Sorry I’ve not updated- I swear- we’re still (for the most part) on the slow food wagon So much so- that my bread machine croaked!  (I’ll remedy that soon enough- for now- it’s whole wheat the old fashioned way.  Just a note- bread dough under fingernails- as bad a s dirt- just saying.)

I’m now officially on a mission.  I WILL conquer Mozzarella.  However- thus far? Mozzarella is kicking mah bootay. 3 batches on 3 different days- various ingredients and I keep ending up with squeaky ricotta. I just cannot get the curds to smooth out!  If anyone has any input- I’d appreciate it- before I drown in whey.

Monday- we had whole wheat pasta primavera- sauteed veggies (fresh tomatoes, zucchini, onion, mushrooms) olive oil and garlic, topped it off with a bit of parmesan.  Next time, I need to double the veggie amount- (but since I didn’t measure… I’ll just make more) and probably add a bit of tomato sauce, but it went over fairly well. ( However the kids keep calling me a “food hippie” and asking if I’m going to “grow my own”… yes- they think they are hilarious. )

Tuesday, I used a batch of bread dough to make a nice calzone- type treat.  I used a batch of “fozzerella” (messed up mozzerella)  and some pesto— rolled it up in the dough with a bit of olive oil and baked.. served it up with a salad and fresh sliced tomatoes with sea salt and cracked pepper… I’ll try this one again- but will add black olives and sundried tomatoes

Yesterday- we cheated.  Pizza- ordered in.  oopsy. The little guys begged- I caved- what can I say?

Tonight- grilled pork chops- and veggies galore

Everyone is pretty much healed up from the dental day of oral surgery doom… and we’re busy playing catch up (school- house etc).

I’m knitting away- finished a loverly Tuscany Shawl- and cast on a “Shetland Triangle” Also working on An “Orange Smoothie” from More big Girl Knits… in Hempathy– again- the boys think thats HILARIOUS.. hemp giggle. teenagers. sheesh.

I was lucky enough to win a fantastic prize from Sheri at the Loopy Ewe

A Spring Fling Swag Bag!

WOW! Sheri is the best- Loopy Ewe is the best Online store ever.

In the bag is Wollmeise in a limited edition colorway… a loopy ewe mug- beautiful patterns  yarn samples and body treats…wow.  Just WOW!

http://theloopyewe.com

for all your yarny needs

More later- i’m off to the grocery- in search of fresh foods—-to convert to slow meals….

And maybe to oogle a new bread machine…… 

*Blink* *Blink*

That was pretty much my answer to my primary care physician a couple of weeks ago, when she asked me a question that I had NO answer for. (Me speechless? I know- it’s shocking.) We were discussing my (now plateaued) weight gain. “Trouble shooting”. (As if I may not KNOW what I’ve been doing wrong.) It started off fine… until she asked whether we’d had any dietary changes…. I said “You know, we’re probably eating more pre-packaged and convenience foods…”

That’s when she asked me “Why?”.   My response was this:

*Blink* *Blink* 

I didn’t want to say what I was thinking. “Ummm laziness…convenience…ease.”

I finally did answer after losing the ”she who speaks first, loses” game.  (My doc can be brutal when she needs too be, she just stood there looking at me waiting for an answer! ) My answer has bothered me, ever since. 

I did a pantry/fridge evaluation.  My pantry and fridge, both flunked.   Almost everything had an expiration date further in the future than my youngest son’s graduation.  Instead of actual foods listed in the ingredients, there were chemical combinations that sounded like diseases.  That can’t be good.

So- I’m doing a little experiment.  We’ll call it a “real-food experiment”.   My goal is not to lose weight or diet… (alhtough that would be nice but to eat actual food as opposed to chemical cocktails in ever-fresh packaging.  It’s May- and farmers markets are opening up, it should be fairly easy to find actual- real food.  I love to cook- and actually can do it… it’s time to stop being lazy.

Yesterday- we baked whole wheat flax seed bread and had whole wheat pasta with easy homemade pasta sauce. Yum. 

Today- Noah and I are making a second attempt at home made Mozzerella (yesterdays shall remain unmentioned… gross ) We’ll toss some more ingredients into the bread machine (I and I put chicken, canned tomatoes, black beans, onion, green peppers in the crock pot to cook all day.  I’ll serve it up over brown rice with a salad on the side. It wasn’t hard… but it’s all actual food.  No powdered cheese… no rice mix of salt with pseudo-flavoring…. just, real food.  There will still be plenty of treats and snacks…some “real food” and some “junk food”… but definitely a move towards the “real”. 

