Tuesday, March 17, 2009

CORAL ERUPTION, CALIFORNIA STYLE

Californian Stash Findings

California has always been a yarn destination. Woven along the glorious coastline, the freeway webbery and city lanes, are fabulous yarn stores that have never been stingy with options. Walk into a good Californian yarn store and a gasp is sure to follow as you contemplate shelf after shelf of glory colors and textures. And I always bring back new-to-me goodies.

This time I found Mango Moon's new stone encrusted knitting strands in a brilliant coral with a companion hank of beaded cotton and silk (Chakra) mixed in coral, blue and green. Believe me, friends, this knits up subtle yet stunning. In fact, I am quite enamored by all their yarns right now. Blame this hank for my current coral fest, seen in the background of the above photo by way of a feather & fan organic wrap (yes, an old design but one to which I'm addicted like everyone else).

But there is another reason for my current hot-colored cravings: Morocco and Istanbul. All right, two reasons. Later this week, I will lead a group of knitters to the land of saturated color where we'll frolic in the souks surrounded by vibrant design. How could I knit anything dark or even deep with so much sunshine in the offing? No, I had to leap into coral and in so doing, a new design is emerging based on both the mosaics of Morocco and the brilliancy of the Ottoman empire. It's a vest, actually two vests, both rich in color and perfect for transitional wear. I don't want to show you even so much as a peek since your first veiwing really should have the vests shown against a background of the inspiration, right? Be patient, my dears. Yes, Anti Jane.

On another topic entirely, I'd like to digress a bit on interior and exterior decorating for a moment. This is another area that captures my interest which I'd like to share. On my recent visit to California I visited Hearst Castle, ranch of the former publishing tycoon, Randolf Hearst. It gave me SO many ideas for interior decoration. Bear with me while I count the ways…

If planning to install a pool this year, perhaps you'd consider lining it with genuine Greek and Roman columns circa waybackwhen BC?

Thinking of a new ceiling treatment? Why not install a genuine 15th century Spanish ceiling in solid walnut to accompany your silk Siennese flag collection?

And maybe your dining room needs updating? Mr. Hearst liked meals with his famous friends to be cosy which is why he'd squeeze everyone to the far end of his castillo-sized dining table. Presumeably this would make it easier to say "Pass the mustard, Groucho."