two later this week. On my trip to Alaska, there were feeders everywhere with many happy customers in attendance.

On the knitting front, the Rowan Iceland has been growing. It is an easy knit with just enough going on to keep me entertained.

Happy Fathers Day Weekend!!

2010-06-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wish everyone a very happy Father's Day this Sunday. Our DD sent an overnight package that arrived with directions for me to open it upon arrival and give Greg one of his gifts early. What a wonderful, yummy treat she made for her Dad! Lucky me, I get to have some, too. She is quite the accomplished bread baker....

Greg's favorite rose bush, deep red with touches of black, produced some lovely blooms that are in the waiting room. They are just in time for his special day.

Knittingwise, the Iceland (scroll down in this link) is now on the front burner. It is a kimono-style garment that was started and neglected. Not that I don't like it...just that I have been easily distracted by other projects. My goal is to finish most of it before going back to work next Tuesday. In any case, a photo of the progress will be posted soon. Now that I have said it here...perhaps it will actually happen.

D'oh!

2010-06-17T06:59:00.004-07:00

D'oh!

Yesterday was going to be filled with knitting with friends. I planned to knit in the morning/early afternoon with one group and later on with another. The morning meet-up went as planned and was lovely...then I drove to where I thought the second group was meeting. However, no one else showed up. It turned out that I was at the wrong place. I was at Panera in Hastings Ranch and they were at Corner Bakery. I didn't discover the error of my ways until I got home and re-read the reminder. Well, at least I did do the finishing on my last two projects...and I listened to an audiobook (Let the Great World Spin). So, it wasn't a total disaster.

Lesson learned: read carefully!

Two Walks....

2010-06-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

This morning Greg and I took a walk down Colorado Blvd. . We parked near Target and walked to Europane's new cafe. It is just across from the Paseo Mall (if that is any help to you). We thought it wouldn't be as busy as the older location. WRONG... I am so happy for Sumi that she knows her customer base and was brave enough in this economy to open a second location. This one will appeal to the workers at City Hall and the legal talent at the court for a wonderful option. Europane is full of good smells and eye candy. Tasty treats, too.

My second walk took place after a rather long session on the Citron project. The rows are getting longer, and longer. Not quite sure if I am going to have the heart to let this become a store sample. We'll see how I feel about it when it is finished.

I took a camera along to take shots of plants and whatever else I might find during my stroll...

There are so many beautiful flowers right now. It is hard for me to select which ones to share here....

Knit in Public Day

2010-06-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Today is a World Wide Knit in Public Day...at least it was in Altadena at the Coffee Gallery. I met two friends for our own mini version today. It was a relaxed morning/early afternoon spent sorting stitches and other things out. Quite a nice day even though we are suffering from June Gloom! Hope you all celebrated WWKIP in a similar fashion....did you?

See the Sea Lettuce

2010-06-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

grow by twists and turns. Sea Lettuce by Lucy Neatby is so addictive. This is one of those projects you can just stuff into your bag and pull out whenever you have a spare minute or two to knit. After the first bit you can say goodbye to the pattern until the bind off. I plan to make another out of some Colinette Jitterbug sitting in the bin just behind me. This next scarf will be the larger version of Lucy's pattern.

Skein will be closed next week as AM and KC are off to find new things to tempt us all with - they have gone to TNNA. I can't wait to see what wonders they find....love to see those boxes full of yarn arrive! Don't you??

The Cosette Wrap

2010-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Cosette Wrap is off the needles and blocking. As I mentioned in the last posting, I must have bought JoAnn's entire supply of coiless pins by the last wrap & turn. The markers really do help to locate them easily...a tip I heeded from the pattern. On my Ravelry project page, I noted that the upper portion of the shawl (the first skein) was considerably darker than the bottom (second skein). This was not apparent immediately when I was knitting. However, I am quite happy with the outcome. You can see the difference in this shot...

Just Off the Needles...

2010-06-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

is a project (Alchemical Snood) that I thought would be perfect for my daughter on those chilly Boston mornings. Ann Mary made one for a store sample to show off Araucania Trauco (cashmere) and I knew it would be something my DD would appreciate. My fantasy was that it would be finished during my recent trip. The only project that saw any progress was the Circle Socks. This snood pattern from Stitch Diva is a mobius with a Fibonacci sequence. In order to correctly complete the Fibonacci Sequence, it takes an increasing number of rows. I am pleased with the way it turned out - so pleased that another may be made for me!

The next project, a Cosette shawl, is well underway. It took only two trips to JoAnn's to pick up enough coiless safety pins to use as wrap markers yesterday! Yes, there are many, many wraps to complete before I am finished with this - but it promises to be quite nice.

I have two final pictures from the trip to share here and then a group shot that most of us managed to make on the chilly rear deck pool area. Thanks for putting up with them!

I am the sensible one wearing the plaid deck blanket (you can't take the Arizona out of this girl).

Back Home and Back to Work!

2010-06-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

It has been so much fun organizing my photos from Alaska with all of the iphoto tools. Putting together a slide show with music was simple enough for me to do...proof that I was born at the right time.

I thought you might enjoy two more muskox related shots.

The first shot was taken on the musk ox farm started by John Teal Jr. as a non-profit in 1954. He believed that viable regional agriculture must come from the domestication of native species. The under wool, gathered in the Spring, is delivered to a native knitters' coop. The coop's 250 members knit the qiviuk into beautiful garments using traditional village patterns. Money from the sale of the items provides much needed income to the knitters. While the farm is currently struggling to stay afloat, it seems that Quill, his granddaughter, is focused on keeping his vision alive.

The photo on the right was taken from inside the Windy Valley Musk Ox shop. It is actually a room in their home! I couldn't resist the pattern hanging in the window. Isn't it lovely? It takes an unusual blend of youth, strength and vision to raise musk ox, offer beautiful patterns and luxury fiber for sale while raising five year old triplets on a farm in Alaska.

The next two shots are from a train ride that was truly breathtaking...

Yes, that is the front of the my train, crossing a bridge and entering a tunnel.

The last Alaskan snapshot is of a Tibetan Mastiff lounging in his owner's truck. He occupied the entire front seat! I purchased a pair of earrings from his owner minutes after taking this picture.

Since arriving home on Sunday, I have been dividing my time between catching up on mail, laundry mountain, a few hours at Skein and dealing with the rose bushes in our front yard. Can you spot the insect in the first picture and the basking lizard on the rock?

Back From Alaska

2010-05-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I arrived home from a fantastic adventure with Craft Cruises to Alaska. This all started when my DD purchased some qiviuk from Windy Valley Muskox at Stitches West. After fashioning the skeins into projects that are posted on my Ravelry page, I looked to see what other Ravelers had made with this unique fiber. That led me to a discussion page about the cruise. The rest is history now. It was truly a wonderful experience filled with late night knitting with new friends, classes and did I forget to mention....shopping?

A few pictures to share here...

Knitting in the Crows Nest onboard while looking out at Glacier Bay

Still life on the side of a shed at Windy Valley Muskox Farm

beautiful glaciers

Back From Puerto Vallarta

2010-04-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

When we arrived back from our Easter Break in Puerto Vallarta there was no time to post or upload pictures. So...sorry for the delay but you know how it goes! We did have a wonderful time and became more familiar with the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta. Our favorite Italian restaurant located on the Malecon, La Dolce Vita, did not disappoint. While strolling along the boardwalk we found Xaime's art displayed near the Naval Museum.

This is Xaime with me.........

Two of his smaller pieces now reside in my craft room!

The city of Puerto Vallarta has so many delights to see...from the interesting statues and sand sculptures along the boardwalk...