I can do it.. and I have the time… so I will.

Stay tuned- you’ll get to watch the wins and losses- enjoy

From the top left:  Whole Wheat Bread with ground flax. Home made pasta sauce.  Second row- OOPs thats not food… thats my Tuscany Shawl from “No Sheep For You” .. Indigo Moon Fingering weight yarn in Aubergine. I love it

Bottom row- What was supposed to be Mozzerella cheese- but someone accidently let it boil….That’s a loss. and real ingredients for today’s chicken dinner

Whole Wheat Bread Good for Toast-  I added 2 tablespoons of cold milled flax seed, and instead of oil, I used fresh butter .

Tracey’s Homemade Pasta Sauce:

fresh mushrooms, sliced

chopped onion, minced garlic, green pepper diced

turkey sausage (1 lb)

1 lg can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion

1 small can tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

Brown turkey and drain, add onion, garlic, green pepper, mushrooms, salt and pepper sautee until veggies are slightly softened. 

Add tomato sauce, tomatoes and tomato paste.  Stir and simmer until pasta is ready.  (about 45 minutes) Serve with  your favorite whole wheat pasta

Today’s dinner-

Chicken and sauce-

Whole chicken cut up

Can tomato sauce

can tomato paste

can of black beans

onion, garlic and green pepper chopped, salt and pepper (I’m part Italian.. can’t cook without these ingredients

toss everything in the crock pot, and cook until you are no longer afraid to eat it (I usually cook on high for 5-6 hours) Serve over steamed brown rice Maybe with a few grates of parmesan or fresh mozzerella.

We were in our “fence free” yard.  I was knitting away, DH was doing the “commentary” for my youngests’ individual soccer tournament. (Interestingly enough, he always wins when he plays with invisible opponents- however it’s usually a close game … he’s all about the sports drama. ) Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed 3 varied sized potential soccer players, hovering at the invisible line that divides our yards.

“Hey- go ask if they want to play” I called to the soccer meister. 3 “real” players joined him almost immediately.  My youngest introduced himself- and they returned in kind. However- my little guy kept asking their names.  They were not names he was familiar with. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and just went with it.  An epic game of “make up the rules as you go” soccer soon unfolded.  A chair and a soccer net were the goals.  Dandelion clumps marked the sidelines. Much cheering and laughing rang out.

After awhile, the soccer game dissolved, and all of the kiddos were watching me knit.  I have a few ideas why watching my knitting was more interesting than the playscape or soccer net.  Magic, rhythm and color are kid magnets for sure!  But, even I, was surprised by what happened next. “I always wanted to learn to do that!  Can you teach me?”  Said the doe-eyed female soccer player who had held her own playing against 2 boys.

“Sure can” I went inside to search out needles and yarn that would work for a quick project.  In a few minutes, she had caught the basic stitch.  She quickly declared she’d “Teach everyone at school.” Then she started planning her next projects…”How long will it take to finish?  I want to finish this today!”  Her excitement was contagious, and soon her older brother wanted in on the fun. 

I came back from inside with another set of yarn and needles.  He was quick to catch on as well. We all chatted and knit until their mom’s voice called from next door. “Time to go!”  They were next door visiting Grandma.  I told them they could keep the knit supplies, and to keep practicing. It was getting chilly and nearly dark- so my youngets and I went int too. 

After a few minutes- I heard happy chatter out back.  The staccato of foreign language filled the yard. I went out to find my neighbor- (who speaks little english- I’d assumed) Happily helping her grandkids knit away.  The gentleman soccer player was telling Grandma she wasn’t do it the way I’d showed him.  I went over- and found that yes- actually she was.  I learned to knit “middle eastern… eastern uncrossed” or “combination or continental” style.  My lovely, Lebanese neighbor knit the same way.  Funny- continents-religion and language barriers instantly seemed to melt away.

We’ve always done the “suburban smile” greeting and said “Hi”.  However, that has been the extent of our conversation. (If that even counts as conversation)  But this day- I heard about a sweater knit for her husband and her enjoyment of knitting with her grandkids.  I met her daughter-in law- and found myself sounding like an older female version of my youngest, as I asked and repeated her name several times, before I finally got it right. In the 7 years or so that we’ve been neighbors, this was the most conversation we’ve had. 

