nuttnbunny makes some stuff

Because he can.

2009-04-25T17:49:00.002-05:00

Admit it. You would too if you had access to the equipment.

Come to Mama!

2009-04-20T08:42:00.002-05:00

Have you planned for Mothers' Day gifts?

A small update on my etsy shop. A few Shibori silk scarves.
This is another interesting way to explore the structure of color.

Enter "Come to Mama!" at checkout to recieve 15% off your order.

Bright Days

2009-04-13T07:36:00.006-05:00

Synergy between spun yarn and the dyed eggs.

nuttnbunnyspunme Brights
356 yards, Aran weight, 2 ply

The wool is from Cherry Tree Hill and a pleasure to spin. A gift from 10%. (Thanks! xoxo...)
I've got designs on what to knit and for whom. Hee Hee. :-)

nuttnbunny and nuttnsonny handdyed eggs

Our fantastic colander method.

Super fast , super easy and super pretty. Super!

The egg hunt maniacs prepping for the frenzy.

Many eggs were found. Much candy was consumed. Serious fun was had. Success!!

Remembering the weather at Easter last year. This year is much more civilized.

Can I watch a movie?

2009-04-06T10:16:00.004-05:00

We do our best to manage Z's television consumption.
Careful choices are made:

two cartoons on weekend mornings
a movie when we have a babysitter
the occasional youtube foray for current interests
(i.e., whale sharks, surfing dudes, donald duck)
any/all of the above when he's ill

Now he feigns illness to achieve viewership. It's funny but of concern.

It's easy enough to see through his dramatic ploy (the Academy Award for best Fever goes to....) but I worry that we're not doing this right.
Our TV is in the basement and is not a part of our daily life.
There is no unsupervised watching.
The goal is to give him enough TV access for fun and immunization.

Your perspectives please?

Good Morning.

2009-04-03T10:09:00.003-05:00

I can make things and I can write about making things.

Q: Can I do both simultaneously?
A: Sometimes

Lovely breakfast this morning.
Sprouted french lentils, diced apple, basil, olive oil & apple cider vinegar.
Very clean.

Fairly Shocked

2008-08-26T14:52:00.002-05:00

Two entries. One ribbon.

Lace Ribbon Scarf and Z's Raglan.

I'm so stinking happy! Already making plans for next year. :-)

There was SO MUCH gorgeous work this year.
God, I love the Fair!!!

Thannksgiving in August

2008-08-14T18:54:00.003-05:00

Back at home. Feels like... home.

A loss and a lot of love.

At my grandmothers funeral

I kept looking at my child,

my siblings, my niece,

my mother and thinking:

thank you.

What a gift.

Will be spinning at the State Fair on opening day, 8/21.

Stop by the Baa Booth to say hi.

Also entered 2 knit items. Will see how I do.

And the living is easy...

2008-07-09T13:45:00.003-05:00

10% and SWMBO* came up from TX to spend the 4th.
They get to escape the heat and we get to enjoy their company.

We all went up to Duluth for a couple days and were back safely at home for the holiday.

Franconia, MN has the best Fourth of July Parade in the country.
No spectators, only participants.
Marching followed by a cookout party,
complete with egg toss and 3-legged race.

Good fun for the whole fam-damily!

We did manage to set off a few fireworks.

In spite of what Z's frantic retreat implies, these were merely smokebombs.

We waited until after dark to almost sear his foot off with sparklers.

Hit the river this weekend with our neighbors.

Z adores driving. He quickly learned to operate the accelerator.

Check out the wake!

Guppie Z learns to swim.

Thank you Stearns Company!

A big storm in a big sky yields a big rainbow.
As context, nuttnhubby's sculpture is 65 feet tall. Details here.

Miss Julie and I head to La Belle Vie on Friday. Ooo La La!

Our great love of this restaurant was inspired by our even greater love of the Supreme Julia. I highly recommend adding her shows to your Netflix queue.

Details on our meal plus fiber dyeing, spinning, and knitting forthcoming.

* She Who Must Be Obeyed

What rhymes with Penguin?

2008-06-25T12:20:00.003-05:00

Basketweave Cowl

Pattern: modified version of the PurlBee Basketeweave Scarf

Yarn: River's Edge - nuttnbunnyspunme dk
113 yards navajo plyed

Warmy Neckerson

Pattern: my own

Yarn: Vineyard - nuttnbunnyspunme dk
cashmere/tussah 50/50
nuttnbunnydyedme too :-)

Love that carved stone button.

Little Penguin

Pattern: my own improvisation
I took notes as I went and will try to put it all together in a pattern.

Yarn: River's Edge - nuttnbunnyspunme fingering
168 yards 2 ply

nuttnhubby said I really captured that "penguin essence". Hmmm....

Mowl (that's a Man Cowl) :-)

Pattern: Gloria Cowl

Yarn: Sterling - nuttnbunnyspunme fingering

Notes: Multipurpose. He can wear it around his neck too.

Happy Fathers' Day! xoxo...

Still life with snakes.

Z's play is becoming more and more enchanting. I love stumbling upon these little scenarios. I think I'll start capturing the images, fill in the narrative and make them into a children's book. :-)

More images of everything on Flickr.

The same, only different

2008-05-27T18:56:00.002-05:00

This week was a study in doing the same thing twice.

This is my head... This is my head emerging from a chrysalis.

Pattern: Balsam

Modifications: Knit an abbreviated version casting on 90 stitches and working 2.5 pattern repeats for a cowl.

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme dk
Insect Wings
from Hello Yarn Fiber Club
February 2008
BFL

And a twin. Now, why would I need two of these? Hmmm...

And the same in spinning.

River's Edge Fiber split and spun two ways.

This into 168 yards 2 ply at 15 wpi/fingering.

I have a new found love of plying from a center pull ball.

And the same fiber, other half.

Spun into 113 yards DK weight at 11 wpi navajo ply.

Related, yet different.

What it is. What it isn't. What it might be.
That's one for me to ponder all week. :-)

Well, I didn't mean for that to happen!

2008-05-17T07:54:00.003-05:00

A quick blog vacation.

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

Mother's Day gift for my Mom. As mentioned elsewhere, I must really love my mom b/c anyone else would totally have gotten a flower delivery while I made off with this scarf!

Z was my little helper by shooting this pic!

Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme
Verdant
from Hello Yarn Fiber Club
January 2008

I think we may be looking at a State Fair entry. What do you think?

Some sweet spring mud for the recent Cowl Craze.

Pattern: Purl's Cashmere Cowl

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme
Mud Season
from Spunky Club
March 2008

They have another pattern for a lace cowl that I'm going to try too.

Shepherd's Harvest Festival was on Mother's Day weekend.
Lots of stash building. (I bought the equiv of how many sheep?!?!?)

And "Party Dress/She's So Unusual" took the Blue Ribbon in Novelty Yarn. I'm surprised by how few entries there were in the skein competition. Why is that?

Lastly, I've got a little Scavenger Hunt going on Ravelry. You have to find it to play. There will be prizes... Come on! :-)

The Young, Mysterious King

2008-04-25T10:42:00.006-05:00

El Mysterioso Rey Jr.
I consider it a public service when he wears this to the grocery store.

We're on a prairie restoration cycle at Franconia Sculpture Park and we burned the fields in that service earlier this week.

Awesome.

Miss Julie had a birthday!

In her honor
(1) Claire the Lamb produced this bag o' fleece which
(2) I (in her honor) spun into yarn.

13 oz prepared fleece spun into 576 yards 12 wpi 2 ply sport weight yumminess.

Color - natural

Texture - soft and bouncy

:-)

Destined to be knit into what I hope will be an appropriately honorable Christmas gift.

And more spinning.

"Insect Wings"
Hello Yarn Fiber Club
February 2008
10 oz (how I love the double club) BFL

Spun into:
323 yards
10.5 wpi
DK Weight

Julie Frick energized a great devotional cowl worship on Ravelry and Flickr.

After a secret gift project is complete (not for you Miss Julie, not yet :-))
Insect Wings will become a cowl.

Better late than never

2008-04-07T15:33:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Incredible Custom-Fit Raglan
Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme dk - low country from Hello Yarn fiber
Notes: Best worn while dancing around and singing the theme to Scooby Doo

And not a moment too soon. He's almost outgrown it!

Can't stop smiling about these stripes.

We've been serious EZ Bakers.

Might be better if we added more chocolate.

V. carefully...

Wonder if this frosting's any good. Let's check it.

Hits the spot!

Yes - it's still snowing... in April.
Those are Hammie's prints.
He really wants the squirrels to get off his damn porch.
It's a cat thing.

And another pair. MUST try another pattern after this.

Pattern: Dragon Scale Mitts from PurlBee
Yarn: Frog Tree Alpaca - sport weight
Notes: used the US2 needles again. Like em a little snug.

These are a gift for Tara at La Belle Vie. Miss Julie and I are taking nuttnhubby and Anna Nanna out for dinner this weekend to celebrate our birthdays. Oooo baby!

Hello 41! Big plans for a great year. :-)

Sprung?

2008-03-26T15:31:00.003-05:00

Need things to stay warm. It's still winter here.
Don't let the passing of the first day of Spring fool you.

Pattern: Quickie Cowl by Fawn Pea

Modifications: Used Size 11 needles, provisional cast on, and grafted to finish.
Just like on Frivoli!

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme bulky - “Mutant Peeps” from Spunky Club
on flickr and ravelry

Notes: Super fast, super soft, super cute. Destined, alas, for a gift.

And for another Spring activity:
Newly boiled and ready to dye in the super-speedy-nuttnbunny-uber-dye method.

Put in a colander.
Splash with vinegar.
Sprinkle with food dye.
Swirl around.
Rinse.
Dry on a cake rack and...

Voila! 4 dozen in 15 minutes. Call Guinness, it's a Record.

Thank you Easter Bunny.
I'm a little scared of this guy. So sweetly menacing.
Z was much more brave.

Friends came over for an egg hunt. In the snow for godssake!!!!

Post egg hunt movie time.

My tummy hurts. Can I please have one more piece of candy? It's a just little tiny racecar.

Mmmmm.... Ham.

2008-03-19T17:30:00.006-05:00

Another for Pay it Forward. Now if I could only get my ass to the post office!

Pattern: Lacey Ascot
Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme sport here on Ravelry
Notes: Christina Marie's original looks so great with the color shifting Noro. Not sure this subtle yarn shows off the pattern as well.

It is v. v. soft. So happy to knit with my own yarn. I'm heading to Keri's shop for some more of her wonderful battlets. Suggest you follow me there.

More knitting for Pay it Forward.

Pattern: PurlBee Beret
Yarn: Locally produced fine Alpaca
Notes: Made this one exxxxxxtra slouchy

More spinning. This from Spunky Club February 2008.

"Think Spring" colorway
100% South African Fine Wool
has spun into
"Mutant Peeps"
100 yards
Navajo Plyed
Bulky @ 7 wpi

"Animal"

This fiber from Spunky Club January 2008.
100% Icelandic Wool

The fiber (which I neglected to photograph) seemed so "beasty", in a good way, that I wanted to spin it bulky to capitalize on it's "animalness",

Not sure what to do with 63 yards of bulky - 7 wpi. Maybe a blanket for Z's puppy to accessorize with his little raglan?

Charged Hammie's scratcher up with some fresh catnip. He's feeling fine.

Got another 4 inches of snow on Monday night. With Easter this weekend I think the kids are bound for an indoor egg hunt.

At least we'll have the ham to console us.

