Another super bulky hat...

So I was working on my third super bulky in the olive color when I realized that I didn't like it. I loved the yarn, but the pattern just wasn't nice. I missed the cable which I had omitted, and it had too many single knits. So I decided to interrupt half of them and see how that worked. I didn't like that either. It seemed it like it was time to unwind. I happen to glance at the basket next to me and like a beacon on top was this small ball of yarn left over form the damask rose hat. I decided to knit into the hat I was about to disassemble. Turns out there was just enough left for me to get two rows out of it and the colors were a dead set match (or at least I think so). So I ripped it all out. Started over just in the pattern Abby had given me but instead of knitting 4 rows to start with I cast on, knitted two in green, two in the rose, then one in green again so as not to mangle the rose in the pattern. To kind of switch it up a little I decided to make the cable go the opposite direction of the first two.

Here is the result.

I like it. I am going to keep this one. Just a hint of pink, but greens that I really like.
Here is a detail shot.

I kind of knit this in a frenzy. I think perhaps I cut the pink yarn a little too close, and it is going to unravel. This thought makes me unhappy.
My whole apartment smells like wet sheep. I decided to actually finish sewing up the hats I had made, and I finally got around to washing everything that I had finished, two hats, two scarves and a couple of odd-sized beer cozies. I knit this last hat up after I had washed everything and so felt I had to wash it too. Now everything is on its second day of drying. Still really damp despite the heat today.

Anyway final thought for the day. ta da.... Trio of hats...

The coaster beer cozy...two failures?

Well in honor of the beer cozy project, I thought I would try to come up with one that would fit a pint glass. The goal was to come up with one that would be for people that did not know how to knit in the round.
My first effort I started by measure the bottom of a standard pint glass about where I though the cozy should stop. My goal was to knit something that was bottom up, increases all the way. However I failed to account for the springiness of the yarn, Knitpicks sierra Cranberry, and it soon became clear that I should be doing a top down pattern, decreasing instead. I knit and knit and finally decided it was long enough. I sewed it up, and it looks pretty good I think. It is basket stitch and was knit on size 8 needles. However it was immediately clear that this did not fit a pint glass. Well it does but if you fill that pint glass the cozy creeps up over the edge.

Really this fits a quart size mason jar with fabric on the bottom of the glass. Karrie doesn't like that because it isn't as stable but well I think I have just eliminated the need to grab a coaster. Hence I give you a coaster beer cozy for a quart glass.

I also wasn't deterred and immediately started a new one. This time I knew it should be top down and that it should make it a bit smaller. I was counting in fours and instead of making basket stitch I ended up using the stitch that I used on my first scarf. I quite like it and it does fit a pint glass much in the same what the first fits a quart jar. I think though it should have made it an inch or two longer for a better grip.

So I have a Goldilocks situation, one too big, one too small, will the next be just right?

Started some new things last night...

Lis came over to watch a movie last night, and we had Zachary's Pizza, margaritas and some good old knitting time.

I did a gauge swatch for my boogie vest from knitty.com. Not sure it is even close. Lost count, I think it would work if it were blocked. Might just do it and see what happens. Just time right? Just in case you forgot I am making it in a rose color with brown trim.









Should just cast on and be done with it. Seems like such a large project now. Especially with all the extra yarn I bought.




I also started another hat but this time no cables. Using the olive handpainted yarn this time.

I actually made an angel food cake. (and a couple more recipes)

The angel food cake was for Easter dinner, and it turned out wonderfully. It didn't fall and it was slightly chewy just like my grandmother used to make. I served it with strawberries, raspberries and fresh whipped cream and with the Bonny Doon Framboise, Infusion of raspberries dessert wine.

The recipe I used was from the America's Test Kitchen program on PBS.
You will probably have to register to look at this season recipes, but it doesn't cost anything and they just ask for an e-mail address. The cake itself has such a lovely aroma, slightly amoundy, a hint of lemon. So tasty. I even used a wheat pastry flour, and this cake didn't fall. Quite a feat given it was my first angel food cake.


The Best Angel Food Cake

Sift both the cake flour and the granulated sugar before measuring to eliminate any lumps and ensure the lightest possible texture.

Serves 10 to 12
1 cup sifted cake flour (3 ounces)
1 1/2 cups sifted granulated sugar (10 1/2 ounces)
12 large egg whites (1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons), at room temperature
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon almond extract


1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Have ready an ungreased large tube pan (9-inch diameter, 16-cup capacity), preferably with a removable bottom. If the pan bottom is not removable, line it with parchment or wax paper.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 3/4 cup sugar. Place remaining 3/4 cup sugar in another small bowl next to the mixer.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer, or with a handheld mixer, beat egg whites at low speed until just broken up and beginning to froth. Add cream of tartar and salt and beat at medium speed until whites form very soft, billowy mounds. With the mixer still at medium speed, beat in 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all sugar is added and whites are shiny and form soft peaks. Add vanilla, lemon juice, and almond extract and beat until just blended.

