In Pursuit of....

Winter goes on

2012-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

I meant to be updating the blog every week...but as winter goes on, I find its more like once a month.
But its not supposed to be a chore - so I won't feel bad. I haven't finished much knitting because of my reoccuring finger pain. I am still working on my cabled sweater and have started a plain top down pullover.

I'm watching what I eat - due to major holiday cookie madness. I made this for dinner tonight: Squash and pasta. The original recipe came from a Cooking Light magazine (look - here it is!). The squash is something my husband grew - it doesn't have a name. It was sweet but not as firm as butternut. He loves to experiment with squash crosses, but sometime I just wish I had plain old butternut!
Pretty much followed the recipe, although I added just a tablespoon of butter to make the cheese sauce, and used some mozerella in place of some of the provolone. Everyone ate it - success!

Christmastime is here...

2011-12-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

and I have only one knitted Christmas gift to show for it.

I am working away on Charlotte's sweater, and I am pretty close...but a week away at least. A Happy New Year sweater, maybe? I have had problems knitting for long periods of time - my fingers get sore and swollen. Can anyone say "early arthritis?".

After Charlotte's gift is finished, I will finish my cabled sweater...still have 1 sleeve and the collar left to do.

I also got myself an Alabama Chanin kit from the girls for Christmas. They had a 30% off sale, and I figured that was the best price I could hope for. I got the corset top, because I was afraid to mess up something large, like a dress. If this goes well, I'll get the dress next year.

Hope you are having great holidays and a crafty new year!

Holiday cooking

2011-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting for the first time in hours. I did a lot of holiday cooking today. First, nutmeg maple butter cookies. I didn't have any cute acorn cookie cutters - so I did stars. I think they will be yummy with tea.
Then I did chicken tamales. I adapted a recipe from this book, it called for turkey legs, but I used chicken quarters. They were delicious and cute! We have tamales every year around the holidays. We have them at other times also, but always during Christmas break.

Last dish, pretzel bark. So bad and so good. I found that recipe at halloween, but its easy to adapt for Christmas. I used toffee bits and M & M's for toppings.
Cookie exchange tomorrow!

Cod with Braised Kale and Potatoes Recipe - Saveur.com

2011-11-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Cod with Braised Kale and Potatoes Recipe - Saveur.com

Made this for dinner tonight. Its all gone - family loved it! I added a little butter ( just a little, I swear) and some lemon juice. I used chicken stock (no fish stock on hand) and only about 1/4 cup
of dry sherry. I used my braising pan - I swear its magic.

Be back soon with some knitting updates....

The restoration of winter

2011-11-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

I know you are surprised to hear me say anything nice about winter. It is not my favorite season, despite my moving ever northward. I was feeling down about winter this week, until I listened to my favorite podcast, Cast-on. Brenda was talking about Guy Fawkes night, and how it was a poor substitute for a harvest festival, which prepares you for the winter ahead. I suddenly realized I have it all wrong. I just need to prepare for the long season of winter - and since we are hosting Thanksgiving this year for Brian's parents, it will feel like a real feast. I can say goodbye to the growing and changing of the summer, and prepare for the long restoration of winter. I know you won't mind if I say a little amen here.
There is a time to push and a time to rest. I can console myself with wooly handknits - like these!

I can make lots of soup. I am making kale and sausage tonight (like this, but without bell pepper and adding a little pasta). There will be a lot of roasting meats and vegetables. I can cuddle my family and be thankful we are sheltered and warm in our house. I feel better already. How do you get ready for winter?

Autumn chicken

2011-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a new chicken recipe I tried out today - I adapted this from cooking light. It is light, tasty and healthy!

1/2 cup water
1 (16-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked black rice (or substitute brown rice)
½ cup of brown rice
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
2 ounces prosciutto or ham, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 (4-ounce) skinned, boned chicken breast halves, chopped into pieces
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Optional, spinach and toasted almonds

Bring water and broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; sauté for 5 minutes or until tender.
Add the chicken pieces, thyme, salt & black pepper, cook until no longer pink.
Stir in the rice, figs, prosciutto/ham. Remove from heat, and keep warm.

I served this over a bed of spinach, and sprinkled toasted almonds on top.

In our family, there were 3 thumbs up, and one thumbs down from Charlotte because she didn’t like the figs or spinach.

Fall tricks and treats

2011-10-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have lots to share this week. First, if you need a fast dinner, but are tired of the same old thing - try Spaetzle. I use a basic recipe like this one. Then I just browned some italian sausage, deglazed the pan with some wine and added a little half & half, parmesan cheese and S&P. Then just dump those spaetzle in, and sprinkle with whatever herbs you have. Here's mine.... I use a potato ricer or one of these fun makers

The girls and I made some yummy treats - halloween bark! I could'nt find cute edible eyes like this one, but I did find some skulls. It was fun and tastes great. I had trouble melting the white chocolate - heads up, it does not melt in the microwave like chocolate chips do! But you can't tell I messed it up, because its covered by the chocolate layer.

Our neighbor is an artist, and she really wanted to try to sculpt the king pumpkin. We found a cool green man face, and here is the result!

Tonight I will make my new version of hamburger soup. I use barley, and my secret ingredient - red lentils. They just fall apart in the soup and the flavor is so good! It is nothing super special - but my family really loves it.

Halloween wreath

2011-10-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

Halloween wreath
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1
I'm in the middle - spooky! Idea from Country living magazine. Eyeballs found at Michaels.

Begin again with fall

2011-10-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, my blog has been sadly neglected so far this fall. It is the side event of a new job that requires a lot of computer time - so I haven't spent as much time on line. I have been knitting, of course!

I finished this scarf - this has been my traveling project, which I only work on in the car and at church.

I started a cabled sweater project....
and finished one of my mittens. It was very fun to make. The thing about mittens is, you have to make two! I cast on today for the second one. I will need them pretty soon around here. That's all I got for now. Stay tuned for fall decorations!

Weekend

2011-08-29T17:49:00.001-07:00

Cowl neck tank

I took the whole weekend off. I finished this project, made Eggplant Parmesan in the crockpot, and took the kids fishing. Nice.
Recipe for the eggplant here. It seemed odd - you fried the eggplant without the crumbs and sprinkled crumbs over the top. But it was delicious! I reduced the recipe - I only used one eggplant because it is not a fav of the baby beechers. I like my eggplant parm nice and soft - it had a roasted flavor even though it wasn't baked in the oven.