2008-03-12T14:16:00.005-05:00

Ahhh... That's much better.

Vacation trip was fantastic. Beach, pool, naps, the city bus (man, they really tear-ass around) and good family time.

Very little knitting completed. The best of intentions.

::buzz buzz::

Pattern: Dragon Scale Mitts
Yarn: Frog Tree 100% Alpaca Sport Weight - cool organization.
Buy their stuff.
Note: US2 needles used to snug em up a bit.
Fit nicely, even on my big paws.

These will go toward Pay it Forward. Here's the status report:

Knit Knutt
Fairly Odd Mother
Crochet Compulsive (substituted for Preety - no reponse)
One Red Boot
Domesticali (substituted for Tiennie - declined)
Half Way Down the Stairs
Knits a Beatiful Life
Spinning a Yarn- complete (if UPS has delivered the dang package)
Chickenbells - almost!
Knitty Gritty - complete

Ladies - If you haven't yet sent me your addie, please do.
Let me be your knit stylist! :-)

We're now a 2 wheel house. Keri hooked me up with the Cadillac.
Spins with a whisper. Smooooooth... Increased productivity. Check it out.

Springtime
85% Superwash Merino, 5% Tencel, 5% Camel/Tussah Silk, 5% Nylon
fiber from Knitty Gritty Thoughts
120 yards
15 wpi - fingering weight

Keri also feeds my fiber face. Get yer own at her Etsy shop.

Mint Choco
45% Superwash Merino, 45% Tencel a & 10% Camel/Tussah Silk = SOOOOFT!
fiber from Knitty Gritty Thoughts
spun into 150 yards
12 wpi - sport weight

These next three coordinate:

Ginger
133 yards Falkland Wool
fiber from Hello Yarn
10 wpi - worsted weight

Radiant
80 yards Falkland Wool
hand dyed and spun by me to coordinate with Ginger from Hello Yarn
10 wpi - worsted weight

And lastly - the fusion.

Radiant Ginger
383 yards Falkland Wool
from my own handdyed roving (radiant) and Hello Yarn (ginger)
10 wpi - worsted weight

Moonpie has a birthday coming up. Thinking about using these three for a little gal's version of Cobblestone going from Radiant to Ginger and then, finally, the Fusion.

I hope she'll look like the little ray of sunshine she is!

The Essentials

2008-02-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

We're off. And not a moment too soon.
Winter has been too much this year.
Depth and duration.

See you in March!

Raglans, Butter, Bees and Love

2008-02-12T11:26:00.000-06:00

Almost done with Z's custom calculated top down raglan.

Would have met the birthday deadline 'cept the boy's got a giant noggin.
Need to rip the collar and reknit more loosely.

Did manage a top-down raglan fopr Puppy out of leftover Frosted Forest handspun. Super cute, huh? :-) His head's a little squishier than Z's so a little ear smashing as it goes on isn't a bother.

Look at him - he's not really bothered by much.

Z's quite pleased. His Tia made Puppy some jeans too. Next stop - pajamas. I'm hoping for a bunny suit. That may be a great idea for someone's Easter basket.

Here's a little one-day knit.

Was meant to celebrate the new bees in my bonnet. Looks more like a head basket.

Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme worsted - butter

Still, it makes me happy. Guess what else makes me happy?

What time is it? Time to bee. :-)

And these - truly. Bees in my bonnett. Tough to photograph. Easy to love.

From the genius talent of Rebecca Hendriks, by appt only at True Blue Tattoo in Austin.

Still-life with Godzilla and baby. When you push her button she roars and rocks the little Valentine's bear. Thanks Z!

Love and sloppy mutant dinosaur kisses.

xoxo...

Frosted Forest Bainbridge Scarf

2008-01-21T13:12:00.000-06:00

From the Hello Yarn Fiber Club this is Frosted Forest, the December 2007 edition.

50/50 Soy Silk/Wool Top
spun into 256 yards of
2ply sport weight.

So soft!!!

The next round of sign ups for the club are this Friday. I'm definitely going for another double.

Immediately knit into Bainbridge Scarf.
Trying to chip away at my Ravelry queue.
More aspirations are added to the list than FOs are completed.

It's been ridiculously cold here for the last week and it's supposed to continue for some time.

Luckily, my feet are warmly ensconsed in these glorious socks - a supremely surpriseful Pay it Forward giftie from Death by Yarn. Aren't they spectacular?

And I had just laid out all my handknit socks to try to figure out darn darning. A hole in each heel. 5 pairs = 10 holes. These have saved me!

And I can still feel the glow from our TX visit. Miss Julie and I had a wonderful time hanging out with 10% and SWMBO.

Boots were gotten. These are Andeson Bean red calf leather. Fit like a kick ass dream come true. Another pair being re-lasted so they fit perfectly.

Tattoos were gotten too. Not yet ready for prime-time. As soon as they heal up though. Let's just say I keep hearing a lovely warm buzz...

It's a damn turkey parade around here. Swear to the Sweet Mother of Tasty Yarn Cakes that there were 70+/- in the next field this morning.

Cast on for a b-day sweater for sweet Z. Top down raglan. Wonder if I should have given myself more than 2 weeks?

Lightning fingers off to knit. Hope you all stay warm!

Bobble me this, Riddler

2008-01-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

Friday was rough. Z was down with the barfs.
During our Power Rangers marathon, and in between cuddling and trips to the bathroom, I got some knitting done.

Pattern: Frivoli

Yarn: nuttnbunnyspunme dk - goblin eyes
(Fiber from Spunky Club October 2007)

Notes: This is the grafted version. That classic socks pattern from Yankee Knitter has really helped my kitchener grafting knowledge and it was a lot simpler than I thought it would be. Did have to turn the stereo off and wait till my guys were out of the house for an hour.

Model: The illustrious nuttnhubby. My little hammie for the cammie.

Wasn't thrilled with this yarn in the skein but totally heart the way those stripes knit up.

Can't seem to stop with these Mini-Mitts. They're the perfect travel project.

Made a multi colored pair.

And a purple pair.

All are Koigu KPPPM leftovers from the beret phase. Have one more partial skein in the peachy color and then I'll try to obsess on another pattern.

One of the problems is that I keep giving them away. That's good news for some folks but leaves me with cold hands.

Spunky Club December 2007
Party Dress
4oz Superwash Corriedale

Nice brightness!

Spun into "She's So Unusual"
plied with some fuschia corriedale leftover from the stocking project.
360 yards of 2ply at 11 wpi. DK baby!

I feel like I just performed in a kickline at Halftime and am getting ready for the After-Game Dance. I'll wear a great dress and do a great two-step, but no one (and I mean no one) at Katy High will ever ask this gal for a dance. Not sad, just true.

I'm thinking legwarmers for the yarn. :-)

Once again the State of Minnesota has denied my application for a Turkey tag. What the...!!!

Consolation trip to TX booked. Heading down to meet Miss Julie and 10% in Harlingen this Friday for some custom boots and then to Austin for food, music and tattoo.

That should help!

Here it is!

2008-01-02T11:11:00.000-06:00

Welcome to 2008! I resolve to keep my neck warm.

Pattern: Cherry Garcia
Yarn: my own handspun from Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club November 2007 "Pie for Everyone" 4 oz Falkland Wool plied with BlueBells 95% Cormo and 5% Icicle from KnittyGritty in her Etsy shop

Here she is flat. Love the color transitions. Love using my handspun. Love how quickly this knit. Love it love it love it.

Had a little yarn leftover so made a Wristy Garcia for my rollergirl friend with ultrafresh style.

"Toxic"

Handspun from Hello Yarn Fiber Club November 2007

Superwash Corriedale Wool Top

353 yardssporet weight at 12 wpi

My thinnest yarn yet!!!

"Vineyard"

2oz. brown cashmere 50/Tussah 50

Dyed by me with Landscapes Elements dyes.

Spun into 41 yards DK weight at 11wpi

Unbelievably soft.

Too bad I won't be spinning anymore cashmere.

Bluebells

Handspun from minibatts at Knitty Gritty's etsy shop

70 yards worsted weight at 10 wpi

95% Cormo and 5% Icicle

Navajo plyed (yipee!)

Jessicah sent me the most spectacular package!!

Pineapple lumps are a cruel sweet mistress. There were two bags (note: past tense).
I have consumed both. No regrets either.

Supremely gorgeous fabric!

She made these great ornaments. Straight to our tree they went.

And she printed the most adorable Pavlova recipe tea towel. She MUST make more of these. Can't wait to try the recipe.

Wonder if you can bake them EZ Bake style?

Stockings are hung

2007-12-20T20:06:00.000-06:00

Fini!

Knit for Baby Setsuko for her first holiday season.
Santa - Get busy cuz this bad boy needs fillin'.

Pattern: Classic Socks for the Family, supersized!
Yarn: My own handspun. Bulky CyberCandy and Sterling
Duration: Quick like lightening!
Note: The little i-cord bow sets it off nicely.

Detail.

Merry Merry.

In the midst of everything, Baby Joachim made an early appearance.
(No. He's a baby, not a cookie jar)
So, off to knit.

Pattern: Wee Hat (sorry, only available on Ravelry)
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted
Duration: 2 hours
Note: Buddha looks really great in it

And another, which didn't look as good on Buddha.
A little too long in the noggin.

Pattern: Bamboozle Baby Hat - want to make those booties and sweater too.
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted
Duration: 3 hours
Note: My first project knit continental style. Big plans for learning stranded knitting in 2008 and I think continental may be one of the keys. It does speed things up!

And because I can't seem to stop myself - hand-dyed rovings. A total blast.

"Finch"
2oz Cultivated Silk Top
Dyed with Landscapes Elements Dyes. by preparing the roving and dribbling on the water dilution dye. Then rolled in plastic clingwrap and steamed until set.

"Vineyard"
2 oz Brown cashmere 50/Tussah 50
Used the same dyes but sprinkled the powders directly on the prepared roving lain in the enamel pan of a small electric roasting oven.

This was a freaking disaster.

Yak. And it looks exactly like someone did.

"Matt"
1.9 oz Yak Top
Same dyes. Same process as above HOWEVER when placing the sliver into the initial hot water bath the whole thing went apeshit. Fiber separating and floating everywhere.

Never deterred by abject failure I continued on with the dyeing and luckily...

... was able to fluff the whole thing out again. We'll see how it spins.

Z enjoyed the creation of the Gingie House.

"Mama. Can we eat it now?...

Now?...

Now?..."

You know how it goes.

Pinky, Low, and Frosty

2007-12-14T20:06:00.000-06:00

Totally adore this pattern. Super quick and with less than one skein of Koigu KPPM. Had some left after the beret frenzy from earlier this year, which makes me remember how much I appreciate that pattern.

Need to check the Purl Bee blog again.
Never met a pattern of theirs I didn't like.

These are a giftie for my sister-in-law, lovely wife to 10%.
Knit pretty small (they're super snug on my hands) using US2 DPNs. I've tried the magic loop but the DPNs just help me organize myself better.

And more spinning.

Hello Yarn Fiber
"Low Country"
Shetland Wool

316 yards - a significant chunk o'yarn
as a reminder - those are Size 11 clogs.

DK Weight - getting thinner and thinner!!!

Split the roving down the middle to see if I could get the colors to line up. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

Thinking about a top down raglan for Z. I've asked Santa for some Zimmerman books. That should do it.

Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club
November 2007
"Pie for Everyone"
4 oz Falkland Wool
plied with BlueBells from KnittyGritty in her Etsy shop
95% Cormo and 5% Icicle

Wanted to bust out and boldly try something new. Now that I can get pretty thin singles - took the fiber club offering spun as thickly as I could. No longer so easy! Plied with thinly spun sparkly singles.

Can you see the glimmers here?
Now the perpetual question: What to make?
Is it lame to knit up another Urchin?

'Tis the season.

Took Z and Moonpie to visit Santa.

"Sweet Mother of Red Velvet! The Bearded Dude has his hand on my stomach!" (photo left)
followed immediately by the classic "Deer in the Headlights". (photo right)

Z was just giggly.
Later, he was bummed that he forgot to ask Santa where the reindeer where.

Fetching Hat

2007-12-02T12:14:00.000-06:00

Dulaan Fetching Hat
As with all hats I knit this was orginally intended for 10%.
Don't think it'll fit him.
Added an extra inch to the overall length and it still barely covers my ears.
May try it again adding more length.

It's really hard to take pics of your own head.

More Cyber Candycane. Brings the grand total to 316 yards. Should get 2+ stockings out of it.

Here's the first WIP. The foot looks a little too dainty so I'm making another one. May frog this one and redo. Or may leave it be, add the ribbon, and re-evaluate.

Here's Sterling. Spun up for the aforementioned ribbon.

200 yards
Aran Weight
Corriedale
spun from fiber purchased from Hello Yarn

Speaking of Hello Yarn, here's "Toxic" the November club edition.

Also Corriedale but in a Superwash.
Glad I enrolled in the double club.
Recent dreams of top down raglans.

Spunky Club gave us "Pie for Everyone". 4 oz of Falkland Wool which I'm tempted to spin on the beefy side and ply with...

3 oz. Bluebells - 95% Cormo Top with 5% icicle.
Will the lovely icicles get buried or will my vision of frosty berries reign?

Frosty, too, it has become.

Woo Hoo is the sound you would be hearing if you were here.

Stinking Blogger

2007-11-29T16:31:00.000-06:00

What is it with my technology recently?!?!
No internet service followed by Blogger's denial of photo uploads.

Drat, drat and double drat.

Seriously.

In the interim - 10% (who has exceptional tech skills) has posted a great Z pic.

Jeez!

2007-11-24T11:15:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the silence. Been struggling with internet problems.
Does free up more time for the fiber arts though. :-)

"Idyll"
merino/tussah
146 yards
aran weight/8 wpi
fiber from Hello Yarn

Recently had a spinning wheel epiphany. Modifications to tensioning system and treadle makes for MUCH better spinning. Ahhh. I no longer feel like I'm fighting with the wheel.

"Butter"
Merino
116 yards
2 ply
Worsted weight

This fiber was a gift from Keri (Thanks Keri!!) from whom I've just bought some mini-batts. Check out her Etsy page. How can you resist?
I have one of those little project bags. Gorgeous.

There's also been some knitting. This a Fetching hat.

Last but not least, the whole family came up for Thanksgiving.
Lots of fun and food.
Sad to see them go.

Will post the pie details on Bake Along. You should join us there.
I'll be offering a prize for signups and posts in December and January!
Don't miss it!

Grammie's turning 60 next week.
Held her celebration while everyone was collected.
The Littles helped her open presents.
Miss Snowsuit is "Moonpie", Z's sweet cousin and a total dreamboat.

Happy Birthday Grammie!

xoxo...

Baked Alaska Urchin

2007-11-11T14:34:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Urchin
Yarn: Baked Alaska from the Hello Yarn Fiber Club October
Modification: Used size 13 needles and only knit 6 wedges
Duration: 2 evenings
(While watching Talladega Nights. I have a thing for Will Ferrell movies)

Loved knitting this pattern even though I had to frog it a couple times. Took a couple passes to figure out my tracking system for this one. Short rows are my friends now.

Love that it's shaped like a Baked Alaska.

Also love that I feel a little like channeling Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde while wearing. Her wardrobe and styling in that film are exceptional.

Another FO from my own handspun. Serious satisfaction.

More spinning.

Hello Yarn Fiber Club September 2007 "Maldives" Merino 210 Yards 9 wpi

This brings me all up to date on the fiber clubs. Yeah! Esp. since I just placed another Hello Yarn order. I can't help myself.

Another attempt at Navajo Plying. Soon I may have to try an entire bobbin's worth.

And more spinning. Cybercandycane. 2 Slivers of Corriedale plyed together into 115yds of worsted weight. More on the way. Soon to be knit into a Christmas Stocking. 'Tis the Season. :-)

I joined the local Spinning Guild. Super excited to hang with the gals on the first Saturday of each month at the Osceola, WI Medical Center. Some are knitters, some are spinners. Everyone's welcome so... Come on!

At loose ends

2007-11-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Well, it seemed like a good idea. Now I'm not so sure. Z chose the colors and given his penchance for "stripey" clothing we determined to make him some appropriate mitts.

Man! I like this pattern much more as a solid. So fussy to switch colors and it gets all wonky with the thumb gusset increases.

Not to mention the ends. The ends!

Oh ye of much knowledge. Suggestions please. Pattern? Technique?

I have SERIOUS second mitt syndrome. This is a problem because, as you will see, it's getting a little chilly up here.

Goblin Eyes. 4 oz. of Spunky Club Romney spun into 130 yds of worsted weight 2 ply. Loving those color comboes. Maybe I'll give some mittens a chance.

The vibrancy died down a bit in setting the twist. Lots of dye on my fingers and in the rinse too. Hmmm...

Here's the Maldives from Hello Yarn Club September. Three stages of prep and ready to spin. Don't those colors look SMASHING against the red couch?!?!?

It snowed quite a bit yesterday but nothing stuck. Above is Z's snow pic.

Note: lower right corner - "When Good Pumpkins go Bad!"

Silky Neckerchief

2007-10-31T14:38:00.000-05:00

From the yarn from the roving from 10%.
(Begat, begat, begat. Or something like that.)

Knit in stockinette on US9 needles to highlight the glossiness of the fibers.

It's a rectangle so when folded gives two nice little points on the back. The top of one shows knit-side and the other purl. So pleased with those contrasting textures.

So happy with the drape of the fabric.
This must be some mutant antigravity yarn because it weighs less than nothing.

Here's the blocking shot. The whole thing's about 16x21".

Really intrigued by the color progression. Love how those ochre and purple bands just occur once.

Thanks 10%! I'm keeping this one. My warm neck will be my reminder of you all winter long. :-)

October's Edition of Spunky Club is Goblin Eyes - 4oz. of Romney Wool. Mwah-ha-ha.

More spinning. This fiber was a gift from Jessicah. Thanks! What a yield. 280 yards of Worsted Weight Wool!! I can make something BIG!

Took the last remaining bobbin for another pass at Navajo Plying. Progress. The key?
must.treadle.slowly.

Hit The Fiber Studio today. me = beside + self + joy
Go visit Pam. You will not be sorry.

Your pocket will also thank you if it's goal is to be relieved of all it's money.
Cashmere/Tussah Blend, Cultivated Silk, and Yak Top. That plus Dyes.
For Halloween I'm going as a Mad Scientist.

Inspired, I fear, by the mass retailers, Z has released his Xmas list pre-Halloween this year. His scribe was a 1st-grader friend. Suspiciously, item #10 appears in the hand of nuttnhubby. Who's list is this? :-)

Hope everyone has great tricks and treats tonight!

2007-10-26T20:04:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I don't know what I did before the Hello Yarn Fiber Club.
The October 2007 offering - Baked Alaska.

Gorgeous colors and such nice, soft wool. All during the spin I kept drifting off, dreaming of fluffy meringues.

She's a Bulky yarn, perhaps destined to become a hat. It's back on the Fingerless Mitts bus after this (have 3 pairs cast on at this moment) so I'll have to wait a bit.

There was a tiny bit left on the bobbin after plying so I gave Navajo Plying a stab. Please, be gentle with me.

Also spun the silk that 10% gifted whilst visiting Tejas. He was in NYC for a conference and I had to call him as soon as the spinning was spun. This is madness. SO soft, So ephemeral. Now cast on for a delicate little scarfy wisp.

Check out Plum Crazy Ranch and get yourself some of this goodness.

The skein of singles.

Can you see the sheen? The drape?

When it was wound into a little yarn cake I wanted to take it home and feed it graham crackers before tucking it gently into bed.
Too bad all the yarn cake pics were blurry.

My first Cascade 220 arrived.
Z picked the colors for new mittens.
A pair each for the cousins too.

Last year he asked for a pair of "snow white mittens" like Nicky gets in The Mitten. They were white for about 3.5 seconds. This year we're starting with deep colors.
.

'Tis the season for the orange masses of glowing glory. In turns each pumpkin claimed by nuttnhubby, Z, and myself.

Tomorrow is PxTx! Spent a good part of today with Miss Julie shopping and prepping. Full rundown next post.

Dragonscale Mitts

2007-10-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Dragon Scale Mitts
Yarn: Frog Tree Alpaca - Sport Weight
Needles: US 3 DPNs
Duration: 4 days

See more details including a helpful hint for knitting at the Fingerless Mitts for Fall KAL blog.
I'm really groovin' on this mitts thing.

The garden is still turning out the hits. Beets here.
A completely underappreciated vegetable.

Knock off the big chunks of dirt, put in a pyrex with a little water, cover with foil and roast em in the oven at 350 for about an hour. Slip off the skins, slice and toss with a honey mustard vinaigrette and toasted sesame seeds.
Yummy yumkins.

Z will be a Power Ranger for Halloween. In fact, Z has not stopped being a Power Ranger since the Power Ranger suit was acquired. Perhaps Z was born a Power Ranger but BPRS (Before Power Ranger Suit) we just didn't know it.

:: awards given for maximum use of the word "Power Ranger"::

Demonstrating "The Communicator."

Yes, that's Duct Tape.

Yes, this is EXACTLY how he wanted it.

This is what Power Rangers do when they're not saving the world. Wait... with current events as they are perhaps playing with playdo DOES save the world. The boy's a genius.

Lastly (but not leastly) join Jessicah and me for Bake Along! Yeah!!!

2007-10-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

Just back from a glorious trip to my home state where I got to hang with my bro and sister-in-law - SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) - for most of the weekend. Super fun. Sushi and wine.

Glad I'll get to see them again in about a month when La Familia visits nuttncasa (aka the Nutt House) for Thanksgiving!

Knit this pair of Fetching for him.

Pattern: Fetching

Needles: US 6 DPN

Yarn: Lavish Bulky 100% Superfine Alpaca

Duration: 2 days

This yarn was a gift from 10% and I was happy to transform and return. Every once in a while he'll call to say "Hey, the Alpaca Fairy left a package for you."
I love my brother!
**and not just b/c he gives great presents**
:-)

Check the Fingerless Mitts for Fall KAL for more pics and info.

Another Herringbone Scarf. This from the Treat Merino I spun from the Hello Yarn Fiber. Lovely stuff.
Destined as a gift for my office United Way Campaign drawing. Next time I knit one of these I'm slipping the first stitch on each row for a nicer edge.

Enrolled in the next batch of Hello Yarn Fiber Club. I'm greedy so I supersized. Open enrollment starts today. You know you want to.

Loving those color progressions.

Another gift from 10%. Man - I'm spoiled.

Dyed silk. NOT dachshund hair - as I first imagined based on the enclosed card announcing the sale of "Home Raised" longhaired miniature dachshunds (as opposed to Factory Farmed, I guess). My disappointment tempered only by the beauty of this fiber.

