Purling Sprite

Book reviews: Knit Tricks

Confession time: I didn't order this book, it just popped in my mail because I have been lazy and haven't responded to my Crafter's Choice notice *yeah, they always get me to buy more books this way*. But this is one time when I don't regret getting the "editor's choice" book for the month. The book Knit Tricks is full of inspirational knits from simple tops to bags. Ingenious ways to arrange rectangles to create beautiful garments.

Have you just started knitting or loom knitting? Rectangles have been your forte but you are ready to move away from knitting scarves. Pick up Knit Tricks, 25 Stylish Projects from Simple Rectangles by Rebecca Wat.

The main reason why this book made it into a review is that loom knitters are usually looking for more patterns. More, more is a constant in our little corner, despite all the flourishing designs coming out everyday, there is just not enough (when compared to needle knit designs), Knit Tricks fills a little bit of that void.

The patterns are easily convertible to knitting looms; remember most of the patterns are just rectangles put together. Check out this page on Converting Needle Knit Patterns to Looms and you will be on your way to putting all those lovely patterns from the Knit Tricks to the looms. Try to achieve the gauge that the item is knit to or simply follow the schematics and knit the rectangles to that size and arrange them as instructed. Run, run go and get this book, you will find it inspirational. Rectangles are definitely more than just scarves and with the help of this book, the door to more designs is open to us!

Here are a few pictures of the patterns I queued from the book. (Click the image to view larger.) You see that vest in the lower right hand corner, it converts into a purse! Yep, it converts into a purse. It is ingenious indeed. The blouse on the lower left has me very tempted to cast on...it looks easy enough and it can probably provide me with the perfect knitting project for watching some tv (I hear Lost is starting today).

Knit Tricks gets a very good review from this reviewer. I am all for easy, fast projects and the projects in this book seem to fulfill those two qualifications.

This reviewer gives Knit Tricks: 5 wonderful balls of yarn!!

 

Cakes and Hats

The birthday went without a hitch, despite the stubborn pizza dough. Boyo loves pizza but not just any pizza he likes homemade pizza which usually means having to make the dough an hour in advance and get all the toppings and all the other stuff that pizzas have. Usually, our pizza dough is done in a jiffy without any problems, but this time around we had to make it twice. The first time around it just crumbled and the second time it was very tough. We didn't do anything different but for some strange reason it didn't want to cooperate.

The cake was simple. Really easy and yummy recipe. I got the recipe from one of my neighbors. It looks super and it tastes even better. You would never know that it was a box cake. Here is the recipe for the Alaska Cake.

1 package of Devils Food Cake (plus all the ingredients that the box calls for).

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 pkg of cream cheese (8oz). Softened.

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 container of frozen whipped topping. Thawed (it takes about 5 hours to thaw in the refrigerator, so plan  ahead).

The most difficult part of this cake is finding a bowl to bake it in. It has to have a mountain shape. I went to my local kitchen store and found a mixing bowl that could be put into the oven. I found that metal bowls dry the cake too much, glass bowls seem to provide a more moist cake.

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the cake mix as to box instructions. Bake at 325 F. Bake for 1 hr and 10min, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let it cool for 15min in the bowl. Run a spatula or a knife around the perimeter of the cake to unstick it from the bowl. Gently turn it upside down onto a plate or cooling rack. Cool completely (about 4 hours)

MAKING THE LAYERS

Trim the large end of the cake to level. You will cut the cake into 4 equal layers. First cut the cake horizontally in half. Then cut each half into two layers.

FILLING

Using a food chopper, chop 1/4 of the chocolate morsels, set them aside. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of morsels into a microwave safe bowl; microwave uncovered, on high for *20 seconds, stir; rep from * 3 times or until chocolate is completely melted.

In another bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar, whisk until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate, mix well. Fold 2 cups of the whipped topping and the chopped chocolate morsels.

Using a spatula, spread the bottom layer of cake with about half of the filling, it will be about 3/4" thick. Place the other cake layer on top of the filling, and spreak filling over the new layer. Repeat with all the other layers.

