Vera

My niece was born tonight. She was 8lbs 11 ounces and born around 8pm. She has dark hair and pretty blue eyes. She was a little over 20 inches. She came into the world quickly. I'll post some pictures when I get back.

Reality

Well, having a fun time here. Still no real crafting going on. I thought I was going to have plenty of time to post while I was here, but busier than I thought. Oops! But that is good in a way too. I guess in general, I am not so much a 365 blogger. Oh well, doesn't bother me. I'll be back when there is some crafting to talk about.

Turbulence

Well, it was a long day. Didn't get much knitting done and I am quite tired and feel like crap. I do not much enjoy flying and I think this one was the worse time. So much turbulence that I really felt quite sick most of the flight. This one is short, but I will post more in length tomorrow. See you all then.

Rocket Ship

So nothing really important today, I leave early in the morning tomorrow to fly out to Washington State! I already packed my camera and the cords, so no pictures today, but I have lots to share. I got a shipment of stuff from my mom of books for things she thinks she cannot do anymore due to her bodies limitations. So I got some nifty books, a clay oven, and she padded the inside of the box with some yarn she doesn't want anymore. I also got the new Interweave Crochet today, just busy with getting ready. I still intend on posting while I am out there. *hopefully* So I will let you know what's going on.

Friday's Featured Blog

A lost love of sorts, I loved tatting from the moment I found it. Have I done any lately? No, but I have been feeling bad about that lately, so today's blog is a tatting blog.

Sharon's Tatted Lace



Things I enjoy about this blog:
~ I love the fact that she really wants to help people learn and understand tatting more.

~I enjoy that she shares her creative process.

~She shows you her mistakes and her annoyances with her projects.


Arts & Crafts at this Blog:
~Tatted Shamrock
~Tatted Collar
~Tatted Square
~Tatted Amulet Bag
~Tatted Sun catcher
~Tatted Doily
~Embroidery


If you enjoy tatting, you should take a look . . . even if you don't know what tatting is or haven't tried it yet, I would still encourage a look at her blog! Enjoy! It makes me want to grab my tatting supplies and tat.

Spring has sprung . . . or at least tried to

So, my beginning attempts at gardening this season.
Here are the Bleeding Heart bulbs I planted. They are both doing very well, I am super glad! Little blooms already!






This one was struggling more, it was damaged in the package, but it is bouncing back very well.





Out of the seeds I planted, only the chives are starting to sprout, but holy heavens are they sprouting! This year, I'll bring in the chives when next winter starts so I can keep them all year round.








Now, I am going to have to convince the boy to water everything while I am in Washington State . . . we shall see how that goes, hopefully all these little buggers are resilient.

Tiny Nap?

Oh heavens, I did mean to post yesterday, but I came home and felt icky still so I decided I was going to take a small nap . . . yeah, I woke up about 12 and half hours later. So missed the boat on that one. I think it was definitely needed though, cause even though I am still a little stuffed up and have a bit of a sore throat, I am feeling significantly better today. I even did dishes . . . see, now you know I have to be feeling better. :)

Since I didn't have ANY voice on Tuesday, my presentation was moved up to tomorrow. So we shall see how it goes. It think it will go okay, but who knows. I really feel in the dark in this class sometimes.

So with being sick and school, I haven't gotten any where near as far as I wanted to in certain projects. Huge bummer. But if anything else, I will definitely have some pictures tomorrow of my beginnings to my gardening type stuff.

Ha, this time I really do mean it when I saw see you tomorrow.

Sick

Well, even with all this midterm stuff, I have been quite sick. Yesterday my fever got up to a little over one hundred degrees. Thankfully, this morning it had broken and dropped back down to 97. Still feel like crap though and the voice is going in and out. I felt so icky yesterday I completely forgot to post. However, all this midterm stuff is over as of tomorrow at 3:30pm, so I might have an actual post tomorrow. Yeah!

Unfortunately, it seems I may have give the boy my nasty cold. Poor thing, and he took such good care of me too. I'll have to do something special for him.

See you all tomorrow!

Wasteland

Well, these next few days are going to be pretty bleak due to lots of midterm work. I don't really have time to post the pizza crust recipe tonight, but I will post it soon. This is going to look a little more like an excuse blog for the next couple days . . . count down to 3:30p.m. on Tuesday!

Interesting Projects

Saw this tonight while I was reading a few blogs in my Google Reader. Isn't it beautiful? Maybe I should do something like that with the colors that I was reusing from the Bargello Kit? Do smaller blocks though and hand sew it? Does that sound too crazy and like I would never finish it? It would probably be worth it in the end though . . .hmm, craft for thought.

