Once again, I enlisted one of my daughters to take photos of the Macy's holiday windows in Manhattan. Why? Macy's has devoted one of their windows to a fiber arts theme and is showing stuffed bears knitting! How cute is that?

It's a riot of colorful sweaters, scarves, buntings and a snowman constructed from giant balls of yarn. I just love to see all the knitted and crocheted items nestled into the squishy white jumbo stockinette knit blanket, which creates a snowy, yet cozy, landscape.

Here are highlights of some of the individual elements.

Sweet knitted buntings in contrasting colors.

Here's Mama bear and a cub, who is knitting. (Sorry for the lights reflected in the window!) Both are wearing colorful striped knitting sweaters or skirts and are sitting on a sofa covered by a multicolor granny square afghan. And, of course, there's that stunning white snowy/yarny backdrop.

Here's Mama bear again, along with Papa and a napping cub both in colorful knitwear.

Lastly, a cub wearing a knit sweater with appliqued multicolored hearts is winding white yarn around the snowman, which spins (see the video)

If you want to see the video of the window, you can view it here.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Happy knitting,

Lois

So I'm usually a "one project at a time" girl, with an exception - a gorgeous needlepoint pillow that's halfway done, which was carried to California when I arrived in 1992 and still sits in its bag. The exception proves the rule! I will finish it - someday!

Then came the pandemic. Maybe it was an element of self care - I wanted to make all the things and touch all the yarn, so I bought whatever pleased me!

But I digress. I dropped my guard this past year and queued up multiple projects. There have been way too many temptations out there - virtual knitting shows, events, blog posts Instagram. Don't you think there's been an explosion of amazing patterns and yarns in the last couple of years? The amount of talent and creativity out there is overwhelming. I love it!

I've already finished quite a few pieces and my relatively small pile of WIPs may seem like nothing to you, but it weighs on me every day. So, now that we're inching back to "life as we knew it" I'm working to finish up everything. Then, knitting monogamy returns!

Disclosure: By sharing this information with you, kind reader, I am invoking external accountability to ensure that I will finish them all - especially that dishcloth! Keep me on track, everyone!

Here's what I'm working on.

Bungalow Heaven: Yes, I'm still working on this one. I blame all of it on this newly incorporated little town! Making all those bungalows is a lot of work! I must say, it's been quite satisfying as well. Playing with the colors and making rules about what to use next has been fun. I also wanted to ensure that each "street" had a different road design.

I'm glad to finally be finishing up the last street. Now to figure out the border.

Thirlestane: I blame this one on Bungalow Heaven as well. I participated in a KAL with Modern Daily Knitting and won a lovely prize of Rowan Alpaca Classic, needles and pattern book for my efforts on said BH. I couldn't let the yarn just sit there, right? There's a wee spot to fortify (little stitch marker) and she's done. Now to wait for appropriate weather here in SoCal - perhaps December? In the meantime, I'll visit it periodically to admire the billowy, fuzzy alpaca/cotton mix.

Lightweight Hipster Shawl: Not sure how inspiration struck on this one, but suddenly I had to make it - can you blame me? My first yarn choice was to marl a skein each of white and navy Madeline Tosh lace weight, which started off very nicely. When I hit the 6-stitch crossovers it all came tumbling down. I was basically juggling 12 unruly strands of yarn with no idea what to do with them. So it was back to the stash, where I found enough skeins of Denim Revive. I'm pleased with it - will be a great protection against summer A/C, which will be upon us very soon. I revised the pattern to only do 2 YOs in the set-up row for the crossovers, which has worked really well. I'm looking forward to giving it a nice blocking soak and a good stretch. Blocking makes this yarn nice and soft and pliable.

Ballband Dishcloth: Poor thing. No clue when I started it, but I'm sure it was before everything else listed. It's almost half done and languishing - had to remove the needles for something else. Maybe I'll take it with me to my next doctor visit - could easily finish it off in the waiting room!

Wish me luck, now that my little secret is out! I should have these finished in no time. Then it will be time to find another project(s) to start!

Happy knitting!

Lois

Peace Out, 2020 and Happy New Year, 2021! Now it’s a brand new year with hope for a fresh start. Looks like it has come in some ways, but this year is already full of surprises. But, optimism is a choice and I’m going with it!

As mentioned before, when the going gets tough, I turn to my knitting. It’s been no different these past few months. I've been working on various projects and then, just in time my favorite folks at MDK published a new Field Guide with new Kaffe Fassett designs. My affection for his designs has been well-documented here and here, so this definitely caught my attention.

This Field Guide focuses on intarsia and I was inspired to take one of the designs and make it my own. The design is called Villages and it is repeats of a house, done in lots of different colors. Having adopted SoCal as my hometown, the first thing I thought of was canyons with houses and winding streets. I strategized about how to get some palm trees into the design. Then, I was reminded of a neighborhood in nearby Pasadena called Bungalow Heaven, which is home to many historic Arts and Crafts bungalows.

While the house design is different from the craftsman bungalows, the knitted design has the same neighborhood feeling. I put my own touch on the design by adding sky and cobblestone “streets” separating the rows of houses. I’m having lots of fun doing it, designing each row as I go and watching the fabric getting bigger and bigger. I'm just starting the sixth "street" and still don't know how many more there will be - probably nine or ten. Then blocking and the border - it may qualify for its own zip code!