Spread the remaining filling over the outside of the cake, creating a smooth surface.

FROST CAKE

Using the remaining whipped topping, frost the outside of the cake. To make it look all spiky, press the flat side of a knife against the frosting and pull away. Refrigerate about 30minutes.

EASIER CUTTING

Cut the cake into eight wedges from top to bottom, then cut horizontally.

Enjoy!!! We really, really love this cake. It is a little rich but ooooh sooo scrumptious!

Now, life around here is not all about eating...well, it is but we try to squeeze in other activites. I managed to finish a little hat for another one  of my friends. She is in my cycling group and she is due in April and she requested a few little caps for her new little boy and I am more than eager to oblige. It is rare when  people ask me to knit something for them, so this is very exciting.

I followed my own Bundle of Joy (it is on Ravelry too) pattern and created gorrito numero uno (Stacey....pop quiz, what did I just say?).  These little hats work up so fast and I can't help but think that it is almost instant gratification. I already casted on for gorrito numero dos, this one will have cables (did you think I will not include them...they are my knitting stamp, lol).

Book Review: KnitSpeak

I found this gem, KnitSpeak by Andrea Berman Price, on my last trip to my local Borders. The first thing that caught my attention was the bright pink hardcover with accents of neon green. The second appeal came with its portable, compact size, perfect to take along inside your knitting bag.

The book is a comprehensive guide, from A-to-Z on the Knitting language. Who would have thought that you needed to learn a new language to be a knitter? As a second language speaker (first language was Spanish), I can attest that learning a new language can be a bit difficult, not impossible, but difficult. Learning the language can make life enjoyable and you will be able to communicate with many others--the world opens up.

This little book can accomplish the task of opening doors/friendships to a whole new world. If you are a new knitter or loom knitter, you have undoubtedly seen a typical pattern that look more like Greek than English, or you have seen a chart and your eyes just rolled upwards and your head adamantly said--there is no freaking way I can read thing! I know. I said the same thing when I first learned to knit. Mim can attest to my terror of charts. I avoided them like trying to avoid my visit to the gynecologist.

Knitting has its own language, formed with abbreviations such as p, k, k2tog, yo, skpo, just to mention a few. The first time you encounter these abbreviations, your heart starts beating and small beads of sweat begin rolling off your forehead, you hands tighten on the needles and the once loose knit stitches have become iron on the needles. KnitSpeak can make your life into the world of knitting or loom knitting a lot easier. The guide starts you off with a lesson on reading knitting patterns, this section is indispensable when starting off on your knitting or loom knitting journey. There are a few things that have double meaning, others that require a little knowledge to know what they mean "knit as other side, except reverse all shaping" being one of them. Look no further, pick up this little book and find out how to read a pattern and what all those foreign words mean.

Need help with knowing what the little * or the [ ] mean? We don't come with this knowledge in our arsenal, nor is it something that we learned as little kids in school, however, they are ever present in knitting instructions/patterns. Andrea goes over symbols and abbreviations and their meanings. Along with the words, the book is beautifully illustrated. The illustrations are clear and easy to understand.

At the very back of the book you will find an index with imperative information such as sizing, yardage (estimated) needed for different items, substituting yarn, and even fixing errors.

Overall, this little gem packs a punch! I highly recommended it to new knitters, or knitters who need a little help looking up some information. I also highly recommend this book to loom knitters. We (meaning loom knitters) use many of the same terminology, abbreviations, symbols, and pattern reading is the same, thus this book can become one of the most used books in your looming library.

This reviewer gives it 5 sweaters:

Yarnia related

Updated: check the new Loom Knitter's booklet out!

Saying Yarnia makes me think of the next Narnia movie...anyone know when it is coming out? I haven't even seen the previous yet. Last time, I was at the theater I was out getting popcorn for the monkeys when I came back hubby said they had played the preview. I missed it! What a bummer! But the post is not about Narnia but Yarnia related stuff. Have you taken the little quiz at Potter Craft. It is related to Clara's book, the Knitter's Book of Yarn. Great book! Great information on fibers and their properties plus a gazillion patterns in the back section. And even a fun quiz to find out what type of fiber you are. I am something cozy and warm...Angora. I am all for all its nice qualities, except the shedding...don't like it.

