Teknicolor Kelli

The Crafty Bits: Clover Ribbed Socks

2009-12-11T10:15:00.003-07:00

From the little crumbs I've been throwing out here and there you'd think I haven't been up to much of anything...mostly you'd be right. Cooking has been run of the mill and fairly nondescript. With Tim and I really truly trying to eat and live healthier, there has been a boom of cooking...but mostly things like grilled this or that with a double side of veg or salad. I haven't been reading much and I just can't seem to get my act together enough to take pictures of the knitting I've been doing. Therefore I count it as a major coup that I actually got something done and then proceeded to TAKE A PICTURE OF THE DAMN THING!

Again with the socks...it's moved from borderline to full-on obsession. These alas, are not for me but were birthday gifted to Sharon. I'm told she LURVES them and hopefully they fit properly.

Yarn: Castle Fibers Sock Yarn
Colorway: uh, I don't remember...something, something Meadow or Spring or...I don't know - selected because it seemed Irish-y

Pattern: Clover Leaf Rib (also selected because it seemed Irish-y)
Source: Sensational Socks by Charlene Schurch

Scribbles in the Margins: My Life in France & So B. It

2009-11-23T08:19:00.005-07:00

Instructions for Creating a Custom Book Pile in Ten Easy Steps:

1. Select book. Begin reading.
2. 1/3 of the way through book, decide you want something lighter to read to offset Book #1.
3. Begin Book #2.
4. Read 1/3 to 1/2 of Book #2, become captivated by topic of unrelated Book #3.
5. Read 2/3rds of Book #3, hear about / see / buy interesting Book #4.
6. Promise yourself that you will not start Book #4 until you finish Books #1-#3.
7. Begin Book #4
8. Finish Book #4, get disgusted with yourself and go back to Book #1.
9. Reread bits of Book #1 to remember what it is about, finish Book #1.
10 . Repeat Step 9 for Books #2-#3

With these easy to follow instructions you too can have a book pile that resembles this:

Omnivore's Dilemma (Started in August, 1/3rd done)
My Life in France (Started in September, 100+/- pages left)
Portrait of an Unknown Woman (Read first chapter back in August)
So B. It (Skimmed through in October, only 180-some pages long)

On Wednesday I hit Step 8 (well a modified Step 8...I never actually finished a book, I just got disgusted with myself.) and by Sunday morning I could proudly proclaim that I could remove TWO WHOLE books from my pile and add them to my Books I Have Read shelf.

******

Ever since I saw the first trailer for Julie & Julia with Meryl Streep as Juila Child I've wanted to see the movie (which I have not...yet). I dutifully picked up the book the film is based on, read it and declared...tthhhbbbbtt. The book just wasn't that inspirational...or well written for that matter. I didn't feel an affinity for Julie Powell, I often felt like she hadn't captured her own growth and that for all her troubles, the changes she made in the year that she Mastered the Art of French Cooking were only superficial.

Mostly I just wanted her to just stop whining already.

No seriously, shut up lady.

The real hollowness of Powell's book comes in to sharp focus when reading Julia Child's memoir, My Life in France. Following Child's growth from late-blooming housewife to the internationally known voice of French Cuisine is personal and intimate, the book is less about the food (though there is plenty of that) and more about self-discovery. Following along with Julia as she uncovers her passions, her vices and why she loves France is inspirational. Her example for developing a life of continued learning, self-discovery and an always curious nature is something that nearly everyone can appreciate if not emulate...even if we can't stomach the idea of eggs in aspic.

******

In a different direction entirely is this juvenile fiction which I picked about a month ago when visiting my family for a weekend. So B. It tells the story 12 year old Heidi's search to learn the truth about her mentally disabled mother, where they are from and how they ended up creating a family for themselves with their neighbor Bernadette. Heidi's quest to learn about herself, her past and her mother's mysterious word, soof, takes her from Reno to New York state and teaches her more than she ever expected in a well written and very quiet story.

New Arrivals

2009-11-19T14:22:00.003-07:00

As promised I am here to introduce...

DAISY!
Who just got her first hair cut!

Who Lilly is not immediately fond of.
We've been seeing a lot of the PissedLilly Face...

...but who is warming up to Daisy a little more each day.

And this is my new yarn swift....whom I will love.

The Crafty Bits: Braided Cable Socks

2009-11-03T11:15:00.003-07:00

I feel like there should be some sort of peremptory comment. Kind of like on a season premier - "Previously on TeknicolorKelli..." It has been far too long, to the point that there has been some serious consideration as to whether or not Kelli (Teknicolor or otherwise) should continue to inhabit her little sliver of cyberspace. For now things are staying put which means that perhaps there should be some sort of update. Just to blow out the cobwebs.

Since that last update in August (Ouch.) things have gone kind of haywire and back again. We've been to a wedding, dealing with some serious health issues, smothered by a very heavy work load, doing some unexpected traveling and working with a breeder on acquiring a second puppy (Expect pictures next week!). Through it all there has been some (read, barely any) knitting. The pirate gloves are DONE. (More on that at a later.), some socks have been finished, a new pair started and some rather overzealous plans to do some holiday knitting have been undertaken.

