A Fuzzy Red Scarf

This is a commission for my friend Rachel.

A Fabulous Alpaca Blanket

This blanket was woven using a double weave/double wide technique.  Basically that means there are two layers woven at the same time, and in this set up, they are connected at one side which creates a "fold" and when you take the item off the loom it opens up and voila is double as wide as you wove.  I love double weave because it does feel a little like magic happens.  That said, that much alpaca all stuffed into the loom together doesn't make for happy weaving because the alpaca tends to shed and create little fuzz balls that cause problems.  I'm going to try again with different yarns--maybe some cotton in the warp and a fuzzy chennile for the weft. 

I used 6 different yarns to create the mini striping effect.  The yarn with pink is a hand-dyed alpaca that variegates from pink to brown to green.  I love the overall look!

Bulky Cotton Chenille Scarf

The epitome of cozy.  This scarf is soft and cuddly.  I'd love to have it around my neck!  It measures 7.5 x 68 and sells for $50.  The fringe is twisted.

A couple of scarves

This scarf is made with a yarn called "fuzzy purls" and is fun fun fun! (and all mine!)

This fuzzy and sparkly scarf was given to Elizabeth for a Christmas present.

This scarf was intended for Alyssa's Christmas present but she found the wool slightly scratchy.  It's already sold to a different person!

Black and Blue Alpaca Scarf

SOOO soft and warm.  Lovely.

Purple, Blue and Black Cotton and Chenille Scarf

Yet another scarf for a friend to give as a gift.  It's really sparkly and soft.  I like it.

Blue and Purple Wool with Black Alpaca Scarf

This is a lovely purlple and blue vertical striped scarf with black alpaca weft.  The fringe is hemmed and left loose for a soft feel.  The weaving pattern is a large double diamond.  It is incredibly warm and sells for $40.

A couple more book reviews

Madame Mirabou's School of Love by Barbara Samuel follows the life of Nikki as she is navigating her life after her husband divorces her for another woman.  The journey she takes to finding herself is interesting, and Nikki's a likeable character; however, I did feel a little bogged down in the "whiney divorcee" syndrome by about the middle of the book.  I would also like to read a book where a woman finds the courage to do what she wants without worrying about the approval of a man.  Recommended.

The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander is about the Russian revolution and covers the time period from 1906-1918.  It is told from the perspectives of Pavel, a revolutionary, and Ella, the wife of the Grand Duke.  I liked the swapping perspectives because it helped to demonstrate that the any story, especially one as "grand" as this one, has many different sides and explanations for what happened during a major historical upheaval.  Highly recommended.

Silver Tencel with Black and Pink Velura Scarf

This is a gift that Alyssa is giving her friend.

Blue, Purple and Green Alpaca Scarf

Commissioned for a friend to give her daughter for Christmas.

Bagatelle in A Minor by Beethoven

There really is a video here even though it doesn't look like it.  Hit the play button and enjoy!

Ernie with his Scarf

Rust and Cream Scarf Redo

A Batch of Book Reviews

I've been so strapped for time that I haven't had much opportunity to write up my usual book reviews...nor have I really had much time to READ books to review.  Since September 4th (the last date of my last book review), I've only completed 4 books, 3 of them in the last week alone.  I've started one book that I haven't yet finished but plan to...it's just a little dense for me right now.  So, to the books that I have finished (and enjoyed thoroughly each and every one!)

The Forgotten Garden follows the lives of three women:  Elizan, Nell, and Cassandra.  Nell is abandoned on a boat heading to Australia as a four year old child.  She is adopted by the dockmaster and not told of her coming into their household until she is 21.  It isn't until Nell's death that Cassandra begins to search for Nell's past.  It is truly an enchanting story and one that I enjoyed thoroughoughly.  In fact, I wanted to read it slowly to prolong my enjoyment of it.  I've asked my entire family to read it so that we can discuss.  Highly recommended.

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith is a different series focusing on the character Isabel Dalhausie.  Isabel witnesses a man falling from the upper balconies after an orchestral performance and sets about to discover how something such as that could happen.  It is slightly reminiscent of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, but without Mma Romatswe's charm.  I thought the prose was dense and troublesome at times, but I'm willing to read a second book in the series to see if they'll grab me.  I usually enjoy Smith's books so much.  Recommended.

This book was recommended to me by a co-worker who also likes to read.  She thought that since I enjoyed the Forgotten Garden so much that I would also enjoy this book.  She was right.  The Physic Book of Deliverance Dane is loosely about the Salem Witch trials of 1692 but also about the struggles that a graduate student undergoes to complete her dissertation work.  Throw in some family dynamics, a love story, an interesting mystery, magic, historical flashbacks, and a friendship and you have a really enjoyable book.  I devoured this one.  Highly recommended! (especially to my Aunt Janice who I think will LOVE this one!)

Yummy!  Duchess by Night by Eloisa James is my favorite of her Desperate Duchesses series so far (3 more to go...so happy).  It was a wonderful romp through the awakening of a woman to power and freedom.  Harriet dresses as a man so that she can attend a risque house party at Lord Strange's house.  Little did she think that she would enjoy being a man so much and that she would find love and happiness while there.  Another wonderful romance by James.  Highly recommended for romance readers.

6 green, white and brown towels

Even shorter hair

Maybe I should have named her RheaLynn

Pearl Grew Ears this weekend!

The newest addition to my family

And her name is Pearl.  She's adorable and full of kitten energy.  Can't wait to go home and spend some time with that little ragamuffin!

Gold Bonsai Scarf

This is a really beautiful metallic gold scarf in a basket weave pattern.  It is very soft, has a great drape and would be the perfect accessory to a dressy evening, or even with jeans.

It measures 6.5" x 66" and sells for $70.   The fringe is twisted.