Meg's Knitting Knot

A real head scratcher...

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Before Ruby was born, I made her a knitted Christmas stocking. Not just any stocking, one that matched mine and the hubby's. I picked out the yarn, I made it before she was born so that I had plenty of time to get it done. I finished it. It looked great. Then, like the good knitter I long to be, I blocked it.

And then something odd happened. It got spots all over it. Little pink spots.

Was it mold?

Was a weird color transfer from the gray yarn to the cream yarn?

Seriously, what the $#%& was it?

Nothing got it out. Nothing. I know because I tried it all.

So here I was. New mom. Exhausted mom. All my knitting & planning gone. So what's one to do when one is obsessed with having a finished perfect Christmas stocking for baby's first Christmas. A Christmas, mind you that baby won't even remember? Well, what all good knitters do around the holidays: I stayed up way to freakin' late and knit another damn stocking.

And I loved it.

And I'm pretty sure Ruby did too!

BTW...if you have any ideas what the hell happened to stocking No. 1, please let me know!

(This photo was taken w/ my cell. I can't figure out how to turn it the right way, but you get the idea....she loved the stocking! Or thought it was something that she could fit into.)

My best F.O. (that's finished object for you non-knitters)

2012-01-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here it is. Or rather, here she is:

Ruby Harper

Born Oct 7 (hence the long & much needed blogging break).

She's a bundle of joy, energy and laughter! She's brought so much love & happiness into our little family it's like we were just waiting for her.

Although, instead of a finished project, I'm thinking this is one that's still ongoing. And I don't mind at all.

Hat Trick

2011-10-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

One thing I've discovered while on maternity leave with no baby yet, is that I can get a lot of knitting done. It also helps if it's quick baby knitting. And it helps when one also discovers Masterpiece Theater's Downton Abbey Season One is on line. Hence, the mass knitting.

F.O. #1: A pumpkin hat for my little pumpkin. (I actually whipped up two of these in a weekend since another friend is also having a baby right before Halloween). So trust me, this counts for two.

F.O. #2: The baby umbilical cord hat project out of left over sock yarn. The yarn is so old I don't even know what brand it is. But it's perfect for my little one. I even have enough yarn to make another hat.

F.O. #3: Finally a little something for me! This is Catherine from Winged Knits. I've been wanting to make a tam for myself for over a year now. I've cast on at least three other tam projects and haven't loved/liked/been smarter than the pattern on all of them. But when a friend made this one, I knew I had to have it. The yarn is Malibrigo Twist and I just love the color. The photo doesn't due it justice as sunshine is scarce in Seattle these days. Plus I wanted to block it and get it ready to wear!

Now baby and I will be decked out to step out in style. In about 6-7 weeks. Give or take.

Birthday Week!

2011-10-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

At least that's what I keep telling Baby Girl - it's birthday week & everyone is ready/excited/dying to meet you so don't be late! Her due date is this coming Saturday, Oct. 8. Which also happens to be my sister's birthday. And as you can imagine, all she wants is a healthy new niece to share it with. However, I'm beginning to think she's going to be late. Hopefully Lindsay will like the necklace and bag I gave her instead.

So in honor of birthday week, and to help encourage her along her journey, I've decided to share pictures of the nursery! Since it's so cute - and I tell her this all the time - I thought you'd like to see them too!

This is a wall hanging my mom made. I picked out the pattern & fabric and totally love this!

This mobile is from a woman who sells them at the Portland Saturday Market. She also has an Etsy site (which for the life of me, I can't find right now.) I have to admit, it's one of my favorite things in this room!

A bookshelf that my dad made for the baby's room. As you can see, this was a family affair!

Anouk

2011-09-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Anouk

From: Knitty

Yarn: Cascade 220

I've always loved this pattern and wanted to make it for some special little girl. Now it'll belong to my little girl (due in a 1.5 weeks)! This pattern is especially versatile because it's a little jumper that grows as they do. I made the waist bands (seen here) longer with two button holes so it can be a little top when she's bigger. So it's not only cute knitting, but highly practical knitting as well!

Catching my my breath & catching up

2011-09-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Holy cow. How did it get to be mid-September? This summer has flown by. It's been one of the busiest and most stressful ones I've had in a long time. And to top it off, I was dealing with all the fun/craziness/hecticness while being pregnant. If there was ever a summer I could have used a gin and tonic (or several, let's be honest here), it was this one.

But it's over and the cooler weather has set in pushing off the handful of summer-like days here in Seattle. I'm welcoming the change of cooler weather, fall leaves and general change in the seasons. It signals to me things slowing down. At least for a little while longer as I'm 37 weeks today. I'm relishing in this peace and quite and slower pace until our baby girl shows up.

But first, let's look back at one crazy summer shall we? It was definitely worthy of several blog posts, I just didn't have the time/energy to get them done.

First, there was a great visit from our friends Shannon, Mike and their two adorable kids! We had a great time with them and can't wait for them to come back! The highlight of their trip was the U2 concert! Which sadly....those pictures seem to be MIA right now. I'm thinking they may have been deleted off my camera accidentally...so sad...such a great concert!

That concert was followed up by another visit of dear friends, Sara & April! They came up to Seattle since I wasn't doing much (or any) travelling this summer. We hit the NKOTBSB concert to relive our younger days! That's the New Kids on The Block & Backstreet Boys concert for those of you wondering what that is. While we all took a bit of ribbing for this, we had a blast in the end, and really that's all that matters!

Oh, and then something really freaking crazy happened this summer. I won not only one, but two Emmy Awards for television producing! I was completely shocked, stunned and thrilled at the same time!

And yes, those bad boys do have a little heft to them.

The summer was also full of several visits by both of our families..of which no pictures were taken. Clearly my camera took the summer off. Decorating the nursery (more to come on that later), planting a garden that went absolutely no where (so depressing...) and just trying to enjoy time together as a couple for the hubby and I before two becomes three. Oh, yeah, and lots of baby knitting. More on that later!

Hope your summer was just as jam packed and fun as mine!

Rainy weekend sewing

2011-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Project: Newborn Baby Flyaway Jacket

Book: One Yard Wonders

On a recent rainy weekend - one that I had planned I finally getting the garden in, Mother Nature had other plans. Resigned to some indoor fun, I found myself in the sewing room with a little pent up creativity. These little jackets were super simple to whip up. Thanks the easy use of double wide bias tape and the simple pattern, they came together rather quickly.

While the pattern called for sewing a snap at the top - which I did with the first jacket - I thought I'd extend the bias tape, sew it together, to create a little tie.

It was my first sewing project in a while, and my first baby sewing project for myself. It won't be the last!

My first baby sweater - for me!!!

2011-06-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Project: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi

Yarn: Debbie Bliss

Size: I'm thinking 6 months....

Modifications: Instead of picking up and knitting a button band, I tried something new. I added a ribbon to reduce rolling on the sides and used it as a tie. I think the pink flowers add a nice pop to the purple sweater, don't you?

Four years and counting...

2011-06-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today is my four year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe this crazy adventure started four years ago today! Although technically, it started out nine years ago when my dear friend Shannon and I were going to have drinks after work. As we were leaving she said, "Oh, and by the way, my fiance is going to meet up with us and I think his old roommate may be with him. Is that ok?"

Turns out, it was pretty ok with me.

Now here we are about to embark on the biggest adventure of them all come early October when our baby girl is due to be born!

I can't wait....

Canaletto Cowl

2011-05-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Project: Canaletto Cowl
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios
Color: Aguas
This is a free pattern on Ravelry. I highly recommend this for a good quick knit.

I love the detailed seed stitch & simple lace pattern with this project. I added an extra repeat of 22 stitches because I felt the small was too small and the large was too large.

But this size is just right.
This is going to be a Christmas gift. I'm getting an early start after missing the knitting season last year due to my broken wrist. The real trick however will be remember where I put it come December.

The best banana bread recipe. Ever.

2011-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm making that bold statement for all the world to see.
This recipe has become one of my go to recipes lately. Despite the fact that we eat a lot of bananas, we always seem to have some going bad.

So I turned to Martha and she didn't disappoint. She says it's easy-to-bake and she's right. And it's so moist and tasty! The secret: sour cream.

The hubby loves bananas, but doesn't like banana bread. A fact he's told many pretty much every time over our seven years together when I've whipped up some. But not this one. He can't get enough of it.

Although I must confess, I haven't told him that the secret is the sour cream - something he detest even when used in baking (I know, I know what you're thinking, you can't taste the sour cream. I know. The man's crazy but I love him.)

Give it a try the next time you've got a few over ripe bananas. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Martha Stewart's Banana Bread (I omitted the nuts):

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.

2.In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.

3.Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.

The End of Radio Silence

2011-05-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello....?
Is anyone still out there?
It's me, Meg.

You know, the one who hasn't blogged in over two months. The one who actually had to dust off her lap top to turn it on. The one who used to read your blog and comment regularly. Remember me? Well, I'm beginning to emerge from her anti-blogging/blog reading haze and hope there are people out there who still want to read about what I have to say. And if not, well hey, I'm still gunna say it.

It's been a long, cold, gray, rainy winter. But it's May now and signs of spring are beginning to emerge here the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to report that I've been too busy knitting to blog, but yeah, so not the case. But during the radio silence, there has been a great road trip to Vancouver, B.C., a weekend get away with 12 other knitters to Ft. Warden for a weekend of knitting, laughing, eating and just getting away from life.

There's been baking, visits with friends and escaping for the occasional walk in between rainy/cold/windy days. I did manage to finish knitting a Christmas present. For Christmas 2011. Yeah, you read that right, I've already got one Christmas present finished. Now the real trick will be to remember where I put for the next 8 months.

So I'm starting fresh, just like spring, to get back into the blogging habit. Because I missed it. And I missed you. Hopefully you're still there. And I hope you're ready for spring too.

F.O.: Boneyard Shawl

2011-02-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Did you feel that? Yup, it was the earth slowly tilting off it's axis and you can blame me. Why? Because I've got not one, but TWO finished objects this week!! I know, I can hardly contain my excitement either!

Project: Boneyard Shawl
Yarn: Baby Alpaca Chunky
For: Me!

