Quick Holiday Projects

Just in time for the holiday season...

Louisa Harding's Quick Holiday Projects!

My favorite designer, Louisa Harding has just released Quick Holiday Projects which contains three stunning patterns:  Spiced Punch, Frosted Leaves and The Holly & The Ivy.  Louisa designed these patterns to be quick knits and they are perfect for yourself or as a last minute holiday gift.  All three designs use just one ball of Louisa's new Amitola Grande yarn which is part of her new autumn/winter collection.  

Louisa has made theses patterns available as a free download however you can (and, I hope you will) make a donation for them which goes directly to cancer research on her Just Giving page.  Why cancer research?  Well it was just five years ago that Louisa's dear husband Steve (also her photographer) was diagnosed with lymphoma.  She raised funds back then for Macmillan Cancer Support with her Himalayan Hiking Hat patterns. These new patterns will raise funds now for Cancer Research UK who pioneer life-saving cancer research.

 I've selected Spiced Punch to knit for myself and for some last minute Christmas gifts.  Which pattern will you choose?


(Photography credit:  Stephen Jessup, Louisa's husband.)

Noema Knit Along!

 Delilah Cowl

Have you heard,

there's a Noema Knit Along just starting in the  Louisa Harding Lovers Group in Ravelry?

I'm so excited about the Noema Knit Along!  Knit alongs are so much fun and are often just the nudge I need to get a project started and completed in a timely manner.  I also love the interaction with knitters from all around the world.  We draw inspiration from one another and share tips and ideas.  And, not to mention,  the lovely Louisa Harding herself frequently pops in the group offering with help and advice!

For my knit along project, I'm knitting Louisa's Delilah Small Cowl for a birthday gift.  I'm knitting it just as shown on the cover of the Noema pattern booklet in Noema color 5 Cocktail.  I couldn't resist this yarn or pattern for myself  so I also purchased Noema color 9 Jive for a bright blue summer cowl for me!

I had the pleasure of seeing a shop sample of the Delilah cowl in person and even got to try it on.  I can tell you that this is the perfect fashion accessory for any one and any age!  After I finish mine, I'm going to knit one for my mom, too.  If you're looking for boutique-style knit projects or even Christmas gifts, this is a perfect pattern and yarn to use!

Here are the Noema Knit Along details:  

The Dates

Noema Knit Along

April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015.

The Details

You may knit any Louisa Harding Noema pattern from her Noema pattern booklet or new individual Noema leaflet patterns.  You must use Lousia's Noema yarn.  

The Prizes

Lousia's distributor Knitting Fever is generously providing prizes for the knit along.  Check out these fabulous prizes!!!

 First prize;  10 balls of Noema 

Second prize:  6 balls of Noema

Third prize:  4 balls of Noema

To be eligible for the prize drawing, you will need to post your finished Noema project in the Noema Knit Along thread with a photo of it in the Louisa Harding Lovers Ravelry Group.

For more details see the dedicated thread in the Louisa Harding Lovers Group on Ravelry.  Hope to see you there! 

Some Cloudy Day

The big reveal....

These leg warmers were my favorite knit project during the holiday season.  I knit them for a University of Nevada, Reno grad student.  She wanted Anthropologie legwarmers which were sold out.  How did I know that?  I saw that she pinned them on Pinterest!  So I whipped these out for her on Addi Turbo 12" circs as a last minute Christmas gift.

And, she loves them!

Legwarmers are back!

The pattern for the legwarmers is Some Cloudy Day 

by Tiny Owl Knits and it's a free pattern!

I knit mine in Rowan's Felted Tweed DK in color 165 Scree.  The color looks blue sometimes and in other light, appears more gray.  Hmm, kind of just like a cloudy day.  

Resolutions

Bloomsbury Gauntlets

2015 Knitting Resolution:

To finish up my unfinished projects like these beautiful Bloomsbury Gauntlets that I nearly finished way back in January 2010!