No love on the fishing - it was just too hot. We knew that, but Charlotte really wanted to go. That's ok, because the scenary is great.

End of summer

2011-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Lentil Festival - it marks the end of summer and the beginning of school. We had a good weekend, and ironically it was one of the warmest weekends of the summer. Nice, mother nature, rub it in. I have a part time job running an intervention study for WSU, so all is well for the fall semester. To celebrate, we made a batch of delicious lentil brownies. No, really - they are good!
I modified the following recipe from the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council.

2 eggs, 1/2 cup of egg beaters
2 cups of sugar (normally I substitute half Splenda but I was out)
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 applesauce (replacing 1/2 oil)
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 + 2 Tbl cocoa powder
1 tsp salt (I forgot this!)
2/3 cup chocolate chips
1 cup of cooked lentils (I used the red kind)

Heat oven to 350. In a blender put lentils and the oil, blend until smooth. Beat the eggs & sugar, then add the lentil mixture, applesauce and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients, mix well and add the chocolate chips. Bake in a greased 9 x 13 pan (I accidentally used a 9 square and mine were thick!)
for 35 minutes.

Summer pleasures

2011-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Flowers from the farmer's market - totally worth $7. I'm trying to grow a cutting garden. Because of the cool weather, we are just now getting gladiolas.

Hydrangeas are blooming this year! Last year we didn't have any because they died back to the ground.

Picking cherries. We made cherry ice cream. I would have a picture but we ate it all.

My first quilt

2011-07-29T13:59:00.001-07:00

My first quilt

No really, I really did this myself. Its a cheater though, I did not quilt it with batting, I used home decor weight fabric for the back to give it a nice weight. Then just wrong sides together and turn inside out. The fat quarters are Amy Butler - the Love collection, I think from Hawthorne Threads. She already did all the work putting the collection together! I just cut them in half, and sewed them in strips and sewed the strips together. I laid it all out on my bed to get a balanced look. I think it looks pretty good! I did sew lines across so the fabric would stay put, but all straight sewing. Easy peasy, you can do it too!

Summer cooking

2011-07-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Since I have summers "off" I tend to get fancier when I have friends over for dinner.

When my pal Tina came for a visit I had to do something good - I want her to come back! Tina is mostly vegetarian, but she will eat shrimp, so I did some marinated shrimp on the grill, made a goat cheese tart, and then a mixed green salad with roasted beets and marinated feta cheese. We all laughed because I never made a goat cheese tart before, and I always try something new for company - never knowing if it is good or not! I'm adventurous that way. The tart was good - think a savory cheesecake. Not something to have all the time, but good with the beet salad for sure. We polished off a whole loaf of french bread also, and I had out some dipping sauces of cherry balsamic vinegar and lemon olive oil (bought at Living in the Garden). Don't forget the Prosecco (Italian champagne)! It was a very nice time.

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

2011-07-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been neglecting to update! In my defense, I defended! (Ha, funny, no?). So I am on the other side of the mountain of work I had. The rest of the summer, its just foothills (so to speak).
I did finish knitting something. Here is my Basalt Tank, from Norah Gaughan's book "Knitting Nature". I love this book, and this is the first garment I did from it. As you can see, it is interesting construction - made up of hexagons. It is a little too big, but I always wear something under my handknits anyway. This picture is not the best (dreaded bathroom shot) but you get the idea. I will get a nicer picture sometime soon.

Now I get to play with yarn and figure out my next project. Who needs a shawl?

Father's Day Dinner

2011-06-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

One of the best things I ever did for my children was to marry their Dad. Honestly, he is one of the best Dads I have ever seen. So I made him a special dinner with some of his favorites. There was buttermilk fried chicken (I followed Melissa D'arabian's method of browning in just a little oil, and then finishing in the oven).

We have very little happening in the garden, but there were some sad little arugula that needed to be thinned, along with some little radishes. Add roasted potatoes and a mustard vinegrette, and you have grown up potato salad. It was quite good.

We finished it off with homemade strawberry shortcake. I made the shortcake and the whipped cream. We do have some strawberry plants in the garden, but no red ones yet.

Cheesy Zucchini Pizza

2011-06-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

This was our Friday night pizza. I started with a recipe I found online.

Cheesy Zucchini Pizza That Will Rock Your Face — Eat, Live, Run

I made some modifications, of course. I salted my zucchini after shredding it, and let it sit for 30 minutes in the colander to drain.
I substituted goat cheese w/ pimento for the ricotta cheese (because that is what I had).

I also added some extra mozzarella cheese mixed with bread crumbs and Italian seasons on top.
Brian and I liked it a lot, but the kids weren't that excited. Can't win them all - still a great one to have when zucchini season is upon us!
Which might not happen given the weather we've been having...this may be the first summer in a long time that I have to buy zucchini.

Spring is here....

2011-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, we are finally getting some spring. I finished a rainbow sweater for Charlotte.

We have some green in the back yard!

And I am almost finished with my dissertation. I am looking forward to some real time off!

New painting

2011-05-27T17:11:00.001-07:00

New painting
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

What do you think about putting it here? The great thing about collecting art you love is when you come around the corner and - there it is! Like a lovely surprise.

Weekend

2011-05-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

I had a nice, productive weekend. I had to work on the dissertation first - yes, this is what it looks like in my office when I'm writing.

Then I got to catch up with a friend and have lunch at the Left Bank Gallery in Palouse. It was really delicious - I had a flatbread chicken tartine.
While I was there, I picked up my painting. This is an early birthday present from my Mom (with a little help from me). They are so great there, they have lay-a-way. I think everyone should have something beautiful in their house.

Isn't she lovely? I don't know where it is going yet, but stay tuned for that!

I also finished up Maggie's sweater, and started on Charlotte's. I try to take breaks on the weekend so I won't get too burned out.

I even made homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast Sunday! My secret - white pepper for the gravy, and MaryJane Farm's organic biscuit mix.

Hope your weekend was as good!

