Vintage Photo Friday

75 years and still a wonderful place to visit. Yes, that's our favorite, neighborhood hang, the Original Farmers Market. "Meet Me At 3rd and Fairfax" is the slogan that we keep saying over and over again. We call the Farmers Market the VORTEX of Los Angeles, because eventually, everyone gets sucked into the place!
Below are a few vintage postcards from the Market's past.Before The Grove shopping center was built on the land where the Farmers Market outer buildings existed, there was an entire north side of stores and even little shops in the middle of the parking lot. Above is the famous Basket Shop.



I'm at the Market almost every Thursday night with my West Hollywood Stitch 'n Bitch Group. We meet in the upstairs dining area, above Kip's Toyland from 7-9pm. This gives us an opportunity to visit, knit and eat dinner! I've become addicted to some of the treasures found at the Market, like Little John's perfect honeycomb candy, Magee's yummy, fresh almond butter and Bob's doughnuts. No one said everything was healthy at the Market, but there are also some wonderful fruit and vegetable stands. You can read more about the history of the Farmers Market here.
More VPF.
Have a great weekend! Maybe I'll see you at the Original Farmers Market tomorrow? I'll be in the upstairs dining area from 10am to noon with my knitster/crochet friends! Join us!

Calendar

We're all getting busy with holiday plans. I know that I am! I'm on vacation from work today. I've been trying to clean out my so-called "guest" room for some actual GUESTS that we expect in mid-December!
So, in-between cleaning, I'm only attending a few events this weekend, most having to do with knitting and crocheting or ART!

Saturday morning, our once-a-month West Hollywood Stitch 'n Bitch will meet at the Original Farmers Market, 3rd and Fairfax, in the upstairs dining area from 10am to noon. Later in the day, the Fairview Knitters will meet at the Fairview Branch of the Santa Monica Library from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

"Thrice", Mixed Media Sculpture by Liz McGrath

On the art front, our friend, Liz McGrath is having an opening at Billy Shire Fine Arts in East Culver City. It's also Second Saturday Gallery Night in the NELA area of Highland Park. Both events should be great!!

Have a marvy weekend! Maybe I'll see you around town.

Fin!

I've crocheted yet ANOTHER granny triangle shawl out of Noro Kureyon (worsted weight) yarn. Crocheting with worsted weight yarn, using a size "J" hook is super fast! My co-worker, Courtney is the tall shawl model!

Once again, I used Doris Chan's border from her "All Shawl" for the border. You can find Doris' pattern on Ravelry for free.

Granny Triangle Shawl

Along the top edge of the shawl I crocheted a reverse single crochet stitch, commonly known as the Crab Stitch. I think it gives the piece a nicely finished edge.
I now have plenty of gift shawls on hand for the upcoming holidays as well as for a few birthdays.

Yesterday at our workplace holiday gift fair I sold out all of my baby sweaters. My co-worker, Amy purchased a little "Bruin Baby" cardigan for her little boy, Jack. The cardi fits Jack perfectly!

What a Cutie Pie!

Holiday Gift Sale @ Work

Ellen's Eclectic Display of Knitted & Crocheted Gifts

Once a year, my office holds a holiday gift and craft sale. All of the items for sale are made by employees.

Shirley's Quilted and Sewn Items

We have jewelry, knitted and crocheted items, photographs, quilted and sewn items and baked goods! Of course I participated today. I did quite well too!

Nicole's Jewelry

Sanam should have bought this beret!

Amy bought my cute little boy sweater

It was a fun event and a great way to earn some money during lunchtime!

It's a Mod Mod Mod Mod City

Yesterday, Larry and I had a marvelous time on the L.A. Conservancy / Modern Committee Tour of Mid-20th Century commercial buildings in the Westchester area. This is part of a year-long program called "The Sixties Turn 50" to highlight the fact than many of our mid-20th century buildings are now eligible for historic landmark status.

We started out at the former IBM headquarters (1964) which is now Otis College of Art and Design. The building is easy to see from Lincoln Blvd., just north of LAX. The precast concrete panels on the seven storey building were designed to look like a computer punch card. Our docent, Leah is also a knitter friend of mine. We saw a wonderful exhibit in the lobby of other IBM ephemera and machines.

