Crochet Weekend

Beth and her Seraphina Shawl

I attended three different Stitch 'n Bitch meet-ups this weekend! Phew! My crochet hand is aching! Saturday WeHo SnB at the Original Farmers Market in the morning was great! We had a nice sized crowd. I met up with Christine and a few others early for breakfast at Loteria Grill, then we headed upstairs to knit and crochet with the group.

The Fairview Knitters group in Santa Monica later in the day was really a surprise! There must have been at least 20 people attending. We usually have between 6 and 10 people. Wow! All of a sudden, we're popular. Shout out to Meri, Jenna and Brenda who shlepped across the City to attend!

On Sunday, my Sometimes Sunday crochet group met. By then, my carpal tunnel set it, so I decided to start yet another project with a larger crochet hook. I find that when I crochet with a large hook and ease up my death-grip, my hands appreciate it.

It's count-down time for holiday gifts. This year all my Knit Grrlz are getting shawls made from various sock yarns. Lately, I've been obsessed with Noro sock yarns. I've been working on a triangle shawl with a black, rust, gray and burgundy Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn, size "I" hook. I started this shawl using double crochet stitches and then after about 10 rows, switched to treble crochet stitches. LOVE the trebles! The shawl is very drapey.

Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn Triangle Shawl

After seeing Beth's Seraphina Shawl in progress (top), using Paton's Soy Wool Stripes yarn, I was inspired to start yet another Seraphina Shawl using more Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn in the most beautiful combination of colors. I'm using a size "G" hook for this shawl. Beth has only been crocheting for a few months. She's really taken to it and is always researching new patterns. I'm so proud of her progress. Thanks for the re-inspiration, Beth!

Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn Seraphina Shawl

Yabba-Dabba-Doo!

Oy! Another Seraphina?

I just cannot seem to stop crocheting new and improved Seraphina Shawls! While I was at Stitches West in Santa Clara, Blue Moon Fiber Arts had a huge sock yarn booth. "Socks That Rock" is their motto. The yarn colorways are absolutely gorgeous. I bought 4 skeins at $15 each of the 100% superwash merino. That's 360 yards for $15 at the Stitches Market Place. Online, the same yarn sells for $19 per skein. The colorway I chose is not listed on their website. I love it. It's orange. It's called "Fred Flintstone." Yup! Sure looks like the town of Bedrock to me! You would almost swear that this yarn looks like Koigu...the texture is marvelous!

Thanks (or curses) to Drew for introducing me to Seraphina . This shawl looks equally great using a large hook and fat yarn to using a medium-sized hook and sock yarn. For my Flintstone Seraphina I'm using a size "H" crochet hook. Looks like I'll be using about 2 skeins of the Blue Moon yarn for this shawl. Hmmm? What on earth will I do with the other 2 skeins?

I Couldn't Help Myself

All of the new yarn that I purchased a couple of weeks ago is now wound up into neat little cakes and sitting on my dining room table. Last night, as I was walking by the table, I just couldn't help myself. I had to grab that Ravelry Red Malabrigo sock yarn and a crochet hook and start making a shawl. Yes, I have several yarny things started. Yes, I have deadline projects to complete. Yes, I have "start-itis."
With my size "H" crochet hook I started yet another Seraphina Shawl. It's my go-to pattern for quick, lacy and gorgeous. I've made several Seraphina Shawls in different weight yarns. I love the delicate look I get using sock yarn. The Malabrigo yarn is in varying shades of red. The lace pattern looks fantastic in an almost solid color. I'll be keeping this shawl for myself

Seraphina Redux

I just can't stop making these Seraphina shawls! They are fast, easy but interesting to crochet and the results are impressive. Once you figure out the pattern, it moves quickly, but looks intricate. I needed a holiday gift for my sister-in-law, Ginny. She and my brother, Ken live in North Carolina where it gets chilly in the wintertime. Ginny LOVES purple. I had this beautiful Rowan Yorkshire Tweed, DK weight in my stash, purchased at the Great Black Sheep Knittery Sale of 2007. I'm using a size "H" crochet hook.

Ken will be receiving some gorgeous socks from Fernwood Woolworks in Portland, Oregon. I'm almost done with all of my holiday knitting and crocheting....just a few finishing touches that I hope to accomplish over our long Thanksgiving Day holiday!

Projectitis

Some of the B-Day Girl's Pottery Collection

Yeah, I know. I've got projectitis and serious yarn attention deficit disorder. Things just come up. I can't help it. Yesterday we received a call from a friend. It's his wife's big b-day at the end of the month. We're invited to the surprise party. Shhhh! Don't tell.

Hmmm? What to get her for her big b-day? She has an extensive vintage pottery collection; she and her husband have recently remodeled their kitchen; this chick is the Martha Stewart of Inglewood. There are numerous possibilities for gift items. Every year they throw a few faboo parties. We are always invited. The lady of the house never ceases to amaze us with her hostess abilities. HOWEVER, since she is so into entertaining, decorating and such, she has just about every item ever invented for the kitchen. The vintage pottery is quite expensive and difficult to find. So, I figured that I should really knit or crochet her something spectacular.

