This pattern has a fun lace design with a zig zag insert that creates a lightweight and feminine hat. The yarn I used was given to me by my swap partner on Ravelry's Group Cuppa Tea? and a big thank you to Jody [Ravelry ID] for being a great swap partner! She also sent some other fun gifts including Prince of Wales black tea so I feel very spoiled and had a great swap!
Particulars: Bonnie from the Dark House Collection; 1 skein Serena Yarn by Manos del Uruguay (60% baby alpaca /40% Pima Cotton); colorway #2457; US 3 needles.
Modifications: 1. I substituted the yarn to Serena (pattern calls for Rowan Bamboo Soft); 2. Because I used a heavier gauge yarn I used larger needles (US 3) which I used for both the hat body and the hat band; 3. Again, to account from the heavier gauge yarn, I only knit the pattern repeat 3 additional times (instead of 4); 4. I knit the hat band in reverse garter stitch (i.e. I purled every row) instead of the recommended moss stitch and BO in knit stitch; and 5. I hand steamed/blocked the body of the hat prior to seaming (this hat is knit flat).
A Pet Vacation
We took a pet vacation over the 4th of July holiday. That's right, we took a vacation from our pet. I haven't felt this relaxed since, frankly, we brought Simcha home. Now before you think too badly of us I do believe Simcha had a nice time too. He stayed at a lovely "pet resort" right here in Topanga Canyon where he ran with a pack of dogs all day. He came home happy and exhausted and slept for hours. I'm beginning to warm to the idea of dropping him off periodically for their day care program.
It is with great relief that I can report we are starting to see improvement in his behavior. Up until last week, the word "no" meant nothing to him. You may recall his "graduation" from obedience school several weeks back (a training course based on positive/reward theory). Hahahahahaha. Nuff said. We are now approaching his obedience training with two hour weekly private lessons, the traditional way. A natural self confident dog, Simcha simply saw all the treats he received as confirmation that he was the one destined to be our "pack leader" This was not good for his character.
Beautiful, isn't he. You can almost understand why he believes he was born to rule.
Until next time, be well, love well, and get out and about this Summer ~ why not treat yourself to a lovely morning coffee out!
26 comments:
Hahahaha, you rule Claudia! I love the Dog Whisperer so I am all about the concept of humans being the pack leader. I wish my Tencents was familiar with that concept. So thrilled that things are going better. I love your toque. So cute. I looked at your picks on flickr and you look so cute in your cap. I love the color; here you could wear that year round. Happy weekend my friend. Hugs.
Lovely hat! I'm a fan of that coffee shop in Santa Monica (and Manhattan Beach) too. Love those coffee mugs!
My daughter has a puppy (part Chou part Border Collie) and oh my! There were days that a half hour walk meant ten feet from the gate as the dog learned what NO and SIT meant. HAHAHA! Good luck on teaching Simcha who is pack leader :)
lovely lovely!
we are also trying to teach molly "no". it involves, now, a squirt bottle. it's not so much, well, working. ><
next time you're in this neck of the woods you should come to main street and try urth caffe (if you haven't already). i'm lucky; it's literally around the corner from where we live and the tea, coffee, pastries, and even fully brekkies are amazing. they have an ooling with which i'm just in love! it can be a bit of a scene but if you go early enough...
Love the hat - it's cute and chic at the same time. I can't believe how big Simcha has gotten. I can see why you needed a vacay!!
What a great knit! The colour and style looks beautiful on you, Claudia!
Simcha is a handsome charmer. Learning he's not the boss will do him good. He's very lucky to have a loving & dedicated family.
Beautiful hat! Looks pretty soft, too.
Simcha is one handsome boy. Please give him a pat from me.
Your new hat is lovely! Yum, coffee/tea and pastry! I haven't forgotten our "penciled in" plans :)
He's BEAUTIFUL. And so is your knitting!
