WIP Wednesday - Socks and Scarves

Happy WIP Wednesday everyone!  I actually have some marked progress to show this week so I am excited to share.

Progress!

So in the picture above are the Gryffindor Scarf and the Hummingbird Socks.

I wanted to go back to knitting with bigger needles to give my hands some relief so this had been my night-time knit.  I am at the second set of stripes and planned to work on it during the hockey game last night (Pens lost in an epic fail to the NY Islanders) and instead I fell asleep due to a headache and didn't do much of anything.

The hummingbird socks are a new pair of socks.  I am using Silver's Sock Class again without the ribbing to show off the fabulous Knit Picks Felici in Hummingbird.  Isn't the color great!  Saturated colors of green, teal, magenta and purple make me smile.  I hadn't anticipated casting on more socks but I like working on socks while sitting in traffic on my way home and its an easy travel project to have on hand.

In other WIP news, I have another blue square done for the Lego Blanket but it really wasn't worth digging out the squares for a picture before I left for work this morning.

I haven't worked on either the Falling Water scarf or the Karina Vest because I am trying to focus on the projects that are gifts for other people.


I have finally found time to read and finished a book last week but I am behind on my goal and need to get in gear.  I have a ton of books to read but really reading and knitting are a hard combination to pull off. Pictured above is what I am currently reading.

Here are some details about those books:

• Breakaway by Deirdre Martin

Breakaway is a part of the author's Blades Hockey Series.  I mean really Romance novels and hockey, what could be a better combination.  This one also has an Ireland flair to it and so far I am really enjoying it.

• The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

The Garden Intrigue is a part of the author's Pink Carnation Series that focuses on aristocratic spies and their romances during the Napoleonic Wars.  The novels are well written and fast paced and always make me want to read them in one sitting. 

I will keep updating my progress and post a review when I finish.

Don't forget to check out what other bloggers are working on at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Rasberries and Peaches

So I made another pie this weekend.  I know it's a shocker but this weekend was a bit different.  There I was working on reducing down the raspberries and peaches for the pie (I was also caramelizing onions for the meatloaf, Yummy! But I digress) and my Dad walks into the kitchen and says, "You have been baking a lot lately"

Yes, yes I have.  I know I have mentioned many times that I learned my baking and cooking from my family (and a healthy sprinkling of the Food Network) but my Dad's comment got me thinking about why I was really baking. 

Anyway, I pondered it and got back to the baking and ending up with this great pie.

How yummy does that look?

But it wasn't until I read this post and saw this picture* of  Julia Child that I truly understood what I was doing.  I realized today that I was honoring those who taught me everything I know culinary wise. 

I smile each and every time I pick up the rolling pin with the burnt handle and know that for generations, women in my family have been rolling out pie dough for their loved ones. (My mother borrowed the rolling pin ages ago from her great grandmother and never gave it back.  To quote her, "I wasn't done borrowing it, yet")

I remember sitting on my Great Grandmother's counter and pinching the dough to seal the crust.  I remember cutting and slicing apples.  I remember coming home from school in the fall to the smell of cooked apple, cinnamon and love.  Memories really withstand the test of time through food, don't they?

When I started on this pie journey a few weeks ago, it was just to satisfy an urge for a cherry pie and prove that I could do it.  I can't tell you the last time I had made one even with my mom's help, and yet I remember all of the things they taught me.  How to cut the shortening into the dough, how to roll out the dough, how to pinch, how to make sure you add butter and leave slits in the top for air.  It all came rushing back like they were standing over me when I was small.

I cannot tell you how much I want to show my future children and grandchildren and friend's children because these lessons are a gift from one generation to the next.  I am so happy to have had that in my life.

<3 Heather

* For those of you not following the links.  The picture was of Julia demonstrating a frosting technique to a young Merida.

Reminicing of my Travels to Germany in 2004

The weather today has gotten cooler but last week we had 80° F days which reminded me of my Germany trip in 2004.  With spring in the air, everything is starting to get green and beautiful and its almost as close as the greens of the fields when I flew into Munich in May of 2004.