I will go back to my one finished object every couple of months now so the world can go back to being normal.

F.O.: Felicity

2011-02-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Project: Felicity

Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in Rust

For: Me!

In need of a good read

2011-02-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

I’ve gotten into this bad habit of crawling into bed with my iPhone. I flip through twitter and end up reading about celebrity gossip and issues in the Middle East and Egypt. Apparently at the end of my day, I have very broad interests. And then I play solitaire for a while.

It’s not the best way to end my day, so I’m looking for a little guidance. Any one gotta good book recommendation?

Here’s the thing though, I’m kind of picky (and going through a phase right now – only happy stuff)

Nothing scary. No gory/grizzly murders. Zombies need not apply.
Nothing too emotional. No cute animals dying. No heart break. Nada.

Just something that makes me happy and want to cozy up in bed or on the couch on a rainy weekend day and read with a cup of tea.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

"Do what makes you happy."

2011-02-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's a pretty simple statement that was recently said to me by a dear friend. It's something she's deciding to take a look at in her life right now. I thought it was especially good timing because another dear friend emailed me this quote earlier this week because it made her think of me:

"To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real." — Winston Churchill

Isn't it so true how our hobbies, whether they are knitting, reading, cooking, etc., really do make us happy?

At times when things aren't going the way they should be - or the way I think they should be - it's nice to know I can turn to the comfort of my hobbies that I love to feel that all is right in my little world. Or at least knowing it'll be ok soon. Having good friends to hang with as we knit, cook, etc. is also a bright spot too!

I hope your hobbies bring you joy as well!

First Signs of Spring*

2011-02-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

*Thank God!

Physical Therapy: a.k.a. The Hat Project

2011-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

My Physical Therapist said I should start knitting again. Hearing those words made me pretty happy. I was almost as giddy as I was while on the pain killers. But I wasn't sure what to knit. I knew it had to be something small, easy and most importantly: something for me.

And then, while watching a movie one night it hit me: hats. I need more cute hats. I live in Seattle. It's cold here - a lot. Where did this inspiration come from you ask? Good question. Love Happens - a romantic (dramedy?) "based in" Seattle. Translation: a fake Seattle set in Vancouver, B.C. They got a few things right (not necessarily with the script) but with Jennifer Aniston's wardrobe. She wore several kick ass hats like theses:

(photos from IMDB)

Enter Felicity.

The stockinette stitch is easy on the hands & somewhat the wrist. But it's a cute hat so it's worth it. I'm thinking The Hunch from Knit & Tonic is going to be my next pattern. Any other easy hat suggestions for me? I'm thinking I need several of these gems.

Everything has a home

2011-01-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

That's the motto around here these days. We're all about organization and purging unwanted crap. Basically if we haven't used it, worn it, etc. in about a year, it's outta here. And thanks to the Salvation Army and their prompt pick up trucks those 1/2 dozen bags full of our former possessions don't sit around collecting more dust.

Up next is a reorg of the kitchen. The hubby's been complaining about how I've got it organized. So I decided he needed to put his money where his mouth is. As long as he doesn't toss out anything without checking with me, he can go for it. I'm intrigued and possibly in for a shock but I'm willing to see what he comes up with.

Maybe while he's working in the kitchen, I'll tackle a little organization in the craft room. Maybe. I mean how much can I really do with a broken wing?

West Seattle Fabric Company: A midweek treat

2011-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

The other day I had a slightly (OK very) painful PT session. The hubby and I decided drinks & hamburgers were needed to recover. So he drove us to a place he likes to go for a good burger and great fries. It happens to be located just down the block from the new West Seattle Fabric Company. I jumped out of the car and squealed with delight (well, it was some sort of noise of joy) at the chance to finally check this place out. It opened in December while I was recovering from wrist surgery so I missed visiting it earlier.

I met Monica, the owner and fabric enthusiast. She's a delight and super friendly and helpful. She didn't mind my mindless wandering. While we both admitted to not being the best seamstresses out there (smart money says she's waaaay better than me) we do share a love of all things fabric. Especially the pretty ones! And as you can see, she's got quite the selection!

Feeling I needed a little pick me up after PT, I decided on a book since I'm not sewing these days. She recommended One Yard Wonders and while I've only flipped through it (several times), I can tell this is going to be really great to use. And this adorable little shop is going to be just the place to pick up my supplies and take some classes. And it's in my hood. I can walk to this place. Yeah, I'm kinda screwed but in a good, crafty kind of way.

Oh, and the burgers, in case you're looking for a place with fabulous burgers and fries that are too die for, check out the Admiral Pub. I mean you'll be in the hood and hungry after all that fabric shopping at the West Seattle Fabric Company.

West Seattle Fabric Company

2210 California Ave SW

Seattle, WA 98116

(Sorry for the not so great pics. They really don't do the store justice. With the broken wrist I can't hold my nice fancy camera that I bought myself for my birthday in July.)

Wrist update #3: A new splint

2011-01-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

The hot pink cast is gone and now I'm sporting a custom made splint. It's got red Velcro straps so I can get it on and off by myself (the pink cast required help from the hubby). And it's smaller so I can finally get my warm winter coat back on!

I've started physical therapy and I'm looking at several months of PT but everyone is confident I'll get full range of motion back. It just may take a while. In the mean time, I think I'll do a little PT of my own this weekend and start knitting again. I'm thinking something easy like a washcloth. Gotta start somewhere right?

A call for creativity

2011-01-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

My broken wrist has sidelined my craftiness for way too long now. I start PT tomorrow, and while I know it's going to be a long and painful (hopefully not too painful) road back to normalcy, I'm ready to start knitting, baking, taking pictures and sewing again.

To help get me inspired, I've been getting back on the computer and getting caught up on my blog reading. I'm looking for inspiration. I'm looking for ideas. And I'm hoping you'll help.

If you've got a few favorite blogs that you like, whether they're for knitting, sewing, baking, underwater basket weaving, I'd love to check it out.

I'll get the process started by sharing two of my favorite blogs. These uber talented women are both super crafty in sewing, knitting, gardening and baking. I enjoy seeing what they're working on, reading about their process and of course checking out the finished item:

Holli at Feeding the Big Guy

Heather at Living Senses

Enjoy! And I hope your creative juices are flowing in the new year!

2011: A clean slate

2011-01-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

As I sit here to reflect on 2010, I honestly don't know what to say. What I want to say would most likely get my blog flagged as highly inappropriate for language beacuse I sometimes have the mouth of a sailor to say the least.

It started out as all years do: full of promise and hope. And for a while there it lived up to it's expectations with fun trips to the Washington coast, a girls trip to Vegas with dear friends (note I'm not using the term "old friends"), Emmy excitement for work and my first trip to Yellowstone.

But then towards the end it took a turn for the worse with heartbreaking loss, a broken bone and a new metal plate that will most likely always plague me and the TSA. And when I look back at this year, no matter what, that's all I be able to see.

As for 2011, I'm back to thinking its going to be full of promise and hope. Because I need it to be that. Because I want it to be that. And because, damn it, I fucking deserve it.

To those of your who've been there for me this year, I'll always be greatful & never forget it.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2011 to you and yours!

xo,
Meg

Go on, I dare you not to say, "awww...."

2010-12-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

I know. Isn't she and the sweater just adorable? This is my friend Ella and she's sporting the Lovey Dovey shirt from Spud & Chloe. I made this earlier this past fall but I couldn't post it because Ella's mom reads my blog. And then I had to wait for her to grow into it. But here it is, the middle of winter and she pulls it off with style and flair! What girl doesn't need a little pink top in the winter?

Pattern: Lovey Dovey

By: Spud & Chloe

Yarn: Watermelon & Popsicle sweater yarn from Spud & Chloe

Things I've learned while having a hot pink cast on my wrist

2010-12-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

1. Complete strangers feel the need to tell me about their injuries. The other day a Santa Claus told me about the ten months he spent in a full body cast. It was very disturbing on several different levels.

2. People do tend to remember the blond with the hot pink cast, so it is nice when say, the lady at the bagel shops asks how I'm feeling.

3. Putting on ones bra is hard work and causes one to break out into a sweat.

4. Despite the hectic/craziness/crabbiness of the mall during the holidays, I received great customer service. Example: At one store with at least 15 people in line behind me, the sales lady took pity on me and took off the price tags on all of my gifts and practically gift wrapped them for me. Then she took my other bag and put everything in one easy to carry bag. She was so sweet! I could feel the evil dagger stares from the cranky shoppers behind me boring into my back.

5. Mastering the art of cracking an egg with one hand would have made making Christmas cookies so much easier. Luckily, and sadly for me, I've still got time to work on that trick.

6. And finally, I've learned that keeping my house clean is really just over rated.

Wrist Update 2: My new fashion accessory

2010-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, I've got a removable hot pink cast! I figure if a girl's gotta get a cast, then get a cast right? It's my doctor's own design - a typical hard cast, yet it can come off for handy things like a shower or physical therapy (which starts in early Jan.). While it is rather flashy, it does make wearing long sleeves and coats a bit of a challenge. Needless to say, I've been a bit cold since it is December in Seattle (read: wet & cold but thankfully no effing ice!!)

While my fingers are able to move a bit better than before, I still can't do some basic things like drive, knit, put my hair in a ponytail (which is crucial for me). So no Christmas crafts or gifts this year. However I decided that I'm going to make up for that on Valentine's Day. And if that doesn't work then I'll start a new trend of holiday crafting and baking for St. Patrick's day or perhaps Arbor Day. Or quite frankly, any damn day I want because, well, I deserve it!

Wrist Update #1

2010-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Surgery last Wednesday went well. The surgeon said I had good bones (thanks mom for always having me drink milk when I was a kid because I still love milk!). Now I'm just recovering & taking it easy. Which is hard for a perpetual putterer & knitter/crafter to do. I'm getting addicted to the diy network which could be an issue once I'm healed. My list of home improvement projects has grown immensely.

Should make for an interesting spring!

And I wanted say thanks for all of the support I've received over the past few weeks! It's been really appreciated & needed!

xoxo

Not what I need...

