clog socks, part II

The second pair of Turkish Bed Socks are off the needles and onto my feet!  The weather has been surprisingly lovely for the past few days, though, so I suspect that not too many wool-sock wearing days are left this spring. Not that that's a problem. ;-)

Pattern: Turkish Bed Socks, by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh Sock, "Bearded Iris," 1/2 skein

Needles: US 2.5 (3.0mm) Harmony 6" DPNs

on Ravelry

Notes:

Great pattern! It's a bit fiddly, but they're quick to knit, and the resulting socks coordinate quite nicely with my Dansko clogs. I was disappointed that the yarn pooled so dramatically, but they're still cozy.

Knitter and blogger extraordinaire Kristi recently published Masala, a gorgeous slipper pattern that looks to have a somewhat similar shape (I think -- this is just judging from the photos, as I haven't purchased the pattern yet). Masala has the most eye-catching colorwork pattern, and she has knit them up in beautiful color combinations that really POP!  Most definitely going to the top of my to-knit list once I've finished up a few more WIPs.

A certain someone always insists on helping me change sheets or make the bed.  Oh cats! I'm still loving my crocheted blanket, btw, and am just dying to start a new crochet project. Must. finish. WIPs. first.

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I'm taking a night class on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next few weeks, so I'm adjusting my cooking habits -- easy larger batches that result in tasty leftovers. After looking at a few lasagne recipes and deeming them either too much work or too heavy,  I dreamed up my own quick spinach lasagne recipe last night, and it turned out fantastic.

Spinach Lasagne

12 oven-ready (no-bake) lasagne noodles

24 oz (2.5 C.) Barilla Italian Baking Sauce

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

2/3 C. Parmesan cheese, shredded ~ divided

15 oz. whole-milk ricotta cheese

dash nutmeg

1 clove garlic, pressed, or 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 

freshly ground pepper

1 egg

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried parsley

3  oz. baby spinach leaves (or more!)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray (or lightly coat with olive oil).

2. In a medium bowl, mix 1/3 C. Parmesan, ricotta, nutmeg, freshly ground pepper, garlic, and egg. Mix in parsley and spinach.

3. Spread 1/2 C. sauce on bottom of baking dish. Top with 4 lasagne noodles; top with half of the ricotta/spinach mixture, another 1/2 C. sauce, and 3/4 C. mozzarella. Repeat layers one more time. Do another layer of 4 noodles. Pour remaining sauce over lasagne; sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and 1/3 C. Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven, and let it stand for 10 min. before cutting into it and serving.

Serves 6

progress

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Ah, the immortal words of Ferris Bueller.  Busy, busy, busy lately, but I have been knitting.

Paul's Dr. Who scarf is almost done. I'm in the midst of weaving in the ends (yes, my favorite part of any project!). The mercury is still hovering in the 30s F here in Chicago, so he should still get a chance to wear it this season!

The scarf was a great project for knitting night at the local coffee shop, but not exactly riveting.  It's a loose interpretation of a Dr. Who scarf, as Paul would like to wear it in real life and not look like he's in costume. Hence the colors are a bit muted, and the scarf's not too long (but still a little longer than a regular scarf). Modeled pictures soon, I promise.

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My Koigu Turkish Bed Socks (aka Scandinavian clog socks, in my case) see plenty of wear, so I decided to make another pair. The pattern's quick and easy, and even I don't get second sock syndrome too badly in that case. I'm using Madelinetosh Sock in "Bearded Iris." It's pooling rather alarmingly:

Ah well, I'll still wear them. I'm not joking when I say that Capricha is quite the supermodel. As soon as I start snapping photos of knitting, she comes running and tries to get in on the action:

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See, here she is again! Capricha's checking out the Shalder cardigan that's on the needles:

Many thanks to everyone for the input on which cardigan to knit next. I think Aidez is the most "me," but I ended up wanting to use yarn from the stash.

This Rowan Pure Wool DK has been marinating for nearly 5 years -- time to put it to good use! Honestly, it doesn't really feel much nicer than the Knit Picks Swish DK that I use so often. The color might be more complex, but it still has that superwash feel, and every so often a weird fuzzy/fluffy bit pops up. We'll see how it holds up through washing and wearing -- that may be the true test of Rowan vs. Knit Picks quality.

starting off Socktoberfest...

on the right foot!
I'm not a big sock knitter (although I am a big wool-sock wearer!), but the Socktoberfest bug does seem to have bitten me. I finished #1 of my little pumpkins socks on Oct. 1, setting just the right tone for the month.
My aim is to knit second socks (Dragonfly, Little Pumpkins, & Little Shell below) so that I actually have some pairs to wear as it gets chilly.

Also on the list are the Cable Footies from One Skein in red Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted that has been earmarked for this project for eons, but perhaps that would be shooting the (harvest) moon.

