ZebraKnits

so close

 

I had a knitting marathon today from morning, due to the fact that I had six hours to myself which I decided had to be split between the three sleeves currently on the needles. So an hour each sleeve got and some progress is there, hopefully, I can finish Diva soon. Unfortunately, an hour only allowed me to knit about 30 rows on each sleeve (these size 2/3mm needles are a killer especially when you're nearing the end of the project.) and that is nowhere near the finishing. On the other sleeve, which apparently is a simple cable project started on a whim after the cable jacket just to keep my cable mojo going, had some considerable progress even though the sleeves have been twice over the weekend. Hopefully, there is enough yarn to complete the project (the back is two thirds done) as I didn't put much thought into the planning process. Somehow I have a mental deadline to finish both these projects in a week or so or I shall loose it! Well, not literally, but your know what I mean. Time to move on to something exciting!

Speaking of which, I just bought Vintage Knits sorely for Demi which I have had on my mind since I started blogging but was waiting for a perfect time to actually begin the project. Also, I just got the perfect yarn for it last week and am ready to cast on. I seem to be into more cables and tweed lately, (I have these other yarns in line waiting for something special to knit while consulting my favourite books for ideas or inspiration as you can see). Maybe something good will come up.

 

Wow! Thank you all for such an overwhelming response on the last post. I was totally spoiled and surprised with your kind words. And now, am speechless and all I can say again is Thank you!

I hope your week is off on a great start. Enjoy it!

 

just playing

This feels like it's miles and miles of unending seed stitch going along with the twisted cable. It's been going on and on since the new year started, soon after I decided to finish all wips. Apparently, the blanket is getting a lot of my attention and more squares have been knit. I have a deadline for this, in a month or less it should be done and enjoyed before the winter chills are over.

Ever wonder how people take great portraits of yarn and stuff? A while ago Lolly posted a great photography tutorial here on how you can create your own light box. I haven't made one yet, (my toddler would just squish it right away) but am still hoping to create one soon and keep it where this guy won't get to it. But, I came across another simple way of doing it with just a plastic box from here and look at the outcome..... a big difference in capturing the colour and quality of the yarn. I took these in the morning light (with no flash), which is the best time for such shots.

1. Heilo, 2. Tahki Stacy Donegal Tweed, 3. Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed, 4. Jamieson Sheltand, 5. Jamieson Shetland Spindrift, 6. Jamieson Sheltand

On another note, keeping up with my resolutions to read a book a month,

• I just finished reading Persuasion today and I still have two more Jane Austen books to read.
• You probably guess it, am obsessed with Jane Austen
• I watch all movies adapted from her books
• PBS Masterpiece Theater is showing  all Jane Austen's adaptations as of last weekend till April, if you're interested!

Have you read or watched a good book or movie lately?

what's cooking???

Having all the time to myself when I was in Seattle, I went to the bookstores and just sat at the cookbook section for hours with a mighty huge pile of books I was interested to check out. I go through waves of buying and getting rid of cookbooks and this time, I wanted to really be sure before I purchased anymore cookbooks. The new Cook with Jamie by Jamie Oliver caught my eye as I walked into the bookstore and I immediately grabbed it. I am nuts about Jamie's cooking and practically own all but one or two of his cookbooks and use them a LOT! It didn't take me long to check out the recipes and I counted multiple recipes I wanted to try and knew right away I had to get the book. I just love his style of cooking, the fresh ingredients he uses and of course the delicious recipes beautifully captured in his books. I even enjoy just reading his introductions to the recipes, as they are fun.

I also checked out Nigella Lawson's Nigella Express 130 recipes for good food fast and How-Eat The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food which I was also drawn to by her voice of writing and the details of her great recipes. I used to watch her shows on tele a while back and have browsed at her books at the library before but for some reason, I didn't give them too much thought (maybe I was in the no cookbook buying mode) until now. Her new Nigella express book has photos (which is a prerequisite for me when I buy cookbooks) and the other doesn't, but I wasn't discouraged because just reading and understanding her style of writing and execution of recipes drew me in. I must say, as soon as I got home, I ordered both the books from Amazon and hopefully they'll arrive soon because I can't wait to use them.

My last cookbook I got last weekend together with Cook with Jamie was a Cooking School Provence which has very interesting and authentic French recipes. Somehow, am always on the look for a great French home-cooking cookbook to add to my cookbook collection (I have one French: Secrets Classic Cooking Made Easy). This one has a lot of background information about the recipes, tips and tricks to make great recipes at home (Plus, I like the recipe titles in French and I guess I have to put on my imitation of French accent when I serve coq au vin! Silly I know!). It has great photos too. And I love French Food. Period.

I don't know about you but food and and cooking is a big part of my life and I always like to try new things. It gives me so much pleasure when my family sits down for a nice dinner on Sundays and they enjoy the  diverse meals I make for them.

The tomatoes aren't another long story. They're a harvest from one vine I planted in summer in a pot and didn't expect much bounty harvest and I was quite surprised. Unfortunately, I picked them before they were ripe due to weather and I have to figure out what I can make with green tomatoes. Any Ideas?

So, please tell me what your favourite cookbooks are and what you're cooking at home this weekend?? 

Have a great weekend!

Discipline....

to be more focused in my life;

to use time wisely and productively;

   

to learn and practice new things; to absorb all that is around me;

The wild flowers are for all of you, that inspire, encourage and support me in my creative endeavors. Thank you!