..to colorful displays in town to tempt shoppers....

We had an especially nice view from our room at the Grand Mayan.

Now I am back to a normal level of activity at home after teaching five days last week. "Normal" is three days of teaching, housework and knitting. On the knitting front, I have finished the latest installment from my Rockin' Sock Club - Slip Jig. It was really fun to knit and the colorway was beautiful!! Thanks Tina and Carrie. You can check it out on my Ravelry project page, if you have a mind to. There are actually five projects on the needles right now...some of them will be done (in theory) in time to go to Alaska with me in mid-May.

Two Thumbs Up!

2010-01-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

There is a good reason I haven't updated this blog recently....I have been knitting and teaching nonstop. Nancy, who normally teaches at Skein on Wednesday and Thursday, has been busy with her other job (repping for Plymouth Yarn ). We fill in for each other when someone has to be away...and so far it has worked out quite well. I plan to be out of town for Stitches West in February and I will probably be floating down the Lazy River in Puerto Vallarta over the Easter break. May promises to be very exciting for this Unraveledgal. You have to check back for the details of that adventure as I am not quite prepared to reveal them. It is WAY over the top, no kidding.

Here is a small hint:

No fair guessing if you already know. That wouldn't qualify for a guess anyway, would it?

Busy Weekend

2010-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went with Ann Mary to the TNNA show in Long Beach. It was really exciting to see all the new yarns and patterns that will be coming to the store for the next season. It was sort of a sneak preview. I couldn't take pictures inside the convention center, sorry. But I did spot Lily Chin and Cat Bordhi signing books! Casey (of Ravelry fame) was also in the hall. My lips are sealed about what is coming into the shop until I have the go-ahead....but there are some fun and quite yummy items on order.

A few people have asked questions about the new camera, the one I got for my birthday this year. It has some features that make it really special - one is face recognition and that it waits if the subject blinks, another is that it goes underwater (for the snorkeling and pool photos)...and (my personal favorite) it does panorama pictures seamlessly with onboard software. You can also set it to wait for the subjects to smile. This wonder is called Optio-W80 and this is what it looks like.

Am I Crazy?

2010-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have decided to go through my purchases from Stitches West 2009 and Sock Summit before taking off for Stitches West 2010. The goal is to take pictures and post them to my stash on Ravelry. Then I plan to start assigning them to specific projects and dedicate myself to start working through my stash this year. Think it will happen??

Please take a look at my stash and make suggestions for specific projects. In any case, this is a huge undertaking and will probably take a number of weeks to accomplish...so keep stopping by to see the additions.

Let me know what your personal favorites are, too.

2009 Pre Parade Photos

2009-12-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

In case you don't already know, I live just "up the hill" from Pasadena, home of the Rose Parade.

Greg and I usually make a run down Colorado to see some of the people camped out for the night...we do it before it gets too crazy! I had hoped for a shot of someone knitting. Sadly, that didn't happen. But I did get a few good ones.

You see many news crews and well-loved vehicles...

Before returning home, we caught a glimpse of the blue moon.

Journey's End and Back to Work

2009-12-30T05:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first day back to Skein after Christmas vacation. It was a wonderful, busy day filled with old students, new students, a very good friend and many (yes, many) customers.

Unpacking is going slowly. There were a few souvenirs from this trip. Xcaret, as I mentioned in the previous post has many little areas that you just happen on. On our way to the wool shop we found a wood carver. He had been trained by his father and had many designs fashioned from mahogany. I selected this one because it reminded me of a Mayan dancer we had just seen.

He placed a hole in the back for hanging and signed the piece, too!
We spent most of one afternoon in Playa del Carmen. One shop had the most colorful textiles displayed...

There were a few interesting signs along 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Then it was back to the Grand Mayan to work on our skills at taking panorama shots with the new camera(the same one used for underwater shots). The panorama feature actually splices together a 3 shot series with internal software. There is a ghost image of the previous shot to help you line up the next one. It is very user friendly. We used it at the Xcaret show and for some outside shots on the resort property.This is the front end of the snake sculpture.

The final pictures from our adventure is something we haven't done since we were married. A professional portrait of the two of us..there are actually three. Which one do you like best?

Please let me know.

Xcaret and a Knitting Lesson

2009-12-29T05:23:00.000-08:00

We arrived home from a wonderful Christmas in Cancun late Sunday. Christmas week is a good time for my DH to take a break from his busy schedule for sun and some fun activities. Many of his students travel to see family, ski or are involved in school activities.....so a perfect time to steal him away!

I went to the Yucatan with our daughter a few years ago and spent a fun day at Xcaret. This was Greg's first visit. We bought the "all inclusive" and added a snorkeling package. It was a very full, fun-filled day. The evening show was truly spectacular. We saw a Mayan ball game, an early version of field hockey played with flaming balls (I have video), flying men, mariachi, equestrians, and many dancers. Here are a few pictures-

Xcaret is a huge park with more features than you could take in in just one day. Last time I was there I swam the underground river. This trip we walked the grounds and saw some different things...

Yes, there is a yarn experience to be had at the park!

Back at the Grand Mayan for a day of sun and relaxation, when I least expected it....

Greg came over and said, "I think someone needs knitting help over there." He indicated an area near the pool's sandy beach and a woman in a black bathing suit. He wasn't kidding. I went over and easily found Nina (from Wisconsin) who had unraveled her twirly scarf for the third time. She needed a few pointers and was good to go in no time. Who would guess that knitting skills would come in handy at the Grand Mayan pool?

I did finish the Jack-in-the-Box mittens over the break. You can check them out on my Ravelry project page. They are a fast knit and a good pattern.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well!

Jack-in-the-Box Mittens

2009-12-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

A customer came into Skein last Tuesday who had seen some flip-top mittens that morning at Nordstrom. She decided to investigate knitting a pair for herself. I whipped out my iphone to check a pattern source on Ravelry (boy is that convenient) and found that several people had made this pattern and were happy with the outcome. It comes from a book, Knitting New Mittens & Gloves, that I happened to have in my collection. My DH was on his way into Pasadena when I called to see if he could drop it by the store...and he could. Eiko was thrilled that she was able to start the project and selected some Lamb's Pride in a soft pink, purchased needles and cast on for the cuff. One cuff was finished before she left and the other will be finished before she comes in this afternoon. The plan is that the first will sit on waste yarn until she completes one mitten. When I got home that evening I went stash diving and came up with yarn (color: Wild Oak) to start my own pair of mittens!

Puerto Vallarta Peregrinaciones

2009-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Before we left the Puerto Vallarta area, we ventured into town to check out the malacon (boardwalk), shops and local restaurants. As luck would have it, during the first twelve days of December there is a custom in many Mexican towns for the faithful to process to the cathedral. The custom is called Peregrinacion. The main street is closed to traffic for the evening as groups make their way to the church.

Because the street was closed to cars, it was easier to take photographs ...there were so many memories to capture.

Pictured above is one of the local chalk artists working around the plaza and the cathedral.

Who knew there would be a fork in the road?

After the processions were over, we walked to the Malecon and found an Italian restaurant with an upstairs view, La Dolce Vita. From this vantage point - more photos.

Remember, this is a knitting blog...just had to get these last few photos from our trip out of my system. I ripped out what I started of the Darkside Cowl during the plane rides. It lacked the stitch definition I had hoped for. The redo is quite satisfactory and was accomplished in a day.

Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta

2009-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

We took a brief but enjoyable trip to the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, Mexico last week. Our timeshare, Grand Mayan, is located just north of Puerto Vallarta (which is in Jalisco) in Nuevo Vallarta (state of Nayarit). You think you are confused??? But locals in NV use the PV time. It certainly made it less confusing when preparing for our departing flight, as the airport is located in Jalisco. Thank goodness we were actually early for our flight home because it took FOREVER to check in. Someone needs to do some serious reorganization of that airport!! Everything else about the trip was great - with that one, small annoyance.

Here is a shot of Greg chasing me down the "Lazy River" or "Rio Lento" at our resort...

Yes, that is the famous chainsaw scar above his knee.

We took two "side trips" during our vacation. The first, last Wednesday, was to the town of Tequila. Guess what the main industry is....that is right. Tequila! We toured the Jose Cuervo factory. Cuervo means raven, thus the bird pictured in the family crest on the website.

I couldn't take any shots inside the building to show the beautiful barrels and copper distillers as it was prohibited. The town is also where one of my favorite hot sauces, Cholula, is produced. On Thursday we ventured out again - this time our destination was San Blas. Over 50 years ago I spent two weeks there with my parents and a friend of the family who lived in the small port town. I had fond memories and was relieved that things were much the same...

Above is the old church in town and below is the new one.

Then, outside of town is the original one... it was burned many years ago. Residents point out figures that they say some can see. In this photo is the face of a woman. Do you see it?I was intrigued by the vendors in the marketplace on the plaza. The masks were colorful....
But the highlight of the day was the "jungle" trip through the swamp just outside town. There were many birds and reptiles (herons, hawks, iguanas, turtles)...but my favorite was the crocodile. There were many!

This week will be filled with work at Skein and some serious knitting which I will take pictures of to post both here and on Ravelry.

Boston Blue

2009-11-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

The Boston Blue Scarf (see my Ravelry page for details), intended as a Christmas present for someone who will put it to good use this winter, is off the needles, photographed and ready for shipping. We have one more item for the package that will be ready toward the end of the week. Then down to the UPS store...and off it all goes! The scarf was made with Rowan Lima (baby alpaca) and was a delight to knit. I would definitely make another - but have too many other projects underway to tackle another just now.

Greg and I spent the late afternoon listening to Pete Christlieb's band play a benefit for the Friends of the Library in South Pasadena and then went to Briganti for dinner. It couldn't have been a better day.

Here is a sample of Pete's sound:

Walden Pond Hat

2009-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is a shot of the top of what just came off the needles a few hours ago. All of the ends are now neatly woven in and it is ready to be put into a mailer. The colors reminded me of the previous post's pictures of Walden Pond. Thanks to Shibui Yarns, someone will have a cheery hat to wear!

Another project that is trudging along - LuLu Leggings from Spud and Chloe.

Because I have been working all week, the leggings are neglected...too hard for my little brain to do all that counting with customers, visiting friends and students. No complaints...just excuses!!!

Wonderful Trip

2009-10-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

We went on our first trip to Boston last week. It was a fun, event filled, action packed 6-day visit to see the sites, experience Fall color and spend some time with M & J.

The first day we borrowed a car and drove to have lunch with relatives in Conn. I discovered that there other knitters in my family. We also had a lovely home-made apple tart. Thank you Aunt Dot.On the second day, Greg and I borrowed the car (pre-programmed for the trip) for a stop at a wonderful diner in Watertown for breakfast and then to Old Manse in Concord and Powell Flutes in Maynard. No pictures were allowed at Powell - but I shot the outside of the building.

On Friday we met one of Greg's former students (who is a student at Harvard) for a bite of pizza on Harvard Square. His parents joined us as it was Parents' Weekend and they were in town, too. Then we went in search of Woolcott and Company. Sadly, as you can see by reading the link, they were in the process of closing their doors. Over the weekend we stopped by Windsor Buttons for another yarn fix. When we arrived there, it was almost closing time....they are doing well it seems and have an overwhelming collection that I will have to visit again, and again.

The view from M&J's apartment is spectacular. They are living on the Charles River, in East Cambridge. The location is convenient to their labs and near rail lines that take them around the Boston.

Views from the apartment (the Museum of Science is on the right)...

I have many wonderful pictures of the city and will post just a few here...

We had a lovely lunch at the Boston Public Library-

Visited a museum....

visited graveyards....

walked around Walden Pond ....

and watched the sun set...

We had both history ....

and nature lessons...

Thank you M&J for the wonderful look at your new home. We will definitely come back again in the near future to experience more of this beautiful area. You are the best tour guides we could have had!

Back to Blogging

2009-10-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it has been quite a while since typing here. Things have been sporadically busy over the past few months. I went to Sock Summit in Portland. There was the whole thing of our daughter moving to Boston. Poor thing, she lived among the craft paraphernalia (her old room) here after closing up her apartment and before embarking on a cross-country road trip. Then Greg and I went to Cabo for some R&R. What's not to love about snorkeling,

sailing

and deep sea fishing?

Sock Summit Week

2009-08-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is finally here! I am leaving from Burbank early on Wednesday and will meet up with KnittingSuzanne (on Ravelry). We are not only on the same flight - but also booked into the same hotel. The Wednesday afternoon luncheon is another activity that we both signed up for- another very happy coincidence! Many pictures will follow post-summit, no doubt.

Some of you know my daughter is mid-move. Currently she has bunked into her old room (my craft room) on an aero bed, surrounded by yarn. Thank goodness it is mostly wool. We are spending time revisiting some favorite SoCal places before she takes off for Boston. Last weekend we visited Pismo and Santa Barbara.

Our favorite breakfast spot-
A really great market in Pismo - Shell Beach

and a crazy, wonderful lunch on the pier in SB...

SS09 Countdown

2009-07-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am in serious countdown mode to Sock Summit. The group on Ravelry dedicated to this glorious event is quite active, as you can imagine. The thread about the Sock Museum inspired me to finally attempt The Mermaid Sock and my version is humming along nicely. In the process, I have learned a new heel and how to graft stitches more efficiently. GrammaK (on Ravelry) is submitting a Mermaid Sock to the Sock Museum project and she faved mine. What an honor!

As I mentioned in the previous post, we celebrated an anniversary. That evening we picked our daughter up at the airport and she surprised us with a container of live (thank goodness) lobsters. We enjoyed them for lunch yesterday. Yes, they were quite tasty.

Happy Anniversary

2009-07-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

to us! Today is our 36th Wedding Anniversary we are celebrating with wonderful left over chicken, salad and white wine. I also was gifted a beautiful necklace of labradorite from the Gold Bug

A Special 4th!

2009-07-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

My DH has decided to take today off to celebrate the 4th. This afternoon he is watching the History Channel special on the Revolutionary War and I am attempting a Mermaid Sock. He has a kit rifle of the period in progress, too!

Over the past three years I have been able to take classes from Lucy Neatby at Stitches West. Her teaching style is to be admired and the patterns are interesting. Her Mermaid Socks have called to me and (until now) I have resisted. Then I saw the perfect colorway sitting on the shelf at Skein the other day...another project underway. Our daughter left for Boston last night on Virgin America with a whopping 10 pieces of luggage. It turned out to be an efficient and inexpensive way to move certain items. Who would have guessed that? She plans to see the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular this evening in person. We will watch it on TV.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Summer has officially arrived in SoCal. Tomato plants are full of fruit and the temperature is rising. Our first 4th of July fireworks will be observed at the Altadena CC Thursday (the 2nd). We will park the big blue truck on the southern border of the golf course to enjoy the display. It is always a treat! We may even purchase tickets and attend the Rose Bowl extravaganza!

