Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Snow days sound fun in theory. No school, yeah! Problem: you are stuck in the house with a bunch of other people who would rather be someplace else.

You know it is bad when your hometown makes CNN for the ridiculous snowfall amounts (and the weather Channel, and MSMBC, and Fox News).

If you ever wanted to know what 16 inches of snow looks like, I offer you this picture of my truck. Not only do I have a foot of snow around the bottom of the truck, there is a foot of snow ON my truck. Not to mention the bed has a 2 foot high snow drift in the back. You should see the street side. The snow plow just piled the snow up over there. I think it is at least 4 feet high.

The nice thing about working in a school, I don't have to work on days like this. The bad thing is all the crap I have to finish YESTERDAY because it is the end of the grading period.

Now, if someone could just find my car, I would dig it out.

Happy knitting!

Only $2.99

How to Darn Socks

My good friend Jen over at Piddleloop.com sent me a link to the most wonderful video demonstration of sock darning. Since I am preoccupied with knitting, repairing, and mending socks, I thought I would pass the video on to all my dear readers.

A study of socks

I have been conducting a bit of a sock experiment. In addition to repairing and darning socks, I thought it was about time I systematically find out what styles of heels, ribs, ect. that I like in socks.

I wanted a very "scientific" experiment, so I am using the same size needle (some will be done on DPNs and others Circs. I wanted to test out both for speed and finished socks) and the same yarn for each pair of socks (Knitpicks Memories was discontinued last year, I bought tons in various colors). The first pair I made was a rather boring sock with 2x2 rib and a traditional sturdy heel.

These were done on 5 DPNs. I hadn't used DPNs in a while, and it was a comfort to get back to this style of knitting. I have the Knitpicks DPN set, and these needles are lovely. I used to snap wood and bend metal, but the Knitpicks needles are a pleasure to work with.

Some notes on the actual sock. I find 2x2 more functional than attractive or necessary. So, I will be knitting several different tops on the socks. 2x2 is nice, but limited and not so attractive.

Next, the traditional study heel. Elizabeth Zimmermann said that this is a poor stitch for heels. It is strong, but it savagely pulls the heel in. This pulling creates stress on the sock and leads to the dreaded hole.

For the next sock, I did a 1x1 twisted rib (the knits are done in the back). This a pretty rib, and it is not only stretchy, but elastic as well. It wants to pull back into its original shape. I like this, so this rib will be a "keeper."

I did the eye of the partridge heel on this sock. I noticed right away that this type of heel is as strong as the sturdy heel, but it pulls in less. It is also pretty. So, another fine option for an attractive and study sock.

Last, I have decided to take out all my short row heels and repair them with "toe" heels. Basically, after the sock is done, rip out half a round, pick up the stitches and knit a toe. Short row heels will not be a part of my sock experiment since all I have ever made developed HUGE holes.

I will be doing some real darning this weekend. Thanks to Jen for the video of how to darn!

I will keep you posted on the sock experiment.

Happy Knitting!

Happy Birthday Michelle

A Plea for Help

Some one out there must know a good book or a web site with information (understandable information) about darning socks. I am desperate for help!

On a related note, I will never again knit a short row heel! I have socks that I knit the traditional way (they are wonkie because they are my first pairs) over five years ago that I wear all the time. However, I have THREE pairs of really nice socks that are less than two years old with friggin' GINORMOUS holes in the short row heel. GRRRRRR

Any assistance will be graciously appreciated.

There will be WIP photos as soon as I weave in all the end of the sweater I have been pretending to work on for three or four years.

Happy Knitting!

Yes, I do still knit

Pattern: Watch cap from Knitting Without Tears
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needles: 13

Easy, fun, and a good basic cap. What more could you want in a pattern?


Pattern: Sparkle Hat from Stitch n Bitch
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needle: 11 (I think)

You want more in a hat? Sparkles are more in a hat. Sly hates it. I am going to wear it whenever I hang out with him.