Pizza Midterms

Sorry guys, no featured blog today, this coming week is midterms and I am working on papers, projects, and take home tests this weekend so I am quite busy, but it'll be back next Friday.

Today the boy and I, which of course mean just I, made homemade pizzas. I love doing this and this is one of the few things the boy really likes me making.

My pizza before and after baking:




One on left has chicken, mushrooms, onion, peppers, cheese, tomato, pineapple, and black olives.
One on the right has cheese, mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, and black olives.





The boys pizza after baking(forgot to get a before shot of his):


One on left has cheese and pepperoni (his favorite).
One on the right has mushrooms, onions, peppers, black olives, chicken, tomato, cheese.




The crust is homemade from a Cooking Light recipe. I love it and think the crust is quite yummy. I wanted to get a pasta roller so I could roll it out real thin, but the boy vetoed that, so it was all by hand, but was still nice and thin-ish. All were deemed quite yummy! I can leave the recipe for the pizza crust tomorrow.

Weaving

More miniature weaving done. I'd say I am about half way done with the weaving part and then will just need to work on the macrame part.






Depending on how energetic I feel tomorrow I might dress the large loom to begin with the squares of my dad's blanket. I always have too many things I want to accomplish and not even remotely enough time to do it in . . . don't we all though.

Goals: (to finish BEFORE I leave for Washington State)
Finish all of Rhoni's headbands . . . only two left to do and both are partially done.
Finish Mom's cowl - - this is more of a maybe, but I am going to try.

Update on the scrubbie. . .

Well, I washed dishes tonight with the scrubbie and let me tell you . . . I loved it. Worked so much better than a sponge but doesn't scratch up my pans either. Now all I have to do is hunt down some more of this yarn. I have a couple balls left, but I totally love this yarn!

New Knitty - Spring 2009

Ah, the new Knitty is up!


~Shipwreck - - As we know, I am not a shawl person, but I really think this is beautiful. I think a lot of the beauty comes from the balance of simplicity and complicated. Very nice.

~Reverie Beret - - Not really a fan. I like the pattern of the spiral, but I am not a beret type of person.

~Aeolian Shawl - - I quite like the edge detail. It is a nice looking shawl, but lots of attention and charts.

~Santeney Vest - - Honestly, I think it is a little to look to be flattering. It's like it is caught between being a vest and a dress. Maybe if it was shorter, but I am not sure.

~Pioneer - - Love it! Simple with embellishments that look like they belong and weren't just added willy-nilly. I even think it looks good in the variegated yarn that she chose, which I am usually not much for variegated yarns in tops.

~Hanne Vest - - WTF? There is something I like, the left corner in the front(when you are looking at it, her right). I think that part could be used to make an interesting halter, which is essentially what her vest looks like, just not a very appealing one. The way that corner looks is the only thing I like about it.

~Imagine - - This sweater looks like a comfy baggy sweater. I like the way she designed the peace symbol on the front, simple and effective. I think the sweater might be a little more appealing if there weren't quite so much negative ease though and some waist shaping.

~Decimal Cardigan - - No real opinion. It has a nice stitch pattern, but the bell sleeves only look good on the smaller model. As a larger girl, the belled sleeves only draw more attention to your hips/belly area. Otherwise it is okay.

~Andy - - Eh, not really. It's okay, but nothing that really catches my eye. I do not like the buckling of the zipper. And to be completely honest, it looks like he's wearing a top that was meant for a female.

~Topaz - - Cute and simple. I like the fact that she did some shaping and didn't just make it straight down. The color-work is nice and not over done.

~Steggie - - It's a cute little kids top, but probably not something I'd make . . . no little kids that I know have an interest in dinosaurs.

~Absinthe - - Parts of the sock are nice, but as one piece, I don't think it is very nice looking. I think there is too much, the design on the top of the foot area really isn't needed.

~Cirque - - I like the sock better in the variegated yarn as it is more subtle. The solid version looks over done.

~Cachoeira - - I think the sock is quite nice and pretty. It does bother me when you never see the item on a real person and only a dummy foot or mannequin.

~Flit 'n Float - - Lovely! It is nice and simple but looks more complex. If I was more girly I would make and wear something like this . . . as it is, I would still consider making it for someone who is more girly than I am. It is just such a nice use of stitch patterns that actually do look good with each other. Quite nice.

~Ripple - - A little girly, but a wonderful design! It looks like it'll will definitely take a little time to make, since there is different fiddly aspects, but it looks worth it.

~Sourwood Mountain - - Interesting looking. I think they might look nicer in another color and I don't much care for the buttons on the band. The stitch patterns used fit well together and look nice.

