Sedona

The art and galleries in Sedona don't begin to compare with the caliber of art we feasted our eyes on in Santa Fe, but the scenery, oh the scenery is another story. The beauty of nature is alive and vibrant in Sedona. That rich orangey red is everywhere from the breathtaking natural monuments, to the earth along the edge of the road. We had a wonderful view of it all from our room. Passing through the door gave way to a dazzling vista of the red rock that Sedona is famous for.

Santa Fe Salvage

In Santa Fe we found the most incredible salvage outlet with doors, gates, columns, you name it. Imported bits of buildings from all over the world. Places like India, Morocco, and Asia were all represented with richly patinated pieces of iron, wood, pottery, marble, and more. We strolled through isle after isle of gates, windows and architectural adornments each with a story to tell. Santa Fe buildings and homes are so organic in nature, and all of these lovely details provide a perfect compliment to Southwest structures.

Santa Fe

I would have to say that one of my favorite towns that we visited on our road trip was Santa Fe. From paintings to sculpture, we found wonderful art in Santa Fe.

The weather obliged us with a beautiful fall day for our stroll along Canyon Road, home to one great gallery after the next. The soft lines and colors of the adobe architecture are pleasing to the eye and are the essence of the Southwest.

I also paid a visit to one of my favorite knit shops,Miriam's Well , where I bought yarn for a side to side knitted vest. Miriam's knit patterns consist of simple stitches using luscious yarn.

That's my kind of knitting!

The style I am knitting is as shown below, but the yarn I chose is a soft alpaca in my favorite earth tones with a touch of heathered purple. The pattern is free with the yarn purchase.

Wonderful Wool Festival

The Taos Wool Festival was such fun. No rain or soggy grass this year, the weather was perfect. I love the size of the event and the mix of producers who proudly present unique wool offerings. My husband snapped this shot of me with the first of my booty. Driving rather than flying gave me the luxury of buying as much as I wanted without concern for suitcase space. I'm inspired by all the lovely fibers I brought home, and have been busy in my studio putting them to use for the upcoming holiday sales. Below are a few of my finds.

A good start, don't you think?

Among the many treasures I found

are these soft and silky hand painted Wensleydale rovings.

Lots of ideas for how to use these beauties.

Ruth Walker offered up these richly dyed rovings of

merino blended with cashmere, or silk.

I got back to the hotel and decided

I didn't have enough of them,

so, went back for more, and a couple of her pre-felts as well!

Check back with me soon, for more photos of our scenic road trip.