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Summer Socks ~ and Simcha and the Old West
Published on 2013-04-18 21:02:00
It's almost May 1st, which is
A Cabled Scarf and Photography 101 ~
Published on 2013-03-21 21:34:00
I am so happy to finally have this scarf off the needles!!!
Crazy Cowl and Urban Legend ~
Published on 2013-02-18 19:04:00
It's been a particularly hard stretch of work lately and so a little down time in San Clemente has been welcome.
Snowflake Fingerless Mitts and Rustic Pear Tart
Published on 2013-01-21 20:36:00
Hum hum ~ girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes; snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes; silver white winters that melt into spring ~ these are a few of my favorite things ~
A Winter Hat ~ at the Sea Shore
Published on 2013-01-01 22:31:00
It feels like forever since I've finished any knitting and all I've got is a hat.
Victorian Frippery ~ and Holiday Crafting
Published on 2012-12-09 14:39:00
Knitting and making a project that is truly your own is largely a factor of picking colors and texture that best compliment you.
Bunny Bunny Who Has the Bunny ~
Published on 2012-11-19 18:30:00
This is the well-dressed bunny and it's going to the first child of Steve's second cousin.
Amstel Hat and Hiking in Topanga
Published on 2012-11-03 23:02:00
This is the Amstel Hat from the Fall 2012 Interweave Knits magazine.
Halloween Socks and Ghosts and Ghouls ~
Published on 2012-10-17 12:48:00
Who knew knitting with self-striping sock yarn was so much fun!
Wandering The Moors Shawl ~
Published on 2012-09-20 16:26:00
One reason I enjoying knitting as a hobby is because I'm able to create clothing for myself evocative of an earlier time in history. Something I can't simply purchase off the rack. The Wandering the Moors shawl that I'm wearing is a great example of this because it positively oozes medieval charm from it's homespun feel to its mystical reference to the moors. I am intrigued by
Gaucho Vest
Published on 2012-08-26 11:38:00
Just in time for Fall 2012 I finally finished and am wearing my new Gaucho Vest knit in La Lana Wools plant dyed yarn.
Embroidered Locket Tutorial ~
Published on 2012-08-01 18:37:00
Lockets have always appealed to me, ever since I received my first locket as a gift when I was a young child.
Bud ~ a Summer Sweater and Lemon and White Chocolate Muffins
Published on 2012-07-08 12:39:00
I'm out for an evening stroll in my new cardigan.
50 Shades of Green ~ Socks
Published on 2012-06-12 15:53:00
Socks are the comfort food of knitting.
Oolong tea ~ Leaf Cup Cuddler
Published on 2012-05-17 21:43:00
This is the third installment in my series on exotic teas of the Far East.
Oak Grove Mitts ~
Published on 2012-04-30 13:25:00
Growing up in Central California I have always been surrounded by oak trees. They are ubiquitous in that region and where I live now in Southern California. If its not California's state tree, then I think it ought to be. For that reason, it's only natural that I wanted to knit these mitts.
Hootie the Felted Owl
Published on 2012-04-10 13:01:00
Topanga is known for it's crows, rattlesnakes, and coyotes.
The Fleur Wrap and Marmalade Tea Cake
Published on 2012-03-19 21:30:00
I have to admit that fancy occasions are always a little awkward for me because I don't enjoy getting dressed up and never know what to wear.
A Good Egg ~ Cozy
Published on 2012-03-02 16:11:00
A hot breakfast on the weekend is a luxurious way to ease into the day. If I had my druthers I would begin every day this way. But during the work week I'm dashing about and can't relax and enjoy the experience as I would like. Instead it is purely a weekend indulgence.My enjoyment of breakfast comes from my childhood memories. My father loved (and still loves) a cooked breakfast and so my mom would occasionally cook a full breakfast on the weekend. I remember mornings that began with the [..]
My Little Chickadee Cowl
Published on 2012-02-11 22:55:00
I really love the big cozy oversized cowls so popular this winter. And I was all set to make myself one....until this winter turned into the "winter that wasn't." A big nonevent. No rain, no damp cold, no clouds and nothing drizzly or gloomy on the horizon. How disappointing.It's one of those warm winters that Southern California is well known for. Since I couldn't see myself wearing a big bulky cowl anytime soon I chose to knit a soft drapy cowl instead. But then I'm not a "process" knit [..]
Varve Shawl
Published on 2012-01-20 13:00:00
Over the past few years I've knit a fair number of shoulder shawlettes which have their place and are very popular for good reason, including a delightful instant gratification factor. But for my money nothing compares to the satisfaction of knitting a traditional lace shawl which is ethereal and warm and truly transformed from a good severe blocking. The yarn I used for this shawl is a wonderfully rustic wool and the moment I saw it in the LYS I knew that it would make a beautiful shawl. It' [..]
