Living the Good Life in Sonoma

I am very fortunate to have found a place to be, that is good for my soul.  Surrounded by beautiful mountains, flowers, vineyards and nice people.  One of those people has given me the opportunity to hone a new craft "Mosaics".  If you love putting together puzzles and you delight in color, than this could be a hobby or craft for you.   My most recent pieces:  Thanks Janey!!!  You know I can be knit'n all the time!

large pot 1

Large Pot 2

Craving a Creamsicle

My most recent project -- A top down, square neck pullover.   Using Creme de la Creme (coats and clark)  Double strand and size 11 needle.  Other then a few too many knots in one skein and some stains on another, I am pleased with the yarn.   The only real problem is I'm craving a Creamsicle!!!

sleeve to be long

Swirling again

I began another swirl a few months ago and believe it or not this is my easy knitting project.  You know the kind of project you can knit in front of the TV or at a knit gathering.   The stitches are basically knit, purl and decrease.  Of course you must count rounds/rows but that is what those stitch counters are all about.  And the wonderful thing about this project is that when you are finished, all the seams sewn and   ends woven in…you have the most impressive, best fitting and flattering sweater ever.    Although I'm using a variety of yarns, the Sheffield is my favorite.  It has Angora and feels so, so cozy.   Unfortunately it is not available any longer.  

The Swirl Completed

I have been knitting--- here's the Swirl completed.  With Marj, Doyle and Abbey @ Stitches 2012.

Stitches 2012

And here's the beginning of the next Swirl.  Wool, silk and Mohair

Eliz Zimmerman for the Twins

It's so easy to be creative with the Baby Surprise Jacket.   The identical twins are not dressed in identical outfits, so I used a variety of colors, added a little fun fur and cute buttons for these sweaters.   

A Little Yarn Bomb in Sonoma

Yarn bombing -- So she wanted to yarn bomb the tree outside the shop and we worked together to make it happen.   This artwork created a stir in town…some loved it, others wanted it taken down.
It's no longer on the tree …but who knows ..it may reappear in the future.  

around the old redwood tree

a bikini in Sonoma
Don't see that often

Toffee baby booties-  in case you were interested in getting the pattern..it's on ravelry.. Enjoy

Although this is a knitting blog, I should be clear that crochet was my first love.   It's a medium that allows you to create shapes so easily… and although in terms of clothing patterns crochet has had a bad rap in the past, some of the recent designs produced are outstanding.  Love the work of Doris Chan.   

As I said before many babies born this year…I've been giving these booties away like hotcakes!!!

Keeping Warm

Coolness in Sonoma.   It's hard to understand unless you've been here, have seen it or felt it, but contrary to popular opinion California weather can be cold!!!  Now I grew up and spent the majority of my life on the East Coast, even 4 years in the depths of winter in Syracuse NY, and there have been days in Sonoma when I felt more cold and chilled then in New York.  Hard to figure,  I attribute it to the insulation in the homes…perhaps less  or maybe it's the fog that rolls in.  Do you know that it's very common to see people in Down Jackets in downtown San Francisco in the middle of Summer!!!!  My solution to the problem was to make a cowl wrap that covers my shoulders.    This is one version.

Baby Knits

So many babies over the last year.   I have two friends that are getting close to double digits when it comes to the number of grandkids they have.   My niece and nephew just had a beautiful baby girl.   They live in Hawaii so the question is.. "What can I knit?   I found this pattern but decided that best to crochet it in cotton.    So Cute a baby Turban!!   http://thismamamakesstuff.com/crochet-baby-turban-pattern-tutorial/

baby Turban