While all this happy knitting was going on, MDK ran a KAL, which of course I joined. I posted photos of this WIP on Instagram, including one of the tangled yarn in the back. In spite of my lack of photography skills I was one of a group of knitters who won prizes! It made my day. The prize is a bag of goodies from Rowan, one of my favorite yarn companies and I’m looking forward to seeing it. In the meantime Snowmageddon happened, so I'm patiently waiting.

I do hope you and your loved ones are safe, healthy and warm, especially if you're impacted by the storm and its aftermath.

Happy knitting!

Lois

It's worth saying thank you twice for joining me on this journey and wish everyone good health and prosperity in the coming new year.

As always - Happy Knitting.

Lois

This blog post originally appeared in September, 2019. It feels timely this year and all the items are still available.

According to my calendar, the holiday season is right around the corner - you know, the corner at the intersection of Labor Day and the day after Halloween? This is the time when our attention shifts to the important stuff – ensuring that all the lists are checked twice and everyone nice has a lovely gift waiting for them under the tree in December.

If you have children on your gift list and are a fan of needle crafts, then you may be thinking about gifts the kids would enjoy that will teach them a new skill and, preferably, one involving yarn!

Here are a few interesting ideas found on Amazon for teaching kids to knit and crochet.*

Knitting:

4M Easy to do Knitting Art Kit Knit your very own handbag with the 4M Knitting Art Kit. Learn the lifelong hobby of knitting to make gifts your family and friends will cherish for years to come with this beginner's kitting set. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

ALEX Toys Craft My Chunky and Funky Scarf Make a cool scarf that will keep you warm on cold days; Child Magazine's Best Toys of the Year Award and the Parents' Choice Approved Award winner; Recommended for children 7 years of age and older

American Girl Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit Knit this stylish accessory for you and your doll with the Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit by Fashion Angels! Recommended for ages 8 and up.

My First Knitting Book: Learn to Knit: Kids This fun book is the perfect introduction to knitting for all ages - with bright, modern and clear illustrations, children can quickly learn to knit, master new stitches and make a selection of super cool knitting projects.

Crochet:

4M Easy-to-Do Crochet Kit is a perfect beginner's set to teach children the fundamentals of crocheting. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.

Lion Brand Yarn 600-885 Beginner Crochet Scarf Kit, Dusty Rose Learn to crochet while making a fashionable scarf

ALEX Toys Craft Crochet A Rainbow Scarf lets you crochet the cutest rainbow scarf complete with smiling clouds! Recommended for children 7 years of age and older.

My First Crochet Book: Learn to Crochet: Kids is the perfect introduction to crochet for kids of all ages!With bright, modern, full colour illustrations, children can quickly learn to crochet, master new stitches and make a selection of cute and easy first crochet projects!

Happy knitting!

Lois

*I am not endorsing any of these ideas, but thought it might be helpful to gather together some examples of what's available to provide ideas for your gift list. LP

I’ve already restarted this post about four times, which I think sums up the way I’m feeling – and maybe how you're feeling, too. I’m not going to go through a rundown of world events – we’re all living them together, even while our individual experience of the world is unique. We truly are in this together.

This is when we need to find something that will calm the soul and offer a tranquil port in an ongoing storm where one can pause, reclaim their equilibrium and find community. This is when I usually pick up my knitting!

For the first time in my life I’m stress-shopping! It isn’t expensive shoes or cosmetics – it’s yarn! Another first is that I’m working on multiple projects. I think it’s up to three on the needles and another couple in the waiting bags. I’ve always been disciplined about working a single project – and finishing it before starting a new one. I may not have liked it when it was done, but, darn it, I pulled it over the finish line. Now I’m just starting things left and right! I’m hoping my “finishing gene” will help me get them all done because I love every project in my queue!

Here’s a peek at what I’m currently working on.

Kaffe Fassett coins throw: A very tweedy and colorful medium-sized throw. I did a felted steek, with instructions from the ladies at MDK (see below) – so proud of myself! It’s spray-blocked (on my Toys R Us kids floor tiles, which double as my blocking mat) and I’m waiting for a long cable to be delivered so I can put the burgundy border on the sides. Next I’m considering doing an i-cord edging with the burgundy yarn, if I have enough. This is the never ending project!

,Shakerag summer top: So interesting – the sequence is six rows one strand, six rows two strands. The change in density makes sort of a shadow stripe through the yarn, but very subtle. I need this top to wear to pick up packages each day. Need to hold up standards of the neighborhood!

,Ballband dishcloth: This is my go-to pattern when I need to shut my brain off and just knit. I’m happy to make these all day long. They make sweet gifts for people. Great to have in my lap when participating in online knitting events. More about that below.

In addition to the knitting, I've been reaching out to the online knitting community. And, it’s responding! Here are “shout outs” to some of the companies/people I’m especially appreciative of for the special things they’ve been doing for the knitting world during the pandemic and worldwide call to action for diversity and inclusion of all people.

Vogue Knitting: Virtual Knitting Live: Have you gone to either of the two online events they ran in May and June? I attended both of them and had the best time! Lectures, classes, special events, interviews, virtual shop sessions – they were all well-done and very engaging. The June event also included a commitment of a percentage of their proceeds to Color of Change, a social justice organization. I’ve heard they’re planning to do more, so do try to catch one, if you can. Get on their mailing list for updates.

,Making a Life – the Conversation: Last weekend, Melanie Falick, avid knitter and author of Making a Life, a book that focuses on working with our hands and its connection to joy and purpose, interviewed knitter and painter, Kaffe Fassett, and his niece, painter Erin Lee Gafill, via Zoom. They had planned a museum show of their paintings in Monterey, CA, including still lifes painted together over the years at the family home in Big Sur. As has happened with so many events, it is now postponed until 2021. This was an hour and a half of sheer inspiration for those of us who consider ourselves “makers”.

