Lunna Voe Shawl, Lace Blocking Tips, and Recap of Ysolda's 2015 Shawl Club

Lunna Voe the Final Installment of Ysolda's 2015 Shawl Club ~

Leave it to Ysolda to design something traditional and timeless and yet somehow modern too.  This is Lunna Voe the final shawl from her 2015 shawl club and I'm very sorry that this club has ended. 2015 was Ysolda's very first yarn club and her future clubs will not be the same.  Gone are the exclusive club colorways, exclusively spun yarns, and the sense of being part of a small group of adventuresome knitters willing to take a risk on the unknown.  Despite these changes I have signed up for her 2016 club as I was very happy with the beautiful yarns and patterns from 2015 and expect more of the same in the 2016.

Design Inspiration for Lunna Voe Shawl

Included with this yarn was a picture with a note from Ysolda written on the back explaining how the picture inspired the color and design of the shawl, to wit:

No one can capture the light and colors of Scotland on yarn quite like Lilith of Old Maiden Aunt.  For this colorway, on a Shetland fibre base, she was inspired by this photo taken by Jeni Reid at dusk in Shetland.  Lilith says the coastline reminds her of a hap shawl edging.  My design combines traditional elements of hap and fancier lace patterns.

Parenthetically, the photographer, Jeni Reid describes taking this picture at dusk near Voe, Shetland (hence the shawl's name "Lunna Voe") and, like Lilth, she was struck by the shoreline as resembling the edges of a Hap Shawl.  There is something magical and mysterious about the Shetland Islands and the women who knit so many beautiful shawls and sweaters to keep their families warm and provide the family with extra money.  This shawl is one that I'll particularly treasure as it gives me a connection to that history as it could easily have been knit and worn by a woman living in Shetland centuries past.  Today many of the hap Shetland shawls are knit from wool blends and not a pure Shetland wool.  That Ysolda chose to use a pure Shetland wool dyed to capture regional colors makes this a very special piece. 

Creative Lace Blocking Tips ~

Lunna Voe is a hap shawl and, as mentioned above, is a design indigenous to the Shetland Islands.  It is knit in a laceweight yarn and, as is the case with all lace, requires blocking to showcase the beautiful pattern. Blocking lace has both a technical aspect and a creative aspect and I am going to share my tips on the creative aspects of blocking lace.  If you need help with how to technically block lace I refer you to Yarn Harlot's tutorial which is how I learned to block lace along with countless others.

Once you are comfortable with the technical aspect of blocking lace it is time to explore the creative aspects of blocking lace.  It is through the creative blocking process that you finish a shawl so that it expresses your individual taste and personality.

What do I mean by the creative blocking process?  This is the process where you decide what you want your shawl to be.  Do you want a shawl that is formal and dressy or soft and feminine?  Do you want your shawl to be long and narrow, or short and wide, or more like a crescent?  Do you want the edges to be crisp or to have a natural roll for a more rustic look?  If you know in advance what type of shawl you want then the blocking process goes from technical to creative as you bring forth that character from your shawl.

For example with the Lunna Voe shawl I wanted a soft and casual wrap that I could throw on as a layering piece so I used a very soft block on the lace.  A soft block is to gently lay the fabric flat and smooth the fabric with the palm of your hands without much pulling.  This is in contrast to a firm block where you firmly pin out (stretching open) the lace to create a whisper thin fabric that shows off a distinct lace pattern.  To compare the two styles of blocking using this shawl as an example I refer you to the picture that came with the pattern (see firm block for the Lunna Voe). You can see that these two different styles of blocking created two very personalities in the shawl.  Mine is a very rustic and casual shawl and Ysolda's is a formal and dressy shawl.  The only difference is that I used a soft block on the lace whereas Ysolda used a firm block to create a crisp and sharp design and a beautifully elegant finished piece. It's just a matter of personal taste and how you want to wear your shawl.

The creative blocking process is one of my favorite parts of knitting.  I like to sit down with a large pile of pins and slowly let the shawl's personality emerge.  It's not at all unusual for me to block a shawl or be half way through blocking and decide to remove all the pins and start over because some design element of the shawl was not emerging as I wished.  I don't rush this process because like most finishing work it is what makes the difference between having something artistically handmade versus having something that looks homemade.  

