Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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!










45 comments:

  1. I adore the knitting needles. I'm just popping away to see if the seller does similar crochet hooks. x

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    1. Hello. Wouldn't that be nice if you found the crochet hooks? They would be so pretty. Thanks for visiting.

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  2. I got hooked on Downton Abbey last year...Nice knitting needles-mine are plain bamboo ;-)

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    1. Hi Lori, Yes, that show is addictive. Knitting is such a fun hobby.

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  3. I've read the Almina book, it is very good. I did a blog post this week on books to help get you in the mood for Downton Abbey. I hope you check it out. http://georgielee.blogspot.com/2015/01/more-books-to-get-you-in-mood-for.html

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    1. Hi, I checked out your blog post - those are great books you recommended. Downton Abbey is such a interesting show to watch.

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  4. Your kitty is so pretty! And oooh, the wine looks delightful. ^.^

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    1. Thank you Kristin. Lilly also has a attitude sometimes. Enjoy your day!

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  5. Those knitting needles are pretty, and the wine sounds splendid. I would love to try a real French Bordeaux.

    As for saying that my hills will turn green once spring comes will sadly never come. I live in a desert and those hills stay brown all year long.

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    1. Hi Danielle, it's so nice to hear from you. It's good that at least we got a little much needed rain. The French Bordeaux wines are very nice if you like a bolder, dry wine (which is my favorite). Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  6. I have not watched the first episode of Downton Abby, but I have it my Amazon Prime cue. I heard it was a good series, so I will have to give it a try sometime soon. Lilly is a sweet looking kitty. I don't drink adult beverages, but I did have some See's milk chocolate bordeaux candies at Christmas. They didn't taste like the recipe consisted of alcohol and the ingredients didn't hint to having bordeaux. The candies were good, but I wouldn't say they were anything terribly special, though. Knitting is nice hobby and one I wanted to learn years ago, but never attempted to try. Now, I just admire others creativity with the needles. Happy #WW!

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    1. Hi Cathy, some of my friends only watch Downton Abbey from their computer. It's a fun series to watch but it has become a bit soap opera like. Your chocolates sound so yummy. I taught myself to knit. There's some good books out there plus you tube tutorials. I wish you a wonderful week:)

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  7. That is an adorable picture of Lilly! I love Downton Abbey too, didn't realize that there was a cookbook, I need to get a copy. Would love if you would come share this post at Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday http://joylovefood.com/oh-heartsie-girls-wordless-wednesday-2/

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    1. Greetings Joy, yes there's a cookbook and it's really quite good. Thank you so much for the link party. I appreciate your stopping by.

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  8. What a pretty little kitty! I have DVDs of the first few seasons of Downton Abbey, but haven't had the time to sit down with them yet. I'm really looking forward to it when I do.

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    1. Thank you Susan. I'm sure you will enjoy watach Downton Abbey when you have the time. Have a great day.

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  9. Thanks for visiting my post this morning. :) I'm a Downton fan, too, and will have to get myself a copy of that cookbook...maybe for Mother's Day which will be here before we know it! Your wine sounds delicious! xo Lisa

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    1. You are most welcome Lisa. Yes, Mother's Day will soon be here. Time goes by so so fast these days. Thanks for your kind words.

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  10. Cats, knitting, wine, Downton Abbey...all favorite things of mine as well, though my blog only features the cats (8 of them - one named Lily). I grew up in CA but now live in VA. Stop by and visit us sometime at The Cat on My Head. I am subscribing to your blog. Hugs, Janet

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    1. Greetings Janet, so nice to see you at Lilly My Cat. I am heading over to your blog now. Cats are such wonderful little creatures to share our lives with. Thank you.

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  11. I love your Maine Coon Cat. My husband's cousin has several Maine Coon cats and they are so fluffy! I'm the mother of three furry kitties myself. Lovely blog!