I hope to have some exciting knitting news about my Central Park Hoodie in progress in the next few days. Exciting for me, that is. My current dilemma is which pair of socks to cast on. Should it be the Orion Socks (the official sock pattern for Sock Summit) or Lucy Neatby's Mermaid Socks from her book Cool Socks Warm Feet? Suggestions/advice will be cheerfully entertained.

A Better Lace Photo

2009-06-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

The blocking photo yesterday did not really do justice to the finished project. So, I am posting another that is a clearer view with better color.

The blocking wires really make the process much easier and the results more satisfying! I am actually looking forward to another lace project.

Sun Gold tomatoes have been a personal favorite the past few summers. Once again they are proving to be prolific producers for our family. This particular one is in a wooden tub on my daughter's patio. I was the happy recipient of the first fruit when serving on the watering detail in her absence.

Blocking Experiment

2009-06-18T12:35:00.001-07:00

I am using the blocking wires that I picked up at Stitches West 2009 for the first time. The store sample scarf is finished, soaked and towel dried. Blocking wires were slowly threaded through and then pinned into place. What do you think? I think it is exciting to see all of those carefully made stitches clearly!
I now can see the advantage to the foam Knit Picks blocks that a customer shared at the knitting table last week. They reminded me of a kindergarten mat activity-but are actually an ingenious product for knitters. So I promptly ordered them for future projects.

Commencement Pictures

2009-06-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Here are two more pictures from Friday's graduation that I wanted to share. The colorful robes and distinguished faces are a delight!

It's Official...

2009-06-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day of nonstop celebrations for many families. We were awash in a sea of proud parents and relieved graduates at CalTech. Our DD received her PhD after many years of dedicated research and study in developmental biology. The skies were gloomy, but spirits were high!

After the ceremony and luncheon at the Ath, we toured the campus and took some shots of the local flora and fauna.

The evening was filled with food, drink and wonderful company. Over the past few years, M&J have introduced us to many of their favorite haunts. The one they selected for the two families to enjoy last night, the Boiling Crab, was a delightful, most unusual experience. We survived quite nicely...thanks to yards of paper towels, beer and good appetites.

Please notice that we all changed into more appropriate attire for the evening's event..

Today is World Wide Knit in Public Day- somewhere, sometime today you might just see me doing just that. Who knows?

Sock Summit

2009-06-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know, I am going to attend Sock Summit this August, in Portland. I have official confirmation of classes and am over the moon (Blue Moon, that is)!!! Not only will I be attending the Opening Night Reception, Luminary Panel and Sock Hop...I will also be in Four ways to Start a Toe-Up Sock, Special Stitches for Special Handpainted Yarns, Judy's Magic Cast-On, Grafted Bind Off for 1x1 Rib and Three Traditional Beginnings:Casting on for Socks. The last class is a switch with a friend for a class she really wants that I grabbed in the frenzy.

Everyone connected to this event deserves a BIG THANK YOU for stepping out on a limb and having the vision and spunk to make it happen. It is going to be so much fun. Thank you, again!

Concours d'Elegance

2009-06-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I was lucky enough to catch part of the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance. It was held on the Brookside Golf Course, near the Rose Bowl. What a beautiful setting to see the elegant, lovingly restored automobiles! We were in the company of two friends from out of town and they seemed to enjoy the classic cars as much as we did.

I have a few pictures...

Garden Tour III

2009-06-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

My Barn Raising Quilt Squares are going to be mailed to Portland this morning. To speed up the drying process, I put them on a cookie cooler on top of a tomato cage in the yard. Just to the left of this particular plant is our first tomatillo with it's first fruit.

Barn Raising Quilt Project

2009-06-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

While waiting to hear (fingers crossed) good news from the hard-working BMFA crew ...hard at work trying to unravel the server crashes and missing classes, I have been making squares for the Barn Raising Quilt charity project. The pattern is easy and the resulting squares can be quite beautiful. After a soak in Eucalan and a spin in the salad spinner they are left to dry on the kitchen counter as normally sunny Southern California is in June gloom at the moment. By the way, that link is supposed to get you a free sample...so it is worth a click! The squares are going to be assembled at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks in Portland and the quilts will be auctioned off at Sock Summit to benefit Doctors Without Borders.

Sorry, sorry!

2009-06-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a very long time since posting here...however, life has been busier than usual for me.

My DD has defended her thesis successfully - so, as you might imagine, there were a few nervous moments before and many celebrations afterwards. All went well and she is quite happy to have survived the process unscathed. Graduation is in a few weeks and it looks like a wonderful swirl of events pre and post hooding.

I have been teaching quite a bit and have met many interesting, wonderful people at Skein. If you are tying to catch up with me (except for graduation week), I can be found there on Tuesdays, alternate Fridays and Saturdays.

On Sunday, Greg and I went to Brookside Park to check out the AKC Show. You know, I think it might be true what they say about people looking like their dogs!

Then there were a few things that just tickled me....

The other news I have will have to wait. As many of you already know, Sock Summit is coming up in August...I am set to go - airline reservations made, room booked. What classes I will have remains to be seen. Once the dust settles from the registration server crash, the brave souls from BMFA will let me know! My fingers are crossed that I will have more than one-hour-wonders.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! Actually, we celebrated at Lucky Baldwins two nights ago. Greg teaches until 11 this evening...so we celebrated early just in case we are too tired tonight.

Yes, I will be wearing green to work this morning. Thanks to my Spring Foward Socks, I will be safe from pinches.

More Stitches Stash Enhancement....

2009-03-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

This set of buttons from Black Water Abbey was a must buy....check out the dragonflies. Not quite sure what project they will be perfect for - but I love them. My other button purchase is for a project that was finished some time ago. If you go to my project page on Ravelry, look at my Broad Street Mittens. Notice that they are, sadly, lacking buttons. The acorns will be the perfect touch-don't you think?

When I was standing in line, I noticed that the three people behind me were all holding Simple Style...it looked like a good book and there was only one left. No impulse shopping here.

Then there were patterns to be purchased....

I don't have the yarn for the Interlacements' pattern to the left. Still thinking about this project. Might be fun.

and more patterns.... Lucy Neatby's Bicycle Socks

and an easy Lily Chin shawl pattern...

that she graciously offered to autograph when she discovered it among my purchases as we sat next to each other at the Hyatt sushi bar comparing marketplace finds....

I also picked up a pattern from Black Water Abbey for three hats that my daughter liked.

I did pick up some green yarn for one hat and the ecru pictured in the pattern arrived in the mail two days ago.

Yesterday's post brought the last item from this year's Stitches that I plan to blog. It is the Jackets book from Cheryl Oberly. She not only autographed her book - a beautiful bookmark was inside. Wouldn't it be fun to take one of her workshops?Oh, yes. I have been knitting, too. Check out my page on Ravelry for the latest project.

Still Unpacking ....

2009-03-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for doing the reveal in dribs and drabs...there is just too much for me to post in one sitting. You know, there is knitting to be done, too. Just off the needles this morning is another hat to keep my daughter's head warm when she is in Boston. It was a fun knit in a lovely yarn.

The third sweater project that I purchased while at Stitches West is a Lucy Neatby design, Venus Rising. The yarn I will be using is Kauni, a wool that I had, until Stitches, not seen in person. It is beautiful, colorful..and will keep me entertained while knitting!

Next out of the bag are some wonderful sock yarns. If you know me...you know that I have a special weakness for Blue Moon's fingering weight sock yarn. Like I don't have enough already!

Here are some that I could not resist adding to my collection.
and there were the other random sock yarns that I could not leave behind....

still unpacking ....more sock yarn

Well, that will have to be all for today. We have plumbing and carpentry projects underway and the craftroom is in need of organization...patterns to sort into binders.