Taken from the Bus on the way to Neuschwanstein Castle

I had always wanted to study abroad but the demand of engineering posed a challenge so instead there were a few classes offered that allowed to 2 week abroad experiences.  I went to Germany after my Freshman Year and studied German industries.  I also went to Brazil after my Junior Year to study sustainability.  (More on that in another post)

Anyway, this was my first trip out of the Country.  I was so nervous because the political climate was still unsettled from 9/11 and we were instructed not to draw attention to ourselves while we traveled.  I had flown before but this was a longer flight and I just wanted to see the place where my family originated. (I am of German decent). 

I was no naive now that I look back but really what 18 year old isn't?  It was an interesting experience trying to communicate in a language that was foreign to me.  Luckily we were in a group but we still had some time to explore Augsburg (where we stayed) on own quite a bit.   I loved how timely the transportation systems were and wish ours were better.

We were there to learn and compare USA and German industries from a business and engineering point of view.  We visited Beer manufacturers, Audi manufactures, Computer and Semi-Conductor manufacturers as well as robotics manufacturers.   We got free samples of the Beer but not of the Audi's we got to see being built.  :) 

On a side note, I left home hating beer and came back a beer snob.  ;o)

In addition to the  the industry tours there were cultural to Neuschwanstain Castle and the Alps.  Really this was just a breath taking day.  The castle both inside and outside was gorgeous!  The Mountains take your breath away and there was even snow still at the top of the Mountain top we visited.

I took this picture and I still can't believe how amazing it turned out.

This was on the way to the Castle Overlook Bridge.  Aren't the Alps Stunning!

On the Gondola to the Top of one of the Mountains in the Alps.

I did break my toe earlier in the trip falling down a set of stairs but really nothing was keeping me from visiting this place.  I took my time and finally made it up the steep path but it was worth it!


I wish there were more breathtaking places like this in my hometown but therein is the challenge.  Finding the beautiful in everything we see and capturing it.  Being ready to grab the brilliant orange sunsets, catching the flowers and trees in bloom.  Seeing the everyday with new eyes.

I hope to take more pictures now that the weather is nicer and find old places that take my breath away and are new again.

Finished Object Friday - My Lovely Socks!

I did it and really it wasn't as hard as I made it out to be.  Seriously, they seem like tricky little items of clothing but once I followed the directions the whole process just clicked.  Some have commented that it may be due to my engineering background and understanding of how stuff works, but really folks DO NOT be afraid of socks.

Yes, they strike fear in the hearts of many new knitters but I have found the more that you want to do something the easier it is to keep going.  Seriously, just jump in with both feet because in knitting what's the worst that could happen?  Frogging?  Tinking?  I think that is a little price to pay for learning a new skill.

So, I busted my fingers and focused on getting that second sock done.  I presented my first sock last week and I wanted to get the other sock done for this week. I also wanted to avoid the single sock-itis that could happen so I pushed forth and started the second sock.

While working on the cuff, I noticed a bit of pooling and was slightly disappointed.  Really though they are socks and the cuff will be under my jeans so there is no use in worrying about it.

I kept going and before I knew it I was at a finished sock.  I meant to take more pictures but really I just wanted to get the darn thing done.

Voila!  The Second Sock

This one didn't quite go as smoothly,.  I think I miscounted my cast on and was short some stitches so I had to make a few to get it right while I was working on the gusset.  I also think my gauge tightened but I am working on stretching it out so it's comfy.

You may notice that the coloring is a bit darker.

Sock #1 is on the right and Sock #2 is on the left

It almost feels like the inverse of the first sock.  That has a base is light with dark accents whereas the second sock has a dark base with light accents.  It's okay though because they look like they match and that's all that matters.

In general, I am so pleased with the result and the pattern was super easy to follow along with. Though I made some modifications to suit my tastes a bit.

1. I only made the cuff 3.5 inches.  I have larger calfs and was worried the longer cuff wouldn't fit
2. I did twice the decreases at the toe to get a more gradual decrease rather than the stated one.  I have wide feet and felt the fit would be better this way.

I admit these things are addicting and cast on another set.  I think this is more my traveling project with no real hurry to accomplish it in anytime soon.