Vogue Knitting: Diversity Advisory Council: Kudos to Vogue Knitting for creating this council to support their commitment to inclusion of all people in their publications and events. For more information about their mission, click here.

,MDK (Modern Daily Knitting): My source for daily inspiration – and, my main yarn purveyor these days. This is an amazing community of very engaged knitters and knitting experts. They truly offer something for every taste, mood, and season. Need encouragement to try a new technique? They have you covered with articles and videos. Want to share your WIP or FO with others? Their Instagram group is ready to cheer on your efforts. They recently changed their name, which you can read about here. I think the world of these ladies and am always inspired by them and the work they do.

My Facebook Page: Last, but not least, the lovely folks who have chosen to follow my Facebook author page are the best pick-me-up I could have! Love their comments, likes, emojis! They always brighten my day and I hope I do the same for them!

See what happens when you sit down to count your blessings?

Happy knitting, everyone. Stay safe and healthy!

Lois

In the last blog, I set out the basic rules I follow as a grandparent. Here are some of my ideas about gift-giving.

When we are all together I buy T-shirts and iron numbers on each one, starting with the first grandchild, who is number one through the last grandchild, who is currently number 12. I have a T-shirt for each grandchild, numbered 1 through 12. The grandchildren love their T-shirts. The big surprise is they started doing math problems with their bodies. Number 2 stands next to number 3, and then number 5. They know everyone’s number and their names, too.

One summer we went to the beach, and I ordered 12 personalized towels, one for each grandchild. Since many parents don’t like their child’s name on items they use in public, I had the towels printed with the following:

• Wonderful ONE
• Terrific TWO
• Tremendous THREE
• Fantastic FOUR
• Fabulous FIVE
• Super SIX
• Silly SEVEN
• Crazy EIGHT
• Nifty NINE
• Perfect TEN
• Heavenly ELEVEN
• Tickled TWELVE

Also, I often make photo books using Mac, Shutterfly or whatever I like. We take so many photos when the children are visiting or we visit them. Having a memory book is another way to document and sustain memories. The children often pull the books out and love to recall our visits. They like the books about their cousins’ visits, too. I make two copies, one to keep at my house and one for them. The parents tell me the books are a favorite bedtime story. Now, I don't do this every time - just when I feel the urge. I don’t feel obligated.

Here’s another idea. You know the large foam boards 24X36 inches? They are fabulous for sending in the mail. I add a message and address them like a postcard, then simply take them to the post office where you can mail them as-is. No need to wrap.

Then, there are the holidays. With all the holidays we have in our country, sometimes it feels like one constant celebration. My philosophy is, as a grandparent, it is not my responsibility to give gifts on all these holidays. It is the parent’s turn to enjoy and decide how to celebrate each of them with their children. With that being said, when I get the urge (I don’t put pressure on myself), I might send a box of goodies for each family. I do not send individual holiday gifts (St. Patrick’s Day, Valentines, Thanksgiving, Easter and Passover). So, what is in a box per family? Whatever I find - games, arts and crafts, fun food items, household decorations, placemats, dishtowels, soap, bubble bath, dog treats - anything for the whole family. It is a surprise box, and remember, I do not do this often - maybe once a year on a holiday that works for me. I think it is more exciting for the families when it is unexpected.

And even though we are not all together during the holidays, I like to send them all matching PJ’s each year. They like to share photos with each other in their PJ’s and it helps them all feel connected.

At first, birthday gifts for the grandchildren were so much fun for me, then all of a sudden I had 12, and it became a chore. Again, out of necessity, I wanted to think of something I could give to all the grandchildren every year. For me it was a United States Mint proof coin set for each year. I order 12 of them at the beginning of the year and, voila! I am ready for their birthdays! It is rather shocking, but especially as the grandchildren get older they actually think the coins are really cool. Same birthday gift for everyone yearly - coins.

I often throw in something else if I see something I think they would like, but I don’t feel pressured or obligated. For the girls I do include a Growing up Girls figurine Doll for each year. I wish they had them for boys!

Not everything has been a success, of course. Here is my failure: I gave them money one year. I think it was $25.00 to give to a charity or someone in need during the holidays. They did not think this was a good gift, so I didn’t do that again. Lesson learned. A Grandparent gives gifts, not lessons. Thanks, grandchildren, for teaching me!

Grandparenting has been a journey for me with so many unexpected lessons and new experiences both with my adult children and my grandchildren. No one ever tells you that when you get the new title of “grandparent”, it comes with a new role. I would say it is like parenting: no one ever tells you the truth about being a parent either. Or if someone does, no parent-to-be believes them! You can’t honestly explain the feelings, emotions and all the highs and lows of being a parent. We all just manage as we tread the waters and do the best we can and hope for the best. So I say, “Just have fun in the role of grandparent and let your adult children do the rest.”

I now know why we have the word grandparent. It is because it is so very grand!

Observe the children (listen and see) and they will teach you everything you need to know about both parenting and grandparenting.

I am currently working on a family picture book, Grandmimi’s Kisses, for all my grandchildren, that covers these traditions. Hopefully, it will be completed by December, 2020.

Next time, I’ll share my cake theory with you!

Linda Stroud, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and retired Professor, Child Development, Pasadena City College.