Even the designer herself, Kristin Nicholas, commented on my project in Ravelry back in January 2011.  Kristen commented:   

"Love these - keep going. Wait til you see how fun the embroidery is! 
And thanks for using my yarn!"
Best, 
Kristin Nicholas

If that wasn't encouragement enough to get them finished.  I believe the reason these have been tucked away in a project bin for so long is that we just don't have really cold winter weather here in Northern California where I live.  

This month though as part of my knitting resolution,  I am going to dig the gloves out of hibernation and finish them.  Then I am going to ask my husband to take me to Lake Tahoe so I can wear my pretty Moksha wool scarf and my Bloomsbury Gauntlets that I made to go with it.  The weather should be cold enough up there!

Cakes & Purls

 Masse's Pastries

Cakes and Purls...what a cute name for a yarn store!

A few months back, I checked out a few newer yarn stores in Berkeley, California that I had never been to before.  And, yes, there is a yarn store in Berkeley called Cakes and Purls.  

 Claddagh Yarns

My first stop was  Claddagh Yarns.  This cute little shop is nestled in a North Berkeley neighborhood known as Gourmet Ghetto.  If you're curious about why this area is called Gourmet Ghetto...well, it's home to nearby Chez Panisse along with other fabulous food stores, the original Peets Coffee, bakeries and restaurants.  

Claddagh Yarns is owned by Amanda Fernandez and she opened the shop back in September 2013.  The shop is small  but carries great yarn stock from Debbie Bliss, Noro, Malabrigo and Imperial Yarn Ranch to name a few.   There were some lovely knitted samples on display that really caught my eye.  This little shop is worth seeking out.

Whenever I find myself in Gourmet Ghetto, a must stop is Masse's Pastries.  They have the most delicious pastries, cakes and French macarons!  The owner Marcia Masse is so personable.  We have chatted about Paris, Paris by Mouth and red currants on more than one occasion.

Cakes and Purls

 My last stop of the day was Cakes and Purls.  I love this concept of a yarn cafe where you can "sit and knit" and have your cake,too!

Cakes and Purls is owned by Maria Sitaro.  She holds a degree in Pastry Arts and combined her love of fiber by opening Cakes and Purls.  The shop is roomy and there are plenty of tables and chairs to meet your knitting friends here and enjoy a little cake and purls.  

Ashley Flower Headband

While visiting Cakes and Purls I was drawn to a yummy cashmere yarn and pattern by Pepperberry Knits. I purchased a yummy skein of their cashmere yarn in color Posies and knit Pepperberry's adorable Ashley Flower Headband for a gift.  It's always fun to discover new yarns and new yarn stores.  And yes, for the record, I left Cakes and Purls with a couple of cupcakes, too!

Alice's Embrace

My first lap blanket

I am currently knitting my first project for Alice's Embrace.

My dear knitting friend, Diane Lewis has created Alice's Embrace in honor of her mother, Alice Figueira and her battle with Alzheimer's Disease.  

 Diane and Danielle

I met Diane years ago while taking classes at my favorite local yarn store, Knitique, A Yarn Boutique in Elk Grove, CA.  Diane is such a lovely lady and is always thinking of others.  It was around the knitting  table at Knitique that Diane shared her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's Disease to me and her Knitique friends. 

Throughout her mother's journey with Alzheimer's Disease, Diane learned first hand how comforting a lap blanket or prayer shawl can be in helping ease anxiety in those suffering from this disease.  Knowing Diane (the way I do) she would knit every person suffering from Alzheimer's a lap blanket or prayer shawl if she could!  Since that is an impossible feat she followed her heart and created Alice's Embrace.  Now fellow knitters and crocheters can join Diane and donate hand-made lap blankets and prayer shawls that will bring comfort to many who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Diane has partnered Alice's Embrace with the Eskaton Foundation of Northern California to provide their memory care residents with the donated lap blankets and prayer shawls.  You can visit the Alice's Embrace How to Help page for information and details on how you can help create and donate your items.  