A few weeks ago I finished up the Braided Cable Rib Socks. My favorites to date, the yarn is from a local spinner/dyer and is loverly to the extreme. The fuzziness in the photos isn't the camera, they've been worn and washed several times before I finally got around to photographing them.

I have to admit, I'm a yarn abuser when it comes to socks. They get worn tons, washed in the washer and flat dried...most of the time. Not exactly pampering the fibers, but it does give me an excuse to knit more socks.

Regardless of their abused state, they've been wearing like champs and the colors continue to enthrall me each time I see them. The warm reds, yellows, oranges and lavenders just tickle me to no end.

In the up coming weeks I hope to share a few more things that have been happening in these parts, some books I've been reading and, most importantly, posting lots of pictures of the new (and old...Lilly is very disgruntled about her lack of face time.) puppy.

The Crafty Bits: Cable Ribbed Socks

2009-08-26T22:22:00.000-06:00

In the name of progress I bring you another post! That's 3 in August, an all time high for 2009. To celebrate I'm showing off what's "on the needles" right now. Meet Fawkes...

Another Castle Fiber's yarn (the same spinner/dyer as the yarn for the Oblique Ribbed Socks) that is even more stunning in person. I'm only guessing, but I would say the inspiration for this yarn is the coloration of Fawkes the Phoenix...though Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot could be behind the firey colors too. (Blogging = learning!) Threads of gold, red, lavender, orange, white and rose twine together to recall the colors of a flickering flame.

This is the second pattern I've tried with the yarn and is far more successful than the first. Initially I had tried a Nancy Bush pattern from her traveling sock knitting book, On The Road. Not a good combination, the multi-fleck coloration needed a larger scale pattern or a simple rib. Having done the rib thing, it seemed like a good time to learn how to do cables. The picture above is before I knitted another 3"...and then ripped it out because the second row of cables wasn't right. I've since gotten the leg re-done and am currently gusseting sock #1...knitting is much nicer when things go well.

The Crafty Bits: Malabrigo Set (F)

2009-08-21T08:09:00.000-06:00

Way back in March I started a scarf because with warm weather quickly approaching it seemed like a reasonable thing to do...also because I had two skeins of worsted kettle dyed merino and you can't just let those things sit around. So I began to crochet a scarf...

...and as I crocheted the scarf got longer. And longer and longer and longer. After more crocheting than is really reasonable I began to think that maybe I didn't want a very long, very heavy scarf, maybe I wanted a shorter, more reasonably lengthed scarf. But I had started with two hanks of yarn and I still had a 1 1/4 of left over...which is a lot of yarn...

With this over abundance of lush yarn I decided that a hat might be just the thing. (Instead of the very long, very heavy scarf I had meant to end up with.) I mean, I don't have a single hat that matches anything. I have a black one and a lime green one, which are both felt and don't really go with any of my scarves. Also, neither very lovely with my pea coat. So a hat and a scarf would really be quite nice. I selected the ever popular Amanda Hat, bought some needles and knit, knit, knit and three days later I had a very nice stocking cap that was also quite lovely. Unfortunately, there was still 3/4 of a hank of yarn left over and the thought of crocheting even more scarf was...unpleasant. What to do? What to do....

So it seemed like gloves would be nice. They would match my hat...and my scarf...and it would be this wonderful coordinated set...except each piece is knit using different stitches and textures and they really aren't a set...just coordinates because they are all made from these two never.ever.ending skeins of yarn.

Which is how I ended up with a full set of fall accessories to wear....even if they really aren't a set.

The Home Cook: Rhubarb Jam

2009-08-09T20:28:00.004-06:00

You reach a point with a rhubarb plant where you either give up and just let it run amok in it's corner of the yard or you go and hack off two-thirds of the plant and finally DO something with it. Preferably something useful...like, say, ten pints of jam...which is a LOT of jam. But then 16 cups of diced rhubarb is no small amount either.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam

For the last few years I've made a half or maybe a whole batch of jam here and there. This year, with two fully established plants I ended up with enough rhubarb to make two full batches of jam and in an act of necessary diversification...two types. Strawberry-rhubarb and Raspberry-rhubarb, both are very good but I have to say that the raspberry is quickly becoming my favorite. The extra tang of the raspberries and the little flecks of the seeds just add a little something extra.

This recipe is probably not for you if you prefer the natural flavor of the unadorned rhubarb and berries, but the tartness of rhubarb is a tricky thing and I'm not quite confident enough in myself to forgo this recipe and try something less sweet. Also, this is just damn good stuff. We like it with a toasted bagel and cream cheese, but it's also very fine on an English muffin or a slice of good multi-grain bread.

Raspberry-Rhubarb Jam

Berry-Rhubarb Jam
Adapted from Cindy T. (mom-in-law)

8 Cups Diced Rhubarb
4 Cups Sugar
2pkgs 10oz Frozen berries in syrup
1 large and 1small box of jello

Mix together rhubarb and sugar and let set overnight.

The next day, sterilize 5 pint jars or 10 8oz jam jars, rings and lids and prepare canner. Strain berries from syrup, reserving liquid and cut large berries (such as strawberries into bite size pieces)

When ready, heat rhubarb, sugar, berries and 1 cup of syrup in a large heavy bottomed pot bringing to a medium boil. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in jello packets until dissolved and let rest for 5 minutes, gently stirring occasionally.