~Babyhood - - First and foremost, I am a huge fan of sepia pictures, but with the yellow of the hood showing . . . well, they are just not good pictures. The hood is cute, but probably not the most practical now. I am a fan of Franklin and read his blog . . . but I don't necessarily think one should get put in Knitty for translating and clarifying a pattern.

~Flock - - Oh how I love this! If I ever have a baby, I will make this for them. I love the fact that it does look interesting for every view. I love everything about it. Heck, I would be tempted to make myself one.


**As always, these are just my opinions, I encourage you to go have a look for yourself.

Treasure!!

What could be better than treasure!!



Barbara Walker's Treasury Books and her Mosaic Knitting!


My Valentine's Day present to myself. I can't wait until I finish up some projects and have some time to play with these! Ah! There are very few books I really, really want and these were some of them. Now to get New Pathways for Sock Knitters and Eclectic Sole. I love books that can teach me something.

Crochet Scrubbie

This is the crochet scrubby I made. It is from this pattern. I didn't follow the pattern exactly, in the fact that I just cast on however much I thought looked good and then crocheted rows until it looks right. Haven't used it yet, but probably will try it out tomorrow. I absolutely love this yarn and have loved it. Sensations Smania Yarn in the colorway Tropical, cotton 65% and nylon 35%. Some of the best exfoliating yarn, so I think it work well for dishes.

Recipe - Baked Potato Soup

So the recipe for my baked potato soup was asked for, so here it is:

Ingredients:
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/3-1/2 cup of finely chopped celery
3/4 cup of finely chopped onion ( I used a mix of yellow and white)
1 bunch of green onions/chives, chopped to 1/4" or so.
1-2 slice of ham (we bought a packaged at the grocery store that was one slice of ham, but could have used 2), chop into small pieces.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
48 oz. of low sodium Chicken Broth
2-3lbs of potatoes chopped small (about half inch cubes), I like a lot of potatoes.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 oz. of heavy whipping cream
8 oz. of shredded Colby-Jack cheese blend



Melt 1 stick of unsalted butter in a large pot on medium high. Add celery and onion and saute. Add half of the chives.

In a separate pan, add olive oil and chopped ham. Fry until a crispy on the outside.

When onion mix in large pot is cooked thoroughly and a bit soft, add 1/4 cup flour and stir for about 5-10 until mixture is thick and well blended. Slowly add chicken broth and stir well. Add potatoes. Cook for about 40 minutes, soup should be at a small boil for most of the time, stir occasionally.

Bring heat down to low and add salt, pepper, ham, and cream. Cook for approx. 10 minutes. Turn off heat and slowly stir in cheese until melted. Add rest of chives and serve.

Makes approximately 6-8 bowls, depending on bowl size.

Soup!

Tonight I made some Baked Potato Soup. I took a cheese soup recipe that I have used before and added some potatoes, chives, and ham. I was going to put some corn too, but I forgot. Used a different kind of cheese and cut out a few things from the original recipe that would clash with the new items. I am not a "naturally" talented cook, so when I can make something good, especially something were I deviate from a recipe, it feels great! So, with out further ado . . .







I bought some gardening stuff the last couple of days and hopefully will get everything started soon. I am not doing as much stuff as I tried last summer because the balcony is just not a prime location to grow things due to the limited amount of sun it gets. But I am not giving up and I am trying some stuff. Hopefully my strawberry plants and my rose bush will come back.

Slow Working

Well, I did some knitting on my mother's cowl today. Not much, I seem to have slept weird and my elbow is in a little pain, so I am resting it for the rest of the night. Here is my progress so far:







I cut out some pieces to do a couple more of those hexagons that I was sewing. I haven't finished that little crochet piece I mentioned a few days ago, but I'll finish it soon. I did work some on the secret knitting last night and it's coming along slowly. I am feeling more accomplished lately in my crafting, which is good. Maybe things are on the upswing.

I work tomorrow and I'm going to try to get some homework done tomorrow night so not sure if any crafting will get done tomorrow or not. Oh yes, I am still working on the Catherine Bear too. There are a lot of things I'd like to wrap up or finish in the next two weeks before I go to Washington State, but it'll be a busy two weeks with school too, so who knows what the future will hold.

Friday's Featured Blog

Friday's Featured Blog is Claudia's Blog.


Things I enjoy about this blog:
~She seems to have a good sense of humor about life in general.
~I love seeing the many different projects she makes.
~She seems very honest and friendly.
~Adorable kitty pictures!
~Lots of pictures and you guys know my addiction to blogs with lots of pictures!
~I adore the amount of orange found on this blog!
~I enjoy reading about her biking adventures.