As soon as my bobbins are cleared of their current contents I'll spin this. Never spun silk before and really looking forward to trying it. May be a good opportunity to try Navajo Plying.

Had a bunch of the Colinette Jitterbug left over so made another pair of Mini Mitts.
Score another point for the Fingerless Mitts for Fall KAL.

Aspen ribbed scarf

2007-10-07T09:34:00.000-05:00

Spunky Club September. Sumptuous Superwash Merino and Tencel. Predrafted with gold clogs to provide scale (plus a stellar fashion sense :-) and to complement the luminosity of this fiber.

Spun into singles. Photo doesn't do it justice. It shines as if illuminated from within. The slubby knitting as testament to my learning on this yarn. This stuff was sticky and slippery at the same time. And I love it.

And knit into a ribbed scarf. When held it drapes like wool-water.

A detail. You can clearly see the slubs here.

And here to ask for you help. Leave as is or block expanded to show those ribs and almost lacy quality. I'm tempted to block. In fact would have already if we weren't having a houseguest tonight who needs to sleep on the bed I use for blocking. :-)

You thoughts please: Block or leave as is
.

A modeled shot of "as is." Still super warm here. Thus the tank top.

But Autumn has definitely arrived. To be honest - this pic is weeks old and these sugar maples are totally naked. (Capello - what kind of hits do you think that will bring?!?)

:-)

Mini Mitts

2007-10-02T15:34:00.000-05:00

More for the Fingerless Mitts for Fall KAL.

Pattern: Mini Mitts
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Gaugin
Needles: Size 3
Duration: Over 3 days
Location: While camping in the hills of West Virginia

Really enjoyed this pattern and knitting with this yarn. Bought it a while back while visiting 10%. 100g per hank so have enough for another pair. A little bit of color pooling in mitt no. two but nothing tragic.

My first edition of Spunky Club. Aspen. This is pure madness. It glistens. Currently in the midst of spinning up the grand fiber that Jessicah sent my way. Then I'm on to this bad boy. Superwash Merino and Tencel. Anticipation.

Upcoming is this loverly item. Smoke ring hoodie. You can buy it here as a pattern or here as a kit. I was inspired to to do by Keri's yummy FO and hope to finish for a b-day gift for my oldest friend's 40th. Anyone who'll stand by you after a year of highschool freshman PE class (and the many subsequent years) needs something super nice. :-)

Z taking some refreshing sustenance following his stellar performance as ringbearer in his cousin Scott's wedding. How cute is he?!?!?

We spent a long weekend in West Virginia at Cacapon State Park. Supreme rustic cabins.
The wedding was smashing. Kind of a replay from that of nuttnhubby and myself. Gotta love a salsa band!! We might have to start thinking of a dramatic re-enactment for our 10 year anniversary. :-)

And now for Pay it Forward.
Back a while I promised to join. Join I have.

First I used a random number generator to pick 3 commenters. Circled the corresponding folks from my list and...
Then - realized I missed a commenter in the middle...
So - Did it again BUT - only a few of you agreed to "Pay it Forward" yourselves...
So again - Went back to the list and added all the folks who said they'd play.

Whew!
After all, it is my blog and I'm the nuttnmama so I make the rules. I vow to "Pay it Forward" to each of you in the next year.

Thus... (listed by blogging identity):

Thanks to you all for enriching my world so lavishly.

Email me with your mailing address (nuttnbunny at hotmail dot com) or message via Ravelry and let the paying begin :-)

Dashing

2007-09-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

The lovely Dashing for Fingerless Mitts for Fall KAL.

Pattern: Dashing
Yarn: See Jayne Knit - Brandy in the Garden - 100% wool - 100 g/200yds
Needles: US6

Love these colors. Love this yarn.

It's v. hard to take a pic of your own two hands!

This is my first pair of fingerless mitts and I adore them. Will be a little sad to give them away - but it's the right this to do. :-)

Cuz it's time to start "Paying it Forward!" I'll list the chosen bloggers (and choosing methodology) in my next post.

Check out the goodies from Jessicah! A gorgeous little case she made, a dino track bag for Z (he was t-h-r-i-l-l-e-d to get a present) containing a T-Rex cookie cutter (gingery dino goodness on the way) and smarties (I only ate 3!). And a giant bag-0-roving for my spinning joy. Aren't those colors so Caribbean?

Lovely embroidery. :-)
She made this for her 1 year/100 posts celebration.
Thank you thank you thank you thankyouyouyou!!!!

And roving from Keri! I hadn't noticed the red in this until taking the photo on the porch and the leaf fell next to it. Total heaven. Thanks Keri!!!! Pure sheep sunshine!

I'm so fortunate to have such great friends...

btw - With the change in the weather I'm not sure how much more outdoor photos there will be this year. Yikes!

Treat from Hello Yarn has had her twist set. Another batch of bouncy goodness. Going to knit this one up for a Scarf to raffle in our office United Way drive in October. If I have enough gumption I'll spin up the other 1/2 and make matching hat and mitts.

In Z-land - we made a cake and he happily cleaned the spatula.
Yes - I'm "that" mom. The one who risks salmonella as a trade-off for Z's happiness. Seriously, if this is the biggest risk I take, we're all doing well.

"Can I PLEASE have just ONE sprinkle????"

Happy Birthday nuttnhubby! Here's to many many more. xoxoxo...

2007-09-19T13:31:00.000-05:00

Treat - 4oz of Hello Yarn Merino. And a treat it is. Sumptuously soft.

AND... I have another 4oz bag!

Thought I'd spin up bag one, learn some stuff, then spin bag two to see what improves. :-)

AND!!!... I have 8oz of "Citrus", also Merino.

I am one seriously lucky gal.
Expect that the Fiber of the Month - Hello Yarn and Spunky - club stuff will arrive soon.

Cast on for Fetching in the Fingerless Mitts KAL.

A veritable vat of Garden tomato goodness. A good thing, too, because...

this weekend everything froze. Utter devastation.

Sadness tempered only by the promise of pumpkins.
They're turning gold-y-er by the second.

Z came home from school with this note stickered to his back. I wish someone would provide my daily instruction so efficiently and clearly.

Last days of summer - shawls and smoke bombs

2007-09-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

Mollusc Shawl is complete. Love that striping. Something mildly "shellish" about it.

Yarn - Fingering
Needles - US10.5
Pattern - Garter Stitch Triangular Shawl, Basic Form 1 from Knitting in the Nordic Tradition

Used a K2tog cast off which keeps the edge tight. Next time I'll use something a little looser.

Really enjoyed the meditative quality of the garter stitch.

Just a little somethin' to throw across your shoulders as the nights begin to hold a little cool. A sweet and simple knotted front.

A subtley triangular back.

Was about 75% complete when I realized that I wanted a softer "point" of the triangle so "froggy came a courtin" and I cast on again with three initial stitches instead of one. Much, much better.

Met the FABULOUS Laura of Orinda5 and her sweet family on Saturday at the Franconia Sculpture Park Fall Gala. Total blast. She brought me the loveliest stitch markers ever. Stretch Markers. Keep checking her Etsy shop and grab them up when she posts them. They are the best I've ever seen.

She and I didn't get as much knitting done as I'd hoped. Hopefully we can get together again (sans children?) to try to get the knit on. Anyone want to meet us at the Park some weekend?

With all the Sculpture Park activity, nuttnhubby's been working like a madman. What's a nuttnmama and son to do to entertain themselves?

Smoke Bombs!!!

Set em up carefully.

Best to light two at a time. Color theory and all that jazz.

2007-09-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

Herringbone Scarf is complete.

In all her snakey splendor. Adoring the backside equal to the front.
But you know my recent garter scarf fascination.

And flat as a pancake. Loving the color progressions.

Hello Yarn Fiber of the Month club for August.
Mollusc. 4oz Wensleydale Wool Top.

Spun into singles.

I tried spinning from the fold but it felt too clumpy and fiddly. Came back to spinning from the end and thought it was so beautiful as singles.

Sitting lovely on the bobbin.

Waiting to set the twist.

Drying.

In her final yarn incarnation.

Next evolutionary step? I'm thinking a neckerchiefy based on a traditional Faroese Shawl pattern.

I know. With this and the Garters, and Herringbone Scarf, it's a lot of neck warming. Cut me some slack. We live in Minnesota and seriously...

the leaves in the front lawn are already changing!!

Z totally dominates the road.

Note the adorable comparison to Adam of Yarn Nerd fame on his new wheels. :-)

The bummer of a backstory is that there was dedication to purchasing from our local bike shop. Went in and not only was the staff surly and decidedly unhelpful but they wanted $150!!!! for a small child's bike.

Unfortunately I was unable to accommodate them.

Thus, we went to WalMart (how I despise thee) and got this little gem for $30. Curses and joy together!!

2007-09-03T15:22:00.000-05:00

As I was saying: The Herringbone Scarf of my dreams.
Hope to finish her up tonight.

This yarn! These colors!! This pattern!!! Beside myself with joy.

Identified my "Pay it Forward" folks and will announce in the next post. I'm torn btw. keeping Scrappy Herringbone for myself and paying her forward. :-)

Next up in spinning is Mollusk. Exceptionally soft, long staple Wensleydale (I thought that was only a cheese :-) from the Hello Yarn Fiber of the Month Club. I'm a zombie slave to her fiber.

Also joined Spunky Eclectic Club. I am greedy.

The garden is yielding melon. This a Minnesota Midget heirloom. Tee-tiny. That's an 8" Chef's knife in the background. Super yum!

Vroom!
Ahh... the State Fair.

Next year I'm entering knitting and baking. As Miss Julie is my witness. I'm holding her to her pledge too. Set your expectations to award winners.

2007-08-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

Scrappy has been spun. Bouncy, sproingy, pinky, delicious.

I've developed a serious Hello Yarn problem.
Ordered another 8oz of hand dyed roving. Lucky me.
Also joined the Spunky Club.
Hi - I'm nuttnbunny and I'm a fiber addict.

She will become the herringbone scarf of my dreams.
Thank God for conference calls. I cast on today.

A super thankful shout-out to Amy for my wonderful virtual vacation to Virginia.

Adorable playing cards. I love to play spades. We call it "Screw your Neighbor" which sounds really naughty but, if you play spades you know what we mean.
Crazy soft yarn from See Jayne Knit. This is just screaming to become something near skin.
Apple candy and jelly bellies. You cruel, cruel woman!!
And a sweet little package of Harry Potter jellies for Z. He was SO happy.
AND More!!

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

We just returned from a trip to the North Fork of L.I. Gotta love the beach.
Z was NOT happy about the kayaks and threw a fit when I tried to go out.
Here he is hauling that bad boy up on to shore - protecting me from myself.

Dearest Z. Quixote,
It's called an exercise in futility.
xoxo,
nuttnmama

2007-08-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

You'd think I lived in a swamp with all the time I've spent frogging recently.
Alas no. Simply struggling with the 10% toque.
Luckily we didn't agree on a time frame.

Did make another little garter scarf. Totally heart this bad boy. Took my inspiration from those skinny knit ties guys wore when I was in high school. Dating myself, I know. :-)

Quite springy and soft.

And yes, I know my shirt's dirty.

The yarn was some of my handspun. So satisfying to take it from soup to nuts.

And speaking of spinning. A little Amuse Bouche from Hello Yarn. I enrolled in her Fiber of the Month club and wanted a little something as an appetizer.

Total heaven!

