Gourmet Knits

Moving ...

2012-01-31T18:31:00.001-05:00

I have made the executive decision to no longer update this blog. I seem to have a difficult time maintaining it. I have found more success with my tumblr, which you can follow the link to.

It's been real. Keep up with my homemade goodies on tumblr!

Thanks for reading :)

short & sweet {new year's resolutions edition}

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

My New Year's resolution.. well, they are mostly just goals (a couple being permanent life goals).. are as follows:

-Continue to make healthy decisions (I.e. working out, not smoking <-- it's been two weeks and a day!)

-Read 30 books (I missed my goal of 25 last year by 5, but I was also in school which took a lot of time away)

-Be happier (cherish the simple things in life)

That's all folks!

on the ball

2011-11-28T11:45:00.001-05:00

I may or may not have lied about the holiday breakdown, but let's get real here.. I actually was knitting, and not just writing about it. Also, I found my camera (right where I left it in my Camelbak .. )

Here is what I've done:

Several lovelies-- a few hats, a cowl, and some mittens. There seems to be an unintentional tweed theme. What can I say? I can't resist a good tweed yarn ;) It is so cozy! Details on the FOs later when the ends are weaved in, they are blocked, and properly photographed.

I've really and truly been lagging on the project page front, but here's a little peak at a couple of sweaters I finished around late spring/early summer.

Today, I was delighted to shop Cyber Monday over at the Knitpicks website where I claimed several skeins of yarn at a low, low cost. I also threw in some stitch markers (mine grew feet and walked off somewhere ::shifty eyes:: ) and a lint shaver. My sweaters are all in need of a good shave. Hello, weekend project! My goodies should arrive later by Friday-ish, having splurged for 3-day shipping. Yay!

I leave you with a cake that I made this weekend for a baby shower. It was so fun to make a cake at home with my supplies, using actual creativity that is lost in grocery store decorating. It was delightful :)

Have a good week!

return from hiatus

2011-11-15T13:46:00.000-05:00

I'm baaaack. Okay, so I am in the last month of my college career. It is exciting and terrifying. I think I might be a terrible adult and that sucks. It is taking every ounce of my willpower to not completely ignore my studying and homework assignments. Two of which are due within the next week.. ah!! (Hm, I need to get on that.)

Also, I have misplaced my camera so I am very behind with updating both this blog and my ravelry page. I think it must be hiding in my room under all my WIPs and clothes. My room is far too small for how much fibery goodness I have acquired over that past 4 years at school.

Ohhh.. I'm engaged now too! To Mr. K, of course. The big day will probably be early- to mid-2013. You will, of course, get the latest details (if I can find my camera, hurumph) <-- So no ring picture for you yet, sorry.

I am greatly overwhelmed at present. I am taking every opportunity to get Giftmas knitting/crocheting/crafting done and it is my only link to sanity. I have a few things to show you, which I will capture with the camera on my phone (which isn't actually that bad fortunately! 5 whole mega pixels!)

I shall return with the Giftmas breakdown in a couple days, so come back soon :o)

pattern: quinny hat

2011-02-19T23:48:00.004-05:00

Presenting my version of Q's hat..... photo and pattern

please excuse the state of my hair

What you will need:

US 9 (5.5mm) and US 10 (6.0mm) circulars, 40" for magic loop (dpns, if you require them. I didn't use them.)
About 70-80 yards (64-73m) of bulky weight yarn; I used Cascade Eco +
5 stitch markers (one being a different color to denote beginning of round)
Button OR crochet hook (F) and some leftover yard from hat.

Directions:

Using the size 9 needles, cast on 72 stitches. Work in back and forth in garter stitch for a total of 8 rows.

I included a couple short rows at the cast-on tail edge to create a bit of a flair in the tab, but I think it was mostly superficial and not necessary. For those interested, after working rows 2 and 6, knit 5 sts w&t, work to end of row. Pick up wrap during next row (3 &7)

Next round: Bind off 6 sts. Switch to size 10 needles, and begin working in rib pattern as follows: (k1tbl, p1) around.

Place marker and join to work in the round. Continue working in rib pattern until the piece measures 5"

This length just fits my small noggin, but I would recommend for those with larger noggins (bigger brains!) to add some length. It wouldn't hurt to go up to about 6".

Next round: (k1tbl, p1) 6 times, k1tbl, place marker, p1, place marker, (k1tbl, p1) 9 times, k1tbl, place marker, (p1, k1tbl) 13 times, p1, place marker, (k1tbl, p1) 3 times

Decrease round: Continuing in rib pattern, work to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm, p1, sm, ssk, work to next marker, sm, ssk, work to 2 sts before last marker, k2tog, sm, work to end of round.

Work decrease round every round for a total of 12 rounds.

For the last round, continuing in pattern, work to 3 stitches before marker, k3tog, sm, p1, sm, sssk, work to end of round.

Cut yarn, pull through the remaining 14sts, and weave in ends!

