on the cusp of craft

Inspiration: Kittens, Foxes & Owls

2011-11-10T10:45:00.001-08:00

With little one on the way I have been completely consumed with knitting bitty things for baby. Two hats, one from stash, the other planned complete with little fair isle elephants. My latest is a sheep, who looks more like a snowball with a tail right now. Last night at knitting group I shared the book I recently purchased, Itty Bitty Toys, that the sheep pattern came from. The knitter who looked through it was thrilled with the patterns and got me thinking that maybe I should knit a doll for baby. I'm not really a doll person, but I know so many little girls are.
These little animals in pants, shoes and bloomers might just be the hybrid to cross me over into loving dolls. Made by Blabla, they come in trendy colors, patterns and the latest cool animals. And if dolls don't float your boat, there are mobile's for baby's room, backpacks for bigger kids and a few items for those who are still kids at heart.

Knitting: Knit Baby Hat #1

2011-10-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm anxiously waiting the arrival of our little baby girl and aside from fretting where she'll room in our small house, I've started nesting and knitting. This is sure to be the start of a new phase of knitting projects for me. I have to agree with so many others that knitting baby items is fun and so quick to complete. I can't wait to put this on our cutie patootie and get a proper photo though.

Inspiration: knit i-phone earbud cord cover

2011-10-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

I don't even own an i-phone and I want to knit these!

Check out the tutorial and disco sounds over on Wonderfully Akward's blog.

Inspiration: Ruffled Shirt Tutorial

2011-10-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this pretty ruffled t-shirt tutorial from Tea Rose Home. I've started embracing my girly side and shying away from the all black hairdresser wardrobe that used to be so comfortable and safe. So what if brown is my new black? But over the last few years I have incorporated ruffles, polka dots and even a yellow tie neck t with puffy sleeves (it's only been worn twice, but it's a start, right?). My latest girly purchase is a dusty rose colored maternity top with sequins. Yikes, I know!

The sewing bug always hits me on sunny days like today, especially in my favorite season, fall. But today is a work day and this will have to wait. I'm loving and filing this one for a future craft day.

Inspiration: Feeling Crafty? Cross Stitch Your iPhone

2011-07-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

The base is available in a nice selection of colors, but you bring the creativity to the table when you custom cross-stitch your iPhone cover. Covers run $18.

Photography: More Madrona 2011

2011-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Cleaning up the computer and found a few more photos to post from Madrona Fiber Arts 2011.

Knitting: Oeuf!

2011-04-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Came across Oeuf today. Yes, that's the sound I make too if I get socked in the stomach, stub my toe or generally feel unwell. Maybe there is a different way of pronouncing it that escaped me?
Any who, they sell beautiful knit items I just couldn't wait to share. I have a list in my head started of the goodies I must have someday, starting with the 3 pack of knit mustaches. Then maybe a racoon tail or two. I know, adorable!
Aside from all of that cuteness that made me want, want, want, there is a good side too. Fair trade baby. So the Alpaca might be getting the shaft, but the workers are at least treated with dignity.

Inspiration: Compulsive Knitting

2011-03-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

This show by Daniela Edburg cracks me up. And slightly resembles a certain group of people I hang out with once a week. She must get her knit on quite regularly herself looking at the amount of work that went into each shot.

Butternut Squash In Spicy Peanut Sauce

2011-03-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Butternut Squash In Spicy Peanut Sauce served over a bed of hearty udon noodles.

Lentil Soups

2011-03-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Rosemary and garlic scented kale, and roasted red pepper ribbons served on top of balsamic lentils.

Roasted vegetable panini on rosemary-rye bread and curried lentil soup.

Home Made Tofu

2011-03-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Crochet: Simeli, Ultra Feminine Bike Wear

2011-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

I honestly think I need one of these. How do you think it would look kicking ass on an off road ride wearing one of these? Mud puddles would be no problem. Super cool dress guards can be ordered in a plethora of colors. If I had a granny bike like that, I would be all over these.

Knitting: Win Win, Stomp Out Ovarian Cancer With Handknit Socks

2011-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

“Egg-stra” Special Sock Kit. This sock pattern was once more designed by Rosemary “Chappy” Chapman, this time in honor of my sister. The Teal color of Trekking in this kit is the official color designated to ovarian cancer, and has been specially dyed just for this cause. Every design aspect of this sock, from the cuff to the toe, is a reminder to us that ovarian cancer can be beaten if we, as women, unite. Skacel will be donating $15.00 for each kit sold, to the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research (www.marsharivkin.org). Our goal is to raise $100,000. Please note that kits purchased through both Jimmy Bean's Wool and Webs will have their entire purchase price of $25.00 donated to the center! Read more...

See who else is knitting the Egg-stra on Ravelry.

Purchase the kit online:
Jimmy Beans Wool
Webs

Inspiration: Knitting Needle Holder

2011-02-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

I ran across this image with the work credited to Rosemarry Haddon of "Prick Your Finger". A giant crochet hedgehog complete with prickles. Isn't it great?

Photography: Madrona Fiber Arts 2011

2011-02-21T03:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the annual Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat in Tacoma, WA. I have yet to sit in on a class, but those that did had wonderful things to say. My stash did not grow today. Instead I spent time looking at and enjoying the hard work of the knitters, weavers, spinners, hand dyed yarn crafters, and everything between. Yarn was ogled, roving was fondled.

Inspiration: Been Trying To Meet Ya

2011-02-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Recipe: Best Molasses Cookies Ever | Vegan

2011-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is by far one of my favorite cookie recipes. It's is in the Vegan with a Vengeance cookbook, along with one of the best Peanut Butter Cookie recipes ever, so go get it. When I'm in the mood for something sweet, this book never disappoints.

And if that doesn't convince you to at least try this recipe, here's a note I just received from a friend... "I woke up thinking about those molasses cookies you brought to Toshis last time... would you share the recipe with me? They were the best ones I've ever had."

Uh huh, they're that good!

Sparkle Ginger Cookies
Recipe from Vegan with a Vengeance

4 T turbinado sugar (sprinkled on top of cookie)
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 c canola oil
1/4 c molasses
1/4 c soy milk
1 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350*. Lightly grease two cookie sheets. Place the turbinado sugar in a small bowl.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. In a separate large mixing bowl, mix together the oil, molasses, soymilk, sugar and vanilla. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and combine well. Roll into 1-inch balls, flatten into a 1 1/2 inch diameter disk, press the cookie tops into the turbinado sugar and place 1 inch apart sugar side up on a prepared cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes, let cool on cookie sheets for 3-5 minutes, transfer to cooling rack.