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Details:

Patten - Silver's Sock Class
Needles - Size 2/2.75 mm with 9 inch cables and Size 2/2.75 mm double needles
Yarn - Shalimar Yarns, Breathless in Tequila Sunrise  (I still have about 44 grams of yarn left)

Duration - Little more than 1 month.  Sock 2 took 1 week, which is more representative of how long I spent on each one.

Requests are the Best!

So Pumpkin of Pumpkin Spins asked to see my new yarn purchases so here it is!

New Yarn Purchases

From left to right here is what I got:

• Knit Picks - Stroll Hand Painted Yarn in County Fair
• Knit Picks - Felici Fingering Self Striping Yarn in Hummingbird
• Candy Skein - Yummy Fingering Yarn in the March Colorway Leprechaun Lollipop

So there you have it, my latest purchases!  What do you think?  I think they are going to be awesome socks someday.

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Pay No Attention to the Woman Behind the Yarn!

Where are these weeks going?  I have so many plans but time ticks on and not meeting my (self - set) project deadlines is annoying.  So here I am on another WIP Wednesday with no real progress to show because I finished my socks!  Here is a sneak peak of Friday's post!

I am in love with my new socks!

I have to say, I got some new sock yarn and it's really hard not to cast on another set but I really need to finish my other WIPs. (Really that is dedication for someone with Craft ADD)

Anyway, my plan was to finish these on Sunday and get cracking on those Lego blocks for the baby blanket.  Needless to say that hasn't happened but I plan on working on them quite a bit in the future. Hopefully next week's post will be full of Lego block stacks.

The frustrating thing is that I need to make 20 blocks and one skein of Lion Brand - Cotton Ease only makes about 13 blocks which means I need more yarn.  I don't need it right away but I will need another skein eventually.  Alas, the challenges we crafters face.

So please, pay no attention to woman behind the yarn, she is just trying to catch up this week.

Check out other blogger's WIPs at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Sock Numero Uno!

So on WIP Wednesday this week, I asked you to...

Spot the Difference (read that with a game show announce voice and cue the theme music!)

And many of you did which is great!  I know this project isn't truly finished but I wanted to give my first sock a moment of glory.

Last week, I really put in an effort to start the heel flap and before I knew it I had a sock.  Oh you have no idea the excitement of how awesome it felt to get that sock done.  I started my sock on February 11th and really didn't work on it a ton because I had a case of Gotta-Cast-On-ITIS and have 5 projects going.

Anyway, something made me decide that I did enough ribbing.  Which lead to the decision to just try this heel flap thingy and see how it goes.

Heel Flap and Heel Turn!

I mis-read the directions and instead of on the Wrong Side Slip 1 and Purl the row, I slipped one and purled 1 across.  I have to say that the heel on this sock is super strong but I was dropping stitches left and right and getting my needle through the loop brought a lovely version of French to my lips.

After the heel flap and the turn came the Gusset and really that brought out the engineer in me.  I love how things work and until I was half way through the socks, I didn't get how the stitches worked out to make a sock.  It truly is magical but now I look at all socks and mentally take them apart and put them back together.

Notice I switched on to DPNs for the rest of the Sock

Anyway, after all of the fun of heels and gussets were done I was left with stockinette rounds until I reached 8 inches from the back of the heel.  I wear a size 10 and let me tell you I was yelling at my feet to get smaller as I did those rounds.  As I was yelling at my feet, I knit 8.5 inches and suddenly realize the toe decreases were going to make the sock too big.

But I counted my stitches and gauged my work and realized if I doubled the decrease pattern I should be able to get the size I need and a good fit.  So I set off and counted and prayed that this thing would work. I kept putting the sock on and measuring and praying some more but finally I got down to 12 stitches on my needles and tried it on and it was perfect.  Now the grafting thing was tricky and I may not have done it right.  Time will tell but I finished my first sock!

Ta Da!

Now, a friend on the Ravelry forums has said that she thinks that I am one of the most adventurous knitters she knows because my first knitting project was a a colorwork hat and then just dove right into socks. I of course blush at this thought and say it's not true.  I just know what I like and there are just patterns that I want to do because I want to do them and that drives me to figure out how to do them.

 I admit that socks were kinda scary but after seeing other's comment on their own fear I figured what the heck and cast on the stitches I needed.  I know for me if I want to do something, then nothing will stop me (really who needs sleep!).