2010-11-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

It's getting to be that time of year. My favorite time of year, when all the craftiness, baked goodies and pretty white twinkling lights come out. I get all crafty & warm & fuzzy. But not this year. Nope instead, I slipped on ice & broke my right wrist. And tomorrow I'm having surgery. Yeah, I know. It sucks the big one!

So this year, no knitted gifts. No homemade fudge. No cookies with sprinkles. At least I think so. But who knows maybe I can get the hubby to make the Christmas cookies for me.

Election Day 2010!

2010-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Have you?

Yeah! And oh boy....I could be in trouble....

2010-10-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a mixed bag of emotions over here. On one hand I'm doing little happy dance over this news, but I'm also a little concerned for how close this is going to be to me: West Seattle is getting a fabric store. And not just any giant chain fabric store, this is going to be a little cute, locally owned one with the promise of great quality and unique fabric and sewing supplies.

Between this, the two knitting stores in my hood and the fact that we're getting a Trader Joe's soon, I may never leave West Seattle. Except to go to work which is pretty much funding my craft addiction. Oh, that and to go to my knitting group.

Sigh....how I love my 'hood!

Busted!

2010-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I've discovered something enjoys digging in my flower pots. No problems in my garden, just my pots.

I've often wondered which woodland critter does this. We live near a wooded area but over the past year, I've only seen a squirrel less than a handful of times, spotted three large raccoons in my front yard once (in broad daylight mind you) and on one occasion a fox was trotting down our alley like it was his every day strolling route.

But this morning, I finally saw him. Caught him with his hand in the cookie jar so to say.

I watch him hop from not one, but two pots before making his way boldly up onto my porch to inspect my precious pumpkins and then into my herb pot.

Exhibit A

After snapping a few photos for evidence, I knocked loudly on the window and tried to shoo him away. But he only looked up at me, his plump little body sitting squarely in the middle of my basil, and game me a look that I swear said:

"Excuse me lady, but you're disrupting my breakfast."

And with that he was off.

Exhibit B

I have a feeling he'll be back tomorrow though.

Any ideas how to keep these pesky perps out of my pots?

A Good Shot

2010-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I took a photography class at the Fiber Gallery. Franklin Habit was in town signing books and he offered a photography class one night. If you don't know who Franklin Habit is, he's a great person to learn some photography tricks of the trade. Not only is a great cartoonist and photographer in his own right, but he's also a knitter. And he's pretty darn nice and funny. So it makes taking a class from him rather entertaining.

The first part of the class was about photography basics: lighting, the colors of light, different angles, depth of field and shutter speed.

The second part was all about experiment. He wanted us to try different settings on our camera now that we had learned about light, shutter speed, etc. He had brought along the makings for a light box, different backdrops etc. We were encouraged to walk around the shop and take pictures trying to capture the texture, color, etc.

Here's Ariel setting up her lovely socks in the light box.

Here's a few examples of different shots I took throughout the Fiber Gallery.

This is my Snapdragon Tam that I've been working oh so slowly on.

And this is Franklin Habit. As Jessica said, when she picked him up, she realized he had assimilated into Seattle just fine. Sporting his combat boots, a new hat and his new utilikilt he had bought at what he referred to as "the mothership" (meaning the Utilikilt store) he was clearly enjoying our city. He probably had a latte as well.

Franklin will be teaching at Madrona in February. If you get the chance, sign up for his photography class. It will be one of the highlights of your weekend. Trust me on this one.

Garden Gems

2010-10-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

These little guys were the last things I pulled out of the garden this season. I've never grown pumkins before so I didn't know what to expect. The starts I bought were these little pathetic looking things for only $1. I had my doubts from the beginning. While they're not Jack-O-Lantern size, I think they're perfect and a lovely way to start the fall season at our house.

Quick Hits Tuesday

2010-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

I seem to be averaging two blog posts a month these days. Trust me, this is not a trend I hope to keep up.
From the blogs that I follow it seems I'm not alone in this trend. Is anyone else wondering what in the world is making us so crazy busy these days?
The garden has come to a sad end. Lots of rain, little sun, and the sad reappearance of the $&*%#(% slugs pretty much put the nail in the coffin for this years project.
I haven't had time to rip the garden out. It makes me sad to see all the wilted, holey (damn slugs), and unripened veggies out there.
However I have three little pumpkins. I love them very much. They are totally worthy of a blog post.
I finished the cutest baby project for a friend! I can't wait to share it with you...once I give it to her of course!
I'm half a skein away from casting off on the Boneyard Shawl. If it wasn't so stinkin' humid around here these days, I'd be really excited to wear it for the fall!
Yesterday was the most humid day on record for Seattle in years. We hit 100% humidity at one point and it wasn't raining!!?? What's with that?
I have several other projects ready to be cast on and calling my name. I'm excited to get to them and share them with you!
I took a photography class specifically designed for taking pics of your knitted projects. Again, totally worthy of its own blog post. Will do that later.
I met David Gregory from NBC's Meet The Press. The man is 6'5. That's tall. You don't see that on Meet The Press. I tried really hard to be professional and not utter...."Wow, you're tall." I'm sure he gets that every freakin' day. Seriously, very tall.
After reviewing this list, it's clear I need to post much more often. I miss it. Very much. As of Thursday my big work project will be over. And my life will so much less stressful. And it'll be a new month. Ripe for new adventures!

Canned Salsa

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

The other day I got together with a few Purly Girls for a little canning instead of knitting. We hit the farmers market on a rainy Saturday morning for the fresh local ingredients, then headed into the kitchen for some serious chopping, blanching and stirring. And of course some chatting and laughing.

The end result is a ton of jars of homemade salsa that smells and tastes delish! The summer salsa season will live on in our house as the gray, cold and rainy winter approaches! Pass the chips please!

Quick Hits Thursday

2010-08-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

My last blog post on knitting here at the Knitting Knot was on July 2. And it was about my frustrations with my current projects. As the lack of blog posts - even knitting ones - show, there hasn't been a lot of creativity around here this summer.
After many misses, I've finally hit on something good! I'm back to knitting with a lovely little project. It's top secret as it's a gift, but stay tuned, pictures are coming soon.
I got a fabulous new camera for my birthday. I've been playing with and loving it so much! Expect more pictures soon of all sorts of stuff.
I'm finally heading out of town for some much needed R & R! A road trip beckons to see family, friends and Yellowstone! I've never been there so I'm really excited! Also another reason I'm excited for my new camera!
I think my garden is confused. You see the weather here in Seattle has been quite confusing/frustrating these days. We go from weekends where it's 60-something, no sun and rainy. To the next weekend of 90-something record breaking temps. And back again. I have lots of green little tomatoes but I have my doubts they'll ever turn red. Unless it's this next week when I'm out of town. 'Cause that's just my luck.
I've been trying to eat local this summer. My current addiction is blackberries. I can't get enough of them.
See you in a little while - with lots of great pics! I know you're excited! I am!

Well crap.

2010-08-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I was updating my computer and freeing up drive space on my C drive (where I tend to dump all of my photos - thus the need to clean it up every once in a while.) I was all proud of myself for doing this without any help from my tech support (a.k.a. the hubby). However, while most of transferring of files from drive C to drive D was quite successful, I seemed to have "misplaced" about two months worth of photos. Which for me, is a lot.

They aren't on the C drive anymore. They didn't make it to the D drive. I'm about 85% sure they weren't in the recycle bin (which has also been emptied). They are somewhere on my computer.

It kind of stinks because some of the missing pics I hadn't had a chance to share with you all yet. While I'm not sure what exactly is missing, I do know the following are M.I.A.:

- pics of my great canning adventure the other weekend (did manage to post about that)
- pics of my weekend getaway to the Washington Coast (didn't post about that). Guess I'll have to go back.
- pics of the West Seattle Garden Tour which was really lovely and inspirational. I even snapped a photo of two baby hummingbirds in their nest waiting for mama to come back with lunch! That's a shame it's lost.
- pics of my mom hanging with her college roomies recently. Good thing I emailed those to her after the trip. Hopefully she saved them. I can here her muttering...oh no....right now......
- pics of my canning class with Amy Pennington. (did post about that. Plus I took the class with uber shutterbug Rebecca so I can just poach her pics if needed.)

That's about all I can remember that I had. I'm sure there's more garden pics....oh, and a really amazing sunset photo that I snapped a few weeks ago and meant to share. Damn...that was a good one. I guess I should just be blogging a little more often. And perhaps not get too cocky when it comes to my oh so savvy tech know how. Hopefully my tech support can find them for me!

GL challenge: To you, it's just a zucchini...

2010-08-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

But to me, it's a freakin' miracle!! You see, people say anyone can grow zucchini. They say, you'll have zucchini coming out of your ears. But for the past two summers I've planted. I've watered. And waited. And then they all died. I've never been able to pull a zucchini out of the garden. And then eat it. Never. Ever. It's very sad for me.

Until now.

See! I not only pulled one, but have actually pulled another one out of the garden too! And later this week I'll have about three more! Plus I finally picked my beans and I'm thinking there's about 2 pounds there worth of pure yumminess!

Usually, my zucchini look like this:

They begin to grow only to rot at the end. I've still had 6 or 7 of these happen so far. Anyone have any idea why? I've heard it's because I water too much. And because I don't water enough. So ya, still scratchin' my head over that one. I welcome all suggestions and your favorite zucchini recipes!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-08-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

This past week I turned 35. I felt that it was a milestone birthday for some reason, but I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's farther away from my 20's? Maybe because it's closer to my 40's?

I don't know. All I know is that it was a good day, filled with family, friends, some pretty flowers and a fancy chocolate cake from my fabulous hubby.

Then, two days later I got carded buying PBR's at the grocery store. I guess it doesn't matter that I'm 35 as long as they still want to see my id!

Here's to another year filled with fun, crafty and tasty adventures!

Summer Canning

2010-07-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

This summer, my canning friend June & I decided we needed a plan. Last summer things got a little out of control as we canned a a ton of jams in one crazy nine hour canning day.

This year, we decided to simplify things a bit and do more seasonal canning.

So this summer, it was all about the jams: raspberry, blueberry, blackberry & a mix of blue/blackberry. For fun we tossed in a Lemon Vanilla jam.

