Knit one, pearl one. . . .

Purchased on my way to Antarctica ~ January 2013

Do you knit?

With cooler air flowing - here still only after sunset as days are still in

 the 80's - the click clack of knitting needles can be heard in my head.

 Now I just need to get my fingers loosened up.

I have to admit I'm just not up for big projects such as a really chunky, cozy

sweater or cardigan.  Following a pattern, usually printed in smallish type, is 

too hard on the eyes now. 

Store-bought, or an online purchase if you prefer, is much easier and much

 quicker.  A garment such as these can take a long time!  Winter would

 definitely be over by the time I completed something similar. . . .I'd be

 pulling the summer linen tops back out of storage. . . . .the ones I'm

 busy putting away this week!

As for cost, good quality yarn is not cheap. 

Buying a readymade sweater can be expensive if you're leaning toward

 good quality cashmere (my favorite), smooth, classic Merino wool, or silky, 

soft Alpaca, also a favorite. However, if you shop around there are some

 wonderful sweaters out there at more reasonable price points in blends

 of wool, acrylic, polyester, cotton, even yak fiber.

Way back in my teens I was quite a good knitter, making many sweaters

 and cardigans. Nowadays I'm knitting only scarves and neck cowls, usually

 while watching TV in the evenings. I can do this without having to bother

 with any patterns - plus I feel like I'm staying busy creating something rather

 than just wasting time staring at another screen - you know what I mean.

In all honesty, right now sitting at the computer, or in a chair with a heating pad

 is all I'm truly up for! Tomorrow I start physiotherapy which I hope will help

 with the pain in my right lower back/hip/leg. It's a month now since something

 went wrong and walking/bending has just become more painful, sleeping

 harder, and feeling good has been missing from daily life.

Yesterday Bob and I received our COVID booster - #3 Pfizer - at a local

 hospital. No side effects other than warmth and a slight ache at the injection site. 

We still go away from the house masked at all times - mandatory here indoors

 in public places, and we even keep them on when passing people outdoors.

After the hospital yesterday we headed to the mall to run a couple of

 errands - before my Tylenol wore off!  Amazed at how many, mostly young

people, were not wearing masks in the shops, even though all store 

personnel were!

Leaving you with something pretty. . . . . . . this lovely pumpkin/fireplace

 setting. Not mine but I do need to start doing something soon to make mine

 look more seasonal.  I'm hoping to make it to the pumpkin farm this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend - it's almost here.

A new favorite in my wardrobe. . . . .

Nothing beats cozying up in a cashmere sweater on a
 cool day. . . . . . or a chilly evening.
 Does it?

This is my recently acquired sweater for fall/winter of 2020, and actually

 my birthday gift from Bob.

Above you can see the horseshoe cable design better on the lighter shade, 

below is the same sweater in black which I chose.

It is gorgeous! 

Ticked all the boxes for me, plus I managed to grab it during a sale!

Note: Although described as a 'tunic sweater' I would call it more just a

longer length, but not a tunic which usually comes further down the thighs.

I'm tall and for me this length is perfect.

Luxurious, slightly heavier textured, pure cashmere.

Well constructed and finished.

Roomy but not baggy.
Funnel neck - so much more comfortable than a turn over

 turtleneck - which is often too warm here in the south - and

looks best with my now much shorter hair.

Longer length - can be worn with pants and skirts.

Sleeves also a great length, I often can't find those.

So soft and cozy.

Cabled funnel neck cashmere from Garnet Hill

This is not an ad for Garnet Hill, however I have purchased several sweaters,

both cashmere and alpaca, over the past years from this New Hampshire company.

All have been great. Being a small company, they have always had excellent 

customer service.  

If this sweater goes on sale again, I may just buy another color . . . . . and then

 move somewhere with a cooler climate so I can wear it every day!

Are you buying a new sweater for the winter days ahead?

Next, I'll be searching for a new, perfect for me, robe.

A perfect Christmas gift and certain to be worn a lot this winter

with more time at home.

This may be difficult as I do not like heavy, bulky robes which

make me feel just that - heavy and bulky! I'm already dealing

with a few extra COVID pounds, how about you?

It also has to be the right length, long but not too long so I trip 

on it going up and down the stairs.

Fleece is fun but only if a thin, lightweight version.

Flannel is comfortable but looks somewhat wrinkled after lounging.

Velour can be perfect and comes in gorgeous colors.

I like a shawl collar, deep pockets, substantial tie belt - definitely

 with belt loops - that doesn't end up like a twisted rope, and

 makes me feel like a sack of North Carolina sweet potatoes!

Here's to a new week - let's make it a good one.

Classic Knits in Desert Shades -

Sweaters!  

Perhaps not for the desert, although those who camp out overnight

would require one as it does get chilly once the sun sets.

Sweaters in desert colors have however been on my radar recently.

