The Conservatory

The ladies in my Wednesday night knitting class were very adamant that I tell you a few things. I think they were a bit miffed that I said they come and sit and talk and don't actually knit. :)
-They did bring their knitting out last night
-They learned a new technique-provisional cast on

Scottie in Varuni
The fabric is amazing-the picture doesn't
do it justice.

Mr. Canada Post has been busy bringing me parcels the past few days.

Two boxes from madelinetosh with tosh sock, tosh merino DK and tosh DK

One box from Offhand Designs with knitting bags and needle cases.

A box of patterns from Anne Hanson-Knitspot

I emailed Anne earlier today to make sure it was okay for me to use her pictures on my blog. I didn't think I would hear back until Monday because of Thanksgiving. I just received an email from her telling me to go ahead. Thank you Anne.

There are many pictures to show so I am going to spread them over the next few days.

This is Gnarled Oakwoods

A rectangle stole featuring lush, organic motifs that convey the rich, earthy scents and textures of a woodland floor. Stole is worked from hem to center back in two pieces which are then grafted. 
 
Suggested Yarns: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Briar Rose Josephine, Woolen Rabbit Opulence, Wooly Wonka Fibers Celestial, Jaeger Alpaca, Rowan Felted Tweed, or any fingering weight yarn with a relaxed, drapey hand and approximately 400 yards per 100 grams.

Finished Size: 22 inches wide x 80 inches long (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 1100 yards

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked)

Needles: size 6US (4.0 mm) needle

While I was away a box arrived from Berroco with Lacey.

Here are some more pictures from the Conservatory at the Bellagio.

I showed this picture while I was away but I couldn't make it large in my post. I'm not sure if you could really see the flowers and the detail in the picture.

Beth was a little freaked out by the tree-his eyes move. She said it reminds her of Pufnstuf which caused her sleepless nights when we were kids.

The Conservatory is always a highlight of any trip to Vegas. I'm so happy we got to see a finished display-many times we are there during construction.

It is amazing what they can do with plants and flowers.

This is the check in/out desk at the Bellagio. We were there at noon as people were checking out so I couldn't get any closer.

I haven't touched any knitting since Friday morning in the airport. My fingers are itching so I am putting my work away and going to catch up on Revenge.

Noro NOW!!!

We made it home safely but I am very tired today. Our plane landed in Toronto at 11 last night but we couldn't move to the gate until 11:30. There wasn't anyone there to meet the plane. Thankfully the customs line was small and we were in the car on the way home by 12. Someone, not me, forgot to bring house keys so we had to stop at my parents to get them. By the time we got home, suitcases in the house, checked the days emails, had a tea and bagel (dinner) from Tims, it was close to 2 before I got in bed. The alarm went off at 4:30. Dad left for Honduras this morning. We met him at the church before the vans left to take everyone to the airport. He was surprised to see us-he didn't believe we could get up. Home again and another 2 hours of sleep before coming to work. I wonder why I am tired. :)

One of my sales reps just left and she left me a present. There is a new book from Jenny Watson for Noro. We should have copies in the store for sale next week.

Great designs in three new yarns for fall.

• Nadeshiko
• Odori
• Hitsuji

From Jenny Watson

A collection of 16 designs from jackets and cardigans to sweaters and accessories - created in the latest new yarns from Noro. This collection has been photographed with some of the latest trends showing how this Noro collection can complement your high street wardrobe.

Hitsuji

Nadeshiko

Hitsuji

Odori

Hitsuji

Odori

Nadeshiko 

Odori

Hitsuji

Nadeshiko 

Nadeshiko

Nadeshiko

Ann and Lynda are going to need knitting soon. What to send them is going to be a problem. I love them all!!

A bit more from the trip -

In the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's there is an Ugg store. I love Ugg slippers. When I walk in from work I put them on and they are on my feet until I go to bed. When I get out of bed they are on my feet again until I go to work. My pair is wearing out and the store had a great colour that I haven't seen before. I got to the mall before the store opened so I took a few pictures.

At the entrance from Las Vegas Blvd. 

The ceiling

The columns and statues are amazing!

It is hard to believe the money that was spent building this. It is a shopping mall. We sure don't have malls that look like this in Canada.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. The TV in the store will be on tomorrow so that I can watch football. Too bad no one will be making us turkey dinner.

Take two

I had a blog post written and now it is gone.

This morning Beth and I went to the Venetian. While I was shopping Beth took this picture for me. I'm not sure what to call him. Beth is suggesting a human statue. He doesn't move. Doesn't smile.