Just a typical Sunday at home.

Eye Candy

2009-03-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

I have had several requests to post my purchases from Stitches West 2009. Since there are more than just one or two skeins to share, I plan to do it in small doses over the next few days. I don't want to be responsible for the visual stimulation that could happen downstream!

So, without further ado....the carry on bag my daughter had the foresight to bring.

The first item out of the bag is yarn for the asymmetrical cable sweater in Cheryl Oberle's latest book, Knitted Jackets. The book was sold out - but I purchased it from her when I paid for the yarn. The yarn is yummy and a color I absolutely adore.

Next up is yarn for another sweater project, the February Lady Sweater. Three skeins of BMFA's Heavyweight That is all for this morning...more to follow over the weekend and early next week.

Back From Stitches West

2009-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

I am decompressing after a whirlwind long weekend of fiber overload at Stitches West 2009. My daughter joined me for Saturday and Sunday, making the experience even better.

Later in the week I'll share my yarn and knitting related purchases. Before dashing off to work this morning I wanted to post a photo of my favorite teacher from the past three Stitches I have attended - Lucy Neatby. This year the class was on something I have avoided, intartia. Lucy's instructions have cleared up some issues for me and perhaps an intartia project is in my future!

What do you think of her sweater?She has DVDs for sale on her website that are very helpful. I purchased the last three that are currently available. They happen to feature intartia techniques & tips.

The Last Package

2009-01-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

The third package of Wollmeise has arrived. Mitchell, the mailman, was kind enough to bring it up to the studio...to be sure it got into our hands. Everyone was excited!

Here are the five skeins for your viewing pleasure....(notice that I did not say the last five)

The craft room is almost finished. Pictures have been hung and books and notebooks are in place. Three Christmasses ago I purchased two Hawaiian prints-now they finally have a home!

The artist, Kathy Long, produced two drawings that featured young girls with quilts. They are a wonderful memory of that trip and look perfect on the walls of my new room.

Yesterday I started another Porom - a Brooklyntweed design. This morning it was finished. If anyone is looking for a fast, satisfying knit...this should be high on your list.

I am back to my normal teaching schedule at Skein and most of the regular students have returned from their holiday activities. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello.

Cancun Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Adams Family took a Christmas break from our normal routines by traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula. Our ultimate destination was just south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera. We stayed at the Grand Mayan and took side trips to Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, entered the Nohoch Nah Chich cave system and snorkeled in cenotes, snorkeled off the Fat Cat catamaran in the Caribbean, unimogged through the jungle to a Mayan settlement for lunch, and kayaked to a reef through challenging currents. We also spent some serious "sloth time" at the hotel pool, sipping coco naturales(not coco locos).

.

Now to the yarn portion of this blog...

I received two skeins of quiviet, a scarf pattern, Signature needles and two skeins from Ancient Threads Farm.

Then, when we arrived home, our neighbor came over with mail and packages from Germany. Yes, most of the Wollmeise has arrived. It is truly breathtaking! Claudia emailed and said the next package should be arriving in a few days.

I hope you enjoy the pictures...

Squirrels and Wollmeise

2008-12-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

The squirrel mittens are coming along. I have finished the body of the first one. This project has been a huge learning experience which will continue with the second one. Tension is an issue when knitting two colors coming from two directions, using different styles. I did it once before, over a year ago on a simple hat. This is a different animal altogether.

As you can see, the glove is positioned on a laptop. That is because last night (more correctly, early this morning, PST), the Wollmeise shop was updated. Thanks to Ravelry, I had all my squirrels in a row and was in position when the virtual door opened. I scored big time thanks to all of the hints from my fellow Wollmeise addicts. I was on two computers. On one I monitered the shop website and on the second I chatted with people from all corners of the world who were waiting with me. What interesting times we live in!

Happy Boy

2008-12-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Jackson and his mother were in town this weekend and had dinner with us on Friday. Before going to El Portal, we met at Hobby People to see what Jackson might be interested in for a holiday gift. I think he found the perfect item...it includes fast cars (a consuming interest).

Friday and Saturday were work days at Skein. We were quite busy and I had several students drop in. I also had the pleasure of meeting two fellow Ravelers, DougLaughlin and Asplund. They were checking out LYSs and we were on their list. Asplund showed me some of his knitting (very impressive) and I mentioned that I would be interested in attending a class if one was held close by.. You never know who might come into the store!

The Cherry Garcia was a quick knit and another will be cast on in a day or two. The cables turned out nicely in the Malabrigo Chunky, I think. The poor squirrels are inching along, too. Today it struck me that stars look more like dive bombing birds of prey intent on doing harm to the scraggly squirrels.

Yummy!

2008-11-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

We had the best ever turkey. Gravy, stuffing(made in oven, outside of bird) and brussels sprouts were over the top. After a small sliver of pumpkin pie there were several flavors of Bulgarini gelato to be enjoyed. Did I mention wine? We had some of that, too.

In between bouts in the kitchen, I made some progress on the squirrel mittens and Noro Striped #2...as you can see.

I have much to be thankful for this year...most of all, my wonderful husband and daughter.

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving planned for tomorrow. If you live in another country, celebrate anyway! I discovered a last minute site for those of us who are recipe challenged. It even provides a shopping list. Several items on the menu appeal to me. If interested, take a look.

The Knotty Gloves are finished. The pattern was well written and I managed to make it through the chart without too many do-overs. Photographing them proved to be a challenge, however.

The other projects currently on needles are a top-down sweater:

and Squirrelly-Swedish mittens, a pattern that is available as a download on Ravelry.

There is also one more Noro Striped Scarf.

Project Completion

2008-11-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Our group yarn sale on Saturday was a huge success. Thom was a gracious host for the event and provided his shaded front yard for the sale. I was only able to stay until shortly before 10AM because Saturday is a teaching day for me at Skein. Mindy, Larry(knitdad) and Judy manned the register and provided personal shopper service as requested. The consensus is that we will probably have another destashing event in a few months.

On the knitting front, I have been working on mittens and gloves for Meghan....who soon will need them! She provided me with some fantastic pictures of the Druid Mittens in Boston. I hope you enjoy them.

My personal favorite shot is on the table surrounded by lobsters...

Just off the needles and searching for the perfect buttons (I'm thinking acorns) are the Broad Street Mittens.Due off the needles sometime later today are the Knotty Gloves, a wonderful pattern that I have enjoyed making.

Yarn/Yard Sale

2008-11-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

I plan to post some more pictures of the Druid Mittens in Boston tomorrow. But, since I promised information to some of you by the end of the week about next Saturday's FANTASTIC yarn/yard sale....

The Mittens of the Freedom Trail

2008-11-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Meghan sent a picture from Boston of the mittens hitting the trail.

Time Flies

2008-11-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Time flies when you are having fun/busy...that is for sure.

Last week we visited the Huntington Library to see the Darwin exhibit and the new Chinese garden. That is a must see, if you are in the Los Angeles area.

Knitting-wise I have been very busy and productive. It is always good when you have a product at the end of the week-my knitting stars aligned! Announcing the Druid Mittens, just in time for a trip to chilly Boston.

My current "new" project on the needles (yes, sadly...there are some languishing in my bag) is another Brooklyntweed design, Porom. It is going quickly and will go well with the mittens.

