Purls Just Wanna Have Fun!

What I Did this Summer<3

Yes I had the great pleasure of participating in this dear to my heart program for John Fluevog!

It was a lot of work. However, I learned a great deal and derived great pleasure out of knowing someone like me could be up there on the Internets... Thank You John Fluevog for affording me this awesome opportunity!

Don't ya just love FREE Samples!

This morning's free sample of Pita Chips and Humus --I happily received at the corner of Market and Montgomery inspired me to share what I have been up to this past week....

I realized I had once again let time go buy without posting here and sharing some of the things I have been enjoying in my day to day life...like  the crunchy crunchies of the 4 O'clock daily snack... which today shall be, what you see here:)

For the past two weeks I have really been enjoying my fresh new pony... this Offhand Designs Marcella bag in Frisco.  I can't say enough good things about this bag.  Its roomy, it has plenty of pockets to hold all of your knitting and more.  I carry my ipad, makeup, a full cluch, and a matching nina notions pouch, a knitting magazine or two, and this Aranami knitting project:

An easy peasy knit that keeps you interested as it has lots of color... Color, color, color for variety.   This lovely shawlette is being completed in the hopes of making its debut at Stitches East, and then later this month Vogue Live in the Windy City.   If you want to see this lovely in person, then head on over to the Knitting Ranch and talk to Suzi. She will be in booth #218 at Stitches East, look her up at Vogue Live.. they don't have numbers posted. not to sure how the setup is there.    FYI...  Suzi carefully selected the above Shibui Knits sock and staccatto fingering yarns based on colors I mentioned I would like to see knit together:)  However, she has been working on matching color schemes for this shawl for a few weeks and I am sure she can oblige to whatever color combos your heart desires:)

Also, just got off the phone with Suzi as I wanted to know what special offers she had for Stitches and Vogue live.... She says she will be offering 20% OFF my lovelies! 20% OFF of Lana Grossa yarns, and be still my heart Offhand Design Bags!  Woohooo!!!!

Here are the yarn colors I used going from memory: Ivory, Mineral, Silk Stocking, Honey, and Velvet. I saved the best for last:) I PUFFY HEART Velvet aka Eggplant or Aubergine...  Hey Aubergine is the new black this fall!  I heard it on very good authority on Good Morning America last week:)  

I had to get in some purple in there to match my most devine John Fluevog Luna boots...that will be worn often over the next 4 to 5 months:)  

Don't you just love Purple?  If you do, then raise your hand and let me know here...  Share some of your favorite things this month and I will send you a little pressie. We could even make it so that it is purple. That is if you like purple:)  If not, I sure something could be arranged.

 

I want these boots. John Fluevog Shoes Mens 8 Please!
Executors: Miliken (clipped to polyvore.com)

Re-Living the 80s...

Yes you read that correctly:)   I just about tripped over myself running to Mr. John Fluevog's store when I noticed that these gorgoeous boots were being featured this fall

As for my knititing these days... I seemed to have lost my knittin Mojo.  However, I am pretty excited about this new dress I ordered one and it fits!  I'm tyring to diet some to have it fit better. Its a big snug. But it fits! Hallelujah! 

Thank you Bernie Dexter for designing this marvelous dress! 

I have a new found love.. Danger Will Robinson Danger... There is this place called ModclothOh my what pretty threads they have...

My plan is to cast-on a Vodka  Lemonade Cardi in "Rasberry" toned yarn

All inspired by these most amazing Fluevoggy shoes Wonder Ayers in Berry

As you can see my shoe collection is being very audible lately.  It is downright demanding in what it wants and needs!

 

Happy Friday:D  More on the sweater soon:)

For now lets just say that I am Head OVER HEELs in LUV with my  new Mod Boots..  Actually, more like Genevieves... That is there name.

Another Foggy Day in the City.... A little pop of color kept me going today in the office - oh yeah!

Sally, whew, "That Girl"

Sally, whew, "That Girl"

I woke up early this morning and I went to my closet

I saw this pretty dress that was real, real fine
I grabbed it off the hanger and said, "Mmm, mmm, excuse me, ma'am"
She pulled the dress off the hanger and said, "why yes, i think yes"

Whoa,oh,oh,oh,
Sally "That Girl"
Whoa,oh,oh,oh,
Sally, whew, "That Girl"

So she walked back to her closet  and she opened up the door
It was the purple in the shoes in the middle of the floor
that attracted her attention as they matched her dress...