I hope you will use the creative blocking process to bring forth the inner personality of your shawls and increase your satisfaction with your handknits.

Pattern Details ~

Lunna Voe designed by Ysolda Teague (Shawl No. 6 from 2015 Shawl Club); 1 skein Old Maiden Aunt Shetland wool 2 ply laceweight (800 yrds); Shoormal colorway (exclusive to club); US 5 needles; no modifications whatsoever.  This is the 6th and final shawl from Ysolda's 2015 Shawl Club.  If you wish to see a full sized hap shawl I knit the Cora Shawl designed by Sharon Miller which takes a whopping 2,849 yds of lace weight yarn.

Just for fun a picture of Simcha wearing Lunna Voe.  There's something about this picture that reminds me of the dapper fellows at Cambridge University in the 1800s who would spend their free time in rowing clubs and writing poetry.  Simcha would happily adapt to that lifestyle now.  When he was young I think he would have preferred to have been a policeman but somewhere along the way he's developed an appreciation for leisurely living.

Recap of Ysolda's 2015 Shawl Club

As Lunna Voe is the final installment of the 2015 shawl club I thought it would be fun to create a collage of projects I've made from the club yarns.  This was a unique and special club with exclusive yarns and future clubs will not be the same which is all the more reason to have a memento!

From top left to right the projects and link to related blog post are as follows: Caer Idris; Lunna Voe (this post); Cokern Tor; Malton Oolite; Stac Shoaigh; and Osebury Rock.

Patterns for each of these projects will be released one year from the club release and already I am seeing many beautiful and colorful versions of Stac Shoaigh on Ravelry which was the first club shipment in 2015.

If you can't wait or missed out on her club then take heart because Ysolda has begun the launch of own line of yarns and patterns (no club membership required) with Yarn Blend No. 1.  I have no doubt this venture will be very successful with her winning talent of combining yarns and patterns.

Until next time be well and love well and whatever you do or wherever you go follow your own path as being true to yourself is what makes the journey uniquely yours.

Fairy Garden Throw and Pumpkin Scones Recipe ~

When I saw the Yarn Fairies in my Garden Mystery KAL I couldn't resist joining along in this whimsical journey.  After all you never know what fairies might be hiding in your garden that you can entice out to play!

And making a throw blanket is right in keeping with my new mind set, namely, to enjoy my home more and appreciate the simple comforts that something small but special can impart, whether it's using a favorite mug, cuddling under a special blanket or finding a quiet place to sit and read a book.

There's simply too much racing about for most people.  And even when we are at home there's always something we can or should be doing.  But you must resist.  Otherwise you will find yourself a slave to activity like I was. I'm not saying it's not important to be diligent and productive with your time. What I am saying is that there is no need to stand in the kitchen gobbling down a quick bite when you can take 15 minutes to sit outside and enjoy your breakfast in the garden, or take a break in the afternoon for a short nap or read a book.  You'll feel better and be more productive when you have discreet breaks rather than not taking a break and yet frittering away time at your desk or playing games on your computer.  Whether at home or an office there are always places to step away and be alone and it's important to do so.

This throw might not be a project for everyone (it takes 2,200 yards of sock yarn) but I couldn't be happier that I made it.  The project was a collaboration between two talented fiber ladies Wendy McConnell known for her fanciful yarn dyeing and Donna Druchunas a well known lace designer with each contributing their special talent.  Wendy dyed up this special sunflower colorway after I mentioned I'd like to wrap myself in a sunflower (rather than a columbine or any of the other flowers being offered) and it was Donna who did the designing with several intricate and beautiful Estonian lace stitches to illustrate the flowers and butterflies found in a garden. Along with fairies of course. That goes without saying.  It really is a special piece that Steve and I'll enjoy for many years to come. Let's hope we don't squabble over who gets to use it ;)

Particulars: Yarn Fairy's In My Garden (Ravelry pattern link) designed by Donna Druchunas (of Sheep to Shawl fame); 2,205 yards gradient Fairy Sock Yarn custom dyed by Wendy (of Wendy's Ramblings) the fabulous host of numerous mystery Fairy KALs; US 4 circular needles; relaxed post blocking dimensions: 60"x 60" square.  This pattern includes several Estonian lace stitches and Donna has made some fabulous instructional videos to help.  You might recall that last Winter I participated in Wendy's Victorian Christmas Mystery KAL and I'm looking forward to enjoy that shawl again this holiday season!