It was a very sweet afternoon.

The blackberries in their jamming glory (or gory?).

Final tally:

26 - 1/4 pints

13 - 1/2 pints

7 - pints

Jane Austen's Fight Club

2010-07-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

It's so wrong, yet so funny.....

Jane Austen's Fight Club

Must....watch.....now. All the proper ladies are doing it.

Go Local Challenge: I'm the guest blogger this week!

2010-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Living Senses this week! I'm the guest blogger for the Go Local Challenge! This year I wrote about the resurgence in canning. Plus there's lot of informative link for those who are interested in learning more about canning.

Oh, and there's a link for super cute download-able PDF canning labels. And they're free. Go on, check them out, you know you want too!

GL Challenge*: Canning with Amy Pennington

2010-07-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a canning class from gardener, canner, cookbook author & uber savvy business woman Amy Pennington. She's recently written a cookbook called Urban Pantry, Tips & Recipes for a Thrifty, Sustainable & Seasonal Kitchen. It's about growing what you eat, eating local and preserving food. It's a delightful book full of great recipes and a lot of inspiration.

During the class she made a quick batch of raspberry jam and brandied cherries. I learned a quick and easy technique for water bath canning when one doesn't have the official water bath canning equipment (shes says to put a clean dishtowel in the bottom of big old pan to keep the jars from clanging around together).

Here's Amy looking all Seattle suave with her iced drink and hot pot!

Mmmm....red raspberries cooking down for jam!

All prepped and ready to go!

If you're in the Seattle area, Amy is teaching a canning/preserving class one Thursday a month (day and evening classes) through October at Cupcake Royale on Capitol Hill. Each class she'll can something different and seasonal so if you take more than once class, you'll learn something new! I'm thinking of signing up for the October class to see what fall goodness she comes up with!

*Go Local challenge is pretty cool, check it out!

Summer baking

2010-07-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

For some reason, when the temperatures heat up outside - and inside my un-air conditioned kitchen - I seem to feel the need to bake. Because 83 degrees inside isn't hot enough, I break out my bread pans, muffing tins and cooking sheets. Why you ask? I blame the summer fruit. Fresh picked blueberries from the farmers market seem to want to become warm, gooey blueberry muffins.

And who am I to stand in their way?

Although, I think next time I may try to make Popsicles. There would be less sweating involved in those.

GL Week 3*: Our go to meal

2010-07-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our go to meal this summer has been steak salads. I've never really eaten them too much before. I figured if I'm going to have a steak, than have a steak. And the same with a salad. While they're on most menus they've just never really appealed to me. Until now.

On a whim I bought some steak from the farmers market at work. It was from a farm in Carnation, WA. The steak was a smaller cut and thinner than most in the grocery stores. Since it was smaller, and I'm not much of a meat eater, I suggested the idea to the hubby since we had so much lettuce in the garden. (Plus, I'm already getting a little tired of salads with everything. Not a good sign as it's barely the second week in July).

We marinated the meat, then the hubby fired up the grill as I got the salad fixin's (there's a nod to my Southern' days) ready. In the end, it was a delightful treat full of our lettuce, snap peas, carrots, local blueberries, a sprinkle of local cheese and of course the steak.

But the recipe I want to share this week is that of the dressing. It's not local, but since it goes on a local salad, I'm calling it close enough. It's my mom's balsamic vinegar. And as many times as I've tried to recreate it, it's just never as good. She was here this weekend so I got out all the stuff and an empty jar and asked her pretty please to make me some. It's quite tasty! Enjoy!

Joy's delightful summer balsamic vinegrette

- some balsamic vinegar

- some olive oil

- a teaspoon or so of dijon mustard

- a dallop of honey

- juice of 3/4 lemon
- pinch of salt & pepper

Dump all ingredients into a jar and shake. Taste and season to your preferences. Feel free to add more of other spices if you prefer.

*GL stands for the Go Local Challenge. It's technically week 6, but I'm a little behind as Mother Nature didn't quite cooperate here in the PWN.

A sunny day in West Seattle

2010-07-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the lowest tide of the year. I started my day at Alki Beach to take a peak in the tide pools.

I saw lots of critters and learned a thing or two from the beach naturalist.

Later that night, we took a stroll through Schmitz Preserve Park. It's hard to believe you're about 5 minutes from the beach and less than 10 minutes from downtown Seattle all while being in the middle of an old growth forest.

On the way home, I spotted this. Someone else was out enjoying the day as well. Tea time, what a lovely way to end the day.

Garden discoveries

2010-07-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

A funny thing has happened in the garden. You see, this bright orb has made an appearance here in the Pacific Northwest and with that my garden exploded! It's as if the plants are afraid the sun is going to disappear so they are sucking up all the warmth they can while it lasts.

Our first artichoke has shown up.

I am in love with my snap peas. And they are quite tasty!

See....it's all big and pretty! Even the marigolds are thriving!

Ode to a Power Trimmer

2010-07-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

(The vines on the new trellis are three kiwi plants which apparently grow rather well here.)

Bushes tackled: 1
Trees trimmed: 2
Vicious Blackberry vines ripped out of the ground: 5
The power trimmer is my new favorite toy.

Happy 4th!

2010-07-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hope your Fourth of July was a festive and tasty one!

The sweater conundrum

2010-07-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been really wanting to knit a sweater lately. A big girl sweater for myself. I've never done that before. In all my years of knitting, it just hasn't happened. It's such a big undertaking. It seems so permanent.

But I've recently cast those fears aside and cast on for not one, but two sweaters. The Vine and Trellis sweater from Interview and the Minimalist Cardigan. They were pretty and lovely and like all young crushes, started out so innocently.

However, once the butterflies in the stomach settled, the excitement each time I picked up the projects. The love stopped. Literally. And in one case was slightly painful.

The Vine and Trellis was challenging. It was a lace and cable pattern. But I got a little confused and it got a little messed up. Then the project needed a little space of it's own. And well, you know how that goes. While the project was in time out it seemed to have gotten even more messed up. Unable to get back on track, I ripped it out.

Then there was the Minimalist Cardigan. I love the simplicity of the project - it's the in freakin' name. The project was all seed stitch. That stitch, combined with the worsted wool yarn actually made my hands hurt. Really hurt. So out that project came as well.

Now I've got plenty of sweater yarn, the desire to make a sweater. So I just need a little push. Got any sweater suggestions for me? Perhaps some advice? I've got a summer of great knitting time planned. I just need a project or two. Or four.

GL* Week 2: Opening Day

2010-06-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to live in a good eat-local-foodie city. And when the weather warms up (please, please let it warm up soon) the farmers markets seem to spring to life throughout Seattle. Case in point: Downtown.

While we do have Pike Place Market, it's usually filled with tourists this time of year. Not exactly the ideal place to pick up your locally grown veggies and fruits when people are constantly taking pictures of your veggies. Luckily Pike Place Market created Pike Place Market Express, a smaller version of the famed market minus the loud fish tossing guys right in the heart of the Seattle business district. And even luckier for me, it's right outside my office door. Literally.

Today was first day. I ran outside at 10 a.m. eager to see what was in store. There's plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and of course the famous market flowers. New this year is a local honey vendor and meat booth. While I passed them up this time, I am going to try them both out this year. This week I couldn't pass up the raspberries or the apples. I have to say, I love the apples from the farmers market so much more than the ones at the store. Not only do they taste better, but they are the perfect size! I can't stand the super sized apples from the grocery store. Too big for me.

I took this pic with the phone on my camera. It was a pretty quick pic because I didn't want a coworker coming into my cubicle asking, "Why are you taking pictures of your food?"

The only downside to this market. Getting your bounty home on the bus.
* GL = Going Local. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Ian & the Oz Vest

2010-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Remember a few months ago when I was working on the Oz Vest pattern for a friend? It was a simple pattern that gave me more troubles than I care to remember. Even after sewing it on all twisted, ripping that out, sewing on two different sets of buttons because I didn't like the first set, I still managed to get it all done and ready to go before the little guy arrived. There was ~~minimal~~ OK, a lot of swearing while working on this project.

But in the end it turned out pretty darn cute.

And you know what? Ian seems to give it the thumbs up.

And that's just what I wanted to see.

#%^! Slugs: Part Two

2010-06-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have to thank you all. I put out a call for help when the slugs infested my garden again.
I received several comments. Many suggested the beer traps. I got one for Slug-O. And an eco-friendly friend suggested a plant wash.

The hubby decided to take matters into his own hands and that wasn't eco-friendly. At first I wasn't so thrilled with that plan, but frankly, the stuff said it was OK for a garden and I was tired of seeing the damage done from those slimy buggers.

But at 10:30 p.m. the other night, the hubby grabbed my headlamp and decided to see if could track them down. And he did. He quickly came back to report that they were in the lawn and heading towards the artichoke. And that they were pretty big.

So I had to check them out for myself. And he was right. Four of them were heading towards the artichoke and they were big and clearly on a mission. I got a little defensive towards my plants. I channeled my inner 8-year old boy and I took care of the problem. With salt. Yeah, that's right. I salted the hell out of those little buggers. Peta fans just step off now because I enjoyed it a little too much.

I managed to stop these four but I know there are others out there. Too bad for them I picked up my salt at Costco.

Three Years

2010-06-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2007

The adventure begins.

April 2010 (take on a weekend get-a-way at Lake Quinault)

Three years later, the adventure is still going strong.

Going Local 2010 (and getting a late start)

2010-06-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Once again this summer I'm taking part in Living Sense's Go Local Challenge. The theme this summer is Using Your Bounty. I'm really excited to take part again this year and I'll even be a guest writer on her blog in July (I'm excited about my topic but you'll have to wait and see it for yourself!)

Each Monday (OK, I'm late already but are you really surprised here?) I'll be posting on my site about my local gardening/eating experiences and sharing links to others in the program. Be sure to check them out!

I have to admit that so far my local eating and gardening hasn't been so great. The cold, wet spring hasn't been too kind to my garden, especially with my slug infestation! But I'm hoping this challenge will help get me motivated to look for some good local food at our area farmers markets. Stay tuned.