 

Whoa,oh,oh,oh,
Sally, whew, "That Girl"
Whoa,oh,oh,oh,
Sally, whew, "That Girl"

Dear Friends,

It has been quite a long time again.  I have found a new inspiration this morning.  I would love to continue to share more of my precious handknits and ever growing Fluevog collection. How my shoes inspire my knitting and spinning and my love of color. 

I would like to take a pledge to revive this blog and share my adventures of all of the above with you.

Are you with me?  Is anyone out there?

Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge & Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Yes our beloved Golden Gate Bridge Turned 75 years old this weekend.

 

Interestingly enough, there are several great events happening this weekend. The Bridge turns 75, it is Memorial Day tomorrow, and today I heard rumors that San Francisco is also celebrating Carnival....   How did this happen?     In a way, maybe poor city planning... What will people choose?

In preparation for Memorial Day, the Boy Scouts headed out to the Presidio, and many other locations to plant flags.   Lil' Cowboy is now a Cub Scout... So yes he was out there for this awesome cause!

 

 

What an honor!  I'm proud of you Lil' C!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!  Don't forget to pray and honor our fallen soldiers.

Also, whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful weekend!

 

Don't get pinched!

Remember to wear your green today!  We are all Irish after all on St. Patricks Day right?

The 411 on the project:)

Pattern: Challah Infinity Scarf designed by Pam Powers purchased at the Knitting Ranch

Needles: Size 8 Circulars, Straits, and DPNs... It's complicated.  I can explain if you really want me to:)

Yarn: 4 1/4 skeins of Shibuiknits Merino Alpaca worsted. Colorway: Green Tea. Purchased from the The Knitting Ranch

Time to knit: A leisurly 3 weeks (lots of in between projects)

End result.... Love 10,000!  Would make it again for sure! 

Happy St. Patricks Day!  Off to enjoy a Lil' Green Cerveza and Garlic Fries at Gordon Biersch. Yum!

Stitches West

How about a recap? Warning, warning... get some coffee, or tea...its going to be a super long post!

I arrived at convention center on Wednesday afternoon to help my friend Suzi set up for her booth "The Knitting Ranch". She rolled into town in her Suburban jam packed of yarnie, yarn, yarn and luscsious Offhand Design Bags:

We promptly proceeded to build the booth in order to welcome all the lovely knitters in real Ranch Style!

Even my Mimi had a an important job to do... display this oh so prettty Shibui Eustacia Cowl:

Thursday night, of course, was the first market day for those that were taking classess over the weekend.   It was quite interesting to see people walk in as we were front and center near the entrance:

As knitters walked in, you could see that they were on a mission. Making bee lines strait to their favorite vendors.   We had quite a few people stop by that night purchasing some of the gorgeous bags above.

It was a crazy busy weekend.  We had a really good location in front of the market place:)  It got so busy at times we had to carefully manage our breaks.   

Yours truly did manage to escape a couple of times.  As you all know.. I have my favorites too and of course I need my fix ha ha....

So where did I stop this year?

First there was Verb... I have a thing for Kristine's yarn and Romi's Shawl Patterns!

This pretty Even Tinier Annapurna in Indigo Blue Sky is destined for a Celaeno Shawl

And this Shimmering little gold "Nugget" skein will become a Fiori di Sole

Next up a visit with Laura from Knitifacts.  She has some really decadent natural fibers:

At her booth I found this super soft and cushy fiber mix in Conchita a 50/50 Alpaca and Romney blend.  I have 8 oz woohoow!  This is a pin drafted roving, and man I cannot wait to spin it:) 

Also equally decadent -- I could not leave without  at least 4 oz of Desert Sands an 80/20 mix of Alpaca and Tussah silk.......hmmm what can I make with 4 oz?  I guess I could call Laura for more:)

Laura also carries the most darling stitch markers.  Suzi surprised me with a Beer O'Clock mug.. Thanks Suzi!  I love it:)

After Knitifacts, I headed over to Red Fish Dyeworks... I am really digging her color sense.  It seems that I have now become accustomed to hoarding their 50/50 merino silk blend.  Hmmmm I detect a problem here ha ha...

Then there was Becoming Art. I soooooo love Becoming Art.  There is this color I have been lusting after for ages. Its called Sanguine Sky.   As I was walking by, I spotted two lonely braids of it in Agave fiber.  I couldn't very well leave them there...  Come to mama:) 

On my way back to the Knitting Ranch, I might have stumbled into Blue Moon.. You all know that Tina's yarn makes me weak in the knees:) 

I was on a mission to get me some Chicken Feet yarn and pattern:)  I love this new kit:

 To make the slippers you will need the bits kit, a Princess of Poultry pattern, and one skein of Twisted yarn.  