Great idea, Claudia... And what's a coffee or tea out without a treat?! Can't imagine a cuppa out and no treat! Steve doesn't know what he's missing! ;o) LOVE the cap... that lacy zigzag patten is lovely. Such pretty yarn from your swap too--that soft slate-y blue suits you! Glad you & Steve had some relaxing days away. And that Simcha had a great vacation too. Sometimes we all need a break--all creatures great and small. ;o) Simcha is a grand, handsome lad--his presence is so impressive! We're just back ourselves from a much needed long weekend away... sun, sky, sea... BLISS! Happy Summer Days, my friend :o) ((HUGS))
Great hat and to me it looks like the perfect accompaniment to coffee out. I agree with you, a pastry is a must with morning coffee :)
Simcha is gorgeous and I'm glad you had a nice vacation away (I am getting one of those in August just me and my husband, no kids or dogs).
Lovely hat. I was pleasantly surprised to have my sister's lemon bar(s) with coffee this morning at work. Yum!
Simcha is looking more and more regal, I'm afraid. And I'm delighted (because misery loves company) to hear that you found a trainer who realizes not all dogs are suited for reward/treat-based training. Sissy was the obedience class star, because she's a performance junkie and loves to be a STAR. Getting her to take those "tricks" and morph them into daily obedience is a work in progress.
The hat looks lovely and so do you! I can empathise with your pet woes - our labrador was very hard to train as she wasn't interested in snacks so the reward for being good wasn't really worth it to her. Luckily she is now much better and all our lives are so much easier! Your Simcha does look adorable though.
Love the hat, it looks gorgeous on you :) and oh my, Simcha sounds like a handful!
Lovely hat hon, and it looks marvelous on you! And I agree you can't have coffee without pastry.
Simcha is SUCH a handsome fella. My 80-year-old friend got a puppy over Christmas, and she's had the dickens of a time training her. Greta is stubborn and also thinks "no" means time for a treat. She's just now starting to behave. I think it has something to do with adolescence....but some dogs are more stubborn than others. By all means take a "pet vacation" when you need to!
Lovely hat! And the scone sounds very delicious.
Our neighbors with a shepherd take theirs to a doggy day care to play with other dogs. It's a great thing to do for them.
I think doggy daycare for single pet dogs is a wonderful thing! They get interaction with humans and dogs. The whole reason we have Django was after Abner spent 2 years with Nick at home while he was undergoing cancer treatments, we knew he'd be too lonely to spend the days alone again. So he got a brother because we didn't like the daycare arrangements in our area.
Simcha is absolutely gorgeous. His appearnce definitely commands respect.
Beautiful hat!! What a cool lace design...I love its zigzaginess (that's a real word, btw :) ). I also think it's perfect for an outing to a chic coffee shop (and your scone sound DELISH, oh my goodness). Your photos made me miss hanging out in Santa Monica so much!!
Good luck with Simcha! He is one gorgeous guy...I also can see why he thinks he should be in charge!
Beautiful hat. And you looked lovely wearing it to enjoy your coffee.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with taking a day off from the dog. Especially when it gives you both so much. g
OOO the hat looks great! I finally finished my Soul Hat, just need to photo it! I'm so happy with it.
Glad you had a good "vacation", Keep at it with the training. I everyone has one "perfect" dog in their lifetime, Simcha has some pretty big paws to fill.
He is such a big pretty boy! Big sloppy kisses to him.
Vicki
Beautiful hat and the color is great for you. Simcha is definately a beauty, I think Doggie Day Care would be good for him..you know the social aspect of it to calm your nerves.
Have a great weekend.
That's a lovely hat and a very handsome dog. You know, my dog has issues with German Shepherds. Every time he sees one, he starts barking aggressively -- I think the shepherds are always checking him out and he resents it.
Such a pretty hat...I bet you can't wait until fall to bring it into rotation!
Simcha may be a troublemaker but he is such a beautiful pup! I'm glad you both enjoyed your vacation apart!
You are so right--morning coffee out must be enjoyed with a lovely scone. I had one myself a few days ago, cherry pecan. I usually share with DH but it was difficult this time.
I'm glad to hear that Simcha has discovered the joy of doggie day care! Macy has stayed in some of the best pup spas in the country. We scout them out before we leave to travel and drop her off while we see the sights. Every much-loved dog deserves such pampering. BTW Simcha is gorgeous!
Simcha definitely rules!
just look at you.
look so chic in that hat...
enjoy the morning...every morning..as you please...
and look at that simcha...so pretty,Claudia~sorry this is late...
I love the Pain Quotidien especially their double chocolate mousse...Yumm!!!
I love the toque too, awesome color
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