Visits with grandchildren is one of the treasured things for grandparents and grandchildren alike. With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, the game has changed towards more “virtual” interactions. We’re hoping that soon the situation will improve and the old rules will apply again. Speaking of (grandparent) rules, our guest blogger this month (and next) is Linda Stroud, a grandmother of 12 and retired Professor, Child Development, Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California.

Here, then, are Grandmimi’s Rules….

I am the grandmother I never thought I would be. I have six children, 12 grandchildren and another due in October, 2020. With all these delightful adult children, their spouses and the grandchildren, none live near me. They do, however, travel from Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Colorado and Northern California to visit in Southern California, and we travel to see them. Rather than Grandma, I am known to all as Grandmimi!

Oh, and by the way, in case you did not know this - the best part of being a grandparent is not the grandchildren. I learned this right away, and I will share this fact with you. The best part is watching your own children become parents and then parent their children. I could watch them all day, but rarely do I get the opportunity to enjoy these interactions. Because, when my children and grandchildren are with me, my adult children think I want to do everything with their children, like feed, diaper, bathe and the list go on and on. I love them, but I really do not want to do the tasks of a parent. I would rather do all the fun stuff.

Therefore, I created new traditions. Oh, and I have rules, too!

Let’s start with the rules. "Necessity is the mother of invention" is a proverb. It means, roughly, that the primary driving force for most new inventions is a need. As a grandmother, I definitely had a need. My need is to create meaningful and memorable experiences for my grandchildren and fun experiences for me! The following are my rules:

Rules at Grandmimi’s House:

• The answer is always YES
• No naps allowed
• Always eat outside
• Eat ice cream sandwiches for breakfast
• You must go to the toy store at least once during your visit.
• Dinner is served in the hot tub.
• Endless hugs and chocolate kisses are provided

Now, let me explain the rules.

If the answer is always yes there is no need for discussion, compromise, or problems to solve. It is easy, and everyone is happy. The interesting fact is the children are very thoughtful about their requests and love it when I remind them with a question: “Did you forget the rule?” They love this rule. Again, this makes life easier for me. Now, of course, when their parents are around, the parents are in charge, as it should be. I often hear a child’s voice asking, “ Mommy and Daddy, when are you leaving?” Or “Can I stay at Grandmimi’s?”

No naps, because when they are with me, I need them to go to bed without a hassle at night. My adult children have long involved rituals at bedtime for their children. Honestly, at the end of the day with my grandchildren, I am running on empty and need them to just go to sleep. Grandchildren between the ages of two through five love this rule and often try to pretend they are sleeping to get a reaction out of me. It often turns into a little game like hide and seek, open eyes/closed eyes. Then I remind them of the rule - No Naps - and they giggle.

Always eat outside is a must and keeps my house relatively clean. It is so much easier to clean up an outdoor mess, especially with the help of our dog. This is another rule for my own survival. The grandchildren love this rule. They think it is a real treat, especially when it is raining. They don’t want to eat inside.

Eat ice cream sandwiches for breakfast. Honestly, the idea of this is more exciting than actually eating the ice cream sandwich. They usually want the traditional breakfast, of course, outside.

You must go to the toy store, because it takes time. And, it is a nice walk from our house and a new toy keeps the grandchildren busy. Going to the toy store is a must, and the grandchildren can’t wait for their walk to the toy store. Since they are traveling, they need to purchase something that will fit in their backpacks, so this limits the selection to small toys, books, crayons, etc.

Dinner in the hot tub is also a rule. Our hot tub is like a large warm bathtub. They spend hours playing in the water, plus they are clean and tired when they finally get out. Having dinner in the hot tub again is easy for me and very different and special for them.

Endless hugs and chocolate kisses are always provided. When the grandchildren arrive at my house I am always standing at the front door. I put my hands out and ask, “Guess which hand holds a chocolate kiss for you!” They always choose the correct hand. Chocolate kisses are a motivation, too. If I need them to get dressed, get in the car, etc. they move faster when they know we can play the chocolate kiss game.

Linda Stroud is wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and retired Professor, Child Development, Pasadena City College.

Recently I received two separate gifts of yarn! Both were delightfully unexpected. So now, the pressing question is, what should I make with them? The surprise for me is the sense of responsibility I have about making good choices to transform the yarn into something that does proper justice to the intentions of the giver.

Am I taking this all too seriously? I don't know, but suddenly I'm stuck trying to decide what to make with my treasures. Is it just me or has this happened to you?

The first gift I received is a skein of a sport-weight alpaca/merino mix, primarily from a very sweet looking alpaca named Silverado. Look at that face! Maybe now you understand my trepidation about messing up this one. Well, I think I have a good idea. I love the color work designs with rows of sheep on grassy fields and want to adapt that into a cowl that will have alpacas and - maybe - a few radio telescopes mixed in with the sheep for good measure. Why? The giver of the skein is an astronomer and Silverado lives in the shadow of a telescope at a farm that belongs to another astronomer. I thought it would be fun to show a sense of place on the cowl.

Now it's just a matter of adapting a pattern for the correct yarn weight, working out the design on some graph paper, and sourcing the other colors in an appropriate weight yarn - stash or purchase? We shall see.

One down! On to the next!

When my daughter was in London (covered in two recent blog posts - Letters from London, Part 1 and Part 2), she relearned to knit, joined the knitting club at UCL and went to the Knitting & Stitching Show in London, where she purchased three skeins of DROPS yarns in a baby/sport weight. All of them have alpaca in the mix - I sense a trend!

Time for research.