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also on the autumnal front...
Milwaukee's Great Lakes Distillery teamed up with the Lakefront Brewery to make Pumpkin Seasonal Spirit. It's distilled from Lakefront's Pumpkin Lager, and it's quite tasty -- essentially a pumpkin spice whiskey. Last night Paul mixed up some Pumpkin Old-Fashioneds, inspired by a recipe here (and a trip to Brocach last fall):

Pumpkin Old-Fashioned
2 oz Great Lakes Pumpkin Spirit
2 maraschino cherries, muddled
2 dashes blood orange bitters (or regular bitters + an orange slice)
dash of maple syrup
seltzer
maraschino cherry or orange wheel, to garnish

In an old-fashioned glass muddle the cherries and orange bitters. Add Pumpkin Spice Seasonal Spirit, seltzer, maple syrup, and ice. Stir well. Garnish with a cherry or an orange wheel.

I'm excited about trying a pumpkin spice martini next!

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Francis Revisited is blocking on the dining room table as I type. What an easy and quick pattern! I'll post photos as soon as it's dry.

mermaid avenue

I've been knitting a bit less lately, and spending more time reading, cooking, taking guitar lessons, and working on ye olde dissertation. And just plain trying to make the most of the last gasp of summer by getting outside, picnicking, going to the farmer's market, and catching up with friends at BBQs.

an amazing mushroom patch at the Heller Nature Center on our Sunday outing

There is a shawl on the needles, though:
It's the After Hours Shawl pattern, knit up in Briar Rose Celebration, both purchased at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair this past summer. The colors remind me of mermaids, and I've been listening to one of my favorite low-key albums, the Dirty Three's Ocean Songs, while knitting. The colors and sheen are fabulous, but I'm not sure bamboo is for me.

On a more seasonal note, I'm also working on socks. Pumpkin socks, to be exact. :-)
I'm not the world's most dedicated sock knitter, so it's a good sign that I've already turned the heel. I was supposed to alternate the pumpkin patterns both horizontally and vertically. Oops! That's what I get for not reading directions, but I'm sure as heck not going back now.

We also bit the bullet and finally bought a new computer. I went for the iMac, and now I'm trying to figure out iPhoto and all that good stuff. Plus I still need to install a bunch of new software, which is a fairly major expense when coming from a PC.

I'm a little envious of someone's amazing ability to relax and take things easy:

caught in the act

wearing handknit wool socks for the first time this fall

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enjoying clean, warm laundry

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finishing up my Toasty mitts rather than editing a manuscript

Pattern: Toasty, by Leslie at a friend to knit with
Yarn: Frog Tree Merino Worsted, #405, just over 1 skein
Needles: US 6 Brittany Birch DPNs

Notes: A quick, easy knit. Next time I would cast on at least a couple more stitches for the thumb, and do some k2togs after a couple rounds. Warm, cozy, and perfect for fall. Thanks for the great pattern, Leslie!

do you believe in magic?

Magic loop, that is.
I can't believe I waited so long to try this technique. Not only does it seem faster, it also seems easier on my hands and wrists. The pattern is Dublin Bay Socks, and the yarn is DIC Smooshy that I absolutely couldn't resist because of the colorway's name -- in vino veritas. Yep, the combination of Latin and yarn is like a siren's song. Plus Dream in Color is dyed locally right here in Illinois. Inspired by Sarah's Knit Local project, I'm making an effort to support local yarn producers. There's even a Ravelry group.

Kylie has been a little pissed that I've been buckling down on my diss. proposal before the new quarter starts. I've been taking up her valuable office chair space! BTW, the study/yarnville reorganization project went swimmingly. I'll post pics soon.

Now I just need to pack some car knitting, as I'm off to Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival this morning!

lumpy, bumpy, lumpadeedo

I've got a little puzzle for you...
Exhibit A
Inspired by (AKA shamelessly copying) Leah's beautiful Malabrigo wrap, I cast on for my very own Ostrich Plume wrap (pattern from Interweave's lace poncho, but most definitely not in poncho form).
Lumpy and bumpy, indeed! None of my previous lace projects have seemed so uneven. Can a serious blocking straighten it out? This pattern has one row of lace pattern followed by 3 rows of stockinette. I also may have cast on a bit too tightly. Opinions? Anyone knit with the Ostrich Plume pattern before?

Exhibit B
In a similar vein, check out this Breeze ankle sock.Looks OK so far, but...
the toe is one hot mess. Lumpy AND bumpy. What's wrong with my grafting? I had the same problem last time I knit a pair of Breeze socks.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Where do you go to, my lovely?*

Tonight Paul and I are going to the Park West for an evening with Colin Meloy. Though I've seen the Decemberists thrice in the past couple years, I've never seen him play solo. Should be a treat!
*Can you tell I've been listening to The Darjeeling Limited soundtrack a good deal as of late? Not my favorite Wes Anderson movie (Royal Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic are tied), but a great soundtrack. That Peter Starstedt song is just fabulous -- catchy, melodic, and darkly funny.