Pumpkin Scone Recipe ~

These pumpkin scones have a rich spice flavor and nice "cake like" interior complimented by a maple glaze.  I originally saw a recipe similar to these late last Fall, but alas it was too late in the season to try them.  But as soon as I saw pie pumpkins in the stores this Fall I had to make some. This recipe is a combination of several that I looked at incorporating and changing the ingredients to best suit my tastes.  I absolutely love them and have made them numerous times already and hope you will too. Should you not have on hand the ingredients I've used (freshly roasted pumpkin, pastry flour, whole wheat flour, cardamon, etc.) there is a highly rated Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe you might want to try instead. Whichever recipe you use I'm sure it will become a Fall favorite!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pastry flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 dark brown sugar (I use organic)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamon (or ground cloves if you don't have cardamon)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
6 Tbs cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin puree
5 Tbs whole milk
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners sugar (shifted)
3 Tbs maple syrup
1 Tbs whole milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Pumpkin Puree:

1 fresh pie pumpkin (Trader Joe's has the best price on these that I've seen)
1 tsp. olive oil
Scant sprinkling of sea salt


Steps:

1.  Make Pumpkin Puree (I make this the day before I'm going to bake the scones).  Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.  Wash pumpkin thoroughly and cut into 4 pieces scrapping out all seeds.  Lightly brush flesh with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with sea salt.  Roast approximately 35-40 minutes or until flesh is soft - then remove from rind and refrigerate until ready to use.  Since you will only be using a small amount I like to use the leftovers as a soup thickener, etc.

2.  Make scone dough.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3.  Combine dry ingredients in a bowl (pastry flour, wholewheat flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon cardamon, ginger, and nutmeg) stir to combine.  Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

4.  Combine pumpkin, milk, egg and vanilla in a small blender and blend until smooth.  Pour blended wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon.  A wet dough will form.

5.  Measure 1/8th cup all purpose flour and set aside on your work surface (I like to sue a wooden bread board).  Sprinkle some of your flour on the work surface and coat hands with flour.  Gently kneed dough a few times to incorporate enough flour to prevent excessive sticking to hands.  Don't overwork the dough and add no more flour than necessary (at most 1/8th cup or maybe a tablespoon more).  With your hands flatted dough into a round disk approximately 1/2 inch thick and 10 inches round and using a pastry cutter slice into 8 to 10 scones as shown in the pictures.  I use a bench knife to cut and transfer scones to parchment (or silpat lined) baking sheet.

6.  Bake scones for 10 to 12 minutes or until cake tester comes away clean. They should puff up and crack on top and be fairly firm to touch.  Remove to wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

7.  Make Maple Glaze.  Using a spoon combine confection sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl.  Drizzle over cooled scones and allow to set before serving.  Freeze leftovers and defrost at room temperature before eating.

Until next time be well, love well, and enjoy your home and all the special moments of comfort and companionship this season brings, whether it's sharing scones over a cup of tea or just snuggling up together with a book and a favorite blanket ~

Crockern Tor and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe

Crockern Tor is the 3rd installment of Ysolda's 2015 shawl club and embodies exactly why I joined her club.  It's a rustic British wool blend in a neutral color that will go with anything. Further, true to classic British style it is wardrobe piece that is beautiful and timeless.  Knit in a heavy lace weight yarn it has wonderful loft that will make it a cozy piece to wear this winter whether riding to the hounds or sipping afternoon tea.  Only one of which I do with any regularity.  And it's not riding to the hounds. Although I do have a hound.  Of sorts.  

