« May 2007 | Main | July 2007 »
June 21, 2007
Another Sock
The next sock in the basket is the Undulating Rib sock from the ever-popular Favorite Socks book from IK. The yarn ... well the yarn is the Ocean Minerals from Piece of Beauty.
The yarn isn't as blue as it looks - it's greener. Greenish turquoise I suppose. Piece of Beauty switched from a superwash merino to a superwash BFL sock yarn and I was skeptical when I ordered it. Not because I have anything against BFL, but because I loved the merino so much. I have to say, I'm very impressed with this yarn. It's soft (I was worried about it's softness), yet feels like it will wear well. All in all, a great sock yarn.
I'm using my new Lantern Moon Sox Stix for this project. Size 1 - 2.25mm. The pattern called for a US 3 and 4 and I was stumped by that because the gauge is 18 sts to 2 inches. That's 9 stitches per inch. I measured my gauge on the Retro Rib socks and it was about 17 sts to 2 inches. I know this is different yarn, but not that different. I just can't imagine a fingering weight (which is the weight specified in the pattern) sock yarn knit on size 3 needles. Am I crazy? Anyway, I don't know what my gauge is for this sock, but it looks to be about the right size and the pattern is super stretchy. So I'm pretty sure it will fit my sister.
Yesterday was a big baking day at my house. I made more Oatmeal Toasting Bread. I'll save you from a picture because it looks just about like the last batch. And since I was on an oatmeal kick I decided to make oatmeal raisin cookies too. I tried a new recipe - more of a refrigerator dough - and I really, really like them.
They're large, which Travis likes, and very soft and chewy. I don't like oatmeal raisin cookies that get hard and these definitely aren't. I also like that they didn't get really flat, which is a common problem I have with cookies. So, I made a mark in the cookbook and will make these again.
Posted by Stephanie at 5:57 PM | Comments (20)June 19, 2007
Retro Ribs
The Retro Rib Socks are done.
I do so enjoy finishing a project. In fact, it makes me almost giddy. I know, I'm easily amused. These socks are for my brother and I really hope he likes them.
Project Details:
Yarn: Trekking XXL in Color 02. The yarn has been in my stash for over a year and I originally bought it with the thought of knitting socks for my brother. There's something satisfying in having that plan come to fruition.
Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark from Favorite Socks - 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave
Needles: 2.5mm Addi Natura dpns - 6" of course.
Thoughts: I love everything about these socks. This is the first time I've knit with Trekking and now I understand the fuss. It's good yarn. The pattern is simple, but has just enough going on to keep it interesting. The socks knit up extremely quickly, which is always a bonus - especially considering my recent dry spell. I really hope my brother likes these socks, but I think he will. So, a definite winner all the way around.
I've started some new socks with the Piece of Beauty yarn I just got.
This is awesome yarn. I've knit about 3 inches and I love it. I'll take pictures tomorrow when the pattern has developed a little more and there's more to look at. I seem to be on a sock kick right now, but at least I'm feeling productive.
And on a completely unrelated topic - my craft room organization got a mention on Craft Critique.
Posted by Stephanie at 7:07 PM | Comments (17)June 13, 2007
Baking - Beware
For all of you who are being good and watching what you eat, you might not want to stop here today (although it's just bread ... and cookies). I've been baking. Be surprise there. We ran out of bread the other day and since I'm trying to bake all the bread rather than buying it at the store, what was I to do but make some. And of course I had to try the Potato Bread from A Year In Bread. There really wasn't any choice in the matter. I swear.
This is good white bread. Nothing spectacular, but that's sort of the point of white bread in my opinion. It's very moist, soft, and almost sproingy (yep, a technical term). Travis gave it 2 thumbs up and he's the original Wonder Bread guy. So I think it's safe to say it was a hit.
The thing that occurred to me when I was making this bread is that I love the process of bread. I love mixing it - and I've found that I like mixing it by hand rather than using the mixer, kneading it, and watching it rise. It's just so satisfying. And the smell when it's baking - yum.
The one thing I'm not sure of is the new Chicago Metallic bread pans I just bought. I love the pans, but look at my loaves.
The tops browned nicely, but the bottoms didn't brown at all. The loaves are done (or at least the one I cut is). Any ideas on what's going on with that?
While I can actually live on bread alone, Travis thinks we also need cookies to have a full life (and who can complain about cookies). I decided to go out on a limb and try something new. I looked through How To Bake and came up with a variation on the sugar cookie.
The recipe is called Swiss Butter Mailaenderli. The description says, "These delicate cookies are called in Swiss dialect 'Little Milanesi' - probably because they were originally based on an Italian cookie." The cookies are very plain, but flaky and rich. They're great with a cup of tea, but I'm not sure they're sweet enough for Travis without some frosting. I did sprinkle some with sugar and those might be more to his liking.
As the weather gets warmer here - finally - I find myself thinking of lace. I'm struggling to stay focused on Butterfly, and I'm going to try to hold out as long as possible. If you could all provide some moral support to keep me on the straight and narrow, I'd appreciate it. The second Retro Rib sock is coming along, but more slowly than the first. This weekend should provide some good knitting time, so I'm trying not to stress about that. But you know me, I tend to stress about things.
Posted by Stephanie at 6:53 AM | Comments (13)June 11, 2007
Kinda Random
Today is Monday and my goal for this week is to post to my blog more than twice. I had stuff to post about last week, but the time just sorta got away from me. So today will be a somewhat random post to hit the highlights. First, and most exciting in my book, I finished the first Retro Rib Sock. I grafted the toe closed Saturday morning and immediately cast on for the second one (the only way to avoid SSS in my opinion). On a side note - I think I've finally grafted enough toes that I know how to do it without looking it up. Sheesh. That took long enough.