Last step is to sew the tab down. You may do this using a large button or how I did it. I'll admit my method was a little unorthodox.

Using the crochet hook and leftover yarn, chain 5 sts. Slip stitch to join in the round.

Work single crochet, all the way around until you are unable to fit any more on circle. Slip stitch to join to first sc. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

So, with this little circle of crochet, simply place tab and circle where desired and using a satin stitch, stitch circle into place. Tie ends and you are done!

There's my odd little trick to make a fake yarny button.

Final step: Wear your hat and get your Gleek on! (Finn Hudson required. nom.)

weekend project.

2011-02-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

In addition my school projects, I will be trying to recreate this hat that was on the new episode of Glee this week.

Boom. Super awesome pixie hat. Knitting will commence after my exam at 4:10pm.

I hope to share the result with you by Sunday! Have a great weekend :o)

KP independent designer program

2011-02-11T11:36:00.001-05:00

I didn't say anything until I knew for certain, but my pattern was chosen to be included in Knit Picks' Independent Designer Program!

You can find it on their website here.

I actually found out a few weeks ago, but decided to wait until the page was up on their website to share. I am just so honored, because I think Knit Picks is a truly fabulous company.

Above is the second Snowstorm. This one is knit up using KP Merino Style in Hollyberry and Fog.

Anyway, just wanted to share :o) I have a couple other FOs that I will share soon. Now I'm off to the gym (keeping up with new year's resolutions in February, for the win!) and I haven't smoked for 41 days! Also, I gave up meat for Lent. No bacon for me. Sorry pizza.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Good day!

a little birdie once told me

2011-01-27T23:03:00.002-05:00

~ through every storm and the darkness of night, there comes a patch of blue ~

Last weekend was my mom's birthday so I made her this bird garland that I found on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog. It was a really fun and simple project. Ever since making the Valentine banner, I've felt slightly obsessed with felt crafts and embroidery. I went out and bought a bunch of felt and what not. I have a very cool owl that Larri gave me the pattern to make that I hope to get around to quite soon.

Last weekend was also my Aunt Sherri's and K's sister's birthday so I whipped up some headbands for everyone (myself included!). These are so fantastic. I made about 16 headbands total. Slightly obsessive, no? I based them off this pattern, but I changed the measurements for a smaller band rather than a giant one that covered the whole head.

In case you're interested, my main piece measured 6" by 13". (If you were to use two coordinating colors, each piece would measure 3" by 13")

Aaaand a knitting FO!

Pattern: Toast

Yarn: Noro Kochoran; colorway- 53; used 116.2 yards

Needles: US 8 circ for magic loop

Start - Finish: January 26 -27

Mods: CO 32 sts. Knit for 55 rows. BO.

These are super soft! This was my first time knitting with Noro. It wasn't a bad experience. I didn't really care for all the vegetable matter that was in the yarn though. I also experienced one knot which I cut out and spit spliced the yarn back together. Overall, I love how these turned out. I love their fraternal color.

Happy crafting to all, and to all, a good night :o)

all you need is ..

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-05:00

This weekend the ladies got together at Larri's to make these Valentine's banners. It was a lot of fun! This was the first I had ever stenciled.. now I covet a Cricut.. oh boy!

The embroidery was most fun. Larri has a plentiful collection of embroidery floss, and it is always lovely to duck into her craft room and marvel.

It not Valentine's day yet, but I hope you're all feeling the love :o)

Happy crafting!

wanted: puppy mojo

2011-01-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

Our beloved Tank has suddenly gotten sick.

He is the best dog that I know, the most well behaved with the sweetest demeanor.

We need some doggy mojo for our angel.

new year, new me

2011-01-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to all!

This year is going to be a good year. I can feel it! It is my last year of college (finishing next fall), which means the end of my extended adolescence. The feeling of still being a kid has come at a price, however ($20,000+ a year, my sanity, and ~~a little~~ a lot happiness) .

I am in the home stretch now and I feel like I need to start becoming a more responsible person. I need to save more and spend less. Study more and finish my education on a strong note (which I have always been capable of but did not care enough to put in the effort). Make good life decisions. Quit smoking for good. Start exercising regularly again. Be a happier person.

The difference between trying to do these before and doing them now is that my life, my adult life, is beginning now. I want to make the right choices and I want to do right by me, for me. I am letting go of my past mistakes and I'm starting fresh. Not because of the new year, but because of the new me.

The goals I have made for this year are not the simple goals, like "quit smoking" or "study more." I wanted them to encompass several things I would like to improve upon. Here they are:

1. Run the 10k Riverbank Run. I have run the 5k in the past and I know that I could do it again easily, even now. I want more of a challenge. For me to run this, I simply need to quit smoking and I have. I am done. (4.5 days now and going strong) I have this optimism that I never had before when trying to quit and I'm going to use that to my advantage. Also, I need to exercise regularly which I started to do again during this winter break. Both of these improvements make me a happier person. I feel stronger, happier, and healthier already.