Next stop was the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum on Imperial Highway, at the end of the LAX runway. I didn't even know this museum existed. It's free and definitely a perfect place to take out of town visitors. The entire history of the airport is detailed within the walls of this nice little building (1969). Volunteers that are former airport workers are there to answer all of your questions. The exhibit of former stewardess uniforms was a highlight.

There was a shuttle from the Museum to the Theme Building (1961) at LAX. This building, which houses the Encounter Restaurant is being rennovated at the moment, but we were allowed to zoom up to the Observation Deck and tour the restaurant. I've always LOVED this building. It really is the centerpiece of LAX.

We stopped for a quick lunch in Westchester at Paco's Tacos. Yum.

Then, we headed up to La Tijera to St. Jerome Catholic Church (1966). Wow! I've passed by this church hundreds of times, but never took the time to really drive around the back and tour the interior. It's a beautiful, modern church...very uplifting! The 91 year-old architect was there to answer a few questions while we toured the church.

We were tired, but we headed south to Northrop Grumman, the former TRW Space Park Campus in Redondo Beach (1960). This is truly a beautiful campus. We were given a tour of the exterior buildings. The guide then took us into the lobby of one building where there were historic models and displays of spacecraft designed by the TRW team. It was very impressive.

Our last destination was the Proud Bird Restaurant (1967). It's a "destination" restaurant with an aviation theme. We were given a tour of the gardens and patios, along with the extensive airplane and helicopter collection. The restaurant has huge windows so you can watch the planes and jets land at LAX. We were very tired after our long day. Perfect time for a cocktail at the Proud Bird!

To see many more photos of our day, check out this slide show:

It was a really inspiring tour. There are more events planned for "The Sixties Turn 50" next year. Be sure to check the L.A. Conservancy site for updated info.

Vintage Photo Friday

Kindergarten, Beverly Vista Elementary School

Top Row, L-R: Gary, Debbie, Bill, Joyce, Joel, Sheri, Harry, Leslie, Phil

Middle Row, L-R: Keith, Dana, Leonard, Judy, Randy, Ellen, Joe, Nina, Ria

Botton Row, L-R: Karen, Chuck

I've been working lately with my ol' high school classmates on our upcoming reunion. It's next year, but we had to set a date so we could secure a venue. This is NOT an easy task, because we have NO BUDGET! Of course, we're looking for someplace on the Westside of Los Angeles, close to our beloved Beverly Hills High School. The amount of work to put this together is staggering. Luckily, the internet has been a huge help in being able to find alumni.

Soooooo, I've been scouring my closets and cupboards for old photos to post on our Class Facebook group. I finally found my elementary school photos!

I present little Ellen, with her kindergarten class (above) at Beverly Vista Elementary School:

I just love how my Mom styled my coiffure! The crooked center part and uneven, chopped haircut certainly compliments my toothless grin! Hey! I was 5.

More VPF.

Holiday Gifts

I've been working away for over 8 months on this year's holiday gifts. The Gift o' the Year is a a hand-crocheted shawl. I've been experimenting with multi-colored yarns, sock yarns, worsted weight yarns and more. I've made Seraphina Shawls, Granny Triangle Shawls and Rectangular Shawls. I'm kinda' shawled-out.

HOWEVER, I'm smitten with the combo of any striping Noro yarn and this granny triangle shawl (which is really a scarf pattern - Ravelry link). I can't stop making them! I'm working on another one right now! They're fast and gorgeous (just like I USED to be in the OLD days)! (rimshot).

Thanks to my tall co-worker, Courtney for being America's Next Top Shawl Model!

All my yarny friends are going to receive FABULOUS gifts this year!!!
For calendar items for this weekend, check the L.A. Times, L.A. Weekly, L.A. Conservancy and yesterday's blog post!

Discovering Los Angeles

I just read a post on Dine L.A. about historic restaurants in Los Angeles. The story gives mini reviews and history about Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock, Chili John's in Burbank, Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria downtown L.A., El Cholo on Western Ave., LA, Fosselman's Ice Cream Parlor in Alhambra, Langer's Deli near MacArthur Park, LA, Musso & Frank's in Hollywood, Taix in Echo Park, Taylor's Steaks near Koreatown and Yamashiro's in Hollywood.I've been to every single one of these places except for Fosselman's. I must visit there soon. How many of these historic L.A. restaurants have you visited?