I’m excited about the potential knit- pal I’ve found.  And about the kiddos who’ll be coming back to visit, knit and play soccer with my little guy.  This week- instead of knitting in my house- or knitting in the backyard- I think I’ll move to the porch and see if  anyone want to join me Amazing, what finding a common interest can do for your neighborhood

Once in a while the stars align and everything hits the fan at once.  This is one of those days.  My oldest son had to have emergency oral surgery this morning, and the yougest is having some dental work done as I type.  (I’m a big wuss- Daddy does dental duty) At the moment- there is a giant whiskered chipmunk on the couch next to me.. playing video games to distract himself from the pain.  ( he says he likes laughing gas, btw

Now, I’m waiting to hear how the youngest does.  He was excited to go to the dentist.. but I’m anticipating that he’ll be over the excitement by the time he gets home. 

I’d appreciate prayers for my guys….(and their wuss-mom) I hate not being able to “kiss the boo-boo and make it better” Truth is- sometimes the best you can do- is be there with them in the pain.  And while I’m not at the dentist with them- I sure am here when the numbness wears off….

This is what I’m doing for distraction…

It’s the “Tuscany Shawl” from “No Sheep For You” By Amy SInger- Can’t tell you how many I saw at the Knitters Frolic- much more beautiful in person!  A “must make” in my book

more when we recover- ts

A knitting adventure?  Is that an oxymoron?  I can assure you, it’s not.  (Contrary to the border guard who giggled on my explanation of the trips purpose.)  I know- because this weekend I had one. An international adventure of epic proportions. I went to Toronto for the More Big Girls Knit Book Launch at Lettuce Knit! Which just so happened to coincide with the DKC Knitters Frolic. (Yes- the border guard also thought that explanation equally, HILARIOUS.) 

I know, I know- I went to the first launch and wrote about it already.  What can I say?  It was such an amazing experience, I wanted more. That’s exactly what I got. MORE.  More of the same- and yet, something even better.

What really struck me this time, was the people and the knitting community that is Toronto.  Planning a trip to Lettuce Knit- was a thrill. I’m a long time reader (ok ,stalker) of YarnHarlot, Amy, Jillian,(- a fellow Michigander- but in her heart, she’s Torontonian) Jen, now also- Indigodragonfly and a number of other Torontonian knit blogs…all of whom are Lettuce Knit regulars, and share their incredible experiences there with readers.  Ocassional skeptic that I am, I had wondered if it was all hype.  I wondered “Could it really be that great?” I also wondered how the regulars would respond to a loud, foreign invader.

Actually- I was a little (ok, a lot) nervous. I mean- these people actually know each other!  They have a history together. I didn’t want to feel like a third wheel- or a party crasher.  Worse yet, I didn’t want to feel like a knit-reject. Clicks (or should I say cliques?) are an international phenomenon… one I’ve experienced before, and don’t like.  But not this weekend.  Not with these knitters and not at this shop.  By the end of the evening- I felt like one of the girls. ( except I talk funny, apparently…)

I should back up a bit.  The day had started much earlier, however, at the Frolic.  I met Danielle and Indigodragonfly and we were quick to hit it off. Danielle and I could just about keep pace with each other in the verbal arena. (I think we near wore out Indigodragonfly!)  And at one of the first booths we visited together, Indigodragonfly and I discovered we’re fibre (that spelling is for my new Canadian friends) twins!  (Which could have led to fibre fights, but didn’t, as we’re both, quite sweet.)  We quickly developed a rather symbiotic relationship- helping each other choose and buy, yarn.

Between the Frolic and the launch party- we hung out for a bit and talked - then I was invited to dinner at “The Big Fat Burrito”.  The infamous haunt of Lettuce Knitters!  I had the most incredible steak burrito- which I shared with a homeless guy.  (politics aside- we have to find an answer (answers) to homelessness…just sayin’ ) Then, we walked to the shop for the launch. 

Lettuce Knit is located in Kensington Market.  Which- is just that- an amazing “find everything and then some ” kind of neighborhood/market. The doors are open- goods of all sorts are displayed on racks and stands on the street. There are luscious fruit stands are on every corner.  (At one stand the mangos were so irresistible- that a little guy, probably 4 or so, kept swiping one off the table, to try for a taste.  his mom kept putting them back and telling him “no”.  However, the tiny brilliant and innovative comedian, kept reaching for another.  FInally, in a Mom’s desperate move of distraction- she held his arms over his head, laughing. The brilliant creativity of Kensington must have rubbed off on him- as he immediately leaned forward, mouth open, and bit a mango “”bobbing for apples” style!  (I immediately fell in love with him, and would have tucked him into my bag had it not already contained a lifetimes worth of yarn!)