Yvonne's English Sherry Trifle
Published on 2012-01-08 19:09:00
It is with great pleasure that I'm sharing my mother's recipe for English Sherry Trifle. This is one of my favorite desserts and is relatively simple to make. It is an authentic English recipe that she learned from her mother growing up in England (and in all likelihood came into the family from their family cook, as my grandmother lived in a household that employed a cook).I think of sherry trifle as a traditional Christmas dessert as my mother always makes one for afternoon tea on Christmas [..]
The Year of Handspun
Published on 2011-12-21 14:45:00
My first post of the year was a handspun project so it is only fitting that my last post this year is also using handspun. Curious because prior to this year I had never knit anything using handspun and then for whatever reason it suddenly captured my attention and I've knit four projects this year with it (Handspun Scarf, Pamuya Shawl, Fingerless Mittens and this scarf). Now I'm hooked on handspun and of all the many things that I've knit over the years, these projects are my favorites.Before [..]
A Trip to Florence ~
Published on 2011-11-26 16:00:00
A trip to Florence street in Sebastopol, California that is! This Thanksgiving we were fortunate to visit Steve's family who live in this quirky little town in Northern California and whilst there happened upon this residential street filled with whimsical sculptures. Come stroll along Florence Street with me in my new Asking For Roses wrap and imagine living on a street where an artist in residence has made the neighborhood his gallery with sculptures scattered throughout.Northern California [..]
Finishing Touches ~
Published on 2011-11-03 17:43:00
At this time of year our thoughts turn toward the holidays and I find it helpful to have a few quick and easy gift ideas and reliable recipes to make the season a little less stressful. To dispel a common perception, a knit gift does not have to be fancy, expensive, or take weeks of complicated knitting to be a gift you are proud to give or wear. It's all in the finishing touches.Both pairs of gloves in this post are based on a basic pattern that has used a simple but effective design elemen [..]
Southwest Knit Shawl
Published on 2011-10-23 20:11:00
I chose to knit the shawl that I'm wearing because it reminds me of the American Southwest and its gorgeous sunsets and the clothing inspired by that region. The Southwest is a beautiful part of America and has a distinct culture that is seen in its art, food, and clothing. Steve and I once traveled by motorcycle all through the Southwest beginning in Albuquerque, New Mexico traveling up to Sante Fe, New Mexico and back through Arizona and ending up in Palm Springs, California.I loved traveli [..]
Mystery Socks ~ and Autumn Apple Turnovers
Published on 2011-10-09 22:27:00
Some of the ways that Knitters alleviate the boredom of the long Summer months is to join a Swap, a Mystery KAL, or a Yarn Club. This Summer I did all three. What can I say? I'm a joiner. While it can be risky to commit to anything sight unseen such as a yarn club or mystery KAL, I lucked out and really love the yarn and my mystery socks (and the Swap too, which I'll tell you about another time).The "clues" in a mystery KAL are released weekly and in this case there were a total of 4 clues. [..]
Autumn Vines ~ In the Clouds
Published on 2011-09-24 18:45:00
We are having a spectacular Fall in Southern California with glorious cloud formations billowing high in the sky whilst fog seeps up from the valleys and ocean below. This morning I am happy to be out with Simcha and Steve enjoying the scenery while wearing my new Autumn Vines Beret. With the arrival of Simcha into our lives we go for a hike every morning because, if I've failed to mention it, Simcha is a "high energy" dog and we all have a more relaxing day if it begins with a hike. The amazi [..]
Handspun Mittens ~
Published on 2011-09-10 16:43:00
I'm back! I'm back! What? No one noticed I was away? Gee whiz. I thought you might like to know that I've been through a bout of poison oak (severe), a late summer heatwave, out of town company, and work hassles, only one of which was enjoyable. In any event, I'm happy to be back in my space waffling on about knitting as usual. This time about my rock n little handspun mitts.I'm a huge fan of handspun yarn, and although I don't have the time to spin I find it a treat to knit. Especially s [..]