I also realized that I didn't want to stop at this one sock and wanted to have a pair, I cast on the second sock on Monday and have all of my ribbing complete.

Ribbing for the second sock

The yarn is pooling a bit but they are my first socks and a learning experience so I don't mind.  I think I should be able to get the second sock done this weekend and definitely done for next FO Friday.

Just so you don't think it's an older picture!

Here is what is on deck after these socks are done

• Lego Baby Blanket started on 2/17/2012
• Karina Vest started on 2/18/2012 (for me)
• Gryffindor Scarf started on 3/1/2012
• Falling Water Scarf started on 2/23/2012 (for me)

Here is what I have planned after these are done.

• Gryffindor Beanie (goes with scarf gift)
• Gryffindor Mittens (goes with scarf and beanie gift)
• Susie Roger's Reading Mitts (for me)
• Hermione's Everyday Socks (for me)

Granted this doesn't include upcoming gifts that may pop up but what I want to do in the coming months.  I think knowing what I want to work on next and having a plan of when I have to get some of this stuff done will keep me motivated through some of the repetitive knits and crocheting that I have to do.

How do you stay motivated?

Seeing other's finished objects help me to keep motivated so check out more at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Can you spot the Difference?

Hello all!  I love WIP Wednedays but this week is a little challenging for me.  This past weekend my fingers flew on a project but it's still a WIP so I am asking you to spot the difference.  Shown below is the group picture from last week.

Last week's progress shot

Here are recent pictures of each project showing the progress I made.

Falling Water Scarf

Gryffindor Scarf

Karina Vest

Lego Blanket

First Socks

The difference should be obvious and there may also be a red herring in there.  So let me know which one you think is different and if you can't guess all will be revealed later in the week.

In other WIP news, I decided to take some inspiration from According to Matt and start a scrap blanket.  I had some yarn left over from my Green Merlot Hat and decided to make some Granny Squares.

Granny Squares (These are not what's different :P )

I also went through my stash to see how much scrap yarn I have and I was surprised at just how much was there.  I have come up with a dilemma though, what do you consider scrap?  I have some skeins of yarn that could feasibly be used in other small square projects and others that probably would only make 1-2 squares.  Where do you draw the line?

But, in general I really can't start putting them together as the colors right now are all pretty similar (Darn my love of Green!) plus I really don't have time right now to put them together.  This is definitely a long term project!

For other progress on amazing creations, check out the links at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Easy As Pie

Okay, things aren't always easy as pie but I did make an Apple Pie this weekend and it turned out amazing!

Apple Pie with Classic Crust

The women in my family can bake and as you know I have been baking since I could reach the counter on a chair.  I love baking because to me it's a connection with my family.  I love using the old rolling pin that has been passed down for generations and feeling the wonderful bake goods it has produced.  Family just means so much more to me now than ever before.

Anyway, I didn't realize it until my dad said something but Sunday was 4 months for my Mom's passing.  It still hurts but the pain is duller than before. Nothing is like before and I am now living a new version of normal but holiday's are hard and I am so not looking forward to Mother's Day.

It really is the little things that affect me the most.  I finished something that I was knitting (I will show you later in the week) and I just wanted to call my mom and tell her about it.  I see something funny and want to share it.  I am scared and concerned about something and want her reassurance that everything will be okay.

As Easter gets closer, I look at the house and think I need to decorate but worry that I won't find the time.  I don't know how she did it and wonder if she knew how much I appreciated her.  As I got older, the teenage angst and frustrations went away and the love was really apparent.  I miss her so much and everything still seems so surreal but a new normal is starting to be established.  I just need to keep taking one day at a time, which is easy as pie, right?

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Rubix Cube Tissue Box Holder

Hi. My name is Heather and I am a nerd.  Seriously, I think math and science is cool.  I work in a technical field and love Star Wars, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, etc.  But my favorite TV show right now is the Big Bang Theory, and I let my nerd flag fly. 

I love it that they are quirky and sweet.  I get these people and probably would be friends with them, so when I see crafty things from the show I get excited and many other do as well.  Case in point, the The Big Bang Gang on ravelry is devoted to the show.