Arts & Crafts I find at this blog:
~Knitted Sweater
~Knitted Sweater
~Silk Spinning
~Knitted Top
~Orange Socks - - - who would love that?!?
~Knotted Rug Weaving
~Dyeing
~Lace Knitting
~Orange Hedgehog!
~More Socks
~Gardening
~Photography


Overall, this is someone who seems born to blog. I always enjoy reading her blog and I think she has a talent for blogging in general. Go check out her blog, there are many more projects and adventures to read about.

Slightly Askew

Well, I finished the pieces, but it isn't ironed. Mostly, because I am not sure it would help much. You can see my difficulty in sewing the pieces to the middle hexagon piece. I understand now what I did wrong and will hopefully rectify it in my new one, but we shall see.








I have a little crochet project I started on too, should be finished tomorrow and will show it off. Just something little to help with the chores.

Perception is everything . . .

My mother always talks about my crafting abilities like it is something odd, like I have some special ability. I don't agree with her, I just think I am very stubborn and will continue to try to learn something until I am satisfied. I use to sew dolls and clothing a long time ago and thought I was a doing fairly good job for my age. My mother makes lovely blankets, I will have to pull them out from my wooden chest and take some pictures for you all to see. I find sewing a little frustrating . . . mostly because it is a LOT more tedious to rip things out and start again vs. knitting or crocheting. I don't mind making mistakes, but I would just like them a little easier to fix. :)


But we always strive to better ourselves, right? So, here is the sewing I started yesterday. I still need to connect part of the middle, but here it is so far. I have wanted to rip sections out a number of times now, but didn't . . . why? Because with sewing, I find it easier to just make the one with the mistakes in it and then try anew and hope it goes better the next time.




Which means this is just a practice piece. It doesn't look too bad, but it could look better. I will try to finish it up and iron it so you can see it all together for tomorrow. And then, I will start a new one. I think my inabilities in sewing stem somewhat from my dislike of geometry.

Anyways, my mother can sew wonderfully, by hand or with a sewing machine. Her skills in sewing will always surpass mine and make me wish I could sew as good as she can.

What could it be?

So the yarn I am using is:
Debbie Bliss's Stella
60% silk, 20% rayon, and 20% cotton

It feels quite nice. Had a bit of a setback tonight when my cable unattached itself from the needle . . . so the knitting is resting on other needles, while the glue dries on the correct sized needles. I will probably let it rest for the rest of the night and either work on some sewing or my mother's cowl.

Ah, See I told you I would . . .

These are a few pictures of the ultra-simplistic shawl I made for my 3-D class out of only paper, no adhesives.




It's made from three different kinds of links. One that is tear shaped or what I was considering to be knit stitch shaped. Next on is a small, fat circle that connects the knit stitches, I consider this to be like a crochet stitch. And thirdly, a skinny larger loop which connects the knit stitch rows to each other and to me was similar to a yarn over. Got an A, so evidently it was all worth it. Remember, NO Adhesives, this is all tab and slot! Talk about time consuming.








Might this be secret knitting? Maybe.







I might give more clues tomorrow.


On a completely different note . . . -20F with windchill! I think Mother Nature took the whole in like a lion thing a little too seriously!

Experiment

So, with my sister wanting headbands I was trying an experiment to see if weaving them would actually be quicker and look better than knitting them. Experiment is not finished, but I think it is looking nice. I am using one of the yarns she got me, the Fortissima Socka yarn. I am also using my beading loom, since my large loom would cause too much waste on a project like this, but might be worth it if I tend to make a lot of them, which we shall see.






I need to get some small shuttles though, right now I am using stiff paper as a shuttle and not working out the way I would like.


In other news, I made some food the boy seems to like. He really loves banana bread, so since we had a few bananas that were not longer looking their best, I made him some banana bread using my grandma's bread book. Even I thought it tasted okay (Not a very big fan of banana bread, even though I love bananas). So I thought I would share the recipe.







The Book of Bread by Judith & Evan Jones (1982)
Banana Bread (pg. 212)

Makes one 9" loaf

Cream 4 tablespoons(1/2 stick) of butter with 3/4 cup sugar. Add 3 bananas, peeled and roughly chopped. Mash together or put in food processor. (I just mashed it together) Beat in 1 egg and 1/3 cup of yogurt(wasn't prepared for the yogurt part so I used 1/3 cup of vanilla yogurt).

In a separate bowl mix 2 cups white flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and 1 cup chopped pecans (I didn't have any nuts, so I skipped that part). After mixed, add wet ingredient mixture and stir until all flour is moistened. Turn the batter into a buttered 9" loaf pan(I used PAM spray) and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes before turning out and cooling.




Here is what is left from yesterday afternoon when I made it, just half the loaf, so I guess he likes it. Which is a big thing for me, cause he's not particularly a fan of may cooking in general.