willful wool

I bought this yarn when I was in college and have tried to make it into one thing or another without much luck.  It looks like it wants to be socks after all.  We'll see.  I'll play along, though I can't imagine walking around on something this cushy...

Have not yet figured out how to wash the dishes while knitting, but until that blessed day, I'll settle for washing the dishes with knitting.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is my mother's.  Ever since she made it for us last week when we visited New Jersey, I can't get enough.  It tastes like spring.  I've made it twice already and we eat it hot or cold.  It really lends itself to customization.  Use whatever vegetables you have on hand.  I usually replace the zucchini with an extra pepper.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

serves 8

1 ½ cups fresh mushrooms, halved
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups uncooked orzo 

1. Preheat oven to 400º.  
2. Place vegetables in a bowl and toss with oil and seasonings. 
3. Put vegetables onto a cookie sheet or 15”x10” glass pan coated with oil.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally 
5. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions (usually boil for 9 minutes). 
6. Drain, transfer to a serving bowl, and combine with roasted vegetables.

Love at first bite

There is something about fibery folks. They just want to spread the joy that is creating. I've done it dozens of times by pressing needles and yarn into hands, willing and unwilling alike. And today I got to be on the receiving end of that exchange of knowledge and obsession. Theresa from Paca Gardens taught me how to spin on her little ladybug spinning wheel. I'm smitten. Next Saturday can't come soon enough.

Yarn Along

I'm reading In the Shadow of the Workhouse, listening to The Club of Queer Trades, and trying to get up the nerve to start War and Peace with Suzie. 

I finished Lucy's eyelet cardigan a few weeks ago and immediately cast on for a tiny tea leaves while the needles were still warm.

This picture is completely inaccurate--I'm on the second button band.  I'll take a short break from sweaters to whip up a few hats for all the babies that are about to make their appearance in these parts, then maybe I'll cast on for a sweater for me.

Yarn Along: New Goals

I have been knitting up a storm this week, inspired by our lack of car and the weather. We had one day that was -14!  I just cracked open Baby-Led Weaning, and am on the lookout for a good audiobook.

So I churned out a cowl for Pete, who has been walking back and forth to work. Lucy got a heavy bonnet, which acts more like a hood. And I've been swatching for a scarf for myself without much luck.

I also powered through the yoke of Lucy's eyelet sweater throughout the day yesterday. She slept through knitting club again, the little doll. I kept knitting giddily and giggling quietly to myself the whole time, like I was getting away with something.

I am in the baby sweater zone right now, but I feel strongly that I should be making something for myself too. I made the Seam Allowance pledge (wearing at least 25% handmade every day) for both myself and Lucy. She is well on her way, but so many of my great handmades are either impractical for my new lifestyle (Alabama Chanin dresses without easy accessibility to the boobs) or ill-fitting (owl sweater, vest, other vest). I do have a few great long Alabama skirts that are indispensable, but I want to start knitting toward that goal too. So I think it's time to begin the planning for a sweater for me. Suggestions welcome!

Yarn Along: Catching Up

I have so much to share, but I'll try to stick to yarn and books and save the rest for later.

Lucy's Christmas Stocking flew off the needles super fast.  I'm not sure of the exact dates, but I think it took about 2 weeks.  I got the Manos on a recent trip to Princeton, NJ with my friend Emily.  I cast on almost immediately, which is always exciting.  It was done before I knew it--and now I am sure we'll struggle to fill it for years to come, as it is ginormous.  

Matt's hat, on the other hand, has been on the needles for almost 6 months.  I just finished it up today, before leaving for Knitting Group.  Miraculously, Lucy napped for the first few minutes, so I cast on for a baby bonnet to reward her good behavior.

I just finished The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Death, and Hard Times, by Jennifer Worth, which my sister loaned me.  It has inspired the PBS series Call the Midwife, which I also highly recommend.  I can't wait for the second installments of each!