#%^! Slugs!!!

2010-06-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

They're back!

Towards the end of the summer last year the slugs found my garden. Apparently they've been waiting for me all winter.

It didn't take them long to feast on the veggies I've got in the ground. I haven't even tried anything in the garden and they already have.

They even got to my little baby bean sprouts! Is there no justice in the garden?!

So....what do you think? How do I get ride of them? I'm not a fan of putting chemicals in the garden. Last year I tried an organic treatment and I think I could hear the slugs laughing at me as they still slithered and munched away.

Any ideas? Anyone?
Please?

The Queen Bee

2010-06-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

I came home early from work today and discovered a swarm of bees in the tree in my neighbors front yard. I mean a swarm of bees. I could hear them before I saw them. I wasn't really sure what to do about it, but I luckily someone in the neighborhood did.

A few people were right in the thick of it, looking at the bees and very excited about this. I asked what was going on. The woman explained a queen bee had landed there and was being protected by a new group of bees (hence the swarming). She said they needed to get the queen to a hive, someplace safe, before the bees moved on. She said they could possibly get into under the eaves of one of the houses and motioned to mine and my neighbors (not something I'm really keen on). There were a lot of bees and I'm not really a fan of large swarms of bees so I left them to be excited and went inside.

About 10 minutes later I heard a couple of cars pull up and a few people get out. A guy, whom I later discovered was named Brian, had a cardboard box and he and the lady, Margaret, got right in the thick of it trying to get the queen in the box. That seemed to make them swarm more, but Brian, Margaret and the others gathered to watch didn't seem to mind. I watched from a distance.

I swear there are lots of bees there but you can't see them. I didn't want to get to close. They looked quite busy. They got the box under the huddle of bees. Margaret said it looked like football hanging from a branch as the bees were huddled on each other covering the queen.

A few hours later, the crew was back at the tree. The box I had noticed was sitting under the tree with a note on it. I went back outside to see what the status was. Most of the bees were now in the box which Margaret said was thick with bees. I took her word on that one. She said they were waiting for more scouts to come back, then Brian would take the box back to his place and one of the empty hives he had. I wasn't sure how he was going to get them back to his place. I wouldn't want to be in the small hatchback he pulled up in, but that's just me.

See, lots of bees. Brian's trying to get the bees in the box.

I learned a few things today:

First, next time I see a swarm of bees I should call Puget Sound Beekeepers Assocation and someone will come and take care of the swarm. Since honey bees are dying off, it's important to keep the queens safe and make sure they have good homes.
Second, I'm not a big fan of swarms of bees, honey or otherwise (but I kind of thought that to begin with.)
Third, I met a few neighbors over this ordeal. Margaret and her hubby Mike have chickens and they invited me over to meet "their girls" anytime I want! And I plan on it!

Simple things...

2010-06-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Reading a good book on the couch on a Sunday morning.

Making homemade soup.

Laughing with friends.

Going for a run.

Eating chocolate chip cookies with milk no matter how old you are.

Sometimes I really appreciate the simple things when life gets to be a bit hectic. Which is why I really loved knitting the Simple Things Shawlette. It was a quick and easy knit which is just what I needed these days. I loved coming home after a stressful day to just sit and enjoy the hypnotic sound of my bamboo needles and easy repetition of the pattern. And the kick ass red color didn't hurt either.

Project: Simple Things Shawlette by Mary-Heather Cogar

Yarn: Pashmara by Fly designs in Blood Red

More details and pictures can be found on my Raverly page

I am Elinor Dashwood

2010-06-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

I saw this post on Sara's blog and I just had to procrastinate my laundry more and take it right away: Which Jane Austen Heroine are you? I have to admit, my answers were a bit all over the place so I wasn't sure who I'd end up being. But Sense and Sensibility was the first Jane Austen book I ever read (and still one of my all time favorites) I think this answer will do!

Yarn Storage

2010-06-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

When my parents visited a few weeks ago, they brought up my college graduation present from my grandmother. It's not like she didn't get me anything when I graduated, oh, so many years ago, it's just that I didn't really have a place to put it. I was in the post grad stage of constantly moving from one crappy apartment to another and I didn't want to move it around as it was a piece of furniture that didn't require assembly (something very rare for a post grad).

So now that I'm a homeowner, my father delights in bringing me item of my past that have been stored in the garage/attic/former bedroom/etc. This last trip brought me this:

It was my great grandfather's trunk. It had been living in my grandmother's garage for years and she thought I might like it. And I love it! My father, the creative, handy guy that he is, refinished it for me and added this delightful element:

Removable and slideable drawers! Perfect for organizing sock, lace, worsted, etc. You get the picture.

(Clearly I was so excited about the yarn storage/organization system that I didn't even notice the picture was blurry.)

And the best part is, now I have way more room for my yarn! Time to go shopping!

S'mores - Seattle Style

2010-05-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

The hubby & I had a BBQ this Memorial Day weekend. We decided to make homemade marshmallows and graham crackers for s'mores on our fire pit. We followed the directions from jam it, pickle it, cure it & other cooking projects by Karen Solomon. If you like to try new things in your kitchen, this book is for you. I have to admit, I was a little intimidated at the idea of making my own marshmallows, but they were surprisingly easy to do - albeit quite messy. Just like a good s'more.

The marshmallows setting in the pan. I didn't get any cooking pics because the process happens pretty fast.

The hubby helping to get them out of the pan. Then you cut into squares and dip in powdered sugar.

Voila! Homemade marshmallows!

Homemade graham crackers. Again, didn't get any cooking pics, it was pretty busy in our kitchen!

The roasting of mallows. Note the jeans and fleece in the pic, yes, this is a BBQ in Seattle. A little cold weather and rain does not stop us! There were homemade mallows to be roasted people!

Get ready for it...

Ooey, gooey, s'mores goodness!

Garden Plan 2010: Ambitious/Crazy

2010-05-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

The veggies and some fruits are now in the raised garden beds and several containers around the yard. I've decided the theme to this year's garden is Ambitious/Crazy. Here's what we've got growing and I'm sure you'll agree with me:

blueberries

artichoke

3 tomato plants

lettuce

pumpkins

snap peas

green beans

zucchini (for the record, if I can't get these zucchini plants to produce then I'm officially done with zucchini. There I've said it.)

radishes

green onions

carrots

cucumbers

basil

rosemary

a banana tree

Yes, you read that correctly, a banana tree. The hubby was doing a little research and discovered, if it's protected from the colder nights, a banana tree will grow in our neck of the woods. It's not a big one. It's in a pot and he moves it in and out each night and on the weekends he moves it around the yard to follow the sun. It's kind of cute. I'm quite skeptical. But if it actually produces fruit, I'll be sure to post about it and admit I'm wrong. We also planted a dwarf apple tree in our yard. I'm quite excited about that. Now comes the waiting game.

The lilac tree has bloomed. I find it highly ironic that I've been waiting to get some color in our back yard and now that the lilac tree has finally bloom, I discovered the flowers are white. Oh well, they still look pretty and smell quiet lovely.

Self Portrait Series: Girls weekend in Vegas

2010-05-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sara & I are pretty famous for our self portraits.

But we couldn't leave April out of the fun (or Ms. Green M & M)!

Poolside fun at the Wynn (in the shade with SPF 70 of course)!

We had a little help with this one.

Sara and April figured out they've been friends for about 20 years. Good thing they've also known me for 17 of those years!

It was a great weekend filled with lots of laughter, lots of memories and a lot of fun! I miss not seeing them everyday like back in college, or even about once a week when we were living in Boise, but I'll take a weekend like this anytime!

A few things both knitting & non-knitting

2010-05-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

To say that it’s been a bit busy around here is a bit of an understatement. I’ve been wanting to blog for quite a while now, but haven’t had the time/energy/motivation/etc. So in true type-A personality form, I’m doing a list to sum up a few things. Here we go:

My sister came for a visit. We had a blast getting pedicures, shopping for furniture (nothing bought but lots of ideas) and drinking margaritas on the patio in some rare Seattle spring sun.
My parents came the following weekend; more family fun, day trips, fixing things up around the house.
I scored some sweet deals and even sweeter yarn at the Fiber Gallery annual sale. Details on projects to come soon.
I cast on for my first big sweater for myself. I’m making the Minimalist cardigan out of some beautiful pink wool. However, between the pattern and the yarn, it hurts my hands. Like really seriously hurts my hands. Like, it’s the reason I’m not knitting these days. I think I’ve averaged about 4 rows in about a month.
I’m trying to decide to proceed slowly with the project or rip it out and find another project.
In an effort to get knitting again, I’ve cast on for the Simple Shawl pattern. It’s quite pretty and painless. So far I’m on row 8 and all is well. Fingers crossed.
And in an effort to truly relax and get some much needed R & R, I’m off to Vegas for a weekend of fun at the Wynn with my dear friends Sara and April.
I hope to be back up and blogging and knitting much more often when I return, until then, here’s to some R & R for you, and of course, happy knitting.

Sunny Sunday

2010-04-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

A sunny Sunday. A hike on Cougar Mountain in Issauquah.

The view from the top. That's Mount Baker in Bellingham in the background.

My hiking partners, Soren and his mom Mara.

A great day.

A trip to Fabric Crush

2010-04-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to get back into the sewing mode and just as luck would have it, I stumbled across a lovely new quilting blog Tallgrass Prairie Studio. Well, it's not new, but new to me. And the luck continued because as it turned out Jacquie was in town to visit a friend and do a little talk at Fabric Crush. The store had recently moved from Magnolia to the Wallingford Center and I had been wanting to check it out. It was as if the Sewing Gods were putting this out there in the universe for me.

So of course, I had to appease them. And I went. And I loved it. Both the store and Jacquie and her fabulously beautiful, yet simple modern style quilts. Take a look.

Jacquie and her quilts. If I was a better blogger, I'd have the names of these patterns she designed, but alas, I am not. They sure are pretty though!

I especially loved this salavage quilt. These are the salvage edges of fabrics she's used over the years. Isn't this a great creative way to use all of the fabric?

Ohhh...ahh...it was like a fireworks show for the quilting fans in the room as we got to look up close and touch all the pretty fabrics. So fun and inspirational!

