I am working on an exciting new project with Colinton Australia. I made a shawl with her yarn a few years ago and am still loving the yarn as much now as I did the first time around. I am not generally a fan of working with mohair, but Colinton’s yarn is totally different from any other mohair I’ve ever worked with. It still has the loft you expect, but it is more substantial than a typical mohair strand and you don’t feel like there are fibers floating in your face when you work with it. She also dyes a huge, gorgeous selection of colors, and when we used to have a wall of it in the shop, I spent every quiet minute putting together possibilities in my head. I can’t wait to show you all more of the project we are collaborating on!

As I’ve mentioned in past posts, I’ve had many changes in my life this last year. Due to my daughter being involved with a new activity this year, I now have a few hours to explore the La Crescenta area of LA. As you can see, I already found the most important thing, which is a new favorite coffee shop. I love exploring new parts of the city anyway, but La Crescenta is already becoming a favorite of mine. It is only a 20 minute drive barring any crazy traffic, but I feel like I’m in a mountain town and it’s a nice change of pace. The other night, I enjoyed a nice mocha while I was working on the above-mentioned new project.

I had never heard of berry blossom cake, but now that I tried a generous slice, I would love to learn how to make it when I’m baking during the holidays. It has whole berries and is very light but still satisfies my sweet tooth. It’s beautiful to just look at, although as you can see, I did way more than just look. 🙂

I’ve been noticing little nods to the fiber industry everywhere. In case you wonder, yes, I bought a bottle of Cashmere Mist from Donna Karan a long time ago, and love it whenever I wear it. Thus started my love of scents with fiber names. But then the other day, I noticed Bath and Body Works now makes an equally lovely scent called Cashmere Glow which I plan to put on my Christmas list. And yes, I’m attracted to the name, but I did try it, and it is heavenly and just my kind of scent. And much cheaper than Donna Karan’s luxury.

I had more than my fill of being at home stuck on the couch when I broke my ankle. But the weather has cooled off considerably, and I have to admit that a Sunday afternoon of knitting at home with a purring cat on my lap was most satisfying indeed.