I started off looking for a scarf or shawl with some sort of open work in it. After several searches on Ravelry I chose a pattern that's been in my queue for a while - 3 Color Cashmere Cowl by Joji Locatelli. I know - another cowl! Can you ever have too many? I'm making a yarn substitution with the DROPS yarns, but am hopeful it will work. Since all three colors are in a similar range, I'll give it a contrast boost with a fourth yarn from my stash - Hedgehog Fibres' Typewriter colorway, which will provide some dimension to the other three yarns.

Done and done! Time to get working - wish me luck!

Happy knitting!

Lois

Living near Pasadena, CA, basically means one thing at New Year's - Rose Parade and game! The city and surrounding area is taken over with preparations for the big day. As we typically do on New Year's Eve night, we headed over to S. Orange Grove Blvd. to sneak a peak at the Rose Bowl floats as they rolled in to line up for the parade. It's a great big block party with tons of flowers, plants and people. Some of the local people camp out overnight along the parade route to ensure a good spot at the curb in the morning. Here's some of what we saw this time.

I've been spending a lot of time with an old friend lately, although he doesn't know that - or me! Thanks to the folks at Mason-Dixon Knitting, I've been obsessed with the colors of Rowan Felted Tweed, exploring ways to turn them into colorwork cowls, pillow covers and blankets inspired by designs from Kaffe Fassett! He's been my favorite hand knitting designer for decades and this experience has set me on a walk down memory lane.

Our "friendship" goes back to the 1980s when I discovered his fruit and vegetable inspired needlepoint kits and made a bushel basket-full of those. Then I began exploring his knitting designs and made a vest for my boyfriend. I learned that I could just cut off a length of yarn and knit it up instead of carrying all the strands on bobbins (which was standard practice at the time). This little trick was great - so easy to untangle strands of yarn that aren't attached to a block of plastic!

But I digress. I've been thinking about my Kaffe Fassett knitting tour de force, which I made in the early 1990s - the woolen version of the Foolish Virgins sweater. This is the one that uses a bunch of different Rowan yarns and many yarn colors.

Back then my favorite yarn shop was the Tomato Factory Yarn Store in Lambertville, NJ, on the banks of the Delaware River just across from New Hope, Bucks County, PA. They had to order the yarn for me and after it finally arrived I dove in with needles blazing. Every part of the sweater was a new adventure, with all the different colors and pattern charts. I loved every minute of it.

I wanted an all-consuming project to occupy my time during my long commuting hours. This sweater certainly fit the bill! I commuted between Princeton, NJ and New York City every day and carried that project with me back and forth on the train for almost a year. I also carried it with me between New Jersey and SoCal, where I travelled to spend time with my boyfriend, who by then had become my fiancé. Those ladies were my constant companions and silent witnesses to the events unfolding in my life.

The sweater was finished shortly before I moved to California to be with my new husband. Ironically, with our mild winters, I don't get to wear it very often but do pull it out a few times a year when we have winter cold spells. OK - some of you would call the the weather "cool"! But that low humidity that makes 90 degrees feel comfortable also makes 45 feel like an Arctic blast!

And more than 25 years later, here I am, once again working on new Kaffe Fassett projects, happily continuing the tradition and it gives me as much satisfaction as I got from making that amazing sweater so many years ago.

Thanks for the memories, Kaffe Fassett!

Happy knitting!

Lois

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I want to express gratitude and thanks to all of you for being a part of this community. Wishing you a wonderful holiday - and I hope you have so many people around your table that your chairs don't match! Thanks so much for your interest!

We're still talking about London, because - using our daughters' semesters abroad as a pretext for parental oversight - recently my husband and I paid a visit across the "Pond" to check up on them (wink, wink) and have some fun of our own. We visited our daughters, some friends, and generally enjoyed ourselves. We ate good food, checked out a couple of museums and went in search of fiber arts.

I had read that the Victoria and Albert Museum has an interesting fashion and needlework collection and I was not disappointed. Here's an assortment of what I saw - very interesting lacework and hand knitting.

Their costume collection was also quite interesting.

My daughters and I visited the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studios and went on their self-guided tour. We found a reasonable amount of fiberwork there as well. After all, Mrs. Weasley did make all those Christmas sweaters!

Shortly after returning home, Stitches SoCal came to town. This was the second year of this now annual event, which is held at the Civic Center in Pasadena, CA. I enrolled in a class on sequence knitting with Cecilia Campochiaro and a class on technique with Patty Lyons. I gained so much information from both of them and would recommend either of them as teachers, if you ever have the chance to join one of their classes.

If you've never tried sequence knitting, it's worth a look. I knew of it but had never tried it. Cecelia explained the process very well and brought a lot of beautiful samples. It's amazing to see how the texture of the fabric changes simply by shifting a single knit or purl stitch in the design.

Next, I had a class with Patty Lyons, who's a true expert on technique. Since I was home-taught as a child and re-taught myself as a young adult, I thought I could use a tune-up. Boy, was I right. It's a bit humbling, but also energizing to learn from such a master.

Here are some of Cecelia's samples and my new technique for holding yarn.

I plan to practice both sequence knitting and the tweaks to my yarn holding technique by making dishcloths. I started making hand knit dishcloths several years ago and I love them. It's time for some new ones - and they make sweet little stocking stuffers as well. I'll dive into my Dishy stash and see what colors look good together.

Happy knitting!