As a brief segue, looking at this picture of Simcha snuggled with yarn from this shawl it reminds me of one of the reasons that I knit as much as I do. It brings me comfort when my life is stressful and hectic.  In fact I can recall certain projects that have gotten me through particularly difficult times in my life. My Sursa shawl in particular helped me through one of those times when I had a neighbor who ran a jackhammer for years doing extensive landscaping without regard to the impact on the surrounding neighbors who listened daily to this jarring onslaught of sound.  Knitting has always enabled me to turn my thoughts away from what is troubling me and instead focus on the beautiful yarn, the tactile sensations and the pleasure of seeing a pattern unfold.  It is both an escape and calming.  I suppose I could have turned to yoga but then I wouldn't have had all these beautiful shawls to enjoy.  Whereas in actuality I enjoy both yoga and knitting and believe it is important for everyone to have ways to slow down and de-stress and hope that knitting is able to provide that for you as well.

Back to this beautiful shawl.  In Ysolda's own words the June 2015 installment of her shawl club (and her design inspiration) is described as follows:

A perfectly blended cloud from one of my favorite mills worked into a simple crescent with a scattering of random eyelets - breezy summer knitting whether you're shaking sand out of your project bag or sneaking in a few stitches at your desk.  Enjoy!

Particulars:  Crockern Tor design by Ysolda (2015 Shawl club); 1 skein John Arbon Textiles Crockern Lace (colorway: a perfectly blended cloud); 150gm lace weight; US 5 needles.  Modifications:  At the start of Section 4 skipped pattern rows 1-3.  I particularly love the unique bind off using a crocheted chain which gives this shawl the prefect finishing touch. Previous projects blogged from Ysolda's 2015 shawl are: Stac Stoaigh and Caer Idris 


Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe ~

Steve's absolutely favorite cookie bar none is oatmeal raisin.  However I found it hard to find the perfect recipe with just the right amount of crunch to fluffiness factor.  You see he wanted them just like his grandma made (the pinnacle of baking perfection an impression formed at the tender age of 5). So I persevered.  It is after all the only cookie Steve really likes. After trying many recipes that were close but still not right, I blended a few recipes together and added a twist of my own and achieved what he and I both agree is the best oatmeal cookie recipe ever.  Dare I hope maybe even as good as his grandma's?  He says even better.  Our home is never without them and I hope you will enjoy them as much as he does.

Ingredients:

1 C. shortening
1 1/4 C. + 2 Tbs. light brown sugar (or if it's easier for you to weigh 300 grams)
2 eggs
1 Tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 C. whole milk
1 3/4 C. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (scant)
1 tsp. nutmeg (scant)
1 tsp. cinnamon (scant)
3 C. whole Oats -  the "Quick" versus "old fashioned" works best
1 C. dark raisins

Steps:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2.  In an electric mixer combine: shortening, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Beat for several minutes until batter is ultra smooth.  I often leave the mixer running while I combine the dry ingredients.
3.  Remove bowl from mixer and by hand whisk in milk until just incorporated.
4.  Measure and combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon) in a bowl and combine using a fork.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients using a wooden spoon.
5.  Stir in oats (with wooden spoon) 1 cup at a time.  Lastly stir in raisins.
6.  Line a baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper.  Add 1 TBS heaping batter and flatten slightly with back of spoon.  Yields approximately 2.5 dozen cookies.
7.  Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly browned.  Let sit on tray for half a minute then remove to a wire rack to cool.  Freezes well.


Until next time be well and love well and may your home always be filled with love, cookies, and yarn.

A Summery Scarf and Delicious Bread Pudding Recipe

It has recently occurred to me that for all the shawls that I've knit over the years happily thinking that I'm covering all possible basis for any outfit or color combination that I might own I have left a gaping hole in my wardrobe.  I have hardly any scarves.  And I'm not entirely sure why but all of a sudden all I want to wear are long flowing scarves.   

