B is for. . . . . .

BINDERS full of patterns.



We live in a teeny tiny apartment and I just don't have the room to save magazines. And the organizational skills to index the patterns in the saved magazines? Nope, don't have that either.

So after a trip to Staples for binders and sheet protectors, I'm slowly going through a few years worth of knitting magazines. Being ripped out are patterns that currently interest me and look somewhat knitable.

Yeah, I know I may miss some--but, I'm not worried. There will always be more patterns!

I have five binders set up--one each for shawls, socks, sweaters, scarves and hats/gloves. Two more will be made--one for miscellaneous things (home items, gifts) and one for techniques.

Being a visual person, I'm using pictures as labels.







What do you do with your knitting magazines?

The Big Reveal

In the last post, a new project was mentioned...big, never seen in these parts project.

OK--time for the reveal.

Hint #1:



Hint #2:



Hint #3:



Yep, I'm a sweater virgin. Have never knit one. This is a first.

The pattern will basically be Mason-Dixon's Perfect Sweater but tweaked using Ann Budd's sweater pattern book.

Cascade 220 / The Heathers in #2424 (Summer Evening) is the yarn. And, much to my surprise, I achieved gauge on size 6 needles.

My fingers are really itching to begin! But, since Math is involved, I'm not rushing into this blindly and impulsively. Next up will the measuring and drawing a schematic.

Any and all advice will be gladly welcomed!

FO Friday

TWO finished objects to show!

Last week, the twee pink fluffy angora booties from Last Minute Knitted Gifts were given to the new baby. This is the third pair I've made in the past few months and, I swear, that's it! Never again will the word twee be seen on this blog.



Yarn: Joseph Galler's Belangora in Powder
Needle size: 5

The Maine Morning Mitts were finished just in time for this weekend's cold spell. (Follow the link for the pattern.)



Yarn is the scrumydelicious wool/silk of Sheep Shop 3 worked on size 5 needles. The only modification I made is that they're an inch longer than the pattern specified.

And I changed the name of 'em.

Whenever I think of Maine Morning, I picture the rocky Maine coast, a foggy dawn, lobster boats coming in.

But, that's not my life.

These fingerless gloves are better named:
It's Winter and I'm Sitting Near the Door of Starbucks on Knit Night Mitts
or
I'm Running Late and/or I'm Lazy, So I'm Hailing a Cab Mitts

On the needles:
This weekend I'll be casting on a quick on-the-go project. And I'll be swatching for a big, never seen in these parts project. Details to follow ad nauseam.

A is for

APPLE PIE!



Since I make an apple pie every 7 to 10 days, apple pie is very significant to me!

Here's my recipe:

I've never mastered making pie-crust -- but the Whole Foods frozen crusts are quite good. Take the pie crusts from the freezer and do the upside crust thing for the top one.

Peel and slice 4 to 6 apples. I use anywhere from 2 to 6 different types of apples in my pie. The variety gives the pie a more apple-y taste. Apples that are best for baking are Braeburn, Cortland, Crispin, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold.



Grate lemon zest (3/4 to a whole lemon--depends on size) into the apples. Yes, you read that right--lemon zest. Sometimes I go overboard with the lemon and the pie has a lemon taste, but usually the lemon gives the pie a little something tasty that people can't quite figure out.

Grate fresh nutmeg and sprinkle in some cinnamon. Not too much! You want the apple taste to come through.

Shake in some Wondra and mix it all up. If the mixture looks too wet, add more.

Put apples into the crust--arrange so the bottom is covered and then pile them in. The middle of the pie should have a little mound of apple slices.

Then dot the apples with little bits of butter.

Cover with and seal the top crust. Slit vents. Dot the top of the crust with butter and sprinkle cinnamon.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for an hour or so. The crust should be a dark golden color and your house should smell delicious.

Did you notice what's NOT in the apple mixture? Yep, you're right--sugar. I feel that the apples are sweet enough that sugar isn't needed. I realize that others may not agree--but, try it--you might like it.

Button Snit:
I'm participating in the ABC Along 2008. I'd like to put the button on the side-bar, but can't figure out how to do it. If anybody who knows both Mac and blogger can help, please email or comment. Thanks!

New Year, New Knit

So I started 2008 by casting on for the Maine Morning Mitts in the scrumydelicious Sheep Shop. And I cast on, and I cast on and then I cast on again.



Needles too large, needles too small, not enough stitches. It's all too boring to discuss.

However, my dislike of dpns has been rekindled. It's like using tree trunks that keep jumping up in my path. I hate 'em. I'm switching over to either shorter dpns (if I can find them in my needle stash) or two circulars.

Meanwhile, lots of people are getting sick with the Norovirus and each time I hear on the news that the Norovirus is going to reach epidemic proportions this winter, my inner adolescent switches into Homer Simpson mode. . . . "Norovirus. . . Mmmmmm Noro."