Serendipity...It Just Happens

A very happy start to the week!

I had an incredible weekend!!! On Friday night, my husband and I attended an event called the Midnight Circus. It was 2 full hours of WOW! The troupe is an eclectic group of artists who have a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire their audience, the community, and even the world. A small circus tent is erected in the park, and inside the cozy setting you find acrobats, tightrope walkers, and even a dog!!! If you live anywhere near Chicago, by all means, try and make a performance next summer. The circus is performed in 28 parks across Chicago, from the poorest neighborhoods, to the wealthiest.  But, get your tickets early as they sell out!

Yesterday, a group of Haute Couture members and I made our way out to see the Fine Line fashion show, Uncommon Threads. It was a feast for the eyes. There were fabulous hand dyed and hand woven garments. We had such an incredible afternoon. Again, if you are anywhere near the Chicagoland area, put the fashion show on your calendar for next October. 

Maybe it's the cooler weather, maybe it's just the passing of time, but I am feeling more myself these days. I'm enjoying the creative process just for the sake of the process. 

I have been cleaning out...SO MUCH!!! I sent 3 very full bags of clothing to the resale shop last week. My closet has been paired down, and now I am ready for some new items. While cleaning/clearing out, I came across a box of items that for the life of me, I can't remember why I put them in a box. I found this dress that I started, whew!, I don't even remember when.

It's a gorgeous navy and red iridescent knit. Why I didn't finish it, I have no idea. But, I tried it on, it looks fabulous, so I am set with a wonderful party dress for the holiday season.

For some reason, the shawl below from Purl Soho spoke to me. 

Two different yarns are used to create the piece, Flax Down, and Linen Quill. It was 353 stitches of knit one row, and purl the next. I would typically find a project like this to be especially boring, but, I found it to be so therapeutic. Mine is below...in my favorite color :) If by chance you think you might enjoy a very simple project, you can find the pattern HERE.

A few years ago, I knitted this vest. I haven't worn it all that often, and thought of giving it away, but so glad that I didn't!

It's a perfect match to my new shawl! I just couldn't believe my luck!!!

The shawl below is a lovely vintage mohair piece from Scotland. Again, I have had it for years, but just couldn't part with it. I have only worn it a few times as it is just not quite as long as I would like for a shawl. 

Again, a perfect match to my new shawl. There is plenty to make into a skirt, so now I will have 3 fun, mix and match pieces.

I truly believe serendipity was on my side.

The skirt should be finished soon as I can't wait to wear it.

Have you had anything just materialize right before your eyes without any planning? It sure is wonderful when it happens :)

I hope a little serendipity finds it's way into your life this week and brings about some wonderful gifts!

 Rhonda 

I Need A Break From Cable!

When I was a child, there was always one night during the week that I looked forward to watching television. Living out in the country, we had 3 stations to choose from, and there was usually something interesting, except when the president decided to give a speech. Inevitably, he would be on ALL 3 channels!!! Couldn't they spare us just one?!! Those glorious days of finding something interesting to watch, at least for me, are sadly over. A few nights ago, I sat down, scrolled though over 100 channels, looked at my husband and said, "all these channels and there is nothing worth watching." One show that I do enjoy is Alone. It's a contest where 10 people are placed out in the middle of no where, and must build a shelter, hunt for their food, and they are not allowed to have a gun :/ The person who lasts out in the wilderness the longest wins some amount of money. My husband finds it interesting that I enjoy the program as I do not like to be dirty, and I don't like to camp. I had too many nights in a tent sleeping on a rock when I was a child. It seemed that wherever we camped, that same rock was always there waiting for me ;) 

A you have probably figured out by now, this post is not about watching too much television :)

Back in February, Purl Soho showcased the shawl below as a free pattern. I thought it was especially pretty, so I ordered the yarn. I thought it would be nice as a combo shawl/scarf.

Here's my almost finished piece. I began working on it in March. All those little cables, and always the same. I'm about to go cross eyed!!! Actually, I'm bored. But, I am almost there, about 60 more rows and I should be crossing the finish line. As I knit, I keep trying to tell myself that I am really going to enjoy this piece once it's finished. And I will :) If by chance you are interested, HERE'S a link to the free pattern.

I can have the attention span of a gnat at times, and that's how I get myself in trouble. Rather than just start one project and stick with it, I usually have a number of pieces going at one time. All I have to do is sew up this little summer sweater and I can enjoy it.

It has 2 lovely cables that run across the top. I knitted it with a strand of linen yarn and cotton yarn. It was from a Vogue Knitting Magazine pattern. Jean Kaori is the designer. HERE'S a link to the pattern on Ravelry.

  

One week ago yesterday, Mr. Berkley came home with us. He has been nothing but an absolute joy. I think he has completely forgotten his past life. He even likes to curl up in my knitting :)

My goal is to finish both of these projects this week. Can't wait!!!