Inspiration: Knitting as Art | Vimeo Captured Winner

2011-01-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Art is all around us, even in something as mundane as knitting. Being able to see and explore the possibilities, Casual Profanity gave us a gift. This tiny gem was a matter of being able to see the beauty in the ordinary.

Recipe: Spicy Szechuan Green Beans

2011-01-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

I've been looking out the window every half hour since last night when I learned we were under a winter storm watch. Things have since been downgraded to a rain snow mix for this evening turning to rain in the wee hours, but the little kid in me can't help to keep hoping, wishing and checking for those delicate white flakes to grace us with their beauty. Two weeks ago when the peak of the busy season was upon us, we had a freeze. Instead of snow, we woke to little balls of frozen ice crystals. They were all over like someone had sprinkled a layer of styrofoam on the ground and covered everything else with twinkling crystals of light. It was magical and worth going out into the freezing morning air with my camera.

We are now in week two of the new year and I'm still catching up and tying loose ends from 2010. One of those on my to-do list is blog all the yummy vegan fare we've been eating. As of late, there has been a lot of Thai take-out and I won't be blogging about that except to say, Yay!, we found a local joint I'm proud to announce is my favorite. My knitting has been on hold for a while, but I still managed to aquire some new stash from Spincycle Yarns at Seattle's Urban Craft Uprising. So with an apology for an excess of blurry camera-phone photos, and a snowy nod to this happy New Year, here is the latest from my so-called crafty life.

I stood and stared, picked a color, changed my mind, picked another, changed my mind again. I'm not one for hasty decisions. Two gorgous hanks of handspun did go home with me to be whipped into treasures I'll use as photo props. And dang that camera-phone for failing me. This yarn was such a treat for the eyes to look at, believe me.

Anyone who was at the Urban craft uprising this year probably agrees with me that it was packed. It may not look it from the photo, but once you were in th crowd, you got to know the people around you very well.

Szechuan Green Beans and mixed greens with Goddess dressing. Seriously my favorite way of having green beans; salty, garlicy and spicey. Recipe below.

A vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Ginger mustard seed brussel sprouts, vanilla cranberry and pear compote (which makes killer martinis! More on those later.) complete with Bryanna Clark Grogan's vegan turkey, but with a twist. I was able to incorporate some okara into the "turkey" for a nicer texture and more protien. Recipe mod below.

I managed to pull of a whole meal that looked pretty while cleaning out the fridge. This is a quinoa with steamed asparagus, steamed Chioggia beets (color drained from camera phone and a little over cooking. my bad.), raw carrot-turnip salad lightly drizzled with Meyer lemon olive oil, and roasted cinnamon pepper sweet potato wedges.

Szechuan Green Beans

1 lb green beans

1 T garlic, chopped

1 T ginger, chopped

2 scallions white parts only

1/2 t chili paste

1 T dark soy sauce

1/2 t sugar

1/4 t salt, or to taste

Pepper to taste, optional

2 T vegetable or peanut oil

Wash and trim the tops and bottoms of beans, then cut diagonal into slices approximately 2 inches long.

Chop the garlic, ginger and white part of the scallions.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat.

Add beans and stir fry until they start to shrivel or "pucker" and turn brown (5 - 7 minutes). Remove beans and drain in a colander or on paper towels.

Heat 1 T oil in the wok on high heat. Add garlic, ginger and scallions. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the chili paste and stir-fry for a few more seconds until aromatic. Add the beans and the remaining ingredients. Mix together and serve.

Vegan Turkey

This recipe is one of Bryanna Clark Grogans, but for the life of me I cannot find a link to it. If you do find it, and would like to use up some of your left over okara, I simply substituted 1 cup okara for 1 cup of the tofu. I liked the texture a bit more this way than the original recipe.

Knitting: Double Deluxe

2010-11-25T23:41:00.000-08:00

Today I delivered a little holiday cheer to my two favorite dogs. Somehow I think I got so much more delight out of it than they did, but they were sports just the same. So Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my family and friends, their love, support and health (and for friends that will let me do this to their dogs).

Pattern: To Humiliate The Dog

Inspiration: Looking To Nature, Looking At Art

2010-11-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

I saw these gems as I was on my morning walk. Their heart shapes, by nature or nibbled into it, were both caught by my eye. They got me thinking again of inspiration; what inpires us to create?

Last week I spent a few hours at the Picasso exhibit at SAM. I was not a huge fan of the paintings displayed, but I found it hard not to be drawn into the work, especially his drawings. For me, trying to see what he saw before reading the titles and figuring out what it really was, became part of the enjoyment. Your imagination was running full speed trying to keep up with this guy who made a career out of seeing like a child. It is well known he gained inspiration from his lovers along the way; Picasso also found inspiration in the bombing of Guernica and created one of his most famous works.

So with Picasso in mind and that ever constant battle with my artist within, I leave you with this quote:

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~Pablo Picasso

Inspiration: Faux Fur And Feathers

2010-11-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Anthropologie is always one of my favorite stores and websites to haunt for eye candy and inspiration. Their catalogs are always dreamy and I'd step into one if I could. With the weather getting cold, I took a peek to see their latest scarves for winter. While they still have their typical soft and drapey antho-style pieces, here are a couple that caught my eye. Fox stole anyone?

Recipe: Okara, Not Okra | Soy Milk Maker Part 2

2010-11-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's nearly two weeks since we received our SoyQuick I've already made about 10+ batches of homemade soy milk. It really is easy and fast to make, clean up is a snap and the results are delicious. And right out of the gate I tried something new with the left over okara. Hubby was proud, and excited to try...
Vegan Crab Cakes. I don't know if I'm supposed to spell crab with a k in this instance or not.

I used to eat seafood and sometimes I liked it. Crab cakes weren't on the like list, but I wanted to like them. They always looked so good with their goldeny fried outsides and the sauces that went with. The recipe I followed promised they tasted like real crab cakes without smelling up the house. Aside from a overdose of salt via Old Bay and my heavy hand, they kind of did.

We served our up with golden baked rosemary potato wedges, and a garden salad. If anything, it was nice to have tartar sauce again.