Tart Orchid

2011-05-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

"Orchid thief" shawl by Ysolda. Made with Madelinetosh Eyre light in the colorway "tart". It is a present for Ms. Megan, the best pre-school teacher ever. This pattern was pretty easy - memorizable in the middle section, and then a little tricky at the end.

More spring inspiration

2011-04-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am working away on my dissertation, one paragraph, one page at a time. To give myself motivation for writing today, I called a friend and asked if she wanted to go to Living in the Garden and the Bank Left Gallery when I finished my work for the day.

First stop, the conservatory at LITG. Isn't it pretty? I like to just go in and feel the warmth, smell the flowers and pretend that spring is really here. I didn't buy any flowers yet, but I will soon - it is still too early to put things outside.

I did, however, find something at Bank Left's Secret Garden Exhibit (Nelson made this, same artist who painted my painting, he has a way with making these displays). There are little treasures hidden among the flowers. I love it. Even Brian was impressed. I came home feeling refreshed instead of tired. (click to embiggen)

Modeling my fairisle skirt

2011-04-06T18:36:00.001-07:00

Modeling my fairisle skirt
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1
Finished knitting my first skirt. This is made with a merino/kid blend, very warm and wooly. It even snowed a little today, so it was appropriate! The pattern is from Sally Melville's Color book.

Fun with leftovers

2011-04-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

So if you have some leftover potatoes (because your mom insists on boiling a pound everyday) make Gnocci! It works best if you have a potato ricer. I bought mine years ago, and I have gotten a lot of use out of it. Get one.

Next, get some help... try to get your help not to over work the dough. I made a fish sauce with cod and tomatoes (cod and potatoes are great together). There is a little spinach in there also for some greens.
Lightly boil the gnocci while making the sauce.

Serve it up with homemade bread (the cookbook I used is in the picture, its one of my favorites)

I think it passed the taste test...

Design*Sponge Flower Show

2011-03-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » we like it wild: san francisco flower & garden show

Oh look - its spring in other places. How nice for them.

New couch!

2011-03-19T12:59:00.001-07:00

New couch!
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1
Is it wrong to love an inanimate object so much? Totally worth the money, and will keep it forever. Also, this is a sleeper sofa. Yes, that is right. It actually has a blow up mattress inside so it won't be so heavy. I got mine at Madison House in Spokane. Pricey, but exactly what you want and you will be happy to keep it forever. I couldn't resist taking pictures of the rearranged room. I feel so happy when I am sitting here, having a cup of tea!

There is a lot of nature in this room, I guess because that's what I love.

Awesome Blog Tutorials

2011-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is all other's work but look at all the cool projects out there that we could do! (I mean you do, and make one for me also).
LoLovie: Easy peasy necklace

Check out the above link. What a cute and clever way to make a necklace. If I wasn't up to my neck in work, I'd take the time to make this.
Saw another cute necklace at Whip up:

Design sponge has a whole DIY lamp roundup here. This one is new - and hey, maybe you don't want this over your dining room table, but how cool in an office or even a kids bedroom with colored paper.

Design Sponge paper lantern project

And hey, if you help me with the decorations, I will totally host a party like this.
A welcome spring knitting party? I am so there.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Spring is so slow to come to the Palouse. Really - it still looks like this outside. But Living in the Garden had their annual spring opening - and Suzanne promises that spring is coming.

It looks a little like spring over at her shop. Another sign of spring around here is planning for the garden. Brian already has catalogs and lists. I have been too distracted to make my list, but I will soon.

My list involves lots of pink, where ever I can get it. Somehow I just love that palest pink that is almost beige in the spring.
I'm starting a new winter hat, but its light weight and this yarn has bamboo for softness and shine. Its not a wooly- warm hat. That's something, right?

My Braised chicken knock-off

2011-02-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely dinner the other night with some friends at Black Cyprus. I had the scallops with bacon and cabbage - yum. Jennifer had the braised Chicken with Kale and croutons which looked so good I thought I'd try to reproduce it at home. I used boneless, skinless chicken breast because that's what I had, but it would be better with a bone in skin on breast or thigh. (Remember when I knocked off their braised kale appetizer?)
Here's what I did:
First I made homemade croutons. Easy peasy - you don't need me to tell you how to do that, do you? I think you really need to use good bread for these. They are yummy all by themselves, so watch out for little fingers taking them.
Chop and wash your kale
I got out my trusty braising pan. If you don't have one, use whatever oven-safe pan you have or you'll have to use a skillet and baking dish. But I say - go buy a braising pan, you'll be glad you did. I love mine. Heat oven to 325 if you are using a covered braising pan, 350 if not. I think the braising pan retains more heat - that's why.
1) Generously salt & pepper chicken (don't be skimpy with the salt) add some french thyme
2) Heat pan with olive oil until the oil is shimmery (med-hi heat)
3) Saute breast until golden (only turn once) - they won't be done on the inside, that's ok.
4) Take out the chicken, put in as much garlic as you like, stirring quickly so it doesn't burn.
5) Thrown in your kale (drained and dry) and quickly stir to cover with the garlic.
Would you like to see a picture?

6) At this point, deglaze with white wine and some chicken stock (about 1 cup all together)
7( Put the chicken back in on top of the kale, cover and cook for about 30 minutes (depending on the size of your chicken)
8) When to put in the croutons? I added them at the last few minutes and put the pan back in the oven for a little longer.

The croutons came out a mix of soggy and crispy. If you like crispy, don't put them in the pan. If you like soggy, push them down in the liquid. Brian & I like the combination of both. The kids did not like the soggy ones.

Everyone enjoyed it a lot, the kids ate the kale, but wanted only crispy croutons. Roasted garlic potatoes would be great with this, but I was somehow out of potatoes so we had couscous instead.
All in all, a meal I'd make again, even for company.

My new painting

2011-02-20T18:06:00.001-08:00

My new painting

This is the painting (well it is a print on canvas) that I bought from Bank Left gallery. The print is so good that you can see the brush strokes.
It really just speaks about spring, don't you think?
Here's the whole scene....do you spy some inspiration from the doll show?

Valentines Day

2011-02-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, its not officially Valentine's day - but I went out to a special pre-Valentine dinner. It was at the Bank Left gallery in Palouse.
You may think that a doll and valentine card collection sounds odd - but they were really lovely and somewhat haunting.