Maybe it has something to do with the desertification of California.  With the new arid desert climate it seems appropriate to wear more desert influenced fashion that is lightweight, streamlined and breezy such as my new Longshadow scarf designed by Anne Hanson.  Sadly California is suffering from an extreme and extended drought that is projected to last decades.  Residents are being asked (and in some areas like Topanga and Malibu residents are required) to reduce water usage by significant amounts.  Apparently some of us have been drafted to the front lines of the water wars. Pretty soon you'll know who lives in Topanga and Malibu because we'll be the ones taking sponge baths and using perfumes.  But we must learn to adapt to our new reality.  Note to self: read Arabian Nights.

In the past few years I've seen a lot of fabric scarfs being sold for summer but frankly I've never been a fan of fabric scarves.  And when lace is this easy to knit there's no reason not to create something unique and special that will make you stand out in the coming hot. sultry. desert. nights.  What are you waiting for!

Particulars:  Longshadows designed by Anne Hanson (Knitspot); US 4 needles; 1 skein Phydeaux Designs two-ply lace weight yarn (80% superfine merino wool, 20% silk) (875 yrds - 100 gm); colorway Grass.  This design like all of Anne Hanson's designs is superbly written. And because it has a resting row it was an enjoyable and surprisingly quick knit. You knit the scarf in two pieces and then graft together in the center so that the scarf is symmetrical with a scalloped edge on each end.I knit the small size but made it longer than the pattern directions as I wanted a long flowing scarf and ended up using approximately 675 yards.  Finished blocked dimensions 80" x 12."

Swallowtail butterfly alight on the wild sage growing on the Santa Monica mountains along the trails Simcha and I hike.


Bread Pudding Recipe

I'm not sure if you have noticed but lately I have been trying to focus more on healthy eating and lifestyle tips.  Truly I have.  But I believe that should also be tempered by the advice of my mother who at age 88 still enjoys life and is fond of saying "a little of what you fancy does you good." Personally I find occasionally eating something decadently wonderful does wonders for my outlook and one of my favorite indulgences is a special treat for breakfast on the weekend.  There's something about a special breakfast that sets the proper mood for the entire day.  And one of my favorite breakfast indulgences is bread pudding.  It's rather like gourmet french toast for grownups.

A bread pudding is an incredibly versatile and easy recipe.  You can add practically any combination of flavors to your bread and then simply pour over the egg custard.  Bake and wallah ~ a delicious breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Any bread that will easily absorb a liquid egg mixture (brioche or a similar bread that you would use for french toast or in a pinch even a store bought coffee cake for the ultimate in easy preparation).
3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup whole milk - scant
+ additional milk to cover your bread filling

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1.  Select dish to bake your bread pudding.  You can use a pie dish or make mini-loafs (pictured below) or a glass bottom bowl (oven safe).

2.  Add torn bread pieces and toss with filling of choice.  Arrange filling so that it is roughly 2 to 3 inches deep.  Keep in mind the dish will rise as it bakes and then collapse as it cools.

3.  Whisk together custard ingredients (3 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, scant 1/4 cup milk).  Pour custard ingredients over bread mixture.  Then add enough additional milk to just about cover bread filling.  Leave some areas of bread showing.

4.  Bake for approximately 1.5 hours at 350 degrees.  The time will vary depending on how deep your baking dish is.  The bread mixture should rise as it bakes and absorbs the custard and milk (it will then collapse as it cools).

5.  Serve slightly warm still from oven.

Examples of what to use for your bread filling are as follows:  in the first picture I used fresh brioche mixed with a few sliced strawberries and peaches and a few bittersweet chocolate chips scattered about (roughly 2 tablespoons or less).  I find that with fruit you don't want to use too much, but a few nice chunks work well or adding a few raspberries are wonderful too.

In the picture below I used homemade raisin bread.  While I love the raisins and cinnamon this version isn't nearly as light as it is if you use a soft rich bread such as brioche or a coffee cake.

Until next time be well and love well and this summer go ahead and treat yourself to something special for breakfast ~ everyone deserves an occasional treat!

Victorian Christmas Shawl and Christmas Wishes

 

I am delighted with my Victorian Christmas Shawl that I began on Halloween and have been knitting madly away on ever since.  This project was a mystery knit along hosted by the Yarn Fairy who has a number of mystery knit alongs running all year round.  I am very pleased to say that my finished shawl not only met it exceeded my expectations and considering this was a 1,800 yard blind leap of knitting that makes me very merry indeed.