2. Follow through on commitments. This refers to two things in particular: school and knitting. For school, I would like to improve my grades overall and to do that, I have to put in the daily effort. It is a simple thing that I have the power to change. I need to stop letting things pile up when I know that it will just eventually stress me out. Knitting, silly though it might seem, also stresses me out. I have periods of casting-on left and right. Right now I have about 10 unfinished projects that are mostly done, but have been neglected. With my anxiety, these unfinished things all around me put me over the edge sometimes. (Knitting plans to be shared next post. I have a master plan.)

3. Live in the moment. Although I haven't had the best experience at school, I think it's a beautiful place that I will miss once I leave. I hope to capture the good moments while I still have the chance. I want to make the above changes so that I can enjoy my time there more. This goal applies to more than just school (although most of my time will be spent there the first half of the year).

I want to be a better person-- girlfriend, sister, daughter, aunt, friend-- and I want to leave the worrying behind. I want to take more pictures of the wondrous world we live in. I want to watch my nephew grow into a little person who will soon crawl, then walk, then talk. I want to use my abilities and my talents to do something that I love, and with luck, something in which I find success. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be for the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with.

The new me feels that there is a lot to be said about effort. The world around you still moves forth whether you put your plans into action or not. It is up to you to make the changes in your life. No one is going to make them for you.

I hope you all find inspiration this year!

---

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pattern: Snowstorm

2010-12-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Snowstorm is a simple colorwork cowl that transforms into a hat when the drawstring is pulled tight! The colorwork makes this cowl-hat extra warm for the chilly winter days.

Snowstorm - $2.00 on Ravelry (no account required)

Size: Adult

Yarn Requirements: Knit Picks Merino Style (100% merino, 123 yds per 50g skein): 1 skein each of hollyberry and fog/ 123 yards (112.5 meters) each of two contrasting colors

Needles: US 6 circulars, 16" (40" if you prefer magic loop), two US 3 dpns

Gauge: 21 stitches x 24 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

Snowstorm is a versatile and cozy piece of knitted goodness. Perfect for Christmas and sure to keep your loved ones warm. Enjoy!

it's a mystery!

2010-12-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

.. but not for long!

I decided to try my hand at designing. Why not? I asked myself.

I love knitting. When I'm not doing it (rare) then I'm thinking about it, thinking of ideas, thinking about my next project (even though I have a shameful number of WIPs), and as ever examining people's sweaters, hats, etc. and thinking ooh, I could make that!

It has been a joy so far and I hope to share it with you soon :o)
Ooh, and another plus is that this is a Christmas gift for my aunt! Two birds, one stone.

How is your holiday crafting going?

proud [fairy] godmother.

2010-11-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

This weekend my amazing boyfriend and I became Godparents to the cutest little man.
Jax is my nephew and I love him so much, it is silly.

This is a picture I took of my beautiful sister (and proud mama of the little cutie she's holding) at the "after party." It was also a celebration of her 27th birthday.

You might notice a hand-knit garment on a little someone? If you did, you would be correct. I knit him a little sweater for his baptism, which was supposed to be a month earlier, but thankfully the sweater still just fit.

Here it is:

Pattern: Baby Sophisticate
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, in White
Needles: Size 7 circs
Start - Finish: Sept 27 -Sept 29
Rav link

This was the final fitting of his sweater. I only got one good picture because every time I put him down to take another picture he'd start crying. He's a little spoiled :o)

I'll try to add a few more picture that were taken at the church, but they are on my mom's camera an hour away. It might be a couple weeks.

God Bless you Jaxey. I love your little guts!

slacking in the blog department

2010-07-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

I have really wanted to update, but I have been so darn busy. I started working at the new D&W Fresh Market in town as a cake decorator. I was only supposed to be part time, but one girl quit and I've been working full time. That on top of taking two accelerated courses, and squeezing in as much knitting and sewing as I can muster, has left me blog postless.

My sister's first baby shower was last week and I made her a quilt, and a tiered cake to match.

This is my first quilt ever. I bought a walking foot for my sewing machine and I really enjoyed working with it. I wanted to do a pieced quilt for her, but there was no time and this animal print was irresistible! I used cotton batting and a white flannel backing.

One thing I need to work on in the future is making my binding neater. It was my first time though, and I should have not rushed so much.

This cake was not my first tiered (see below), but it was my first tiered cake using the pillars. It was a joy to re-create the little animals on the cake. I especially like the little birds! :)

A few recent cakes to share..

This cake was my first tiered cake, which I made at work, for another baby shower. I was really nervous to assemble it, but turned out to be no big deal. A piece of cake, if you will ;) And as far as the decorating, I could make roses in my sleep.

This little guy was modeled after a giant cake that was made for the grand opening of the store. Another first for me, using cake and frosting to make a figure. I love using the airbrush also, so this was a fun cake for me! I would really like to get an airbrush for home in the near future.