Two bobbins of singles are spun and I hope to ply tomorrow.

Seriously, I'm like a chipmunk who made it into the house. Never going back to the wild now that I know luxury like this!

Planning to make a little Right Triangle shawl/scarf/wrap thingy.
That's the technical term.

Old Fashioned Gingerbread from Laurie Colwin's More Home Cooking. Yummy with dried currants. It's been so cool here we needed a warming and fortifying snack!

2007-08-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

I'm really surprised by how little knitting I've accomplished.
These tiny socks for a baby-to-be.

Cast on a pair of socks for Z.

And minor progress on the 10% toque. This is the first time I'm knitting from a chart and it seems I can't do that and talk at the same time. So... during our visit to see the whole fam-damnily over the last 10 days not much got done.

If anyone has tips for knitting from charts or ideas to on how motivate myself, now's the time.

Luckily our garden can compensate for my lack of production. The days of bounty.

One of the fun things we did on our trip was visit the zoo in Decatur, IL. Might be the best zoo on the planet. Small grounds, few attendees and very attentive train and carousel operators. Z wasn't wild about the goats in the petting zoo. Luckily I can still tote him cuz walking he was not. :-)

Fairly Odd Questions

2007-08-02T20:14:00.001-05:00

Z and I are off for Midwest 2007 - code name for the annual summer trip to see the Grands and Great-Grands. Back in mid-August.

On the knitting front - full devotion to the pursuit of the 10% toque.

(Ravelry, j'adore!) Vow to find the right pattern and complete by next post.

In the meantime, Fairly Odd Mother sent some personalized meme questions:

1. How did you get so flippin' crafty? Is it nature or nurture?

Once I had perfected my bowhunting skills it was the only remaining challenge.

2. My grandmother (rest her soul) knit us socks for Christmas once when we were teens. They wouldn't go past our toes because she either didn't use stretchy yarn or didn't have any idea of how to properly knit socks. We laughed really hard and fortunately she did too. What was your biggest knitting (or sewing) disaster and did you laugh or cry about it?

It's all laughable. :-) I think the worst was my first scarf. Acrylic and no pattern. That plus a Leisure Arts "How to Knit" booklet. I set out with the notion of "I wonder what would happen if I tried "X"? I wonder what it would look like if I did "A"? I may be able to find it and post. That might be something special to celebrate one year blogging!

3. Of what accomplishment are you most proud?

I haven't accomplished it yet.

4. You are "SuperNuttnbunny". What is your kryptonite (i.e., your biggest weakness)?

Honestly believing I can learn to do anything.

5. If stuck on a deserted island, what book, food and person would you want with you? (only one of each!)

Book - "In Search of Lost Time." When else would I have time? It just seems appropriate.

Food - Sweet Potatoes. I once read that you can survive on them alone. They've got a certain yum-factor. And they're hard to screw up.

Person - This one took some thought. Nuttnhubby would need to stay to take care of Z. Miss Julie is the answer. A lifelong friend who doesn't mind when you need some time alone. We could divide the island into thirds: hers, mine, and ours. I also think that she and I would figure our way into rescue or off the island back to civilization (see numbers 3 & 4 above). :-)

2007-07-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

From roving...

to spun, set, and drying...

to skein...

to scarf!

Satisfying!

Unfortunately, a little scratchy.
That might have something to do with the 90+ degrees reading on the thermometer.

But I do like how you can secure it with ANYTHING! This is closed with the "dinger" from my mini-yoga chime. "Mini" is the chime, not the yoga. :-)

The scarf was inspired by Brooklyn Tweed's recent garter stitch scarf. His work is so lovely and I like the way the simplicity of the pattern highlights the yarn.

Tis the season of caprese salad. Our tomatoes are still the greenest green so these are from the back of a truck up the road, not our little garden. Still... delicioso!!!

Oh - and we totally rocked the Triathlon. Next year my goal is to swim fast! You'd think that I might have done that by now, being that it's a race and all. :-)

Lastly, don't forget to comment for entry in the drawing for the first annual nuttnbunny "Pay It Forward".

xoxo...

2007-07-24T18:52:00.000-05:00

It's the Noro Silk Garden Beanie! And you didn't even know I was working on it.

This is SO not for 10%. I'll cast on again and see if I can come up with something (1) less rainbowy and (2) for a larger noggin. Not that he doesn't appreciate the rainbows. Just not what I had in mind.

It will, however, make a lovely winter cap for spiderman.

It fits nuttnbunnies too. If I made it for an adult again I would definitely add a little to the length. Making it less beanie-like and more hat-like.

Fairly Odd Mother gave me an award! I love awards! My favorite!! And to thank her I'm going to... well, thank her. :-) I totally heart her. Stop by to wish her a Happy 40th!

I think these gals ROCK!

Ladies - you really do it.

I know, I know. There are so many more. Hard core rockers with blogs of fury. But at some point you just have to stop typing. Well.. that and you're supposed to tag five.

Rockingness must be genetic. This is Z, last night, after running through the sprinkler, fully clothed and singing, at the top of his lungs "Everything I do gonna be funky from now on!"

These are the most recent babies from the garden. So tiny. So delicious.

I've made a committment to Pay it Forward and suggest you do the same. All comments left by the end of the month will be entered in the drawing to be the object of my affection. Multiple comments = multiple entries. At this point I'm planning on drawing 3. Only catch is - you have to promise to Pay it Forward yourself and post as such on your blog.

Jeez - that's a lot for one post. Trying to fit it in b/c I know I won't post again until after the Triathlon. Go Team Cupcake!!!

2007-07-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

First pair for Summer of Socks and Z couldn't be happier.

Yarn - KnitPicks Dancing
Needles - Size 2
Pattern - Yankee Knitters Classic Socks - my standard

Love the banded toe and 3x1 ribbing. When joining the round cast on an extra stitch at the end and slipped it to the front. On the first round knit the first and last stitches together. No gap. Also held the loose end with the live yarn (like knitting double strand) while knitting the first 7 stitches. Magical. No end to sew in!

Cast on another pair in the Koigu leftovers from Suzanna's beret. Would have had a progress shot on those but bust a needle on the flight home from Chicago today.
Progress = not much with only 3 needles.

The real news is that I got my invitation to Ravelry! Who else is in?
"Gimme some sugar. I am your neighbor!"

Active utilization of produce mode.
Eggplant - sliced.

Eggs - mixed

Slices dipped in egg then mixture of 1/2 Panko and 1/2 Parmesan.

Bake at 425 Fahrenheit for 20 min flipping halfway through. Dip em in marinara and gobble em up. I heart the Petit Appetit Cookbook.

2007-07-16T16:19:00.000-05:00

You know how when the kids are too quiet in the other room, you know for sure they're up to serious trouble? Same holds true for silent bloggers.

Yes, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon. Because, for your first, why not just hit the biggest purse in the USA. The one broadcast on NBC.

The illustrious Miss Julie and I = Team Cupcake.
I swim and she does the rest. Of course, we immediately entered the Chisago Lakes in 2 weeks. Sheer Madness. For me.
Miss Julie, of course, was a smashing success. :-)

I promised knitting and knitting there is. Albeit in small order due to the Triathlon training and participation. Z is v. excited to road test these bad boys.

The garden is really turning it on.
Never again this year, I imagine, will we be able to say the word "zucchini" in singularity.

Baby beets.

Embryonic carrots. More from thinning than anticipation of eating.

And green beans.

I know. It just keeps coming. These we pan steamed and dry sauteed with garlic. Z requested for lunch the following day. With ketchup.

In crafting news, the real reason for the blog, after all - I got in on the Hello Yarn Fiber of the Month Club. Someday I'll have time to spin, and knit, and sew again.

2007-07-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

You had me at "Baba Ghanoush".

Pardon the weeds. Some things just don't make it to the top of the hierarchy.

Curly Blue Kale.

Endive. Things are popping out all over.

And spinning. Two ply of the Desert Spring (70% Coopworth, 13% Mohair, and 17% silk) above and a single below. I'm surprised by the color difference! Simply from plying.

Purple double ply wool.

Double ply Coopworth in Blossom. All are a little itchy. Really hoping to get in on the next edition of Hello Yarn's fiber club. Monday.

So now, what to make of these? Ideas? I'm thinking small shawls and berets. But then I always think berets. Help!

Promises of knitting in the next post.

2007-07-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

We snuck away for a beautiful camp on Lake Superior.

Gathering water for washing dishes.

Building fires.

Discovering smoke bombs.

Seeing how many we can light at once.

Building a Viking Long Boat, complete with outrigger.

Summarily arming it with smoke bombs (because why wouldn't you!).

Mama even got to do some fireside knitting.

Successfully kicking off Summer of Socks. These really are the days...

Oh, and there has been spinning. Yes, there has been spinning... :-)

2007-06-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

Ahoy! I'm letting these bobbins rest to set the twist and then we will ply. Onward!

This is from the Desert Spring fiber.

Uniform Studio's Simple Shoes of Malabrigo, the butter of yarns. These bad boys knit up FAST!

That kind of instant gratification demands another pair be cast on immediately. These in Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton. Left-overs from the Baby Bobbi excess of recent past.

From radishes to raspberries. There were about 4x this many but they were very quickly consumed by Z.

Who has a new found love for puzzles. 24 pieces. The maniac :-)

In unpostable news - the 10% toque continues.

2007-06-28T13:32:00.000-05:00

She's done. As crazy as it seems, I've been thinking of doing a couple of these little-bitty-teeny-tiny out of self-striping sock yarn. So cute, right?
A whole army of Baby Bobbi Bearocity.

Z helped launch her with an uber-squish of a hug.

The garden's starting to produce. Literally ::snork::

:-)

Let me know if you're in this neck of the woods and we can have some lovely butter and radish sandwiches.

My friend Suzanna and I made a trade. I made her a beret and she made this beautiful necklace. African Aventurine. Which helped me discover my new favorite word: Aventurescence.

Munificent is still my top favorite word. What's yours?

Will be so perfect for a big family wedding taking place this September. How about with a deep red dress? I wish it didn't have those little pockets. Maybe I can remove?

Additionally, I hope to benefit from Aventurine's most excellent properties:

Folklore, Legend, Healing Properties:

Aventurine has been used as a lucky talisman and is a popular stone for gamblers.

Legends say that it is an all-purpose healer, used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity. A legend from ancient Tibet says that aventurine was used to improve nearsightedness and to increase the wearer's creativity.

Many believe that aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace.

Ahhh... I think it's working already.

::gasp::

2007-06-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

I'm totally freaking out! Craigslist, for God's sake! Keri - you're psychic...

This went into b-day package for Littlest Sis. She received this a.m. (and is already almost done with a little elephant!) so it's safe to post. You know it's a good gift when you'd like to keep it for yourself. :-)

Insert Tarzan yell.

Fascinating! Johnny Wiessmuller rocks my world.

2007-06-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

The busy days of summer. Baby Bobbi Bear well underway.
One Red Boot is right. She does kind of look like a big wisdom tooth.
I wanted to finish her in time to send with the b-day package to Lil Sis but, alas...

Strawberries are in! This bin is one of three.

Simple math - that's 30 lbs. of wholesome goodness!

Some have been eaten with cream for breakfasts and snacks.
Others will become Strawberry Kanten with Creamy Topping from Hip Chicks Guide to Macrobiotics. An unappetizing name for an awesome dish.
The balance are destined for Strawberry Brandy from The Art of Preserving. Certain to save lives in February. :-)
I mean, really, you can only be SO good. :-)

Z's been learning to swing solo. Pump those legs, little man! To which he responds, "I'm not a widdle man. I'm a big man."