 Ted's Lap Blanket

As for the patterns for Alice's Embrace...
they are wonderful and come in an array of skill levels.  It's no wonder they are so fabulous since Diane enlisted the help of Danielle Bowen, the owner of Knitique to help create the patterns.  

Danielle is the knitting teacher who has helped me become the knitter I am today.  I am not a bit surprised that Danielle wanted to help Diane with Alice's Embrace.  She is always so supportive of great causes. She was instrumental in helping me with my own Louisa Harding Macmillan Cancer Support fund raising event that she hosted for me at Knitique back in 2012.   I could have never raised so much money for Macmillan Cancer Support without the Knitique venue, her personal support and her generous customers.  I am honored and proud to call both women my friend.

Alice Figueira

 Please visit the Alice's Embrace website to read more about Diane and Alice. 

You can also view the Alice's Embrace patterns and completed projects on the Alice's Embrace pattern page on Ravelry. 

I am dedicating my first project for Alice's Embrace in memory of my own beloved grandmother, who recently  passed away, just two months ago.  Like Alice, she also had Alzheimer's Disease.


(Photo Credit of Alice Figueira, Alice's Embrace.)

Catching up!

 Charm Gloves

Did you join the Louisa Harding Charm glove knit-along?  I've been busy the past few days playing  "catch up" to everyone else's progress in the knit-along.  This has been a busy month for me since I've been in the middle of moving and demoing a kitchen.  

Stockinette & Lace

I'm on track now though to get my gloves finished by the knit-along's June 30th deadline.  Once you get the Charm gloves on your needles you can probably knit them up in just a few days.  The cable cuff section takes a bit of concentrating but then the lace and stockinette section knits up really fast.  I'm knitting these gloves for a Christmas gift and the best part about a knit-along is that you are encouraged to finish your project within a specified time frame.  Perfect for me, a flitter knitter!

I highly recommend this project from Louisa's Three Graces book.  There's just over a week left to complete the gloves during the knit-along....so if you hurry I bet you could get a pair finished, too!

Happy May Day

My "Cameo" Shawl

"April showers bring May flowers"!

Today is May Day.

On this day of celebrating spring...
I always think of beautiful flowers, ribbons and dancing around a Maypole.

Pretty Flowers & Sari Ribbon

Since it's May Day,
I felt it befitting to share with you, my flower embellished "Cameo" shawl.

The Cameo shawl by Louisa Harding graces the cover of Pretty Knits by Susan Cropper (from Loop in London).  The moment I saw that cover, I knew I had to knit it!  Louisa's Cameo shawl is my all-time favorite piece I have ever knit.  It's description in Pretty Knits sums it up perfectly:

"This lace stitch shawl in colors inspired by a "cameo" brooch is the height of divine knitting.  The drape and the attention to detail will make you feel gorgeous as soon as you put it on.  The flower corsage closure, replete with ribbons and buttons, makes it even more exquisite."

I changed the colorway of my Cameo shawl version to more resemble the colors of a Wedgwood blue cameo.  It made it's debut appearance a few years back when I wore it to afternoon tea at the Pump Room Restaurant while on holiday in Bath, England.  I like to think that both Louisa Harding and Jane Austen would approve of my wardrobe choice!

Colline

Louisa Harding's 

Colline

The 2013 spring/summer Louisa Harding books and yarns are now making their debut.  Louisa says:  "This season I am embracing the idea of recapturing 'Zest' and 'Joie de vivre'."

As a designer, Louisa found inspiration for her latest collection from her travels last summer to Barcelona, Spain.  In describing Barcelona, Louisa says:  "Look up and you stumble upon some of the 20th century's most exciting architecture and decorative arts.  Buildings created with zest, passion, enthusiasm and craftsmanship."  