Kensington Market was a sensory overload of the very best kind,  no sense was left un-touched.  My nose was treated to a caucophony of aromas. (A pretty good trick, as I lost much of that sense, to a nose job years ago)   Scents shifted from delightful to obnoxious within just a few feet. The scent of fresh (well, mostly fresh )  fish, bread, fruit, meat and humanity all created a perfume that will be forever etched in my mind and entitled ”Kensington Market #5.”  (Maybe not marketable, but definitely un-forgettable.)

In addition to sights, textures and scents- there was music both lyrical and lingual, everywhere!  It poured from the doorways, sound systems and from street performers.  Voices added to the music with a bass beat of barter and chatter. It was amazing.  It was life, concentrated.  I think it was there, that I fell in love with Toronto. (I was also glad to have someone leading me around, or I’d have wandered aimlessly -albeit contentedly- for weeks!)

Still nervous- (I was, anyways) we made our way through people and sights.  I thought maybe it was the burrito when my stomach flip-flopped as we came up to the street that houses Lettuce Knit.  It wasn’t the burrito- it was nerves. Then, I saw it. There were knitters everywhere, on every step of the porch and on chairs, in both the front and backyard!  knitters were smiling, chatting (and knitting- of course) and helping with projects and color choices.  There were kids eating cupcakes, giggling and performing. (kids love an audience, and in these knitters they sure had one!) There was much passing of babies, and I could just about hear ovaries bursting with ripened eggs at the sight of them.  (They were truly, that cute)

The atmosphere was great,  energetic and fun.  It was like Sesame Street came to life. (If Sesame Street suddenly became a bit PG 13.)  I started shopping as soon as I got in the door, ok maybe a second or two before actually getting IN the door.  The shop is tiny- but LOADED with the very best of knitterly goods. 

Soon- a fabulous Irish band arrived, and started playing the most beautiful music!  Within minutes of arriving women were again transformed by the designers magic.  There were cupcakes.  There were sweaters. (Yes- the Bountiful Bohus will also eventually be mine)  There were door prizes!  (I won the most incredible Jordana Paige Knit bag!-see pics) There were knitters everywhere. It was fabulous.

Beyond the shopping potential and pure eye-candy of the place, there was a pervasive feeling of home.  My nerves over how these knitters would receive an outsider, were totally unfounded.  It was an amazing group.  Everyone I met, had a story,  design sense, a sense of humor and or creativity that was remarkable, and they were quick to share them.   A hotbed of design and designers surrounded me.  I had a few questions about patterns (as every yarn I saw was begging to be immediately knit-up) when I threw them out to the group- each was met with, “Well, ask____ she’s over there, she designed it!”  I was amazed, and a little (ok, a lot) awe-struck.

After my visit, I think I have a better understanding of knit-community and what it can be.   I can see how this atmosphere of synergy, encouragement and creativity have birthed so many designers and artists of color, texture and word. I was sad to leave Lettuce Knit- the Knitty crew and MBGK Team .  I will miss them and the Toronto they daily enjoy.  But, they’ve inspired me to get involved in my local knit community and see what it can become. I mean- if Canadians can tolerate me… maybe a few Americans can as well!)

More after I catch up on laundry– (is that even possible? Probably only if my family spends a few days in a nudist camp- which ain’t happening…) 

PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY!

Once in a while, you just gotta play hookie from routine. That’s what my family is doing for the next couple of days!  We’re off an a little international adventure.  As any good adventurer I’ve already had a test of my resourcefulness- see the pic to the right.  Yes.  That is yarn on a hotel lampshade.  I didn’t wind the next ball for my current project- and had to wind it once we arrived.  No one volunteered to hold the yarn hank for me- so I had to improvise Creative and resourceful- yep- that’s me

My husband travels (alot) for work- and we decided to join him for a few days.  Then- we’re extending the “work trip” and making it fun.  Toronto will be our “fun” destination.  This past month has been pretty stressful.  Between Hubby’s travel- our schedule and a speaking engagement I had this week-(I spoke on grief to a MOPS Group that had very recently- lost one of it’s Moms to breast cancer- if you’re the praying type- I appreciate your prayers for the ladies and family involved ) I’m  pooped.  I needed a rest and some fun- and so does my family.  So- we’re playing hookie from Real Life.