Vegan "Crab" Cakes

2 slices whole wheat bread, broken into large pieces

1/2 cup minced celery (use a food processor to chop all vegetables quickly)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, minced

1/2 green pepper, minced

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 1/2 cups okara (about what you get from making one batch of soymilk in a soymilk machine)

1/2 cup oatmeal (the quick kind, not instant)

1-2 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning

1 tsp. nori or dulse flakes (may use other flaked sea vegetable)

In a food processor or blender, whirl bread pieces into fine crumbs. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until dried and toasty. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a non-stick skillet, cook celery, onion, carrot, pepper and parsley until softened, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine okara, sautéed vegetable mixture, oatmeal, and seasonings. Mix well and set aside to “rest” for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Using about 1/4 cup for each cake, form mixture into about 15-20 patties about 2 inches across and 1/2 inch thick. Coat each side of the patty with bread crumbs and place on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Carefully turn cakes over and return to the oven to bake until second side is toasty and browned, about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't had pumpkin pie in over 3 years now and figured it was time to get over my aversion to tofu filling and give it a try.

Verdict? Delicious crust, ok pie. It did hit the spot. And the husband made "mmmmm" sounds with every bite. I think I'll try new recipes before saying "mmmmm" with every bite though.

Was it the same as the pumpkin pie I grew up on? No, but not in a bad way, just different. The recipe I used says to bake for 1 hour or until the knife comes out clean. I used fresh pumpkin puree, and it baked for 1 1/2 hours until I finally said that's enough and figured it had to set up a bit in the fridge. Thankfully it did and we didn't have a plate of ooze on crust which was quite delicious and I will use that recipe again.

Here's a photo of its yummy goodness before it took pie form. Since the pie had minor acupuncture, I opted not to take it's after photo.

Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Crust:
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c pecan pieces
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs sugar
1 c shortening

Filling:
1 (16.oz) package extra firm lite silken tofu
1 (16.oz) can pumpkin puree
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c plus 2 Tbs maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 c pecan halves

Method:
For the crust, pulse flour, pecans, salt and sugar in a food processor until pecans are ground. Add shortening and pulse until almost combined, then add 3 tablespoons ice water and pulse until just blended. Gather dough into two balls, and then press each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours until firm. Once chilled, roll out into a 9-inch circle on a lightly floured surface and fit into an 8-inch pie pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the filling, preheat oven to 400*F. Blend tofu in a food processor or blender until creamy and smooth. Add pumpkin, sugar, 1/4 cup of the maple syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and blend well. Set aside. Set aside 8 pecan halves to use for garnish. In a small bowl, toss remaining pecan pieces with remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup, then place evenly on the bottom of the pie shell. Pour filling into pie shell and bake approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean. Set pie aside to let cool, then top with non-dairy topping and decorate with remaining 8 pecan halves.

Fresh from the bean! | Soy Milk Maker, Part 1

2010-10-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Like most households we drink a lot of milk. Being vegan, ours just happens to be soy milk. So in an effort to get a bit greener and complicate my life further, I decided it was time to cut out the cartoned milk and make my own.

Enter SoyQuick 930P. You’d think it came with its own Light Saber, right? There are a few different models of soy milk makers out there and the reviews vary from “great” to “meh”. After reading over the different brands/reviews, I forked over a few $$ and jumped in.

Here's my initial response: I LOVE it!

Ok, so it's a teensy fussy to get the skins off the soy beans, but everything else so far has been a breeze and the milk? It’s delicious. And naturally, I was skeptical. I've tried a lot of commercial brands, some are overly sweetened, others a bit too beany for my taste. Before it arrived I found a recipe to christen it with. I've made 3 batches today, drank two glasses and used it in my morning smoothie. Here's the recipe I used, with the exception of the barley malt, which I haven't picked up from the store yet. I don’t think it needs it though, and I’ll be cutting back the vanilla and the sugar content in future batches. Additionally I have added 2 Tbsp of Liquid Calcium to ward away osteoporosis.

Julie’s Homemade Soymilk

This soymilk has a wonderful malted flavor and silky texture. It’s a favorite around our house, and has become our go-to recipe. I developed this recipe for the new Soyquick Premier Milk Maker 930P, which is filterless. If you’re adapting the recipe for a different machine, you’ll need to reduce the amount of soybeans and water, according to the manufacturer’s directions.

3/4 cup (or 1 2/3 cups with the special Soyquick measure cup), soaked overnight
1 tbsp rolled oats
1 tbsp white jasmine rice, rinsed
Filtered water to the second water-mark (about 6 1/2 cups)
4 tbsp dry barley malt extract
2 tbsp agave syrup, organic sugar or other sweetener of choice
Pure vanilla extract, optional
Pinch salt

1. Rinse soaked soybeans, removing skins, if desired. Fill machine with water to the top water line. Add soybeans, oats and rice. Turn machine on and prepare milk according to manufacturer’s directions. Unplug machine, remove top, and set aside to cool down.

2. Strain soymilk into a large pitcher. Add barley malt extract, agave, vanilla (if using), and salt. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate once it’s completely cool.

Stepping Out of the Box

2010-10-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my big news for this week! I'm stepping out of the box in two directions.
Saturday is big for JFP; my first photography workshop for the WSU Extention and the Tacoma Art Museum Gala auction which I have two auction items in. If you find yourself at either event, please come heckle me and check out a few of my favorite portraits. Let me know what you think!

Yarn Swap: Leaving with better yarn

2010-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

The knitting group I hang out with (shameless plug here: Terrible Knitters of Kent) held a yarn swap this weekend. The idea was to bring in your excess, uninspired and unwanted yarns, pool them with everyone elses e.u.u. yarns and then raffle off the goods to those who wanted them. Any left over yarns were to be given to a local knitting charity.

I don't know how, but I walked away with a lot of very nice yarn. Much nicer than the basket of Sugar & Cream I came in with. Who was I kidding when I bought all of that? I don't even use cloth dish cloths. Aside from being delighted to have a basket full of beautiful new yarn, this will help keep me inspired and (hopefully) out of the yarn store for a while.

Recipe: Vegan Green Curry

2010-10-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for green curry. It's my standard whenever we go out to Thai. In an attempt to be cheap and ditch the usual takeout, I bought a small jar of curry paste and made a lackluster dish of my own. It was very mild even after I doubled the amount of curry paste in the recipe, and too sweet for my liking. There had to be a good curry recipe out there that would make my tastebuds sing, perhaps even in my stash of cookbooks.

