A New Love...

I have been spending a lot of time with this

                                 ...Cascade Quatro 
(color: 9432). 
This is my first experience working with (any type of yarn from) Cascade and I have to say,
I love it!!! 
I really can't wait to try other yarns from this company but at the moment I am a huge fan of Quatro. 
I got this yarn as a birthday present from my husband...he really knows the way to my heart! I went on a search for just the right pattern to use for this yarn and finally I came across the Saroyan (a scarf/shawl type of thing) by Liz Abinante on Ravelry. It is a perfect match. The yarn is a pleasure and the pattern is fun and knits up really quick. I am on the last stretch of the pattern so there will be FO pics real soon!

Roses Are Red...

                                                    
                      HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Does it get any better than enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir, a box of chocolate and working a luxurious red cowl on the needles for Valentine's day? Well, only if it's paired with a steak dinner and an evening spent cuddling on the couch with your better half watching movies!
Hope everyone had a day filled with love and of course lot's of chocolate. XOXO

You May Have Noticed...

You may have noticed some new things about this blog...
Let's start with the header. This was designed by my husband. I said I needed a logo and he provided.
What can  I say, he's pretty awesome!
This of course prompted a color change. The side bars I think will end up black but for now I'm just using bloggers template. It goes well, so I can live with it for a bit.
This leads me to discuss the other addition which is my button. Obviously it has my new logo for the image and I would be honored if you grab it!
The last thing I want to discuss is the addition of the podcast link. This is brand spankin' new so there isn't anything recorded yet. It was "born" late last night and I'm still getting familiar with how things work. However...I plan to discuss my current projects, likes/dislikes about said projects as well as other creative paths I take. I am also considering some videos for the podcast as well. Maybe some how-to's...not too sure. As I said this new. At any rate, I hope you like the new additions. Once there are some actual recordings, I welcome all comments and suggestions pertaining to the podcast. It's important to give your viewers/listeners what they want so don't be shy!

Birthday X's 2

Every year my in-laws celebrate my birthday with my husband's...
 I don't mind. I get my own cake! Our birthdays are only a few days apart (his 15th & mine 20th) so this makes things easier, especially after the holidays. Not to mention the fact that my father in-law's is the 22nd.
We no sooner come down off the sugar high and it's February. That means we are celebrating another birthday. This time my sis in-law's. We spend a lot of time together between December and February...eating cake.
Did I mention cake?

What you see here are the remnants of said cake. The ice cream cake is my husband's. He requests one every year. I on the other hand have many tastes and this year I had a hankering for turtle cheesecake. I have to say, it was especially yummy!
This year I was blessed with gift cards so you know what that means...more yarn! I am also feeling the need to explore other craft venues such as resin casting. At the moment I'm thinking magnets & jewelry but only time will tell what the creative muse has in store for me. Now, for another slice of cake...

Totally Addicted

I have to come to terms with the fact that I am completely addicted. To knitting slippers, that is. Actually they are called duffers but look like a ballet slipper. I stumbled upon this awesome pattern on Ravelry thanks to a blog post by Amybel. She shared this pattern by Mindie Tallack, who was kind enough to put it on Ravelry free.  I like free, that's why it's in bold!!!
Anyway, once I saw this pattern, I knew it was the perfect thing to make as far as Christmas gift knitting goes. They are really quick to knit, don't require too much concentration ( I can knit in front of the T.V.) and they are useful. However, I had no idea when I started making these slippers that I would ultimately have no urge to knit anything else. To be honest, if I had known I probably would have gone ahead and knit them anyway. That's just how I am. I can already hear myself saying "Oh no, that won't happen to me. I have too many projects on the needles for that to happen". Yeah right! Guess I have to learn the hard way sometimes.
In hindsight I should have had an inkling that this was going to happen. All I had to do was look at my knitting history. I am predisposed to sock knitting. Compulsive sock knitting I might add. I have been able to keep this little slipper addiction a secret from my family but only because I have been giving away the evidence. I know at some point I will not have the will power to give them away anymore. I'm already thinking about coordinating them to all my cozy p.j's  At this point, I can't stop thinking about various color combinations and all the ways in which I can embellish these slippers...constantly.
I guess I could have worse addictions. This particular one doesn't seem to pose any health risks at the moment. The only side effect is that everyone I know will eventually have a pair of their very own! I've heard you have to hit rock bottom before you can reach out for help, I'm not sure I'm there yet. Then again, I could be the last to know.                          

 

These are what I've made so far with the exception of two pair (no pics yet). I have another pair in progress that will be completed tomorrow and then of course...another pair will be immediately started. I will continue to update pics of all the slippers I make on Ravelry.          

Sunny with a Chance of Toast

 I have a confession folks, I don't like the white of eggs.

