I would like to meet the author of this sign board someday.

Following Nancy on facebook, I’ve recently been inspired by a couple of her ideas. They’re so simple and easy yet oh so glamorous. For instance, she knit a scarf which she calls Simply Garter on size 17 needles using Rowan Big Wool but also suggested a cheaper version using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick. As soon as I read that, I grabbed my coupons, jumped in the car and drove over to Michael’s to pick up a few balls. It turns out that I already had the needles…for knitting plarn.

Another project of Nancy’s that got me going is a free hat pattern called Intuitive. I ripped my TNF replication (which wasn’t really working out anyway) and plan on re-purposing the lovely Venezia for this hat…as soon as I can. Even tho I’m officially on winter break, I’m still working on school-related odds and ends (such as yearbook…grrrr…) but I’m inspired. Oh am I inspired.

As the rain beats down and pelts my skylight, I’m cozily tapping away on this blog while listening to NPR All Songs 24/7. I’ll soon take a break and work on my latest mindless project – the shades of grey scarf that you see pictured above.

Stay dry.

It was a beautiful rainy day on Saturday. One of those days that just makes you want to start project after project after new project and what should arrive for me at the Orinda library but the new More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. This book is a keeper folks. I may even have to go and buy it for my permanent collection. It’s that good.

Flipping though the pages of the book I saw the big lace scarf pattern. Of course I had to start it, as if I had nothing better to do. I do. Instead I dug through my piles of stash and found a ball of Crystal Palace Mochi (Mochi plus I think but I have long since lost the wrapper) and with one ball the end result is about 36 inches long. Not bad. A little something to wrap around my neck on a cold morning.

It’s done. Over the weekend. In between homework and school work and baking and walks in the park. A little gift to myself.

I presented expectant mother Maggie, the finished baby layette one week ago but I confess that I have been slow to post the finished photos – for a variety of reasons. The jacket was inspired by one I saw on the blog of EarthChicKnits. I thought it was so cool that I immediately cast on and it turned out to be a fun little knit.

I loved that she knit the cardigan from sock yarn so I used the Jitterbug I had left but was a little mad at myself for using one ball to knit the sleepy hollow socks (I originally had two balls). What was I thinking? I ordered more but of course the dye lot didn’t match up. Major lesson learned here. Like they say, make sure you buy enough – MORE than enough!

The other pieces of the layette were improvised and my intention is to post the patterns. Soon. This is where I’m stalled. The socks and hat are simple enough, and I’ve made them both numerous times. But the little leggings were a bit of a challenge to say the least.

I was originally inspired by a pair I saw on BrooklynTweed’s blog but the pattern was nowhere to be found. There really aren’t any baby pants patterns written for magic loop much less for circular needles.

So I will try and overcome my writer’s block and get these patterns to you post haste. After all, I can count on you, dear reader and fellow knitter, to point out any  mistakes to me – and I hope you will!

I had the distinct honor of watching my son and his girlfriend, Nell, graduate from Indiana University yesterday. What a thrill! The speaker was Quincy Jones who received his 14th honorary doctorate degree. The venue was immense as you can see here.

Today I was pampered and spoiled for Mother’s Day, even being treated to Iron Man 2. I am grateful to my children for making me a mother. Tomorrow, I make my way back to Chicago and then SF. See you all on the west coast soon.

News of David Hockney surfaced recently and I have to admit that I had forgotten all about this exceptional artist. I wasn’t even sure if he was still alive. I’m happy to report that Hockney is very much alive, living in England again and still smoking at the age of 72. Watching him smoke in the video really made me crave one and that hasn’t happened for quite some time (It’s been almost three years since I quit).

Although DH has been painting landscapes in Yorkshire lately, I love his portraits most. His brushwork is quite rough but extremely evocative. Just look at the eyes in the portrait of “Mum”. Brilliant. Bloody brilliant.

Because I knit so much, I don’t read as often as I would like and my recent attempt with an audio book, as I reported here, was less than successful.

The one thing I do read daily is the NYtimes.com and that’s where I read about  Nina Sankovitch, who has been reading one book per day for 353 days, the ultimate goal being one book per day for 365 days.

It’s a fascinating little article and I found her blog where she posts daily reviews of each book read, even more interesting. It actually prompted me to go online to see if my local library had The English Major available. I was intrigued when Nina wrote in her review of the book, “Jim Harrison is a writer who always pleases.” Absolutely true.

So now I’ve been happily reading this book for the past couple of days. There is no way I’m going to be able to read one book per day but it’s fun to be reading interesting fiction again and reading for the sheer joy of reading.

Michelle and I took advantage of a break in the weather today and drove down to Woodburn to the Tulip Fest at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, a place I hadn’t visited in about 15 years – not since the kids were small. You could almost believe your were in the Netherlands or in an impressionistic painting. Who is the painter famous for red tulips? The artist escapes me at the moment.

Unfortunately today was the last day of the festival and you’ll have to wait until 2010 to see them blossom again. But I’ll leave you with some colorful and inspiring shots from today.

At our recent visit, Nancy brought along a stack of swatches – BIG swatches. I was especially attracted to this, the lovely scroll pattern knit in a beautiful hand-dyed koigu merino. It looks as beautiful from the front

as it does from the back.

Nancy explores different and often obscure stitch patterns from the Barbara Walker stitch dictionary series. If you’re not familiar with the genius of Barbara Walker, these books are definitely worth checking out.

Nancy shared her most recent project: Double Knitted Gloves. These gloves, of which she only had one finished are knit beginning at the tips of the fingers entirely on TWO NEEDLES. You heard right. No more futzing around with four (or five) double pointed needes. I suppose you could use magic loops but the prospect of knitting gloves on two needles is very exciting to say the least.

The lovely gloves are designed by Judy Wilcox and are taught in a class by Judy Taylor. Check with Close Knit for details. Nancy used Karabella Silk Merino Lace which I think was the perfect choice. Nancy gives more details about these gloves at her blog.

Lastly, Nancy also shared with me one of her free patterns, the Long Scalloped Adrienne glove which is convertible and can be worn as a wrist/arm warmer

as well a fingerless glove.

The fiber used is Rowan Tapestry, a verigated soy/wool blend. There’s a very detailed tutorial and pattern at Nancy’s blog so go and check it out.

Thanks for checking out my interview with local knitterati and until next time, Happy Knitting!

As I was waiting for the bus on the corner of Alberta and NE 15th Street the other day, I encountered this friendly, helpful and colorful young man. Sensing a glorious opportunity, I just had to bust out my camera and Johnny didn’t seem to mind one bit. I asked him where he picked up his colorful pieces and he said, the Gap, Old Navy and Goodwill. Just goes to show that high fashion needn’t cost an arm and a leg.

And even though it may seem that I knit primarily in shades of gray (grey?), and it’s true, I am heavily influenced by bright colors…especially on a rainy day.

Oh and I almost forgot…