Yes, I love Los Angeles! I like to explore the city far and wide. My parents both grew up here. They often told me stories of the way the town used to look, what places had been torn down and how they travelled the City on the Red Car. When I was young, my folks used to take us on field trips around town to investigate the City. I'm so glad I paid attention! No matter how long I live here, there's always something new to discover in the Los Angeles area.

Proud Bird Restaurant....lots of aviation memorabilia here!

Theme Building, LAX

We get to visit the Observation Deck

On Sunday, Larry and I will be attending the L.A. Conservancy tour, "The Sixties Turn 50." I'm so looking forward to seeing some great commercial mid-20th century architecture in the Westchester/LAX area. There are six stops on this tour. All of the sites are close to each other, so there will be a minimum of drive-time. If you register today, you can be cleared to visit the just-added TRW building!

Original IBM Building / Current Otis Art Institute

the exterior concrete skin was designed with rows of small rectangular

windows resembling those of a 1960s computer punch card

St. Jerome's Church, Interior

Imperial Terminal Musem with vintage stewardess uniform display

Bonus Site: TRW

Call now for tickets! This is going to be a GREAT tour. We'll see you for cocktails after the tour at the Proud Bird!

Yarn, AGAIN!

HALF of Ellen's Yarn Stash!

It's all about the yarn for me. I realize that people other than yarn-o-philes are reading my blog. I usually jam-pack the blog with info all about Los Angeles, places to go, restaurants, historical facts and more. lately, I've only been able to think about my yarn obsession. Sorry.

My husband is jealous of the YARN. I'm around yarn all day and all night. I fondle it. I read about it. I purchase it. I dream about all the wonderful projects I'm going to knit or crochet with it. I'm fixated by yarn. I admit it, I'm a yarn-a-holic.

O.K. the confession is over. Here's my latest and greatest finished object: The Wedding Afghan!

I kinda' want to keep it. Darn!

I used mostly Vanna's Choice and Red Heart acrylic yarn for this granny-ghan; size "I" crochet hook. The edging is from Doris Chan's "All Shawl" pattern (Ravelry link).

O.K. I'll try to blog about something OTHER than yarn tomorrow!

Torrance Weaving & Fiber Fest

Lori, Carol, Natalie and Beth

Torrance Cultural Center

On Sunday, the "Sometimes Sunday Crocheters" and I zoomed down to Torrance (thanks for driving, Beth). We had a grand time at the Southern California Handweavers' Guild Weaving & Fiber Festival Annual Autumn Show & Sale. We saw many friends and Ravelers, LOTS of yummy yarn and roving, weaving and spinning demonstrations, a fashion show, buttons, beads and books! It was a sensory overload!

Carol, checking on yarn stash via cellphone

Peggy and Kim

Shopping!
Thanks for snapping our picture, Jamie!

My studio is OVERFLOWING with yarn, but of course I had to purchase a couple of bargains from Newton's Yarn Country, Anaheim.

Superwash Merino, Sock Weight

This is one of the more enjoyable little festivals held in the Southern California area. It's only a one-day fest, but it's chock full 'o yarn and fun! Thanks, ladies...I had a great time!

Vintage Photo Friday - Halloween

Here's what Larry wore in 1956 for Halloween:

Lil' Wrangler, Sherman Oaks, 1956

Here's what he wore last night for our WeHo Stitch 'n Witch party:

Photoman, West Hollywood 2009

Last night's WeHo Stitch 'n Witch was an outstanding success! Natalie made sock skellies for our gift bags.

Sock Skelly, by Natalie

There were vampires, pirates, chickens, witches and other assorted fun costumes. Treats and goodies were in abundance too! Check out this slide show to view the festivities!

The Winners!

Regina: Best Use of Yarn

Karyn: Most Original

Mary Jo: Best Vampire

Thanks to everyone for making our party a grand one!