Clearly this is not a shawl that I am going to wear out to the grocery store to buy a carton of milk. Nor is it intended to be. The design was inspired by the Victorian era when family gatherings and the holidays meant getting dressed in your finest clothes and accessories often trimmed in crushed velvet and other luxury fibers.  I think that the casual dress style of the 21st century takes away from the festive nature of these occasions and is the poorer for it.  What is gained by the convenience of a casual attitude toward clothing is lost by the ensuing mediocrity of monotony and sameness.  And I am not in favor of mediocrity!

Not everyone will agree with me that casual dress makes the holiday season less special and that begs the question what makes the holidays special for you?  And it is obviously more than getting dressed up for me.  It is the time spent with family and I am looking forward to going to my parent's home which is always decorated beautifully and my mom has wonderful treats that are once a year luxuries like boxes of special chocolates and nuts.  I am in charge of baking an English Christmas Cake full of brandy and fruit and and covered in marzipan (recipe link) and my mother always make a trifle (recipe link) and we finish the evening with a flaming Christmas pudding.  But the best part for me is attending a candlelight evening service on Christmas eve with a beautiful message and singing traditional Christmas hymns and then driving around our neighborhood looking at all the holidays lights.  At the holidays I also love the seasonably colder weather and early dark evenings that are perfect for wrapping up in a shawl and losing one's self in a novel in front of a fire.  And those are just a few of the things that make the holidays special for me.

Particulars:  Dickens Victorian Christmas Shawl; designed by Wendy McDonnell (Yarn Fairy KALs); US 4 needles; 8 skeins yarn fairy pixie sock medium (hand dyed for this project) 1,800 yards.   This is a crescent shaped shawl and very voluminous.  I chose not to block it aggressively my final blocked measurements are 31" deep (as opposed to 38" deep) and the wingspan is from the neck down 46" on both sides.  I recommend that you look at some of the other finished shawls on Ravelry and you will see that this shawl looks absolutely stunning blocked to longer dimensions, however, for myself I find a shorter shawl more wearable.       

Simcha's Neverending Story

Simcha hasn't been featured too much lately on the blog but have no fear he's doing great and I thought I would share a quick anecdote.  As you know he loves carrying sticks and the bigger the better and looking at this picture reminds me of something that happened about a week ago. Simcha had fallen behind on our hike and looking back he was nowhere in sight so I quickly darted off the trail and hid from him in the trees (something I haven't done in about a year).  It wasn't long before he came trotting along with a big stick in his jaws as he proudly strutted down the pathway never pausing for a second as he passed by where I was hidden watching him. It took about a minute before I heard a loud kathunk sound in the distance as his stick hit the ground.  I had to suppress a giggle because when he dropped his stick I knew that he had just realized that he had lost track of me.  It wasn't long then before he came running back down the trail with his nose to the ground and then I watched as he stopped and hovered over where I had left the trail and after circling for a moment he followed his nose into the woods where I had hidden and "discovered" me in a joyous reunion. I got a kick out of watching him track me this way because as a pup he would search with his eyes and his nose in the air which is not nearly as reliable as following a scent on the ground and, on occasion, I would  have to come out of hiding and help him find me.  It's sad but true I'm a sneaky mommy who likes to hide.  But it has taught him to be a pretty good tracker!

Until next time be well and love well and Steve, Simcha and I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Winter Lace Shawl ~ and Christmas Crafting!

This shawl reminds me of The Snow Queen a fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.  I'm not really sure why because the snow queen wore a white robe and so it might just be because it's something opulent that a winter queen might wear.  And, really, it never hurts to wear something that makes you feel a like a queen every once in a while.

If you are not familiar with The Snow Queen fairy tale it involves the struggle between good and evil and kindness and forgiveness and the choices we make in this life and it has special meaning for me.  Not because I relate to the queen but instead to the small boy in the story who like me struggles to find his place in this world and his attitude toward family and life in general.  There are many distractions in this world that claim our attention and as a result we rarely take the time to consider what virtues are important to us and and define our life. But it is one of the most important things that we can do with our time and teach to children. Because if we don't know what is truly important to us it is more likely that we will make wrong choices along the way.