Remove jars from water bath, dry and ladle jam into jars 1" from top. Wipe down rims, place on lids and rings. Process jars in canner for 10 minutes. Remove jars from water and allow to cool over night, check for proper seal before storing.

Stores up to one year.

Cook's Notes:

- The amount of syrup you add can very depending on the berries you are using. For strawberries I can usually add all of the reserved liquid and be fine. For Raspberries I can only add half before it starts to affect how the final jam sets up.

- We like our jam with a very firm set, if you prefer a softer set just use one large box of jello.

- For Strawberry-rhubarb jam use one large and one small box of strawberry jello. For Raspberry-rhubarb jam use one large box of raspberry and one small box of mixed fruit. There are all sorts of combinations, but I'd stick with the red colored jellos.

- The original recipe does not call for processing in a canner and works. That said I like the extra step, as it seems to give the jars a tighter seal and I KNOW everything is as safe as it's going to get...botulism is kind of scary. I also have a hard time ignoring years of advice from my grandma.

- For additional information about canning go to the people at Ball/Kerr. They've literally written the book on it.

The Crafty Bits: Oblique Ribbed Socks (F)

2009-07-16T19:45:00.003-06:00

This is a story about a pair of socks. It's also a story with out an end.

Not literally without an end, but more like with out the instant gratification of getting to see the finished product.

There are lot of things I've inherited from my mother. Eye color, the need for lists and the complete inability to get birthday gifts delivered in a timely manner. It's that last one that caused this whole debacle. See in late May it was Mariah's Birthday (30th...but you didn't hear that from me...) and a proper celebration of the day required a pretty spectacular gift. Enter a skein of beautiful yarn from a local yarnista called Castle Fibers. This yarn...beautiful...oh, the colors are breathtaking and it's tight hand spun twist is perfect for socks. Oh, so perfect.

Of course, sock yarn like this needs just the right pattern to display the colors to their best which is how I ended up with a sock pattern that was, perhaps, a wee bit aggressive for the time line I had for production. Ok, maybe not so "perhaps"...more like definitely. Which is why there aren't any pictures of the finished socks.

Oh, you didn't make the leap of thought with me? Ok, so her birthday was in May but she didn't get the socks until mid-June. Also, I finished the socks in the car...on the way to seeing Mariah...in June. So yeah, the socks weren't done until just before I gave them to her. Like right before I gave them to her.

Which is all to say, that is why there are no pictures of the completed Oblique Ribbed socks.

The Home Cook: Rhubarb Bread

2009-07-15T10:23:00.000-06:00

I feel as though I should come bearing gifts in apology. My blogging record over the last year has been less than spectacular and at this point I'd be surprised if there is anyone out there who still meanders by on purpose. But just in case there is someone out there who does still stop by to see the cobwebs and dust, your reward is here. You'll just need to provide the rhubarb and some time...and an oven. But that's it, I promise.

Here in this neck of the woods it's rhubarb season and the stuff out by the shed is going mutant. It will soon rule the backyard and my only hope is that it will be a benevolent overlord and not sell the dog into servitude. In an vain effort to try and curb the beast I took to the internet to try and find a recipe for rhubarb bread because...well it sounded good. I'm not sure there needs to be any other logic to it.

The recipe I finally went with had the odd addition of orange juice and zest, which while not the first place I would have gone was delicious. The bread was super moist and the citrus flavor was surprisingly nice with the tartness of the rhubarb.

Rhubarb Streusel Bread
Adapted from Culinary in the Desert!

Streusel Filling

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
pinch salt

Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh grated orange zest
2 large eggs
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups 1/4" diced fresh rhubarb

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tabelspoons White Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350ºF degrees.

In a small bowl, add sugars, flour, butter, cinnamon and salt - stir until mixture is moistened. Set steusel aside.

In a second small bowl, combine cinnamon sugar topping ingredients. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, sugar and zest until very creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined after each. Mix in orange juice and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in rhubarb.

Scoop one third of the batter into an 8" x 4" loaf pan lined with parchment and lightly greased. Scatter half of the streusel mixture over the batter, gently pressing down to adhere. Scoop and additional 1/3 of the batter on top and scatter remaining streusel over the top, gently pressing down to adhere. Pour remaining batter on and top with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Place pan into the oven and bake until a wooden skewer placed into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, about 60 to 70 minutes. Remove and set pan on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then remove bread from the pan and let cool completely.

Makes about 12 servings.

The Home Cook: Beef n' Beans with Biscuits

2009-06-24T20:17:00.005-06:00

I bought a new cast iron skillet...and a lid...that fit's my 12" cast iron fry pan.

My mom had a 13" cast iron chicken fryer (really big, deep, very heavy skillet) that was used and horribly abused. We committed the deadly sin of cast iron care...it was washed in hot soapy water and left to air dry...weekly. It was never our favorite pan. In fact for a very long time I didn't think I liked cast iron, but when my grandma gave me a box of cast iron skillets for my apartment in college I finally got a clue.