Rebecca + Scott

2010-04-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's official....they're now married!

The wedding party...in all seriousness...

See...totally official and some seriousness....

And a lot of fun!

Oz Vest*

2010-04-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Project: Oz Vest

From: Natural Knit for Babies & Moms

Yarn: Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash in someshade of blue that I can't seem to remember.

*I'm not sure what it was about this project, but to say it was hell is truly an understatement. It looks so easy and quick, and maybe it is, but for me, it was freakin' miserable. I had to restart the damn thing about 4 times because I kept messing it up and getting off the pattern repetition. I managed to sew the vest together all crooked and twisted. It took quite a bit of time to figure out how to get it undone due to my super skills of weaving ends in. There was a lot of hard work that went into this sweater. And even some blood, sweat and tears. And quite a bit of profanity. But this fu$#^&*% sweater is done. Thank God.

Easter Treats

2010-04-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

I love Easter. I always have. I'm not sure why, I've never been able to pin point why its do dear to me. Maybe it's the all the spring flowers that are beginning to come up in my favorite shades of yellow, pink and purple. Maybe its the promise that spring is really just around the corner. Or maybe its just another excuse to eat chocolate and other good food with family and friends. Whatever the reason, I hope your Easter was a lovely one!

Some Easter Flowers

Our friends Jon, Sara and their dog Tug look for the beers the Easter Bunny left in our yard.

The Hubby was the big winner finding most of the beers.

For dessert I tried something new, a raspberry blackberry custard. The thing I loved about this dessert was the fact that is was made in the blender!

Isn't sweet how Martha watches me?!

No, I’m not going crazy, it’s for the tourists

2010-04-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

In my last post I mentioned our road trip through the Olympic Peninsula. Well, if you’ve read any of the Twilight books you no doubt know, that’s the stomping ground of vampires and werewolves, at least according to Stephanie Meyer.

You have to give credit to the small town of Forks for trying to make a few bucks off of these books. Everywhere in the town is some sort of Twilight sign; hotels welcoming Twilighters, specials for Bella Burgers, etc. You can also visit not one, but two Dazzled by Twilight stores in town (if you’ve been to Forks you know how small it is so to have two of these stores is pretty amazing.)

Even Jacob’s stomping ground of La Push is in on the frenzy. La Push is even smaller than Forks mind you. As you enter the town, the little restaurant has a Pepsi banner that reads “No Vampires Beyond This Point.” You can also grab a coffee a Jacob’s Java. The town store is decorated in Team Jacob mania. Edward need not apply.

But the thing that had me doing a double take is the fact that as you drive into a town there is a house and separate garage that was painted red, complete with an old trailer in front. At first I thought, no….that couldn’t be. That place looks just like the scene of Jacob’s house in New Moon. As we drove out of town I looked again. This time I realized I wasn’t crazy, it was painted and designed to look like Jacob’s house. I knew this for sure because the Twilight Tour bus full of people was pulling in the driveway.

*For you Twilighters out there, I apologize for the lack of pictures of all of this stuff. I wanted to stop and take some but the hubby just shook his head and kept on driving. He claims to be on Team Mike Newton.

Weekend Get-A-Way

2010-04-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the hubby and I took a little road trip to the Olympic Peninsula. We had lovely weather on Saturday and drove along the coast. We are so lucky that within a few hours of our house we can drive to the beach through and old growth rainforest.

The beach at La Push with a big storm blowing in.

The Hubby sitting at the base of the worlds largest Cedar tree. It was really freakin' big.

We stayed at the Lake Quinault Lodge. It’s charming, beautiful and pretty much perfect. With no t.v.’s, cell service or internet access it was just what we needed to unwind. This is the place where folks hang out with other guests in a big lobby complete with a fireplace, over stuffed leather couches, games and a bar. Once again, it was perfect.

Getting a little reading time in and enjoying the rare spring sunshine.

My gin & tonic and my view.....ahhhhhh.....

Sunday greeted us with the typical spring rainforest weather (wind, clouds and rain). Not being the uber serious hikers, we opted for drives instead of hikes. We continued to drive along the coast up to the Sul Duc Hot Springs Resort. We were in our own cabin which was a nice treat after enjoying the hot springs.

Monday we woke to snow in the mountains, fog and possible some of the worst sleet/hail I’ve seen in awhile, once again scraping our hiking plans. It did make for some pretty scenery however.

While we weren’t able to do a lot of the hikes that we wanted to try, we’ll be heading back for sure since it was such a lovely vacation!

A sunny spring afternoon

2010-03-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

The first signs of life are beginning to creep up in the garden. Two rows of lettuce that we planted from seed are popping up. I'm quite excited as I've never planted lettuce from seed before. I truly believe lettuce is the gateway drug to gardening.

Today also had some unseasonable warm spring temps and sunshine. I was able to duck out of work early and hit Alki Beach for a run. When people find out I live in West Seattle, sometimes they smirk and ask why I'd want to live over there? Gee...I wonder why?

Fourteen, or 10

2010-03-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

My knitting mojo has been a little out of whack lately. Ok, that's not true. It's been totally out of whack. I've either just not felt like knitting or when I do pick up a project I manage to screw something up, swear a bit, rip it out then sadly, repeat the process. I hasn't been pretty around here.

So imagine my delight when Erin walked into PurlyGirls the other night sporting a lovely new scarf. It was so pretty, soft and just plain perfect. I knew I had to have one of my own. She said it was an easy project that took her only an hour to make. Translation: it would take me about 3-4 hours as Erin is an uber fast knitter.

I bought some lovely new pink/purple yarn because one needs a dash of a little color around Seattle in March. I decided I'd cast on for this mindless, short, easy knit on a Friday night after a hectic day of work. Two hours later, after endless trying and retrying to start, I texted Rebecca to see if she knew anything about this damn pattern (mind you, it was after 10 but this was a knitting emergency so I knew she wouldn't care). About an hour later we both gave up. While the pattern seemed simple enough, his (the pattern designer) directions for a brioche rib were totally different from what the internet explained to do. Thus our frustration. I ended up going to a LYS for a little in person helped. Once it all became clear what the hell he was explaining, the scarf pretty much took no time at all.

Now it's done and I love it.

And I'm sure now that I have this warm and cozy new scarf, spring will arrive and the cold and gray will go away. But honestly, that will be o.k. with me as well.

Pattern: Fourteen (But I only cast on 10 stitches)

Yarn: Chunky Malibrego

More details can be found on my Raverly site.

A little happy dance in my cubicle

2010-03-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

The other day at work I was doing a little research for a story when I stumbled upon this:

HOW TO USE A TOMATO TO TELL YOUR LIFE STORY
with Matthew Amster-Burton and Molly Wizenberg

It's a writing class at 826 Seattle. I've taken several of their classes before and I've loved them all. But this one is by Molly Wizenberg, of My Homemade Life and one of my favorite authors and bloggers.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I did a little happy dance in my cubicle when I signed up for the class! It's tomorrow night so stay tuned for details.

Auntie Meg's Brag Blog Entry

2010-03-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

The babies I've been knitting for have finally started growing into some of their gifts from Auntie Meg. They are too cute not to share (and I'm referring to the babies and the knitted goodies of course!)

Here's Diya on her six month b-day sporting the dress from Natural Knits for Mom's and Babies.

See...she really does like it!

Here's Macie with her hat from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. At the time we didn't know if Macie was a boy or girl so I went with the sporty option and added a stripe instead of the bow. Her dad thought it'd be a boy for sure, but big sis Cameron wanted a little sister. I should have listened to Cameron and went with the bow, but I think the stripe is pretty sporty and hip.

Macie thinks so too. Gesh, what does dad know?

P.S. Due to an error on Clearwire's part, the internet at our house has been down for a few days. Fingers crossed it gets fixed before the weekend. I'm very behind on my blogging and keeping up with my favorite blogs! I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff these days, but it's pretty freakin' annoying!

I'm leavin' on a jet plane

2010-02-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

My bags are packed.
My boarding pass is printed and ready to go.
And most importanly, a quicky, easy weekend knitting project is ready to be cast on once I get through security and make my way to the over priced airport bar. But it's a Friday and it's been a long week so there is a gin and tonic with my name on it.

I'm off to Boise this weekend for a quick visit with family and friends. Hopefully some good knitting will be done in the process!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend as well!

Ice Cream for breakfast

2010-02-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that correctly, ice cream for breakfast. And I’m not talking the eat-it-straight-out-a-carton-because-there’s-nothing-else-to-eat kind of ice cream for breakfast.

I’m talking the Molly Moon’s way of ice cream for breakfast. Molly Moon’s is this fabulous homemade ice cream shop in Wallingford and Capitol Hill. Every winter they offer their sweet treat on top of steaming bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. You can have any scoop of ice cream they offer: balsamic vinegar & strawberry, maple bacon, or my personal favorite salted caramel.

(note the chocolate chunks in my dish)

Once you get your bowl of oatmeal and ice cream, you can help yourself to their toppings bar: chunks of chocolate (not sprinkles or shavings, I mean chunks of chocolate), cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins and all sorts of nuts.

The best thing about this treat (well, one of the best because really there are so many ways this is delightful) is that there are often time no lines for their breakfast special. As anyone has driven, walked or bussed by a Molly Moon’s location on the weekends or evenings, there’s always a line down the block. This isn’t your normal ice cream people.

Their winter breakfast special runs through March. Now you don’t need to wait for summertime to have some ice cream. And plus, with the oatmeal, it’s really a health breakfast. Ok, that may be a stretch, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Some of my favorite things

2010-02-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

The wind and rain has returned to Seattle. Gone are the recent unseasonably warm sunny days we’ve had recently. It was just what I needed to help snap me out of my February funk.

(I snapped this pic on my camera phone while out for a walk along Alki on Sunday morning. The snow capped mountains in the background are the Olympics.)

So as I reach once again for the rain coat (really, this is Seattle so it’s never that far away), I’m going to try and think about some of the things that have made me happy these past few, warm sunny days. I thought I’d share them with you:

500 Days of Summer – I recently saw this movie. And I loved it! Seriously loved it. It was such a good story of love, friendship, heartbreak and the hope that there is love out there. I’ll admit it left me crushin’ a bit on Joseph Gordon-Levit.

