Friday, May 28, 2010

Happy Birthday Dogface!!


My very bestest, most easy-going pal is 8 years old today. Life with Kozmo has been a warm, cuddly, funny, sweet, gassy and fast 8 years. This guy is so wonderful and so loyal....but most of you already know of his virtues.

fresh roll


These were so easy to make. I love vietnamese food and have wanted to try making them myself. Click on the link below and try your hand at making them! The only substitutions that I made were using baked tofu instead of shrimp and regular basil instead of Thai basil.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Vietnamese-Fresh-Spring-Rolls/Detail.aspx?src=etafhttp://

pink Bliss


Nothing compares to Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. This lovely yarn is perfect for this project! I have been comissioned by a co-worker to make two baby cardigans for her two daughters that are each expecting baby girls this summer. I love this carnation-pink color and know that the recipient's mamas will love these heirloom-worthy little cardis. I have knit this pattern several times and consider this a great go-to project when I want a quick, cute gift. The merino wool, microfiber and cashmere blend make this very, very soft and wonderfully luxe for baby knits.
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tiny little pink collar



One of my favorite baby cardigan patterns- I can knit one of these in about three evenings. Constructed from the "top-down" in one piece, the bodice is knit to the sleeves and then the sleeve stitches are placed on holders while the body is being knit. Sleeve stitches are then picked up and finished in the round. Done! No seams! Love it!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

hold on to your hat!


If you love the chips, you will love this potato salad!! This is always a huge hit and you can make a giant vat of the stuff very inexpensively. Bring this to your next pot luck or BBQ and you will be the star!


Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad

2 lbs tiny red potatoes
Parsley (good old-fashioned curly leaf), large handful, finely chopped
1 tbs Old Bay Seasoning
2 tsp sea salt
½ thinly sliced large red onion
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup malt or cider vinegar


Combine all ingredients except potatoes in a small bowl and allow to marinate for at least one hour. Cook potatoes (whole) in boiling water until tender, then drain. Place potatoes in large bowl and cut into bite-size pieces. Add onion mixture to warm potatoes and allow to sit for at least on hour. You can chill or serve warm or at room temperature. Add more salt and/or vinegar to taste if desired. Great for picnic or tailgate…does not require refridgeration.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

next little project



I love this super-simple, not-so-pink child's cardigan. Made in 100% wool with Dream in Color Merino yarns. I just purchased the pattern and the yarn online and can hardly wait to get started.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

more niftiness....


NIFTY TRICK!









For every repeat on this pattern I place a marker. If the phone ring...I don't loose my place, no matter what.








































While I am working on this project, I will show you how nifty and important the use of markers can be. I have many tools that I use when I knit to help me keep track of exactly where I am in a pattern and inexpensive little plastic rings are just the ticket. Above is an example of where I am increasing stitches to create a raglan style shoulder and sleeve. I know to increase two stitches before and two after each marker. This little baby cardigan (which I hope to enter in the Sonoma County Fair!) has a lace skirt. I will demonstrate when I get to that point on how I use LOTS of markers when doing lace work.

Monday, May 10, 2010

and I mean business....kind of


business cards just arrived from Vistaprint....I like them!

On the needles

  • Central Park Hoodie
  • Fingerless Mitts
  • Toe-up Peppermint Stripe Socks
  • Chihuahua sweater

Books on the shelf

  • Knitting for Peace by Betty Christiansen
  • Stephanie Peearl-McPhee Casts Off- The Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Kniting
  • Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
  • The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
  • Hypocrite In A pouffy White Dress by Susan Jane Gillman

Learn all that you can about IBC and spread the word

Learn all that you can about IBC and spread the word
You go, Mom!