This is the one knit that I feel would be a great first sweater for someone. Very little rib. (One row, I did two.) A few simple decreases. Stockinette. And voila. You have yourself a sweater that can be worn over and over. Over jeans. Over a dress. Over slacks. Over a skirt. And most importantly, over your jammies.
I'm as happy with this one as I am with my first one. I made one change. The pattern says that the hood is optional. Good. I opted out. I decided I was pretty much ready to be finished with it, and would love to have some extra charmed to make a pair of toast mitts.
Pattern: Slouchy Cardigan, Greetings from Knit Cafe (I see it is currently out of stock at Amazon. Hurry, call your library!)

Me: A fork? Really?

Okay. This may be something a bunch of you already know, however, it is something I just learned that makes life a little easier, so I thought I would share with you. Especially considering when I told jeeves about this (aka, mom) it was new to her. Shocking!
I read about it over on smitten kitchen. The perfect way to peel that fuzzy fur off a peach. Score an "x" on the bottom of the peach with a sharp paring knife. Slowly lower peach into a pot of boiling water. I had five peaches. I lowered each one in and by the time I got to my fifth peach, I then removed the first one I placed in. So, I think that I probably left each one in the water for about five seconds. Then, using the same paring knife, starting at the bottom where you scored it, peel the skin off. It was a dream. A dream, I tell you!

I honestly can not say enough great things about this book. I think it spent an entire week on my nightstand as I read it and enjoyed the photos before bed. Debbie Bliss could not have done a better job.
Not only are the patterns some of the cutest little knits I have ever seen, but the useful information in this book is beyond fantastic.
Filled with eighteen patterns including garments and accessories for babies and toddlers. (I would have SO been all over those top two sweaters for my Libby and the bottom two for my boys!)
She gives you the pattern and the knowledge and information on how to make it your own. You can sketch out your own design and implement it into the patterns provided. Or not. It is completely up to you. (Of course it is!)
And you guessed it. Tara over at SoHo publishing is offering this book to one of my readers. Leave me a comment between now and Monday the 26th at 12 pm EST and I will draw a name.

Make today special. Tomorrow, too.

It's usually not my thing. Knitting both sleeves at the same time.
But, my mother does it and she has repeatedly mentioned how great it is. They are always exactly the same, and there is something so rewarding about when you are finished, you are completely finished. Okay then, I'll give it a try, again. So, away I knit. Bound both off. Wow, that does feel great. Then, I held one up to my arm.... about 10 inches too long. I kid you not. Both sleeves are about 10 inches too long. (Distractions galore around here.) Now, that is a reason to NOT knit both sleeves at the same time.
My yarn arrived for this sweater. Oh, how lovely. I am resisting the urge to cast on until I finish my slouchy cardigan. Cause just like the sleeves, I am good with just one at a time.

Call me crazy. But, I just couldn't help myself.
We were out of dog treats. Charlie searched for a recipe.
And found Snickerpoodles, perfect for his love of snickerdoodles.
I did overcook them. Thankfully, Trouble doesn't mind a bit.

Googling is pretty awesome.
My recent google searches:

How it usually goes:
I get an email or a text from my sister, Shelly.
Shelly: time to change your header. Me: ideas? Shelly: paw prints (troubles), sprinkles, daisies. Me: sprinkles, as in rain? Shelly: sprinkles, as in ice cream! Me: k, :), xoxox

It's so great. Watching flowers come to life. Honestly, these beauties make me so happy. And to be able to enjoy these flowers from now until September. So good.

It's been warm around here. Mid to high 80's. No complaints.
Still, I knit away with lovely yarn while sitting at the pool. I started another slouchy cardigan. A.) Because I LOVE that sweater. (I think it has been my all time favorite sweater that has gotten the most wear of anything that I have ever knit.)

So sorry it took me so long to get back to you with the name of a winner. As usual, the beginning of the summer is pretty much kicking my butt. I'm craving a day where there is absolutely nothing on the schedule. Anyhow, the random number generator chose number 242. Martha, you are the winner of Veronik Avery's book. Please email me with your address and I will pop it in the mail.

You know what last weekend was? TNNA, where like past years, my mother and sister and I had an awesome girls weekend. I saw some amazing yarn, and MANY sweaters I would love to knit.
Check out this display at blue sky alpacas. Can you stand it? All those beautiful hand knits! I wanted to move right in. Posters and all. (Would love to make that sweater in the top right.)
Spud & Chloe. I know. Cute, cute, cute. (How about that baby and pattern in the poster!)
Classic Elite. One of my all time favorite booths to check out. SO many great patterns for the fall. I am in love with that sweater up there. That one over there. The one with the purple shirt under it. I know! I would love to make it.
Amy Butler. Did you know she has a line of organic yarn? Yep. And a pattern book to boot. Chalked full of beautiful things. (I wanted to move right in here, too.)
Veronik Avery. Veronik has another new book out. Filled with fabulous projects from small to large.

I think I have my new summer "always take with" me sweater. It's light, soft and the perfect weight for those cool mornings, evenings and days.
A pretty straight forward stockinette sweater with just enough interest in the gathered cuff details. Which by the way is the only part of the pattern that I felt required some extra thought. There are increases inside of increases inside of short rows. A little tough at first for my mind to wrap around, but it finally clicked. I love when that happens.

Okay. I just had to share our favorite new obsession. I first saw this pop maker when Martha posted it. We used it a little last summer, however, never finding the perfect "recipe". I played around a little with a recipe I found in "body and soul" (I think), changing it a bit, and found one we all love. It makes a perfect amount that fits into the 10 molds. Oh, and I must admit the metal top is a little tough to get off. But totally worth it. (Just run hot water over it.)

They jumped. Just like in the past. (Except with bigger feet. Lead in their legs. And a dog named Trouble standing by to witness the craziness.)

After two attempts at each sleeve, I finally finished the gathered cuff cardi. It wasn't the eyelet rows that gave me the trouble, (although that did require reading that part of the pattern over and over until it finally sunk in) it was just my lack of focusing. Forgetting the increases all the way up the sleeve. Doing the decreases every other row instead of every 4th row like the pattern states. Hate when that happens. I plan on sewing this baby together today.
Last weeks cookie was quinoa cloud cookies. I have never used quinoa flour. Nor have I ever toasted my flour. Happy to try something new. I also used a really delicious chocolate bar that I have been holding onto for the perfect use. And this was pretty much it.
Just as expected no cute little cloud cookie cutter in my "cookie cutter collection". I seem to have a lot of holiday cutters.
I thought about cutting them into the shape of butterflies or stars and moons or flowers, but in the end opted for a plain old circle. Mostly because it was my grandmothers. And since I don't really use cookie cutters all that often, I wanted to use hers.
I packed the last of these in lunches this morning.... as I packed my last round of lunches of the '09-'10 school year! A half day tomorrow is all we have.

I love a good cupcake recipe.