They do lunch and a Saturday night dinner there every week. It is a special date night - they only make one dish per course but it is very good, especially the deserts.

I took a few pictures of the dolls with my phone, so they are not good pictures, but it give you the idea. Do go and see for yourself.

Wait until you see the painting I bought! Stay tuned....

Chicken love

2011-02-05T11:14:00.001-08:00

Chicken love

The chickens were a wonderful experience for Maggie and her best friend next door. They are now at someone's farm with other chickens because we can't keep chickens in our neighborhood. Someday we will have a chicken coop - maybe like this one?

Raising chickens is the new hip thing for urban folks to do (see this article for example at Newsweek)
Its ironic that we live in this small town surrounded by all this farmland and we aren't allowed to keep chickens! Its a neighborhood rule, not a town rule. When we moved here 6 years ago, I was pregnant with Charlotte and keeping chickens was the last rule I was worried about! Now though, after seeing how easy it is and how many people with small yards are keeping chickens, I want some! Someday we have a place for them, but for now I have to live through others....check these out!

Limestone shawl

2011-01-25T20:06:00.001-08:00

Limestone shawl

I finished this shawl yesterday! The yarn is a cashmere/silk blend from Zen Yarn Garden called Serenity 20. The pattern is Limestone (you can find it on Ravelry). I love the color - its so rich and deep and it feels great again the skin. It was a fast knit - it took me about 3 weeks to finish. Did I already say I love it?

Books to escape from Winter

2011-01-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is a picture from the book "Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways"
I really liked this book as a winter escape. The pictures are gorgeous and although I don't see Brian building this chicken coop for me, there are some ideas in there worth considering.
Another coffee table book I've been reading is "Thai Street Food" It was on a list of top 10 cookbooks for 2010. I have to say, its not really that useful as a cookbook. It is a coffee table book. The thing is huge, and probably weighs 10 lbs! The pictures are great, but many of the recipes are not really doable for the home cook. You know that I am quite a foodie (I have Kaffir lime leaves in the freezer!) but I didn't know what shrimp tomalley was. Guess? We call it "tamale" (I don't know why) and its that green organ stuff some people like to eat. I've done that with crawdads but not shrimp.
There are also great pictures - I think I will pull out my "Hot, sour, salty, sweet" cookbook and make some Thai food this weekend!

In with the New!

2011-01-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the new year - I have some new yarn! You are really surprised, no? This will be a cowl for me. I also want to make a skirt or dress this year, and of course I have some wrap/shawls planned. I have to knit down my stash somewhat, but I never vow to never buy yarn because that is just counter productive.

On the cooking front - tamales!

We usually make these for Christmas, and we almost made it. It was still Christmas break, and I think it counts! The girls really enjoy making and eating these, but I do have to say, the last pan I made all by myself. They were done! We also managed Christmas cookies, but I didn't get any pictures of that. The important thing is to have rituals and traditions in a family, that makes children feel anchored.

Holiday projects

2010-12-26T19:53:00.001-08:00

crochet ruffle scarf

Charlotte wanted a green scarf. I found this cute crochet pattern on Ravelry - made with Cascade 220 and some multi-colored stripe.
I also baked some bread with a recipe from this book: get it, its awesome.

My flowers are coming along...

Longtime no knit

2010-12-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

Citron
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1
This was a project I started back in May. It is a really easy pattern (Citron on Ravelry) but its just stockinette so it was my travel project. It hung out in the car for a long time. I wanted to give it to my friend who was graduating, so I worked on it exculsively the past two weeks - well, after I finished the Urban troubadour for myself :)

Crafting runs in the family - we got a cute christmas tree banner kit from Etsy and had a great time making it. I am knitting a few gifts, so got it get back to it!

Winter treats

2010-12-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

We've been having terrible weather lately. Cold and snowy - I don't mind cold and I don't mind snowy, but I hate them together.

So I went to the garden store and found the cutest little old bird cage, which I promptly filled with paperwhites. I already had the little bird to go inside! I'm still working on decorating the house and the front porch. I like to do a little at a time, and then the fun lasts longer. I'll be sharing more pictures later!

urban troubadour

2010-11-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

urban troubadour
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

And Done! Love it. I think I'm going to make some fingerless mitts to match.

urban troubadour

2010-11-15T07:52:00.001-08:00

urban troubadour
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

Getting close to being done! I'm on the endless neck ribbing. It looks like I need to decrease a little more than the pattern calls for.
I need to start on some gift knits - or not. I don't depend on knitted gifts because I never know if I'll have time to finish.
I'm feeling the need to make a lace shawl coming on.....

Someone has fallen behind

2010-10-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Who is in charge of the updating here? I've been busy writing for exams - I'm over that hoop and on to the next! So I have picked up my knitting, and have started a couple of projects. One is a really cute cowl (see it here), I like the way it is turning out so far. Colorwork is interesting and not really hard once you get going.
I also have to share about the mushroom lasagna I made tonight from Smitten Kitchen:
My modifications: I used a lot less butter for the bechamel sauce - only about 2 TBL melted with a couple of TBL of olive oil, and I substituted a cup of chicken broth for one of the cups of milk, used 2% instead of whole milk, and added a pinch of salt, nutmeg and white pepper to the sauce. I used a little mozerella also because I didn't have high quality parmesan. I also added some spinach to the mushrooms, and used less layers of noodles. It was really delicious, although the kids said "no thank you". That's ok, then there is some left to freeze for me!

pumpkins from the garden

2010-10-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

pumpkins from the garden
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

This year's pumpkin harvest. Pie anyone?

How to attract butterflies to the garden

2010-09-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Butterflies of all kinds like brightly colored flowers.

Something sweet

2010-09-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from writing of exams to post this, some sweet things to appreciate.

I’ve adapted the lowfat biscuit recipe from the lowfat Moosewood cookbook.