Colline

 Filled with inspiration from her Barcelona travels, Louisa created her 2013 spring/summer collection of yarns and designs using bright "zesty" colors. Her vision is clearly visible in her Colline pattern book which features 14 fashionable designs.  I particularly like her color-blocking styles where you pair high-contrast shades of color together...perfectly achieved with her new Colline yarn color palette.  

Colline is a soft blend of 80% cotton and 20% alpaca and comes in 12 vibrant colors.  According to Louisa:  "Colline is beautifully soft to the touch and produces great stitch definition when knitted".  

Well now that you know a bit about the Colline collection,

let's have a peak inside the book...

Bertie

 Here's Bertie.

Va, va, va voom...

Bertie just might be my favorite design in the book!  I think it's perfect for a night out "on the town" enjoying tapas or making an entrance at a special summer event.  Bertie is also available in a two-color version.  

Jamie

Here's Jamie. 

Louisa is famous for her cardigans and Jamie is a perfect short sleeve cardigan for summer.  For those who like color-blocking, Louisa also designed Jamie as a contrast edge cardigan.  I love how Louisa designed this cardi with a lace-up ribbon closure in lieu of buttons!

Marni

Meet Marni.

I love the retro look of the Marni top.

Marni can be knit as a solid color top (as shown above) or in a two-colored, striped version. 

Pete

Here's Pete.

I love Louisa's capelets.  Pete is a two-color (color blocked) capelet and can also be knit as a one-color caplet with sleeves.  

Stan

Meet Stan.

Stan is the perfect accessory to brighten up your summer wardrobe!  Louisa designed Stan so you can knit a scarf version in two hanks of Colline or a shawl version in 3 hanks.  

All these gorgeous photographs from the book are by Louisa's husband, photographer Stephen Jessup.  You can view the entire Colline collection at Knitting Fever.com.  

Colline Book Giveaway!

Now for the fun part!  After you view Louisa's new Colline collection, leave a comment here on my post and tell me your favorite design from the book and you'll be entered into the Colline book giveaway.  Three of my "lucky" blog readers can win Louisa's new Colline book thanks to Knitting Fever.

So leave a comment on this post before Saturday, April 27, 2013.  Three randomly selected people will each receive a copy of the Colline book.  Book prizes will be mailed out by Knitting Fever.  US residents only.  Void where prohibited. 

Good luck!

(A special "thank you" to Vincent at ImagiKnit in San Francisco, CA for assisting me in taking my Colline photographs at ImagiKnit.  All Colline book images are by Stephen Jessup and used with permission.)

Store Spotlight: ImagiKnit

 ImagiKnit

One of my favorite streets in San Francisco is 18th Street in the Mission District.  The stretch of 18th Street between Guerrero and Sanchez is home to San Francisco's famed Tartine Bakery and Cafe, Bi-Rite Market and the most wonderful yarn store in the city,

ImagiKnit.

This past weekend my husband, nephew and I enjoyed a San Francisco getaway.  The guys went to the Giants games and I went yarn shopping!

 Great Walls of Yarn

ImagiKnit is located on the ground floor of an old San Francisco style Victorian building at the corner of 18th  St. and Sanchez St.  (I read somewhere that its location is in the former garage of the building.)  The roomy store has two large rooms which are filled to the ceiling with the tallest yarn shelves I have ever seen! 

 Great Customer Service!

 Keeping with it's Victorian architecture, owner Allison Issacs has decorated ImagiKnit with antique furnishings and flea market finds.  Her vintage styling and decor give the store a comfortable vibe and make you just want to sit down and knit.

Even though ImagiKnit is in a big city, it has a very welcoming and a real "neighborhood feel" to it.  The staff are always friendly and helpful every time I've ever shopped there.

 Allison Isaacs

On this visit, owner Allison Issacs was behind the counter so I had a chance to chat with her.  I found out that she recently celebrated the 10 Year Anniversary of ImagiKnit last September.  

