Trellis Lace Scarf and Downton Abbey

I can't believe we are almost half way through January - time goes by so so fast.  It seems the last few posts I have written have been about recipes so today I'm going to share with you two (three actually) of my favorite things; knitting, Downton Abbey and Lilly my cat!

First off is my precious little cat, Lilly.  My son captured this picture of Lilly.  I think her expression is so sweet. 

So, are you hooked on watching Downton Abbey?  I find that show fascinating and I'm a faithful viewer every Sunday night to see what is going to happen next with the Grantham family. As you probably know, Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle.  This is the home of the Carnovan family.  Lord Carnovan (5th) was the chief financial backer of Howard Carter who discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt in 1922.

 I love this book on Lady Almina of Downton Abbey.  She was the wife of Lord Carnovan the 5th and the daughter of a Rothschild.  She's the one who brought the money back into the family.  Almost like Lady Cora bringing her American wealth to the Grantham family.  This book is filled with pictures and historial facts about the real to life family who lives at Highclere Castle, the place where Downton Abbey is filmed.
 

As to my current knitting project, you can see that I have started knitting this trellis lace scarf.  Last spring I wrote about my visit to Churchmouse Yarns and Tea in Bainbridge Island, WA in this post.  Although I can't visit this store often, I am on their mailing list.  They had this pattern for the Trellis Lace Scarf in their Spring 2014 newsletter. I am using Rowan Fine Art fingering weight yarn.

I always try and add a link to the patterns I am making.  I'm not fond of paying for patterns; not because I don't want to support a fellow crafter, but because I'm always hesitant as to whether I can master the pattern without it getting me flustered....Anyway, here is the pattern for the above scarf.  So far, it has been a fun and easy project to work on.

Can you believe that Downton Abbey is into season 5?  I think I have watched it from episode 2 of season 1.  The Victorian era and Edwardian era are my favorite.  I enjoy reading historial novels set in this time period so when Downton Abbey appeared, it was immediately my favorite show.  Have you seen some of the "behind the scenes" specials they have aired?  Food and drink is such a big part of their lifestyle.

My dear daughter bought me this cookbook awhile back.  It's so much fun to "read" and cook from as the recipes are attached to Mrs. Patmore, Lady Grantham, etc.

And, you can't have food without drink......

Again, my daughter, Heidi, bought me this special Bordeaux from France.  It's a lovely wine.

Did you notice the unique knitting needles in the picture above.  They were a Christmas gift from my daughter.  They are made so well and a joy to knit with..... 

 I believe she purchased them on Etsy from this seller.  The size I'm using is size 9 and they are just the right weight - not too heavy and not too light and the points work well for fine yarn.

That's about all the news I have for now.  We have our sunshine back and the hills are a beautiful green color after the bit of rain we received.  I hope wherever you are that you are safe and warm this winter season.  Until next time...

my best to everyone,

Pat

P.S.  I'm linking up today at Planet Penny's Happy Friday
Please stop by and say "hello" to some wonderful, talented crafters!