Lois

One of my daughters is studying at UCL in London this semester. She is not a knitter, but does like to join groups and so, of course, she joined the knitting club. The members are very nice and she's actually learning to knit - again. The first and only try was during second grade - which she barely remembers - but it didn't go well. Looks like this time it's going better and I'm a very proud Mama! I'm secretly fantasizing about future mother-daughter knitting excursions to yarn festivals. Rhinebeck, perhaps?

Last weekend she and some knitting friends went to the Knitting & Stitching Show, held at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London. Of course I demanded photos. Here's a sampling of what they saw.

With the resurgence of colorwork, it looks like it was a very colorful show.

Poor child - I also asked her to go visit the Kaffe Fassett exhibit at Anthropologie in Chelsea, which she did in the midst of a rainstorm. It was the last day and they were already starting to take things down, but she managed to get a few shots.

Here's a big THANK YOU and shout out to my daughter and her friends from the UCL Knitting Club for making this post possible!

Happy Knitting!

Lois

According to my calendar, the holiday season is right around the corner - you know, the corner at the intersection of Labor Day and the day after Halloween? This is the time when our attention shifts to the important stuff – ensuring that all the lists are checked twice and everyone nice has a lovely gift waiting for them under the tree in December.

If you have children on your gift list and are a fan of needle crafts, then you may be thinking about gifts the kids would enjoy that will teach them a new skill and, preferably, one involving yarn!

Here are a few interesting ideas found on Amazon for teaching kids to knit and crochet.*

Knitting:

4M Easy to do Knitting Art Kit Knit your very own handbag with the 4M Knitting Art Kit. Learn the lifelong hobby of knitting to make gifts your family and friends will cherish for years to come with this beginner's kitting set. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

ALEX Toys Craft My Chunky and Funky Scarf Make a cool scarf that will keep you warm on cold days; Child Magazine's Best Toys of the Year Award and the Parents' Choice Approved Award winner; Recommended for children 7 years of age and older

American Girl Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit Knit this stylish accessory for you and your doll with the Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit by Fashion Angels! Recommended for ages 8 and up.

My First Knitting Book: Learn to Knit: Kids This fun book is the perfect introduction to knitting for all ages - with bright, modern and clear illustrations, children can quickly learn to knit, master new stitches and make a selection of super cool knitting projects.

Crochet:

4M Easy-to-Do Crochet Kit is a perfect beginner's set to teach children the fundamentals of crocheting. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.

Lion Brand Yarn 600-885 Beginner Crochet Scarf Kit, Dusty Rose Learn to crochet while making a fashionable scarf

ALEX Toys Craft Crochet A Rainbow Scarf lets you crochet the cutest rainbow scarf complete with smiling clouds! Recommended for children 7 years of age and older.

My First Crochet Book: Learn to Crochet: Kids is the perfect introduction to crochet for kids of all ages!With bright, modern, full colour illustrations, children can quickly learn to crochet, master new stitches and make a selection of cute and easy first crochet projects!

Happy knitting!

Lois

*I am not endorsing any of these ideas, but thought it might be helpful to gather together some examples of what's available to provide ideas for your gift list. LP

Hello! I took the last couple of months off, and now with the imminent change of the seasons, there are a few things to discuss – so here I am again!

Well, in the Northern Hemisphere summer vacation is officially winding to a close. Kids are already heading back to school here in SoCal, which always seems odd to me. What happened to the days when the summer vacation lasted through Labor Day and then everyone went back to school after that? I spent a lot of summers on the Jersey Shore and Labor Day was always the big send-off to the summer, while the new school shoes patiently waited in their boxes back at home. But I digress.

I was curious to learn what was available on Ravelry* for back to school knitting projects, so I took a deep dive into their pattern collection. They have some really cute items, which you should see – especially if you’ve got kiddos heading back to school or to school for the first time!

For the younger kids, there are adorable hats – these three really piqued my interest: Back to School Pencil Hat, Ruled Paper School Beanie, and the Eraserhead Hat. These are all quick knits, as long as you have the right color yarns in your stash. Of course, they’ll fit older kids, too, if you can convince them to wear one.

For grade school kids, there are accessory items that even the most discerning will appreciate. The Back to School Pencil Case is adorable as-is, but could easily be the framework for your own creativity to shine – with different colors, fun lining fabric, or perhaps the name of the recipient via intarsia or duplicate stitch. Make it in wool and give it a little felting (be sure to adjust for sizing) for added strength. There’s a great Back to School Book Bag, which does appear to include felting, with adorable knitted flowers appliquéd on the flap. If you have the time and a special recipient, check out this impressive Back to School Poncho. Who wouldn’t be over the moon to get one of these?

There are also cute items that could apply to various age groups. Here’s this set of Back to School Washcloths, which can be subliminal reminders to the high school or college student to either “study” or “party”! This Back to School Pouch could also apply to older students and has multiple uses.

As for me, I am sending my twin daughters off on their semesters abroad in the next couple of weeks. One chose the Vineyard Ruana from Knitpicks (in black – so GoT!), which I’m hoping will be used as an afghan in the dorm! The other selected Isabell Kraemer’s Santa Fe shrug. I have one, too – see it here. Is it too late for a “Mommy and Me” matching outfit shot? Probably… insert sad Mommy face.

I added a new Back to School Knitting discussion thread on the Lulu and Lainey - Fiber Friends Ravelry group page, so please post your back to school WIPs – would love to see what you're working on!

Happy knitting!

Lois

*If, by chance, you don’t have a Ravelry account, it’s free and easy to set one up.

I should be talking about knitting, but it’s jacaranda season in SoCal!