Beth laid down a dollar in front of him before taking the picture. He very briefly looked at her and then back to being a statue.

I have a new charm for my Pandora bracelet. I had to buy it. It is the Chinese Zodiac Sheep.


I was meant to have it. A sheep and from the year I was born. Had to buy it. The more I write it the better I feel about buying it.

It is our last night. We shouldn't be in our room at 8:45 so off we go!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Lots of Pictures

Beth and I took lots of pictures last night and today. Here are a few. I will post more when we get home.


The tree in front of the Venetian.


On the walk between the Venetian and the Palazzo there are amazing Thanksgiving displays.


The Conservatory at The Bellagio is always amazing. This is the first time we have seen it for Thanksgiving. There are many, many more pictures.


A picture made of flowers.


From the front of the Mirage.

We had another great day visiting the Bellagio, Aria and Venetian. It's time to get some sleep. Last night was late or early-depending on how you look at it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hello from Vegas

With the new update on my iPad, BlogPress isn't happy. I'm doing a quick post because I keep losing what I have written.

Vegas is fun. The Mirage is as beautiful as always. These great displays are in the check in area.



We did some shopping yesterday afternoon at Caesars. Shoes and boots for me.

Today we visited The Cosmopolitan. Lunch at Holsteins. What great burgers, fries and milk shakes.

This is at the front door when you walk in from Las Vegas Boulevard.






And the chandelier.






We are in the room for a bit of a rest and then off to the Venetian. Vegas is fun!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Twenty Three Sleeps

What a yucky day outside. Rain. Dark. Cool. I am wearing a coat that Lynda knit for me in Rowan Renew along with the Suri and Silk Scarf (the beautiful pink scarf that we had on display at the Fleece Festival). The scarf is really soft. I'm not sure I will ever take it off!

Monday afternoon Beth spent some time online. We decided to take a few days and go away. The first thought was Myrtle Beach but we couldn't get a direct flight. Then we thought Vegas. There are direct flights from Hamilton now but you leave Friday afternoon and leave Vegas early Monday morning. Not much time there. Then she looked at Foxwoods but flights to Connecticut were huge dollars. Okay, where to go. Why not go across the border to Seneca? We could play and go shopping at the outlet mall. The prices were amazing. Some nights $2900. Some nights $1100. Are you kidding me? We just want to sleep in the room, not buy it. We decided to go to Vegas on the flight out of Hamilton. I called the Mirage to book our hotel room. Friday night FREE. Saturday night FREE. Sunday night $52. Can't beat those rates. Just before we booked the flight on Westjet I went onto Aeroplan. We ended up with a flight Friday morning (getting into Vegas at 10:30) and coming home Tuesday afternoon. This gives us two extra days. Now a call back to the Mirage. The Monday night we were adding on was very expensive. $48. Wow!! Jane and Cathy are holding down the fort when I leave in 23 sleeps.

When I got home last night I went upstairs to get through the end of Kidnapped. I watched episodes 7-11 and there are just two to go tonight. A lot of knitting accomplished.

Obviously I didn't look at my friend before I took the picture. Her shirt is all puckered. I'm back inside (and so is she) so we are going with this picture for today.

I'm getting to the good colours in the scarf-reds and oranges.

Diana dropped by last night with the latest lace project. Another very soft scarf. Diana said that the yarn blocked out beautifully.

Pattern: Butternut Scarf from Knitspot
Yarn: Naturally Lace
60% merino
40% dehaired angora

I don't normally put prices in my blog posts but this yarn is a great price. $7.99 for 227m (248yards).

The pattern calls for a ball and a half but I had Diana knit both balls for a longer scarf.

I have sent an email to my friend Oliver who manages Naturally in New Zealand to get an explanation of dehaired angora. I think I know what it is but I want to give you the proper explanation. If he gets back to me today then I will add it, otherwise it will be in tomorrow's post. Oliver's head is still in the clouds. He is a huge All Blacks fan and them winning the Rugby World Cup is like the Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup. :) Well, not exactly like the Maple Leafs because the All Blacks won it all in 1987.

Oliver just emailed me

Dehaired Angora... Most Angora blend yarns have long, coarser  fibres that stick out from the yarn (like our Sensation did). These are called guard hairs and are the ones that shed usually when you are knitting. Dehaired Angora means these guard hairs are removed leaving the shorter softer fibres that are blended into the yarn...giving the lovely soft handle of Angora but no shedding.

That's what I though. Nice soft yarn but no hairs flying around.

I'm home now, eating dinner quickly and getting the last two episodes of Kidnapped in before Survivor. More knitting. Who can complain about that?