Wednesday, October 22, 2008

AUTUMN IN TUSCAN STITCHES

A view of Gardgonza's tower with autumn arrangements

Here I am, your nomadic knitter, reporting from Barcelona. Working with a rare internet connection I find myself limited to white text (eek!) but at least the photos speak to the colors that have been inspiring me this autumn. Fresh from Knitaly 08 where I left my intrepid cadre of knitters and guest designer, Patricia Werner, after 10 days of inspired knitting in Tuscany, I am now savoring Spain. Whereas Florence seemed an austere museum-in-a-city, Barcelona vibrates with life day and night—maybe a bit too much life since the streets never seem to truly empty and seems to be on party mode 24/24. At last I've found a wonderful hotel still close to the pulse without causing the wall's to vibrate and last night, a winding trek through the city's old heart took us to incredible bead and stone shops which I'll report on later.

Meanwhile, here are a fresh crop of photos filled with Tuscan stitchery:

Knitaly 08 Group photo outside the Albola winery

Paula Fowler in a feather&fan organic wrap knit by Patricia Werner

My stitches resting with berries

My knitting design partner, Patricia Werner, wearing both her design and mine

Martha, Mark, Patricia & Paula resting in Volterra

Hiederose's wrap

Tuscan tiles bloom in a bowl of plums

From the entry 'OF GIANT FIRS, COASTAL RAINFORESTS AND I'M STILL IN CANADA'. Imagine that, they still take Canadian money in Canada! We love Granville Island - Dave and I visited Vancouver for our 30th anniversary three years ago and stayed at the hotel on Granville. What a great place!

By Iris on 2008 11 18