Happy May, everyone! Or, should I call it "Mayuary"? This is a new term, which is a mash-up between May and January. Even the New York Times has noticed that we’re having very strange weather here in SoCal this year. Typically, by now it’s feeling like spring and, sometimes summer. This year it’s looking and feeling like … January, which is the heart of the rainy season in Southern California. It’s when everyone scrambles to find umbrellas and often their gloves.

But May and June are the months when the jacaranda trees bloom – with emphasis on the plural. Many streets in my town are lined with these trees and when all of them are in bloom, it’s absolutely glorious. It’s impossible to fully capture in a photo the clouds of lavender above your head as you drive or walk around. It’s beyond beautiful and somewhat fleeting – the petals are on the ground much too quickly. Not like long-lasting acanthus or agapanthus blooms. So, catch the show while it’s around!

So far the mass blooms have been elusive – I hope they're late because of all the cool and gloomy weather. A lot of the trees look like they still have their leaves, even if they have some blooms. It’s more like the secondary bloom the attached article references. I’ll be on the lookout for some major blooms and will post in my FB group if and when they occur.

In the meantime, here’s a Pinterest board I prepared showing lots of beautiful blooming jacaranda trees and a very good article from the L.A. Times explaining the whole process. That’s where I got the image at the top of this post.

So, no knitting or writing this month – I’m too wrapped up in watching the weather and waiting for the jacaranda trees to bloom!

Happy knitting!

Lois

PS: If you are seeing the links in yellow, please accept my apologies. This is a new blog and I'm working with Wix to get the kinks worked out. LP

Happy April, everyone! Here in SoCal, after a very rainy winter (so grateful!), we’re inundated with all sorts of beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. Irises, bougainvillea, Indian hawthorn bushes in abundance. The orange tree in my garden is laden with blossoms – very fragrant and the tree is buzzing with bees. Next month will bring the gorgeous purple jacaranda blossoms, fragrant star jasmine and acanthus. I hope you’re having a beautiful Spring, wherever you call home. I’d love to see what’s blooming in your neighborhood – if you have a minute, join my author Facebook page and post a picture or two.

Here are some special Springtime treats queued up for this month.

Are you looking for some new books to check out for the kiddos? I’m participating in a kids’ ebook group promo, which will last for the whole month of April. There are quite a few ebooks being offered for kids 0 - 12, including a sample ebook version of Lulu and Lainey … a French Yarn. Grab your copies here.

SPRING BOOK SALE: To celebrate the season, Lulu and Lainey … at the Farm Kindle ebook will be FREE on Amazon from April 22 through April 26. In this sweet book, Lulu learns a surprise lesson in sharing at her grandparents' farm in the French countryside during a Springtime visit. You can download your FREE copy here – between Aprill 22 - 26! Mark your calendars. Don’t worry that you’ll forget - I’ll send out a reminder when the promotion starts.

Enjoy!

Lois

#bookstagram #childrensbooks #LuluandLainey

Dear Mrs. Zimmerman:

With all due respect and admiration, I wish to share a word with you about this idea of "knitting without tears". I’m not sure I agree with it. In spite of my normally upbeat view of the world, I have found myself in quite a knitting frenzy lately - almost to the point of tears!

You see, my dear Mrs. Z, I recently participated in a KAL* where the item was a lovely scarf adapted from a 19th century knit design into a scarf pattern.

I cheerfully started the scarf; worked two rows; made an obscure mistake; frogged and restarted. Worked four rows - another mistake. Rip and restart. This went on for several more attempts and FINALLY I had accomplished the first ten rows of the edge.

The KAL Master wisely suggested we use lots of lifelines. What a great concept! But whenever I planned to put one in on the next row, I made a fatal mistake on the current one. Rip and restart! I was afraid the yarn wouldn't survive. Luckily it has, so far.

You can surely see why my good nature was stressed to the point of tears, can't you?

So, with no land in sight, I just kept rowing with the hope that I'd soon find a safe haven. I put the project down for a day, picked it up again, made some progress, made more mistakes, ripped to lifeline and resumed. Rip – restart – repeat.

Eventually I gained confidence and had more rows done correctly. Then I decided it was time to knit while catching up on last season's Game of Thrones. Boom! Down for the count again with no lifeline in sight for a good few inches! Argh!!

Then suddenly, as if by a miracle, my brain finally clicked in and I just "got" the pattern. The clouds parted and the sun reappeared. It's been smooth sailing ever since. And, the scarf is a real beauty (she says proudly)!

Is the scarf close to being done? Not at all. Will I finish it? Absolutely! Will there be tears? Well, ahem, maybe. After all, I will have to complete the edge at the other end!

I remain your humble and devoted servant,

LP

PS: What did I learn? This knitting is a tricky business. While there are many lessons to learn about technique, the real lessons are the ones we learn about ourselves. I certainly learned a few things: that I should listen to my own best instincts, for example. That even if tears are shed, I will still get back in there and forge ahead. It was a great opportunity to work my persistence muscles and show that pattern who's BOSS! LP

* Knit-along – online knitting bee

#knitting #bookstagram #knitstagram #ravelry

How can you tell if you're hooked on knitting?