I have this great cookbook from Rebar in Victoria that I often find friends asking for recipes from for this dish or that. It never disappoints. Their curry had just the right amount of heat without being overly spicy, and a very fresh taste and a lemongrass tang. I'll admit it was a little bit more fuss to prepare than I usually like for a weeknight, but as our dinner guests said "it was worth the wait".

Green Curry Paste

Yields 1 ½ cups

1 Tbsp whole coriander
2 tsp cumin seed
2 tsp black pepper corns
4 garlic cloves
1 oz ginger or galangal
½ cup chopped shallots
2 jalapeno peppers, with seeds
2 lemongrass stalks
4 scallions
½ tsp red chile flakes
1 bunch cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 Tbsp salt
½ cup peanut oil

Toast the coriander, cumin and peppercorns in a hot, dry skillet until fragrant. Cool and grind to a fine powder.

Slice off the root ends and the top two-thirds of the lemongrass stalks. Peel away the outer layer of the remaining bottom pieces and discard the trimmings. Roughly chop the lemon grass. Combine all of the ingredients, including the ground spices, in a food processor. Pulse several times and stop to scrape down the sides. Puree to a smooth paste. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

Monk’s Curry

Serves 4

1 recipe sesame baked tofu (used plain extra firm tofu, pressed to release water)
1 can coconut milk
4 Tbsp green curry paste
6 fresh kaffir lime leaves, stemmed and shredded
¼ cup stock or water
2 red potatoes, 1/8” thick quarter-moon slices (used Kabocha squash instead)
1 Tbsp palm or brown sugar
2 Tbsp soy sauce
4 Tbsp fish sauce (omit & use soy for vegan)
2 Japanese eggplants, half-moon slices
½ lb oyster mushrooms, sliced
4 baby bok choy, leaves separated
2 bunches scallions, 1-inch long slices
Juice of 1 lime
1/3 cup Thai basil leaves or cilantro, chopped
¼ cup peanuts, roasted and chopped

Heat a wok over medium heat and add 13 can coconut milk. Heat to a simmer and add the curry paste. Work the paste into the coconut milk to thoroughly combine. Add lime leaves and stock and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes, cover and cook at a gentle simmer until the potatoes are just tender.

Stir in the palm sugar, soy and fish sauce, eggplant, mushrooms and remaining coconut milk. Cover and continue to simmer until all the vegetables are tender.

Turn up the heat and add the tofu, bok choy and scallions. Simmer until the bok choy wilts and the sauce reduces and thickens.

Just before serving, stir in the lime juice, basil or cilantro and season to taste with more fish or soy sauce. Serve with jasmine rice garnished with roasted peanuts, chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf

2010-10-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

This little baby was knit-in-public friendly and super quick to finish. More often than knot my knitting group projects are super basic, otherwise I find myself going into auto-pilot and messing up the patterns. I worked this in Crystal Palace "Mini-Mochi", a washable 80% merino/ 20% nylon blend, that I picked up at the Knittery, along with the pattern. I love the slipped edge and how soft it feels wrapped around my neck. I'm hoping the gift recipient loves it too! Xmas knitting strike one!

Virgin

2010-10-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Of at least these two things: Sheep-to-Shawl and hand spun yarn.

I hadn't planned an excursion beyond the funeral I was attending, but a lazy morning reading the paper lead me to the days happenings section, and much to my delight, a Sheep-to-Shawl was going on in the very town I was in. So with only an hour left of the S-t-S I dashed over to what was probably the smallest knitting event I've seen. But one with miniature pony rides and a really cool vintage hat display nonetheless.

There were 4 booths, 5 if you count the painter who didn't have a lick of fiber portrayed in her work. Two vendors feverously spun away from huge baskets of freshly sheared fleece. Another was working on some miniscule version of what I believe was tatting. And then there was a woman demonstrating how the raw fleece was combed and combed until the fibers all lay the same way, and then spun it up. The finished product was smooth, lumpy, and somewhere in between. She pulled bits of puff that didn't quite get tangled in, doubled it up on it's self and voila! Hand spun yarn was born.

Many of my friends come away from events like this with arms cradling their newly acquired stash. My score was not to be had that day. A certain yellow yarn I just can't seem to locate is out there somewhere waiting for me, and so my purchases amounted to a $4 cat toy and a strip of raffle tickets that only left my wallet lighter. Ooh, and these adorable stickers I have no idea what I'm going to do with.

I'm sure one of these days I will venture into the handspun yarns, but for now I have a small collection of yarns large enough to keep me busy well into the next few years.

Shindigs Martini Bar

2010-03-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Squash

2010-03-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a loooong time, but think it's time I get back into posting for fun too. Today I tried a new recipe from Vegan Dad, it's a recipe for Bourbon Glazed Acorn Squash. Sounds exotic!
There was half of a huge squash leftover in the fridge, and no bourbon, so I used Capt'n Spiced Rum instead. The glaze mixture was delicious and tasted like hot buttered rum batter. I could have eaten the whole bowl minus the squash and spoon, but didn't. I served the roasted squash on a bed of quinoa along side an organic salad, ingredients from Full Circle Farm, drizzled with smoked tomato dressing. I didn't plan the table cloth to coordinate. That was a happy accident.

Knitting: Bunny for Bradley

2009-06-18T16:32:00.001-07:00

This was a super quick knit. Slightly challenging to decipher how to sew, but ok if you trust the pattern.

Knitting:Rib & Cable Socks, part two

2008-12-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

They're finished and on my feet. Are all handknit socks this comfy? Or is it because I have spent so much time knitting them and I love them so much?

Props for Prop 2!

2008-11-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

The results are in and California's proposition 2 wins! A huge step in the right direction, a long way from where we need to be.

Rib & Cable Socks, part one

2008-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have one sock down, one to go. I'm in love and can't wait to wear both!

Where my summer went.

2008-10-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have talked for many years about moving or building or remodelling and finally did something about it. The addition started July 3rd and it's a long way until completion yet. Mid October is already here and it's been 5 weeks since our kitchen was torn out. My husband and his father busted their humps for 2 months straight before the slow burnout began. His father has since headed home and we're slowly making progress. Last night there was a glimmer of hope for the kitchen, as the oven was put into place. You can find photos and more at our house blog http://slavetothehouse.blogspot.com/ where my husband posts much more frequently than I do.

