Yesterday I returned from my third three-day trip to Chicago in nine (3x3) months. Such auspicious numbers could only add up to a fabulous time and sure enough the universe smiled upon me. It was a lovely visit.
I now offer you nine select images of this most recent trip. Hopefully this will make up for the pictures that I didn't take
the last time.
Left to right:
Marina City;
330 North Wabash;
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago as seen from the River.
My feet standing on one of the handful of remaining
wood block alleys that date from the mid-nineteenth century. Count those tree rings!
My knitting-bedecked room (Room 810) at the
Hotel Indigo Chicago. Yes, I squealed when I saw it.
Vintage signage at
Wrigley Field.
A view of the gorgeous,
gorgeous,
Carbide & Carbon Building, now the
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.
Lunch at
Sheffield's. This shot reminds me of a Van Gogh cafe scene (I suspect it's the lights and the server's pose.)
Breakfast at
Elly's Pancake House, fine purveyors of such delights as
black cherry blintzes (which are
wonderful,) at all hours of the day and night. I love the decor to distraction (and back.)
And finally, two details of
Florine Stettheimer's fantastic
Portrait of Virgil Thomson, which is simply amazing to experience in person. I could've stared at it for the better part of the afternoon. Alas, my attentions were required elsewhere.
While away, I did manage to sneak in some knitting time, and I have a nearly-completed
Flamingo mitten to show for it. Expect the pattern soon.
It was ten years ago today that I woke up on my own in another city for the first time.
Many things have happened since then. I learned how to knit, for one.
And now I've been and done and felt and had. Met and said and seen and went.
Onward and upward.
out of this deliciously rustic wool/llama blend
I fear I may very well perish (or something close to it.)
These mittens feature six of my favourite gastropods snailin’ it up in the garden. Perfect for those winter days when the garden is just a fond memory and the snails are snuggled down under their leaf-litter duvets, waiting for spring. Grab the pattern here, on Ravelry.
Keep those fingers crossed!
As tinyowlknits would put it, "these snails are just crawlin' along."
More mittens -- this time with snails on. Schnecke clearly approves.
These two Pewabic Pottery mugs are among some of my recent acquisitions, and we are inseparable. They are the epitome of Arts and Crafts -- both beautiful and functional -- and also (for me) wonderfully local. I can't wait to inflict my new quince green tea upon them -- I'm sure they'll understand.
...here it is: the Flamingo Mittens' pattern is now available. Please note that the pattern also includes instructions on how to make fingerless Flamingo mitts as well. 
Yes, these mittens feature everyone's favourite long-legged, lawn-dwelling, plastic-feathered friend, the ornamental flamingo. Fun, kitschy, vintage-inspired handwear for the upcoming winter (seriously, the whole time I was reminded of my grandmother's Corelle dishes.)
Left to right: Marina City; 330 North Wabash; Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago as seen from the River.
My feet standing on one of the handful of remaining wood block alleys that date from the mid-nineteenth century. Count those tree rings!
My knitting-bedecked room (Room 810) at the Hotel Indigo Chicago. Yes, I squealed when I saw it.
Vintage signage at Wrigley Field.
A view of the gorgeous, gorgeous, Carbide & Carbon Building, now the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.
Lunch at Sheffield's. This shot reminds me of a Van Gogh cafe scene (I suspect it's the lights and the server's pose.)
Breakfast at Elly's Pancake House, fine purveyors of such delights as black cherry blintzes (which are wonderful,) at all hours of the day and night. I love the decor to distraction (and back.)
And finally, two details of Florine Stettheimer's fantastic Portrait of Virgil Thomson, which is simply amazing to experience in person. I could've stared at it for the better part of the afternoon. Alas, my attentions were required elsewhere.
