Costanoa

We had such a nice time at Costanoa! The weather was perfect, although a little chilly for camping, so it's a good thing we stayed in the lodge. I would love to go back when it's warmer and try the tent cabins or wood cabins. It looks like fun! The General Store has lots of "necessities" for camping and gourmet versions of the usual camping treats.

The restaurant had yummy food; we ate dinner and breakfast there twice. And the only TV is in the bar. We sat by the outdoor fireplace at the lodge and talked with other guests. We did not try the hot tub; heard it was nice, but it was a chilly dash from the lodge to the hot tub! Did not try the horseback riding either, but I'd like to try it the next time.

We also visited the marine lab in Santa Cruz. It's small, but interesting and many groups share the facilities for a variety of research projects.

Silk Cardigan is Done!

Finally finished up the short-sleeved silk cardigan. It was a pretty quick knit, but I had some projects for the shop to work on at the same time. I'm pretty happy with it...it could be a little longer and the fit under the arms is a little off...but I love the godets below the waist.

The Ella Rae Shibu was lovely to work with. It was not too stiff, and the slubs give the finished fabric a tweedy look.

I ended up getting buttons at the new Joanns in south San Jose...it's hard to find good buttons, and these were nice and a good value. I needed 10 of them, and finding that quantity is also challenging.

Creativity enriches you

Creativity is separate from the real world for you. But it’s a magical world in which you like to immerse yourself. When you’re involved in it, you get the wonderful sensation that there are no limits, that anything is possible. What you are really looking for is harmony — you want to feel you are a part of what you create. Planting flowers, writing poetry, embroidery or putting together a photo album, these are all suited to your sort of quiet creativity. You want to fall in love with what you create. You also think of creativity as a part of you in which you can take refuge and feel protected. As the psychoanalyst D Anzieu explained, creativity acts as an ‘encouraging parent — loving, enriching and supportive’. You would love to use your creativity to retreat into a world that is kind and reassuring. For you, being creative means having the chance to become one with what you create, bathe in the glory of it and allow yourself to be taken over by it. This is why you seem more suited to the sort of creativity that calls for gentleness, subtlety, harmony and patience.

Vintage Crochet Doilies

I want some! So many great ideas of things to make with them. A cocktail dress, a table runner, bangles and headbands, just do a search and get inspired!

Not Really a Craft

This might belong on my reading blog, but here are my finds from the Alameda Antiques Market yesterday. "Lassie's Day in the Sun" is hilarious! Who knew that Lassie's days were so full of activity! The people around her would be lost if she ever took a vacation.

The illustrations in the French magazines are lovely renditions of 1950s fashion and interior design.