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October 31, 2007

Socktoberfest Socks

Trick or Treat

Smell my feet

Give me something good to eat

Yarn: My beloved Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Trick or Treat
Pattern: Just yer basic 64 stitch picot edge sock

They are perfect for Halloween and perfect for Socktoberfest.

Happy Halloween!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (57)

October 30, 2007

Elegant Gauntlets

I've wanted to knit a pair of Elegant Gauntlets since Margene made her pair. Somehow, though, they never made it on to my "to knit" list and I forgot about them. Then a couple of weeks ago Teri posted a pair and I remembered.

So as not to forget again, I went straight from the computer to the sock yarn shelf. I pulled down out some Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn in shades of brown - perfect for fall and perfect for a 3/4 length-sleeve shirt I was going to have to stop wearing soon because my arms would be cold.

I cast on right away and finished them in less than a week. The pattern, in Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch, is wonderful and the shaping makes for a great fit. And I think they go very nicely with my brown shirt.

I wore them on all day long yesterday - working on the computer, knitting, driving - whatever I was doing. The town electrician stopped by my office and when he saw them he asked if he should be contacting the heating company because I must be cold if I was wearing gloves. I tried to explain to him that they are a fashion accessory but I'm not sure he understood. He's a man and a muggle, what did I expect?

I'm already plotting my next pair!

Posted by Carole at 6:35 AM | Comments (45)

October 29, 2007

A Great Day

Hi! How are you today? Did you have a nice weekend? I had a very relaxing weekend and after the whirlwind of Rhinebeck it was just what the doctor ordered.

Friday night Dale and I had a "date night" that basically consisted of dinner at home (tenderloin, mmm) and listening to music. And Saturday we spent some time together and then Dale had to go away over night for a band job. I had the evening to myself, my knitting, and the Red Sox, along with some clay pot shrimp curry.

But truly the best part of my weekend was yesterday. I woke up early and rested and decided to have coffee and read in bed. I settled in with Laurie Perry's new book, Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair and before I knew it I had finished 3 cups of coffee and the book. Yes, I read the book cover to cover in one sitting - it's that good.

Not quite ready to give up the comfiest spot in the house, I grabbed the knitting and slipped a movie into the DVD player. Catch and Release isn't bad although I don't think it's about to win any awards. It was a great part of my morning, however.

Before I knew it Dale was home and we decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall day by taking the dog for a walk. It felt great to be outside in the crisp air and I even got to wear my Peace Fleece Everyday Cardigan for the first time this season.

We ended the day with a terrific local dinner of fresh striper, caught by Dale's brother Randy, and steamed potatoes and beets from our CSA.

And, oh yeah, the Red Sox won the World Series.

It was a great day.

Posted by Carole at 6:50 AM | Comments (40)

October 26, 2007

Eye Candy Friday

I love these bright green leaves and their brown edges, don't you? Have a wonderful weekend!

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (21)

October 25, 2007

What Would YOU Do?

I heard a story at knitting group the other day that I want to share with you guys. It's a friend-of-a-friend story so I don't know if it's true or not, but it's interesting.

A flight attendant was attending an annual training seminar last year and, being a knitter, she brought her knitting to the training. She proceeded to knit throughout this training. Other attendees were distracted by the knitting and they complained to the powers-that-be. The knitter was asked to stop knitting but she continued to knit in spite of this request.

Last week this same knitter attended this year's training seminar. She pulled out her knitting once again and knitted through the entire program. She was subsequently fired.

Discuss.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (80)

October 24, 2007

Superstar

There was one thing I did at Rhinebeck that had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with knitting or spinning.

First, a little background information.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I have watched soap operas my whole life. As a kid, teenager and young adult it was always Days of our Lives but when they did the storyline about Marlena being possessed by the devil, well, that was just a bit far fetched even for me. Then, ten years ago, my stepdaughter, Jessica, got me hooked on As the World Turns and I've been watching it ever since.

So, as a long time fan of the show, I was thrilled when Norma announced that her daughter's boyfriend, Ryan Serhant, was a finalist on InTurn and I was happy to vote for him. I was overjoyed when he won the part on ATWT and I had a sort-of-personal-but-not-really-personal connection to the show.

And then on Saturday night, thanks to Norma and Sandy, I met Ryan.

I am happy to tell you that he's a wonderful guy. Friendly and personable and polite, handsome (oh yes) and tall and cute-as-a-button. And Norma's daughter, Abigail, is a sweetheart. We all chatted for a bit about stuff but the best part for me was talking about the show and Ryan's experiences and who he has worked with and what his storyline will be like. It was just so exciting for me to meet someone who is now working with the people I watch every day, you know?

I'm usually pretty cool but I think I may have been just a teeny bit star struck.

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (39)

October 23, 2007

Rhinebeck 2007

There are lots of wonderful things about the New York Sheep & Wool Festival.

