Saturday sky past

From last Saturday

Charmed knits

I looked through this book several times, first looking at all the pictures, then trying to absorb everything, then again to really look at the patterns. I love the inventiveness and how everything is so well connected to all the Harry Potter books and movies. My favorite is the wizard's robe! I also like the invisibility shawl. The pattern I think I will try to make first is Hermione's hat. I love the cables and bobbles. Might even try the mittens.

Knitting and crocheting

Do you know the difference between knitting and crocheting?

Also, I found this reading Knitorius: CNN Favorite Pastimes survey -- Knitters, represent!

Knitting rules!

I just finished reading Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks and I loved it! Although it was a quick read, I am only left wishing there was more because it was such an enjoyable read. The writing is funny and confidence inspiring. Knitting that I have avoided or not yet attempted (like socks, circular shawls, and sweaters), I now feel inspired - in the middle of summer on a day with a high over 90° - to reconsider. After reading the description of knitting socks, well, that doesn't sound so hard. And the circular shawls sound amazing! And maybe it's time to go back to my sweater yarn and really create something that I can wear, for me. That I can feel this way on such a hot muggy day is really a testament to the writing. Normally, in this weather, my knitting only gets a few rows or is set aside altogether.

Perhaps this is why my rainbow scarf is almost done...

Dinner at Restaurant Eve

On Saturday, Max and I went to Restaurant Eve for a celebratory dinner in the tasting room (June is a big month for us). Our reservations were for 8:30pm. We both had the 5 course meal, with different choices for each course. After we ordered the wine, a sweet German Riesling from Mosel, this plate came with compliments from the chef (pulled pork, deviled quail egg with caviar, and a very salty and crunchy bite):



After that, there was a very delicious roasted tomato soup. I ate it so quickly I forgot to take a picture. For the first course, "Creation," I had duck foie gras with brioche croutons and apricot in apricot sauce. Max had the House Cured Gravad Lax with Osetra and Manni "Per Me."



For the second course, "Ocean," I had the Gnudi Fritti with Pomodoro and parmesan cream. Max had the sauteed soft shell crab with chorizo and soft boiled egg cream. It was the first time he's tried soft shell crab and he said it was odd eating the whole thing, especially the little legs.



For the third course, "Earth and Sky," I had the roasted Oregon porcini mushrooms. Max had the beef spareribs with au jus sauce. Doesn't even begin to describe how delicious it was!



For the fourth course, "Age," I had Fivemile Town Creamery Ballybrie with apricot sauce and shortbread cookie. Max had the Garrotxa (a hard goat cheese) with heirloom beets and 100 year old balsamic vinegar. He said it was sweet.



After the fourth course, came another dish with compliments from the chef, a lemon grass panacotta with raspberry jelly and a raspberry on top. Subtle flavors, very tasty!



For dessert, our fifth course, "Eden," I had the Sacher torte with apricot sorbet and cherry sauce. Max had the cheesecake with raspberry sorbet and hazelnuts.



Following dessert, I had decaf coffee (it was almost 11pm!) and Max had an espresso. With that, there was another complimentary plate: tiny shortbread cookies, dark chocolate and pistachios, tiny profiteroles, and dark chocolates.



The meal was decadent and indulgent, delicious, and definitely an experience that I would love to repeat. Now I know why it was so difficult to get reservations!

Weaving

I've started my first weaving project. It's pulling in at the center. Plus I'm not really sure if I joined the colours correctly. But so far, I'm liking it.

Summer knitting goals update

Since today is the first day of summer, it seems right to update you on the progress of my summer knitting goals. I am very happy to tell you that I have made a lot of progress - really surprised myself!

Done:

* -Finish the next colour on my rainbow scarf (and working on the one after that - maybe I'll finish the whole thing this summer!)



* -Knit an Odessa baby hat with beads (in tropical storm Cherry Tree Hill yarn)

* -Knit the Katja baby halter (in red Manos de Uruguay cotton stria)



Still to go
(have not even touch either of these yet)
* -Finish my bamboo Clapotis
* -Knit the Debbie Bliss dress with eyelets

Presents

I had a great time Monday night! Drank lots of sangria but not too much, hung out with a bunch of friends and opened more presents when I got home. Here's what I got from Max and my Secret Pal:



From Max: A mini loom for weaving, a Canada t-shirt (ironically made in Peru), Charmed Knits, Knitting Rules (purchased with the gift certificate I won from Lime Dragon), Rosewood knitting needles size 19, Rosewood knitting needles size 35, and new ear buds for my iPod.

From my Secret Pal: Victorian Lace Today (awesome book, love the patterns - so many things I want to make - and all the gorgeous photos... can't wait to read through it!)
I also received one from my best friend Kristina. These beautiful coral earrings from Australia:



And look, I've already started weaving!

Getting drunk on a Monday

All weekend, I got to celebrate my birthday without actually getting older. That ends today.