 I don't care if the white is firm or runny, I'm not eating it. It doesn't matter if the egg is boiled, fried or poached. Bottom line, if I see anything that resembles the white of the egg, I'M NOT EATING IT! I am aware that it really doesn't have a taste. It may really come down to the texture of the thing. Whatever the reason, is not the point. The fact of the matter is, that due to this peculiar culinary dislike of mine, I have spent most of my life finding the perfect egg. I don't mean organic, free range or any of those popular labels, although I do prefer a local farm raised egg. If given a choice, I will also pick the brown egg every time. To me they just taste better. But when I say The Perfect Egg, I mean the best way the egg can be prepared that will ultimately lead me to the golden, delicious center with the least amount of dissection. I have cooked eggs in a variety of ways and here are the results of my quest;

Hard Boiled- This has always seemed to be the easiest way to eat an egg as I am able to remove the white and keep the yolk intact. The problem with this method is that the yolk is usually over cooked. If I reduce the boil time, the yolk and the white are too runny and become too involved with each other.
Scrambled- This is also an easier way for me to eat eggs. However, the eggs must be beaten with vigor and scrambled well in the pan to rid the sight of any egg white.
Sunny Side Up- This has become my absolute favorite way to eat an egg. The downside? There is a ridiculous amount of dissecting time involved with this process. Not to mention the effect it has on those watching the process! The white is usually firm enough that I can cut it away from the yolk. I then gently remove that jelly-like film that coats the top of the yolk. After I have successfully done this without breaking the yolk, I flip the yolk over and remove the last of the white from what once was the bottom of the yolk. What I am left with is usually a golden, runny yolk ready for the dipping of buttered toast. White... free.
I have spent a lot of time thinking about all the different methods in which I can cook an egg with the best possible outcome. What I have come up with today is
                                          
This is what I call The Perfect Egg.

  This egg was a result of me thinking about the possibilities of an over poached egg. I figured if I over poached the egg, the white would be firm enough to remove but would also allow the yolk to remain intact. I have to say, I was hopeful but never thought the result would be this dreamy. There was a bit of dissection involved but the time required was certainly minimal. The yolk was a perfect balance of firmness and softness. It could hold its shape for the white removal but was supple enough for a good toast dipping. My quest may be over but the future is certainly sunny. 

A Day Late and A Dollar Short...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
I know it's a bit late but I was hoping to get some pictures on here with this post. However, my models were all busy celebrating the new year. I have one more gift to give this month so unfortunately I can't reveal the details of what I actually knit everyone. And so the suspense continues...

Merry Christmas!

Well, I managed to get all my Christmas knitting finished on time this year, phew! I think the gifts were very well received. Christmas Eve with the in-laws and Christmas day with my family were two days of  merriment. Ate a lot, laughed a lot and opened lot's of gifts, so who could possibly complain about that! At the moment, the snow is falling at a very rapid rate, making for a very cozy day. The recipients of said Christmas knits have agreed to model for me so all I need to do now is get a new memory card for my camera and set up the photo shoots!
Stay tuned for the pics...As for the new background for this blog, I thought the snow was very appropriate. However, I think I will probably be updating it again very soon so enjoy for now.

Quiet on the homefront

I have managed to complete a cowl and a sock is 75% done but it feels as though I haven't been up to much at all in regard to my knitting. Thanksgiving is over and I now have to get some serious Christmas knitting underway. I have kept the projects small and to a select few so I don't anticipate a major meltdown on Christmas eve but...we shall see. There are also a few small felt/embroidery numbers that I plan to whip up for those not receiving a knit item. Again, these are small and few so as long as I keep to a decent work schedule the sewing shouldn't interfere with the knitting. For one person I have a much needed item to buy. That person will also be receiving a knit item. As for the others...I have to admit that this may be the year of the gift cards. I put so much energy into last years gifts that I don't think I have it in me this year. Unless I have some great epiphany, that's my plan and I'm sticking to it!

YouTube - The Dandy Warhols live in Philly 11-7-10

YouTube - The Dandy Warhols live in Philly 11-7-10

Here's another sample, sorry, couldn't help myself. If you want to see more of this concert, go to you tube and type the caption above. There's a bunch of great videos!

YouTube - The Dandy Warhols - We used to be friends - live @ the Electric Factory

YouTube - The Dandy Warhols - We used to be friends - live @ the Electric Factory

This is a sample of the concert I saw at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. The Dandy Warhol's are awesome live and I can't wait to see them again!

Waxing Nostaligic

My trip to Philadelphia was bittersweet. Although it was nostalgic in every way possible, it was also very weird. My sweetie & I felt like tourists but not tourists. We lived there for eight years, both as students in art school and as newlyweds. We knew our way around, yet so many things had changed in our old neighborhood. We managed to plan our trip so effectively that we saw everything mostly in one day. That's the great thing about Philly, it has all the things NYC has but it doesn't overwhelm you. It's completely manageable. O.K. enough of my waxing...now for the pictures...

We used the GPS this time (like we didn't know where we were going?) and happened to find a new way into the city. We always go 287 to NJ Turnpike, which feels like an eternity...the GPS had us take 202 to I95. We ended up gaining 40 minutes which was great but we didn't take the Ben Franklin bridge into the city. There is something about driving over the bridge and seeing the skyline that gives me butterflies. So, these pictures are of the view driving into the city from the side basically.

