my first guest blogger... and i love what she is doing.

Hi! My name is Marguax from the blog tentenknits. Leslie was kind enough to have me guest blog and for that I couldn't be more grateful.

We both have a passion for knitting. For most people they may do it once the weather gets cooler or maybe when a gift is needed. For me it is a year round obsession. Bamboo and cotton for summer, a wool blend for fall and alpaca for winter. I am a knitter obsessed. I knit so often these days that I can't imagine what it would be like to lose control of my hands and not be able to do the craft I love so much. Sadly it is something I can't say could never happen.

Let me tell you about Nick. Nick is the father on one of my closest friends, Torry. We met my freshman year at Boston College and I immediately gained an irreplaceable friend and new family. Nick and his wife Debbie quickly became foster parents to myself and my roommates. Her and Nick's generosity to us during those years was incalculable.

I guess it's no surprise years later it is their names that were on all of our wedding guest lists. No list was complete without Debbie and Nick.

Recently, Nick was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. If you've read the book Tuesdays with Morrie then I am sure you know exactly what that means. Already ALS has caused him to require hlp doing things we take for granted everyday - eating and breathing.
One of my most popular patterns is the 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf. I had been thinking of making a chunkier cowl version and only until recently did I find my reason to get it done. Go here and make a donation to Team All About Nick. Once you do, email me at (margaux at tentenknits dot com) and I will send you the pattern. It doesn't matter to me what you donate, just do what you feel comfortable with.

I know I can never repay all that Nick and Debbie have done for me during those years but I hope you'll help me raise enough to make a difference in their life and the lives of all those who suffer with ALS.

knit on,
M

. . . . . . . . . .

I really love that cowl. And the 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf, too. I'm in the process of finding some yarn to make the cowl in grey. You should join me!

saving sunday

Sarah has decided to save Sunday's.
Just a tiny bit of the day.
{This is the moment I noticed the white picnic table in our backyard. Under the trees. Half in the pachysandra, half in the grass. It is rotting with chipping paint and should be taken to the dump. I can't bare the thought. And today, it looked amazing decorated with the fallen leaves. I'm pretty sure I'll keep it around for another year. If it can weather another winter.}
Join along if you'd like.
Here's to another beautiful week!

kendama winners

So sorry to keep all you Kendama lovers waiting! I wish I could bake you a cake.
Libby used the above from Trader Joes's to make cupcakes. Pretty darn good. I would buy both again, in a minute. Probably because I love the packaging so much!
Okay... the five Kendama winners:
202: orinda7
14: susie
191: Robert Heister
315: Missy
Please e-mail me (address in side-bar) with your contact info so your Kendama's can get into action!
If interested in ordering off the KendamaUSA website, there are still about 15 orders left to receive the 15% off. (Enter the code "afriendtoknitwith" at checkout.)
Enjoy this day!

kendama craze... and a giveaway

Have you seen these things?
They are what my boys are currently obsessed with.
I mean obsessed. They are called Kendama's and they originated in the 1600's. I couldn't be happier that it has caught their attention. Keeping them off the video games and computer.
As written on the KendamaUSA website,
"The stylish kendama is an extremely addictive wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand eye coordination, balance and reflex. It can be played by young and old alike. There are endless trick possibilities for the beginner and the seasoned master."
My boys stand for hours.
I mean HOURS, trying to master a new skill.
These guys from the KendamaUSA pro team make it look easy. Mental determination at its finest.
Girls love them, too. As Charlie's friend, Rachel is displaying. (Hi Rachel.)
I contacted the fine folks at KendamaUSA to tell them how happy I was with their product and to tell them I wanted to share this awesome wooden toy with my readers. Guess what they said? They would love to give away a Kendama to 5 (FIVE) of my readers! So, if interested, leave a comment by Tuesday, October 4, at 5pm, and I will have the random generator choose 5 names. I guarantee if you're not the one interested you surely know someone that would love one. They make awesome gifts, too.
If you enter and can't wait to see if you win, you can purchase one here. KendamaUSA will give a 15% discount to the first 50 people who buy. Enter the code "afriendtoknitwith" to receive a 15% discount at checkout!

Happy October!

the two winners and a lunch menu

My friend, Amy, had our little knitting group for lunch today. Man does she know how to do it. I am still thinking about the meal and wish I had more of all of it right now.
Here is what she served:
Fresh Baguette
To finish it off there were these. YUMM!

Honestly. I wish you all had a friend like Amy. However, you can make this lunch, have some friends over, and be a friend like Amy. Celebrate fall. Celebrate life. And maybe even knit a few rows.