Happy Knitting!

What I have been up to

The holidays were happy here. We have a simple Christmas with a small tree, a few meaningful gifts, and a nice dinner. It was very lovely. My daughter got me The Book of Yarn which is totally amazing. My son gave me Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sly got me the same earrings twice. He is going to be made I told you that, but this isn't the first time he has done it.

I had a get together for my knitting group and got many amazing things. The best stitch marker ever (which didn't photograph well, so you will have to take me word for it), several bits of vintage knitting goodness (which I am all about), a great candle, chocolate soap, and a lovely hand beaded ornament. Thanks to all the Ho's for the wonderful pressies! Love you guys.

To top of the giftie goodness, Sly and I saw this little gem on sale for $40 Friday a Walmart. He went back and got it for me yesterday. I am washing all my hand knits! Woo hoo

I have been a bad blogger. All I can say is that Christmas was busy, and the weather SUCKED for New Years. We had 18 inches of snow fall between 12/31 and 1/2, then it was BITTER cold (it was freakin' 0!), and then this morning we had record highs, but it melted all the snow and made FOG! I didn't really get to do any of the stuff I wanted to do before going back to work tomorrow. :(

I will try and be a better blogger.

Happy Knitting!

Totally missed it!

I totally missed my blogversary! Two days ago marked two years for my little journal of knitting and nothing at all.

One more day of work before the winter break. I really can't wait. I woke up this morning chanting "please be Friday. Please be Friday!"

Knitterly Goals

For the past several months, my focus has been on work. While my job is low pay and temporary, it is fabulous experience for me. After a long talk with my adviser, I am closer than ever to my teaching license. I had thought I had 31 to 24 credits plus student teaching to go, but it seems that I qualify for a new program that is 18 credits (3 of which I have done), 30 hours of field experience (which my job covers), and student teaching. I have taken, and passed, an important test for student teachers, so I finally feel like I have that part of my life in order. It is a good feeling to know that my plan is coming together.

This past year, knitting has been my relaxation, and I have frogged nearly as much as I have knit without a second thought. Now that work and school are in order, I need to re-focus my knitting energy into some bigger unfinished projects.

1. Christmas knitting is nearly done. I just need to finish:

Sly's Scarf and mittens
Felted Clogs for Sly and my dad (they are camo)
Sweet Mary Janes for my Secret Santa at work
A shawl my aunt Kim commissioned

2. I have a sweater that I really must finish seaming. It has been laying around half seamed for 6 or 7 months.

3. I need socks. I know this sounds strange because I really love making socks, but this year I have made very few pairs. I seriously need to learn a good method for darning socks as well. I plan to make 5 pairs of socks during my break from work.

We are having a major snow event. For us, that means about 10 inches of snow on the ground and lake effect coming down like gangbusters. I can't see the house across the street. So, I will finish up my last charity hat for the Angle Tree project at work (I have already given a box of about 8 hats), make some tea, and watch the snow fly.

Happy Knitting!

Knitty Tams

I have no clue what possessed me to start knitting Tam C Wednesday night for my aunt Kim's birthday brunch today. I just knew I had to knit that hat. I have finished the lovely fair isle thing, and the gift has been greatfuly received.


Pattern: Three Tams
Yarn: Noro Kuryon and Galway
Needles: size 7 circs

Love the pattern, but I do like stranded colorwork. It is fast and easy, so it is a good last minuet gift. I will be doing another for my "secret Santa" at work. And one for myself! The lovely model is my niece Jessica.


Happy Knitting!

So very busy

The last few weeks have been very hectic. I haven't been doing anything hugely noteworthy, but I have been busy playing phone tag, over and over, and over again. Then there has been the shopping and the preparations for the holidays. I bake many pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, in addition to making my famous "cheesy veggies." If I ever show up to Turkey day without those things, I will be shot.