In other fun news.. I've just ordered a Kindle from Amazon.
It's an electronic reading device. I have wanted one for a while. I am a huge fan of books, like actual books, but right now I have too much stuff. My room and the spare room are full of yarn. My sewing things and fabric takes up half the basement. And my book shelf in my room is overflowing. I have a full shelf in the basement with cook books and baking books, and a basket full of knitting books. I feel the Kindle will be a helpful device in the space department. I should be getting it at the beginning of next week so I'll let you know how it is!

Happy knitting!

sew obsessed

2010-03-18T18:10:00.001-04:00

A week ago today, I went over to Larri's house and she graciously showed me how to sew on her sewing machine. You see, I knit a purse last summer and it needed to be lined and given some handles so that it may be used. I was a little scared to use a sewing machine, because all my recollections of sewing from my childhood consist of me somehow tangling the thread and calling for my grandma to fix my mistakes.

I was adamant that I should sew the lining because, after all, I knit the purse. I was determined and with that attitude, I plunged forward despite my fear. I cannot take 100% of the credit for the purse, because Larri helped sew the lining I made to the bag. After hours of cutting, pressing and sewing, I was still a little scared of sewing my knitting on the machine. One step at a time!

A couple evenings later, I made this little cutie at my neighbor's house....

Bernadette, who is a dear friend and the most generous person I know, was going to give me one of her six (yes, SIX) sewing machines. As it turned out, however, all but one (the one she uses now) did not work. But never fear..

My new sewing machine should arrive tomorrow. I have a bit of an addiction to crafts and I won't apologize for it. I just love them. If I could do them for a living, I would. Who knows, maybe I will.

This little blue pouch makes my world a little brighter.

cupcakes.

2010-03-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

I made cupcakes for my grandpa's funeral.
He always loved when I baked,
so in his memory I made some good stuff.

First up, spice cake with cream cheese icing.
The icing was quite a hit. I'll surely be making it again.

The next, white cake with pastry cream filling and buttercream icing.
This was the first time I made pastry cream and have to say it was delicious.
I think I'd like to make some Napoleons with it next. Perhaps over break.

I was really happy with how these turned out.
I can't wait to get home to do some more baking.

in loving memory

2010-02-27T01:31:00.000-05:00

H. Michael Hahn

where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

love you Grandpa.

launching...

2010-02-03T20:34:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled to announce that I just started a website for my cakes!

And I mean just.

There is not much on it at this point, so I'd stay it is "Under Construction" until further notice. I know the look I'm going for.. but I'm not computer savvy enough for things to go Poof! "Ta-Da! Look what I just came up with!" with a ::snap:: of my fingers.

The link is here: CakesByJewleigh

I would like to give a big thanks to Larri for misspelling my name all those years ago. CakesbyJulie is already taken obviously. (No, don't go looking at that one! It's not me!) And after all the searching and all the ideas, taken or not, CakesbyJewleigh was still my favorite :) :)

So I hope to get things rolling a bit this weekend. I think I might have to buy one of those books "Building Awesome Websites for Dummies" or something of that nature. I am super excited!! (I rarely say 'super' in real life, so this is really meaningful.)

Off I go.. to dream of ideas and cakes.

Note: The cake is Chocolate Spike cake (BEST chocolate ever.) and the cookies are Maple Oatmeal, which were good straight out of the oven, but just okay otherwise. Kyle picked them!

i am

2010-01-20T11:11:00.001-05:00

the worst blogger in all of Blogland.

I had a lot of fun with Christmas knitting. (I still have a few presents to finish up and send home. Oops!) It was very rewarding to give handmade gifts.

I am going to try to start early this year. Of course, there is quite a lot going on (in a way that has created a longer queue for me) and after just giving gifts, it is difficult to think of new one's to give 11 months from now.

P.S. My AaaaaaAaaaaaaAAAAA button is acting up. I disagree (1) with it.

bite me.

2009-12-17T19:54:00.000-05:00

This beauty will be mine in a few days' time.
Oh yeah baby.

X-mas Counts
Queued - 1 hat, 1 pair of mitts (Possibly 4 dishcloths)
WIP's - 1 hat, 1 pair of mittens
Finished - 5 hats, 2 dishcloths, 1 pair of mittens, 1 bag, 1 scarf

Down to the wire as is my custom. Last year when I began knitting, I posted in a forum on Ravelry inquiring about when people usually began their Christmas knitting. The overwhelming majority said December 26, the day after Christmas or, more sensibly, January (for the next Christmas). I think I'll give myself a bit of a break for not listening, seeing as I had just started knitting at the time. I needed this year to gain some knowledge and I have done that. My skills have improved 100-fold.

Now I know better and have the ability to start my Christmas knitting months in advance. That will not, however, stop me from procrastinating. Mark my words, I'll be doing the same thing next year. You have to love it though. The pressure of a deadline. It's kind of exciting in a twisted sort of way. [I'm trying to justify my lack of planning ahead here.]