1 cup of flour

½ cup of whole wheat pastry flour

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

¼ cup splenda or sugar

2 tbl. Oil

2 tbl. Sour cream or plain yogurt

¼ cup skim milk

1 mashed ripe banana

¼ tsp. vanilla

Whisk the dry ingredients together well. Mix the wet ingredients together and then add to the dry. Stir until just incorporated. With your hands (I don’t know any better way to do this) barely bring the dough into a ball. Break the ball of dough in half, place one half on top of the other and press down. Do this one or two more times. Do not work the dough too much or the scone will be too tough. Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray and turn the dough out onto the pan – lightly shape into a circle, and lightly cut your wedges across the circle. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

You can take this recipe and make any flavor scone you want just by taking out the banana and adding whatever combination you like. I also really like lemon and candied ginger, I’ve done cranberry, and I’ve also made these as plain biscuits by reducing the sugar and leaving out the fruit. Just shape lightly into biscuits.

Another sweet thing Maggie and I made; from the pattern I posted a link to awhile back. Cute,huh?

Vegetarians look away

2010-09-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

If you have not tried to cook a really simple cheap pork butt roast - go and buy one this weekend. It has to be the kind that are on the bone. They are so good. I usually make a spicy chili version for tacos and burritos, but not too long ago I wanted some BBQ. I just put a dry rub on - there are lots of versions out there, I used the one here.
I then cooked it in a 325 degree oven for about 4 hours ( in a covered roasting pan). Brian put it on the Weber over indirect heat and smoked it for an hour (because we ran out of time - it could have even gone longer). When it was cool enough to handle, I tore it off the bone & shredded the meat with forks. Put it in a baking dish and pour over your favorite sauce. Since I am from KC, MO - I like the 3 Pigs sauce that is made there. The meat soaks up the sauce. If you are ready to eat, go for it, or you can hold it in the oven until ready. Trust me - it was all gone by the end of the day (well, we did have company).

Etsy wish list

2010-08-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

You guys know I am a big Etsy fan. I always warn people when they see something I bought on Etsy- its very addictive. So you are warned! But here is an Etsy wishlist..
This poster by thewheatfeild - its really me.
A handthrown poppy bowl by Marci G - she is still in high school!
A teacup that is not at all dainty by folded pigs.
This french-style pillow cover - so me.
Its hard to narrow down some jewelry because there are so many that are beautiful...but these are really nice.
If you want to win an Etsy wish list head over to Craft Gossip!

Stuff I've been working on...

2010-08-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

I knit a little over my vacation. I finally went to the doctor and got some prescription NSAIDS that don't upset my delicate tummy. Also got some acupuncture from Liz, which helped the terrible knots in my back. I still have to take frequent breaks and I just can't knit as long as I want to. This scarf is just knitting, its the fancy yarn that makes the ruffles. Cute, no?

I finished this one...not sure how I feel about it.

You can see my pensiveness, right?
I also finished another Ishbel, this time for me. I did a bead bind off - I think it turned out great.

Amazingly, I still have more projects on the needles and I started a picnic quilt today. Can you tell school is just around the corner? I think I'm in denial.

I think I could even make this.....

2010-08-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to oliver + s > popover sundress: free downloadable pattern

I see girl and doll dresses in our future!

Cutting garden

2010-07-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

Cutting garden
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

The garden is really terrible for the vegetables this year, but at least there are flowers! Brian made the obelisk for me, and the finial on top came from Wisteria. Pretty, no?

I want to make these!

2010-07-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

TREND ALERT: PRADA’S Lady-Like Knee Socks Are Fall’s Must-Have Hosiery

The great thing is- in the digital knitting world, someone has already figured it out. Oh yeah, except I can't knit because my hands are killing me. I think its time to head to the doctor's office for some serious medicine. Imagine the doctor's face when I describe how I CAN'T KNIT! Do you think they'll get it?

ouchies..

2010-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am having lots of pain (like carpul tunnel?) in my hands lately. Its so sad, because this is my main knitting time! I am getting some acupuncture and bought some braces, and I just can't knit. I've only done a few rows on this scarf in the last few weeks, because I don't really have to hold this yarn. See my new needles? They are Signature needles, handmade and perfectly pointy. I love them. They were a birthday present from DH - he does sometimes pay attention. So I'll have to fill in with other stuff, like, look - here's my backyard! Soon the patio will be done. You can see the free fireplace someone didn't want anymore, so we took it and painted it. Cute, eh?

Gifts

2010-06-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Now that I've given these gifts to their rightful owners, I can blog about them!

First up, an organic cotton shawl for Tamara - I hope she sends me a picture of her wearing it (hint, hint) because I feel silly modeling something that isn't mine.

This is the #18 shawl from Vogue Knitting Fall, 2007 - one of their best issues ever IMHO. The yarn is Pachuko lace cotton, surprisingly soft and not hard on the hands at all.
Next a sweater and bootie for Robyn's new baby girl. We could not stop saying "cute" about the ity-bity baby booties!

The sweater is cute too, but there is something about booties that makes Moms just swoon. The pattern is Saartje's Booties - can be found here. Look on the sidebar.

This is the Vintage one-skein hooded baby sweater - free pattern here. Because my yarn was so highly varigated, I really didn't add a lot of decoration. Its Lorna's Laces swirl DK , a nice wool-silk blend. Little knits has some on sale, if you are looking!

I've been experimenting in the kitchen

2010-06-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

I think I wrote before about the appetizer I had at Black Cyprus - the braised kale with fried egg. Or maybe that post was in my head. Either way, I've been thinking about how to make it into a main dish and this is what I came up with. I braised the kale with garlic, anchovy paste and bacon then tossed it with pasta and added a fried egg on top. Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts around...and convince children it will be good. They actually ate it - score!

Doll sweater after blocking....

2010-05-24T08:41:00.001-07:00

Let the knitted parade begin....

2010-05-23T17:48:00.001-07:00

School is out, I am getting some knitting done! The blanket is going to my mom, but I can't bring myself to put it in a box yet. Its really pretty. I used Kauni EQ, which is a real wool - its rather scratchy, but it blocks beautifully and will not pill as much as something softer. And it does its job quite well - just looks beautiful. Another colorful project I finished exactly a year to the day from when I started it - The paper dolls sweater! Here is Charlotte rockin'it. This is pre-blocked - it actually fits Maggie after I blocked it.
a
What could be next? Well, don't be too shocked if you see something completely different showing up on the blog. I'll give you a hint....

I see rainbows

2010-05-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Finaaaly finshed!