"Angora – Soft and warm
“Angora has a warmth that rivals cashmere and softness that rivals qiviut. Best of all, it comes from cute little bunnies that look for all the world like furry footstools with ears.” –The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

Angoras are eager to please and are highly sensitive. Flexibility and adaptability are your strengths and sometimes your weakness, as well. You are essentially a warm and feeling person, and little escapes your impressionable mind. You are generous with others and strive for harmony in your relationships."

On more Yarnia-related-stuff, I received a box from one of the publishers, I have all the projects back from that particular book and now I don't know what to do with the contents. Any  ideas? There is a blanket, 2 hats, scarf, socks (thick socks), handbag...and some more random things in there. Any ideas? (I have been thinking of just giving them away here but I still have to send out 2 little somethings to 2 contest winners...I just keep forgeting).

Non-knitty related but fun at its best: I just finished reading the Alchemyst by Michael Scott. What a read! It was sensational! A page turner, heart-thumping book. I enjoyed every single page of the book. Usually there are some slow paragraphs in books (and I am okay with that) this one, kept me awake an at the edge of my couch! Mythology, history, fantasy all in one little bundle. Great, great read! I give it 2 thumbs up. Can't wait til the next one in the series comes out . Great job Michael Scott!

Update! Stop the presses, stop the presses! My friend's booklet on loom knitting has just been released! Congratulations Kathy! Coming soon to DA store!

The P word-milestones!

Our house has reached a new milestone this last week. I had a goal of P-otty training my youngest, little Ny, right after I finished with my book work. My little one needed very little help. She was ready. Apparently, all she needed was someone to pay close attention to her and someone to be there to sing Hip Hip Hurray for her after she went pee. Today, marks 7 days straight of her using her pretty princess panties. In all 7 days, she has had only a few close calls. Even when we go out, she quickly comes and tells us when she has to go. I just feel so proud of her.

We followed a different p-o-t-t-y approach with her. With our Wonderboy, we tried so hard, we push him, and placed him on the pot for weeks on end. His body wasn't ready and we tried so hard to make him understand. At the end, we ended up all frustrated and we finally gave up and let him do it on his own time. When we found out that we were having a second child, we had made up our minds that we would not push him or her, we would just let them do it on their own terms. The second child came and we did just that and to our surprise, it has worked! Hip Hip Hurray for Ny!

We have reached a few milestones this year: she is no longer in nursery at church, which means that I have no children in the little classes nor I have any little ones going in. My children are growing! Both of them are in primary (at church) and now I don't have any of them in diapers! My oldest is in school and my youngest will be entering pre-school in the fall (had to pre-register her last week). What does all this mean? I am getting old!

Another milestone we have reached: My desire to knit has returned. We have a Chevron scarf in progress. The yarn: yummy Koigu. The pinks was given to me by Mom when we went to Rhinebeck in 2006 and the other I bought to go with the pinks. I was hoping for a more neon green but it is a bit more subdue than what I saw on the screen, but it looks good with the pink. The scarf is making nice progress right now that I am down with a nasty cold/cough.

Picture of Ny: she is wearing her Dad's snow boots and Dad's hat!

Growth

The best way to learn something is when you have to teach the "something" to someone else or when you are put on the spot and you don't have other choice than to buckle down and do it. The latest chance I had to learn lead me to the path of obtaining a few new books for my knitting library. So far, my library contains most sock books out there--I love knitting socks. They are fast and easy. I also own the set of Treasury Books and they are the most used books in my home. Recently, I acquired a few more books that have become indispensable and that will get read better than any textbook I read back in college.

These are the titles I got:

Sweater Design (recommended to me by Kathy Norris..thanks Kathy!)