Forging Ahead

2008-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I spent too much time trying to figure out what I should do at a certain spot on the instep of my Rattlesnake Creek Socks. At one point you begin with the 3rd stitch of the pattern...and that totally threw me when I got to the place where you are supposed to do a 3/3 cable on the edge. Finally, after agonizing for WAY too long, I went to bed. First thing this morning, it was clear to me what I needed to do and all is well again. Duh, just do a 2/2 cable instead. Please don't tell me it was obvious....I already know.

Here is a peek at the socks a little further along than last time. Yes, I am still on the first one!

Helicopter Tour

2008-10-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today Greg and I took a long-anticipated helicopter ride with the Pasadena Police Department. This was the eTicket ride I thought it would be when I bid on it at the Bienvenidos benefit last year. The pilot who took us up, Mark Lang, was a true professional and a credit to the department. We met the entire staff, pilots from Pasadena PD and other cities, and the support staff who keep the ships in the air. The weather couldn't have been better....here are a few shots of my adventure.

I've also been busy knitting. Yesterday was a work day for me (at Skein), some friends dropped by, I taught several lessons and managed to complete a hat out of some lovely chunky Malabrigo that was purchased two weeks ago.

The pattern is Foliage, from knitty.com. It literally flew off the needles once I got the top down bit started. Next I'll try the worsted version as I just happen to have a few skeins around.

Sad News

2008-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in awhile...and since my last post, we lost our very special cat, Spooky. It was obvious that he wasn't feeling well so we took him into the vet. He had lost quite a bit of weight and his temperature was below normal. She was able to give him some in house lab tests and determined that his situation was grave. We decided that it would be better to not prolong his suffering and had him put down. We miss him terribly.

The craft room is moving ahead. It should be finished next Sunday...pictures to follow.

There are more finished knitting projects! Valour and my Rainy Day Scarf are both off the needles.

A Little Weather, Finally

2008-09-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and this morning we woke up to cloudy skies and humidity. Thunder and lightening remind me of Arizona during the monsoon season. Funny how certain sights and smells can trigger childhood memories.

I have been busy knitting and spending time with family this past week. Over the weekend we went out to dinner to Mike and Anne's. We ordered the two "special" appetizers for the evening- squash blossoms and eggplant. Both were delicious!

We finished dinner off with some Port, beignets and ice cream. What a treat.

My knitting is humming along. Over the last week I have managed to finish two scarves and have made some progress on both the Rattlesnake Creek Socks and the Green Autumn Gloves.

The picture to the right is the Noro Striped Scarf, by Jerad Flood (Brooklyntweed). I started it last week and will weave the ends in this afternoon. There will be several more of these knit by me as it is way too much fun to see the color combinations roll along.

We are no longer hog sitting. The little critter was returned on Sunday. The experience was fun and not too painful...I think it likes us.

Hog Sitting & Knitting

2008-09-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

For the past few days I have been hedgehog sitting and knitting up a storm. Truffles is her name and running on the wheel late at night is her game...

Her roomy three story condo is smack dab in the middle of my yet to be finished craft room. That insures that Spooky, our killer cat, doesn't stress the little creature. Truffles is really sweet and appreciates visitors if you can keep her hours. During the day, she curls up in a pouch on the bottom floor and naps.

One project came off the needles today. The hat pictured above is a test knit for CathyCate (on Ravelry). It is the second version of her Hat without a Name...a fun, fast knit.

This morning, after breakfast out, we took a different route home. When I spotted this little fellow camped out on a roof...I had to turn around to take a second look and snap a photo. He was silently enjoying watching other dogs pass by from a safe vantage point. Smart fellow!

LA County Fair...

2008-09-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made our annual trek to the LA County Fair in Pomona. Thanks to L. (Knitdad's daughter) we got in free. I might have to go again as I had hoped to see some animals...we got sidetracked by wine tasting. Actually, two wine tastings. It was a fun day full of interesting sights and smells. Oh, my!

Several projects are on the needles right now. There is that Secret Project(on the last skein) and Rattlesnake Creek Socks. Pictures will be taken and posted early this week. Stay tuned!

We're Back...

2008-09-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Greg and I took some much needed time away. We visited Baja and spent a week at each of the "cabos"- Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Over a year ago I purchased two timeshares on ebay(sounds crazy, but I researched them before bidding). One of them, the Hacienda del Mar, is located closer to Cabo San Lucas and the other, the Grand Mayan, has several locations sprinkled throughout Mexico. The newest Grand Mayan, located just outside San Jose, was completed a year ago. We stayed at the Hacienda del Mar for the first week and enjoyed the lovely grounds, architecture and pools.

The beach was beautiful, too.

Before moving on to our next stop, we visited Todos Santos up Highway 1 on the Pacific side. Todos Santos is called a "Magical town" in the tour books. There are many galleries..we purchased two prints by Jill Logan and spent some time chatting with her

...before stopping by the Hotel California for a pleasant lunch on the patio.

As we transitioned from one hotel to the other, tropical storm Julio hit Los Cabos. We encountered flooded streets and experienced high wind and rain for a day.

Our second week was spent at the Grand Mayan, just outside San Jose del Cabo. It is much smaller the GM in Cancun but the staff and accommodations were perfect.

I did manage to do some knitting on this trip. The second Zombie Sock is well on the way and should be finished later this week. Another project that I knit on can't be mentioned yet as it will be a gift for someone special.

When we arrived home a package containing yarn was on top of the stack. I volunteered to to test knit a hat pattern for Cathy (a friend from sock camp). Currently it is called The Hat With No Name. It starts at the top with a circular cast on that is new to me...another challenge. Should be fun! More about this in days to come...

First Zombie Vanquished!

2008-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

One Zombie Sock done, one to go. It was a tricky start for me...but easy to do. As I mentioned before there are two spots in twelve rounds that you have to pay attention.

My very hard working husband (yes, that is sweat on his shirt)has devoted every possible moment he can squeeze out of his busy schedule to moving my craft room ahead. This week we decided to add a ceiling fan before finishing the floor...and while we were waiting for the window treatment to arrive. It was quite a project and involved crawling in a small attic space of questionable construction to reinforce the area above where the ceiling fan was to fit. I think it was a wonderful addition and it looks fantastic.

During one of our many trips to Home Depot, I found some cool cord pulls to use and discovered that they bonk together if you don't stagger them. That would be annoying.

This morning we woke up to some wonderful news. Kim Rhode, the daughter of our good friends, Ric and Sharon, has won her 4th medal in her 4th Olympics. This was her first Silver Medal. If you are interested, you can check out her scores and some pictures here. There is a good news article about her that includes a short movie at this site. I promptly put on my Olympic shirt to join in their celebration of her accomplishment.

Third Time is a Charm

2008-08-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

...at least it is for my Zombie Socks. The pattern isn't difficult. The problem seems to be my short attention span that doesn't last for the entire 12 rows of the pattern repeat. You only have to pay attention on rows 6 and 12 and read your stitches the other rows. What is so hard about that? Perhaps it is the Zombie curse.

Yesterday flew by while working at Unraveled...Fay Lynn had a large beginning knitting group and Janice taught a workshop on how to make a lamb out of Ozark Yarn. We had so many comments about the cute sample she made for the store-it just had to be a class. There were also several people who just dropped by to sit, visit and knit. It made for a fun, busy day for Christine, Margie and me.

After work, Greg picked me up and we went to join some friends to hear the Cal Phil play at the Arboretum. As it turned out, one of the other couples at the table were parents of a former student of Greg. Not a day goes by that we don't run into someone he has taught in the past. It was a delightful evening under the stars...great food and good company, too. We brought desert for the table and thanks to another knitting friend, (misterd on Ravelry), I decided on some tasty cookies from Euro Pane.