Photography: Summer

2008-07-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

I stole this moment as one of my little subjects bathed in the warm summer sun. It reminds me to appreciate how beautiful childhood and all of its innocence is.

xo jen
JFP

Photography: Kittens 'heart' YouTube too

2008-07-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

For three years in a row we've fostered feral kittens for the Seattle Humane Society. It's a win-win for me and the kittens. They get a loving home that safely watches over them until it's time to be adopted, and we get KITTENS!!! for a few weeks.

Here is one example of how I like to corrupt their wee little minds. YouTube kitten videos. They loved it!

Red, Blue & Red and Blue

2008-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

I had a great day paling around with my friend Jodi and our cameras. Check out more of my work on my website and photo blog. Jennifer Finch Photography. Thanks for looking!

Sera Cahoone

2008-03-30T23:02:00.001-07:00

I was pretty excited to go see Sera Cahoone perform last night. My husband and I saw her open for Sara Bettens a year or so ago and she was great, but still playing itty bitty venues. It didn't even dawn on me to buy tickets this time. I suck. The show was sold out. Take a listen.

A box of bunnies and a pan of lasange

2008-03-25T09:52:00.001-07:00

My favorite fruit is in season again!

Last night we tested the Veganomicon Lasagne Marinara with Spinach. As expected, it's really tasty! It looks like something the cat barfed up, but it really does taste great. We also tested the Chocolate Banana Pudding Brownies from Vegan with a Vengeance, which tasted delicious, even if a bit sweet. They completely stuck to my bakeware, so no picture.

Meat eater in a vegan world / vegan for a day

2008-03-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

My dad visited this weekend and he's a meat eater. He grew up in farm country, worked on farms as a kid and can make some mean biscuits and gravy. Dad has a lot of influence in my love of cooking. Making food beautiful was always important to him. Even if he made ramen noodles, he'd dress it up with something colorful and tasty.

Over the years Chrones Disease has made him change the way he eats. Nothing spicy, no whole grains, no tough outer peels on foods (ie, cucumber, nut skins), nothing fiberous (lettuce doesn't sit well either) no red meats, no onion (too spicy), no peppers (even paprika counts in that category). Almost everything we cook has spice and lots of fiber so even a couple days was challenging for cooking ideas. An internet search on low fiber diets and some perusing through my cookbooks and we were set. Enter Vegan With A Vengeance Potato-Asparagus Soup. Even with skipping the onion and pepper this soup has tons of flavor. We served ours in a crusty sourdough cannonball with steamed beets in a fresh basil viniagrette and apple pie a la mode (soy style of course) and it was delicous!

The next day was busy working on his house, so for lunch it was a quick trip to Taco Time. For dinner a salad of peeled cucumber, tomatos and kalamata olives tossed in a light dill viniagrette and for the main pesto and tomato pizza. I think he was surprised with how cheese like the cheeze tasted.

Today I topped the trip off with a big glass of soy milk and a pb&j. Dad is unofficially vegan. Well, at least this week.

Bartha, Parathas & a Loaf of Bread

2008-03-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Paratha Recipe: Vegan Yum Yum
Bartha Recipe: Website

Bread Recipe: Allrecipes.com

When Home Theaters Attack...The Morning After.

2008-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Is Your Money Where Your Mouth Is?

2008-02-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Be a Better World Shopper today!

Butternut Goodness

2008-02-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Seed Rice Paper Rolls from Veganomicon.
Pretty easy to make once I got the hang of wrapping the buggers. The most tedious part was dicing the squash in to 1/4" bits.

Beautiful portraits in unusual places

2008-02-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, I admit that I may look a little too long when walking past a package of Calvin Klein mens underwear, but can you blame me? There's a perfectly sculpted torso of a headless fantasy man. The internet leads me to strange and unexpected places. For example, Emporio Armani's website to look at underwear no less. These aren't just underwear though. This is David Beckham wearing underwear. And you want to know how I ended up on that site? I was looking at toilet installation info on Bob Vila's website which was encircled by these beautiful portraits of 3/4 naked man. No joke. But enough, go check out the underwear already!

Spring Cleaning

2008-02-21T15:04:00.001-08:00

We're being teased by the sun into thinking it's spring this week. My flowers are starting to come up and I've got the itch to clean. My friend Angie has a great trick to keeping her hat, gloves and scarves all tidy; shoe organizers! I just had to get me some organization, so I copied her tricky idea. Luckily I whipped everything out of the clusterf*ck of a closet before I could grab my camera for a before photo. If you look closely in the second closet photo, you can see my Karaoke Cable Scarf & We Call Them Pirates safely tucked away.

Knitting Bag Bagged

2008-02-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

It sucks when you're all excited about a project and then somewhere in there you lose interest or inspiration. This happened to my knitting bag to-be. I don't dig the yarn color. I don't dig the wood color and I'm not sure the tweed is helping any. I've lost perspective and can't decide if it's gramdma cool or uncool. I give up.

Fluffy White Cupcakes w/ Vegan Buttercream

2008-02-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Cupcake recipe: Shmooed Food.com

Frosting recipe: Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World

Post Holiday Vegan Swap 2008

2008-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here's everything all wrapped up and ready to get sent to my first swap recipient. I made the 'Eye Mask' from Handknit Holidays for my secret pal Luciousfibers, along with a bootie of other goodies, some handmade, some not. It is knit from Classic Elite Imagine, which I can't find on their website, but did find this adorable little scarflette which I will be making soon.

From my Vegan Swap Pal I received a bounty of goodies which included a delicous 450 calorie chocolate chip cookie that got eaten immediately. A raspberry chocolate bar, which I'm still working over a week later. A lovely note about her trek to Arizona across a frozen tundra with her daughter and yarning (is that a word?) along the way. Lotion, delightful yummy lotion. And two types of yarn, bamboo sock yarn I'd been eyeballing and a lovely skein of olive colored cotton with a few patterns to kick start the madness. I am in heaven! Thanks so much Yogini2!!

Mad About Ewe

2008-02-04T10:44:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I went to Nanaimo, B.C. this weekend for a dive trip. No I did not dive. I knit and went to Mad About Ewe Fine Yarns to check out their selection. It's a small shop, but they have a nice selection of yarns I had not yet seen. Like the Handmaiden Sea Silk that feels wonderful, and I picked up their Casbah sock yarn for a gift. They had a great fingerless glove pattern with delicate little cables which got for myself. I've always thought fingerless gloves looked useless, but after knitting when it's chilly, I know that I'm going to love them. They also had Lantern Moon bag handles which will be perfect for finishing my knitting bag!