The fairgrounds are lovely.

The fiber is plentiful.

And the food is delicious. I ate my spring rolls and artichokes before I even thought of taking a photo but at least I got a picture of the all-important beer booth.

You know what I'm going to say next, don't you? The truly wonderful thing about this festival is the friends I see there. There were many, many at the Blogger Meet Up but I only have one picture to show of that.

Rachael and I. I was so thrilled to finally meet her. We hugged and laughed and then I pointed her in the direction of the beer both.

And there were friends at the booths, too. Like Dave who was getting help in his booth from Judy.

I feel really lucky to have had so many of my friends gathered in my hotel room -- shared with Blogless Sharon and Susan, the worlds most perfect roommates -- on Saturday night.

Cheryl did some modeling for us. We are her posse, you know.

And Laurie and Lorrie were all smiles.

There was laughter. Lots and lots of laughter, as demonstrated here by Manise, Cheryl and Susan.

And hugging. Happily demonstrated by Manise (boy, she got in every photo!), Di and Kathy.

There were many other wonderful friends in my room that night who didn't get photographed. Lucia and Ruth, Chris, and Martha were there, as was Kellee and Kate Gilbert and Julia and Michelle with her entourage of New Yorkers. Kim and Terry, Stitchy and Maryse, Judy with her sister Linda, and Cindy, just to mention a few. There was also pizza and beer, and the Red Sox and we all got to try Kim's new wheel. It was a really fabulous night.

Now I am home and it's over for another year. It just makes me wonder, how long 'til SPA?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (47)

October 22, 2007

Wait 'Til Tomorrow

Rhinebeck was wonderful but I need today to unpack and catch up a bit. Come back tomorrow (please) and I'll tell you all about it.

Posted by Carole at 7:15 AM

October 19, 2007

Eye Candy Friday

Flags at King Richard's Faire.

This weekend I will be at a different sort of fair, a sheep and wool fair. This is, of course, my favorite type of fair. And I'll be there with some of my favorite people. Squeee!

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (14)

October 18, 2007

Corrugater Scarf

The never-ending, long-suffering Corrugater Scarf is finally finished and I love it. To refresh your memory, it's my own handspun from Crown Mountain Farms Sock Hop Roving. While it was originally going to be socks, I'm not at all disappointed that it has become a scarf instead.

Can I just say, though? This thing took forever and a day. Never again will I knit a scarf on size 3 needles. Never.

On the positive side, the length is perfect and it's soft and squooshy and I can wrap it around my neck and my face.

The obligatory reflection-in-the-bathroom-mirror shot.

And the also obligatory outside-and-I-hope-the-neighbors-don't-see-me shot.

Both photos presented as a visual aid for those of you playing Rhinebeck Blogger Bingo. I'm a square, doncha know. I hear it'll probably be too warm for this scarf and it may be rainy so I'll be wearing a green rain jacket with a bingo button (courtesy of Norma) and I'll be carrying a big-ass L.L. Bean bag filled with fiber.

Be there or be square.

Posted by Carole at 5:30 AM | Comments (37)

October 17, 2007

Soup du Jour

It's finally soup weather here in Southeastern Massachusetts and I couldn't be happier. As much as I love summer and hate to see it go, well, I love comfort food and nothing is more comforting than soup - except maybe mashed potatoes and gravy but my family doesn't think you can make a meal out of that. Crazy people, I know.

Anyway, I made a big pot of soup for dinner last night and I thought I'd share the recipe with you all. I didn't make it up completely but adapted it from a few things I found on the web while searching for ways to use up this week's supply of eggplant. My family enjoyed it and I hope you will, too.

Roasted Eggplant and Sausage Soup
3 large eggplant
2 leeks, white part only, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (I also threw in a teeny tiny hot pepper)
3 medium plum tomatoes, chopped,
olive oil
2 garlic cloves
8 cups chicken stock
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 bay leaf
salt and pepper, to taste
oregano
thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 lb. sausage, casings removed and crumbled (I used a combination of sweet and spicy)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 D.
2. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise, and brush with the olive oil. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper cut side down and bake for about 1 hour or until lightly browned and flesh is soft. Remove and cool slightly.
3. While the eggplant is roasting, in a large pot, brown sausage in olive oil. Cook on high heat until no longer pink. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the onions, garlic and leeks to sausage drippings and saute for 8 to 10 minutes on medium heat until golden and very soft.
5. Add the peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, bay leaves and stock. Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes.
6. Scrape the flesh from eggplant and coarsely chop. Add to soup along with cooked sausage.
7. Add cream and heat thoroughly. I also hit it with the stick blender at this point.
8. Serve with crusty bread.
9. Sigh with satisfaction.