Farm Chicks Show GIVEAWAY! - The Farm Chicks

2010-05-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Farm Chicks Show GIVEAWAY! - The Farm Chicks

If you have never been to the Farm Chicks show, make some plans. Its a really well done show, full of gorgeous, creative things.
I could spend all day (and the whole bank account) there.
Who wants to go? With the understanding that I will be there FOR HOURS!

Oops, I did it again

2010-04-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

In the words of my daughter "I accidentally bought some yarn on ebay - I got over-reacted"

What? It was less than 1/2 price!

Here's what happened: I have certain kinds of yarn I'd like to try but that are too expensive (like Louisa Harding Mulberry around $16 per skein). I save a search on ebay, and when one pops up that is starting cheap - like those 4 skeins for $20 - I put a bid on and forget about it. Usually someone outbids me - but this time I won both the Louisa Harding and the Elsbeth Lavold Hempathy. I couldn't help it!

Check out this blog

2010-04-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

I've recently begun to listen to the Never Not Knitting podcast..... sound like anyone you know? I like her projects and she is a great photographer. I have her Cosette wrap in my queue (which is now five pages long).

Little sculptures

2010-04-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

These are little airplants that I am going to make into something like this.
They are like tiny living sculptures...there is something about this that just makes me smile.

Spring is here?

2010-03-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Knitty: Spring+Summer 2010

Yay! Spring knitting magazines are coming out this week, Knitty is up and
Petite Purls is too. What can I make for the girls and I? Maybe a nice cotton or silk tank top? Hmmm, I 'll look outside for some
inspiration.

(Click to embiggen)
Yeah, pass the wool.

17 Free St. Patrick’s Day MP3s for 2010 | Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

2010-03-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

17 Free St. Patrick’s Day MP3s for 2010 | Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

I really enjoy Celtic music and although St. Pat's day is behind us, you can still enjoy this music for free!

Sunny New Mexico

2010-03-20T09:40:00.001-07:00

We went on a mini-vacation to see my favorite Aunt and Uncle who are living in Alburquerque, NM. It was a great trip. It was mostly sunny, though the weather changed from warm to snow and back in the time we were there! The scenery was great (see more on my facebook page). Of course I brought back a souvenir - can you guess? I bought it here.

Its sunny and yellow, just like New Mexico

You are shocked, I know. I think this will make a really cool ruffled scarf. The shop is Fiber Chicks in Old Town Alburquerque - a fun shopping place with old adobe buildings.
Here are the girls in front of a beautiful church in old town, there were lots of these around as you can image.

My dyeing experiment

2010-02-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

I recently bought some Twinkle chunky yarn on ebay, and when I got it I could see why it was such a good price. It is ORANGE.

SO, I looked up how to over dye yarn with Rit dye on the internet, went to JoAnnes and bought a package of dark brown dye, and voila

Now its a color I can live with.

Spring decorating

2010-02-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, its not really spring yet. In the Palouse - not even close. But the spring decoration are out, and the weather has been nice enough to get me started thinking about changing my decor for spring. One thing I do that is easy is to have a grapevine wreath on the wall that I decorate for the seasons. The wreath stays up, and the decorations on it change. It is now ready for spring.

My kitchen chairs also needed a makeover. Although I like this fabric, it is very thin cotton and gets dirty easily. So I found this fabric in the clearance bin. I think its very modern and fresh. Its a raised velvet, very soft. I don't know how it will do with stains, but it was so cheap that replacing it is no big deal.

I think I will also try to make some pillows for the couch out of this, although sewing is not my strong suit.

Sleeping beauty?

2010-02-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

DSCF1857
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

I am in love with this chandelier. I saw it in a shop in Lewiston called "Real Deals". Its only open on Thursdays and Saturdays. They have a lot of home decor for really cheap prices. Except this - I think it was $700. I was thinking "honey, get the glue gun"!

I also finished my sweater made with fingering weight yarn, knit on size 3 needles! It takes longer, but the fit is really good. Now I kinda wish I'd made it longer, but I was tired of knitting it. The yarn is hand-dyed by a fiber artist in Spokane.

My new favorite shop

2010-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

I just got my first order and I was impressed with the cuteness and prices. Go see. Now.

I want one of these!

2010-01-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

EvaForeva is giving away one of her Poufiks here.
I kinda wish she would sell the pattern, because I don't have time to figure it out on my own and I'd rather just buy the pattern. We all know I have enough yarn sitting around!

Cowls are done

2010-01-22T16:38:00.001-08:00

DSCF1820
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

Got the cowls done, here is mine (lovely bathroom shot, eh?). I may make a little cord to tie it around the neck more snuggly. It was an extremely easy knit and but it looks so fancy!.

Here is me wearing Shelley's.

She loves it and will send me a picture soon (cause she really likes getting her picture taken actually). I may have to make myself one like this in a cream color...

Winter gardens

2010-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

The long winters in Washington can be quite hard on a person who loves the garden and sunshine. I find that if I have blooming plants around, it helps me feel better about it. I also love greenhouses. One of our local nurseries does a big Christmas display that is just beautiful. I could live there. Someday I'm going to have a greenhouse (or maybe just a sunroom) like this (well, maybe not this full.....)

I also like to browse seed catalogs, like Burpee's, The kitchen garden, and the Cook's garden
What gets you through the winter?

Baby its cowled outside!

2010-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have several projects going right now, but I'm loving these cowls! One is for me, made with Tilli Thomas flurries - there are beads strung right along with the wool. This color is called "chocolate cherries", and it is really yummy (plus the only safe chocolate cherries, if you know what I mean). Its a simple pattern from VK holiday - made special by the yarn.

The next cowl is for Shelley - she is very fashion conscious so when I saw this pattern for a Burberry inspired cowl, I knew it was for her.
It looks odd now, but I'm basically knitting it lengthwise and then will join the ends to make a circle. Black is really hard to photograph.

I need to lose some of those holiday pounds so I'll be make this recipe from Smitten Kitten today.

Winter break crafting....

2009-12-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ah the luxury of time, when I have more I can get more done! Isn't that amazing? I crocheted this little frog for my neighbor's daughter (my daughter's best friend) in a day.
I finished up a friend's baby blanket,

and then whipped out a vest for my neighbor's son (he didn't want an animal).