This is the view of the city from our hotel room during the day...

and night.

What changes happened in our old neighborhood over the past six years you ask? Well, the church was knocked down and now there's a parking lot (isn't there a song about this?).

The Art Museum Diner, where we often had Sunday breakfast...

is now a pizza place.

Thank goodness some things stay the same. Our favorite used book store, Book Haven is still there. The owner remembered us after such a long time away.

Our favorite restaurant, Bridgid's, is still there. It doesn't look like much from the outside but I swear this is a place that doesn't disappoint (North 24th st.).

Philadelphia is a city known for their murals. Here are a few examples...

A mural on the avenue of the arts.

A mural on Market Street.

A mural on Rodman Street.

A mosaic that has everything in it...from pottery to mirror pieces. Not only is the building covered but so is the court yard. This is a must see (10th & South).

Philly also has great sculpture...
From Alexander Calder...

to Claes Oldenburg...

As if touring the city all day and taking in great art wasn't enough, we also managed to catch one of the best concerts I've ever seen...the Dandy Warhol's...

The next day I went to two local yarn stores, Rosie's Yarn Cellar (20th/Locust st) & Loop (19th/south st)

and finished off our visit by eating the best cheese steak in Philly, at Jim's steaks on 4th & South

and strolling famous South Street. If you're looking for something, you'll find it here...

Philadelphia is such a great city and it will always hold a special place in my heart. There of course is so much more to see. The next time we visit, we plan to do all the museums. If you've never been, then obviously you would also need to do all the historic sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and Boat House Row, to name just a few.

Until the next time Philly...

Fall Back

I realized today that the clocks go back. This also made me realize that fall will soon be over and snow will be here before we know it. It's really cold today and while that makes for great knitting conditions, I am unable to devote any real time to my knitting lately. I've been errand running and making preparations for a quick weekend getaway. Of course, I will be taking some of my projects on the road with me. (That's what's getting me through). In the meantime however, I thought I'd take a quick break to make some overdue updates to the blog. It was looking very spring-like so I added fall leaves to the background...in an attempt to hang on to what's left of the season.  So, until I return to share some photo's...Happy Fall Everyone!

And the winner's are...

As I posted yesterday, Maya D won the first prize in my first blog giveaway. Today I am pleased to announce that Amybel and Jobo Designs have won the second and third prizes. Thanks so much for following me! Congratulations and I will be sending your prize shortly.

YAY and UGH all at the same time

YAY! :
 For Maya D who is the first follower of this blog and the winner of my very first giveaway. As per my announcement on Ravelry there are two more prizes for the 2nd and 3rd followers.  (Maya please email at the address above as to where I can send your prize. Congrats!)

UGH! : 
For the fact that I have spent an entire day trying to put a Ravelry link onto this blog. Honestly, I think I've gone cross eyed! I may have to admit defeat, at least for today anyway....

Rhinebeck Update (better late than never...)

So, this post is a bit late but...here are my pics from Rhinebeck's Sheep & Wool Festival!
First let me start with the beautiful fall colors...

My fleece friends that make it all happen...

A broom demonstration (which I've never caught before)...

(I love this pic,see all the straw in mid air as he cuts it)




Me hanging out with my friends...

An awesome sand castle ...

and last but certainly not least, my goodies...

Since it's a little hard to tell what I purchased, here's a list;
1. Cowlgirls (book of cowl patterns) by Cathy Carron   2. A renewal subscription to WildFibers   3. Stitch markers from Waters Edge Jewelry (I bought them for the knit charms to add to #4)   4. A knit themed charm bracelet from   5. Three pins (they say: I'm a naughty knitter, Will knit for wine and Rhinebeck Rocks and a bumper sticker that says If knitting were exercise you could bounce a quarter off my ass  6. Yarn from Shel B. & Anita (iloveyarn.com) in green 7. a Pattern from Helen Hamann for the cork screw scarf     and 7. Fearful Symmetry Sock kit from Tsarina of Tsocks.
I guess that should keep me busy for a while right?

Can't Wait!!!!!

I am SOooooooo excited!!!!!

Of course, this year the NYS sheep/wool fest is Oct. 16&17 but...you get the general idea.

What's On The Needles?

Well...I'm almost finished with a cowl to keep my sweetie's neck warm...

A pair of two toned socks for me...

And then a sock mate for the previous pair I was working on for myself... 

I also have some knitting projects I need to start for my etsy shop so basically, I feel as though I've knit myself into a corner with all these projects. I don't know what pair of needles to pick up first. I need to prioritize...unfortunately my socks can wait. Since it's getting colder by the minute and as it's almost done, the cowl should come first. Then I need to crank out some shop items. At that point, I should be able to sit back and finish the socks. Unless I start more projects of course. My new mantra shall be 'finish before starting new knits' .