Ever since I've been transitioning to a full on cast-iron cooking experience. This skillet and lid complete my quest and I'm happy to say it's all I hoped it would be. The thing about cast iron is that is really does get better with age, my 9 year old 12" is by far my best pan. Non-stick, even heat....I really do love it. But what I really love is that for those recipes that ask you to fry up something in a skillet, then bake it...you've completely omitted a step AND a dish. For a lazy girl like me...tres fabulous.

(New cast iron skillet not pictured...sadly.)

Beef n' Beans with Cheesy Biscuits
Adapted from Pillsbury

1lb ground beef
1/2 of a medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 slices thick cut hickory bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1-7.5oz refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
2 Tablespoons melted butter
4oz. Shredded mild cheddar or monterey jack

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. In a 10" oven-safe skillet brown beef, onions and garlic over medium high heat until thoroughly cooked. Drain off fat and return to heat, adding bacon.

2. Stir in soup, chili powder and crushed red pepper, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Separate dough into 10 biscuits and place on top of beef mixture. Brush with butter and top with cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and biscuits are golden.

Cook's Notes:

- If you don't have an oven safe skillet, use an 8x8" glass baking dish or 2 quart casserole that has been lightly greased.

- You can use a tube of jumbo refrigerator biscuits, bake at the temp and time on the biscuit container.

The Home Cook: M&M Cookies

2009-06-09T08:21:00.003-06:00

It's raining.

Again.

This is the second summer that South Dakota has felt more like Seattle, or what I would expect Seattle to feel like since I've never actually been there. The sky is heavy and gray, the mountains are wrapped in a blanket of mist and remind me of something from Tolkien. It makes for miserable moving weather and that right there is the problem. In the middle of all this mist, rain and fog I'm moving.

Actually it would be more accurate to say WE are moving; the architectural firm I'm with is pulling up roots and heading to a new home. A place we designed, a place we own, a place that will be distinctly ours. This has been in various phases of planning, construction and more construction and even more planning for the last 24 months...even longer than that if we go back to the very germ of the idea. This week, on Friday, we're finally at the finish line. There are lots of little things that will have to be done after we move and we probably won't be really truly settled for a few more weeks, but as of Monday our little company has a place to call it's own.

Unfortunately the weather is refusing to acknowledge the occasion. Instead of sunshine and warm early summer breezes, mother nature has bestowed us with three weeks of cloudy days and rain. While spirits are high there are always ways to enhance our good cheer, even if the sun refuses to cooperate.

Since a great deal of the final installation work is being self performed by our architects, CAD technicians and a lonely interior designer there have been a lot of hours spent together over the last few weekends and evenings. Saturday and Sunday was spent installing a semi truck load of casework and while I'm handy with a small range of tools this was a little beyond me. I did what I could, but there are only so many shelves and handles that need fussing, after that I was more audience than assistance. To keep myself out of the way, I took myself off to the kitchen and baked up something to celebrate our good fortune and hard work. Something cheerful and sure to bring a smile to the faces of everyone in our firm and all of the friends and family that have been helping us.

Who needs the sunshine when we can have a bite sized rainbow?

M&M Cookies
Adapted from AllRecipes.com

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups M&M's

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together sugar, shortening and butter until well combined. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and baking soda to creamed mixture. Blend well.

Stir in M&M candies. Refrigerate dough for one hour or overnight.

Set dough out and allow to warm for 30 minutes before dropping dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for 3-5 minutes and remove to rack too cool completely.

Cook's Notes:

- The cookies are very soft when they first come out of the oven, allowing them to cool on the sheet sets them up with out over baking and makes it possible to get them off the cookie sheet in one piece.

- The parchment keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps them keep their shape.

- The dough does not have to be refrigerated, but I've found chilling cookie dough for a few hours always makes the flavor better.

- These cookies have a relatively short shelf life, they start to get stale around day 3.

Rockin' Out: Beatles

2009-05-29T10:37:00.004-06:00

I know I've been gone, but news! I have news (Fourth story from the top)!

The Beatles are reissuing their entire original catalog in a remixed box set and a mono box set. I'm sure you're all as THRILLED as I am. Who wouldn't be?

Just in case you're wondering I'm planning to be back with real content this weekend.

No, I don't expect you to all be thrilled stupid with me, but man...it's the god damned Beatles!

The Crafty Bits: Malabrigo Scarf

2009-05-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

I some how end up doing scarves in the spring. It makes about as much sense as knitting a tank-top in November and saps the instant right out of instant gratification. Yet it's not all bad, I have a pretty scarf tucked away for that first crisp day in October, something to reflect on in the late August when the sun is trying to bake us into oblivion and the idea of one more raspberry lemonade is threatening to drive me over the edge.

As it stands today is sunny, 67°F, a light breeze out of the north with a black bird singing in the thicket behind our office. Definitely not scarf weather, but then I'm over scarf weather...for the time being anyway...so it's all balanced in some zen karmic sort of way.

Sometimes when you start a knitting project you quickly find the yarn and needles aren't doing what your head wants. So was the case with the Malabrigo yarn. The knitting just didn't feel right and when working with such lovely yarn it felt like a crime to push forward if it wasn't 100% there. As it turns out, knitting wasn't what I had in mind.