The random number generator chose numbers:
187: Bethany
Congrats you two lucky winners of Lily's patterns. If you could please e-mail me (address in sidebar) I will get Lily your contact information. Thank you!
Like so many of you, I can't wait to see what Lily brings us in the future.
And for those of you that asked, my Libby informed me about a couple of years ago that knitting wasn't her thing! That stung a little. (Fingers crossed she may change her mind... one day.)

lily kate

Are you familiar with lily kate? If not, let me introduce you.
Lily is friends with my daughter, Libby. Just like so many of us, they have never met in person, but through this wonderful online knitting community, have become friends.
Lily is the same age as Libby. Thirteen.
Thirteen.
Thirteen.
I have to say it a few times, because at thirteen, Lily is one of the most amazing, accomplished knit designers (and knitters!) I know. Her talent and inspiration blow me away. I can only imagine where this ever beautiful path in life takes her.
Lily has been published in both "the Knitter" and the Scrumptious Collection. (Her sweet mother photographed the shots and Lily modeled.)
Lily also has a few free patterns and these six patterns to purchase on ravelry.
wray ........................blisco
kirkstone........................... latrigg
levens................................. McCafferty
Pretty amazing, huh!
Guess what?
Lily would like to give away a complete set of these patterns to two of my readers.
Leave a comment here before Tuesday, September 27 at 12:00 E.S.T. and the random number generator will choose two names.
Happy Knitting!

i just can't stop

My parents came to town. They are a tremendous amount of help when they are here. I feel very fortunate.
My mother had a bit of an intervention and told me we HAD to purge the house.
I don't need all those baby spoons? Really? I can't keep all 6 platters? Really? I don't need her old set of china, those extra glasses, those silk flowers, those candle sticks, those extra bowls, 50 cookie cutters, a tea server? Really?
It took some time and felt really amazing. The house feels light and I don't know if I have ever felt this organized. I absolutely need someone to reason with that voice in my head that tells me I should hold onto something. My mother was just the person.
I continue to pick up things and question it's need and use.
The "stuff" has been blessings to me and will hopefully bless someone who needs it. We had the VVA pick it up out of the driveway. (Gotta love that.)
I didn't knit much, however, my mother sure loved the socks she finished. Extra special because we got the yarn in Greece. (I got some, too. Time to cast on.)

Oh, hi! hi! hi! hi!

granola bars

For those of you that have been here awhile, you know I love to bake. And during the school year we do a "cookie of the week". In the beginning I had the kids choose the cookie. We soon ran out of cookies they wanted to try and now they usually just request a cookie we have already made.
Mostly chocolate chips. Or cinnamon cookies.
To switch it up, I thought I would try granola bars. I've made them for three weeks in a row. However, I'm not going to lie.
The kids don't like them.
I assume they would eat them if they were starving. But they usually just let them sit.
I really like them. A whole, whole lot. And for those of you watching your gluten, they're gluten free.
2 cups rolled oats + 1/2 cup to grind :: 1/2 cup sliced almonds :: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts :: 1/2 cup sunflower seeds :: 3/4 cup dried berries (I like the orange flavored cranberries from trader joe's) :: 1 can condensed sweetened milk (I said gluten free, not fat free.)

Grind 1/2 cup oats in food processor. Mix all ingredients. Butter 8 x 8 baking dish and spread ingredients into prepared dish. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes until slightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into desired size squares. Will keep for about 1 week in airtight container.

Working on Aidez. Slow moving at first, but I'm now picking up a little speed.

Happy Monday!

casting on

The yarn did arrive on Friday. Oh, happy day! The hold up was that the color I ordered (palta 9181) was on back order. I changed my order to indigo (9165) and I couldn't be happy. Can't remember the last time I made an indigo sweater.
I'm using size 11 needles instead of the recommended 10.5. Simply because I frantically searched for my 10.5's and they never showed their pretty points.
I'll be back tomorrow with the four winners.
Enjoy the rest of your Labor day.

in paperback

Happy Friday.
But more importantly, Happy September!
I know I said I love August, and I do. I just love September so much more. My absolute favorite month of the entire year.
Guess what? Two of the greatest books are now available in paperback.
Nicky Epstein's knitting beyond the edge is filled with just that. All those edge stitches that make a piece look so lovely. More than 150 edging embellishments for cuffs, collars, angles, corners, closures and necklines.
Knit Simple Knitting Workshops is composed of step by step directions for dozens of knitting techniques that can help you through any of your knitting binds. An extremely helpful resource to have around.
I have two of each of the books to giveaway. If interested, leave a comment here before Monday the 5th at noon, and the random number generator will choose 4 names. If you have a preference, please let me know, I will try to accommodate.
Enjoy your long weekend.
(Still waiting for a delivery. I have a good feeling it is coming today.)

last week

(You can see it, too, right?)
There was in impromptu visit from sisters and other family members.
Sweet treats were bought at the bakery. (Except for my chocolate chip cookies.)
The first day of school went off without a hitch. (Except for the fact that Andrew got lost, in his new school, at least 16 times.)
(Reminders that they were here made me smile.)
And I waited for my yarn to come. It never did.
So, I worked on this and find it extremely b o r i n g.
Fingers crossed that the UPS man delivers my yarn.
Today.
Have a great one!

back to school

chalk lots
I think this was the fastest summer of all time. I just can't believe that we are headed into another school year. As my kids grow, time picks up speed. I always heard that would happen. It is so true. It is so hard to believe I will have a sophomore (yikes), an eighth grader and a sixth grader. How does that happen when I don't feel a day older? (No really, I don't.)
School starts for us on Wednesday. Our table will look like this for a couple of weeks. Constant reminders for the new school year.
"be a leader."
Trust yourself. Do the right thing.
"be yourself. everyone else is taken."
There is only one you. Shine on!
"pay attention."
Always be present. Focus on the now.
"if you think you can or can't you are right."
I think this is my personal favorite. The power of the mind and positive thinking.