Why Toronto?  Well. Ummm. Quite possibly because I am crazy. Toronto is holding it’s annual “Knitter’s Frolic”  this weekend, and it happens to coincide with the More Big Girls Knits Ca Launch at Lettuce Knit.  There will be cupcakes, and knitters and yarn and and wonderful, creative, fun- people. After my first MBGK experience- How could I not go?  Being around people like that- refreshes and energizes me.

I won’t be dragging my poor  non-knitting family to the event- they will be off on their own adventure for the day However- I won’t be wandering the streets alone. Ravelry has provided me with a pretty incredible opportunity  to meet, IRL people I’ve met online. Truth be told- that breaks many of my personal internet usage-rules. I have teenagers and a young one- you know…IRL meetings of internet peoples…are generally discouraged

But this is different- these are knitters!  Knitters are a rather interesting bunch.  While there is diversity abound- there is a commonality and connection, that I find both intriguing and addictive. Internet “meetings” blog stalkings (hi Amy! Hi jillian!  etc…) are fine…. but somewhat flat.  there is a spark and energy that you just can’t get “online”.  Knitting events, groups and other events groups-like MOPS convention etc. give women a rare opportunity to connect over a common interest/ passion.

Of course- most believe that meeting people from the internets can be dangerous… and it’s often, true.  But so can going to the grocery store and meeting people IRL. (which I also do. ) Once in a while- you find yourself in a situation where the risk is outweighed by the potential.  This is one of those times.  (Now- this could all blow up in my face and I could end up meeting some serial knitter killer- but I doubt it I’ve done my homework in advance

In general- I’ve found- that people are worth the risk of getting to know. 

So look forward to a report on the adventures- complete with pics and commentary And- really- I encourage you to give people especially knitters)  a chance- you just might like them if you get to know them!

Edited to add- I told yuou we were playing hookie- hookie involves- jumping on the bed, A Candy party and (for mom) a trip to the yarn shop

We bought a ridiculous amount of candy (which is now gone) including white chocolate with ANTS in it.  The older boys dared me to eat one.  So I did. (gotta score points where I can) I’ll just say this- it didn’t taste like chicken  

Later this evening after Dh finished work- we went to the mall for dinner- and Noah visited Build a Bear Workshop. He is now the proud “bearent” of a Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey playing Penguin.

PS- please don’t tell my mom we were jumping on the bed- I may end up grounded…..

Youngest child:  “MOMMY! I want a popsicle!”

Mommy:  “No, it’s almost time for dinner.”

Youngest child: “I will eat my dinner-I promise! - I’m STARVING for a popsicle.”

Mommy:  “I said, NO.”

Youngest child: “PLEEEEEEASE?”  (voice pitch rising to a whine that only dogs can hear level…)

Mommy: “You can have one after dinner, not now.”

Youngest Child:  “MOMMY, I NEED a popsicle!”

Mommy: “If you ask me again- you won’t get any after dinner, either.”

Youngest child. Arms crossed. Brows furrowed. “You are the devil”.

I’ve been a mom for over 18 years I thought I’d heard it all…. I’ve been called a lot of things.. but really now, The Devil?  Hilarious. Told you- there are no popsicles in h*ll, because apparently I am the devil and do not allow them. 

Mental note- Next week buy nasty tasting sugar free popsicles…. that’ll teach him.

Should I prolong the excitement?  Should I tantalize you with statistics?  (over 220 entries Should I dazzle you with pics?  

Or should I just announce the winner?

Drumroll please…..

Congrats to Chezclutter!

                                                                           This is what happens while I                                                        do something… like print out 200+ entries…

Thanks to everyone for playing along and stopping by- I like to do a great giveaway about once a month- Check back and watch on Ravelry!

And- really- either buy the book/s or check them out at the library- (IF we want more books with patterns to fit- we better buy them up- let your dollars talk to the designers and publishers They are more than worth the investment- You will save money and time by knitting what works and FITS;) 

Don’t forget the Toronto Launch at Lettuce Knits- I’ll be there! Better yet- there will be cupcakes and THE SWEATERS for YOU to try on!!!!!

Details are at the Lettuce Knit site and on the knitty blog.  From the Knitty blog you can also click through to see the flickr stream of many of the sweaters on Knitters! Check it out- buy the book- cast on!  You’ll be glad you did!