4. Place flour-sugar mixture in a sifter set over waxed paper. Sift flour-sugar mixture over egg whites about 3 tablespoons at a time, and gently fold it in, using a large rubber spatula. Sift any flour-sugar mixture that falls onto the paper back into the bowl with the whites.

5. Gently scrape batter into pan, smooth the top, and give pan a couple of raps on the counter to release any large air bubbles.

6. Bake until the cake is golden brown and the top springs back when pressed firmly, 50 to 60 minutes.

7. If cake pan has prongs around the rim for elevating the cake, invert pan onto them. If not, invert pan over the neck of a bottle or funnel so that air can circulate all around it. Let the cake cool completely, 2 to 3 hours.

8. To unmold, run a knife around edges, being careful not to separate the golden crust from the cake. Slide cake out of pan and cut the same way around removable bottom to release, or peel off parchment or wax paper, if used.

9. Place the cake, bottom-side up, on a platter. Cut slices by sawing gently with a serrated knife. Serve the cake the day it is made. (I served it the next day, and it was just fine though I did make it at 10 pm the day before)

Of course this recipes uses a dozen egg white so I was left with a dozen egg yolks and I asked myself what do you do with extra egg yolks? I had no answer so I asked google and google said http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/leftovereggyolks.htm
There are tips for high egg yolk recipes as well as a method for freezing them. I froze them. I have yet to thaw them so I will update you on if this method really works. Hoping to make a custard from them eventually.


And since we can't get enough recipes, here is one of my favorites, Decadence Cake. This a picture of the cake that I made for Clara and Scott's going away party. It turned out really well.



Chocolate Decadence Cake
6 oz semi sweet chocolate (I use only Scharffen Berger or another high quality chocolate)
7 oz bittersweet chocolate
5 oz water
6 oz sugar
9 oz butter (softened)
6 eggs
3 oz sugar
12 oz heavy whipping cream (for decoration)
shaved chocolate (for decoration)

Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Butter and paper one 9 inch cheese cake pan
Chop chocolate finely.
Bring water and sugar (6 oz) to a boil. Remove from heat.
Stir in chocolate and melt completely.
Stir butter into chocolate mixture until melted.

Whip eggs with 3 oz sugar ribbon stage.
Fold egg mixture into chocolate mixture
Pour batter in prepared cake pan
Bake in water bath (about half way up) at 350 degrees for about 40 mins until top solidified.
Chill at least 2 hours.
Warm bottom of pan slightly before unmolding
Decorate with whipped cream and shaved chocolate or fruit. (I like raspberries and dark chocolate a lot).

This also goes well with Bonny Doon Frambiose or with a nice port.




And finally one more recipe for good measure. This one is from Lis's, and we had it at the yarn swap (and Clara and Scott's going away party).

I call them Jimmy Dean's Balls. :) Or Sausage-Cheese Balls if you aren't as course as I am

3 cups Original Bisquick mix *
1 pound uncooked bulk pork sausage
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (1 pound)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk (plus 1 or 2 Tablespoons more)
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crumbled (or fresh rosemary, finely chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 deg. Lightly grease a 15-by-10-by-1 inch pan (no need to grease if your pan is non-stick)

2. Stir together all ingredients until well mixed, using your hands if necessary. (if necessary to bring together add a splash more milk) Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on pan

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned. Immediately remove from the pan. Serve warm. Makes ~50 balls.

This recipe is a great one to make ahead- go ahead and make the mix, form into balls up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate them, then cook as directed.

* Lis didn't have any bisquick on hand, so she used this "fake Bisquick" instead:
2 c. flour
1/4 c. dry milk powder
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
2 T sugar
5 T shortening

Mix all ingredients except shortening, then cut in shortening until incorporated (consistency of fine gravel)

These sausage ball have a lot of calories but are ever so perfect for a brunch potluck. We had them with mimosas and bloody mary's.

A Tale of Two Hats...

I have been making hats from a pattern Abby gave me using the super chunky yarn I got from handpaintedyarn.com and here are the first two.


Don't let the picture fool you. I am not quite done. I haven't quite brought myself to sew these hats up yet.

The first one is in the color Damask Rose. I am not sure if I am going to keep it or to give it away as a gift.

Here is a detail shot.



The second one is the color sapphire Green. This one is a gift for my sister. I hope it fits.

Here is the detail.



I have two more skeins of this yarn. I am not sure if I am going to use the same pattern or improvise on the one that Abby gave me. I really like how the single knit just pops out so I might try one without cables and just single knits in a sea or purls or perhaps try a cable with just a single stitch switch and see what happens. The colors I haven't use yet are a lovely olive and a burgandy that pops (you can see a picture of the yarn below). Very exciting.

