Lace shawls always remind me of something a spider might have spun in the garden overnight. I spun this shawl using the Shetland Triangle pattern which is easy to knit, as all of Evelyn A. Clark's patterns are.I like to think that I'm a renaissance woman knitting and wearing shawls from a bygone era. But unlike the shawls worn by our grandmothers I like to update the look with use of modern yarns and colors. I'm eccentric by some standards, but I don't wish to be conspicuously so. And yet. I am drawn to the beauty of authentic cottage shawls worn in that time that has now long passed away.
Have you ever heard of Tasha Tudor? Curiously clad in clothing of another time...... so goes the description of her in a recent Victoria Magazine Article . If you have never heard of this woman you are in for a treat discovering her legacy of art, baking, and of course, knitting. This iconic woman lived on a farm, dipped her own candles, and created and wore her own homespun shawls and on top of all that managed to find time to become a well known author and artist. Now that truly is a renaissance woman. She also was known for her frequent afternoon tea parties, which makes her all the more endearing to me. You can learn more about her at Tasha Tudor and Family.
Nancy Bush, an iconic woman in her own right, has given us all a chance to bring a little Tasha Tudor into our lives by writing a free cottage shawl pattern, aptly named Truly Tasha shawl which can be found on her retail site Wooly West. I think a beautiful rustic lace wool might be just the ticket for this pattern so I'm keeping my eyes pealed for just such a yarn.
Particulars: Shetland Triangle printed in Wrap Style; 1 skein Handmaiden Seasilk; US 6 needles. Modifications: I knit one extra repeat (for a total of 9 body repeats); I used the bind-off method used for the Flower Basket Shawl, because I believe that method gives a little sturdier edging. Notes on that bind-off method can be found on my Ravelry page. Some have eliminating the final edging rows to diminish the scalloped effect. But one reason I enjoy these shawls is the scalloped edging so I knit that part as written. Finished dimensions: 60" x 24"
Some Time Away in San Clemente, California
One of the things I love most about being in San Clemente is taking walks along the beach. We live on North Beach and there is a wonderful footpath that connects this beach with the San Clemente pier, and beyond.
We took these pictures on our walk down to the pier late on Saturday afternoon. It's a lovely time to take a walk as the sun is setting and the various bonfires are being lit all up and down the beach. I'll say this about San Clementians. They do love their beach Bar-B-Ques. And why not.
There is something particularly nice about grilling at the beach. Growing up in Santa Barbara we occasionally had family and church picnics down at the beach and those were happy times. If you have never had a picnic at the beach, you need to plan one right now!
We stopped for dinner at Cassano's Pizza (a family owned restaurant) situated directly across from the San Clemente Pier and enjoyed a casual meal of pizza and salad sitting out on their patio. It's nice to see Steve looking relaxed and happy as he always does when we are in San Clemente.
I know some of you have missed seeing Mr Puffy modeling lately. The reason is that Mr Puffy has expressed some concern that the pictures that I have chosen make him look foppish and he has been reluctant to pose. I have assured him that is not the case and no one thinks that. Nevertheless, I have acceded to his wish that he be allowed to pick the pictures of him that are posted. He chose this picture because it gives him an air of intrigue which he believes is better suited to his personality.
It's finally Spring and Easter will soon be here. I love to color eggs and ice cookies to celebrate the season and hope to visit a See's Candies for some chocolate eggs too. I hope you all are enjoying Spring and that the memories of cold will soon fade away when you see all the beautiful Spring flowers.