My next projects are all about me! You're not surprised, right?

How I spent the weekend....

2009-12-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

I went to a local nursery - they decorate their greenhouse with holiday decorations and its like a winter wonderland. I could have stayed all day. I did manage to buy some cute decorations for the tree and a spotted poinsettia.
The whole family went to see the Princess and the Frog - which we all seriously enjoyed. I'm sure we could deconstruct the whole Disney portrayal of people of color and their relationships with whites in the south (the white people were either dumb and rich or dumb and poor..sense a theme?) but I recommend you just enjoy. In honor of the movie (set in New Orleans) I made Jimbo - a cross between gumbo and jambalaya. Ok, this is not authentic Cajun food at all, but my family likes it.
You just saute up the trinity - that is, onion, garlic and bell pepper. I added some celery as well. Then add some smoked sausage (about 1/2 lb). If you have a good grocery store then get Andouille but don't brag about it! If you live in a grocery store challenged area - just get something smoked.
When the sausage has rendered its fat, add some flour (1-3 tbl), salt, pepper, and just a touch of red pepper if you have small children. My kids think basil is spicy, so I barely touch the red pepper jar. Cook until the flour is all absorbed. Then I add some tomatoes - a can of diced if you don't have any put up from the summer (what? you didn't can tomatoes this year?). Let that thicken a little, then slowly add up to 6 cups of chicken stock (depending on how thick you like yours), stirring all the while. This is the cooking as art portion. I add some dashes of hot pepper sauce (like 2, because of kids like I said) and about a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Also add about a 1/2 tsp-1 tsp of smoked paprika. Most stores have this now, or you can get it at Penzeys, where I buy all my spices. I must warn you - the paprika is like an entry-way drug. First its paprika, maybe a little cinnamon, and then you are on their website every month, replacing all your tired grocery store spices. Don't say I didn't warn you! Then add 1 cup of long grain rice, bring to boil, cover and simmer for about 20 min. Uncover add about 1/2 lb of shrimp and cover again, cooking for another 5. Taste for seasoning, and leave the hot sauce out on the table so you can add some more to your bowl (not the kids'). You are welcome.

Santa says more knitting!

2009-12-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Brian says scarves are for girly men and he does not want to wear a scarf, and besides- it is itchy!

Santa says "I'm taking this scarf to the Red Scarf Project"

The inspiration continues....

2009-12-02T19:52:00.001-08:00

I'm still feeling inspired from the retreat. I got this funny picture from Clara who is the organizer of the retreat and the queen of knitterly things. Its me and Jayme sitting near our knitting idols Melanie and Anne and trying not to be dorky by getting Clara to take a discrete picture. She didn't use the flash, because we're trying not to look like stalkers! We look tired because its like 11:00 p.m. - you can not get an obsessed knitter to sleep when there are such fun people around.
When I got home, I had a package from Webs waiting. Ha! Webs was only about 1 1/2 hours from the retreat, but we didn't plan on going because I didn't even think about it. I will definitely make plans next year to tag along with Cindy and Helen who are master shoppers of yarn stores.
I bought some more Seduce which I made that shiny summer top from, remember? I wore it at the retreat and got lots of compliments. Its a pain to work with, but it makes beautiful knitted fabric. I got the Jaunes Vermeer color (which is a fancy way of saying yellow). I think it will be a sleeveless turtleneck dressy top.
I also got a sweater's worth of Classic Elite Miracle which is a blend of Alpaca and Tencel - soft and shiny. I'm planning on making this sweater from Loop-d-Loop vol.5 --pretty, huh?

Doesn't that model look just like me? I often stare into space while I'm wearing a nice sweater, its just a thing.

Diary of a pumpkin

2009-11-27T14:53:00.001-08:00

From garden to table!

When I got home....

2009-11-27T14:48:00.001-08:00

Yeah, this was waiting for me when I got home (the snow, not the garden lady head). Sigh.

Knitting Retreat

2009-11-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the Knitter's Review retreat. Back in October, I decided to cancel because school was too crazy, and I also felt guilty about leaving my family for 4 days. Then I decided to uncancel - because it was my birthday present to myself. My 40th passed by without a lot of comment, so I did something I love and don't get to share with others very often. I do know people in my town that knit, but they are not really KNITTERS (in other words, as obsessive as me), and honestly, they probably think I'm rather odd. So I spent the weekend with people I don't know very well, but that love the same thing I do, and they totally get it.
You can see my roommate Jayme, spinning. She was so much fun, and so talented (way younger than me too, which I try not to hate her for). She showed me how to spin on a spindle - I need to practice a lot more, but you can see what we did. She was next to Elizabeth, also fun and who won the trip to the retreat (which I try not to hate her for).
The large pile is the FREE stuff I got, from the goodie bag and stash lounge. I know! Try not to hate me. The small pile is the stuff I bought - wasn't I good? I bought a beautiful spindle from Foxfire Fiber. I did order some custom-dyed-just-for-me gorgeous yarn from Briar Rose Fibers, but I haven't payed for it yet, so that doesn't count.
I am going to make the sweater Anne Hanson was wearing, it was a beautiful lace cardigan. Its not on her site yet, but it will be soon. You can go to Anne's blog to see way better pictures of the event. She is best known for her gorgeous shawls, but she also is an expert sweater knitter. I took her class on fit and now a lot more about knitting a sweater makes sense. She is just as pretty and cool as she looks, by the way! I had a high school moment when I struck up a conversation with her and she and I were laughing about blogging - I was thinking "the cool kid is talking to me"! I really enjoyed meeting her (ok, I may have a knitting crush on Anne Hanson - hope she's not scared).
I also had breakfast with Ann Bud! I know! All I said, "please pass the creamer" - I was afraid to look too dorky. For the 3 people who read my blog, Ann Bud is a really famous knit designer and author. She rocks, totally.
Also met Melanie Falick, the author of one of my favorite books, "Weekend Knitting" - really the book that started my obsession I think. She is actually kinda shy, which surprised me, but was gracious with all us crazy knitters crowding around her all the time. I'll have more to post when some of the lovely ladies from the retreat send me their pictures - I forgot my camera and my phone pictures are really terrible!
But it was just what I needed - and I remembered that life is what is happening now, not what is going to happen when my PhD is finished....