School (work) is great. Our schools test scores are in, and we have done very well (which is great for me since my job is all about that test).

School (school) was starting to get me down. Without going into a lot of deadly dull details, I was about ready to transfer to a new school. But, it seems that they have gotten their act together, and I am on the fast track to my license now! Woo HOO!

Just in case you all think I haven't been knitting, here are some WIP photos to prove I have been a busy bee.

Meme from Suz

I guess she thought I wasn't posting enough. So, here it goes.

FIVE THINGS FOUND IN MY ROOM

Yarn
Books
Dirty laundry
Several pairs of Birks
Handknit sock

FIVE THINGS I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

Fly fish (don't ask)
Go to the UK
Get paid what I am worth
See all the plays of Shakespeare performed live (I have see about 12 with several repeats)

FOUND IN MY BAG

Hand sanitizer
Tide pen (I LOVE that thing)
Chapstick
Chocolate
Monkey Sock

FOUND IN MY WALLET

I don't use a wallet. I have a change purse and an important card holder.

I AM CURRENTLY INTO

Mythbusters
Knitting for Christmas
Work
Housework
Sleep would be nice

I don't tag people. Do it if you want to.

Happy Knitting!

Pronto Pantry Chili

I make this all the time. It is very flexible to suit individual taste, and it is designed to be made from things I keep in the pantry.

2lbs ground meat (I prefer ground chuck, but ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or a combo all work fine. I have also used TVP crumbles)

1 large onion chopped

1 large green bell pepper chopped

4 to 8 cloves garlic (depending on taste) chopped

1 4 oz can of diced green chilies or jalapenos (depending on taste. You can also do one can of each)

1 jar roasted red peppers (I chop about half the peppers in the jar and add a bit of the oil to the pot)

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo chopped (I use about half and save the rest)

1 or 2 cans of "chili beans" the "hot" kind (these beans have lots of seasoning and flavor in them and are much nicer than just "plan" kidney beans. I only use one can because Sly doesn't like beans, but I think 2 cans are better)

1 can tomato juice PLUS any leftover bits of salsa, spaghetti/pizza sauce

3 tablespoons of chili sauce

1 10 oz bag of frozen corn

2 to 3 tablespoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt and pepper to taste

EXTRAS

I serve chili over Frito's corn chips with cheddar cheese and sour cream, but corn bread, rice, or tortilla chips are nice too.

Brown the meat in a large soup pot. I use lean ground chuck, so I don't drain the meat, if you are using hamburger, you may want to drain up to half the juice and fat. If you are using ground chicken or turkey, you will need to add some olive oil. If you are using TVP, skip this step. Add the TVP after you add the tomato juice.

After the meat is browned, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute 5 to 10 minuets.

Add the canned chilies, chopped jar peppers, and chipole peppers. Mix well. Add can beans, extra salsa or sauce and chili sauce. Add juice and season to taste. Reduce heat and simmer for about a half hour. The hard part is over.

Add the frozen corn, and turn off the heat. Serve with your favorite extras and enjoy!

Happy knitting and eating!

Not feeling well

This past week has really sucked! I haven't been sick enough to use a sick day at work (It is a pain getting ready to not be there), so I have been feeling worn out. I want to post a couple of recipes and other general stuff, but my energy level is low. Watching Goldfinger this morning didn't even help. As Sly said, I must be sick if James Bond doesn't make it go away.

Look for a real post soon. I just wanted all of you to know I was still here.

Happy Knitting!

A Very Harlot Poncho

Pattern: A Very Harlot Poncho
Yarn: Rio De La Plata Yarns Wool Multi
Needles: size 11

I made this because I found a yummy yarn on sale. The orange and black yarn matches the school colors for LPHS. All the schools in the district like to support the high school football team by wearing Slicer colors. So, in addition to Halloween in about a week, I really could use a shot of orange and black to my wardrobe.