Jessicah is in on my super secret mission for Monday. Blogging friends rock. I'm so stinking excited...

2007-06-18T19:46:00.000-05:00

The last Baby Bobbi Bear begun. Totally rocking with the provisional cast on. Such glorious color! Recent garden blooms demand her name be "Rosie".

View of Ester flat - the key to knitting her in a single circular piece. Challenge: knitting the pattern from the top down & bottom up at the same time.

Malabrigo swatching. All will soon be revealed.

And Malabrigo stash enhancement (I simply can't help myself) from a new LYS. I now have (1) a health food store, (2) dream daycare, (3) the perfect hair salon, (4) quality yoga, and (5) LYS - all easily accessible.

What have I done to deserve this? :-)

Hammie's been chillin' on the slide all day. When he's not chasing down the "chislers", that is. Dewormer on the way.

Giant pillow tower. Extreme Sporting at it's best.

2007-06-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Ester's done... or is she?
Check out the KAL site for more photos, feedback, and a proposed addition. Would love to hear your opinions.

Yummy yarn arrived for 10% Toque. This is a super secret surprise
(well, not so much since he reads "ye olde blogge") so I won't be posting pics until after July 10. Let's just say I'm totally excited about the pattern and hope he'll love it. Cuz I love him (xoxoxo...)

More results from my recent Nigella enthusiasm. Breakfast Banana Ring.

Super Easy, Super Yummy. Way too good, in fact, to get a photo taken before the majority of the cake was devoured. Hello Nutella!

And another Nigella. Andy's Fairfield Granola.

I find it so satisfying when the results are well aligned with the expectations. :-)

2007-06-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

Completed Suzanna's beret. Really love the koigu colors. Also makes me want to learn to dye. Life really is too short.

Strongly recommend the Purl Bee beret pattern. A great foundation. Now that I've mastered this I'm ready to start experimenting! :-)

June YOTM Swatched (clockwise from upper left).

Maraja by Ornaghi Filati
knit out at 4.75 sts/inch on US 8s
35% Cotton, 33% Acrylic, 32% Polyester
Surprised by how well I like this. Would make a lovely "fancy" knit bag. Had a nice little twinkle to it.
Luna by Cascade Yarns
4.5 sts/inch on US 7s - this knit to projected gauge
100% Cotton
Would also knit a lovely string shoppers bag.
Hemp for Knitting DK by LanaKnits
5 sts/inch on US 5s
100% Hemp
Why'd they need to specify that it's for knitting? Do desperate knitters try to light up? Very stiff yarn. Going to try this little swatch in the sink. Attempting to replace the Scotchbrite dish sponges. It may give good scrub.
June by Nashua Handknits
5.5 sts/inch on US 5s
100% Acrylic
Knit fine but have no idea why I'd ever choose to use this yarn for a project. Nothing distinctive.

I love living in the country. When you go pick up your babysitter she asks if you need eggs. :-)

Cap'n Cozie Coupe says "Arrr..."
Note: dough hook from our Kitchen Aid!

Which we had out to make cookies.
The stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas.

Totally grooving on Nigella's Feast cookbook.
These were super easy and yummy. Note: usage of past tense.

2007-06-07T15:02:00.000-05:00

Ester is blocking.

Peonies are about to burst.

Z is enjoying his backyard slide (while I knit in the background).

Ahh... The days of heaven.

Knitters Virtual Vacation Swap

2007-06-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

So excited I made it in for the Knitters Virtual Vacation Swap!
There's still time and a few open spots if you'd like to join to.

create your own visited country map

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
Maine - the sea, the beach, the mountains, the blueberries, the lobster, and to remember the summer I met my husband and many of the other most important people in my life.
or Texas, cause it's always nice to visit home.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
Somewhere I've never been before. New Zealand? Bhutan? Japan? Would definitely go back to South Africa, or any of the other spots I've visited.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?
Oh yeah - from St. Louis, Mo down through OK and TX across the deep south and up along Rt 1 through the Blue Ridge Mountains to NE US all the way to Maine (see #1). I've hit 41 states in the US (80%) and 12 countries in all (only 5%). I've got a lot of work to do.
Check your own stats at http://www.world66.com/myworld66

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?
Hong Kong and Sao Paolo felt exotic. So did Poland (Warsaw-a blur of borscht and cured meats and Krakow-where I ate the best fried egg of my life) and South Africa.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
Love our annual winter warm weather escape to a beach destination. Really happy anywhere I can relax with my family.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.
Absolutely - canoe trips, zoos, museums, trying new restaurants. I have a 3 yr old. I have to start introducing him to world somehow.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?
Yes to all.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?
Natural fibers, for the most part. Unique colors. Soft, soft, soft.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?
Novelty. Scratchy.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
Berets, teddy bears, socks, sweaters, dishcloths, legwarmers, shrugs - most everything.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
Sock and beret projects.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?
Cook and sew.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)
nope

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?
Love greens. Don't like day-glo.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?
Both: one after the other after the other after the...

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?
not desperately

2007-06-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

A couple hours in flight can really help you zip through some stockinette. Hope to finish Suzanna's beret in the coming days.

Before this pic never realized how closely this colorway resembles weathered painted wood. In a good way.

Received a promotional coupon from Borders for 30% off any reg priced item so picked up a little resource book. Jackpot.

Used the tip for joining the first round of a circular item (cast on an extra stitch then when joining round, slip the first stitch on the right needle to the left needle and k2tog for the first stitch) and am very happy with the result.

June's YOTM is out. Pattern for a shopping bag and the main feature (clockwise from top left):

Maraja by Ornaghi Filati
4.5 sts/inch on US 8s
35% Cotton, 33% Acrylic, 32% Polyester
Luna by Cascade Yarns
4.5 sts/inch on US 7s
100% Cotton
Hemp for Knitting DK by LanaKnits
5.5 sts/inch on US 5s
100% Hemp
June by Nashua Handknits
5.5 sts/inch on US 5s
100% Acrylic

Scale of Baby Bobbi with Z as reference. One more bear to go.

Ordered the Flicca pattern and have a few obligations to complete before ordering her yarn and knitting something for myself (there's a concept!)

Saturday is World Wide Knit in Public Day! I hope to hook up with Sara+h and others in Minnie that morning. Get your knit on!

2007-06-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Baby Bobbi II. King of all he surveys.

Keri of Knitty Gritty Thoughts has asked for my pattern modifications. I've got one more bear in the queue and she's in the midst of a move (pop over to wish her luck and fortitude). I'll compile and deliver when the next bear's done. You can check the Blue Sky Alpaca's corrections/additions here.

Z's already off to bed or I'd give you a scale shot with a 3 yr old. Next time. Check out at the last one. He's a big bear.

Cast on a Purl Bee Beret for Suzanna. I loves me the Koigu.

Cooking from the America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

This is the Broccoli variation with raisins and pine nuts. I'm seriously into this cookbook... and this broccoli. If Z will eat it, and it's green, and it's healthy, I'm all over it.

Lastly, I give you Spiderman. If I'd ever figure out how to load my digital movies onto youtube you could have the full effect. Just imagine: tearing through the house and screaming "fwap, fwap, fwap..."

Potty training continues very well. I'm fully convinced that every second of psychic energy I devoted to this process prior to Z being ready was a complete waste of resources.

I'm off to Chicago for a night.
Such a sucker for a short stay in a nice hotel - by myself. :-)

Busy

2007-05-29T14:40:00.000-05:00

Lots of knitting done this weekend. I'm good with deadlines. :-)

Ready to pop off that provisional edge and pick up those live stitches.

It just unzips! Like Magic!! Bolder knitters might just rip that bad boy out of there and pick up all those "living dangerously" loose stitches.

I take a more measured approach: 1x1. No worries.

All picked up and ready to knit those legs.

Legs are done and he's mostly stuffed. Casting on the arms tonight.

Somehow reminiscent of Venus of Willendorf.

Spent some quality time planting the garden. So much potential. A lot of things still in flats. "Hardening" on the deck before transplanting.

The foreground is a stone sculpture by nuttnhubby. He's also responsible for the balanced boulders. Yes - they are safely up there.

And the herb garden. Small boy included in both photos to
(1) illustrate scale and
(2) illustrate cuteness of Z
who, btw, went to daycare in UNDERWEAR today! My joy has no limit.

Rebirth

2007-05-26T13:02:00.000-05:00

Back to Baby Bobbi Bear. Goal: to COMPLETE by eod Friday, June 1.

Note: provisional cast on!

Also note: warming weather = photo outside in the natural light.

Additional also note: 10% got himself a new cam-damera. So tempting...

Spinning continues. Singles of the Coopworth.

Next: learn to ply.
Any advice on how to Z-ply on a drop spindle?
Is it as simple as spinning in the other direction?

New Yarn Goodness. Koigu for another beret.
I'm an addict (berets and Koigu, a terrible double whammy).

This for Suzanna, a friend from work. We're trading.
I'll get some handmade beautiful jewelry in return.
Will keep you posted :-)

Z photographed nuttnhubby cooking ribs. Ugly grills produce sublime results.

Not bad for a 3 yr old (the photo by Z, not the ribs by nuttnhubby).

Z carefully considering approach and method.

And proudly regarding grimy fingers.

Bring on the days of summer...

In other news:

Check EsterKal for progress there. I'm done knitting and ready to block. Anyone have recommendations for "shawl pins?"
Check Knits a Beautiful Life for my soon-to-be-posted yarn review.

2007-05-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

Still spinning - although I need to figure out how to simultaneously support spinning and knitting. I love learning new things but recognize one life can only sustain so much activity. Sometimes perfectly enjoyable things don't make the cut.

That being said there is some roving with my name on it. These from Hidden Valley Farm & Woolen Mill.

Above in Blossom colorway of 100% Coopworth - the colors of now.

Below in Desert Spring of 70% Coopworth, 13% Mohair, and 17% silk - so subtle.

Latest progress on Ester.
See what the other folks are up to on the KAL site.

This is such a fun pattern to knit. The KnitPicks Main Line Yarn? Lovely to work with. Highlights cable work so nicely.

AND... just enrolled in Summer of Socks. Couldn't resist.

Seven wierd things meme...

2007-05-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Joy for the 7 wierd things meme. This is a tough one b/c I'm probably the most normal person I know.

Let's just call it 7 things, then.

I'm a slave to Dublin Dr. Pepper. Like regular Dr. Pepper (which I love) dressed for a classy party.
I think I can learn to do anything well.
I have severe odontophobia. The valium + nitrous + novacaine kind.
I'm intolerant of intolerance. Now how do I reconcile that one?
The clothing in my drawers is intensely organized (e.g., socks are paired, rolled, and arranged in rows according to a system of height and material).
I'm in support of cosmetic "procedures" - facials, teeth bleaching, botox, you name it. Whatever you need. Choice is a wonderful thing.
I'm an avid fan of traditional country music and old hymns.

Spinning makes me dizzy...

2007-05-14T14:42:00.000-05:00

...with joy!

This weekend hit the Shepherd's Harvest Festival.

Great event, tons of gorgeous yarn, and people who know things!
Plopped myself down next to a spinner and started with the questions.
Before you know it...

Spinning! Not well, but spinning!
Did a little internet research and tested how a 2-ply might come together.

There are a lot of issues here and this is not yarn that will really hold together for the long term, but let a gal experiment for a bit.