Calendar

Last Year's "Grim Ripper" and "Spider Granny"

First order of business is tonight's Stitch 'n Witch at the Original Farmers Market, 7-9pm. I know I've been blogging about this endlessly, but it's really going to be fun and I want you all to attend! Here are the details, once again:

Thursday, October 29, 7-9 pm at the Original Farmer’s Market, 3rd & Fairfax in the dining room upstairs from Kip’s Toyland. The annual costume contest will feature VAMPIRES! Vamps are all the rage, so we will have a best vampire costume category. The other two categories are: Best Use of Yarn, and Most Creative Costume. There will be prizes! This is always a great night for us SnBer’s who love to get creative! So if you are new, come on out if you have been AWOL, come on back if you are in the neighborhood. Maybe bring some treats to share and most definitely bring your creative spirit.

This weekend, there are all kinds of Halloween-ish things to do. Check this link and this one too.

On Saturday afternoon I'll be at the bonus, 5th Saturday, meeting of the Fairview Knitters from 3:30-5:30 in Santa Monica. Who knows what sort of Halloween treats will be served?

If you like crowds of costumed people, check out the West Hollywood Costume Carnival on Saturday night! Also, check here for more Halloween fun in the Los Angeles area!

On Sunday, I'm attending the Southern California Handweavers' Guild Weaving & Fiber Festival Annual Autumn Show & Sale at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. I'm car-pooling with my Sometimes Sunday crochet group. I attended last year and had a great time. There are spinners, weavers, knitters and crocheters all over the place. Hopefully, it will remain chilly so we can wear our handknits!

Yarn in Torrance at last year's Fest

Scarves Really Are the Best Gifts!

I finished my two donation scarves for the Red Scarf Project / Orphan Foundation of America. Since Gale Z. was the person who brought this worthwhile organization to my attention, I decided to steal some of Gale's beautiful sheep and alpaca photos from her book, "Shear Spirit" to use as gift tags for my scarves.

I found another crocheted scarf pattern on Ravelry called "Branching Leaves." Our friend, Beth printed up the pattern chart with some helpful notes and I started crocheting it. I'm using some mystery wool, sock weight in a lovely soft blue color. I LOVE this pattern! It will look even more impressive in a light color. This will definitely be a holiday gift. Must make more!

Woooo Hooo Hoooo! Tomorrow night is our West Hollywood Stitch 'n Witch Halloween party! I still need to work on my costume, so tonight is crunch time! Please join in the fun. We'll be at the Original Farmers Market, 3rd and Fairfax, upstairs dining area. We meet from 7-9pm. Wear a yarny costume or don't. Bring a treat to share or don't. Just be there!!!!

Fairview Fun

Santa Monica's Fairview Knitters, October 24, 2009

I do LOVE my weekly WeHo SnB group. There are many regulars who almost always show up every week. It's a wonderful group. We inspire each other, laugh often and generally have a good time every single week. I'm really looking forward to our Stich 'n Witch Halloween Party this coming Thursday. I hope you can join us!

HOWEVER, the other Stitch 'n Bitch group that I attend regularly is also jolly fun! (jolly? I've been reading the Brit-blogs too much)!

Jamie

The Fairview Knitters meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Once in awhile there's a fifth Saturday. Sometimes we meet then too (put Saturday 10/31 on your calendar, 3:30-5pm). Meetings are at the Fairview Branch of the Santa Monica Library on Ocean Park Blvd. and 21st Street. This is a gem of a mid-20th Century building. If the weather is good, we meet in the charming patio in back. There's also an inside, multi-purpose meeting room. We usually have snacks and hot tea. I brought my camera this past Saturday and snapped a few pix.

Close-Up on Debbie's Sweater

Heather & Ellen used the same sweater pattern with different results!

Brenda, Karla, Melody

Corrina and Heather

Melody, Corrina, Maria, Ana

Molly and Debbie

Maria and Helen

Molly and Melody also teach knitting at Fairview on Mondays, 5-6:30pm. Sometime, on a second or fourth Saturday, if you find yourself in Santa Monica in the late afternoon, do drop by! You're sure to have a faboo time! By the way, there must be at least 5 yarn stores in the vicinity!