But I digress, I noticed awhile back during the show that on the end table next to Sheldon's seat they had a covered tissue box.  Now, when I think of tissue box holders, I tend to think of the one's my grandmother had at her house.  Pastel, with flowers and small details but watching the show I saw the nerdiest of all Tissue Box  Holders

Behold the Rubix Cube Tissue Box Holder!

I couldn't find a picture of a scene but here is a link to another blog where they visited the set.

Anyway, I didn't make this for myself, in fact I have never solved a Rubix cube but one of my best friends is a fan.

Taken at my Birthday Party

Becky has several different styles and types so I started to make this box for her before Christmas but since she wasn't my Secret Santa Swappee amongst our friends,  I made it for her birthday later this month instead.

Of course, as I was making it I thought I should make a solved version so she could swap them out as I knew it would bug her that she couldn't solve the tissue box. :-P

It looks so nice now and I tried to make it as accurate as possible but there are a few mistakes luckily she can hide them in the back.  Also, I counted the square of the tissue as one of the blocks because you can only have 9 blocks of each color.

Here is the finished product on Becky's shelf at work and she was so excited that she took it to work the day after I finished it!

 So what do you think?  Do you think Sheldon would approve?

Check out other Finished Objects at Tami's Amis Blog

<3 Heather

Project Details:


Materials - Plastic Canvas in the translucent color
Patten - Free Form and made it up but the squares are 11x11 and I made angled stitches across the square. 
Needles - Tapestry/Yarn Needle
Yarn - Red Heart Super Saver in Blue, Bright Yellow, Cherry Red, Paddy Green, Orange, White and Black 
Duration - About 6 Evenings work of work though I started it in December

WIP Wednesday - WIP Overload!

I have freely admitted that I have Craft ADD.  I tend to start a ton of projects at once and then work on them over a long period of time.  Really I do this because one night I may want to work on something easy and mindless while watching a Penguins Game, other weekends I want to work on something that makes me think and pay attention.  Having lots of projects in motion helps me to meet my craft needs at any time.

Okay, that may be a lot of BS but that is how I justify the crazy :)

Anyway, in an effort to push through and see more finished objects I am going to show the progress of my WIPs each week and try and spot light the main progress I made during the week.

WIPs for the week of 3/4/2012

So in clockwise order, I have a Gryffindor Scarf, my Karina Vest, my First Sock, Lego Baby Blanket, and Falling Water Scarf.

I really got quite a bit done on the Gryffindor Scarf and the Lego Blanket.

I have mentioned the Gryffindor Scarf in a previous post but I made some progress and now it with the switch in colorway, it is starting to resemble the scarf from the movie series.  This is my mindless project as the 1X1 ribbing is easy enough to watch hockey while making progress.  It also helps that this is a gift so the pressure is on a bit.

The gold really makes the burgundy pop!

I also made progress on my Lego Blanket.  I am so excited to show the little stacks of rectangles, but I still have a long road ahead.

Stacks of Rectangles!

The original blanket is 9X9 which means 81 blocks.  I altered the color a bit and replaced the taupe color with green but I am still keeping with the 81 block theme.  Here is the breakdown of the numbers

• Red    -- 13/20 (1 Skein of Yarn Used)
• Blue    --  1/20
• Green  --  0/20
• Yellow --  0/21

As you can see, its still a mountain of crochet left to complete.

Speaking of completing I finished something this week that I have never showed before but I am super excited to share on Friday so please come back and check it out!

I hope to get some more progress on these but I am also trying to make headway in my "To Be Read" pile so finding balance is key.  How do you balance multiple hobbies?

Check out other wonderful WIPs on Tami's Amis Blog

<3 Heather

Pie in the Sky

In a similar vein to yesterday, here is a picture from the front of my Apartment complex.  After 24 hours, notice the lack of snow.

Taken this morning outside of my apartment on my way to work.

Seriously, what is going on with this weather.

Weather rant aside, I am so excited to show you the cherry pie I made this past weekend. I only recall making apple pies so I wanted to challenge myself with a cherry pie.  I was a little nervous because with apple, you put the raw apples in and bake it but for the cherry I had to make the filling first. 

