Lavender Field

             I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.   Everyday I look out my window and see the mountains and gorgeous blue sky (almost every day).  Sunday I was fortunate enough to travel North up the highway to Kenwood and visit the Sonoma Lavender Festival.   It was a lovely day.  The fields were in full bloom and the lavender was ready to be picked.   My first visit was to the chocolate shop --lavender infused truffles...absolutely delicious and then for a hand massage with lavender salt rub and lotions... there were cooking demonstrations and authorities in lavender cultivation giving presentations,  it was a perfect day. Lavender is healing and soothing..great to use creams on those knitting hands



sneak peak



knit in public day

We had a beautiful day in the Sonoma Plaza Rose Garden.. The park was filled with children playing, birthday parties and tourists...the sun was shining and although the wind picked up it was a perfect day..life doesn 't get any better.. Photos to follow

The sweater Ella

Finally finished all the last touches, and in this case that means sewing on the buttons... Oh about the buttons I searched and searched all the shops for the best button and low and behold the perfect buttons were in my button box.

Swirls!!!! with the exact same colors !!

  Plan on posting to ravelry ElizSCknits pattern and all..

So it begins -- Knit One Knit All Pattern #1

 Knit One Knit All  Chambered Nautilus Tam



picking up I-cord stitch

Although my caplet is not done I decided to begin the first pattern in Knit One Knit All. Saturday is Knit in Public day and this is a wonderful piece to work on, the caplet is too intense to be able to knit and talk.   It is a spiral I-cord beret.  You know I love spiral designs, it must be the hypnotist in me!!  The pattern is written as Elizabeth Zimmerman would have written it and I realized that I needed to read the directions over twice and then experiment with the stitch.  I began with a chunky yarn on a size 7 needle to get the gauge desired, but found the fabric to be stiff and the spiral was not lying as it should.  Then taking Cascade 220 superwash in a lovely brown I began all over again.   The fabric swirl is created by knitting across 7 stitches, including short rows and attaching to the I cord you create in the row.  My knitting style is unconventional, the legs of my stitches do not lie on the front of the needle, so many times I need to re-load the stitch in order to get the desired result.   I found that in the beginning of this project I was not following the directions as clearly written and created a new version at the attachment to the I-cord, with a second raised  row running along side.   Once I realized my error and how to create a more seamless attachment the spiral took on a new look.   See below.

Knit One Knit All

Have you seen this book?  I am in love.. never thought I would want to knit almost every design in one book  but I have changed my mind...Soooo here is the plan   I will knit every design,, except the pullovers. ( At my age and body type ..definitely not my style) but who's to say I could knit them  and give as gifts... hum..
Game Plan:

• I will have two projects going at one time, at all times
• I use quality yarn from my stash, before I purchase new yarn
• Each design will be photographed in progress
• I will update this blog frequently with the details

Oh but I must finish this project first.  It's on the cover of Spring Summer Vogue  --Caplet--knitting it in Rowan DK Wool and working on the border now....  I'll keep you posted... really I will!!!!

Best Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  Please enjoy your time with friends and family, and think of others.

new classes

I have 4 knitting classes scheduled for the winter   the Fair Isle hat,  Elizabeth Zimmerman's Surprise Jacket,

Sonoma Hoodie and a dog sweater!!!

This is a small world

I've heard and used that saying so many times,  when I run into a friend while 100's of miles from home, or I meet someone new and find that they are married to my 3rd cousin on your grandmother's side of the family, or ......well you know what I mean.   But sitting in the airport the other day, just watching all the people pass.... made it clear to me that there are millions and millions of people.... living a life, wanting the basic things is life we all should have,  food, shelter, love and compassion.  I sat there and watched, and made eye contact and smiled and even though everyone was in a rush to catch a flight or get their baggage, they all smiled back.

Getting it together

It's been a busy 30 days!!! To NY and Back,  the move, new classes at Broadway Quilts and the International Knitting Studio, and now back in NY.   Handed west  today.  It will feel good to get settled!!!

Where did this month go?

The trip to Rhinebeck was absolutely wonderful.   All 10 Divas were there, plus a few more ladies, and we made a new friend. .  It was great, it's been a while since we were all together.  The chatting did not end until late at night and then began again early in the AM.   Lily Chin's class was outstanding, as usual..........The Fall weather was gorgeous ........ Everyone is planning to return next year.