Lisa (feltaholic on Ravelry) had this cool color personality quiz on her blog. I bit and it came up with pale turquoise for me....always liked the color. Now I know it was fate.

you are paleturquoise
#AFEEEE

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is low - You stay out of stressful situations and advise others to do the same. You may not be the go-to person when something really needs done, but you know never to blow things out of proportion.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Wish Trees in Pasadena

2008-08-06T12:05:00.002-07:00

Saturday night we ventured into Old Town with Meghan and Julien. We had dinner at IL Fornio and saw Yoko Ono's Wish Tree installation in the courtyard at One Colorado. There were some very touching wishes and several unusual ones, as well.

The Primavera Socks are finished and the Zombie Socks (both on Ravelry) will be cast on later this afternoon. I haven't quite decided which yarn to use...but the choices have been narrowed down to two very good ones!

Garden Tour

This is not only our sole tomato hornworm of the season...but also the current record-holder for size. He/she is in the process of turning into the next stage in it's maturation cycle. No, I didn't smoosh it.

New Toys

2008-08-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

New toys are so cool! I have downloaded several new applications for my iphone. So far this is my favorite one.... misterd(on Ravelry) and Knitdad sorting out some issue on a sweater.

Meanwhile, across the table, I am churning out mitered squares by the dozen and turning the heel on the Primavera Socks. Hopefully, there will be a posting on Sunday of a finished pair of socks. Don't hold your breath.

Harbor Cruise 2008

2008-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today was our knitting group's annual harbor cruise and trip to Alamitos Bay Yarn Company. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Good people, good food & drink and....did I mention YARN? Our captain this year, Fran, pointed out some things we had not seen before. Luckily, not too much wine was spilled and I remembered the wasabi nuts. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Andy and Mendy Mario

Thom

Hopefully, someone else got a shot of Rene and Larry. I was sitting in the wrong place to get either one of them. I didn't get a decent moon jellyfish picture this year...but I did get this sign that I didn't remember from our last trip.
Now for the stash enhancement shot you have been waiting for. You know there had to be yarn if we went all the way to Alamitos Bay. Everything except the Schaefer Anne was purchased at Alamitos...that was a drive by after leaving Mendy's.

Bad, bad Susan!

Reflections on Knitting....

2008-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

It seems that knitting has taken over my life. Not a bad vice, mind you! I have made many new friends, learned quite a bit (a fraction of what I need to know before I become an accomplished knitter), improved my technology skills and traveled...all because of knitting. This all began innocently enough when my daughter suggested that I needed a new hobby when I retired and we took an introductory knitting lesson with Knitdad. That was the genesis of my downfall...just kidding.

This week I finished the first Primavera Sock and cast on the second. Another project, the Seamingly Simple Vest, that has been languishing on the sidelines for longer than I care to mention-was seamed up with pointers from Knitdad on Friday. It is a quick knit and is destined to be a wardrobe staple this Fall. The yarn, Blue Moon's Twisted, was dream to knit.A friend from Sock Camp put a call out for test knitters for a hat she had designed and I responded. I've not been a test knitter before....it should be fun! The yarn and pattern are on their way.

Earl Grey Pattern Finished

2008-07-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Greg took a few minutes out of working on the craft room to pose in his just Kitchenered ebay-won Wollmeise socks. I was so anxious to be done this afternoon that I dropped a stitch and had to rip back about an hour's worth of work. That wasn't much fun but the yarn is such a pleasure to work with I shed only a few tears. Knitdad will be proud that I took my needles out and ripped back with abandon just past the missed stitch...and then reinserted my needles and reknit like the wind.

Wollmeise!!!

2008-07-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's mail brought my latest yarn purchases-Wollmeise from the Loopy Ewe. After watching the website all day last Monday,they put the yarn up at 9PM Central Time. In less than five minutes, 300 skeins were gone! It must have been fun to watch from their end. I was thrilled to get my two skeins after skein after skein disappeared from my virtual cart before I could "check out". After debriefing, I have rethought my shopping strategy and am ready to do battle for their next shipment. Bring on the Wollmeise. The GA skein was to avoid shipping charges and it is a good, manly color. Greg likes the name, too.

Keyboard Buddy

2008-07-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have been gifted Ganley the Hedgehog by a dear Fox's breakfast buddy, Devra. He was poised at my place setting when we walked in this morning, waiting patiently for us to arrive. Now he occupies a spot near the keyboard...

Greg's Earl Grey Sock is coming along nicely. Can't wait to see my new Wollmeise purchases. They were paid for this morning and should be winging toward Altadena soon, accompanied by a skein of Great Adirondack in Cappuccino to round out my order to avoid shipping charges. Great excuse, no?

Wollmeise

2008-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

The word on the street was that Wollmeise would be posted on The Loopy Ewe website sometime early this week. So, being obsessive and a compulsive sock knitter, I kept a laptop within reach while I was knitting Greg's Wollmeise Earl Grey Sock. Every few minutes I refreshed the screen. Then....Lo and behold, at 7PM (Pacific Time)....there it was! Sadly, I browsed too long and many of my purchases disappeared out of my cart before I checked out (less than 5 minutes later). Neither of the two items I managed to bag were my first choice. However, I did score some Wollmeise. Woot! The colorways that I will have the pleasure of paying for are Indisch Rot and Zenzi. Before the bloodbath started, I managed to finish one sock up to the heel turn. All in all, it was a fantastic sock-filled day.

Cool Sock Blockers on a Humid Day

2008-07-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

The sock blockers arrived! I have wanted some since I first saw them on the cover of Cat Bordhi's latest book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Bk. One. A friend from the past two BMFA sock camps on Orcas Island, Chappy, sells them (her husband, John, makes them) through her website. They are really beautifully finished and well worth the money. You can have just about any image on top...hedgehogs, for some crazy reason appealed to me.

Jalapeños Anyone?

2008-07-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

We are letting them ripen to see how they taste. You rarely see red Jalapeños at the market.

The knitting group that I belong to has scheduled our annual "harbor cruise" and I can go! I was concerned that it might fall when we will be out of town-but the knitting gods have decided that I should go. We had such fun last time ... it will be hard to top. Hopefully the moon jellies will be there when we swing by for a photo op. Hold on to your sunglasses, Tom!

The Annetrelac socks are coming along. It looks like they will be done sometime tomorrow as there is not much time left to work on them today. Because my second quilting class takes place this evening, there will be no time later today. The decision about a pattern for Greg's Wollmeise socks is close to being made. The strongest contender at the moment is Earl Grey because, in my opinion, the pattern will not overpower the beauty of the yarn. Spookie agrees...

35th Wedding Anniversary!

2008-07-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Greg and I celebrated our anniversary yesterday. We both worked hard all day and enjoyed a dinner out. This is some of what we ordered:

We shared a lovely fish entree served on a bed of rissoto and two rich desserts all washed down with an appropriate wine. This was preceded by a tasty cadillac margarita!

My anniversary present is all the hard work Greg is/has put in on my craft room. His time as precious, as it is with anyone who works from home. Progress is made slowly...but it is well worth the wait! Currently he is focused on the two large bookcases that occupy a space behind the door. As the room is small, it is important to use every inch.

Stolen Shoe

2008-07-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Before I found my snazzy green clogs, I had a pair of old flip flops that I kept on the front step to wear in the garden. However, one of them went missing a few weeks ago (hence, the purchase of the Sloggers). This morning Greg found the missing sandal on one of the critter trails, along the side of our house. Someone had a good time chewing my shoe!

Yesterday, before working at Unraveled, I snapped a few shots of my first entrelac sock.

