Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Glacerie Shawl and Still a Puppy at Heart


It has been a "knitters winter" here in Southern California.  Not only are we having fr-fr-freezing cold temperatures but starting in January the long promised El Nino rains arrived.  Which is just as well for the meteorologist who predicted (and coined the phrase) a "Monster El Nino" event was coming to a drought weary Southern California.  Poor man.  By December there were more than a few skeptics wondering where his so called El Nino rains were.  I saw him being interviewed and he said he feared that he would have to enter the government's witness protection program if the rains did not materialize, people would be that disappointed.  But his fears are over because rainy days are definitely here now and with it lots of opportunities to wear hand knit shawls, hats, socks and sweaters!  A knitter's winter in Southern California.  At long last.


Normally I just wear my hand knits on early morning hikes with Simcha but with the colder days I've been wearing my knits while out shopping and visiting the farmer's market, etc.  I find it amusing when I'm chatting to someone and I'll notice that their eyes are wandering and it's not that their eyes have drifted to my breasts either.  No, instead I can see their eyes are perusing my shawl or hat or whatever hand knit I'm wearing. Sometimes they'll comment on it and sometimes not.  But if they do compliment what I'm wearing then I'm always quick to assure them that it's super easy to knit and a fabulous life long hobby and send them off inspired to visit their nearest yarn shop.


Whoops!  I almost forgot to mention that I'm wearing my Glacerie shawl in this post.  Too funny.  I'm just so excited about the rain!  But I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I couldn't be happier with this gorgeous shawl.  Paired with a lofty yarn it makes a cozy shawl perfect for a cooler Southern California winter.  Although we did not take the picture this way (I wanted to show the design off) I love to wear it wrapped around my neck like a cowl which makes it into a dramatic and fabulous accent piece.

Particulars:  Glacerie Shawl designed by the very talented Hilary Smith Callis (blog: TheYarniad); US7 needles; 2 skeins Old Maiden Aunt Organic Corriedale (sport weight).  My only modification was to substitute the method of increases from a traditional "Make One" increase to a lesser known method of knitting into the back of the loop of the stitch below where you wish to add an increase, which I found easier to execute.  Post "relaxed" blocked measurement: 56" x 21.5."  If you wish to see another design by Hilary that I've blogged check out her super popular Stardust Cowl (that I adore!).



Beautiful raindrops collecting on my juniper plant!

Still a Puppy at Heart


Although Simcha may look like a mature dog he is actually still very much a puppy at heart which I had forgotten, until recently reminded.  It happened like this.  Over the years Simcha has had innumerable toys and some have lasted better than others but usually there are a few scattered about the house until their condition deteriorates to the point they must be disposed of.  Without giving it much thought recently his toys had one by one been removed to the dustbin without being replaced. But then I began to notice that Simcha seemed "down" and not his normal cheery self.  No kisses in the mornings, no galloping about the house, and no happy tail wags on hikes.  At first I thought it was age or maybe he wasn't feeling well. But then it dawned on me.  He didn't have any toys to play with.  I immediately went to the closet and scrounged up a toy and like magic he was a puppy again.  His changed attitude was dramatic and clearly linked to having a toy to play with.  As you can imagine I felt just awful that I had allowed this to happen by sheer oversight and not appreciating how important his toys were to his happiness.  I'll never again underestimate how important toys and playing are to him.


Until next time be well, love well and make time for the people and pets that you share your life with. Lastly, don't forget the importance of play time and sharing activities that they enjoy doing..... Tug of War anyone?

9 comments:

Bridget said...

Oh the shawl - so very lovely!

I'm glad you figured out what was going on with Simcha, and that he is having a good time again. He looks like such a sweetie.

Melissa said...

I'm so happy that Southern California is finally getting rain. I worry about too much rain too fast though...here in the Seattle area if we experience too much rain ( is that even possible?!) we start to experience mudslides, rock slides etc. Hopefully that is kept at a minimum in your area. Your new shawl is beautiful! I'm getting a few projects finished before I start on my next shawl adventure. Early morning is play time with Bibi. If I don't take a little time she reminds me by stalking me and attacking my ankles. I'm so glad you figured out that Simcha just needed his toy. Play time is so important for all of us no matter what age or species lol.

Willow said...

I've been loving the rain and enjoy wearing the few wooly items I have in my wardrobe. Hate and scarves are saving me on my evenings walks.
Lovely shawl!!

Renee said...

Such a beautiful knit! Good that the rain arrived for you. We have too much rain, but more so the snow we expect again has returned as the temperature finally dropped.

Simcha is darling modelling the knit and glasses. He'd probably love a toybox filled with new toys.

Be well and thank you for the knitting inspiration. Sadly no knitting time this year, but hoping to cast on something for this winter yet... :-)

Kristen Rettig said...

I love your story about Simcha! He looks distinguished in his glasses--I'm glad he hasn't succumbed to contacts. Your knit is beautiful.

Carolyn said...

I love that shawl Claudia, so practical and yet so elegant. Brio has a toy basket in the corner which he can forage in at will. He is the first dog we've had that really cared about toys, and I know when he can't find the one he wants he gets a little whiny and needy. Glad you found out what was making Simcha sad, can't have a frown on that handsome face now can we.

Allie-oops Designs said...

That shawl is just gorgeous Claudia, and how lovely that you can wear it! I'm under so many layers here in Michigan that mine would need to be oversized, lol. Love the pics of Simcha and so happy he got his toy.....

Tanya2 said...

Just catching up on your blog, Claudia, and of course I love all your knits and recpies but I could not resist commenting on The Man! (hint, not Steve LOL) I can't imagine Simcha down, and I'm glad you figured out what was eating him. I hope your mom is continuing to do well too <3

Anonymous said...

Always a pleasure to stop here. Your big boy looks to be all business, so it's understandable that the importance of his toys could be underestimated. He's such a gorgeous fellow. Beautiful knits as always.