The Guernsey Literary and Sweet Potato Pie Society – I’m about halfway through this book and I feel like I’m right there on Guernsey with the crew. I don’t think I want this book to end.

Seeing a movie by myself – I don’t get to do this often but I recently had the opportunity when the hubby was out of town. I love going to the movies by myself because I can watch whatever I want. And I don’t have to share my movie popcorn with anyone. In case you’re wondering, I saw New Moon (and loved it!)

Roasted Vegetables – I haven’t been doing a lot cooking lately (the hubby is doing it for a while these days) but I recently tried a new recipe for roasted butternut squash, onion and garlic. When they were done roasting the recipe called for squeezing half of an orange over the veggies. I can’t even begin to describe how good it tasted. I ate the hunks of butternut squash and onion with my hand as I stood over the stove, it was that good.

So there you go. A few things that are making me happy as we slip back into the gloomy dark days of late spring. What makes you happy these days?

Shot through the heart - since the 4th grade

2010-02-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

It all started simple enough. A good song on the radio. Sung by a cute guy with great hair (it was the 80's afterall). And that was pretty much all it took to get me hooked. I was a Bon Jovi fan for life.

Friday night was the opening night for their U.S. tour. And the hubby, my friend Darcy and I went. It was fabulous. I cheered, I sang, I danced, it was great!

It was like Bon Jovi was singing right to me. Me, and several hundred other women who've loved him over the years as well.

Livin' on a Prayer

2010-02-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

That's right baby, it's here. Opening night of Bon Jovi's U.S. World Tour here in Seattle. And I will be there.

What's that? Wish you could be there too? Well, thanks to the generosity of Bon Jovi, and modern technology, you can. The first three songs of Friday's concert will be streamed live.

Enjoy. Because I will.

Oh, and expect a follow report on the concert this weekend.

Moral of the story: There is safety in numbers

2010-02-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

This past weekend a few friends and I headed to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts Festival. It was a gray, rainy February day but we were all looking forward to a little knitting, a little yarn shopping and hanging out with friends.

After a quick trip around the market place, I was pretty proud of myself for showing some serious restraint. I had a shopping plan. I wanted to pick up some Socks that Rock to make another clapotis. I have one, but I don't love and I don't wear it. I want to love it. And I want to wear it. I've learned a lot from my last one so I'm going to make another one.
After we all purchased a few things, it was time for lunch. We hopped on the light rail and headed into town for some beer, burgers and knitting. It was fun. Our waitress was just learning to knit so she was thrilled we were all sitting at her table.

Back at the retreat, we visited with more friends, chatted about books, podcast, movies and just generally enjoyed a rainy Saturday without thinking about things that needed to be cleaned, cooked or whatever back home. But then it was time to load up and head back to Seattle. Before that, however, Katie decided she needed one more trip to market place to check on some yarn. Not wanting to abandon our friend, we all decided to accompany her.

And that's when it happened. In less than 5 minutes into the marketplace, we all split up, ran around and fell down. A lot. We all fell onto lots of piles of soft, lovely yarn with our credit cards slipping through the card machines as we went down. And then we got up, laughed and ran to another booth where the same thing happened.

(So pretty. I was drawn to lots of pinks and reds for some reason. They were all very Meg like colors.)

When it was all said and done, we decided there was safety in numbers. But it sure was fun to split up. Now, to go play with my new yarn.

Nothing says I love you like handknit socks

2010-02-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

The first sock for the Hubby took me nearly a year to knit. I was bored with it. There were lots of other knitting projects that kept pushing these socks to the bottom of the knitting bag. But then, I decided, enough was enough. I was tired of always looking at them. I wanted them done. So I set a deadline and then knit like a mad woman on a mission. A mission for handknit socks for Valentine's Day. And it worked.

Pattern: Simple Socks by Cat Bordi
Yarn: I started these things so freakin' long ago I don't remember.

I've been working on these socks for so long that the first one actually went to France with me last March. Here it is at the beach in Nice. I'm happy to report I wasn't the only woman knitting at the beach that day. Just more proof that I could easily live in France.

February Blahs....

2010-02-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to avoid these this year. But I'm pretty sure the February Blahs have set it. I seem to be doing a lot of hibernating lately. No blogging, no surfing my favorite blogs, just a lot of taking it easy. Which is nice and all, but I'd like to be a little more productive and creative.

So I'm hoping Saturday's trip to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat will help! I'm not signed up for any classes but I'm ready to buy some yarn and be inspired by all the creative knitters who will be there!

I can't wait for a little show and tell!

P.S. Another reason I've been anti-the blog lately is because I'm frantically trying to knit up the hubby's socks for his Valentine's Day gift. Yes, those socks. The socks that I started nearly a year ago! Oh, and I'm still sucked into the Twilight series.

Oh Boy!

2010-02-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

I decided that 2009 was the year of the girl. Last year I whipped up projects for Emery, Sloane, Macie and Diya. Soren was the token male of the group.

And so far, 2010 is shaping up to be year of the boy. Taylor arrived not long ago. My coworker will have her baby boy in mid-April. A dear friend is having her second baby. And while it's too early to find out if she's having a boy or a girl, she does already have an adorable little boy! And my stalker, er, I mean friend from Purly Girls, Abby just announced she too is having a boy!

Now it's time to start looking for some adorable boy projects. I've got some ideas, but if you have any sugesstions, I'd love to hear them!

Sucked in

2010-02-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. I’ve recently started reading the Twilight series. And while they aren’t works of literary genius, they are quite addicting. I don’t remember the last time I blew through 500 plus pages in a weekend.

(This picture is completly and totally ripped off from Sara's site & her Twlight entry)

I will say this: my inner 15 year-old-girl is so loving it! While she can’t decide if she’s on Team Jacob or Team Edward (it flips pretty much with each chapter), one thing is for sure, neither of them are quite like Gilbert*. And my inner 15 year-old-girl will always be on Team Gilbert.

(*You get bonus points if you know what I’m referring too. That is anyone, except Sara!)

Stolen Hand Knit Items

2010-01-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

Stealing stuff is no good.

But stealing hand knit items, well, I'm sure there's a special place in hell for people who steal hand knit items.

My sister recently had some items, we'll say liberated, from her possession. Among them, a pair of hand knit fingerless gloves my mom worked very hard to make for her. They were super cute and she loved them.

I seriously hope, whoever owns them now, is at least wearing them. And I hope they are still wearing them when they are arrested and booked for stealing. I'm sure the cops will appreciate the fact that the perps fingers will be easily accessible for the finger printing portion of the booking process.

Ishbel: First Finished project of 2010

2010-01-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

I finished Ishbel last week and I love it! It's a beautiful shawl pattern that I would knit again.

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda

Yarn: Malabrigo Sock

Colorway: Stonechat

More pictures can be found on my flickr site or ravelry site.

The return of the sun

2010-01-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

I snapped this picture the other morning while waiting at the bus stop:

The sun was rising over the Cascade Mountains and reflecting in such a lovely way on the clouds. My camera phone seriously does not do this image justice at all. But as I enjoyed the colors on clouds it made me so happy to see the sun returning to the Pacific Northwest. The bus ride over the West Seattle bridge was so beautiful that morning, with the view of Mt. Rainier and the Duwamish River on one side and Elliot Bay and the Seattle skyline on the other side.

I wish I could have snapped a few more pictures, but mornings like that make me feel good to take that ride into work.

Welcome back sun. I hope you're hear to stay for a while. We missed you.

A take on the Market Tote

2010-01-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

I found some time in the sewing room today and after sifting through patterns and fabric I finally found a project that I could whip up in the afternoon. Sort of.

I made a modified version of Amy Butler's Market Tote*. I didn't have any home decorator fabric, but I had plenty of lovely cotton fabric so I pulled out some for the exterior and the lining. I also added a pocket with a little trim just because. I also didn't have enough fabric for the really long handles to run the length of the bag so I modified those as well. In my book, as long as handles can swing over your shoulder without cutting into your armpit, they'll work.

I think I'll make this pattern again and try the home decorator fabric to see what it's like. It's a good sized bag and I do love the shaping at the bottom of the bag which makes it deep and wide. I think this will be my new knitting bag for a while!

*I find it slightly ironic and funny that I've declared 2010 the year of clearing the clutter - especially my bag obsession. And what do I go and make for my first sewing project of the year? Yeah, a bag. Guess I need to take another bag to Goodwill or consignment!

A Homemade Life: my book report

2010-01-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to treat myself to Molly Wizenburg’s book A Homemade Life. I can honestly say it’s one of the best treats I’ve bought myself in a long, long while.

To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. Molly’s* writing is so clear and conversational, I felt like we were great friends and she was simply telling me about her day.

I believe Molly and I could actually be friends if we met in real life and here’s why:
1. We both live in Seattle, thus making the friendship geographically feasible.
2. We both have a slight obsession with Paris, to say the least (as I write this I am listening to French music).
3. We both love to cook, bake and eat.
4. We both love chocolate – dearly.
5. And she shares my belief that goat cheese pretty much makes any dish freakin’ rock.

I’ve recommended this book to pretty much everyone I know. If you haven’t read this yet, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The chapters are short and sweet and end with a recipe that leaves you with a bit of a hungry rumble going on in your tummy.

And it’ll make you want to call your dad just to say hi and tell him you love him.

All of those things my friends, are very good.

*On an somewhat unrelated noted, Rebecca sent me an email today about a soup cooking class next week, I had ready decided to sign up before I got to the bottom of the email and discovered the class is going to be held at Molly’s restaurant Delancey. I did a little dance of joy in my cubicle. Slightly stalkerish I know.

Red Onion, Potato and Goat Cheese Pizza

2010-01-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Potato Pizza. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'm crazy. Finally lost it. Well, you're not alone with that thought. But you're dead wrong.

There's this fabulous pizza place in town called Serious Pie. It's got some delicious, serious pizza. My favorite of which is the Yukon Gold Potato pizza. I've taken several out of town guests there for lunch and then made them try the pizza. They are all skeptical at first, but I make them try one bite. Then they usually admit it's fabulous, or they don't like it and I eat it all myself. Either way, I'm pretty happy.