Each year, especially around this time, the knitwear choices seem more

and more exciting. I'm definitely a sweater collector and probably

should never buy another, but when I see something that catches

my eye - a new style, a color I've been searching for, sumptuous yarn -

I'm hooked!

I have purchased this rust version because it checked all my boxes -

a color I've wanted for some time, mock turtleneck, dolman sleeves, 

lighter weight for here in the south, and at H&M quite inexpensive.

Coats can be knits too!  

This camel shade from H&M is a knitted fabric brushed on the outside

 to a soft, lightweight and cozy fabric, ideal as a grab and go casual coat, 

perfect for travel in the cooler weather. It is a classic cut, straight with

 good pockets, always a must for me. It also comes in a light grey, and a

 deep chocolate brown, and the price is awesome.

Yes, I did buy this one and I know I'll find it useful once the really chilly days

arrive and a longer coat feels better than a short jacket.

This collage displays some favorite things of the season. 

We've just enjoyed two early mornings with dew and much cooler

 temps - a fabulous feeling after such a long spell of heat. 

But the desert calls and soon we'll be feeling the heat again. . . . . .packing 

will not include hefty knitwear, perhaps just a classic cashmere cardigan

to throw over the shoulders evenings when on board the ship.

Best wishes for a lovely early Autumn weekend.

We're heading out of town for an overnight and a visit 

to dear friends. . . . . . then back here to really get on with 

all the things necessary to leave home and travel overseas. . . . . . 

. . . . . . . it's hard work, take my word for it!

Fall fashion - sweater weather at last!

Each year at this time I enjoy bringing you a fashion post when

the new knitwear styles appear.

I love sweaters and took mine out of storage over the past weekend.

I have many (too many says the man of the house), but none of these yet!

I picked these to show you what seems to be fashionable in sweater land

 now - they are from either Zara or H&M - stylish, some cutting edge, all

affordable, and most can work with your basic/classic bottoms.

This is one I would like to have.  Its color is given as camel but if it's really

  more this color - I'd call it milk chocolate - I want it! 

I need to check the H&M's here, and perhaps on the road trip as my faux

 Zara suede pants would look so good with this sweater.

Details I like are the reversed seams and obviously long sleeves, which I need.

This soft grey is lovely - tucks on the shoulders and great long cuffs

 to turn back or wear over your hands on a cold day. I have too many grey

 sweaters though so have to pass on this one.

Love this, especially the sleeves. On looking again at Zara online, I see it is

 actually a mid-calf sweater dress! I think it must feel so silky on the skin.

A really good looking long basic sweater, cut more like a sweatshirt. 

With a deeper crew neckline and worn over the silky looking leopard print dress 

with a small buttoned collar, it takes on a whole new look.

Of course black sweaters of all kinds are so useful. I have a black classic 

style cashmere v-neck sweater with matching button-front cardigan - worn for 

several years, comfortable, and very 'ladylike' - does that old fashioned term

 even get used these days?

Several other black sweaters sit folded in my closet, all will work well for 

some occasion this coming winter, but I'm always looking for a new one.

This one, also from Zara, I will check out - love those big cabled sleeves.

Will you be shopping for knitwear now the weather is changing? 

Which do you prefer - shopping in stores or online? 

A chill in the evening air. . . . . . . . .

Midtowne, Raleigh, NC 

Last evening the sunset was amazing.

Walking to a restaurant, then doing a 

little shopping in our neighborhood, we

at last felt a difference in the air.

Bring on autumn. . . . . . . sweaters, jackets, harvest moons,

pumpkins, goblins, falling leaves, warm and fuzzy friends, 

~ via Anthropologie ~

~ via Anthropologie ~

More on staying casual, cozy and warm - in a dress!

I have to say the sweater offerings in the shops this year are 

the best ever. I've never seen such attractive knitwear.

From cardigans, casual jackets and wraps, to classic and

contemporary sweaters and tunics. Even knit dresses have

 made a comeback. 

I'm not much of a dress person however this season I'm enjoying this

 cozy black/grey mélange knit from of all places, H&M. Inexpensive, machine 
washable, and very comfortable with the warm funnel neck. 
On Saturday for the Christmas parade, I wore it to town with a light black quilted
 vest and short grey boots. Later, in the much colder evening, to watch the
 tree lighting and mingle with the cheery crowds at the shopping center,
 I tossed on my warm black faux sheepskin knee length coat and my tall boots.

I have to say, dressing in a casual dress can be a nice change from all those
 tops and bottoms our wardrobes seem to hold these days!

Cooling off and warming up!

Returning from Africa, I realized I needed not only to launder and pack away my

 safari and Summer clothes, but do something about getting my Autumn and

Winter clothes out of storage!  