Speaking of quirky movies, I saw Smart People over the weekend -- OK but not fantastic. Thomas Hayden Church really stole the show (rather than Ellen Page, whom I had expected to do so). Everybody Loves Saturday Night's review captures the essence of the film. She makes an excellent point about its affinities with David Lodge novels (which are not exactly my cup of tea). A little deeper character development would have helped.

My knitting needles have been getting a workout lately. The Wabenschal is done (but needs blocking):

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I'm working on a pair of Kanoko Pants (yes, more baby knits -- one of the delights of turning 30 is that many of my friends are having babies -- yet another Classics friend had a baby last week):

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Also Dragonfly Sock #2:

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And a baby project of my own design. It's blocking right now, but you can expect photos as well as a pattern later this week.

two socks...

but not a pair!

Dragonfly Socks, by Jocelyn Sertich

Fleece Artist Basic Merino Sock Yarn ~ Mahogany-------------------------

Little Shell Socks, by Judy Sumner
Sundra Sock Yarn ~ Dahlia (Petals Collection)

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Katherine drew my name in her 4th blogiversary celebration, and she sent me the nicest parcel. Katherine always seems so genuine in her blog -- funny, down-to-earth, and, wow, does she knit some beautiful things (like Mr. Bluejeans!). She must be a mind reader -- these are some of my absolute favorite things, and they will help me make it through this last round of prelims next week. Fancy chocolate, a trip to Starbucks, a cute hat pattern, and gorgeous yarn handpainted in Colorado -- Lonesome Stone Mountain Foot in High Country Vineyard.

Thank you , Katherine!

another snow day

While I didn't wake up to the winter wonderland that was predicted, plenty of big, wet snowflakes are swirling through the air now. I declared today a snow day and stayed home to read for my exam, grade papers, make soup, and knit. Thank goodness for my trusty space heater... our old radiators barely crank out any heat during the day.
What's this?

Can it be that I'm knitting socks again? The yarn is "Dahlia" by Sundara Yarn, and the pattern is "Little Shell Socks." The color is perfect for the current Project Spectrum theme: fire. Skipping the lace pattern for the foot makes for quick knitting. Note to self: knit some plain stockinette socks for stashbusting purposes. On the subject of socks, I'm absolutely in love with this free pattern that I just discovered via Ravelry.

A wonderful No-More-Humdrum-Mittens Swap parcel from Amy arrived today. What gorgeous mittens! They fit perfectly, and they coordinate beautifully with my black down coat with the pink lining. I'll don them tonight as I brave the snow for my knitting group.
Amy sent many other marvelous goodies, too. Chocolates, candy from Hong Kong, a special edition tea, and some gorgeous yarn from Beaverslide Dry Goods, which I have been dying to try for a long time. The McTaggart Tweed has a soft and fluffy texture, and the colors are beautiful. I'm thinking of a Thorpe hat perhaps? Thanks so much, Amy!
Also, if you're looking for some quick, cute Valentine's gifts to knit, check out the Valentine Mug Cozy from the Classic Elite newsletter.

dispatch from the frog pond

RIP
Dublin Bay Socks
19 August 2007

The Hagrid-sized Dublin Bay sock has morphed into a cuter, smaller sock:

Dragonfly Socks, a free pattern by Jocelyn Sertich

Fleece Artist merino sock yarn, mahogany
US 1 bamboo DPNs

My sock model? Lakefront Brewery Organic E.S.B. It doesn't get much more elegant than that, does it?

Inspired by thoughts of Festivus knitting, I wrote up a little hat pattern for worsted weight yarn (Knit Picks Andean Silk). If it turns out well, I may ask for a couple test knitters before I post it.

While we're on the topic of all things red, here's the Smarty Kat Love Bucket in action:

100% Capricha-approved

Available at Ye Olde Target, of course.

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.

the one with yet another picture of crabby Kylie cat

Kylie was not a fan of me working on Sockapalooza socks rather than petting her, as evidenced below. Note that once again she has picked a way to sit that boggles the human mind -- how on earth can that be comfortable?I learned a valuable lesson while working on these socks -- to trust my judgment. I knit a whole sock that I was afraid would be too big. Guess what? It's way too big. My sock pal has bigger feet than I do, but she would have to have the feet the size of Hagrid's for these to fit. 72 stitches on size 1 dpns = enormous! So it was back to the drawing board for me.

The new and improved Sockapalooza socks (yes, I am further along than this now, but it will still be a struggle to get done on time):
These are Little Shell Socks knit with Sundara sock yarn in the "Dahlia" semisolid colorway. The yarn is gorgeous, and it will be very hard to part with these beauties. These may be a bit on the small side, but socks always seem to stretch out over time.

I'm absolutely thrilled to be done teaching for the summer. There's just a little bit of grading left. The good ol' Malibu broke down on Saturday, amidst a smelly cloud of fumes and a fountain of coolant spraying from my radiator hose, but the timing was perfect. I was 20 feet from my apt. and a great parking space, and now that summer session is over I have the time (and the $) to deal with repairs.