Posted by Carole at 6:50 AM | Comments (29)

October 16, 2007

At The Faire

On Sunday Dale and I, along with our friend Lois, went to King Richard's Faire. This Renaissance Faire has been in Carver for over 25 years and we try and go at least once every season. I'm sure no one is surprised to know that we dress up for the occasion.

Being in "period clothing" at this event makes it so much more fun! And the cool thing is that we don't have to worry about being historically accurate like we do at our Civil War events. Because, frankly, anything goes at this fair, when it comes to costumes.

While we are there we enjoy many things.

The joust.

And the singing.

And the scenery.

But I think there's one thing about the faire that Dale particularly likes. Know what I mean?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (56)

October 15, 2007

Things That Make Me Go Hmmm

With apologies to The Bangles, it's Just Another Manic Random Monday.

~Have you seen Air Set? It's a very cool online calendar and my family started using it last week. It's really helpful for keeping track of everyone's busy schedules.

~I can't believe I never posted a photo of my wonderful Special Swap package from Kat. The theme was a picnic but Kat decided to just send great yarn-y type things and that was just absolutely fine with me. I'm really excited to try that Tofootsies!

~October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I've had my annual screening, how about you?

~I've been doing a fair amount of spinning lately, trying to "spin down" the stash in preparation for Rhinebeck purchases.

~And speaking of Rhinebeck, 4 more sleeps. Squeee! Who will be there?

Posted by Carole at 6:50 AM | Comments (45)

October 12, 2007

Eye Candy Friday

Leaves lying on the library lawn. How's that for alliteration?

Posted by Carole at 6:10 AM | Comments (24)

October 11, 2007

Peppermint Mocha Socks

There's one less WIP on the needles because I finished the Peppermint Mocha socks on Tuesday. They are for me (I'm such a selfish knitter) and I love 'em.

All those patterned socks are great and lots of fun to knit but there's something truly wonderful about a plain ole pair of stockinette socks.

The yarn is Claudia's Handpaint in the colorway Peppermint Mocha and I bought it from The Loopy Ewe. The pattern is your basic 64 stitch, picot edge sock.

They make me want to drink hot chocolate, eat peppermint candy . . .

And wear my new clogs.

Posted by Carole at 6:26 AM | Comments (53)

October 10, 2007

Spinning Wheel Got To Go Round

Julia posted first and she got the best title, so I won't repeat it. But you may want to go take a look at her post because her photos are better than mine, too.

As you have now surmised, on Saturday I gathered with several other spinners at Laurie's house. We were ostensibly celebrating Cheryl's purchase of a Reeve's Norwegian from Teyani but I think Lorrie's wheel got a bit more attention than any of the other wheels. That Lendrum Saxony is a beauty. Just saying.

You won't be surprised to hear that we had a fabulous time. We ate (and ate!) and spun and talked and laughed and had a wonderful afternoon. There were babies to be held and yarn to be purchased and we even held a mini fiber swap.

Thank you, Laurie, for organizing and hosting this gathering. I am blessed with truly genuine friends. And they have excellent taste in spinning wheels, too.

Posted by Carole at 6:15 AM | Comments (24)

October 9, 2007

It's the Little Things

Last week the Wool Winder posted some very nice photos of little things around her house that make her happy. And then she asked a question. "What little things around your house make you smile?" Here are my answers.

Now it's your turn. What little things around your house make you smile?

Posted by Carole at 6:25 AM | Comments (27)

October 8, 2007

Christopher Columbus, It's Fall

It's Columbus Day and to me it's the "official" start of fall. Here in New England fall means leaf peepers and festivals. Pumpkins and corn stalks and mums. But before everything succumbs to the approaching cold weather I'd like to take one last look at summer's annuals.

They'll be gone all too soon.

Posted by Carole at 7:15 AM | Comments (16)

October 5, 2007

Eye Candy Friday

Dahlias from the CSA this week. Aren't you glad that Christopher Columbus discovered America on a Monday so we get a three day weekend? Enjoy!

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (27)

October 4, 2007

The Family Plate

We did something on our family vacation this summer that I never told you about. We visited one of those paint-your-own-pottery places. It was not a planned visit, by any means. We had been out to dinner for our last night of vacation and we were walking by and the kids begged to go in and paint something. They had begged for this last year, too, but this year I had just had 2 martinis and I was weak. So, in we went.

Dale and I made the Executive Decision that we would choose ONE piece and we would all work on it together. I found a chip 'n dip plate and that seemed like a good idea - 5 sections, one for everyone. Here we are, listening intently to our instructions, choosing colors, and sketching ideas.

Looks like fun, right? And it was, truly, a blast. We laughed and joked and had a great time. But when it comes to artistic ability, well, we might be lacking a bit in that area. In our defense, they told use about 10 minutes after we started that the place was closing early and we only had 10 minutes to finish. So, we were pressured. Also, in our defense, the brushes they gave us to use were crap and you have to go over each thing you paint 3 times, not an easy task.