I was going to post a picture of my knitting bag in progress, went to Ravelry to link it and this is what I got. Bug eyed Bob!

Food, glorious food!

2008-01-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

I've feel like I've been posting like crazy about food and it's because I am crazy about food. I'm very excited about all the delicous vegan recipes I've come across and delighted that they pass the hubby test. Today we tried a new recipe for "Spicy Italian Vegetarian Sausages" at Everyday Dish and they are spicy and fabulous. I can't wait to test them out with sauerkraut and mashed potatos. I'm sure we could make a German version too if I were to look up the spice content of your average brat.

Recently I joked to a friend that I may be the only one ever to switch to a vegan diet and gain weight. The sad thing is, it's true!

Last week we bought an inexpensive popcorn maker since my Costco box of popcorn ran out. It was the worst $10 we've spent. The plastic started to melt on the first batch, which was smokey, and on top of that, it didn't hold enough and we needed to immediately start another batch. Today we broke down and got a "real" popcorn maker. Tonight, it's me, a movie and endless popcorn baby!

Vegan Yum Yum

2008-01-30T16:20:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say Vegan Yum Yum is awesome. There are so many wonderful dishes and the photography makes me want to lick my monitor. Today our lunch was the Vegan Yum Yum dish of the day, Lemon Pepper Pasta, and quite tasty at that. I'm looking forward to trying many more of the recipes over there. Yum!

Move over Clive, here comes Edgar

2008-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

Clive

Ok, I'm shallow. I admit it. I saw my first glimpse of Clive Owen when Bourne Identity came out. He was cute in that movie and absolutely hot in Closer. Now the latest villian in the Bourne series is played by the delicious Edgar Ramirez and he's especially sexy in Domino. Phew. Glad I got that out.

BBQ

2008-01-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

While surfing recipes yesterday I ran across this one for Susan V’s Barbecued Seitan Ribz at Everyday Dish. She even has videos on youtube that show how easy it is to make them! Originally I was looking for something new to do with a butternut squash (she has a pumpkin hummus recipe I can't wait to try!). We tried the ribz and they are finger lickin good. Hubby was thrilled that it was like eating real ribs, minus the fat, gristle and bone. I didn't take a photo, but they even look like them in the pan since you cut the dough into strips. Woo hoo!

Get Smart, Feed the World

2008-01-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

Searching for vegan recipes has led me to a few interesting websites. Today brought me to FreeRice.com where you can get smart AND help feed the world. Try it, you might like it.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

2007-12-29T17:39:00.001-08:00

Mmmm good! Recipe from Veganomicon.

Counterpane Pouch

2007-12-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

My finished green cotton counterpane pouch. Pattern from Handknit Holidays.

Hat & Hat

2007-12-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Mesh Juliet Cap pattern from Churchmouse Yarn & Tea

We Call Them Pirates pattern from Helloyarn.com

Christmas Knitting

2007-12-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

We've been skipping Christmas gift giving for a few years now, much to our and our families relief. Still a few things slip by and we all end up getting a gift. This is one of my knit items, a mini sweater Christmas ornament complete with a hand crafted hanger.

Knitting with Wire

2007-12-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

I am not a big fan of this project. It felt tedious even thought it probably took less than an hour. The candle on the other hand is awesome. It's soy and smells yummy like baking cinnamon rolls.

Bonnie & Clyde

2007-12-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

I ran across this way cool sweater worn by Bonnie Parker of the Bonnie & Clyde fame. I love the whole outfit really. Who would have thought, guns as accessories?

Pink Tasty F*ckers

2007-12-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Vegan fluffy white cupcakes with vegan "buttercream" frosting. Happy Birthday Holly!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, Yum

2007-12-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and they are moist and delicious.

Finished Green Gable

2007-12-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

This was an easy quick knit. I'm so glad I did not find it tedious to finish, I'll be wearing this one lots! Pattern is Green Gable from Zephyr Style.

Green Gable Sweater

2007-12-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

This was to be my vacation knitting project, however I've knit most of it post vacation. Here is the first photo and almost 60% of the way done. So far I'm enjoying it, yay!

time keeps on slipping

2007-12-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

Where does that time go anyways?
Life thankfully has kept me busy, but there has been no blogging and very little crafting. I'm getting itchy to create and have a long queue of projects to keep me busy this winter until my next set of foster "children".
My belated "thanks" at missing the holiday is "Thanks for health, family, friends and baked goods". Where would I be without you.

Mia Riddle and her band

2007-09-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

I just ran across Tigers by Mia Riddle and her band and am digging it. Give them a listen on the sidebar player or download them like I did and support the arts.

Wee bit of cuteness, the second season

2007-08-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

We just finished our second round of foster parenting. These two little guys came to us feral and left as angels! So much that we almost adopted them ourselves. My father & his wife now have Peetie & Lucy, will be spoiling and giving them an amazing home. Lucky for me that means I can visit as often as I want. Look out babies, here I come!

Recipe: Mango Rum Pops | Boneless Cats & Managing The Heat

2007-07-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today’s high was 97*. My computer keeps shutting off, it’s that hot. Our kitties told me they’d be good if we’d only let them take their sweaters off.
Last week Jared found a video of a scuba diving cat. Maybe our girls would try it. I think they might not complain if their little feet were dipped into the cool shallow water of a pool.

To beat the heat I'm making Mango Rum Pops. They won't be ready for 24 hours, but lucky for me there was plenty of mango puree left over for a delicious Mango Mojito! Sweat-free bliss, here I come!

Seatbelt for my arms...

2007-07-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Lack of knitting = lack of blogging. I'm reading a little more though, my brain's loving the excercise. Currently it's Howard Schultz "Pour Your Heart Into It". Recommendation TBD.

Pirates are slowly coming along. I'm at the beginning of the last skull row and feeling like I might run out of black yarn. I also fear that I may be knitting too loose now, as opposed to my previous attempt which was proving to be too tight.

Summer is here and we've been enjoying 80 degree days and oodles of flowers. The mint keeps growing and the mojitos keep flowing.

"knitting for psychos"... you gotta love it.

2007-06-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

All photos are courtesy of http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

Gestation Period

2007-06-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

It took almost as long as my dear friend was pregnant as it did for me to produce anything. Now, the actual knitting took only a plane ride to the east coast and back, but it was the thought process. I think I have my game back on. Or I'm back in the saddle. Or is it on the wagon?