I knew this shawl would be worn at the holidays so I added a mixture of crystal and seed beads to add sparkle and catch the light.  I began by using all crystal beads but ran short and when I reassessed the effect I added in colored seeds beads because I thought the contrasting beads added a more interesting effect.  I love the finished shawl and can't wait to wear it when I make my appearance in the evenings.  I just wish I had a crown and scepter to complete the effect.

Particulars:  Trieste by Rosemary Hill (sold by Designs by Romi); US 8 needles; 3 skeins (I used 2.5 skeins) Rowan Kidsilk Haze; beads (mixture of crystal and seed beads); blocked dimensions: 40" x 80"; I knit a total of 9 triangles (instead of 10).  I found this to be an easy pattern to knit with a stunning result.  Block Dimensions 76" x 44."  Previous Kidsilk Haze shawls I've knit are: The Fleur Wrap; Willow; Dove; Anisette Stole, Birch.   Other designs by Rosemary Hill that I've knit are: Carson Shawl.

Christmas Crafting!

I'm still a kid at heart and love Christmas crafting because it's a time of year when you can use sparkles, doodads and glitter and the more the merrier! This year I made a wet felted Christmas tree using green and white felt and then decorated it with sequins and beads, and I am delighted with it.  It looks very jolly sitting on my kitchen counter along with a cute Grinch ornament and adds a touch of Christmas cheer to my kitchen counter.  It was very simple to make using a resist and if you are interested in how to make a wet felt project my Felt Bunny post has some helpful information and links.

We always leave town over the holidays and I also take a break from the internet so I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year from Steve, Simcha and myself!  Until next time, be well, love well and have fun celebrating the holidays and have fun adding some glitter and glitz to your holidays ~

The Fleur Wrap and Marmalade Tea Cake

I have to admit that fancy occasions are always a little awkward for me because I don't enjoy getting dressed up and never know what to wear.  Luckily for me I've discovered that wearing a fancy wrap is an easy way to be warm and comfortable and yet appear suitably festive.  And for warmth and wow there is nothing that compares to a mohair lace shawl and, for that type of shawl, I love Heirloom Knitting designs.

The shawl I am wearing is The Fleur Wrap from Heirloom Knitting and the dress was chosen for me by Steve.  That's right, Steve.  He will look through the dress racks to pick just the right one.  And he will periodically announce that we need to have a night on the town.  Really?  Must we??  I do resist an evening out.  I'm a homebody and prefer relaxing at home in a pair of jeans with a glass of wine.  But society and relationships require some conformity and how can I resist when he chooses the dress and makes all the arrangements.  And, truthfully, I always enjoy an evening out.

I also think this shawl is versatile enough to be worn in a less dressy way.   I just haven't figured out how yet.

Particulars:  The Fleur Wrap by Heirloom Knitting (designed by Sharon Miller); 3 skeins Colinette Parisienne; US 8 circular needles.  This was an enjoyable knit and I'm very happy with the finished wrap.   My only modification was to substitute Colinette's Parisienne for Rowan's Kidsilk Haze.  Other Sharon Miller designs that I've Knit are the Birch Shawl; Dove Shawl; and the Cora Shawl (a Shetland hap shawl).


Marmalade Tea Cake ~

To be considered a tea cake I think the cake needs to have more substance than the typical American fluffy white cake that I associate with a birthday cake.  Almost a European cake style.  I love this Marmalade cake because it has the heavier texture while still being lighter than, say, a fruitcake.  This cake is a favorite of mine and a staple with my afternoon tea.  It is wonderful served with a black tea (I prefer Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Gold) and I hope you enjoy it.

Marmalade Tea Cake (recipe adapted from The Baking Book):

Ingredients:
3/4 Cup unsalted butter at room temperature
3/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons extra fine white sugar
3 extra large eggs
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, scant (i.e. scant = 2 and 3/8ths teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon salt, scant
7 tablespoons Seville orange marmalade, gently warmed (check to see that Seville oranges were used on the label.  Regular oranges make too sweet a marmalade for this cake).  I use a marmalade made by James Keiller & Son's, Dundee, sold by Trader Joe's.
2 tablespoons whole milk.