 Allison loves that her store is a destination stop for many tourists visiting San Francisco.  While I was there, I recognized another customer's Scottish accent who happened to be visiting from Scotland.  I love to visit yarn stores when I travel, too, and ImagiKnit is certainly one of the best yarn stores I've ever visited.  Luckily for me...it's only a 2 hour drive from where I live!

My So Called Scarf

Before Allison officially opened ImagiKnit she was "knitting up a storm" making samples for the shop.  Alison told me:  "After I opened ImagiKnit, one scarf and pattern really put me on the map!"  That scarf is her

 "My So Called Scarf".  

According to Ravelry, nearly 6,000 "My So Called Scarves" have been knit to date.  Thanks to Allison, it's now a free pattern.  And, you can see in the photo above that the original scarf is still hanging around the shop...just like an old friend should!

 Got Yarn?

 ImagiKnit's yarn stock is impressive!  I can always find my favorite brands there like:

Louisa Harding, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Habu, Malabrigo, Be Sweet, Koigu, just to name a few.

So if you find yourself in the city by the Bay,

be sure to get over to 18th Street and ImagiKnit.  Make sure to allow enough time for a coffee break or lunch just down the street at Tartine Bakery and Cafe!

ImagiKnit

3897 18th Street 

(corner at Sanchez St.)

San Francisco, CA  94114

(415) 621-6642

Idiazabal & Membrillo Pressed Sandwich

(Lightly smoked sheep cheese with quince jam.)

Tartine Bakery & Cafe

600 Guerrero Street

(corner at 18th St)

San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 487-2600

Hot Off the Press!

Louisa Harding's New Books

Look what I have my "hot little hands" on...

the new Louisa Harding Spring and Summer pattern books!

Every season, I eagerly await the arrival of the new Louisa Harding books at my local yarn store.  This week I am so excited to be one of the very first knitters to get my hands on the new books which are "hot off the press"! 

Louisa's new pattern book are:  Jesse, Colline, Mila and Etcetera.  Last night I flipped through their pages and the books are gorgeous!  Louisa's husband and photographer Stephen Jessup certainly knows how to capture the beauty and essence of his wife's designs.  For these books, Stephen photographed the collection against a white background which not only showcases Louisa's "fashion-forward" style but also her new "colorful" Spring/Summer yarn line.  

Perhaps you are just a bit curious on how I got my hands on these new books so fast?  Well here is the exciting news:  The wonderful people at Knitting Fever, Louisa's American yarn distributor, have graciously sent me the books for me to review on my blog.  I couldn't be more excited!  

And, there's exciting news for you, too!  When I do a book review on my blog, there will be a prize drawing for the book I review that my blog readers can win.  The book prizes will be selected by a random number generator and the prizes will be mailed out by Knitting Fever.  

So stay tuned... 

you could be a winner of one of these new Louisa Harding pattern books.  

To "keep in the loop" with my upcoming book reviews and other news, you can follow my blog with updates via email now.  The email sign-up box is towards the top right hand side of my blog.  

I'll be back soon with a book review and prize drawing!  

Be Collarful

 The Spring/Summer Issue

Spring has sprung and color is "popping up" everywhere. 

Also "popping up" this spring is my favorite knit wear designer, 

Louisa Harding

 in the new Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Vogue Knitting.

 Collarful Additions

Vogue Knitting says it best...

"A designer known for alluring adornments believes that flirty collars are just the thing for a spring transformation."

Since I love knitting Louisa's accessories,

I just had to buy this issue strictly for Louisa's collars!

 Be Collarful

On pages 46 and 47, 

you'll find Louisa's six beautiful collar patterns in the magazine.  With names like, Ruby, Tango, Victoria, Bubblegum, Ginger and Candy I couldn't help but think of other fabulous fashion eras when collars were all the rage.

The collars are detachable and perfect to add a "pop" of color to transform a cardigan or top into an instant fashion statement.  Louisa has designed them to use just one hank of her luxurious yarns.  

I'm a bit partial to the Ruby and Ginger collars since I love knitting with Louisa's Grace Hand Beaded and Mulberry Hand Beaded yarns.  

