knitting olympics

Let the games begin!

Rosamund's Cardigan + Rowanspun Aran

(ravelry pattern page)

I had planned to knit a Tea Leaves cardigan, but I started having qualms about the overly wide neckline on the larger sizes. Only bummer about the games being in Vancouver is that there's nothing to watch in the morning!

Just enough ruffles...

But not enough yarn.


Oh no! I'm about 1/2 done with the bind-off. Now I get to scour the internet for a tiny bit of Lion Cashmere Blend in "cream" (yes, Lion Brand -- don't judge me too harshly -- it was in the 60% off sale bin at JoAnn a while back -- I just couldn't resist). It's a fabulous pattern, although man do those rows seem long (600 sts at the ruffle section).

More bad news... this time on the Dr. Who front. I'm crushed, just crushed.

However, back on the topic of ruffles, I'm loving the November Ruffle Wrap pattern (rav link) by Kate Jackson. The Yarn Barn of Kansas has put together a pretty affordable kit for it.

Speaking of new patterns, the Interweave Winter 08 Preview is up! The Climbing Vines Pullover is gorgeous. It looks like a Phildar or Rebecca pattern from a while back, though. Also, the new Twist Collective issue is up, and it's great. I'm especially taken with the Critter Comforts section. Too darn cute!!! Talk about creativity in more than just one medium. It almost makes me want to pick up the old watercolors again.

IK spring preview

The Interweave Knits spring preview is up! My favs? The Narnia White Witch Mitts and the Flutter Sleeve Cardigan. Since I'm not a huge fan of knitting with cotton, linen, or silk, the spring and summer issues are generally not my favorites.

ETA: The Knitty Winter Surprises are up, too.

Here's a hearty and delicious quick bread recipe, slightly modified from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites. A thin slice spread with low-fat cream cheese makes a perfect breakfast.

Brown Bread

1 C. whole wheat flour
1 C. cornmeal
1 C. all-purpose flour (unbleached)
1 C. raisins
1/4 C. brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
----------------
2 C. buttermilk
1/2 C. molasses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 8-inch loaf pans with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients listed above the line Add the buttermilk and molasses. Stir just until a batter forms. Pour into loaf pans. Bake 40-45 min., until the loaves are firm and begin to pull away from the sides of the pans. Cool in the pans for 15 min.

a decaffeinated afternoon

What a lovely Friday! The heat has been relentless here in Chicago, but it has eased up a bit today. Nevertheless I've switched to iced tea as I settle in with the new issue of Interweave Knits.
This iced tea is fabulously refreshing, and the color is quite eye-catching. It's made by Rishi Tea, a little company up in Milwaukee. It's not all that peachy, despite the name -- I mainly notice the rooibos and the hibiscus!

Ah... the new Interweave. I really like a couple designs:

- Tangled Yoke Cardigan, by Eunny Jang. Beautiful shaping, great garter rib elements. I already have enough Rowan Felted Tweed for it.

- Tilted Duster, by Norah Gaughan. Very cute and swing-y, in quite an unusual shape. It might look horrible on me, though.

- Tyrolean Stockings, by Ann Budd. Love all the cables! They have a very retro look, and they would be super cute in the winter with a short skirt. Or peeking out between jeans and clogs.

The staff sock projects are appealing, and the Minimalist Cardigan and Counterpane Pullover are OK. The rest wasn't of much interest to me. Some things (like the elfin scarf/hat and the luna knitted dress) are downright hideous. I was surprised to realize that Brooklyn Tweed/Jared's Cobblestone pullover didn't do anything for me. Usually I love his knitted projects.

Breeze ankle socks are on the needles:

I'm using Rowan 4 ply soft, and they aren't kidding -- it's wonderfully soft. It reminds me of baby cashmerino without the accompanying vaguely acrylic-y feel. Also, I love Pony pearl DPNs! They have a good amount of bend and give, they're not too long, and they're nice and smooth. I want to pick up more sets of these.

I finally looked through my new knitting books from the big KnitPicks sale. I love these two titles, even more than Knitter's Almanac and Knitting without tears. EZ is so charming, and they're a joy to read.
A while ago I cast on for a Baby Hat with Leaf Edging using DB Baby Cashmerino. So far I've just done the edging, which was a ton of fun and incredibly adorable. I'm not going to work on the rest of the hat, though, until I finish my overdue Sockapalooza socks.

Speaking of Sockapalooza, my pal, Helga, just sent me a sweet e-card telling me that there's a parcel on the way. YAY! I can't wait to try them on. Many thanks in advance.