Designing Knitwear

Sweater Design in Plain English

Teach Yourself Visually Sweater Design

My goal is to learn a bit on the construction of sweaters and tops. So far, I have learned a bit on the shapes of the body and the type of tops that flatter each type of body. The books are packed with information that will keep me occupied for the next few months. 

In addition to the books above, I am patiently watching the eBay posts for The Principles of Knitting, although I could buy the book with the excuse that I have purchased more expensive textbooks, I am waiting patiently for a good priced one on eBay. However, I have heard rumors that the publisher is planning to release the book again in June of 2008. I may wait...but if I see it cheap (enough) I will probably succumb.

What are some knitting books that you can't live without, not so much pattern books but reference books.

Lastly, a picture of NyNy and her birthday cake. She takes her cake seriously...if it is in front of her and it is her birthday, she wants it all! No need to push her face into the cake, she does it herself :).

Have you heard? Noro Kureyon is now available in sock yarn weight! Squee!!! I have been good...hopefully Santa has been keeping track of the dishes I have done this year and puts a skein or two or three in my stocking this year :).

My most favorite pattern from the latest Knitty

I have been waiting for this moment! My most favorite pattern from the latest Knitty is finally up. I was able to see the lovely Juno Regina in person last time Kim was here and we went down to SLC to spend an evening with rockin' grrl Mim. Kim brought her camera and with her mad photographer skillz she took a gazillion pictures (hey grrls, the babushka pics made it to Knitty, hehehe).

The stole is luxurious and the fluid design calls my name. This is the scarf that I have been waiting for this entire year.

As soon as my loom knitting responsibilities are met this month, I will cast on for Juno Regina, one for me and one for my Momma. I can already see my Momma with her black coat and wearing this luxurious scarf around her neck.

Thanks Mim and congratulations on another beautiful pattern!

(Picture property of Miriam Felton)

My Driver's License is Finally Here! Proof I am allowed to drive.

The waiting is over! My official Driver's License came in the mail. Check it! I am all official now and with my new magnet from ScoutsSwag my Zoomer is stylin'!

Fo my first official "freedom" trip, I got a babysitter, dropped the kids off and off I went to get a little hairdo change. The freedom I felt was undescribable. Usually, the kids and hubby come to the hair salon with me--while I get a haircut hubby sits and waits and waits. This time around though, it felt so good to be there just on my own, concentrating just on me and not on what the kids may be getting into/breaking.

I came home a new woman! Revived, happy, and with 9 inches off!  Bouncy, bouncy! The "do" has layers that allow my hair to "flip" at the bottom...I feel a little flirtatious with this do.

What else am I doing with the freedom that driving gives me? I am waking up at 5:30am and hitting the gym! I am taking some spinning classes and after spinning I swim for about 30 minutes. Since I started running, I have dropped 12 lbs! Slowly but surely the poundage is coming off!

In knitting...well, can't show much, there has been lots of knitting but everything is for some book that is taking most of my sleep away. But, I do have this cute little baggy to show you that I knitted for KnitPicks. It is adorable! I wanted to keep it and Little NyNy wanted to keep it too.

Button winnings!

I entered a button over at Mobtown Review this last week and after two days of fierce competition, a winner has been chosen...and my humble little button has won!!! What has it won...some fibery goodness!

Hop on over to Mobtown Review and read all about the cool fibery reviews. Every week, a fiber artist is reviewed, pics of their wares are posted so we can all dream and drool and every week, you get the chance to win some loot by leaving a comment. Winning yarns is a great thing, but learning about new yarns is even better :).

Thank you for those who voted for my button ;).

Podcasts anyone?

I am one of the last ones to get in this wave but slowly I am catching the Podcast fever. It is something that I can listen on my MP3 player while I knit and my kids run around the house squealing and screaming. And now, I have a chance to start listening to a brand new podcast...all from the beginning! Vickie Howell is starting her own knittyliscious Podcast. It will start November 1st, so get your MP3 ready and let's Craft, Rock & Listen ;).