Pattern: Simple T-Bar Shoes from 50 Baby Booties to Knit by Zoë Mellor

Yarn: Rowan Cotton Glace

Color: Tickle

Gifted...the first pair of many.

2006-12-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

I love the Kate Gilbert Gifted mitten pattern. This is the second pair of mittens I've made and this pair came out way better than the previous ones from a different pattern. The yarn is Patons Rumor in Hibiscus Heather. They were "gifted" to my knitting buddy and hoping they'll keep her hands warm through the power outage.
The storm we had up here in the Seattle area made a mess and five days later people still don't have power. Lucky so many have gas heated water and fireplaces otherwise they'd likely be miserable. We lost our power for 24 hours and it was great to sit in front of the fireplace and knit. No computer, no tv, and no cooking. :)

Random: Office Redux

2006-10-27T22:23:00.002-07:00

Here is the horrible space I previously called my office. It consisted of my husbands old office furniture and a stray table that followed me home from a junk sale. I loved the shape and size of the table, but it needed some lovin'.
I stripped the peeling paint off of it (peeling in a bad way, not shabby chic) then there she sat for maybe a year or 3 collecting dust and anything else I spilled on the bare wood. For the longest time I thought I'd just let it age and get that old patina if possible, wax it, oil it or anything.

Finally this summer I got a wild hair to finish that project and here are the results.
Plus this darned old chair I can't seem to part with. It's about useless to me. Not comfy to sit in and covered in a hideous vinyl, but I keep it around for the sentimental value. It was my great grandma's. I removed the vinyl to find a pretty tapestry type material underneath. Already a vast improvement, but I'd set out to paint it the same as the table.
Dear hubby bought me a new monitor (not pictured) to replace the refridgerator sized one on the table. I could even sew on this table if I needed to! Not perfect, but a vast improvement over what it was.

Knitting: Blocking the Promenade

2006-10-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Almost finished the Promenade Bag last week. One handle is attached with one to go and the bottom to sew up. I think the handles may be a little off size for the bag, maybe the round would have been better, but I wasn't thrilled with their color. It could suprise me when I'm finished though!

Knitting: Some Where Beyond The Sea (There's A Grocery Bag For Me?)

2006-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

I wrapped up the first skein of cotton last night. Progress on the mesh market bag is coming along. Hubby dove while I knit. Brrr. Next time there will be hot chocolate and a blanket. :)

Random: Monique Lhlullier For Barbie

2006-09-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

The summer is pretty much over here and wedding season will be wrapping up in a few weeks. Time for sweaters, hot drinks and time to pick up my knitting again.
Barbie has come a long way since we were kids. I would have died and gone to heaven if my blonde Barbie with the perma-blue eye shadow and chewed feet had a gown like this Monique Lhuillier. I would have been happy with one for my self as well, but that didn't happen. Instead a homemade pink check cotton halter dress, which was the nicest get-up she had, was her... err, make that"my" favorite. Oh and if she had that thick dark shiny hair, she would have been a knock out.

Knitting: And A Wee Bit Of Cuteness

2006-08-02T01:05:00.000-07:00

These are the little darlings we fostered for a week 1/2, just long enough to get attached and then weepy when they had to go. There's nothing like having a lap full of sleepy kittens while you're working in your jammies. Bless my loving husband for giving me such a luxury.
Our very own beloved baby, Thora...
and a cutie patootie pooch I saw downtown. Yes his tongue is sticking out!

Lastly, my first finished flower washcloth. # 2 is on the needles and was almost completely finished while commuting on ferries this weekend.

Knitting: Short & Sweet

2006-07-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

The flower washcloths knit up really quick. I started on Thursday of last week knitting here and there and finished tonight, completely pain free! Will post photos later. :)

Knitting: Adorable, Soft And Useful

2006-07-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Jo'dster gave me an amazing birthday gift. A beautiful knitting book called "Greetings from Knit Cafe" by Suzan Mischer. It's full of fun stuff that i'll actually knit! Plus she knit me a super soft flower washcloth. I didn't think they'd be so darling in person, but they are! Thanks Jodi!

Knitting: Just Like That Odessa Hat

2006-07-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

It took me months to knit a wee pair of socks and then just like that my next project which I won't tell what it is because I'm giving it as a gift, magically completed its self. I used Rowan Cashsoft and it's my new favorite yarn. I want a giant blanket or sweater knit from it. Yummy soft. It's feels a little different than the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, but basically the same contents.

OMG

2006-05-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

I finished sock #1. It took far too long. I am determined to finish the next one in as short a time frame as possible. A week is my goal. Can I make it?

Knitting: Debbie Bliss Socks #2

2006-04-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

I started the 2nd pair of Debbie Bliss socks on Easter for a friend of my mom's. Apparently mom was showing off the socks I made and her friend really liked them. This is my first requested knit item. I can't be all that bad if people are actually asking for things. Boy I wish I could show you some of the doosies my grandma (bless her sweet heart) conjured up. She meant well though.

Knitting: It's A Wrap!

2006-04-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

My finished "Wrap Sweater with Eyelets" from Rebecca #29. It turned out a little shorter than I'd expected (what swatch?), but that gives me an excuse to go find a cute top to go underneath it!

Knitting: They Were Going To Be Pirates

2006-03-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Yarn's We Call Them Pirates test turned out good. The hat that followed was going to squeeze the living daylights out of dear hubbies noggin, so...

it's been frogged.

Sewing: The Motorcycle Tool Bag

2006-03-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

One thing about riding motorcycles is that you never know when something will go wrong. We've ridden countless miles from Kelowna Canada to Reno Nevada and had opportunity to collect and encounter stories to tell. I've had my detent plate give me troubles coming into a turn at 6o mph with no way to shift, had my battery crack and misdiagnosed, which resulted in a ridiculous toggle switch being installed roadside. If you plan a trip through Goldendale WA expect the worst, as we believe there is a Bermuda Triangle of sorts down there. Long story short, it's a sure thing something will go wrong when you're hours from home and saddle sore.
Today I was asked to creat a tool bag for the bike. As you can see in the photo above, the old tool bag's near worn out. Here is the new one.

Sewing: Three + Two = Fluffy Bits

2006-03-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Shhmack!

It's a Wee Wonderful life!

2006-03-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm a craft explosion this weekend, although the weekend is only just beginning. Here's the goodness so far... the bunnies are made from the Wee Wonderfuls bunny pattern. I love them and want to make at least 1 more for the wee ones in my life for Easter.

