...52 weeks of happy (5/52)...

1.  finding your place in the sun.
2.  favorite new project bag from A Verb For Keeping Warm.
3.  done with clue #1 of this using this.  Are you knitting along?
4.  working on a design with some of this.
5.  just because... he really don't care.

Did you find your place in the sun...maybe with some knitting?

...on the road again...

Finally, after weeks of waiting and preparation I am leaving on a jet plane in the morning for my east coast trip.  First stop, Rhinebeck, NY and the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival.  And if you know anything about Rhinebeck you know that you've got to have a new sweater just to make an appearance.  Enter Bel Air.

 

Yup, this is the sweater I started back in August when I was in San Francisco at A Verb for Keeping Warm with my pals Stephen and Carrie.  We were lucky to be taking class from the master herself, Anne Hanson!  And this is the result of that fantastic class.  Let me tell you, Anne was right.  If you take your measurements and knit to them.....the sweater fits!  I love this sweater beyond belief.  If you see me wearing it at Rhinebeck I'll probably make you listen as I describe all that is lovely about it! Humor me.....

I'll be taking in  everything with my best pal, Marcy.  This trip is going to be one to remember!  We start by getting on what Marcy likes to call "the magic bus" at Webs  and riding from the shop to Rhinebeck with a bunch of knitters!  Who could as for anything more?

We'll be making stops to see Miss Babs and then to The Fold.  Speaking of The Fold, if you love
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock (and who doesn't?) get on over there!   Not only will they have a great selection of STR, but they also will have Silk Hankies!  Rumor has it there is a cowl pattern (free) that will be showing up there that can be knit from one hankie!

We'll be stopping by to see Steph at her book signing that kicks off the tour for her new book.  Can't wait to see her!

Once Rhinebeck is over Marcy and I will travel back to her house for a few days of rest before heading to Stitches East in Hartford.  I'll be hosted by our pals at Webs and will have a bunch of great Blue Moon yarns.  Tina has sent some beautiful garment yarns along with Socks That Rock so the booth will be packed with loveliness!  Please stop by and say hello if you get to Stitches.  I'd love to see you!

Well, as they say let's get this show on the road!

...Octavia...

My great-grandmother, Octavia loved flowers. She especially loved African Violets that grew in profusion throughout her home; pink, blue, violet and white. Whenever I see African Violets I think of her. Introducing....

~ Octavia ~

This triangular shawlette, named after her, has pretty little lace violets running throughout and is trimmed with a simple lace edging. Octavia looks lovely knit in a single skein of fingering weight yarn such as Floating by A Verb for Keeping Warm, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight or Annapurna also by A Verb for Keeping Warm.

I love the how the little violets make me think of my great-grandmother. This pattern is a sweet as she was!

~ enjoy ~