Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Trip to Florence ~

A trip to Florence street in Sebastopol, California that is!  This Thanksgiving we were fortunate to visit Steve's family who live in this quirky little town in Northern California and whilst there happened upon this residential street filled with whimsical sculptures.  Come stroll along Florence Street with me in my new Asking For Roses wrap and imagine living on a street where an artist in residence has made the neighborhood his gallery with sculptures scattered throughout.


Northern California and the Sonoma/Napa region in particular is a very progressive area where green living and recycling have long been the norm.  This artist (Renga Arts) makes all his sculptures from products that are reclaimed and reused materials and has the motto Reuse Reclaim and Reimagine as his inspiration.  Which reminds me I need to do better about recycling.

We had a lot of fun playing on this street and Steve (an artist himself) enjoyed talking with the sister of the sculptor who was in the midst of painting a newly commissioned piece.  For those interested there are additional photos of his sculptures on my flickr page here.


Did I mention that I really love my new wrap?  It's actually too small to call a wrap.  Instead it's more a scwrappy wappy wrap which means it's more than a scarf too.  Whatever it is I loved wearing it because it's just right for our climate and worked perfectly with this outfit.



Particulars:  Asking for Roses by Amy Swenson (Blogs as Indigirl); 2 skeins Hedgehog Fibers Blue Faced Leciester Wool (colorway Rusty Nail); US 8 needles.  No modifications (other than yarn and needle size).  I knit this very loosely and hardly blocked it at all.  Post "blocking" dimensions: 64" x 12" (at widest point).  The wrap is crescent shaped.


Cashew Shortbread

Rustic food is at no time more appealing to me than than around the fall harvest and Thanksgiving.  This simple cashew shortbread cookie is a favorite of mine for its simple but rich buttery flavor.  Recipe from Moosewood Cookbook found here (I often half the recipe for myself).




This Misadventures of Simcha



Simcha loves to work and I've discovered that it really doesn't matter the nature of the job.  Here we are working on the commands "show me some intensity" and "hold that pose."

He's beautiful isn't he?  When I walk him and men call out "hey gorgeous" they aren't talking about me.  Really, it's okay.  I'm completely over it.  Sorta.

Simcha is modeling the Annie Wrap from Queensland Collection by knitwear designer Jane Ellison.  I love this over sized wrap even though it's simple because it has great texture using a basket weave stitch and a mohair trim (2 colors held together). Dimensions: 70" x 20" (excluding fringe).  Knit using Rowan Felted Tweed and US 8 needles.


Until next time, be well and love well and may this holiday season be a special time for family, reflection, and sharing.

18 comments:

Allie said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Claudia! What a LOVELY wrap you're wearing - the perfect size. Love the sculpture street, how fun! Simcha is truly gorgeous, and he wears that wrap well! He looks so heroic!

Monika said...

Look at all those beautiful things! The orange wrap is lovely, and you wear it so well. The cookies look delicious, and Simcha is just gorgeous!

SissySees said...

What a beautiful, peaceful, fun post! I hope you are well too?

Both wraps and Simcha are fabulous.

Bridget said...

What a beautiful wrap! I especially love the color of the yarn. And the pictures make the town look like it would be such fun to explore.

Simcha is quite the handsome gentleman. And appears to be a very willing model ...

SNOWBIRD said...

Simcha is so handsome! Great picture!

Andi said...

That scarf/shawl is just beautiful. The color and the edging...ugh, just beautiful. Now Simcha, that is a whole other thing. Seriously handsome!

Veronica said...

I have to say, your dog, Simcha is a great looking dog. Great picture as well. Cheers

Renee said...

What a fun walk down the street with you! Your wrap is so beautiful, absolutely going in my queue.
Simcha - you are too handsome.
May this holiday season be wonderful for you and Steve!

Tracy said...

Hi, Claudia! Glad you & your family had a lovely Thanksgiving. We're still basking in the holiday glow here--from across the miles. LOVELY cinnamon-spiced wrap. Such a beautiful versatile piece. I can seek knitting piece in many colors for wardrobe matching. ;o) Oh, how sweet Simcha looks all wrapped up...Give him a cuddle from me and a meow from Charlie. Happy Holidays, my friend ((HUGS))

Hilary said...

I have to say, you totally fooled me with the title of your post. I was like, "Oooh, she went to Italy!!" :)

Sounds like you had a great time in Sebastapol. I've never been there, but it's definitely on my list! The outdoor "sculpture gallery" sounds so cool!

Your wrap is so pretty and appropriate for this time of year. And look at that handsome doggie!

Erin Bassett said...

Both of the wraps are gorgeous! I love the fall colors!!
I'm in love with Simcha by the way!!

Rachel said...

Both wraps are beautiful (as is Simcha!). I really like the look and style of the narrow 'shawl'...and the orange you chose is perfect!

Those shortbread cookies look delic...and knowing they are from the Moosewood Cookbook makes me want to try them even more!

gMarie said...

Lovely wraps. words are escaping me this morning - Love Simcha's intesity pose :) g

Anonymous said...

That street must be amazing with all those sculptures! I like the juxtaposition of elegant you with your beautiful shawl next to them! And I wish I could just grab one of those cookies to have with my coffee this morning! I'll have to pretend...or actually, erm, bake!

Kristyn Knits said...

Hello Claudia,
Love your new "wrap"! The edging detail is beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful December!!

Monica said...

thanks for the tour! lovely knits as usual!

kim said...

Okay, I'm going to say the same thing I say whenever I watch Giada DeLaurentis cook those wonderful meals. There is NO WAY she eats those goodies with that figure! :)

I love the autumnal shawl on you. Hope you are well and having a great holiday season.

Denise said...

Simcha- sounds like a happy dog ;)