It was a pretty good weekend. On Friday, Max picked me up from work and we went to check out a farmer's market that we've never been to... bought some fresh baked bread and fresh mozzarella. Made for a yummy dinner! On Saturday we slept in and then made Paula Deen's decadent Hash Brown Quiche. It took a little while to make but it was SO good. Yesterday, I made pancakes for myself for breakfast (Max doesn't do pancakes). In the afternoon we went to the Alexandria Waterfront Festival. We had fun but it was way too hot to wait around to hear Uncle Kracker play, even after the frozen strawberry lemonade. Instead we returned home to cool off, I opened my presents from Max, and we watch The Devil Wears Prada on PPV. What a great movie! We both really enjoyed it, even Max. :)

Tonight we're going out for drinks with some friends to celebrate the actual getting older. This is the first year that I actually feel like I'm old. Drunk on a Monday? You bet!

Sat. sky & Baby Odessa

I finished this little hat earlier in the week but it has been raining so there were no good pictures to be had.

It's small, but bigger than I had expected. It may be months before I get to see little Lucy wear it but perhaps by then it will be the right weather for a thin wool hat with beads.

Stash enhancement

I made a shawl for one of my coworkers who was getting married (and did!) and helped plan the shower we had at work... to thank me, she went out and bought me this fabulous awesome Blue Heron yarn.



Isn't it gorgeous!?! This is why I love making things for my coworkers - they're always so appreciative and excited and thankful. Really brightened my day. :)

Also, here's what I bought in New York at the end of May.


Knit One Crochet Too Sprinkles (Garnet)


Sahara (Natural)
"A cuddly blend of luxurious Camel & Merino Wool
50% Camelhair 50% Merino Wool
Worsted weight yarn
Approx. 1000 yds./lb.
Made in France
Dry clean or handwash lukewarm, rinse, dry flat"

I can't seem to find out anything else about the Sahara yarn. Might use it to make a hat.

Microspun Shedir

I finished knitting this last weekend but it took me awhile to get around to weaving in the ends. Because of the yarn, the hat is much bigger than the pattern intended. I even left out one pattern repeat and compressed the decreases a little. Still, it is definitely "man-sized." I love it. I had intended to give it to one of my cousins, but it's too big for her so I'm going to save it for someone special. Not sure who that is yet but I'll know when the time comes. Not Max. He was adamant that he did not need another hat.

Max was such a good sport and modeled the hat for me even though it was 85° outside at the time.

Updates

The Odessa hat is coming along... it's a baby sized, so even if I'm using tiny needles, there is progress quickly. Started on the decreases last night so I should be done soon.

A/C update
Max fixed it before the repair guy came over, still I was glad to have him confirm it. Just need to run some bleach through the pipes and we'll be all set.

Driving update
Went out driving early on Saturday. Someone honked at me. Very disconcerting. Had to pull over and let Max drive. Need to learn how to deal with the jerks on the road but I'm still working up to that. Sunday, I went to the grocery store by myself again. And then I drove the both of us to the movies to see Knocked Up. No problems and I'm getting much better at driving in the center of the lane. Great movie.

Ankle update
My ankle is doing a lot better. I've been walking without the boot for two weeks now, just sneakers with a heel lift in my left shoe. Not all that professional for work but no one seems to mind. Going to start back at yoga this week. I can't wait!

Baby Odessa for Lucy

It's not even the start of summer yet but already it's going to be over 94°F/34°C tomorrow so I might as well start on my summer knitting goals.



Notice how I skipped right over my WIPs so I could cast on something new? Casting on is my favorite part I think. I'm using size 2 & 3 Addi Turbo needles, Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino Tropical Storm yarn and pearl-like size 6 beads.

Love it!

I heart NY baby socks

Yesterday I got to spend some time with my friend Erin and her daughter, Lucy. It's only been two weeks since I last saw Lucy and already she's bigger. She actually fits in her size 0-3 months clothes now! I bought a pair of tiny "I heart NY" socks for Lucy while I was in New York last week.

Gen Y

So often, I feel like Gen Y gets a bad rap - which irks me since I identify so strongly with the mentality and values of the group (even if I'm on the older end of it). Often I just think that people don't understand. Why would you need to work a 60 hour week? All the time? And not get paid for the extra hours? There is more to life than work.

This article really gets it right:

Attracting the twentysomething worker

Too hot to knit

Our A/C is leaking water, big time. Giant pool of water on the floor if we leave it on. So until the guy comes on Wednesday to diagnose (and hopefully - cross your fingers - fix) it, we're going without.

And as the saying goes, it's not the heat, it's the humidity.

Current temperature: 79°F or 26°C
Feels like: 80°F or 27°C
Humidity: 60% (ugh)
Wind: 3mph or 6km/h (might as well be none at all)

Please think cool thoughts for me!

New York and back

I got back from New York on Thursday night. Since I was there for a conference, I didn't see much of the city. Here's what I did see..

Buildings


The Yarn Connection


Friends and Food
Lunch at Carnegie Deli (alot of food but only okay)


Dinner at The Redeye Grill (fantastic)



ISBers at Pershing Square (great conversation)


On the train ride to and from New York I knit up a lace shawl as a present for a coworker who is getting married in one week. She loved it! Really, really loved it.



It's good to be back.