Easily Distracted

I am 5 rounds away from finishing a baby hat. It's been that way for I dunno. 4 or 5 days. 

The problem is I figured out what pattern I wanted to knit for a baby blanket. However I wanted a specific yarn (Never one or enough that you have in your stash, you know what I mean?) I got what I wanted (and then some) but that's a post for another day ...

The problem is while I was there, i discovered Lace Lux all knit up in a simple sample and it was so soft ... and shiny. So I had to buy some. So instead of carrying about socks, I've been carrying that about. Just a wide scarf on US 10s  in stockinette. The tension is a little wobbles, I could've gone down to a 9, but so be it. 

Maybe if I'm feeling ... ambitious, I'll do another in rib and go down a needle size. But for now, I'm easily and happily distracted.

Just a few things

Let's catch-up, shall we?

I have been knitting! More small things. First up a set of 3 animal dishcloths for my Mom, because Mom rarely asks for anything and she can't knit because she is too busy making 850 quilts. Quilt shows, quilt clubs, quilt retreats, quilt conferences and classes. She has a problem. I'm so glad I'm nothing like that ;)

I knit them over last weekend. I've never done anything like this before. Kinda fun. I'm understanding the appreciation of the cotton knit dish cloth. My color choices leave much to be desired. I'd like to blame it on knitpicks, but it could be my questionable animal and color association. That dark one is navy blue and it's supposed to be a horse. Just go with it ...

Next up, 2 purple hats for my co-worker who has had a new baby. I think one is toddler and one is stretchy beanie, but not full-on hip hop size.

Last week I worked on a new soup recipe that was surprisingly hearty. Sausage, Kale and White Bean. I used Great Northern Beans instead of Cannellini Beans -- because that was what was in the pantry. I added a Parmesan rind and some Worcestershire for more Umami depth. I guess if you wanted to make a vegetarian version you would replace the chicken broth with vegetable and remove the smoked kielbasa. I would suggest a few pinches of smoked paprika while sauteing your onions, and carrots and celery, to add another layer of flavor. But what do I know?

I love soup and it was nice to have a bit left over for lunch and to freeze.

So these are the ways I've been keeping the rainy days busy around here. I've gone from one project on the needles to a handful with more queueing. As for cooking and baking I'm a little uninspired right now. Everything needs more time and patience than I have. C'est la vie!

I finished her socks literally 3 hours after she left ... the continent.

I had a wonderful treat this week. My friend Mrs. B was in town with her family for a visit and I got a chance to see her. This is funny since I had been working on finishing her socks for a New Years present seeing how I completely missed Christmas.

I got the yarn while I was visiting her in London last year during spring break. Trailing Clouds: Mind the Gap.

She is moving back to the States again later this year and I think they will make a great gift with a shared memory of her showing me around the Underground.

I knew I was going to see her one last time for brunch on Saturday. Alas, I could not finish them in time. She shipped out shortly after and ... I finished the socks then.

Looks like she'll be getting them via post.

Happy New Year! A few holiday highlights

I know I'm a little late to the start of the show, but that's okay. I know in my heart is the sincerity of my good wishes for us all.

I think it was good I went quiet a bit toward the end. I think I needed to just get through the end of the year enjoying the time with my friends and family and focusing on the very good that is in my immediate life.

Sometimes at the end of the year I think I reflect a bit too much and that in itself can become a little paralyzing.

Here are a few snaps from the end of the year:

I made these Nutella glazed doughnuts. Pretty and tasty! Perfect for a girls brunch before the ballet!

I finished my gingerbread socks!



I finished my Christmas socks on New Years day. These started off so strong, but then I think went to pot after one too distracted knitting sessions. My stitch count was somehow first off then misaligned. I ripped out 3 times, the last because I had misjudged the length of the foot when I was almost done with the toe!

I learned that my Twinleaf makes an excellent hipster scarf, just add hot chocolate and a too cool for you pose ;)

Unfortunately the workload both personally and professionally has not subsided after the new year as I had hoped, but I have had a chance to pop in here and there  around the blogosphere/Instagram world of knitters, crafters and doers!. There has been such a good energy from everyone to begin again with a freshness, calmness and simplicity that feels ... attainable. I thank you for that. You're inspirational without all the cheese. (okay maybe like just a sprinkle of Parmesan but I LOVE Parmesan -- and Dad jokes, in case you were wondering)

I begin this New Year feeling a little nervous but mainly appreciative and grateful. I am excited for some new knits and new adventures. I'm excited to watch all of you knit and ... live.