New Bake Books!

Really, Borders has got to stop sending me these coupons. My book obsession is just out of control. I just acquired the Martha Stewart Baking Handbook last week and have been obsessing over a variety of recipes I hope to make in the near future. It's so fantastic. So many pictures of techniques and of the baked goods themselves. For a baking beginner, or for someone who is stimulated by pretty pictures, I highly recommend this book. Anyway, back to my book obsession.... I was watching the Martha Stewart Show ( hmmm... it just happened to be on TV), she had a lovely baker named Erin McKenna on as a special guest. She had come out with a new book called Babycakes, filled with recipes of vegan, gluten free and sugar free baked goods. I have never tried making goods for special diets, but it looked so delicious on TV. I have never been impressed with vegan treats I have tried before, but there is always a first. I think the first thing I make will be the Carrot Cake Cupcakes.... of course only after I make the Ricotta ( completely un-vegan) cheesecake from Martha's book.

Loppem

Yay, I'm done! The loppem sweater from Nora Gaughan Vol 3. I first saw the sample at Imagiknit and had to make it. It also helped that I got to try it on too. After the frustration of making two sweaters now that didn't fit me this year, I just couldn't bear yet another one. I used Palace, from Berroco yarn. It is 50% Merino, and 50% Silk, and it feels like butter. Very light and has a nice drape. Not much for keeping warm, so I think I'll save it for when it gets a little warmer. Yes, below.... another ridiculous attempt to photograph myself with it on.

First Signs of Life!

Oh my first plant from seedling. I thought i would share with you the early stages of my basil plant growth. I bought this basil plant starter kit at Ikea last weekend, and already it is sprouting! Wow, it is so amazing how one could progress so quickly. " Ahhh, one day you will be a fully grown basil plant... and one day... you will become pesto.... " More to come in the days and weeks ahead.

Early Mother's Day

Finally, FINALLY!!!!! After 8 months ( OK, so it was stashed away as WIP for about 6 months) I finished the Cap Sleeve Eyelet Sweater from Closely Knit by Hannah Fettig . Once again I have made a sweater that doesn't fit. This is the second time this year! Unfortunately I think I knew it wouldn't fit from the moment I started knitting it. I brought it home to mom and dad to to use their floor ( blocking space), and who of course decided it would be hers to have and to hold?

It does look fantastic on her. Ugggh, my cashmere blend yarn!! Well I think I still have two balls left. Maybe I can make a hat for myself one of these days..... I told her " It is your Mother's Day gift! You can not wear it until Mother's Day!" She's wearing it on Easter.....

My Buttony Sweater

Finally the perfect project for my stashed Artfibers "Chianti". They just recently closed their store on Sutter St in San Francisco. ( Ahh farewell to my many lunch breaks spent salivating at their unique fibers). They are still available online by the way. It was one of the first yarns I purchased 9 years ago when I was a beginner. I originally bought it for a v neck sweater, but after frustration from not understanding the pattern, and finding out from an expert knitter that I was knitting incorrectly.... i put it away, never to look at the light of day. Always a skein, never a sweater. Finally, thanks to the lovely Ravelry, I found the perfect pattern. It is The Buttony Sweater, by Katie Marcus

It fits perfectly! I made a few slight changes, such as spreading the buttons a little further apart. I also made 3/4 length sleeves ( this was due to not having enough yarn for long sleeves). Oh, finally as finished sweater that I like.. on me that is. It is a top down raglan, knitted in one piece so no seams!!!. I have found that the last few projects as well as my next one have been knitted that way. Buttons, of course, from Britex fabrics. Just in time to lounge in my new sweater this weekend.

My First Fabric Print

A while ago, I acquired the book " Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silkscreens" by Lena Corwin. This has given me inspiration to start yet another craft hobby, although it is something I have contemplated on for a very long time. I have made my first tea towel, an original design by moi! I used an organic cotton fabric, and yes I made the towel from scratch. I'd love to hear any thoughts you might have or any suggestions to other projects. Simple as it is, I think it came out quite well. I'm pleasantly surprised.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This Valentine's Day weekend, we decided to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium to spent time with some water friends. This little guy was one of the few otters waiting for his meal. He was quite friendly and adorable. How cuddly.

The penguins were quite friendly and playful too.

This was one of my favorites. The jellies were glowing. It was such a spectacular sight.

I would love to have a fish tank like this one day. I love the vibrant colors of the tropical fish

This little guy was waiting for us to share our clam chowder bowls with him. Sorry, get your own.

February Lady Sweater

Oh, My, how it's coming along. Just an update to what the yarn below has turned into. It's coming out quite well, but now that I'm on the sleeves, it's such a pain to carry around with me. In the meantime, I've started the cable hat from the Debbie Bliss Magazine. I will work on the sweater during my nights at home in front of the TV. The yarn is lovely. I have made smaller things with this yarn before, but a sweater is a first. I'm so excited to see the finished product.

Yummy Yarn

My acquisition from my most recent visit to Imagiknit. I found this adorable sweater pattern from Ravelry. It is called the February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne. The pattern can be found on her blog Flint Knits. So cute. She's got some other fun patterns on her site as well. It is a raglan cardigan knitted from the top down. I've started the raglan shaping and so far so good. I'll keep updates posted, but for now.... the splendor of the yummy yarn.

Soft Snood

Here are some photos of the snood I finished right before Christmas. Sorry it took so long to post, but I have been lovingly wearing it every day and never really got around to taking photos. I got the idea from seeing one on a mannequin in an English clothing shop. It was so adorable, so I thought " I should make one!"

Really, it is so simple. It's just a long tube. You can adjust it to your desired length and play around with different yarns. My version is listed below.

Soft Snood

Yarn: 2 skeins Malabrigo Chunky

Needle: Size 11 circular, 16" length

Gauge: 12 stitches to 4 inches

CO 80 St. PM connect, being careful not to twist

"K2,P2" for 10 rows

Next Row: Decrease every 10 st ( 72 st)

Knit in the round until piece measures about 17 inches ( or desired length)

Next Row: Increase every 10 st (80 St)
"K2,P2" for 10 rows

Bind for loosely in rib.

Tada!!! So easy!