• You keep a project in your lap when you drive and knit at red lights
• Knit during parent-teacher conferences
• Always have a knitting project in your bag or car
• Wish you had your knitting while standing in the checkout line at the supermarket
• Bring your knitting with you to the car wash
• Stopped going to movie theaters because there isn't enough light to knit (and no one appreciates your Hug lite)
• Bring knitting to your kids' sports practices
• Knit during tele-conferences
• When planning a vacation itinerary you include stops at local yarn shops
• When packing for a trip you always leave room for the projects you're taking and the delicious possibility of buying more yarn as souvenirs
• You’ve perfected the art of squeezing the air out of zip-lock bags with yarn to flatten them out for packing
• Knit while waiting on the car line at your kid's school
• Your home is decorated in "yarn chic", with projects and baskets of yarn on display
• Your credit card is on file at all the major online yarn stores
• You discover that when you knit, your Apple Watch records the motion as steps!
• You've perfected the art of knitting in the car as a passenger without dropping stitches (or getting car sick)
• Plan vacations around annual yarn festivals
• Seek out knitting-themed items (t-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, note paper)
• When you see a designer knit item in a magazine or store you start working out how to replicate it for yourself

How many can you relate to? The more the merrier! What's better than a yarn and knitting-filled life?

Looking for new books for the kiddos? Check out this free book promotion. Running until the end of February. Includes a full-length sample ebook version of Lulu and Lainey ... a French Yarn. Enjoy! Inspiring Books Giveaway

Happy Knitting.

Lois

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#knitting #knitstagram #ravelry

Stitches SoCal 2018 came to my town last week! Of course, I went to see what all the excitement was about. This was the inaugural event and also the first time I had attended a yarn show. It was held at the Pasadena Convention Center - just ten minutes from my house. Easy peasy!

Here’s what I learned.

I took a class on mosaic knitting with Franklin Habit, which was so much fun. Had a great time. I enjoyed his teaching style – kind, generous and supportive - did I also say quite witty? I came away with a lot of ideas about things to do with mosaic knitting.

Here's what I saw:

The "S" Word

There were shawls everywhere! Lots of beauties on display – and lots of beauties on the beautiful visitors as well! If you can't pull out all your hand knit pretties to wear to a yarn show, when can you? No worries that the outdoor temperature was in the low 80s - it was an ongoing fashion show of shawls and sweaters in all sorts of designs.

There was lots to see. Amazing yarns at every turn and something for everyone – all weights, colors and prices. Lots of knitting paraphernalia, too - even knitting inspired pottery! The wooden sock blockers display was caught my attention - might even inspire me to give socks a go!

The Yarnover Truck, which is a local SoCal yarn store on wheels, was in full view. Taking a cue from the food truck craze, two knitting gals got together, bought an old Little Debbie delivery truck and had it fitted out like a yarn shop. It was great to see it on the selling floor of the Convention Center. Find out where they'll be next at www.yarnovertruck.com.

Did I like it?

You bet I did! It was a thoroughly enjoyable event. I'm definitely marking my calendar for next year's event - wouldn't miss it for the world.*

I was a bit frustrated because I usually start with the pattern and then find the yarn. So, in the end I bought a bottle of Yuzu-scented Soak (amazing - I want to know if it comes in eau de parfum!) and called it a day. Next year I intend to show up prepared with a list of patterns in search of the perfect yarns. I'm sure I'll find them!

Happy knitting.

Lois

* Scheduled for November 14 - 17, 2019, Pasadena Convention Center

#knitstagram #ravelry #StitchesSoCal #FranklinHabit

I just returned from a visit to Paris and, in spite of the jet lag, am happily reminiscing about all the fun and interesting things we did – as well as all the fabulous food we ate. We went to a couple of excellent museum shows (Cubism at the Pompidou and Picasso at the Musée d’Orsay), as well as a unique total emersion light show about the art of Gustav Klimt at L'Atelier des Lumièrs. Learn more here – they explain it much better than I can! Also, the kids at the show loved it. All highly recommended.

Other than these planned events, with the help of amazingly good weather and very comfy shoes we spent our days walking, exploring, and eating all over the city. My Fitbit and Apple Watch never agree (the watch thinks I’m walking when I’m knitting), but indications are that we walked between 17,000 and 21,000 steps a day! Therefore, we espoused a "no-guilt" eating policy. BTW, I have not yet gotten on the scale since returning. Maybe today ... or tomorrow. What's the rush?

It’s great that there are so many specialty book stores all over Paris – small shops that specialize in a specific subject. One in particular that we loved was the Libraire de petit Platons (7 rue des fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris), which is a book shop for young philosophers. Unfortunately, it was Sunday when we passed the shop and it was closed. We did get some great shots of the storefront and their window displays, though. Lots to choose from – I need a set of finger puppets of renowned intellectuals – don’t you?

The shop, with my husband looking philosophical.

Finger puppets

Bedtime reading

We like to cook and really enjoy visiting farmers' markets. We didn't have to go far because the Raspail Marchè was just down the street from our hotel. The Sunday market is all organic. Here's a short video that gives a taste of what we saw.

I made sure to visit the Luxembourg Garden and some of the kid-friendly sites that Lulu enjoys in Lulu and Lainey … the Lucky Day. It was a bright and sunny Sunday – a perfectly glorious Autumn day. Lots of kiddos playing with boats in the Grand Basin, taking pony rides wearing their riding helmets, and on plaster horses at the carousel working to get the brass ring. There was even activity at the beehives! Here are some videos that I took to capture the experience. Grand Basin Pony Rides Carousel

Grand Basin

Pony rides

Beehives

Carousel

In a way it was MY Lucky Day. And, I didn’t have a ball of yarn or anything else lost or stolen by animal or human!

Enjoy!

Lois

#childrensbooks #LuluandLainey #LuxembourgGarden #Paris #knitstagram #bookstagram #ravelry #LuxembourgGardens