Anyway, boo MSU for only giving me one week off before Christmas. I swear I had 2 weeks last year. MSU, you are not more important than Christmas cookies and woolly goodness. Sorry.

Spin, Span, Spun

2009-12-07T16:41:00.000-05:00

Today, I purchased my first drop spindle (a medium top-whorl, Octo Dropspindle from Louet). I've been wanting to trying spinning for a while now, but I cannot afford to buy a spinning wheel at the moment, so I decided it was high time I bought a drop spindle.

I also purchased an ounce of blue merino for practice and another 4 ounces of natural superwash merino for when I felt more comfortable and had already blundered through the biggest mistakes I could make.

During the drafting process, I found that I wasn't gentle enough and I tore about half of the roving up. I may have weak arms, but I can pulverize wool. Next time I will have to be very careful.

This is my final product - a little skein of merino to cherish. I would definitely consider it a bulky weight yarn. The roving cost me $2.50, but I learned lessons that will last me a lifetime from that ounce of wool.

God bless merino.

Startitis

2009-12-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

It's a pretty bad case..

Here's the latest addition to my ever-growing WIP pile.
I think these have satiated my cast-on frenzy.

Now to finish the current X-mas WIP's
and cast-on only for the remaining X-mas pressies.

Current Counts
Queued - 9 hats, 1 pair of mitts, 3 sets of dishcloths
WIP's - 1 hat, 2 pairs of mittens, 1 bag
Finished - 4 hats, 2 dishcloths

I will only bid happy knitting when I finish my sweater. Bah humbug!

A Cold Turkey

2009-11-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

Today, I am going cold turkey. I am fairly certain it is one of the most agonizing things to endure. I feel the symptoms of withdrawal 100-fold over the boyfriend. Lucky bastard. To manage, I shall depend on caffeine, chewing on straws, knitting, knitting, and more knitting. I honestly don't mind depending on caffeine, seeing as I find it much easier to cut back when I feel the need. Caffeine doesn't give me lung cancer or make running impossible, so I feel it is a cost-and-benefit winner.

This past weekend, New Moon came out in theaters. I've seen it twice. As it is tradition in my world, I've recreated the book cover into a cake.

Project Homemade Christmas is coming along all right. I need to step up the pace, however. The current counts are as follows:

Queued - 11 hats, 1 pair of mitts, 3 sets of dishcloths
WIP's - 1 hat, 2 pairs of mittens, 1 bag
Finished - 3 hats

Let the knitting commence.

the most wonderful time of the year

2009-10-06T00:21:00.000-04:00

I love fall :) The cool, crisp air and how it smells. Wearing sweaters and jeans. The beautiful colors as the world changes before our eyes. It's an amazing time of year.

and Halloween is just around the corner.

I couldn't find any Halloween sprinkles here in EL.. I was very sad. I'll have to look around GR for my little decorative pumpkins and bats.

artprize..

2009-09-26T00:48:00.000-04:00

rocks my world.

legally having a cocktail

2009-09-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

Weeeeeeeee! Let me introduce myself: I am Julie Hahn and I am 21. (Larri, I found my ID!) I had an excellent birthday with many of my favorites. I was surprised at work with the most adorable cake ever.

Then I enjoyed a wonderful night out at Cheers on the night of my birthday.

Starting with this..

And ending with this..

My verdict: fun! My favorite drink of the night was a rootbeer float. Yummm. Rootbeer vodka and Bailey's. I'd like one now actually, but alas, homework. Anyway, it's no good to drink and knit and because it is the school year once again, knitting is a prominent figure in keeping my sanity. Speaking of knitting, here are some FO's that I have neglected to post.

Pattern: Wizardly Incognito Cap
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool, in #8267 (Forest Green); Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in White

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in black

Pattern: Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket
Needles: Size 8
Yarn: Assorted acrylics

Pattern: Hurricane Hat
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers, in 2449

Pattern: Envy
Needles: Size 13
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, in Raspberry
(Still need to find buttons!)

Pattern: Everlasting Bagstopper
Needles: Size 5 and Size 10.5 circulars
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream, in Hot Blue and Hot Green

Pattern: Hermione's Cable & Eyelet Hat
Needles: Size 5 circular
Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style, in Vanilla
Favorite hat so far :)

You will most likely see many FO's from me this fall. You know, Christmas and keeping myself from pulling my hair out in my personal hell (this means school, people). Anyway I leave you with a little bit of love that is my blueberry Malabrigo. Mmmmmmalabrigo ;)

paradise.

2009-08-20T22:40:00.000-04:00

For you, a glimpse of the utopia I will be in with my loved ones in less than 48 hours..

long overdue

2009-07-26T03:03:00.000-04:00

I am aware that I haven't updated in several weeks, and there is no need to hassle me anymore, because I am baaaaack. In the past weeks, I have had some life-altering reality checks and have grown a lot as a person. It's been quite a roller coaster ride. But! Now life is good. No, it's great. I am happier than I have been in a long time and I have one person to thank for that: Kyle Guppy, without whom I would be nothing.