A Vintage Collar

Louisa's background was fashion and dressmaking before she became a knitwear designer.  I think her fashion background is always evident in her designs.  As for myself and fashion,  I love how fashion repeats itself.  

Fashionable collars were all the rage in the 1950's.   Recently my mom gave me her vintage beaded collar from the City of Paris department store in San Francisco, Ca.  As a teenager, my mom wore detachable collars on her cardigans all the time.  

Well, now I can't wait to add some vintage "fashion flair" to my wardrobe with Louisa's pretty collars.  I'll be knitting them for Christmas gifts as well...

how about you?

For your Wellies...

Back then

and Now 

One of my favorite 

"last minute Christmas gifts"

I knit this year were these 

 Hunter Boot toppers.  

The adorable "Cali girl" recipient loves them!

You can find the pattern here on Ravelry: 

 #21 Boot Toppers

What would Jane knit?

Jane Austen Knits

It's no secret that I adore Jane Austen.

Today is Jane's birthday.  

She was born on December 16th, 1775 in Hampshire, England. 

In honor of Jane's birthday today, 

I'm curling up with a good cup of English Afternoon Tea,
my knitting and 

 the movie Pride and Prejudice featuring Colin Firth, 

as my favorite Mr. Darcy!

I also love the magazine Jane Austen Knits that debuted last year.  

Since it's Jane's birthday today, 

I thought I would share with you where you can find a
Jane Austen treat for yourself.  

Just click here 

and you can get a free download of the scarf pattern 

from the cover of the premier issue of 

Jane Austen Knits Magazine from 2011.  

With a little help from my friends...

 Louisa Harding Charity Event

I believe one person can make a difference...

and a group of knitters can make a huge difference!

My plans are in full swing now for my Louisa Harding Charity Event.  I could not be doing this event without a little help from my friends and the kindness of strangers whom I have never met.  

I have received fabulous support from the knitting industry, local knitters and even a few famous British ladies.  Mum's the word for now...but I will be revealing some exciting details for the fabulous prizes and silent auction very soon!

I have shared the event details with Louisa and she told me, 

 "When I decided in January to take on this trek, I had the idea that I could raise funds by asking my knitting friends to help.  I really had no idea that they would be sooooo supportive. 

 It really has been over whelming."  

Sardi Hat

So like Louisa, I am enlisting a little help from my friends
and fellow knitters to embrace
Louisa's Himalayan Hiking Hats 

and help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

I will be offering Louisa's Sardi and Karuwa
Himalayan Hiking Hat kits 

 for a *donation at my Louisa Harding Charity Event. 

And as mentioned above, there will also be a fun prize raffle and silent auction. 

Karuwa Hat

And the fun will not end that night... 

With a hat kit donation, you qualify for my "FREE" 

Louisa Harding Charity Knit-Along Class 

at Knitique on Saturdays, 

October 13th and 27th from 4:00PM  to 6:00PM

for support and help knitting your hats. 

You're Invited!

Louisa Harding Charity Event

Friday, October 5, 2012

6:00PM to 9:00PM

Knitique, A Yarn Boutique

8741 Elk Grove Blvd

Elk Grove, CA 95624

RSVP (916) 714-7719

For more information and to donate for Louisa's Himalayan Hiking Hats,

please visit:  http://www.louisaharding.co.uk/macmillan/

*minimum hat kit donation is $25.00

Louisa Harding Himalayan Hiking Hats photo credit:
Stephen Jessup

Climbing Mountains

Designer Louisa Harding & husband, Stephen Jessup

I still remember the first time I looked through 

a Louisa Harding book.  It was actually two books, Louisa's 2007 Venezia Felice Mai Dopo and Venezia Una Volta pattern books.  Page after page, Louisa's gorgeous designs and her husband Stephen's beautiful photographs (he's the photographer for her books) transported me to a magical place.  I never knew hand-knitting could be so beautiful!