Surprisingly it was crochet. I tend to find crocheted pieces bulky, less artistic and less flattering than knit pieces. The drape isn't as nice, the lines are messier...in general there's something not quite polished, about crochet (which if you've seen Zach and Miri Make a Porno (filthy yet hilarious) can be a good thing.) (Those are links to the knit/crocheted goodies that flooded that movie...not porn...just to clarify.) and that's generally enough to keep me on the needles and away from the hook.

In this case though I wanted the messy heavier texture of crochet; something unstructred. Mostly because I adored a scarf from a 2008 Martha Stewart article on breast cancer. After trying a half dozen different stitches, this way and that I landed on a British stitch that had a passing resemblance to the scarf in the magazine. The wonderful suprise was how well the stitch pulled out the colors of the yarn in an almost impressionistic way. Instead of intermitent stripes or bands of colors, they splash together and create a gorgeous ripple across the scarf. All in all I'm thrilled...even if I do have to wait four months before I can wear it for more than five minutes.

The Crafty Bits: Diamond Rib Socks

2009-05-04T13:31:00.000-06:00

I once read that there are 'types' of knitters. People who knit to enjoy the end result, people who knit to enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques/stitches and people who knit just to knit (I think this means they knit just because they like the experience...). Mostly I fall into the second group, the feeling of victory after mastering something that was previously unknown is pretty awesome. That said, the part I really like about knitting is playing with the color and texture of yarn.

There is something immensely gratifying about finding a beautiful yarn and paring it with a stitch or texture that really give the final product that, "Oh, wow!" factor. There's a moment in each project when you start to get a feel for what the final product will look like...it's wonderful when you can see everything coming together and complimenting each other. The stitch brings out the color of the yarn while the color enhances the visual texture of the stitch. Very awesome stuff.

In someways I think I'm a bit entraced by this, in part because of my real-life job. Interior design is all about the play of color, texture, pattern and light....knitting is, for the most part, the same thing on a much smaller scale. I've only recently gotten comfortable enough with the howforwhytoos of knitting to really get into these aspects, but considering that I spent an hour yarn shopping on Saturday looking for just the right yarn to go with a texture I'm considering, I'd say I'm already pretty committed to the aesthetics end of the craft.

These socks are from Sensational Knitted Socks and use the Diamond Rib pattern from the 8 stitch section, I lifted the Eye of Partridge heel from a neighboring pattern because the play of the leg pattern and the echo of the diamond in the heel is beautiful. The yarn is Creatively Dyed Luxury yarn (Merino/Cashmere - definitely not everyday socks!) in Coffee Bean from The Loopy Ewe. The pair isn't done just yet, but since I finished the heel last night, I'm pretty close. After that I've got to do something with the hand-dyed yarn I bought on Saturday.

I can't wait to see if the pattern I've got in mind will work out.

Scribbles in the Margin: E.B. White

2009-04-30T21:44:00.002-06:00

Two of my favorite things:

- The sound the spine of a book makes when it's opened for the very first time.
- The smell of a brand new (or very old) book.

Until they can make a digital media reader that can duplicate those sensations I won't be giving up my non-P.C., environmentally unfriendly tomes. It's not that I'm a Luddite or technologically unsavvy or a throw back to an older generation (I have my share of tech, I adore MarioKart and I'm only 29) it's just that I love the entire experience of reading a book. An honest to God, made out of trees and toxic glue - book.

I like the heft of a hard cover, the feel of the edges of the pages as they transition from crisp to supple, the smell of the paper and ink and the way a paper back forms to you as you read it from beginning to end. It's easy to over look, but there is a very simple pleasure in a very good book.

One Man's Meat

It seems fitting that as I'm pondering a rather "old school" stance on the physicality of literature, I'm doing so with a copy of E.B. White's One Man's Meat on the night stand next to me. Written between 1938 and 1942, White's collection of essays (written for Harper's Magazine) follow his transition from New Yorker to ruralist and I'd be flat-out lying if I said I didn't feel envious of his ease with the written word. Whether he's describing the antics of his dachshund or the unease of his new rural environment, White's writing flows along smoothly, hitching only where he wants it to.

Of course I didn't start with One Man's Meat, and it certainly hasn't been the first stop on the road. The first book I picked up was Charlotte's Web (first 19 years ago and then again in January) and while I like the book, the idea that EB White had been professional columnist for grown-up publications was much more interesting to me than EB White: Award Winning Children's Author. And so I picked up his most popular book, Essays of EB White...

Essays of E.B. White

...a collection of essays White wrote for the New Yorker on such a wide range of topics that the table of contents reads more like a card catalog than anything else. He writes about the World's Fair, the end of the Model T, Sears and Roebuck catalogs and just about anything else that tripped his fancy. Never shocking or lurid, he always feels like gentleman story-teller. I'll share something else, my favorite essay section is the first one, observations and telling moments about his life on the farm...which is how I ended up at One Man's Meat a few weeks later. A bit convoluted, sure...but worth it. There is something entirely relaxing about the reflections of a life before cell phones, laptops, MP3 players and Kindles on the page instead of a screen.

A few more times through and the cover will curl just right.