Cherry Pie Filling

I used this Cherry Pie Recipe from The Food Network.  I adapted the recipe by adding some lemon juice and zest to help make the cherries a little tart. I also used 2 bags of frozen cherries which was about 6 cups.  Note: I didn't use all of the liquid because it would have overflowed the pie pan.

I have to say, I was incredibly impressed by how easy this recipe was in comparison to apple pie.  I didn't have to peel and slice apples just threw the defrosted cherries in a sauce pan and cooked til the juice released and added the flavorings, sugar and corn starch.  Voila!  Cherry Pie Filling!

While this was cooling, I worked on the pie crust.  We have always used a shortening based crust, but what I didn't realize was that it was the Crisco Pie Crust until I couldn't find the recipe card and on a whim checked the back of the Crisco Stick Label.  Low and behold there was our "family" recipe.  Now I am not blaming my grandmother for pawning off a Crisco recipe as her own but it's funny how over time things develop into "family" recipes. 

Shortening Cut into Flour and Salt

Anyway, the best thing about following the Crisco recipe was a few clarifying steps.  I made sure the shortening was cold before I cut it into the flour and salt. You can use a food processor but I prefer to cut the shortening by hand.

I also made sure that I chilled the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. 

Rolled out dough.  I am incapable of rolling out circles.

Both of these tips really made a nice crust.  My mom didn't take these steps and her crust was always a but floury but mine came out nice and flaky.  I do wonder what it would taste like with butter flavored shortening. I will have to try that the next time.

Pie just out of the oven

Just a dusting of Flour will do

I admit I forgot to dot the pie with butter before I up it in the oven but I don't know if it needed it.  It was really tasty.  Also this was the first time that I made a lattice top crust.  It's not perfect but I am really proud of how it came out.

I did however remember to do some other tricks for making pies.  First, I made sure I added a bit of flour at the bottom of the crust before I poured in the filling.  This helps thicken the filling so it doesn't run over. 


I also made sure I used the pie drip pan.  This doughnut shaped pan catches anything that may run over but it also allows heat to move around the pie for even cooking.

The one in the front has been in the family forever, the one in back is a new non-stick version

My First Pie!

Well, I can't wait to make another cherry pie, or maybe a mixed berry pie in the future.  Pie has always been easy but then again, I have been making them for as long as I remember.

I tend to think of baking as my specialty but really its so much more than that.  To pull out the recipes (original or otherwise) that my family has made for years allows me to connect to the past.  I can feel my mom, grandmothers, great grandmother and other relatives guiding my hands as I create wonderful and delectable creations.  I can't wait to share these with my children and grandchildren.

Can I get you a slice of pie?

Oh SNOW, you didn't!

Here in Southwestern PA, we have had a very mild winter.  After the last few years of heavy snow and storms, this weather has been refreshing but any deviation from the mild weather is annoying.  So for the first time in what seems like months, we have Snow.

Taken this morning outside of my Apartment on my way to work

The worst thing about all of this is that the forecast is calling for 65º F weather later in the week (bye bye snow!)

This was the accumulation yesterday around 2 PM EST

Snow and cold weather just inspire me to cook and bake, this weekend I made soup and a cherry pie.  I was going to make Chicken Parm for dinner but ran out of time before an event Dad and I had to go to Sunday Evening. 

My mom loved soup and usually made it during the week to have for lunch and with dinners.  I learned to cook through helping out and can now make a mean Chicken Noodle Soup.  I don't have exact measurements for this recipe but here it is anyway.

Note: Vary the ingredients to taste, that's the best part of cooking and I only know how to make soup in large quantities.

Finished Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Thighs
Celery (Chopped)
Carrots (Chopped)
Onion (Chopped)
Parsley (Minced)
1 Box of Chicken Broth
2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
Water
Noodles (egg, stars, alphabets)

Combine all of the ingredients and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours but longer is better.  Drain liquid into a separate pot and remove Chicken Thighs.  Remove meat from bone and discard bones and skin.  Return chicken meat and veggies back to the stock and put back on low heat.  Skim any fat that may accumulate.  Cook noodles according to package directions drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.  Mix into Soup.  Serve.  (Makes a lot)

Now from there I doctored it up.  I added a bouquet of Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage as well as a pierced lemon to add additional flavor while the broth was simmering. 