Sheepish Pincushion
Published on 2011-06-27 11:21:00
Some people lose interest in knitting during the Summer months when the days are sweltering hot, humid, and sticky and the heat is oppressive. But not me. I knit year round regardless of the weather. And yet. When it's very ho
Kusha Kusha Scarf and Blueberry Pie ~
Published on 2011-06-12 08:13:00
You mustn't think that I'm not aware I have a fixation on an earlier period in time. Many of my projects reflect that fascination. I particularly like projects that bring alive clothing items worn in an earlier era such as some of my tria
A Great Day ~ in San Clemente
Published on 2011-05-30 18:21:00
It's hard not to have a great day when wearing hand knit socks that give your feet unparalleled warmth, comfort and pizazz! But it never hurts to be told to have a great day either. San Clemente is a sleepy little surf town just North of San Di
Felt Bunny
Published on 2011-05-07 21:42:00
This little bunny is made with my own handmade felt. I made it without any knitting and virtually no sewing! To make felt you simply lay out an interlocking pattern of merino wool and agitate the fibers using your hands with soap an
The Wood Nymph Shawl ~
Published on 2011-04-26 21:49:00
As a child I was brought up on a steady diet of nursery rhymes and stories of magical creatures. As a result I have had a life long love affair with all things fairy. This shawlette is dainty enough to remind me of frilly mushrooms and cl
A Blue Bird ~ In Wool Felt
Published on 2011-04-14 15:50:00
One of my favorite things about Spring is the sound of birds chirping to greet the day.Every morning Simcha and I take a long hike in the beautiful Santa Monica mountains where I allow him to run off leash and we enjoy a time of peace and quiet befo
A Baby Sweater ~
Published on 2011-04-03 21:51:00
When Hilary (The Yarniad) announced she was having her first baby I was so happy for her I just had to knit the baby a sweater. And in the process of knitting the sweater I thought about the things that I was given as a child that I have kept t
Easter Sunday Wrap
Published on 2011-03-22 17:08:00
I am finding it difficult to write this post in the wake of the crisis in Japan and so many around the world facing difficult times. A sobering reminder that all things can be swept away by the tides of time or tragedy. I recognize how ea
Woodland Flower ~ Powder Puff
Published on 2011-03-06 15:50:00
I made this Woodland Flower Powder Puff simply because it makes me smile. That and I actually use dusting powder. But why did I really make it as I can obviously get along just fine without it? For the simple reason that explorin
A Sublime Sweater
Published on 2011-02-22 21:24:00
This sweater is nothing extraordinary. Just a comfort knit. The equivalent of mashed potatoes and a warm hug. But wearing it at home lounging about with nothing to do is sublime after working long hours these past few weeks.The sof
My Lumber Jack Shawl
Published on 2011-02-01 14:26:00
I call this my Lumber Jack Shawl because that's the name of the colorway and because it suits the personality of this shawl so well. Something I would know because I have a history with lumber jacks having come from a family of manly men who know som
Authentic Italian Cookies
Published on 2011-01-18 13:53:00
I always have knitting to share but occasionally I like to mix it up with a recipe or other fiber related craft. In this post I'm sharing a recipe that is special not only because it is an authentic Italian family recipe but also because it cam
Heavenly Handspun Scarf
Published on 2011-01-04 15:18:00
Sometimes it's the simplest things in life that bring the greatest pleasure. The feel of the sun warming your skin after it has rained or a walk on the beach as seagulls circle overhead. I forget these things until we return to San Clemente, Califo
All That Glitters ~ Evening Gloves
Published on 2010-12-18 18:11:00
We can't always be traipsing about in heavy woolens, now can we? At this time of year when there are Christmas parties and family events to attend it's nice to have a little something extra special to slip on.Not that I have all that many opportunit
In Search of Magic ~ A Harry Potter Inspired Knit
Published on 2010-12-07 16:25:00
This morning I'm out and about early in my new Sssssnake Hat which is a design inspired by the Harry Potter books and I'm in search of a little magic here in Topanga.I'm sure that if there are any wizards or magicians to be found in Los Angeles, then
Prelude to Winter ~ A Warm Cowl
Published on 2010-11-23 13:35:00
As a knitter I rarely purchase any winter accessories as I prefer to make my own. But last Winter I saw a super cute hat that I just had to have even though I knew it was made with an acrylic yarn. And while I like the look of that ha
Cranberry Gloves and Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake!
Published on 2010-11-11 16:40:00
I love immersing myself in the rhythm of the Seasons. The colors and flavors of Fall particularly resonate with me. There's just something about this season that touches the inner Pilgrim in me. I know that Steve would disagree, but I'm sure that
Milkweed Shawl
Published on 2010-10-26 21:53:00
We are house bound these days as our dear Simcha is recovering from a difficult neutering surgery that was aborted. The good news is that he's doing well and we are very pleased with his treatment course and the surgeon who will do his next surgery
Funky Fall Gloves and Halloween Crafts!
Published on 2010-10-09 21:52:00
When I first saw these gloves I thought "oh how perfect for Fall!" But then I hesitated. They were knit in pink and day glow white and the effect was just a tad too girlish for a woman of my mature years. But then a kit for the gloves became availa
Shaelyn Shawl
Published on 2010-09-21 09:45:00
The Shaelyn Shawl is a relatively new pattern and is sure to be popular this season because it is an easy and quick knit with stunning results. But why have the same shawl as everyone else? Instead break a few rules and have a shawl that