The Crafty Bits: Pirate Mitt(ens)

2009-04-27T11:44:00.004-06:00

I'm not really sure where I want to start, but I have a few things floating about that seem like fun things to share. I'm pretty much knee deep in yarn right and quite frankly I can think of worse things to be overwhelmed with. So...let's get this show on the road!

Things on the needles (or hook in one case) include a pair of socks, a scarf, a stocking cap and a pair of mitt(ens). Can you tell I didn't get my winter knitting done? The craft box is just about bursting at the seams. As you can clearly see.

And just in case anyone is wondering, my craft containment unit is an oval reproduction hat box. So very AWESOME.

This is my "challenging project" a pair of two color fair isle skull mitts. Yes, skull mitts. I have a husband that won't let a pair of hand knit socks any where near his feet, but he would like some fingerless gloves for those cold winter evenings when he zombie slaying or flying a dragon to the far reaches of Azeroth. No, we don't have any children, why do you ask??

I don't have much more done than what's shown in the picture, but I have knit each pattern section multiple times to get the tension and holding style right for working with two yarns. It's been an interesting learning curve making the jump from one strand to two colors. I'm anticipating a fair amount of frogging to get these done so every ten row I'll be putting in a life line...or as I call them, "Oh Sh*t Save Points".

In the next week or so you'll get to see other goodies, but we have to space those things out ya' know? What else would I share...a post from the dog? Well...okay, yeah that might happen. She's pretty pissed about the decreased face time in 2008.

The Home Cook: Fried Chicken

2009-04-23T19:08:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be honest, I've got no idea what to say. To be frank, I'm out of practice and this draft recipe has been sitting in my "To Post" folder, mocking me for far to long. Clearly this is going to be messy. So instead of dallying around, waiting for inspiration or clear thought to strike, I'm just going to jump in and hope for the best.

Consider this my advanced apology.

Fried chicken. Everyone has a recipe. Like EVERYONE. This one is mine, well honestly, this one is my grandmother's. She crops up quite a bit around these parts doesn't she? For good reason I'd like to think. She's a good cook, seamstress, gardener, chicken tender, farmer's wife and grandma. We voted and we think we'll keep her, especially if it means we get chicken on holidays.

Not that chicken is a holiday food, by no means is that the case. Just ask any of her children who hate all forms of the bird based solely on the number of times they were forced to consume it between birth and moving out on their own. Thing is, Grandma's chicken? Delicious. It has more pop than most and has a wonderful flexibility that lets you fry it or bake it as your heart desires. Besides the unusual blend of ingredients I'd like to think the other "secret" is the fact that she raises her own birds...there's just something about free range, bug/grain fed fowl that is vastly superior to anything Tyson can knock out.

I feel like there should be lots more to say, but really...the food speaks for itself. So if you've got the chance, round up a hippie chicken (and by hippie Tim means organic, free range), cut it up, bread it and fry or bake it. It's pretty darn good supper.

Just like Grandma makes.

(Oven) Fried Chicken
Mary Ann Baker

1 cut up fryer hen
1 cup Biscuit Mix (Bisquick, Jiffy, etc...)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
2 teaspoons Paprika

2 Tablespoons Margarine, shortening or oil or enough oil to fry in.

For Fried Chicken:
In shallow dish or pie plate mix together biscuit mix and seasonings. Heat 12" cast iron fryer skillet with a 1/2" of oil over medium high heat. While pan and oil is heating, pat chicken pieces dry and roll in season mixture. When the skillet and oil is hot, place pieces in the skillet starting with the breast cut in the center. sear on each side and turn down heat to medium low. Cook chicken until center of breast piece is done and juices are clear.

(Oven) Fried Chicken:
Preheat oven to 425ºF.

In shallow dish or pie plate mix together biscuit mix and seasonings. Melt 2 Tablespoons of margarine in a 9x13x2" glass baking dish in the oven. While melting the margarine, pat chicken pieces dry and roll in season mixture. Remove the dish from the oven and brush melted butter over bottom of the dish. Place pieces in the dish starting with the breast cut in the center. Bake for 40 minutes. Turn each piece over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until center of breast piece is done and juices are clear.

Serve with corn and mashed potatoes (or cheesy potatoes - but don't hold your breath waiting for that recipe.)

Welcome Back!

2009-03-28T00:23:00.005-06:00

As of today the studying is over and the venture was successful.

Test passed and to celebrate the yarn has come back out.

Malabrigo Kettle Dyed...the really good stuff.

Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but man isn't it pretty?

The Crafty Bits: Game Day Afghan (F)

2009-03-23T09:07:00.001-06:00

We are being told to prepare for one helluva spring blizzard. Up to 18" of snow over the next 32 hours. Since it was 77°F yesterday I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the possibility of freezing rain, sleet and snow today. Part of me wants to whine till the sun comes back out the other part just wants to give up, go home and put some cookies in the oven.

Since winter seems to get one last hurrah, I figured it would be ok for me to have one too and what's the best way to celebrate an (potentially) impending snow-day? With an afghan. If the weather is going to be nasty it's as good of time as any to talk yarn. Well it's always a good time to talk yarn, but afghans are the quintessential winter project. Crafty fun and lap warmer all rolled into one.