Margaret's birthday present

2009-11-13T17:58:00.001-08:00

DSCF1693
Originally uploaded by carolbeech1

This is the secret project I was working on for Margaret's birthday. I can post now because she already has it. Its so lovely that she almost didn't get it!
Stats: Ishbel by Isolda
Yarn: Malabrigo Merinocash, colorway Tuareg from Little Knits
Beads: silver lined aqua triangles from Earthfaire

Sometimes you have a perfect marriage of pattern, yarn, and finishing touches. This is one of the great ones.

When Margaret sends me photos of her wearing it at her birthday party, I will post those. It looks good on me, but she is going to look amazing!

New shop

2009-11-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me know that I love to shop online. Well, there is a new fabric shop called Hawthorne Threads that just opened - well, they used to sell on Etsy and in fact were one of the places where the beautiful fabric of my quilt (below) came from! Now they have their own shop, and it looks really cool. I am in danger of developing a fabric stash as well as a yarn stash! That's a problem because I hardly ever sew. But I can convince my mom to make me stuff!

Knitted stuff

2009-11-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

I've finished some knitted stuff! No, Margaret - this isn't your present! No less than 3 dear book club ladies are pregnant right now and I've got to get with the baby knitting! Um, everyone that I hinted that I might make you something for Christmas - doesn't look good. I am also working on a sweater vest for myself - because if I don't get to have knitted stuff too, I feel deprived.

My daughter is different

2009-10-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here's my idea for a tutu - so cute!
Here's her's scary and fancy!

Trying to be good...

2009-10-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

My favorite appetizer at the Fireside Grill is blue cheese chips - they make homemade potato chips and put this yummy blue cheese sauce over the top (I think there may be some veggies on top too, but who cares?). After I finally found some Kettles Baked chips (only at the Co-OP) I thought I could reproduce it at home. I used Hungry Girls cheese sauce recipe and substituted 1 oz of blue cheese for the cheddar, and then added a dash of onion powder and white pepper. I thought it was great! You also get 20 chips per serving of the Baked Kettles and its only 2 WW pts. Yay!

Quilty goodness

2009-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

My mom made this quilt for me - I picked out the fabric and pattern. Its a modern log cabin and the fabric was mostly bought on Etsy. A lot of it is Japanese imported, and there is some Alexander Henry, and Amy Butler. I think it turned out just perfect for my room.

2009-09-27T19:16:00.001-07:00

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Poppy Boutonniere Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Since the poppies in my garden are all gone, maybe I should make one of these....

Garden bounty

2009-09-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our garden doesn't look all that impressive, but we are knee deep in tomatoes, zucchini, and basil right now. I made pesto, salsa, and oven-roasted tomatoes, then I shredded the zucchini and froze that (plus gave some away). Still there are several tomatoes sitting on the vine, making me feel guilty.

2009-09-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

2009-08-24T19:33:00.001-07:00

2009-08-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

Fastest shawl ever!

2009-08-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

I knit this in a week - seriously. It was fast and fun and satisfying. How often can you say that about anything? Pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda Teague. What's also great is that you can do a similiar pattern with any stitch pattern written for a triangular shawl, like leaf lace, or medallions, or whatever. I'm thinking about what I'm going to do next....I think I'm going to use some sparkley sock yarn and maybe a Japanese lace pattern.

2009-08-12T08:27:00.001-07:00

I love shawls

2009-08-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

The picture below is a shawl I finished in just 3 weeks. I really enjoy knitting shawls, but its hard to convince people that they are wearable (except knitters). You can wear it like a scarf, kinda scrunched up like this...... Or the traditional way around your shoulders. It keeps you warm, yet its light and in this case a little sparkly, since I added beads. The stats are on Ravelry but the pattern is Swallowtail from Ik and the yarn is some laceweight merino from Artist's Palatte.

2009-08-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

Thinking of cooking...

2009-08-04T16:50:00.001-07:00

I don't feel like cooking a lot in the summer, but I got a new cookbook from Amazon today and I feel like firing up the skillet!
The book is Falling Cloudberries by Tessa Kiros. Its unusual - the author is Finnish & Greek and has lived all over the world (currently in Italy). She tells family stories along with the recipes and the book has lovely photographs, not only of food, but of the author's family background. The book was out of print for awhile, so I actually bought her second book Apples for Jam first. Its more oriented towards family cooking and I think its great too - simpler recipes organized by color, which is funny. I'm so glad they did another print run of Falling Cloudberries - its definately one worth owning.

How cute is this?

2009-07-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Over my little vacation, I made this hat to go with the jacket - I think its so cute! Click on the picture to see the whole thing.

Summer knittin'

2009-07-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Finishing things is so nice. I finally finished these fingerless gloves after they had been languishing in the knitting bag for months. I wanted the needles they were on! Its actually a pretty quick knit even though they are long and stranded.
Ta Da! Doesn't this pose make me look thin? Isn't it silly to wear long fingerless gloves with shorts?
Also finished a pattern I knit up a long time ago and with encouragement from a friend, decided to write up and see if anyone would be interested. I think it turned out great, and it will be published soon on the Crystal Palace website! Here is a sneak peak.....

The golden hour

2009-07-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Some nice sunny days have brought out the gold in the garden....

Sunflowers (mostly volunteer) Golden raspberries Nasturtium - (did you know its a type of watercress?)

Back from Vacation

2009-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Finished my "Pucker" tee. Its from Norah Gaughan vol. 4, made with Berroco Seduce. I wasn't sure I was going to like this until it was finished and I tried it on. Its actually very cute. Sorry for the chopped off head pose, but frankly to get a close enough picture of the knitted item - the face is too close if you know what I mean. I didn't get a lot of kntting done in KC, but I did get a chance to buy some yarn - of course! Isn't it pretty?
Its Pagewood Farms Glacier Bay sock yarn. I'm making Kiila (Rav Link). Got lots on the queque to do, I plan on making another Girasole and also am working on a cabled sweater from Rebecca magazine. I love summer!

Some things I enjoyed this week....

2009-06-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Picking strawberries

Meeting new babies ( I met two!) This sweater was for an adorable baby boy.

Planning for a new knitting project....