ICING:
1 Cup confectioner sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons whole milk

Steps:
1.  Butter and flour (or use parchment paper to line) an 8 inch round cake pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Beat butter with sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
3.  Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.  Gently fold flour mixture into the butter mixture using a wooden spoon.  When thoroughly combined add half the warmed marmalade (approximately 3 1/2 tablespoons) and add both tablespoons of milk to the batter and fold to combine.
4.  Pour batter into cake pan and level with a knife.  Bake cake approximately 45-50 minutes or until a cake tester comes away clean.
5.  Turn cake out onto a wire rack and while still warm brush with the remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons warm marmalade.  I like to place a sheet of wax paper beneath the cake to catch any marmalade that drips off.  Allow to cool completely.
6.  Prepare icing by whisking the confectioners sugar with the milk.  I like to pour this mixture into a small plastic bag (i.e. a sandwich baggie) and cut away a small corner of the bag to drizzle the icing over the cake.  Allow  icing to set, about 1 hour.

This cake would be delightful enjoyed in the afternoon at a tea party wearing, say, a lovely shawl.

Until next time, be well and love well and enjoy the occasions in life that take you out of your normal routine whether that is seeing a live show, enjoying a fancy dinner out, or listening to jazz music in a club.  You might find that you enjoy it more than you expect.

Varve Shawl

Over the past few years I've knit a fair number of shoulder shawlettes which have their place and are very popular for good reason, including a delightful instant gratification factor.   But for my money nothing compares to the satisfaction of knitting a traditional lace shawl which is ethereal and warm and truly transformed from a good severe blocking.

 

The yarn I used for this shawl is a wonderfully rustic wool and the moment I saw it in the LYS I knew that it would make a beautiful shawl.  It's not a merino wool, mind you, which is both the good and bad news.  The good news is that it will hold this block 4ever.  The bad news is that I found this yarn a little obnoxious against my bare skin.  But it's perfect for layering and I will wear it most often while hiking with Simcha although I think it is elegant enough to be worn anywhere.

 

There are many popular knitwear designers and its tempting to want to knit whatever they are knitting.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, and I do my share of that too.  But sometimes you are best served to step back a moment and think about what speaks to you and not just follow the current trends.  The more you follow your own taste your knitting will more accurately reflect who you are and give you a fashion flare that is your unique signature.   You will feel and look your best when you do that. 

Particulars: Varve Shawl by Grace Anna Farrow (A Stitch to Wear);  Isager Strik Spinni (wool 1) 2 skeins (330 yds/skein); US 6 needles; no modifications whatsoever.   It's hard to see in the pictures, but this shawl has beautiful texture in addition to the classic old shale patterning.  It's a half circle shape which I particularly like.  Relaxed post blocked dimensions: 64"x 28."  Another shawl by this designer that I've knit is her Grade Shawl blogged as my Southwest Knit Shawl.



The MisAdventures of Simcha

I'm not the only one who loves to take a walk as the following anecdote reveals.

During the day I typically follow a fairly consistent routine and around 3 o'clock I take Simcha for an afternoon walk.  But the other day I was working at my computer and even though I knew it was time for Simcha's walk I ignored him when he began nudging me with his nose.  So he proceeded to grab me by my T-shirt and pulled me out of my chair.  I know I should never have allowed this pushy behavior but I was laughing too hard and wanted to quickly finish up what I was working on so I went back to the computer just for another minute.  At which point he brought me over one of my tennis shoes.  What could I say then but geez, if you really want to go for a walk you should have brought me my sweater....  Just kidding.  Of course I broke down and took him for a walk, I'm a softy.

The above picture is taken along Stunt High trail in Topanga, a hike that has lots of old oak trees, a beautiful creek bed, and I think is a particularly pretty place for a walk.

Until next time, be well and love well and take some time to think about how your knitting expresses your personal style and why you pick the projects that you do.