What the heck- while you’re here… take a peek around

As discussed prior- clothes shopping can be pure torture.  There are few things that make me feel more lumpy, bumpy and ugly than trying on clothes that I love, only to have them NOT FIT.  It drives me straight to the shoe racks, I’m telling you.   Worse than the shoe rack- it’s driven me to want to be invisible.  At least in print.  I don’t let my picture be taken unless I’m making an obnoxious face- or hiding behind whatever creative cover I can find. Preferably- I hide behind the camera lens.  I take pictures-(partly)  so I don’t have to be in them.

Today- that was my plan, as per the norm.  Jillian had asked me to “model” for a few pics for Ravelry— I offered to bring my camera and TAKE pictures.  (ummm yeah I was chickening out However- something amazing happened when I walked into Threadbear. (well- something else amazing- after the scent of cup cakes and yumtastic yarn released me from their grip.) First- Amy and Jillian- the rockstars themselves- not only immediately made me feel welcome- but happily expected.  (HELLO? They are rockstars! That totally made my day they are both gracious, warm and fun- the trifecta of awesomeness!)

The best part? I watched them do the same, for every knitter they met. 

Then- I came face to face with “The Rack”.  The rack contained most of the samples from the book.  It was like an electro-magnet. I couldn’t help myself- In the middle of the shop- I stripped off my “protective” layer Zebra print sweater (no worries I was decent in a cami underneath) and proceeded to try on EVERYTHING they brought.  Yes- even things I thought I didn’t like. Yes- even things that aren’t “technically” designed for my particular “b” set. ( I’m a b ** bs and b **ty kind of girl

For the first time in my life- people were looking at me- and gasping.  (No lie- they did) Because so many things just plain looked amazing.  (Just a note- that is not a sentence I ever imagined writing I was thrilled- instead of trying on garment after garment and feeling worse and worse— everything did something to make me feel pretty.  WOW.  The rockstars- and their designs- made me feel like a rockstar!  Instead of hiding behind the camera- I let people take pic’s.  Instead of hiding in a change room so no one could see if something flopped and made me look awful no one could see… I felt like prancing around the room to show off my curves- in each design.  (OK- so maybe I didn’t just feel like prancing- I’m pretty sure I did

I walked into Threadbear feeling like a lumpy-fat (somewhat hairy-as I didn’t need to shave mah legs - no skirts in this book;)   albeit acceptably cute, caterpillar- but I left feeling like a butterfly.  I was not alone.  Over and over- I watched faces light up- as woman after woman felt her body skimmed to perfection.  Butterflies (and hot lookin “B’s”) were popping out all over.  Women used to being invisible, felt beautiful.  They showed their “stuff”… A few tears of thanks were shed.  It was fabulous.

It didn’t take long for the butterflies to become a community. (do butterflies do that? I think they do- these ones sure did!)  Knitters volunteered as personal shoppers- offering suggestions for what to knit first and what yarn to use and what was on sale;)   Colors were voted on-(and down.)  Compliments were everywhere. (Jillian likes mah butt. Thnx Jillian Suggestions for design changes were made.  The place was alive with creativity and laughter.  It was contagious, something I don’t mind catching - even at the tail end of flu season;)   Ravelry acted like a virtual switchboard.  Knitters made connections instantly, because so many had already “met” online.  “Hey!  you’re ________ on Ravelry! I know you!  Was heard all afternoon- most often followed with a hug and knitterly touching of the handknits. (Hey Kat- love you girl)

There was knitting, laughter, beauty, friends, rockstars who aren’t jerks….could a girl ask for more? No- but she got it anyways— there were cupcakes ‘n cake ‘n a SALE.  Whew… I’m verclempt.  

THANKS,  Threadbear- you rocked our socks off

Enough of the mush- here’s the Pattern review:

Susie Hoodie- Was everything I hoped it would be.  I will make this sweater.  It does things for a girls butt that just has to be seen to be believed. (Dreaming of making this in Dream in Color Classy- In vino Veritas)

Boo, Too- Totally something I thought I’d hate.  Looked sooo cute– (yes- even on me

Slipstream- Yep wonderful.

Mirage- we decided collectively this is a magic sweater- looked great on EVERY single peson who tried it.