I've always had great success and compliments on my Seraphina Shawls. They are fast to crochet, they look complicated (they're not really) and they pack a mighty good present punch. I don't see the B-Day Girl that often, but when I do she's usually wearing pastels. She is blonde, fair and peachy. She tends to wear pale blues, greens.

The Yarn is the Same Color as the Accent Tile and the Walls!

Her new kitchen is a gorgeous shade of celadon and creamy yellow. I found just the right shade of pale green yarn today at the crafts shop, picked up a few skeins of Simply Soft by Caron and started wailing on a Seraphina for her. If she doesn't want to wear this as a shawl, she can always use it for a tablecloth!!!!

Finished Items

"Maria-Josita Shawlette" with Trim

In-between big sweater projects, afghan projects and a multitude of other unfinished knit and crochet projects lurking in tote-bags in my house, I managed to finish three smaller projects in the last few weeks.
I made this teal Seraphina shawlette for Mary Jo's birthday. The yarn was given to me by Mary Jo. It's Araucania Ranco Solid yarn in a fingering weight. It is a delight to work with. After crocheting this shawlette, I decided it needed a startling border color to set off the green. I chose some hot pink for the edge!

"Maria-Josita Shawlette" before adding startling border color

I'm hooked on the Ballband Washcloth. I love the brick design and texture. The one thing I do not like in the original pattern are the raggedy edges, especially after washing. I found this formula for tidy edges. I love it and will use this version of the pattern from now on.

Tidy Edges for Ballband Washcloth

"Bricked" Washcloth

I also finished a log cabin pattern washcloth. Making the log cabin pattern out of cotton is rather difficult. Picking up the cast off edges in stiff cotton is tough compared to using softer and more flexible yarn. This is the reason my cloth is slightly wonky. Oh well, it's colorful and will still work well as a spa cloth!
Both of the cloths were paired with some lilac soap as a gift for Beth's birthday.

"Rothko" Washcloth

Thoughtful Gift

This is a belated thank you to my friend, Gale. During her visit a couple of weeks ago she gifted me with a wonderful collection of my favorite things!

All of the goodies were wrapped in a perfect grass and bark box (very tiki). Inside was this gorgeous hank of orange yarn, "Elise" by Ball and Skein. It's 50% silk and 50% merino wool. I immediately started crocheting a Seraphina Shawl with it, but I may frog it and switch to another, lacier project. This yarn has a beautiful drape.
Also enclosed: Clementine Lavender soap, knitter's hand lotion in a handy tin and two sets of the most beautiful buttons!!! I LOVE everything! Thanks so much Gale!

Finished!

My Ravelry-Red Seraphina Shawl crocheted with Malabrigo Sock Yarn is finished! I blocked it yesterday and am wearing it today! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! This yarn is the best! I used a size "H" crochet hook so the shawl would be very lacy.The color gradation of the red is lovely, the weight and drape of the yarn is perfect for our Southern California climate, the pattern has always been one of my go-to favorites. I purchased the yarn at Twist, Yarns of Intrigue in Manhattan Beach. It's definitely time for a repeat visit to this beautiful shop.

In a few weeks I'm taking a class at Loop & Leaf Yarn Shop in Santa Barbara called "Photography for Knitters Workshop...photographing your finished proects." Acclaimed photographer, Gale Zucker, is teaching the class. Even though I'm married to a professional photographer and have learned many techniques from Mr. Larry just by hangin' with him, I know that I'll learn some excellent new approaches from Gale. She has photographed many yarn-related books and articles. I'm looking forward to the class and to finally meeting Gale in person!

Addendum: After looking at my photos above, I can already see where I need some improvement. I should have placed the RED shawl closer to something GREEN or BLUE for a higher contrast so that the red would pop. These are the principals I have used in painting. They apply to photography too. Composition, color, lighting and placement are key elements. At least I have a basic knowledge....can't wait to learn more secrets!

Holiday Gifts

I've been working away for over 8 months on this year's holiday gifts. The Gift o' the Year is a a hand-crocheted shawl. I've been experimenting with multi-colored yarns, sock yarns, worsted weight yarns and more. I've made Seraphina Shawls, Granny Triangle Shawls and Rectangular Shawls. I'm kinda' shawled-out.

HOWEVER, I'm smitten with the combo of any striping Noro yarn and this granny triangle shawl (which is really a scarf pattern - Ravelry link). I can't stop making them! I'm working on another one right now! They're fast and gorgeous (just like I USED to be in the OLD days)! (rimshot).

Thanks to my tall co-worker, Courtney for being America's Next Top Shawl Model!

All my yarny friends are going to receive FABULOUS gifts this year!!!
For calendar items for this weekend, check the L.A. Times, L.A. Weekly, L.A. Conservancy and yesterday's blog post!