After discovering Louisa's books and yarns, I signed up for knitting lessons. The first Louisa Harding pattern I ever knit was Louisa's Scala Wrap from that Venezia, Felice Mai Dopo book.  I even wore my Scala Wrap when I met Louisa in person back in 2009 when she visited Northern California from the UK. 

 Louisa's designs, yarns and books have given me such knitting pleasure and I have made treasured friendships all around the world with fellow Louisa Harding admirers.  So when I found out that Louisa was climbing mountains...I just had to help.

In January, 2011, Louisa's husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  She and her family received exceptional care from Macmillan Cancer Support.  As you can imagine, Macmillan Cancer Support can not give their vital services to families facing cancer without people supporting them.  So Louisa is now supporting them by joining Team Macmillan on their fund raising Nepal Hiking Challenge in November and by raising donations with her Himalayan Hiking Hat patterns she designed for her incredible endeavor. 

Last May, I organized a Himalayan Hiking Hat knit-a-long in the Louisa Harding group on Ravelry to help create support and awareness for Louisa's Himalayan Hiking Hats and fund raising effort.  In my heart, I have yearned to do so much more.  So a week ago I wrote to Louisa's American yarn distributor, Knitting Fever, and they are now generously helping me so I can raise more funds for Louisa. 

Thanks to Knitting Fever, I am organizing a local Louisa Harding Charity Night where I will be offering Louisa Harding hat kits for donations to raise funds for Louisa's charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.  All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, Charity Registration No. 261017 and will be donated on Louisa's Just Giving page.  To date, Louisa is at 60% of her personal fund raising goal of raising 5,000 GBP's for Macmillan Cancer Support.  My personal goal is to raise $1,000 US Dollars for Louisa and Macmillan Cancer Support. 

So, if you're a knitter who has been touched by Louisa Harding as I have or if you or a loved one have been dealt the C-word cancer (as my family has, as well), I hope you will help me support Louisa to reach her fund raising goal.  

It's easy to help.  If you're a knitter, simply go to Louisa's Himalayan Hiking Hats page and download her hat patterns and then make a donation for them on her Just Giving page.  I've knit the Annapurna and Karuwa hats so far and they are a delight to knit.  There are hat designs for every skill level and naturally, they all have Louisa's signature look.

Perhaps the simplest and single greatest thing you can do is to help me spread the word to fellow knitters of Louisa's Hiking Hats and their story.  There will be seven total Himalayan Hiking hat patterns in all.  Currently there are three patterns to download and according to Louisa, three more patterns will be released next week.  The seventh hat pattern, Louisa, will actually be knitting on the Nepal hike.  Louisa's aim is to have her photograph taken wearing a different Himalayan Hiking Hat on each day of her seven day hike.  I can't wait to see the photos of Louisa wearing each of her hats!

As for my Louisa Harding Charity Night,

I will be releasing more details over the next week.

Since I don't own a yarn store, 

my friend and knitting teacher, Danielle Bowen, 

owner of Knitique, A Yarn Boutique,

is graciously hosting my event for me.

Louisa Harding Charity Night

Friday, October 5, 2012

6:00PM to 9:00PM

Knitique, A Yarn Boutique

8741 Elk Grove Blvd

Elk Grove, CA 95624

(916) 714-7719

Stay tuned for more details!

Details will also be posted on 

Knitique's Facebook page. 

Catching up!

Jubilee Tea Party

 I'm back to knitting 

and 

back to blogging!

I never intended to take such a long break from my blog.  

Frankly, the Jubilee Celebrations wore me out a bit 

and I've had a busy summer.

I also haven't knit much this year 

due to recovering from hand surgery in March.

I'm back now 

so stay tuned!

PS:  The photo above is from my local knit shop, Knitique's 

Jubilee Tea Party where we wore our Vivian hats that we knit 

and felted in a class to celebrate
Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Tea Party Treats

 I also helped decorate and cater the tea party
which was so much fun!