So imagine my delight when I was flipping through a Cooking Light magazine and found a potato, onion and goat cheese pizza. I ripped it right out and decided this was going to be a staple in my kitchen before I ever made it.

If you're looking for a different type of pizza, I promise this won't disappoint.

Red Onion, Potato and Goat Cheese Pizza

Fruit...beware....

2010-01-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my sister gave me the book jam it, pickle, cure it. She also gave me a bunch of fun jars (plus some other fun goodies!) The book has a bunch of really great recipies for jams, pickles, meats, cheeses and crackers. I think this will keep me quite busy and hopefully quite full through out the seasons!

Ishbel

2010-01-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

I've cast on my Ishbel by Ysolda. It's beautiful and I love it. Practically everyone else in my knitting group was knitting one or had knit one and I so longed to have one as well. So I ran out and bought some fabulous yarn.

It's sock yarn from Malabrigo in stonecraft.

There are more pictures of my project on my Ravelry page and flickr site.

2009: Projects in Pictures

2010-01-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a few of the projects I worked on in 2009. From baby hats to jam to baby dresses, quilts, sweaters and a few little projects for me (hat, started a sweater and made myself socks). Oh, and I learned how to make creme brule. A pretty productive year if I do say so!

Looking back*

2010-01-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

It doesn’t seem like we’ve come to the end of a decade, but it’s all about 2010 now. And I thought I’d look back at the decade that has been the most meaningful to me. I can’t really remember everything but here are some of the highlights, and sadly, a few lowlights.

2000: While everyone I knew was out partying like it was 1999, I was in the Fox 12 News room in Nampa, Idaho waiting for whatever Y2K would bring us. If the world was going to meltdown, computer crash, ATM’s stop working, I was going to be there to report about it. Well, as you recall, it was a pretty uneventful night. The rest of the year was pretty much the same, but if I recall, a few friends and I had some pretty fun times!

2001: Of course this year is seared into all of our memories. 9/11 changed a lot. Even in Boise, Idaho. The economic impact from the attacks reached to the television world and the show I produced was cut, I was moved to part time back on the main news show I had started on. While I felt this was a setback in my career, a funny little thing happened along the way. Now that I was back on the night shift, I began a real friendship with the woman who had earlier replaced me on the main new show. She had been moved to reporter/anchor.

2002: This was the year that things began to change. One night after work, my new friend said, hey let’s go out for a drink. I of course, said sure! Then she added, my fiancé is going to meet us out and he might bring a friend, is that ok? Sure why not! And you guessed it, that friend of a friend would later become The Hubby. The year ended on a very sad note with the passing of my dear college friend Brian Ellis. He lost his life long battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Every time I go back to visit my old stomping grounds of the University of Idaho I think of him and all the fun we had there. I cheer extra loud at our football games to make up for the loss of his voice, but I know he’s cheering on from Heaven.

2003: A pretty good year, treasuring friends and having fun with the Boyfriend.

2004: This is one of the most impactful years of my life. After being with the TV station at a job I loved, it came to an abrupt and somewhat painful end on July 1 (I remember that date clearly because it was day one of the Golden Birthday Month, I was turning 29 on July 29th. Ironic I know.) It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. After spending a fun summer hanging out with my friends, hiking, going to our place in Cascade, Idaho, and of course doing a lot of knitting, I took a leap of faith in myself, my boyfriend and our relationship and I moved with him to Seattle, Washington that fall. It was a place I had been to twice briefly and where I knew no one and didn’t have a job. Shortly after we moved, I got a job offer from the Fox station in Seattle, but it wasn’t the job I wanted. After a lot of soul searching, I turned it down, hoping it wasn’t the end of my TV career. The fall brought new adventures as we explored our new city. Oh, and I found a knitting group online and decided to just show up and see what happened. I still show up every Monday night. Monday is now one of the best days of the week for me.

2005: This was the year I turned 30, took my first trip to Europe with a visit to London, Bath, Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France. And it won’t be my last. We were world travelers this year with a fall trip to visit family in the Grand Cayman Islands. Seriously, this is the place to have family to visit!

2006: On my birthday, the Boyfriend became the Fiancé. It was a great birthday as I had already planned the event. My friends were meeting up at the Fremont Outdoor Film Festival for a sing along showing of Grease. It was a great night. This is the year that I found my current job, back in TV, doing what I love, only at a much, much better schedule than working nights/holidays/weekends like a traditional TV station. I am very thankful for it and feel like I should enjoy my holidays for my TV friends still working/living that lifestyle! This was also the first year that I'd participate in my first triathlon! It was challenging event and I loved every minute of it. I went on to do event for the next three years.

2007: On June 16, the Fiancé became the Hubby. It was beautiful wedding and all of our family and friends made the trip to Seattle to celebrate with us. Then we spent a week and a half in Nassau, Bahamas on the beach. Not a bad way to celebrate the beginning of our adventure.

2008: The first year of marriage was a great one. A few trips here and there. We went back to NYC for a surprise trip for the In-laws wedding anniversary. Turned out it was the very same weekend Sara (now living in Washington, D.C.) was in town. It was great to meet up with her and spend a day in NYC together. Unfortunately, it was a sad visit, as our college friend Jen(and Sara and April’s college roommate) had lost her very long and very brave battle with breast cancer that very same weekend.

2009: Started with a fabulous once in a lifetime trip with my mom and sister to France! We rented an apartment in Paris and took in the sights and lifestyle. We visited Arles, Aux en Provence, and Nice. It was a trip like no other. A trip we will all cherish forever. My dad was sure we’d come back not speaking to each other, and while there were squabbles along the way, there was a lot of fun, laughter, wine and crème brulee. Shortly after my return, the Hubby and I found what would become our first house on Easter Sunday. By Memorial Weekend it was officially ours and we were in by the Fourth of July. The summer and fall sped by with gardening work, trips to the Oregon Coast, Priest Lake, Idaho, Cascade, Idaho, Boise, Idaho and then back to Post Falls, Idaho. Twice. It’s been a busy year. A busy decade for that matter. But a great year and decade.

I can’t wait for what 2010 has in store for us!
For my house to yours, I hope you had happy holidays and here’s to a wonderful 2010!

*I’m pretty sure these events happened in these years, but no promises! It was a long time ago!

It's a good day to be an Idaho Vandal!

2009-12-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

Now that is what college football games are all about!

The University of Idaho Vandals won their second bowl game today, the Humanitarian Bowl. I was at their first bowl game 11 years ago with some of my favorite Vandals (my sister and Sara). Tonight, we were all scattered all over the country but still watched the game and cheered together thanks to texts and cell phones!

With 38 seconds left and down seven points - after a back and forth leading game - the Vandals made it down the field to score the tying points. Then with 8 seconds left, instead of going for a field goal to tie the game and force it into overtime, they went for two points. And made it.

What a game - final score 43 to 42! What a day to be a Vandal!

2009: Holiday of the Hats

2009-12-20T18:37:00.000-08:00

The holiday of the hats has come to a close. It was a close one this year as I just finished the last hat. I seemed to have spaced out the fact that I didn't get a gift for my bestest friend. Not sure how that happened but luckily, I am a knitter so whipping up a last minute gift isn't that stressful. Rebecca offered up a pattern sugesstion: ButtonTab Knit Hat, a free pattern that is super cute and super easy. I highly recommend it. In fact, I may be whipping up one of these for me because is so cute! And really, you can never have too many cute knit hats now can you?

Project: Button Tab Hat from ilikelemons

Yarn: Cascade 220

Color: Merlot

Christmas Classics

2009-12-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

It seems all of the magazines this time of year have dozens of different types of cookies splashed across their pages. They are all pretty, mouthwatering and no doubt incredibly yummy. As a cookie connoisseur myself, I would love to bake them all. Despite all the new fancy recopies, I always come back to this staple in my family’s house: the sugar cookie.

My mom, sister and I have been making this recipe pretty much my entire life. When I was 3, my preschool teacher asked my mother if she’d make some cookies for our Christmas party. She gave her a recipe. And a tradition was born. Every year the three of us would make these with my dad acting as the official taste tester. It’s a rough job, but someone’s gotta do it.

Sugar Cookies

1 C butter

1 C sugar

1 C powdered sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 C vegetable oil

4 ¼ C sifted flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all the dry ingredients together with a wisk. Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and oil. Add dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix well. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake 9-12 mins at 350. Makes 7 dozen.

Or you can let them cool completely and frost with powdered sugar frosting.

Powdered sugar frosting

Heaping Tbl of soft butter

2 C powdered sugar

Add milk slowing to make right consistency

1 Tbl vanilla

Mix with mixer at high until just right.

From my family to your, enjoy the treats of the season!

Foliage redux

2009-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

The holiday season of hats continues. Of course, it took a slight detour the first time I knit the Foliage Hat for my sister (on the wrong sized needle). But now it's finished and I'm quite pleased with it. And if I do say so, it looks quite cute on me. Maybe Lindsay won't get the hat after all.....

Project: Foliage Hat from Knitty

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Some Summer Sky

A Hand-me-down with love

2009-12-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, I knit one of my first baby sweaters for my dear friend Jen who was expecting her first baby. She and I had both moved away from Boise and were now, quite literally on the opposite ends of the country; she was in Richmond, VA and I was in Seattle. I wished I could be there to throw her a shower and to go shopping for cute baby things the way we had shopped for single girl things - a new lipstick, cute top for a hot new date, shoes. But I couldn't. So I did the next best thing. I knit her a baby sweater for her first born. I knit it with love. There are a few mistakes in it. And I swore at it along the way, but Jen knows that about me and still loves me so it's ok. Not only did Jen love this sweater, my first sweater, but her baby girl Isha loved this sweater.

And you know what? Isha baby sister now loves this sweater. And I couldn't be happier. Ok, I could be if I could be there in person to meet Diya, hang out with her, Isha and Jen.

Sweater: Child's Placket Sweater from LMNK
Yarn: It's been a while and I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure it's the same as the yarn called for in the pattern.