Chili

I am making crock pot chili.
So I thought I would post the recipe. I have a 3 quart crock pot. This recipe needs to be thought ahead as you have to soak the beans. You could also use canned beans but make sure you drain and rinse them. I am an omnivore though so I use meat. Bacon adds a lot of flavor. If you don't eat meat, I would start with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil then add the onions. Omit the meat and use veggie stock instead. I would also add more chilis and tomatoes.

Chili

3 cups dried beans (I use a mixture of bean types though they are all about the same size).
4 strips bacon
3/4 pounds hamburger
1 small can jalapenos (diced)
1 medium can roasted mild green chiles (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (diced)
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
4 tbs chili powder
salt/pepper to taste

Soak the bean overnight in 2 quarts cold water. Rinse in the morning and continue soaking while you cook meat.
Dice 4 strips of bacon. Brown bacon until crisp. Add onion to deglaze the pan. Cook until soften. Add in garlic and continue cooking until onion and garlic are a golden brown. Take bacon, onions, garlic out of pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add hamburger. Cook hamburger until brown making sure to break up the burger. Add in chili powder and salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add in jalapenos (with juice). Cook and stir for two minutes. Add in chiles with juice and cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add in tomatoes with juice and cook for several minutes. Add bacon/onion mix back into rest of mixture. Bring ingredients to simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper as necessary.
You are now ready to mix up the chili.
Start the crock pot.
Microwave the four cups of stock and heat it to just below a boil. Making sure that all the ingredients are as hot as possible helps start the chili off right.
Drain beans.
Add a large spoonful of bean and sauce to the pot until the sauce in all gone. If you have a few beans left over add them in. If you have a lot, add as many as you can until there is only half an inch to an inch of space left in crockpot.
Pour the near boiling stock into the pot that you used to make the sauce. Stir to get as much spice out of the pan as possible. Pour the spiced stocked over the top of the bean and sauce in the crock pot until there is 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of liquid covering the top of the beans.
Place lid on pot. Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat. Stir halfway into cooking (though this really isn't necessary if you have to go away)
Test and if not quite done turn up to high heat for an hour.

Serve with favorite topping. I like cheese, sour cream, fresh chopped green onions, crackers, bread, cheddar beer chips, perhaps more hot sauce.

Presents

Sarah brought back a bunch of presents from her trip to Vietnam and Thailand. She brought a lot of wallets and silk scarves for the gals in the knitting circle. I picked out this lovely burgandy scarf. In addition, she also had a basket for whomever was bold enough to claim it. :) That was me. It turns out to be perfect for my in-progress projects.


Hurrah for new knitting basket. Thanks Sarah.

Project 6: The Damask Rose Super Bulky Hat

That's right. I have finally started something that not a scarf.
This hat is a work in progress. I am using a pattern for a cabled hat that I got from Abby. The yarn is from handpaintedyarn.com and is the super bulky variety in the color Damask Rose.


I am using size 13 Boye interchangeable needles.
Here is a detail shot...


I really like how this is going. It is a great pattern, and I like not only how the cables are turning out but also how the single knit works as well. I am only 3.5 inches into a 6 inch section before I start decreasing. I am afraid that I am going to run out of yarn. Abby says though that one ball of this yarn should be just enough for one hat.

I'm in the yarn...

Woohoo. Yarn arrived in the mail. First came the Hand Painted yarn.
Lovely color that didn't quite photograph right.
I got some of the soft 6 ply merino.
These colors are Paris Night and Dark Earth. I am still trying to decide if they would go well together in a scarf.

This is yarn I got for my sisters scarf. The color is called Thistle.



I also got a variety of their super bulky wool to make some hats out of. Abby has a great pattern that I am already using but that is for another post.
The colors I am not yet using are
sapphire Green (hat for my sister)

Olive

Burgundy


I am really liking knitting this super bulky yarn as it knits pretty fast which is good because I am a slow knitter. My plans for these are primarily hats and scarves. Pretty boring but well so am I.



In addition to the hand painted yarn, today I picked up my order from Knit Picks.
I got some more sierra to go with the stuff I traded Gen for at the yarn swap. The color is Mist and it is flanked by the cranberry I got form Gen.








Finally, the last yarn that I got in the mail I am really excited about. I am going to try the Boogie vest by Amy King from knitty.com http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTboogie.html

I decided to do it in the Decadence yarn from knitpicks. This is 100% superfine 2 ply alpaca. Very soft. I got Winter Rose for the main body of the vest and plan to do the trim in Chocolate. As Karrie said, they are colors that I seem to be knitting a lot of this in lately.

I am going to teach myself to crochet...

I found this book at the store the other day.

Crochet seems the best thing to do with that massive pound of cotton that I got from Javeria. I found out that in addition to have a Needle Master set Boye also makes a Crochet Master Set.


So I decided that I am going to make some lace doilies. I also got some lovely black and also some plum yarn in a finer gauges from when I get better.