I love, love, love this sock. I don't know what it is about it, but I'm quite pleased with how it came out. And so far the second one hasn't been tedious (although socks for boys with big feet take a bit longer!).
I've been looking around at patterns for skirts and I really want to make a skirt and a shirt, but I won't let myself start any new patterns until I finish the pajama pants I bought fabric for. These are part of my Holiday Headstart projects and I haven't done a single thing since the first pair I made in February. There's nothing like the desire for a new project to motivate you to get off your butt and get busy. So Saturday night I cut the pieces out so I can get busy sewing this week.
Actually, last night I started on the brown flannel (second up from the bottom). Those are for Travis and not for a gift. They're just because his old lounge pants are falling apart. I have them done except for the hem, but I think they're going to need some modifications. They're sitting a little too low on the hips (and of course I have the waist band done). Any ideas on how to modify them so they aren't quite so shallow in the rise? If I can't figure it out I'll just finish them and put them in the Christmas box and make Travis a new pair, but I hate it when things don't turn out like I want them to.
And to round out the randomness that is today's post. I had a moment of weakness and ordered some yarn. This is the first yarn I've purchased since 2006 and it's sock yarn, but it's still another skein for the stash. The problem was Piece of Beauty's new sock yarn and the gorgeous colors she had. So, a skein of Ocean Minerals is on its way to me and I think it might become a pair of socks for my sister's birthday. And because I can't resist cute things, I had to pick up a set of the new Lantern Moon Sox Stix.
I'm not sure I love the points, but I know I love the ebony and I like 5 or 6 inch sock needles. So, as soon as I finish the Retro Rib socks I'll have to figure out a project for my new 2.25 mm dpns. I don't think it will be too hard.
Have a great Monday. Last Thursday we had snow (about 3 inches) and the temperature was 30 degrees (at 2:00 in the afternoon). Today is supposed to be 80. Go figure.
Posted by Stephanie at 6:28 AM | Comments (13)June 6, 2007
Flambe Banana Bread
Susan gave me a link for some banana bread. She said she'd made it and it was wonderful. She thought I should try it. And of course, I did. I do believe this is one of the best banana bread recipes I've ever made and there's the added bonus of getting to light the bananas on fire.
The bread is very good. Great flavor and very moist. The pecans are sugared prior to adding them to the batter, but the next time I make it I'll chop the pecans rather than adding them as halves. The large nuts make cutting slices rather difficult.
Thanks for the great link and the wonderful recipe! I'll definitely be making this again.
Posted by Stephanie at 1:15 PM | Comments (13)June 5, 2007
What Happened?
Because it's summer and because Butterfly is not very portable and because I finished my Jaywalkers, I started a new pair of socks. I've still been working on Butterfly when I'm at home, but somehow I've managed to almost complete a sock in a week (is it the yarn? the needles? the pattern? i've never knit a sock this fast in my life).
That is the Retro Rib Sock from Favorite Socks. The yarn is some blue Trekking I bought at least a year ago with the thought of knitting my brother a pair of socks. Well, the time has come. My brother has been quite amused and a little intrigued by the sock knitting I do so I thought I'd just go ahead and knit him a pair. I debated about this pattern. Was it too girly? Was it too fussy? Was it forgiving enough to stretch enough to fit him? The pattern is very simple - a 4 row repeat of knits and purls, but it's a pattern... After the leg I asked Travis what he thought and he said it was ok for a guy. Good to know. I tried it on after the heel and was surprised that it fit me as well as it did. It's a little big and the heel flap is a touch long, but I feel confident it will fit Tait. I saw him the other day (it's an interesting milestone when your baby brother turns 25) and I told him I had started his socks. He was so excited it really made me feel good. I think he will really appreciate the socks.
For the horticulturally brilliant among you, here is a photo of the mystery plant - leaves and all (they tell me you need to see the leaves to identify the plant - who knew)
And in some very exciting garden news - my first ever iris has bloomed!
June 2, 2007
The Yard
Last weekend was the first time we had to go buy trees. We debated about how many and what size, but we ended up with two Colorado Blue Spruce - one about 6' and one 6 1/2'.
The plan is that when they grow up they'll hide most of the propane tank from the view in the back yard. Theoretically. I've been working on taking the rock out of the front bed, but it's hard work and it takes me forever. Hopefully I'll have time this weekend for a little bit more. The good news is that despite our less than spring-like weather this week (highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s!) I have some growth in my perennial beds. I even have a flower!
I seem to have lost the little tag that tells me what it is, so if you know - I'd appreciate the heads up. It also looks like my poppies and iris are getting ready to bloom. Oh, and most exciting, I think this year may be the year I get peonies. I've had the plants for 4 or 5 years, but when I originally planted them I planted them too deep so they didn't flower. Last year I raised them up and they both look like they have buds! WooHoo!
Yesterday I did some spinning - more of the alpaca. This time I didn't spin over the fold, but just spun straight from the fiber - I think I'm spinning it worsted, but I'm not exactly sure. I'm just trying to get twist in it because the fibers are pretty short and very slippery. I only spun about 1/2 a bobbin in a couple of hours. I'm really slow with this stuff. Oh, and I started a new sock - the Retro Rib Socks from the Favorite Socks from IK book in some Trekking XXL I had in my stash. I'll have a post on both the spinning and the sock in the next few days. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Stephanie at 7:35 AM | Comments (11)