I am not adding fringe, as I am not the fringe type. I am pleased with the final poncho, and I think I should get some use out of it. I have never been a fan of ponchos, I don't think they are flattering to a big girl like me, but the bias cut of this isn't half bad.

Happy Knitting!

MMMMmmmm GOOD!

So, I am starting to write out my recipes. I wanted to start with soup because I love soup, and one of my favorites is Corn Chowder. It is warm and comforting; the perfect dinner on a winter evening. Best part, it doesn't take long to cook, and it is made with ingredients we all have on hand. While this soup has meat, you can make it vegetarian and it is still warm and comforting.

Ingredients

4 slices thick cut bacon (totally optional. The butter can stand as the fat, or you can substitute olive oil for a healthier vegetarian version)
2 pats butter (optional, but why wouldn't you want butter with potatoes and corn?)
1 medium onion diced
2 stalks celery diced
2 carrots diced
3 good sized potatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons flour or corn starch
1 or 2 cans of cream corn (2 cans corn is best, but I can't fit two cans in my smaller pot, so I often use one can when the big pot is dirty)
2 quarts milk (to help with the cost of milk, I use powdered milk. You can also use soy milk)
1 package of kielbasa type sausage cut into bite sized chunks (lite and turkey sausage is fine. The sausage is optional, but it does make a nice one pot meal when added)
1 half pint of cream (again, optional, but oh so yummy, and you won't be the least bit sorry)
1 pound package of frozen whole kernel corn (thanks Kayt)
2 teaspoons dill weed
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook bacon in soup pot until crisp. Remove bacon and save for garnish. Sautee onion in rendered bacon fat and butter. Add celery and continue to sautee. Add carrots and dill. At this point, you will want to add salt and pepper. The salt will help the veggies release moisture, but you don't want to add more then a good pinch at this point. The bacon and the sausage have lots of salt.

Sprinkle the veggies with the flour to cook out the raw flour taste. Add potatoes and cream corn and mix everything well. Slowly add the milk, stirring to deglaze the soup pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for about 20 minuets.

Add the sausage and turn up the heat to bring soup up to a boil. Add the cream.

You will want to taste the soup at this point to check for salt. Add frozen corn, and remove from heat.

Serve in bowls and garnish with left over bacon. A nice crusty, chewy bread is the perfect side for this soup.

Please let me know if you try this soup and what you think!

Happy Knitting and eating!

Copying Suz

FOs and Thoughts

Pattern: Vary Warm Hat by Elizabeth Zimmermann Knitting Around

Yarn: Blue: Philosopher's Wool Cream ~ Lion Brand Fisherman Wool

Needles: size 8

I finished this hat last weekend. Blogger, however, was being rather stupid, so I haven't been able to post the photo before today. I love the hat, and it is actually a very warm hat. It was a simple pattern. It was a great thing to work on while watching Ken Burns new film "The War."

I finally got around to felting my new Fibertrends clogs. I wear them all the time. Such a fabulous pattern.

It is hard to decide what to do with this blog now. I keep my stitches at Ravelry now, so it seems a tad redundant to post everything here too. My life can be somewhat dull. I am not sure you all would want to read about the life of a boring woman in a small Midwestern town.

Maybe I should start sharing some of my recipes. I am a very good cook. I do a lot of "comfort" food. This is the time of year to share warm, hearty one pot meals. So, do you all want to be let in on my cooking hints as well as knitting?

Happy knitting (cooking)!

Quikie

Pattern: Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch n Bitch
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Angora Cotton
Needles: size 7 16 inch circs

Just a quickie gift that I made for someone at work whose wife just had a baby. I love making these hats for gifts. Quick, simple, practical, and appreciated. I also like to do them out of *nice* yarn to make it special.


I am busy finishing up many WIPs. The Very Warm hat is nearly done, and I am felting those darn clogs as I type.

I haven't been on any trips. Work is keeping me busy. This is a dull post.

Happy Knitting!