Stock bubbling away.

Tip:  If you want to remove herbs later, bundle them in cooking twine and leave a tail to wind around the handle of the pot.  When finished cooking, it can be removed like a tea bag.

Mirepoix of Onion, Carrot and Celery

Now the quantities of veggies are vague because it's to taste but mainly its 1 large onion, 2-4 stalks of celery and 2-4 carrots.  Depending on size.  Dad helped me with that.  He made a good Soux Chef.

Dad the Soux Chef

I also made Cherry Pie and I took pictures, but I think I am going to save that for tomorrow.  It was yummy and so you will just have to wait to see how awesome it is.

Did you have a good weekend?  What do you think about the crazy weather?

<3 Heather

Week in a Day

Hello all, I know for many it is Finished Object Friday (check out Tami's Amis Blog for wonderful finished objects) but I was sick all week.

Tuesday started with the headache that wouldn't go away and Wednesday and Thursday was the stomach flu.  I didn't have a fever but I was not a happy camper.  Luckily I took my work laptop home and was able to work from home.  The good news is that my project is rolling out this weekend but that means I had a ton to do this week and being sick was not a motivating factor to get that and my blogging done.

I usually don't mention work here but I have to crow a bit because I have been working on this project for 2 years and am so happy to finally see it come to light.  I am really happy and nervous for the system to turn on.

Anyway, now that I am feeling better I figured I would condense a week of posts in a day and update everyone what's been going on.  This past weekend was so much fun,  I attended the Section 65/66 Alpha Phi Omega Conference. Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed Service Fraternity that I pledged in college and am now an alumni volunteer.  Really the conference was great, students got to network and learn how to make their chapters great.

Sunday, I didn't do much.  I didn't make it home but was able get some laundry and house cleaning done as well as crochet 5 more Lego Blocks! I mentioned them here and got a bunch more done plus all of my yarn has arrived.  I hope to get 20 done this weekend.  Wish me luck!

Monday I went out to dinner with a friend and Tuesday my headache prevented me from looking at monitors, screens, lights, sunshine so I became a vampire and hid in the dark.  My flu hit on Wednesday morning and I had all of these plans for WIP Wednesday but I didn't get around to it.

Aside from working on the bobbles, I was able to get some work done on my socks.  The ankle portion is about 3 inches and really I don't cuff or like tall socks so I think I am going to start on the heel. I admit this is a little scary but I think it will be okay.  Hopefully I will have more to show next week.

I love this yarn, the colorway is awesome and so soft

I started the next project after last WIP Wednesday but I found the pattern and couldn't wait to use the yarn.

It Sparkles!

  I bought Space Cadet Creations - Lucinda Yarn in the Mars Colorway at The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival in February.  This is hand dyed locally and I love supporting local artisans plus really its gorgeous yarn.  I could not wait to get it on my needles the trick was finding the right pattern.

I found the Falling Water pattern on Ravelry and knew this would show the yarn well.  Okay, I needed a bit of encouragement today from Samie but as I look at the picture I can really see it coming together.  The picture doesn't show the color to it's fullest potential but it does show off the pattern and the sparkle.

Lastly, I started on a scarf for Katherine.  Katherine is a huge Harry Potter fan and is graduating this fall and I wanted to make her a Hogwarts Scarf as a present.  I got the yarn in this week and had to start.

It doesn't look like much but Gryffindor colors will shine through once I start adding the rows of Gold Stripes.  I am using the pattern from Year's 3 and 4 from Charmed Knits.  I got the book from my friend Amy but hadn't started to knit yet.  I am so happy I am able to use it now.

I haven't been reading as much as I like but have the following books in my queue:

• The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen
• Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
• Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman
• So Shelly by Ty Roth
• Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
• The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

I have a proclivity towards romances but I have still read 17 books so far this year.  The aim is always 100 so I need to remember to put down the knitting needles and pick up a book every so often.  Perhaps, I need a timer to have equal reading and yarn time.  Thoughts?

Well, hope you all have a good weekend and I hope to have some good pictures of recipes on Monday!  I am thinking of baking a pie this weekend.  Yummy!

<3 Heather