Today is our 35th Anniversary. Greg has always given me yellow roses for our Anniversary. Today was not an exception.

Christine, the owner of Unraveled, surprised me with some thoughtful gifts to kick off our anniversary festivities. Now Greg can't lose his place with magnetic bookmarks...and what girl from Arizona doesn't love a turquoise and coral cuff?

A But the Kitchener....

2008-07-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Annetrelac Sock #1 is almost finished. My goal for the 4th was to finish the first one and to cast on the second. Looks like I will make it!

Last night was the first of two class meetings for Piecing 101 at New Moon Textiles, a new fabric store in the neighborhood. I had a great time and learned quite a bit.

The picture shows the first set of squares and three of the six fabrics I have selected for the project. Quilting was another craft I wanted to tackle during my retirement. There are some talented teachers associated with this store and I have so much to learn.

Finally!!!

2008-06-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have a name and an address of someone who will finish the socks-in-progress that have been in my possession for some time now. They will be mailed to Lambikins (who lives in Connecticut) later this morning. Best of luck brave warrior!

We plan on spending a semi quiet 4th. Once again we are minding a neighbor's dog and plants in exchange for hot tub/cooling pool privileges. It is a great trade. We are celebrating our 35th Anniversary on Sunday. If you are looking for a gift...click here.

The Annetrelac Socks are coming along after a few false turns yesterday. Hopefully, I will be through the entrelac section on the first sock later this afternoon.

On My Needles

2008-06-30T08:29:00.001-07:00

The Annetrelac Socks are finally underway...this is an unofficial KAL with 3 participants. Knitdad, Mendy and moi. Knitdad had some Anne in his stash, so he will be using that. Not sure what Mendy will cast on. I thought this Trekking might work...we'll see what the next round of rectangles look like. So far, so good. Note the circular needle holding stitches on the back so they don't zoom off my dpns.

Could It Be??

2008-06-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was at SIT(Stitch in Time) to do a mini KAL with Larry. We thought it would be fun to try the Annetrelac Sock pattern. It was published in the Winter 2007, Holiday issue, if you happen to have it. We'll see how it goes. While there, several friends dropped by to knit, visit, and have expert advise from Larry on knitting questions. I don't know how Larry manages to keep all of that information straight! One person who came by was Andy, a brave sole who just ripped back on a project. He had a wig with him and it didn't take much persuasion to get a shot ...

Have you heard the expression Separated at Birth? Well, a few minutes after Andy left the store, we were looking through copies of new books and came upon this photo in

Knits for Men
Could it be? Only their hairdressers know....

For Those of You.....

2008-06-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

who are still confused how Sock Wars III works (in theory, at least) this is the best explanation of the process.

I am still waiting to hand off the socks in progress that were mailed to me from the UK.

Meanwhile, the struggle to finish the Leafling Socks is drawing to a close. After ripping the socks back to before the heel twice, I think I have it figured out. I am planning to cast on another project tomorrow at SIT one way or another. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

We saw Mongol this evening. What a brutal life they had.

I'm Dead

2008-06-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the mailman had several packages for us today...and YES one of them did contain my Death Socks. I have already notified my "killers" but first, let us bow our heads for a moment of silence.

Here are my fantastic Death Socks and the package of goodies from my co-killers, Gabrielle and Freda. They made death all the sweeter by their thoughtfulness!

Now to the problem of sorting out who will get the socks in progress that I have been holding for the past few weeks. Once I decided to not opt into the continuation of the game (after the Supreme Commander called Sock Wars III over), I had to wait to die without influencing the game. How boring is that?

Sock Wars III Winner Declared

2008-06-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

The winner of the original Sock Wars III game has been announced. If you are interested click here. Because he is from California, too......I guess my postcard made it into the drawing but the force was not with me, sadly. The stitch marker above has three skulls that represent my 3 confirmed kills...a fellow warrior had them available in her Etsy store

The second Spring Forward sock came off the needles this morning. Don't they look spiffy with my new garden clogs?No, I don't plan to wear the socks in the garden. I couldn't resist the combination for a photo..

Two quick shots from the garden...it is way too hot to putter around out there these days!

Spring Forward #1

2008-06-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

The first Spring Forward Sock is off the needles and kitchenered. It is done in BMFA's fingering weight Lemongrass. If you care to look, I have several views posted on my Ravelry projects page. The pattern was error free and quite easy. No problems watching TV with this one! Try it and you will not be disappointed.

Something exciting came in the mail just now....and it was not my Death Socks! Something much better than that. My latest ebay victory...Wollmeise. I am embarrassed to mention how much I paid for it. You know that MUST HAVE feeling? Here it is....the colorway is Brombeere.

Our tomato crop was increased by three plants yesterday. That brings us to a grand total of thirteen plants. The additions are different varieties of "large" tomatoes. We had neglected to select and plant that category - but made up for our oversight. Stand back...Killer Tomatoes due to attack soon.

Our plants seem quite happy and most of the blossoms seem to be setting without needing encouragement. We don't have enough to share yet...but that situation won't last much longer. That is, of course, if the squirrels don't run out of birdseed and develop a taste for tomatoes!

Hope You Had...

2008-06-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

..a happy Father's Day. We certainly did. As we were headed up the driveway, Spookie ran past the car with something in his mouth. Always ready to take a picture, I grabbed my camera, jumped out of the car and followed him around the side of the house. He dropped his trophy for a quick photo.We met Meghan and Julien and went on an epicurean adventure in Monterrey Park. They find the most interesting (and tasty) places to go to...this one is called Elite and is known for Dim Sum. I am sure Greg and I will be back there soon! After eating we decided to go to Armstrong Nursery to continue our visit. We needed plant food for our tomato crop and they were shopping for house plants. While there, I snapped some more photos...

Then we headed to Borders Bookstore on South Lake to continue our visit and to look at some games on Meghan's Nintendo DS Lite. I think she was surprised to know that I already had one! Meghan had some games that I didn't know about...so I was able to audition them. It is a fun gadget and the games are very addictive. Needless to say that I was on Amazon last night ordering three more games and a carrying case for my unit. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, filled with fun things to do.

The Spring Forward Socks are coming along. I am almost through the first pattern repeat (24 rows) on the leg. It is the kind of pattern that lends itself to TV watching or conversation-not too taxing on the brain. That doesn't mean that it isn't interesting. How do you think it looks?

How Cool is this?

2008-06-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Esmecat on Etsy has made stitch markers for Sock Wars III successful warriors. The number of skulls indicated how many kills you have recorded. The following link will take you to a picture of the marker she made for me. Click here

Sock Wars III, the original version is almost over. The Supreme Commander sent an email to the remaining "alive" warriors on Friday the 13th. She instructed us to send a postcard to an address in Northern Ireland to arrive by a certain date. However, since the USPS said it would take 5-10 days for mail to arrive there, my entry is not guaranteed to arrive in time for the drawing. Yes, a drawing will determine the ultimate victor in Sock Wars!

But hold on-the drama isn't over yet. If you are on Ravelry, check out the Sock Wars III group threads. A subset of the remaining warriors intend to ignore their Supreme Commander's order and carry on the battle elsewhere. They are emboldened by SWTC's comments on the group forum. Drama abounds! Who expects war to be fair?

I have two more pairs of socks finished for the 52 Pair Plunge. The Monos Locos no pick up gusset intrigued me, so I used it on the second sock in another pair. The first sock in that pair was done in a wrap/turn short row method that I haven't quite mastered.

Sock projects on the needles today are a pair of Detonators that I am making for myself and Linda Welch's design that can be found in the current Knitty.com.