California Dreamin

December 26th we headed out to California for a long, long car trip. On the way there I started a fair isle hat. I discovered just how much I loved fair isle. I loved watching the colors and pattern come to life. I may have to try more of this fair isle knitting.
When we got to Encinitas, I decided to look up local knit shops. I found two that I will definitely go back to on return trips. They are both on Hwy 101 by the beach. Black Sheep had a lovely assortment of sock yarns of which I purchased two skeins of Ambiente, Schoppel Wolle. The next shop, Common Threads, had a lovely selection of Koigu and Mini Moochie, which I also purchased intending to make yet another Chevron scarf. I was very disappointed in the lack of yarn shops in Anaheim, where I grew up and where my Mom now lives. After two dead end attempts to find shops, I did find on, Velona, in Anaheim hills. It had the most yarn inventory I have ever seen in any one place. Floor to ceiling stocked with yarn in plastic bags. I should of taken photos of the chaos, but I am afraid I would of insulted the owners. No purchases there.
I did come home with a new found appreciation for all the lovely and organized yarn shops we are so lucky to have here in the Denver area. Like they say, "there's no place like home." So true......

Knitting for me and my friend, Paddy

I have been busy knitting, I really have. Just have not posted lately. Made a lot of gifts for grandchildren, neighbors and Christmas tree at Curves. Curves has a tree every year that clients fill with knitted hats, scarves, gloves and socks. They go to a local womans shelter. But I thought I would post just a few things I have done that I haven't given away. The mittens I just finished. They are super warm. They are knitted with Crystal Palace Taos yarn and a strand of solid mohair. Very fast knit and with this frigid temperature, very useful. The cat bed was knitted with Homespun, I have tons in my stash. Although I hate to knit with it, it made quite a nice cat bed. So far, Paddy is the only one who has made himself at home with it. Sorry my cats are not more like Terry's. They seem to love cat beds.

Christmas in years past

Every year I drag out the Christmas tree, ornaments and decorations. This year I thought I would post a few I painted in years past. I really need to pick up those brushes again soon, but my paint table is in the basement now, and it is sooooo cold down there. Other than my needlework stands that I get orders from, The Artists Collection, I have not painted much this year. Soon, very soon.........

Photos from Retreat

Fall Knitting Retreat at Buena Vista

Girls just want to have fun and KNIT!!!!! Three days and three nights of fun, eating and knitting. What more could a knitter want.....Well, there is a fair amount of fiber, patterns, stitch markers, stash buying, swapping, etc. This year we had a hat contest sponsored by Black Water Abbey yarns. The hat pattern was called, "Oh Snapp Hat". There were seven other beautiful contenders in the contest besides me, but to my shock and SURPRISE, I won.....I got a $25.00 gift certificate to spend on beautiful Black Water Abbey yarns. I put it to good use right away. Thanks to all the wonderful ladies that voted for my hat. Had a great time and met many new fellow lady knitters and reunited with the ones I have met before. Now....on to those new projects........By the way, you can purchase one of these Oh Snapp hat patterns at www.abbeyyarns.com....they are adorable and would make a great Christmas present.