Modular Spiral- It was voted as the sweater I must start today See pic. Ignore the “Belly” label on this one. It was b ** btastic!  (Amy and Jillian Made me swatch. Yes- I’m swatching- I love it that much) ALSO- someone must totally make this- with little skulls instead of the swirls)

Hot Cocoa- another- one that looked fab on everyone who tried it.  It just FEELS good on- and looks great. (double bonus in my book)

PeaPod Aran- Not for me.  However- It was spectacular on Kat- and most everyone who tried it.  There is something about the back that is just perfect….

Cable Love- Aptly named- and again a sweater that worked for everyone who tried it- regardless of their particular “b’s”

Folly II- Just plain cute.  Loads of ideas were tossed around to make it work for everyone who wants to knit it. 

Twisted-  It’s spectacular- I’m going to make it with a deeper V.  Definitely worth the cover- it’t gorgeous.

No-gap Wrap-  Perfect.  Watch the Ravelry projects- these are going to be popping up all over. Looked great on everyone who tried it.

Pastille- Wow.  The princess lines really rocked the “b’s.” I will be making one in higher contrast jewel tones (can’t wear pastels- and don’t like them) - and want to create a sweetheart neckline in place of the square one…. personalized for mah “b’s”;).

Guatemalan- This one did not look good on me.  (Which is fine cause it’s not mah style anyways

Summer Chevron- This one I thought I’d love- but didn’t so much.  Cute- but compared to some of the others- it was pushed lower in my “must make” list.

Orange Smoothie- Fabulous. Am thinking about adapting it into a dress (no worries I’ll wear it over a slip dress Looked great on everyone.

Goddess Shawl.  WOW.  alpaca/silk..beads.  Yep- LOVE it.  Made everyone hold their head up like royalty.  That’s gotta be a good thing.

Perfection- Everyone needs one. ’nuff said.

Big Clutch- just cute.  I’d stick a coordinating vintage pin or flower on it— but then I’m an over the top kind a girl.

Amy- Jilllian- Boys at Threadbear and every knitter who was there— thnx– you made a grown girl cry.  (The good one- no worries;) You brought me out from behind the lens, and into the pics.  (so post em already- cause I don’t have any!) You made me feel like a butterfly- instead of a roly poly bug.

*****Don’t forget to enter the contest.  (Leave a comment or PM me on Ravelry- TraceyinMichigan) The prize?  Yep- the best knitting book evah- More Big Girl Knits.

PPS- Crap.  I Have NO pics of Amy and Jillian, AND I forgot to have them sign my book…. What a dork. Sheesh.  Double crap- I forgot to pick up Curvy Knits— The cover sweater MUST be mine…..in purple maybe???? YUM

“Dear Clothing Designers, please get a clue”  Had nothing to do with the release of “More Big Girl Knits” .  But, it could have.  I now have copies of both BGK and MBGK.  The books are worth the price just for the shaping and pattern choice info alone!

Amy and Jillian offer candid information on how to make the most of your “B’s” (Belly, B ** Bs and B ** t) The designs are varied and flattering.  The sizing is good, and information on “doing the math” for an even better fit are easy to understand.  (Even for a math flunkee- such as me Many of the issues I complained about in the prior post- are specifically answered in the combination “library” of both books. 

There are hoodies that flatter without making you look like a football player.  Tanks that skim without showing every lump n bump (lovely lady or otherwise There are accessories that are proportional and stylish.  All in all- a great new book as well as a terrific set when you have both. 

I am in the “Netherworld” between plus sizes and misses… this book will help me fit my body but not look like a hag.  SCORE.  One of the biggest pluses to knitting- is the ability to produce truly custom fit designs. Custom fit clothes would otherwise be outside my budget

Now- If I could only knit faster….. And decide what to make first!

This weekend is busy, busy- I am helping host the MOPS International Leadership Summit for our area- so lots of little talks to finish up details to attend to and such.  Looking forward to a great and challenging day… I hope you attend if there is a Summit in your area- walk-up registrations are welcome! Yes- a Satellite Summit for Mothers.  AWESOME

Sunday- I’m planning on attending the More Big Girl Knits Book Launch at Threadbear in Lansing.  Jillian and Amy will be there- complete with cupcakes and the samples from the book;)  Can’t wait to try on and see what will work best for me! 

CONTEST: 

 In honor of the new book release- I’ll be giving away a copy here on the blog!  In order to enter- you’ll just need to either leave a comment on the blog or PM me on Ravelry (TraceyinMichigan) !  Good luck- contest will be open until April 17th at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time