So without further ado, I would like to share some of the things I have been up to.. (Mostly in picture-form, because I do not have the time or patience to re-cap the past 3 months in one post.)

Knit-wise..

Am I obsessed with this pattern? Three in a row means yes!

Pattern: Button-Tab Hat
Needles: Size 7 circ
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, in Fairy Tale, Tidepool Heather, and White

A couple Grandmother's Favorites

One Diagonal Owl Dishcloth. Not eight. Procrastination, you know.

Love it! I need some Larri wisdom to complete it :)

Pattern: Bamboo Bag
Needles: Size 9
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, in Williamsburg and Onyx Heather

Cake-wise..

My first fondant cake!

Decadent dark chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate ganache. Yum!

Happy 4th! Another fondant cake.

Mark Hoppus's Fender on my cake. Oh yeah.

Blueberry Buckle. Another yum!

Camp-wise..

He loves me ^this^ much.

Sunset in Northern Michigan. Nothing better.

Kyle and I hiking on the ridge to the Big Sable Lighthouse.

I am standing in front of the lighthouse. Can you see me?

View from the top of the lighthouse.
As beautiful as it was, I don't think I will be hanging out on top of lighthouses for a while.

All right. Well that's that. Wait! Not quite. I can start moving into my apartment at State this Saturday, and I get to paint and decorate :) It will be cute! I will take some photos and post them, fo sho.

Peace!

P.S. This was written last week, but I have some more FO's to share, so you will hear from me soon ;) No more months of silence. Promise.

taking the really bad with the really good.

2009-05-03T18:59:00.000-04:00

This past week was Kyle's birthday. It was a fun night :) I got him a watch/compass that he wanted from a while ago and a survival book by his favorite survivor dude, Les Stroud. He loved them and that made me so happy. I also ordered him a brownie from the bakery. We shared a lovely appetizer sampler from Applebee's (haha) and then watched a movie. His visits are always happy occasions, possibly because he is the love of my life ;)

Sooo knitterly things.. knitterly things.. I am almost done with my first Tonks sock!

I am currently about halfway done with the foot. I am thrilled! I must reiterate my love for socks. Larri, you must start knitting socks. I have an image in my head of you and I knitting socks around the campfire while Aric and Kyle roll their eyes and Paula saying that we are cute, but that she will continue to buy socks that don't take 15 hours to make. In this image, we would also have a nice glass of wine, and to class it up, a s'more or two. So yes, learn to knit socks! I will be more than happy to help, if needed. And I know you said the double-pointed needles looked awful, and that I firmly agreed, but.. I love them now. Don't be scared! But one or two circs also suffice, so I won't be offended if you don't take my word for it that they are okay.

So, after that little daydream.... I had a foray in City Knitting this past Friday to buy some yarn for the little competition I joined on Ravelry. It was very successful. 4 skeins of wool and 2 skeins of a most delicious sock yarn. My extreme and irrational love of Harry Potter has led me to supreme geekdom. I have been sorted and am proud the announce that I am a Slytherin in the Harry Potter Knitting & Crochet House Cup. Also known as the HPKCHC. For this month, I am taking Defense Against the Dark Arts (assignment: something protective), Charms (assignment: something in House colors), and possibly Muggle Studies (assignment: something to do with muggle TV or movies). I will be doing the Arithmancy O.W.L. which covers all 3 months of the term (assignment: make at least 8 of one pattern). Projects will go as follows:

Defense Against the Dark Arts
Project: Socks
Pattern: Fawkes
Needles: Size 1 1/2 dpn's
Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Bamboo Silk, in #4004
{These socks will protects the wearer's feet from cold. The warm colors are such that they will raise the spirits of even the meanest ghost. Fawkes the Phoenix himself is a beckon of hope for all. His tears will cure any harm and his song will give a witch or wizard the strength to keep going.}

Absolutely gorgeous yarn. Colors are beautiful (pictures often do not do them justice; this is no exception). It is 5% silk and feels like a little bit of heaven.

Charms
Project: Hat
Pattern: Wizardly Incognito Cap
Needle: 29" Size 8 circular
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool, in #8267 (Forest Green); Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in White
{A subtle way to show one's true identity with playful, Slytherin-colored stripes. Wear this hat and magical folks will catch what simple Muggle eyes overlook.}

Muggles Studies (if I do it)
Related to Muggle book series/movie, Twilight
Project: Mittens
Pattern: Bella's Mittens
Needles: Size 8 dpn's or circular?
Yarn: TBD
{A tribute to all the fangirls who daydream about Edward being real and envy the fictitious Bella; if they can't have her husband, then at least they can have her awesome mittens.}

Arithmancy O.W.L.
Project: Dishcloths
Pattern: Diagonal Owl Dishcloth
Needles: Size 7
Yarn: Various-colored cottons, both Lily Sugar 'N Cream and Peaches & Creme; this is a great stash-busting project for me. I have acquired a lot of cotton that needs using.
{These owls do not deliver the post or the newspaper, but instead of making a mess of things like they did when working for the Ministry of Magic, they will help you clean up! These owls will not be late, and will not nip at your fingers if you do not reply quickly enough. They are perfect companion for the stay-at-home witch.}

I have such a clever name for this project, but I will not divulge it until the project is complete! As a collector of owls, I find that knitting 8 or more of this same dishcloth is not a waste of time. They have a function other than cleaning in my world: decoration! I have not decided how many I will do. I am thinking twelve or so, depending on how many solid-colored skeins of cotton I have. I don't believe the owl will look all that nice with a variegated yarn.