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  12. My sister loves Downton Abbey but I'm a Mr Selfridges girl - have you watched it? Love your knitting needles and Lilly is gorgeous :o)

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    1. Yes! I am eagerly awaiting the return of Mr. Selfridge which I believe will start this month. I will let lilly know of your kind remark. Many thanks for visiting.

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  13. Your Maine Coon cat looks wonderful. We have one too and he is so friendly and lovable!

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    1. Hello Nicole, yes aren't they amazing little animals. They are very sociable. Thank you for doing by.

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  14. Beautiful cat,needles and knitting! We have a cat who is part Maine Coon--they are such an interesting breed, aren't they? I love Church Mouse yarn store and get about once a year--they are only a ferry ride away from where I live so don't know why I don't get there more often--it is a lovely store. Happy Wednesday, late...
    xoxoxo

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    1. Hi Kim, it's so nice that you stopped by. So you are from my beloved state of Washington. Maine coins are such unique cats. Lilly is my dear soul mate. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.


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  15. Fabulous knitting needles and adorable cat! Thanks for joining in with Happy Friday x

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    1. Hello Penny, thank you for hosting your happy Friday party. I will let Lilly know of your kind words. Give my best to Higgins!

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  16. Downton fan here too! Oh and I just love Lilly - is she as cuddly as she looks?

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    1. Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to Sunday's episode of Downton and the mystery involving Mr. Bates. And yes, Lilly is 15 pounds of cuddly. She loves to sit on my lap, especially if I'm knitting or crocheting!

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  17. Lilly is a beautiful and sweet cat, I love it! I'm also a Downton fan and I confess I'm a little jealous because I haven't the Downton Abbey Cookbook :)
    Have a fabulous day!
    Hugs from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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    1. Hello Ana, it's so nice to hear from you. Portugal is a country that I would love to visit. I've been to Spain twice these past few years so maybe one day soon I will make it to Portugal.

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  18. Lilly is so beautiful! With 2 cats of my own I'm obviously a cat fan. Lilly did make it hard for me to pay attention to the rest of the post with her gorgeous eyes asking for a pat. But I managed to read on and now I want some fancy knitting needles :o)

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    1. Oh thank you so much for your kind comments. Aren't cats the sweetest little animals? I feel Lilly is a person who runs out home. They are great companions. Thank you for stopping by.

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  19. I'm a big 'Downton' fan too. We live about 10 minutes away from Highclere Castle and, unsurprisingly, their visitor numbers have gone through the roof since the series began. Cuddles to the beautiful Lilly. x

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    1. Oh, I am so envious of you! How fun to live in a country full of historical sites. I still think England is my favorite of all the countries I have visited. I live in "new" Orange County California where the average age of buildings is like 12 to 30 years old.

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  20. Hi! Lilly looks gorgeus! I'm Downton fan, but they don't show it now here in GREECE. I do hope to see one day NEW episodes. x Teje

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    1. Hello Teje. Thank you for visiting my blog. Greece is on my list of countries that I want to visit one day.

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  21. I love your cat - I have a fluffy one that is very similar called Maia. Downton is one of my favourites but we have to wait until the autumn for more episodes xxx

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    1. Lilly thanks you for your kind words. It's hard to wait until the new season begins. We here in the US get it after you have seen it. Sunday we will find out more about Mr. Bates......intrigue

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  22. Hello, Pat! Thanks for sharing your love for Downton Abbey! I'm a new fan of the show. Just watched all the dvd's so I could be caught up for this year's season! Any other book recommendations from the time period would be appreciated! :) Catherine (latest follower of your blogging adventures!) :)

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    1. Welcome Catherine. I'm so happy you joined my blog. Here is a link to a wonderful blog with some great book recommendations: http://georgielee.blogspot.com/
      Lilly sends you her greetings, too!

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  23. I'm a huge fan of Downton too - wait till you see the Christmas episode! I enjoyed reading about all the lovely things you've got up to. Have a good week Jo x

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