Storage here in the cottage consists of drawers and under bed plastic boxes -

we are really short on hanging space, no huge walk-in closets unfortunately. 

via Zara online

I truly love sweaters and I have a lot which I've collected over the years. 

Some are bulky and oversized such as this one offered by Zara - but as I have

 a couple of similar ones I will not be ordering this one. Others are cashmere

classics such as twinsets in basic black and grey for dressy occasions.

Also Lou & Grey tunic length chunky styles to throw over leggings, and

 several H&M casual sweaters for around the house - cheap yes, but have

 never had a problem throwing them in the washer/dryer which makes me happy.

via Zara online

This one I do love and may succumb to desire - Zara online is a place I love

 to visit late at night because I can't get to NYC where there's a real store.

The addition of the sheer frill at the cuffs really makes a basic (and I love basic) 

sweater become one to wear at night. With the right jewelry, a pair of sleek 

trousers or a black lace skirt, and a perfect shoe, I'll be ready to go - restaurant,

 theatre, even possibly a cruise ship!

via Zara online

. . . . . . and this one?  Well I did buy it from the Zara shop at Heathrow Airport on 

Monday!  It was in the window under a cute coat and I immediately fell for the 

lacing and the fact it's chunky but soft and light as a feather, and the sleeves

 are really long which I love. 

I have to add that I feel really good in my sweaters as I've lost quite a bit of weight 

over the past year, mostly due to my thyroid being removed last June, but also

 because I've been more cautious about what I eat. My doctor is pleased as she 

thinks getting weight down as we age is so important for overall good health and 

safety.  She even wants me to start lifting weights. . . . . . . . well what do you think

about that?

Just a little fashion break - I'll be back this coming week

 with more great safari posts starring beautiful animals 

and Maasai people.

The Back Page - my thanks, and my 'WORD' - - - - - - -

Fiona is back in the news. . . . . . .and I just have to show you those other

 'wish list' gifts which actually arrived at the cottage on Christmas Eve. 

For those of you who questioned whether 'my Santa' was named Bob - yes,

 he definitely was!

Thank you Santa Bob, you were extremely generous. I may just do 

the 'wish list' via the blog again next Christmas as it seems to work for

those gift shopping challenged men out there - perhaps you have

one also!

Having recently acquainted you with fab Fiona HERE, and recalling memories

 of my amazing personal experience with Antarctic penguins a few years ago,

 I added this book to my list.

What a delightful true story - I'm about halfway through and loving 

reading about young Englishman Tom Michell's 1975 arrival in

 Buenos Aires, Argentina to teach in a prestigious boarding school. . . . .

then rescuing and adopting a penguin whom he named Juan Salvador.

The story is absurd and wonderful - a classic in the making.

The other books I will tell you about another time - they are waiting

in the wings and I'm anxious to read both.

Yes, the plum colored chunky, very cozy Lou & Grey tunic sweater arrived too.

 I love that it's long, tunic length, so can be worn over just leggings with tall

 or short boots  - perfect comfort and ladylike, important at this advanced age!

BTW, have you tried the new light fleece-lined tights or leggings? 

I bought a pair and find them really great - a good alternative to more restrictive

 skinny pants - totally opaque and lightweight, not too thick, and so soft. 

Mine are by Simply Vera Wang at Kohl's. 

 On the left on my dresser, Dior's beautiful fragrance, Escale à Portofino. 

 It too was on my list, and is now hard to find - most stores have discontinued

 stocking it - but great retailer Nordstrom came through as always, found

 Santa Bob a bottle and shipped it in time. It's a large one and I will have to make

 it last a long time just in case it eventually becomes irreplaceable. 

My first bottle, found on a cruise ship, became my favorite fragrance immediately.

*************

I'm making this my 2015 wrap-up, yes the 'back page'.

I'm so ready for this new year - who knows what it will bring 

for each of us. My biggest hope is for good health for myself

and my loved ones. Hope for a chance to travel somewhere new,

 but hopefully have lots of time at home to do things I enjoy.

I hold great hope for the world to become a more peaceful and 

better place. . . . . .for its people, the animals - wild and domestic - Nature's 

wild and beautiful landscapes, the environment, and especially the oceans.

So, perhaps not unexpected, my 'word' for 2016 has to be HOPE.

Thank you for following my blog through yet another busy year. 

You helped make 2015 a very special time by reading my words,

 complimenting me on my photography, enjoying my travels from your

 'armchair', and then leaving such generous, often funny, always greatly

 appreciated, comments. By doing all that and often more, you then gave

 me the opportunity to 'follow' you, the best friends anyone could ever have.

Coming up soon will be the start of my 8th year of blogging. Yes, I plan to

 continue, using my blog as my creative outlet and my personal journal. 

Although some are quitting their blogs, or moving to other social media

 platforms, I only blog! I love blogging, I love you, I don't want to change a thing.

So, hope to see you here for a long time, you will always be welcomed.