I will share the progress of my first term with the HPKCHC. If you laughed during that bit of the post, that is okay. I laughed at my own dorky-ness. They say you can get extra points for a creative explanation of your project, but I think that translates to 'the more nerdy the explanation, the more points.' Well, I'm in. I can bring out the big dogs with my inner-dork, and I shall.

If you are still reading, thank you. I know this is a long post. I am avoiding studying for my criminal justice final tomorrow and I am doing spectacularly, if I do say so myself. Let us continue.

Last Thursday, I was able to do several cakes at work and it was great. There is an uproar of cake orders now that the school year is drawing to a close. (Graduation cakes and the like.) One such cake was one that I obliging took on, because it is sort of relative to my family.

Both schools are my dad's alma mater. (State for undergrad and Central for graduate). Although I cannot appreciate this school in the same way as my dad, State is near and dear to his heart. I thought he would enjoy the coincidental nature of this cake. (He did, by the way.)

Side note: My writing is the only part of cake decorating I've tried that I am not 100% confident about. At work, we double-write everything. My underwriting is usually spot on and I am satisfied. The overwriting is usually the bane of my cake-decorating existence. Perhaps outside of work I shall stick to writing the message only once.

Okay, so I've been dying to bake something yummy for a few weeks and today I did! They are chocolate-peanut butter pretzels. All right, they are not baked, but mixing and assembly were required so I consider it baking.

They are giant pillows of love that taste exactly like puppy chow! (Note that the term giant in the previous sentence is relative to one Chex.) What a discovery. Oh my goodness, I've only just realized.. Hello, pillows of love. Welcome to my christmas baking list. Also, these would be just as delicious dipped in white chocolate. This recipe has possibilities, folks.

Ah, this was a good run. I've successfully wasted about two and a half hours, but I'm out of things to say that aren't me just rambling aimlessly. I appreciate any who managed to read this in one sitting. This post is what happens when one is hopped up on coffee, has not blogged in a while and has a million things to share.

3 more days till summer; 730 days until I can begin living my life. Shit. I thought I could be optimistic with the 3 days, but the 730 days is a heavy burden to shoulder.

Anyway, happy knitting to those lucky bastards who have the time right now.

[edited to cut out depressing introduction]

sock-em-bopper

2009-04-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

I present to you my first pair of socks! I thoroughly enjoyed making them. I finished the first in about a week and started the second immediately after, but caught the startitis bug, so the second one took about a month. They are done and I'm so pleased. Now I can start a fancy pair!

Pattern: Simple Socks for Ladies on Two Circular Needles
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici, in Martinique
Needles: 2- 24" size 2 circulars
Start-Finish: March 11 - April 21

Remember, how I was so thrilled about my Horcrux socks and the perfect yarn I accidentally bought for them? Yes, well as it turns out the yarn was not perfect. The rayon/tencel blend is not good for socks as I found out. It has no elasticity at all. So instead.. I am making a lace scarf out of the yarn, which I think will turn out beautifully. Here's a peek:

Only true love could compel a girl to make the biggest (in relation to my size 6 foot), most boring plain black socks for her boyfriend...

They are probably about 2 or 3 inches longer than this currently as I've been working on them whenever I get a spare minute this week. (I don't know what I'm saying... I knit and then do other things, such as homework and going to class, in my "spare" time). Anyway, I started these in the first week of April and I don't know who I was kidding myself to think I'd have the pair done by his birthday (April 28) or the anniversary (May 16). So... Christmas it is!

Cheers :)

easter weekend and FO (yes, one)

2009-04-14T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today, I am not feeling well at all and will not being going to any of my classes, so now I have time to put up some pictures from Easter weekend. Beginning Thursday, I finished knitting a little headband that will be part of my mom's Mother's Day gift.

Pattern: Arrowhead Lace Headband
Yarn: Cascade 220, color #2449, 0.2 skeins
Needles: size 7
Start-Finish: April 6 - April 6

It was nice to have something completely finished in the midst of all the socks going on right now. Unrelated to knitting, however, another perfectly awesome moment happened this weekend ....