I've done several styles in the past - granny squares, hideous lap afghans, ribbed, ribbed with eyelets...the list goes on and on. This is the first stripped ribbed afghan though...I can't say it was a ball, but then I was in such a hurry to get it done as a Christmas gift that I wasn't as exacting as I usually am. To say this particular one has fluff-up induced character is understating things mildly...very much so. But it's done and the Packer fan in my life was very happy with his Christmas gift.

The ripples are off because it's hard to lay them out
neatly...also because some rows may or may not have
some extra / missing stitches.

But that's just between us.

Dark Olive, Golden Yellow and Antique White...maybe not
the most beautiful of color combinations, but then I'm not
in charge of selecting team colors for the Packers.

You work with what you can I guess.

Project FAQ:

The Pattern is Terry Kimbrough's Rustic Ripple from the Beginner's Ripple Afghans Booklet from Leisure Arts.

The Yarn is Hobby Lobby Brand I love this Yarn! Solids in Dark Olive, Antique White and Dark Yellow. The yarn is soft and crotchet's nice for an acrylic, but it has an odd swimming pool smell when washed.

The Crafty Bits: GentleWOmen's Socks (F)

2009-02-23T09:05:00.001-07:00

I said March, right? I lied.

Due to my inability to add, divide, multiply, calculate percentages, memorize complex equations and generally do maths - I've rescheduled my exam to late March. That probably means very little to you, but to me it's a very, very good thing. So while we wait for the end of March to arrive, I've got a few things loitering around on my jump-drive just waiting for their day in the sun. Namely SOCKS! I think I'm in love with socks. Well, there's very little "think" about it...I am. I lurve knitting socks. Mostly because they are sooo wonderfully portable and fast and varied. Yay for socks.

So, what can I tell you about socks? These in particular. Well they're lovely, but you can see that for yourself. The cuff is a simple 2 stitch rib, while the leg is a railroad stitch I filched from Nancy Bush's Gentleman's Fancy Socks. The original pattern called for a sized and shaped leg, but since these were gift socks and measuring someone's calf would put a damper on the whole surprise aspect, I did a straight leg. I kept the Round (French) heel but swapped out the round toe for a 3 point star toe because ...well there was no sound logic; I just liked that toe and wanted to try it. Oh yeah and these socks were originally sized for a dude, so there's that. I had to reduce the cast on stitches and size for a much smaller ladies foot.

They knit up in a snap...well, until it came time to do the last few rows of the decrease on the toe of the second sock. (Yeah most people would struggle with the first sock, not me. I like to be different.) For some reason I kept dropping the last two stitches. It was frustrating...there was cussing. LOTS of cussing but in the end the toe was subdued and voilá - SOCKS!

Project FAQ:

Pattern: Pieced together from Nancy Bush's Gentleman's Fancy Socks and the three point star toe, both from her Knitting Vintage Socks book.

Yarn: Knit Picks Felici yarn in Patina

Hiatus

2009-02-07T19:06:00.002-07:00

So, you may have taken note of my non-appearance of late. It's apparently that time of year when I hole up for a few hours every night to study for a test.

End of February I'm taking one last certification exam, covering material I'd rather burn than learn with only one opportunity to pass before they go and change the version of the system I'm trying to learn. No pressure or anything. Anyway, I'll be back in March. Till then happy...ah, late winter? not quite spring? Whatever.

I'll see you soon.

The Craft Bits: Ribby Wrist Warmers (F)

2009-01-21T09:00:00.002-07:00

Welcome back to the Knitter's Holiday Showcase - Christmas 2008!

It's not really that bad...well yeah, it is. Today is item #4 Ribby Wrist Warmers. These were done for my sister. Mostly because these day's she's killing time working her job at a fast food restaurant waiting for someone to be so totally stunned by her resume that they come and whisk her away from the pain and misery of working at a fast food restaurant. The one thing she does most often is work the drive up window and during the 9 months of cold weather in these parts, that's a lot of time with blue frigid hands.

The pattern is from, yet again, Speed Knits by Kris Percival. There seems to be a pattern developing here...things that knit fast. The reason being that I am not the most organized person so in September when I started planning for Christmas I realized that I didn't exactly have the time or talent to knit a lot of things that take, well, time or talent. If I were going to try and knit things to give...well, they'd have to be pretty easy and pretty fast in order to have them competed by Christmas instead of by Labor Day the following year.

The pattern itself was pretty much a cinch and the end result was a rather cool waffle weave texture. The yarn is Knit Picks swish super wash charcoal (yes...more swish...it's a nice yarn!). Unfortunately considering the environment that she'll be working in, wool was not the best type of yarn to go with with the exception of how warm they'll be, but honestly there aren't many synthetic yarns that go well with the types of fats and sugars these are going to be exposed to, which is why if she wants another pair for outside of work or a replacement pair they're all hers.

The Home Cook: Aunt Margaret's Pancakes

2009-01-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

We've talked pancakes before and if that recipe is the Cadillac of pancakes then this one is the family car. It's sturdy, reliable and gets you where you want to go with a minimum of fuss.