 


On Saturday, it got quite busy.  Most definitely the busiest market day of all.  It was pretty hard to schedule a break.  However, we managed, and Suzi was gracious enough to let Raquel and I take a break together.  Yes Rocky helped us out too.  Thanks Rocky!

We had planned on visting Cheryl Oberle, remember... I had slaved away on that Lacy Prairie shawl:)  I was determined to have her autograph my book and have her look at my shawl.  I think she liked it:)

We had a great time chatting with Cheryl. What a nice lady.  While there, we came across her new book on knitted jackets. 

There is one jacket in particular that a few of us plan to knit soon.  Its called Cusco.

This picture here does not do the pattern justice.  It is much prettier in person. Particularly, the tweedy alpaca version, and a pretty green one she had in her booth.  I think she used her Dancing Colors yarn for it.   I can see myself knitting a couple of these.  Suzi from the Knitting Ranch is also looking into yarn options to set this up as a possible future KAL. On Ravelry, Cheryl has a group for all of her patterns and fans.  In this thread, you can find photos of the two sweaters that were at the show.

A few booths over, Ysolda had a photobooth set up.  Such an ingenious idea.  This girl really knows how to market herself. Great Job!

  Rocky and I had a nice time trying on garments and taking photos with Ysolda

Aday from Verb was also there,  selling Ysolda's new books (two books on right above)  and she was nice and volunteered to take these photos of the three of us. Thanks Aday!

We then had to rush back over to the ranch to get back to work!  Sorry Suzi... It had to be done:)

There may have been some bag hoarding involved too... Yes, its not a surprise right?  Ya'll know I have a bag and shoe fettish... as a result, I have declared Suzi to be my "official" Offhand Designs Fairy Godmother ha ha.... 

and now for Da Bags:)  My fresh new Offhand Design ponies purchased from the Knitting Ranch:

Zelda Grand in Adelaide

Mia in Ariel

Scottie in Joan

Ursula in Rose Bloom

Wait, and what's this?  How did this Atenti Overnighter get in here?   Oops, i might have tripped into this booth on my way back to the ranch....   I'm blaming it on the cowboy boots I was wearing over the weekend...  Yes, yes, thats right... The boots made me do it!  I swear:)

What a fabulous weekend..  Such a pleasure to have worked alongside Suzi and Rocky, and Suzi's cousin Julie.  Thank you Ladies for the fun and GOOD TIMES!

Go Stiches West!  I'm ready for the next one:)  Well, maybe not so soon... My pocket book needs time to recoup ha ha....

 



Every Cowgirl needs a Cowl...

Well my friends Its that time of the year... Time for my favorite Rodeo...  Stitches West is coming to Santa Clara and I plan to be there!  Yes, you all know I would not miss it for the world.  I have been known to lie (those of you that know me, know the story), beg (as in for a ride), plead (with the DH), thankfully, no stealing. I do not believe in this last one.  But other than that, everything is fair in Love and Knitting. 

What kind of fiber artist would I be? If I were to not go to the grandest fiber show on earth?

This year I plan to help my friend Suzi from The Knitting Ranch for the duration of the show. We will be in booths 320-322.  So please stop by and say hello:)  Would love to see you!

In preparation for the show  I knit up a couple of samples.

Made with 4 skns of Shibui Heichi in the Canal colorway and Pattern by Pam Powers

The Cowgirl Cowl:

 

It has nice buttons down the back:

And a Tassell!  Woohoo I like tassells:)  Don't get to make these often ha ha...

And because this cowgirl needs her cowboy...  I could not resist...

Using 4 Skeins of soft and cushy Shibui Merino/Baby Alpaca in Ivory and also a Pam Powers pattern,  I knit up

A Cowboy Cowl:

Also nice touch with the buttons at the neck area to hold the cowl in place:

Suzi will have the yarn and patterns available for all the projects in this post this coming week at Stitches West in booths 320-322.  Stop by and see them.  I am really loving both the cowls and have plans to make another set after the show.

I have two more projects in the works: 

1) The Lacy Prairie Shawl in that gorgeous Smoke color from the Handmaiden Camelspin.  I am knitting as fast as my little hands can stitch, stitch, stitch

old photo... here.. More than half way there.. I can  do it! I can do it! I know I can!

 

2) I am working on a Challah Infinity scarf and am about 1/3 of the way... As soon as the shawl is done.. This lovely piece is next.  Thank goodness this ones does not require any blocking:) Oh by the way... this pattern is also by Pam Powers... Apparently I like Pam Powers!  Who knew?

Are you ready to ride?  I know I am... I can hardly wait!