Bought a bunch of roving.

This is hand dyed by Susan Hensler. Pretty, pretty stuff. Susan's friendly and helpful. That counts for a lot.

Off we go:

Spinning!

On to the yarn winder.

In the future I'll skip this step and go straight to the "arm wrap". Not the technical term but you know what I mean.

Earliest work is on the bottom. I'm getting better at not "over spinning" and putting in TOO much twist.

Lastly, I "set the twist" by soaking in warm soapy H2O and then hanging to dry. Ready to knit!

I have tons to learn but am heartened by this progress. Can't wait to do some more. Went a little crazy and bought a big bag full of roving.

I love the feeling of potential :-)

Lilacs finally bloomed. Wish this was smell-o-vision.

Another beautiful china painting by my Grandmother on the vase. Blackberries and Roses: I use it whenever I can.

I live and breath...

2007-05-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

... the Ester Knit-a-long.
Seriously folks - knitting cables without cable needles. You must.

I'm delirious with joy over this sweet little reject. A converted softie from Amanda at Zhinka dinki doo. She was making some test bunny puppets and described this little guy as a disaster. I expressed appreciation for him (I think he is forlorn, yet jazzy!) ... and she sent him to me!
So sweet, so lovely.

Believe me, any little bunnies out there that are too "nuttn" for you can come my way.
We do work with an organization that serves homeless teens in our state. Some of the gals are homeless b/c their parents found out they were pregnant and KICKED THEM OUT! What the f***? So... there are some wee tinnies out there who have not much and they can always use a lovie. The bigger tinnies (aka their teen parents) can use lovies too. If anyone has some extra "walking around money, you can donate $ or materials via their website.

Lastly, the rhubarb has landed.
We haven't yet sampled the delights but tonight it's all over. :-)

2007-05-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Nigella Lawson's Guinness Cake under construction.

Hard to photograph the finished cake with it's stark contrast.
That fluffy head and the dense Guinness Cake. Super moist and yum.
Fortifying.

It sits on a beautiful cake platter painted by my lovely and talented Nana - a great china painter. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of her pieces.
She's out in CA right now and just had some work in an Art show.

I love these Old-Fashioned Roses, sweet yet rugged. A little scrappy.
Runs in the family. :-)

Our Japanese Iris are blooming. Little surprises amongst the emerging daylillies. You can't believe how sweet they smell. Almost like a cartoon flower.

Soup to Nuts

2007-05-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

All in one post we go from...

...the receipt of the May Yarn on the Month Club which contains the newsletter, a tank pattern, and yarn (clockwise from upper left):

Bamboo by Be Sweet
5 sts/inch on US 6s
100% Bamboo
Pomaire by Araucania
5 sts/inch on US 7s
100% Pima Cottom
Pima Silk by Frog Tree
5 st/inch on US 5s
85% Pima Cotton, 15% silk
Bali Sky Sarong by Mango Moon
3.75 sts/inch on US 9s

Frog Tree is a not-for-profit that supports herders, spinners, dyers, and knitters all backed up with a Fair Trade pledge.

Mango Moon works with women in Bolivia, Bali and Nepal who dye and spin this recycled silk yarn.

I've mentioned Be Sweet before. They have great impact in South Africa with job creation and school support programs.

Auracania was started with the goal of introducing traditional products to the world beyond Chile.

... to the completed swatches. Next month I'll pay more attention and lay them out in the same orientation for both photos.

Bamboo by Be Sweet - I knit this at 6 sts/inch on US 6s. Supple and fun to knit although it did split quite a bit. I have a skein of their laceweight mohair that I'll swatch soon. Destined for a beret (no surprise there)
Pomaire by Araucania - This swatched at 4.75 sts/inch on US 7s. Also very soft and a beautifully subtle color change that I don't think captured well in the photo. This would be easily wearable and durable (I expect). Would be nice for some knit softies.
Pima Silk by Frog Tree - My gauge at 5.5 st/inch on US 5s. Another winner. Soft with a nice sheen.
Bali Sky Sarong by Mango Moon - 3.5 sts/inch on US 9s in my hands. This one's puzzling, fun, like a little yarn party, but to do with it? Could easily end up featured on What not to Knit.

In the future, in addition to the YOTM posts, I'll be doing monthly yarn reviews for Knit's a Beautiful Life.

Z and I recently made pizza. A big hit. Dough from Trader Joe's (so worth the long trip, for us), Newman's sauce, Shredded Mozzarella, Fresh Ricotta, and Avo.

Like that little Avo smeared face?

My advice: Get that dough as thin as humanly possible and crank that oven ALL THE WAY UP. We kept the baking sheet in the oven the whole time and transferred the pizza in and out using parchment paper and a cutting board.

I also advise reading Jeffrey Steingarten's essays - one of which focuses on trying to cook pizza on his Weber grill and getting it so hot that it melted the paint off!

He's the food writer for Vogue magazine. No really, I get it for the articles :-)

I feel like I'm forgetting something...

2007-05-03T15:58:00.000-05:00

Here we are:
walking hand in hand,
smelling the rosies,
enjoying the journey.

The gasp of horror with the realization:
Mama Nuttn Bear has forgotten to
give Baby Bobbi Bear a bum (that rolls neatly off the tongue).

Baby Bobbi Franknbear.

Is there a Freudian correlation between this
and our current potty-training impasse with Z?

This is the promise of a new day:
Happy, pinky forgiveness and a promise to proceed more attentively.

Two other bits of news:

1) Ester Knit-a-long has launched.

And...

2) The contest and drawing.

Mia!!

Email me (nuttnbunny [at] hotmail [dot] com) with your mailing address
and Peaches is on her way to you.

Yes, it was rhubarb. Next time I will more cleverly disguise the file name (thanks Sasha :-)
I promise to post all forthcoming culinary experiments.

Thanks to all my commenters!! I really enjoy your blogs and look forward to hearing from you again!

I love sharing and am already plotting how and when to do this again.

Peaches wants you

2007-05-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

The Peaches Beret! Just in time for Spring.

Here's the deal:

I heart comments.
It may be a gross overestimation
but I like to imagine that there are nuttnlurkers so...
For my friends, frequent commenters that they are,
because they give advice, comfort, incentive, and support, and...
To entice the lurkers to come forward...
A Give-a-way:
Leave a comment between now and when I next post
(for God's sake my life is structured enough without being required to give an exact timeline, and, after all, it is my blog :-)
correctly identifying the Leafy Goddess shown below
(an extra credit point if you provide a supporting recipe)
and your name will be entered in the drawing for dear Peaches,
the last in the line of Koigu berets from the PurlBee pattern.

Who am I and how should I be eaten?

Peaches' sister Pinky (as in Tuscadero) is also complete.
I'm way up on my game for a certain someone's birthday this year :-)

Keep posted for:

Peachy drawing results
Ester KAL reports. We cast on today!
The Sad but True tales of Bobbi Bear Gone Bad

2007-04-29T15:53:00.000-05:00

Ahhh... The Japanese Plum has burst into bloom and the Craftstrasvaganza was yesterday. Happiness.

So many great vendors and the lovers of craft were many. So many, in fact, that it, again, called into question why the "powers-that-be" consistently underestimate our numbers. Someday, I dream of a Craftsravaganza with sufficient space.

Highlights of the event:

Attending with the illustrious Miss Julie. We agreed (in lieu of getting to the fairgrounds at the crack of dawn and being one of the first 100 - thereby securing a goodie bag) to meet at my home in the morning, hold her saplings in our barn for a couple days, and make waffles (yum) . I do love the goodies so Miss Julie arrived bearing a compensatory goodie bag, complete with a 6 month extension to the Yarn of the Month Club. We all benefit! :-)
The sweet Owl above from Crabtree Studio. Superb softies. No joke.
This little guy is for Z who believes an Owl sleeps outside his window at night to keep him safe. Who am I to argue?
Boiled Art Editions by the talented Brian who's just finishing his residency at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking and who...
Had printed one of Eireann's (recently arrived in Minnie from Paris and recently published) poems. I regrettably didn't purchase so will email Brian to get one post-event.
This cuzzie from FuzFrensy. Super cute, and it works on Dr. Pepper! :-)
And Aisha who will be teaching a spinning class at Crafty Planet in June. I am so there!

I have lots of WIP Progress but this feels like a lot so I'll save the rest for later in the week.

Stay tuned for an impending give-a-way announcement!!!

One for the road...

2007-04-22T15:02:00.000-05:00

A new Baby Bobbi Bear WIP.

Last night in a knitting frenzy (and while watching Dodgeball - don't ask) I obliterated the evidence of my modification/improvement - the provisional cast on! You should have seen it.

Illustrations are here, here, here, and here. Uber cool.
Worked like a dream and now he is totally SEAMLESS!

In other news, don't forget to stop by the Ester Knit-a-long site.
Still time to sign up!

What's Going On?

2007-04-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

Seriously.

I've determined to continue with the Friday Groove...
and add a component.

The first 5 songs when I shuffle my Ipod. Mr. Pod as he's known to some.

Edith Piaf - One Little Man (He cries alone for his love. So sad.)
Alison Krauss - Forgotten Pictures (Banjo lessons are in my 5 year plan. Chickens are too. Three Hens a-laying - but that's a different thing altogether. Or is it?)
Mos Def - Modern Marvel (This life...)
White Stripes - Instinct Blues (Come on and get with it!)
Beastie Boys - Unite (What else, really)

Well that's just plain strange!

Heading to DC early next week so I'll be out until Thursday.
Have a great weekend.

So not spinning... yet.

2007-04-18T19:44:00.000-05:00

Assembled materials: spindle, fiber and directions.

Now...
I'm a relatively intelligent woman.
I've done research.
Searched the net and youtube.
Watched tutorials.
Read descriptions.

And I just can't seem to get this to all work out.
For God's sake, I can weld and I can't do this?!?!?

I'm going to keep at it. Think I may need some in-person support.
I have a call in to the resident expert at the LYS but haven't heard back yet.
Anyone out there want to be my lifeline?

On a happier note... Yarn of the Month Club for April is swatched (clockwise from upper left):

Tatmy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns - I knit it at 4.25 st/inch.
Easy to knit and soft but, mweh. Nothing distinctive, plus it's got a bunch of acrylic in it. Listen to me! What a snob.

Breeze by Karabella Yarns - The only one I knit to projected gauge at 5.5 st/inch.
Winner by a long shot. A beautiful light weight silk/cashmere. I may have to add this one to the list using the lovely tank pattern that came with this month's yarns.

Laser by Feza - I knit it at 5.25 st/inch.
Wierd, something so... how you say it, artificial. Can't imagine what one would ever knit with this. And I had such high hopes.

Balance by O-Wool - I knit it at 4.75 st/inch
Again with the O-Wool, good ethics but nothing I'd want against my skin. It's a little "sticky".

And a little present to myself. Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Pure Merino. I'll just call her "yum".
In Verdes. To celebrate the coming of spring. I've been told it really is on the way.

What should she become?

A scarf? Fingerless Mitts? Who has advice? A pattern to suggest?

Bearily, I say unto you...

2007-04-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

One bear down, two to go.
He's a little sloppy but I learned tons and look forward to making more.
That Blue Sky Cotton! It's all good. The pattern is theirs too.

Z thought he was great.

And immediately found his "ROARING" voice.

Baby Jack, Bear's intended, regarded it all very warily.
We're sure they'll be fast friends in the not too distant future.