Christmas 2009

Yes, I've joined a few Ravelry groups where members are knitting and crocheting NOW for Christmas and Chanukah 2009! One is "Christmas 2009 - Monthly Make Ahead". The other is "2009 Christmas Knitting." I'm going to be prepared this year!

Shawls are the gift for this year for all my female friends. Hopefully, I won't give all of these away for birthday gifts before the December holidays. I'm almost finished with the pinky Seraphina shawl.

I'd already started this "It's Just a Triangle" shawl, using that multi-colored Newton Country sock yarn I purchased at the Torrance Fiber Fest. This was one huge skein of yarn. Half of it was more greeny, the other half more rusty. I crocheted the shawl with the greeny portion of the skein and then trimmed it with the rusty party.

Co-Worker, Jessica and the Newton Country Triangle Shawl

I found the pattern for the trim on the Triangle Shawl in Doris Chan's "All Shawl" pattern. Now, I'm working on the "All Shawl" pattern with the green Araucania Ranco.
Next up: Blue Araucania Ranco...maybe a different pattern.
I have so much yarn that will work for shawls in my stash, that I'm sure I'll be set for shawl giving when December rolls around. Have you started knitting and crocheting for next Christmas?

Obsession #185

Noro Kureyon Yarn, #185

I am obsessed with Noro Kureyon, color #185. I'm a 185-a-holic. I have lots of this colorway. I'm afraid that Noro may discontinue it one day. There's something about this particular combination of colors that just knocks me out. I suppose I could just put solid yarns together in stripes, using similar colors, but it just wouldn't be the same.

I have knit and crocheted many projects with this colorway.

FAN-tastic crocheted scarf

crocheted and felted tote bag

Fernwood Woolworks knitted socks

knitted striped scarf (#185 with #172, for variety)

unfinished cable knit handbag

in progress, crocheted newsboy hat

in progress, Seraphina Shawl, crocheted with sock yarn

Last night at the WeHo SnB, Lauren suggested that I fashion a costume for next year's Halloween Stitch 'n Witch where I become a skein of Noro Kureyon #185. Excellent idea, Lauren...thanks!

I will continue to knit and crochet with this incredibe colorway, as long as it survives. Cheers to #185, Noro and to you! Have a great weekend!

Byzantine-Latino Quarter

On Saturday I ran errands in the morning. Later in the afternoon I was headed over to the Fairview Knitters group. Since I zoomed out to Santa Monica a bit early, I stopped in at Wild Fiber for the second time last week. I didn't have to leave my end of town early, but subconsciously (and consciously) I wanted to go back to Wild Fiber. That beautiful store is like a magnet for me. Their back room is chock full of half-price deals. I'd picked up some gorgeous Araucania Ranco yarn in pinky-purple tones last week ($9 for over 300 yards!). I started crocheting a Seraphina shawl. The shawl is coming out so beautifully, that I decided to go back and see what other colors of this great yarn were on sale. I came away with a lovely greenish-blend....photos later this week.
We had a nice time at the Fairview Knitters group. When it's winter, we meet in the community room at this little gem of a mid-century-built library. In the warmer months, we sit in the patio. Natalie was our surprise guest on Saturday. We all had a great time discussing patterns, yarn and Ravelry.
I just didn't feel like cooking dinner when I got home, so Larry and I headed over to Papa Cristos and C.K. Imports on Pico Blvd. at Normandie in what is now called the Byzantine-Latino Quarter of Los Angeles. St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Cathedral is across the street from this great restaurant and market. In the old days, this area of town was essentially populated by Greek people. Today, it is predominantly Latin, however, many of the Greek businesses still exist...hence the name of the area. It's always enjoyable visiting St. Sophia's when the Greek Festival is happening...it takes place in early September and there's always music, dancing, great food, lectures on how olive oil is made, etc. It's worth going just to see the inside of the Cathedral. It is truly beautiful.

Back to Papa Cristo's. The food is simple, hearty Greek food. We had an appetizer of sizzling feta cheese and tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and spices with grilled pita bread. We shared a chicken plate which contained half of a rotisserie chicken, Greek salad, roasted potatoes and some Greek olives. Everything was truly delicious and very reasonable.

After dinner we wandered through the market side of the establishment. They have a marvelous selection of Greek food products: Olive oil, olives, wine, breads, meat, hummus and baba ghanouj, tahini, pastries, condiments and more. We parked in the FREE parking lot in back. As we walked back to our car we noticed a mural on the storeroom wall of lovely ladies preparing and cooking chicken! In fact, this place is full of murals. Check out the mural of a Greek village on the side of the building.This place definitely warrants a field trip. You really should visit.
Papa Cristo's and C.K. Market, 2771 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006, Phone: (323) 737-2970, Fax: (323) 737-3571, Open Tues-Sat 10am - 8pm; Sunday 9am-4pm, closed Mondays.