Mr. & Mrs. Procrastinator are about to have our two year wedding anniversary in two months. I've been saying for nearly two years that I'll get these photos printed for family. No I haven't had any thing printed, but I do have albums and I've been thinking about it. Does that count?
This is documentation of the burst of energy I had last month getting the images organized for printing. Not my favorite job.

My trusty helper Thora has been assisting me this week with the Rececca Eyelet Wrap sweater. Thank goodness she cares. It's been on the table all week, blocked, but untouched aside from little kitty paws. Good Kitty.
Notice behind Thora, the box of photos and negs neatly stacked back into their place, awaiting my next burst of wedding photograph energy. Not this weekend. :)

Knitting: Wrap In Progress

2006-03-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Knitting's been on hold for a few weeks, but yesterday I spent the later part of the day making progress on the wrap top.
I'm hoping to like it when it's finished because right now I feel no love for it. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying knitting it, frogging what I just knit, and re-knitting (and then sometimes re-frogging again). Maybe I'm just not familiar with the process? It isn't striking me like walking in to, say Anthropologie, and needing a certain sweater or more realistically walking into Nordstrom and needing a certain pair of shoes. I loved the photo in the magazine enough to have wanted to make it, so I knit, knit, knit.
P.S. I bagged Marcia.

Knitting: My First Sweater #3.

2006-03-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yay! I've actually got something to show for my time away. I've started knitting the wrap sweater from Rebecca #29. I will call this "My first sweater #3".

Also, here's a picture of the horrid green poncho. I think it is my least favorite project to date. But the yarn was green and so soft I couldn't resist.

(2011- I've since heard that this little poncho gets plenty of use.)

Paralyzed by indecision. Again.

2006-02-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

I went to the Madrona Fiber Arts "Festival" (for lack of better word) today. I didn't take any classes, but went for the yarn market. I wrote up a list of the projects I'm most interested in making, their yarn amount, weight, etc. and took it with me so I'd have some focus. Well. I didn't find quite what I was looking for and after about 2 hours of wandering (this is the paralysis part) and petting beautiful yarns I finally purchased my two skeins of yarn and scrammed. One is a beautiful lace weight 100% Alpaca handpainted in deep blues, burgandy and greys. I started to wind it into a ball by hand. Naive me. I'm afraid this means it's time for me to buy a swift & winder.
The second yarn is 60% Merino 40% Angora in a natural "tortie" color. It's super soft, wish I had bought more and also makes me want bunnies so I can love, pet and shave all in the name of fashion. It's sick I know.
The Marcia sweater swatching is taking the wind out of my sails. I haven't made much progress with it and haven't finished sewing the green poncho together either. I'm buying more yarn in hopes to fill the void Marcia isn't filling. The more I swatch, the more I am unfulfilled, the more yarn I buy to fill the void. I see a vicious cycle being born.

Knitting: Mary Janes, Complete With Cats!

2006-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

The finished Mary Janes! They are very comfortable, knit up super quick and fit perfect. My favorite of course is the cute kitty cat button. Call me the Crazy Cat Lady. I don't care.

My sweater swatches were killing me so I had to start something I could complete quickly. I'm making a poncho for my cutie patootie god daughter Lulu. It's this horrible fuzzy/bumpy green Blossom yarn with flecks of color. It reminds me of Oscar the Grouch, but in green. It's uber soft and will be adorable on her. Just need to stitch it together today and then I'll post some finished pics!

Knitting: K2P2 Swatch; Nothing To Write Home About

2006-02-01T00:23:00.000-08:00

After the LYS trip, I'm working on a k2p2 swatch with much greater tension than I'd had before. So much in fact that it's hard to slide 20 stitches across an Addi. I'm not thrilled with the result, but it's better than what I had before, so that's progress.
Thanks to those who anwered my post on the Knitty Coffeeshop. I hold the yarn in my right hand when I knit, so that's not continental, but the other way. I don't usually drop the yarn, just carry it forward on my index finger and adjust the tension if I have to. I thought I'd found a nice relaxed rythm with my knitting, but this has me all out of whack.

...more FO pics

2006-01-31T01:07:00.000-08:00

Yikes! They are gianormous!

15" long before felting.
Luckily they shrank quite a bit. Tomorrow when they are dry we see how they fit!

Misc Pics., WIP, FO & On the Needles

2006-01-31T00:13:00.000-08:00

I finally got the Rowan 34 magazine with the sweater pattern I'd been lusting after. My LYS didn't have it, but had a knit sweater sample in the store, I tried it on, fell in love and that's how I got the idea of knitting this one. It took much work to track down the magazine, but alas, it is in my collection.
I've done my guage swatch, thought I was ready to go, then dang it! It appears that the I'm having difficulties transitioning between knit & purl. Go figure, I haven't seen this problem on anything else. I've tried knitting looser, tighter, counter clockwise, clockwise and tomorrow I'm taking this mess to my LYS to see if they can help me figure out the problem. It really is frustrating.

Taking photos of socks on your own feet is terribly difficult. Besides the gapping holes in the sides where I missed in the pattern that I was supposed to wrap & turn, I'm really happy with how they came out.

The photo of the toes shows where I messed up my counting on the left sock, but I'm still thrilled they came out as good as they did. The pattern is from from the new Debbie Bliss home book.

I blocked, wrapped & sent them off to dear mom who upon receiving them gave me the praise I was seeking and then asked me what they were made of to which I replied "Merino wool, cashmere, blah, blah...". DO'H!!! How come I never new she is allergic to wool???

My dear friend Jo'dster gave the girls fabulous Xmas presents: a catnip knitted frog & poodle (not shown). They LOVE them!

Here are a few photos of the blocked & finished Pinwheel blanket and of course, my trusty helper monkey.

You can see both the RS & WS in this photo. I like the extra stripes that were formed on the WS.

Knitting: Knittin With J'odster

2006-01-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today I started on a new project with my dear friend J'odster. She and I are knitting the Fibertrends felted ballet slippers. (the link is to the crochet version since I couldn't find the knit one on their site, but basically the same thing.) I guess you can call it my first knit-a-long.

Knitting: On The Cusp Of Craft

2006-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

I just started swatching the Rib & Eyelet sweater and am in love with the feel of the Rowan Polar! So far so good, maybe I'll redo the waist ribbing with a bigger needle, just so it's not clingy.