Yes, that is Kyle and I standing next to the Stanley Cup. Before it was our turn to get our picture taken, Kyle said, "I'm going to pick it up." I warned him against it, but when he is set on doing something, nothing anyone can say will stop him. So, we get up there and have a nice picture taken, and I run for it afterwards, knowing his plan. As soon as he got it about an inch off the table, ten people yelled, "You can't pick it up!" (as I predicted) However, no harm was done, so now Kyle can proudly say that he's held the Stanley Cup! I'd say that's better than an Easter basket.

I did end up getting my ball winder this past weekend. (On Friday, to be exact.) Kyle tried to help me wind a hank of yarn (the yarn for my precious Horcrux socks.. ) and it ended up in a huge tangled mess. I spent all day Saturday trying to get it out, then a few hours on Sunday. Only half of it is safely untangled now. I believe that the hank was twisted and that is partly to blame for the mess, but I will not be asking Kyle to help me again. He was not very sympathetic to my plight. But once half of the mess was untangled, I managed to wind many of my scraps.

They are beautiful spring colors! Another addition to the stash was waiting for me at school when I got back. Some gorgeous Cascade Heritage sock yarn (in Jade) that will be my Clapotis.

Now I need to get away from my computer because it is making me feel even more feverish. Goodbye!

coming up in the queue ....

2009-04-05T17:46:00.000-04:00

Just received in the mail some gorgeous fingering weight yarn from Yarntopia Treasures. Their colorways are gorgeous, by the way. Definitely worth checking out!

Colorway: Sidewinder
Destination: Horcrux Socks.
This picture is not quite true to color. The green is a very bright neon. It is perfect for the Horcrux socks, because the greens match the colors on the cover of the sixth book :) Also, what a perfect name, Sidewinder. Snake, Parselmouth, Slytherin. It all fits. It is destiny.

Colorway: Willow
Destination: Unknown. Possibly the Fawkes socks or the Dragonfly socks. Orrr the third of the Three Sisters scarves by SmokingHotNeedles.

Colorway: River of Lights
Destination: Spring Forward socks!

Another exciting addition will be the ball winder I just order last night! It is going to be in my "Easter basket." It is a lovely gift from my mom. I am so excited!

ETA: If you ever order yarn from Yarntopia Treasures, I advise you to have them wind it for you. Two of the three hanks were complete crap. They were completely tangled and had knots. The third skein is just sitting all alone in a corner because I don't want to deal with winding it. If it feels unloved, it should! Its sisters were bitches. . .

apple-icious

2009-03-29T21:02:00.000-04:00

My dad's birthday is today and yesterday we had a lovely breakfast dinner for him. (To clarify: breakfast for dinner.) Tim [my sister's boyfriend/fiance] made the whole thing. French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs. It was delicious! For my contribution, I made a Toffee-Apple Cheesecake. I've made cheesecake bars before, but this was my first real cheesecake. I was very pleased with how it turned out.

I also made him a cake to take to work. It was weird to put his name instead of Dad, haha.

In the world of all things knitterly, I am becoming a fanatic of socks. For a person who is chronically cold, I cannot see a more useful thing to knit! They are funnn. And to top it off, I finally have my own Harry Potter Opal sock yarn. I saw it years ago before I started knitting, and I wanted it just because. But now I have it AND I get to knit a pair of awesome socks :)

The colorway is Tonks. I would also like to own: Harry, Harry and Ron, Hedwig, Dumbledore, and Draco. Uhh, I think that's almost all of them.. So I'll go for the lot and add Ron and Lupin ;) I plan to knit my Tonks socks in time for the movie release this summer (July 17!)

Also, I finished my Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet. Last Monday, actually. I haven't had the time to block it yet, so pictures still to come.

Must get back to my knitting now. . .

Proud to Present for the First Time Ever..

2009-03-22T00:40:00.000-04:00

A sock made by ME!

I am a sock lover. It is true. Now to experiment with dpn's and two circs to find my favorite way. (After I finish the second one, of course.) It would not do to already be diagnosed with Second Sock Syndrome.

In other super knitting news, I've just begun knitting my first clothing item! It is the Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet. It has been quick and easy thus far. I am about halfway done with it right now and I hope to finish it Sunday or Monday. (Darn college exams get in the way of finished objects). But duty calls sooo I need to be getting to bed. Picture of the capelet to come soon. I'm so excited to wear my own knitting at last! Oooh. Goodnight.

experimentation has never been more yummy or cute :)

2009-03-19T17:41:00.000-04:00

At work (MSU Bakers!), we are trying out some decorative cupcakes for next year’s specials.
Here are a few of mine :

I am in love with owls!

In knitting news, I received a package of yarn today I love getting packages. (Honestly, getting mail at the dorm is one of the best things ever. It is also the reason for my addiction to online shopping and my credit card bill.. bleh.)

I am almost done knitting my first sock! I really enjoyed it. I can see myself making many socks. The only part I had trouble with was situating the gusset stitches on two circulars. Hopefully it will go more smoothly in the future!

Happy Knitting!

favorite cakes of holidays past

2009-03-18T17:46:00.000-04:00