I can see the original recipe card in my mind. It's one of those with a little fruit design on the upper left corner, filled out in a beautifully elegant hand writing - Aunt Margaret's Pancakes. It's worn soft, the ink is discolored in a few places from drips of batter and melted butter; the entirety of the instructions take up two sentences. (I've elaborated a bit for clarity.) It's one of those recipes that you just know has been the staple of someone's kitchen for a good long time. For good reason, this is the classic of pancakes; a soft airy interior with just enough dense cakiness to hold a generous dollop of butter and a good pour of maple syrup. This is what Hungry Jack and Aunt Jemima wish their pancakes were.

I'm not sure I've mentioned how I got most of my family recipes. Some people grow up leave home and make their own cooking tradition, others call mom as needed to get a recipe when the craving strikes...I spent an entire summer copying recipes onto cards before I ever left home. And yes, I did have a little box with 35 or so of my family's recipes with me...even when I lived in the dorms. I think I was the only person who ever used the community room oven. This has been my go to pancake recipe since I was paying rent on an unlevel, harvest gold electric range and is in heavy rotation today while I pay a mortgage on a almost level, almond gas range. The origins are pretty clear - Aunt Margaret - but not MY Aunt Margaret, she's actually my Great-aunt. She is one of the many women I know that PROVES there's no cooking like the cooking of a Midwestern farmer's wife. Serve these with a side of bacon an and egg of your choice and you won't be hungry till lunch.

Margaret's Pancakes

2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup Butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1 3/4 cups Milk
1/4 cup White Vinegar

Beat together all ingredients except vinegar until smooth using a wire whisk or electric mixer.

Heat griddle and lightly coat with oil or butter. When griddle nearly hot stir vinegar in the batter. Do not over stir after vinegar has been added or pancakes will become dense and heavy. Cook pancakes until golden on each side and serve or place into a warm 225-250F oven until entire batch is done.

The Crafty Bits: A Stocking Cap and Mittens (F)

2009-01-16T10:28:00.002-07:00

No, I have not fallen off a cliff...it just seems that way.

If I recall we were looking over the bounty of Christmas knittables I gave as gifts...garter stitch scarves were the first things and now it's time for numbers 2&3 in the list of Shhh...tuff Kelli knit.

So before we dive in, lets consider this...what does one buy someone for Christmas when they're just 14 months old. Let's just say I had a hard time answering that very question this year...it's kind of a toughie since I'm not hip on toys...or clothes...or anything else a newly ambulatory little man might need. Plus gift transportation was an issue. (Compact car, dog & kennel, suitcases, gifts, laptops...we don't travel light!) So Mr. Max got a hat and mittens and Dr. Seuss. I figure you can't go wrong with things to keep you warm or build-up future brain power with top notch word play ...

"This one, I think, is called a Yink.
He likes to wink, he likes to drink.
He likes to drink, and drink, and drink.
The thing he likes to drink is ink.
The ink he likes to drink is pink.
He likes to wink and drink pink ink.
SO...if you have a lot of ink,
then you should get a Yink, I think."

Ahem, so back on track. This swirl stocking cap made up a portion of the hat/mitten gift. Done in Knit Picks Swish Superwash yarns Lawn and Bok Choy and the pattern is from the book, Knitting for Peace. The book itself is a lovely read with lots of stories documenting the many good deeds of knitters across the United States. The pattern wasn't so lovely. I'm still not exactly sure what the problem is/was but the swatch gauge and the final product...not so similar. there was WAY more stretch in the hat and the size it told me to knit it to was much, much to large. I ended up frogging back half of what I had knit and working the brim from there for slightly taller than intended gnomish hat. It's cute and swirly, but it should be knit it much tighter next time. (Assuming my gauge is what loosened up and not that the needle sizing was incorrect.) In the end it worked out fairly well and is pretty darn adorable.

The mittens are also from Knitting for Peace and were sooooo fast I had them done in an afternoon. I think I may have done the thumb gusset backwards...I'm not really sure how, but they just didn't quite look right. Or maybe I just didn't know what I was doing or looking at...either/or. Regardless, they are mittens - with thumbs - that Max will out grow before the hat ever fits. It's probably a good thing there's lots of yarn left over.

And this is Max.
This is also how he looks these days since most
of his time is spent running away from you.

The Crafty Bits: Garter Stitch Scarves (F)

2008-12-29T08:56:00.003-07:00

I've been teasing you for months with talk of super-secret crafting of the non-sharable giftable variety and now the time has come to share, share, share. Though I was sneaky and did get one post in about a garter knit scarf, if you recall Lilly did me the favor of using her very best Doris Day to model it for us.

That one went to Sharon and since that fateful post in August I knit two more...

...one in Swish Bulky's Verdant Heather for my sister in law Robyn and...

...one in Tidepool Heather for my sister in law Becki.
(I may not be the most inspired gift giver.)

They're all wonderfully soft and fun and so incredibly easy that it's not even funny. The pattern came from Kris Percival's book Speed Knitting: 24 Quick and Easy Projects which, for a new-ish knitter cannot be a better buy. There's a fabulous range of usable/giftable projects that work up super fast. There isn't much for an intermediate knitter, but if you're short on time or just trying to get a few projects under your belt before you move onto more difficult fare, this would be a good place to start. Experienced knitters, my not be as challenged as they'd like, but when you need a good quick project this wouldn't be a bad place to start.