Groove Me

2007-04-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

Z and I are heading off to Baby Loves Disco this weekend. In honor of our impending busting loose here's a Friday Groove.

Maybe this will become a Friday tradition. Something to send us off well into the weekend.

Snap those crafty fingers, Ladies.
Shimmy shimmy.

If we ever have another child I will name him/her Mongo.

Man, I'm stuffed!

2007-04-11T15:04:00.000-05:00

Baby Bobbi Bear progress.

He's so stinking cute, even while doing his Edward Scissorhands impersonation.

Will complete tonight and start the next one.
To my beret obsession I've added bears.

The next beret. Nice spring colors. I highly recommend the Koigu KPPM.
And knitting berets :-)

KnitPicks Main Line arrives for the Ester KAL.
Three Musketeers thus far. Christina Marie has joined! I'm so super excited!! Excessive-use-of-exclamation marks excited!!!!!

Check out her blog. Email me or comment if you're in. Strength in numbers. That kind of thing.

Reminder - we cast on May 1.

Also picked up some of their discontinued "Dancing" fingering weight. I love this for socks and am really disappointed it is no longer.
It's slightly tubular (like, totally) and springy.

Got enough for 2 adult pairs and 1 kids pair per color. Then I'm on a quest for a cost-efficient replacement. I love the Lorna's but it's a little tough on the wallet. Suggestions?

It's snowing AGAIN! But a couple of days ago - a veritable flurry of robins. Our whole yard was peppered with them. Too bad I don't have a wide angle lens.

From Ester to Easter

2007-04-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a wonderful easter. Eggs dyed in the nuttnbunny super speed method. Colander, vinegar and food coloring. Drip drop swish rinse dry.

I can do 5 dz in about 15 minutes. Mama doesn't mess around. Plus I think they're pretty. Kind of planetary in an eggish sort of way.

And since Easter is all about rebirth and coming alive let's check out...

40th Birthday Golden Clogs! Thanks nuttnHubby!!

New kicks appropriate for embarking on a new decade. Comfort and style. Perfect to carry me forward.

I'm thankful for all the prior decades and truly look forward to this one. I feel like I really started to become myself in my 30s and look forward to knowing me better and trusting me more in my 40s.

Finished another beret. Knitting with the Koigu! "Love" is too mild a word.

Tragic yarn shortage for the Baby Bobbi Bear. Off to the LYS today for the remedy, for which they still have in the right dye-lot. I'm so lucky!

The April Yarn of the Month Club (clockwise from upper left).

Tatmy Tweed by Kraemer Yarns
5 sts/inch on US 7s
60% acrylic, 40% cotton
Laser by Feza (which is so fun to say out loud)
5.25 sts/inch on US 6s
100% nylon
Balance by O-Wool
5 sts/inch on US 6s
50% organic cotton, 50% organic merino
Breeze by Karabella Yarns
5.5 sts/inch on US 4s
60% silk, 40% cashmere

The pattern is for a really beautiful tank/cami. Adding it to my to-do list on the sidebar. Looks like a great pattern.

This, of course, highlights the fact that I haven't swatched the previous month. It still looks like this:

Nothing has changed. Now I realize that I don't like to knit lace yarn. My level of knitting obsession guarantees that f I was at all enthused I would have sat right down and finished it up.

But I won't.

YOTM delivers: I now know something I don't like. And there is value in that...

Sage words from a 40 yr old! :-)

Ester KAL

2007-04-04T20:21:00.000-05:00

Aside from the fact that it snowed night before last (Hello! It's April)

and I live just about as far from wisteria as possible (sadness)

the news in nuttnland is the making of a Knitalong.

(or should I say a "nuttalong"!)

Jessicah from Spinning a Yarn and I have been brewing it for a while now.

Time to pull the proverbial trigger.

Ester KAL!!!

New to knitting and want something to stretch your wings??

Cable experts who want to cable w/o cable needles?

Just looking for kicks and giggles?

Come one, come all.

Won't you join us? We'll be so happy.

My yarn is ordered (blueberry, baby!).

True to the pattern notes, we've both chosen purplish yarns.

But don't feel constrained.

Tell your friends and neighbors! Blog boldly.

Email me (nuttnbunny at hotmail dot com) or comment to sign on.

Registration deadline is April 30. We cast-on May 1.

NO big pressure here. The goal is to complete for use this fall.

Stretch it to winter if you like.

Say "May 2" if you need that kind of deadline.

If enough folks enroll we'll create a blog for us all. Otherwise I'll track participants in my sidebar and post progress on folks behalf

(unless someone wants to counsel me otherwise).

Check the listings for 2007 Knit-a-longs and Swaps

(thanks for the tip Tiennie!)

Holy Mother of Tasty Yarn Cakes!

2007-04-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

A present from my Mom. A dreamy drop spindle kit from Louet.
Can't wait to give it a spin (sorry - couldn't resist). Thanks Mama!!!

A thrifted sewing book...

Gift for Littlest Sis, mother of Moonpie (soon-to-be-two-years-old).
God knows, Mama's deserve gifts! Happy Almost Birthday, Moonpie!

WIP for aforementioned Moonpie b-day. As soon as this is posted I'm heading off to knit. I'm guessing another 2 days.

You'll be please to know that this is the Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton discovered via the Yarn of the Month club.
I had sworn an oath of utility and am following through.

This yarn is the stuff of dreams.

Lastly - Ordered some yarn for a KAL which will be announced shortly. Any advice/tips for starting a KAL?

Ham, I am

2007-03-29T12:51:00.001-05:00

Gearing up for Easter!! If you're not ready, call Oscar's Smokehouse.

You're only three days away from the ham of a lifetime.

Socks knit using MagicLoop. Loving it.

You can learn too. Thanks, Tiennie, for the tip!

The socks pictured are for Hugo, big bro to Baby Ares whose finished socks have been delivered. Hopefully his Mama will email me a pic of him wearing them b/c in my BBQ induced fog I forgot to document.

Basically they look like these, finished, smaller.

This yarn is the KnitPicks Dancing which, apparently, is discontinued. Why?!?!? It's such a great consistency and wears beautifully. Get it while you can, folks.

Another finished beret. Thank God...

...because the Koigu berets are causing me some grief. Need some more yarn (and yes, I did swatch this! and yes, I'm knitting to gauge!) The pattern called for one skein. Humpf.

While in Austin, visited Hill Country Weavers.

SO much yarn!!! I took a couple things off their hands (I'm a giver that way) ;-)

Colinette Yarns Jitterbug 100% merino easy care in Toscana.

Might make a good toque for 10%! Anyone have pattern advice?

Be Sweet Extra Fine Mohair. A great yarn supporting a great job creation program. Check it out!

And yes, this will become a beret. I just can't help myself.

Stay tuned for a KAL announcement. You know you want to.
Because you just don't have enough to do! :-)

Hook em, baby

2007-03-15T21:19:00.000-05:00

The short one and I are heading south to visit with 10% and others.
Oh, and I have some work to do.

It's a tri-city tour.

Rudy's
Mia's - the brisket tacos. Seriously.
Luling's City Market

Ahhh... Back soon filled with BBQ,

and in possession of more completed knitting.

New Me

2007-03-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

First things first...

Koigu arrived to support my beret habit. PurlSoho super-fast delivery!

I've never knit with this before.

Can't wait to make sweet little yarn cakes and put it to good use.

A new "do".

Yes, the grey stripe is natural, and I've earned every sacred strand.
(I do add a little dark in the front to offset it though :-)

Thanks to the updated style and transformed skin (if you ever need a facial and are in the area I can send you to the master) I can model the berets.

I love how slouchy they are!

Paired the white one with my polarized aviator glasses today and felt a little Patty Hearst style vibe. Is that completely un-PC?

btw - The self portrait thing is really tough. Moving forward I may just stick with the Buddha!

Another beret!

2007-03-12T11:22:00.000-05:00

First it was lunch bags...

then socks...

now, it seems, I'm on a beret kick!

This a baby beret from a pattern by babyknits.
Added the little "nubbin" on top for continutity with the others I've knit.

No heads small enough to model (we tried on Z and it just wasn't happening) so Buddha kindly obliged.

Of course.

Been doing some work on my blog. Hoping it will better serve gaining traction against my goals.

Feedback? Advice?

Aspiring to skills matching my inspiration

2007-03-09T14:58:00.000-06:00

After repeated attempts to photograph myself modeling the completed berets, I've booked a facial and a haircut. Maybe, soon, it will all work out.

In the interim, recently arrived Japanese crafting goodness...
(good god, I love yesasia.com!)

and some WIPs.

YOTM swatching

Can you guess what this will be?

Little baby cape

New Knitty is up. Some really exciting patterns.

I'd like to try: bmp, ester, and (definitely) clessidra.

I should make a sidebar list of all the things in my must-do list so a I can prioritize and structure my time well.

There are some birthdays coming up and I'd like to not deliver late! :-)

Now, that's more like it

2007-03-07T15:07:00.000-06:00

Feeling human again. Such a nice recharge.

Back to business.

Two Purl Bee berets - started and finished on the beach. Will model as soon as my hair is washed.

It's still a little "beachy", if you know what I mean.

Continued thanks to Miss Julie for the gift that keeps on giving.
YOTM for March was waiting in the mail box.
Four supremely beautiful lace weights in addition to the newsletter and scarf pattern .

(listed clockwise from lower left)

Pastimes by Conjoined Creations, 100% Soy Silk
Meloso Lace by Lanas Puras, 100% Wool
Misti Alpaca Lace by Misti Alpaca, 100% (you guessed it) Baby Alpaca
Merino Oro by Ornachi Filati, 100% Wool

I am your swatching servant.

Lastly, in answer that nagging question, "Can you mail a coconut?" we answer, "Yes, indeed"!

Muchas Gracias, Miss Julie! Te Amos :-)

R & R

2007-02-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

We'll be very very busy next week :-)

Our destination profiled in the issue of Cookie (God, knows why I continue to receive this totally insane magazine) that arrived in my mailbox Saturday! They do have some good articles, recipes, and crafts.

But the shopping is completely over the top.

As is the "cool" factor.

I say embrace the frugal geek factor. Who's with me?

Shrug and Snacks

2007-02-25T08:29:00.000-06:00

C'est fini! I may add a little more embellishment, some flowers or bows.

You'll also have to imagine the sweet babe occupying that space.
Everything is cuter when it's wrapped around a kid :-)

Have to say that I don't LOVE garments knit mostly in garter stitch.
Maybe I'll make another and *gasp* amend the pattern.

Alas, perhaps not as "fini" as I thought :-)

Chocolate Oblivion Truffle Torte. A recipe for certain demise.

Reminder: It's only 1 lb. chocolate, 1/2 lb. butter, 6 eggs. "Only"!

One of my favorite things about baking cakes for folks (besides baking cakes for folks) is delivering them is this luscious carrier gifted by the famed Miss Julie.

Used to have another vintage carrier that lacked an effective securing mechanism.
The blasted thing had the habit of unleashing its contents in transit.

Many cakes were traumatized.

As was the baker.

Banana Walnut Muffin Magnetism - one of the strongest forces known to boy.

This recipe from the America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.
Highly recommended (both the muffins and the book).

Chinese Five Spice Kettle Korn. Traditional stovetop popcorn adding a little salt and couple tbsps sugar to the oil and kernels, straight in the pan before popping. Sprinkle and stir in Chinese Five Spice powder when popped.

I'm embarrassed to admit I got this recipe from Rachel Ray.
Luckily, the snack has no residual perkiness.