Of course, the real kicker was when we finished and I brought the disaster thing plate up to the counter to pay for it. Between the ceramic piece itself and the studio fees and the shipping costs it was almost $80. Oy. I thought Dale was going to fall off the chair when I told him the price. But, I told him, it was our vacation and it would be a great memento of the trip, crappy artwork and all.

So we went home and went back to work and life and school and in the midst of all of that I sort of forgot about it. Until I called home from the airport in Salt Lake City to tell Hannah I had arrived safely. And she screamed into the phone, "The family plate is here! The family plate is here!" Naturally I made them promise not to open it until I got home. After all, we needed to be together for the great unveiling. Are you ready?

Pathetic, yes? Jessica's flower is actually pretty good but Hannah's musical notes? And Dale's shooting star? And Patrick's skateboard? And my green "07" in the middle? Not so much. $80 for a family heirloom that looks like it was painted by a bunch of monkeys. Or, in our case, a bunch of Swedish monkeys.

Nevertheless, at this week's family dinner we had tacos. And all the toppings went on the family plate.

It doesn't look so bad when the sections are all filled up. Heh.

And it looks downright okay when it's surrounded by my smiling family.

So that's our new heirloom. Some families have jewels. We have a plate. Go figure.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (52)

October 3, 2007

WIP 'Em Out Wednesday

I have this tendency to show you finished objects only. In fact, I can't remember the last time I posted about any of my knits-in-progress. So, today, I present The WIPs.

#1. Bee Fields Shawl.

I love just about anything that Anne designs and this shawl is no exception. The yarn, from The Other Anne, is equally fabulous, so soft, so sproingy and so delicate. I have finished the set up chart and the first chart and am a little more than halfway through the second chart. I won't kid you, this pattern is a challenge. There is lace knitting on both the right and wrong sides and some of the knitting maneuvers are reminiscent of acrobatics. But I know it will be worth it when it's finished. And with any luck that will be before Rhinebeck.

#2. Child's Cable Sweater.

This is for my (step)grandson, Patrick. The yarn is Peace Fleece and the pattern is a simple cabled sweater. It's fun to knit and pretty fast going, too. I originally thought I'd have it done for his birthday at the end of this month but the call of the Bee Fields Shawl has been loud and I've neglected the sweater. Looks like I'll be shopping for a birthday present instead. There's always Christmas except that I don't knit for Christmas. The bottom line is it will be gifted when it's finished, whenever that may be.

#3. Corrugarter Scarf.

I feel like I've been knitting this FORever. The yarn is my handspun from Crown Mountain Farms Sock Hop Roving in the colorway "Twist and Shout." The design, of course, is Paula's. And I love it but I'm knitting on size 3s and it's slow going.

#4. Peppermint Mocha Socks.

Mindless socks. Because there are always socks on the needles.

So, I WIPed 'em out. How about you?

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (27)

October 2, 2007

Monkey See, Monkey Two

I made another pair of Monkey Socks. I chose the pattern because it's entertaining and easily memorized. And I chose the yarn (Woolen Rabbit Rosemary & Thyme Superwash) because I knew I'd be spending time with Kim and I thought she'd enjoy seeing me knit with her yarn while we were together.

I started them at the airport in Providence and by the time I got to Phoenix (name that tune!) I had finished the leg and heel flap.

When my plane landed in Salt Lake City I had finished the gusset decreases and was halfway down the foot of sock one.

And by the time I was on my way home, I had finished sock two. In fact, I kitchenered the toe while waiting to board the plane that would take me from Baltimore to Providence and ultimately home.

5 days for a pair of socks. A record for me. And my twentieth pair in 2007.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (48)

October 1, 2007

Quilted Post Card Class

When Saftler's Fall Class Schedule came out a few weeks back I got inspired. I decided that Lois, Sharon, Wendy and I should take a class together. Not a big ass commitment or anything but something fun and quick - a way for us to learn something together and maybe help us not miss Debbie so much. And lo and behold there was a class that was just the thing - A Quilted Postcard Class. Never mind that not one of us knew what a quilted post card was, the day and time of the class worked for everyone and that's really all that mattered. So Lois signed us up and last Wednesday night we all met at Saftlers to take this class together.

I'll admit that at first I didn't really get it. Quilted? Postcard? Huh? But once I looked through the instructor's scrapbook of postcards, well, I got a teeny bit inspired.

I gathered my supplies. Luckily, Lois brought a whole container full of landscape type fabric scraps to share.

I cut out fabric and fused it into place with Steam a Seam.

I embellished. And did a bit of quilting.

In the end I wound up with a cute postcard of some mountains. And a sheep. It's a sweet little reminder of my trip to Utah. And no, I'm not mailing it.

Posted by Carole at 6:50 AM | Comments (44)