We recently put together some more sets of the chalkboard place mats. You can get yours here. 
Have a beautiful day!

she's no trouble. really.

Last week one morning, I sat outside finishing a baby hat. Debating if I was going to use a contrasting color for the trim and braids. I opted to just go with a solid. (I just happened to take a photo for my 365.)
Upon returning, after filling my coffee cup, this is what I found:
I guess Trouble was pretty happy I didn't use that contrasting color. She could have it all to herself.
Trouble really fits in here quite well. She likes yarn, too.
A baby hat for a friend.
Out of this same book.
Using this same yarn.
I have one more on the needles. And then I am casting on for this.

Have a beautiful day!

inside scoop

I have a couple of things to share with you. The first one you can pass along. The second one you must keep as a secret.
{My sister text me this photo this morning. Wishing I could of had one.}
My sister, Lisa's, liquid sunshine recipe:
3 huge handfuls of kale :: 4 romaine leaves :: 3-4 stalks celery :: slice of ginger :: 1 whole peeled cucumber :: 1 pear. Add the cucumber last. It adds all the water. Sometimes she likes to add a kiwi for a little extra zing. Yummo!

The second one is that we wear lounge pants in public. (shhhhh.)
We don't always dress alike. Actually, don't ever dress alike is more like it. However, I made her, her very own linen lounge pants and told her she had to wear them for a photo, so I could show you. (You should have seen the kids faces. Sometimes it's just down right fun to embarrass them.)
So, make some lounge pants in a washable linen. Use the salvage edge as the bottom. It's all frayed and cool. And call it a pair of linen pants. Done. Finished. Easy peasy. Super comfy.
Have a beautiful Friday!

the second half

Okay, more cardigan link love and more vacation shots.
Us. {Surprise! I know, I don't show faces often.}
I'm pretty sure I have chosen the next one to cast on. However, there are so many on my list.
This is THAT sweater by Kim Wagner. (Thank you, Kim. I can so see why this is THAT sweater! Love it.)
In the round Cardigan. (Thank you, kathy b. I couldn't find the link to this one.)
Girl Friday Cardi and Breezy Cardigan. (Ness! I can see why you could live in the girl friday cardi. Thank you. I love that stitch pattern. I think the breezy cardigan looks pretty livable, too.)
Eve's Rib, Twist Vine Cardigan, Knit Swirl. Carol Sunday. Where have I been? I have seen Acorns (cute!), but got totally sidetracked over on her site. SO many beautiful knits. (Thank you knittin brit in wi. Oh, a cashmere/merino blend sounds lovely! And the Knit swirl...swoon. )
New England Knits. (Oh, Erin. I seriously need to spend some time with that book! Thank you.)
Aidez, again. (I think this must be a favorite, Peggy. Thank you. And I think you should begin immediately. You can do it!)
Mountain View. (Thank you, Kathy. Really love all the detail in this one.)
Sullivan Cardigan, again. (This must be one of the Wool Peoples favorite. Thank you, Ty. Hope the heat wave passes soon. Beth, have you cast on for it yet?)
Harvest Moon by Heidi Kirrmaier. (Thank you, Kathleen. I think Heidi is one of my new favorite designer. Such beautiful patterns.)
Larch Cardigan (Thank you, Jeanie and Linda. This one does catch my eye. Like I mentioned, I do love an a-line.)
Jingu and Santos from Berroco. (Thank you, Tricia! I know, I feel the same way. Can't beat wearing a cardigan.)
Moshup by Norah Gaughan. (Fast and cute. The perfect combo! Thank you, littlebitsheepish.)
Abigail Cardigan (Thank you Proud Mama. SO cute. Cast on today!)
Opposite Pole by Joji. (Tracy! That is beyond cute. Love that it is seamless. Beautiful work, Joji, again!)
Lily Cardigan. (Thank you, kellsshells. Love, love, love that little picot edging.)

Okay. Thanks so much for all your input. I truly think there is a pattern for all of us in those! Get busy choosing yours. I'll let you know what I choose soon. I have some narrowing down to do.

patterns

We're home. Unpacked and somewhat organized.
{My sister made us a glass of liquid sunshine every morning. I seriously need to invest in a juicer.}
I have gone through all the cardigan patterns you shared. They are so good, I have to share them with you.
Dividing them and linking half today and half tomorrow. I think that will be easier for all of us.
Hopefully you will find a new one to make, too!
Norah Gaughan's new pattern booklet. (Thank you, Jess. I love Aeneas, too. Such delicious cables!)
Cassidy by Bonne Marie Burns from Chic Knits. (Thank you, Geri. I really like how fitted this one is.)
Effortless Cardigan by Hahhah Fettig and Quintet by Melissa Wehle. (Thank you, Mandy. They remind me of the slouchy, too! Love those stripes.)
Vitamin D (Thank you MadMad. Hurry up and finish yours so I can see! What color? I love that mustard.)
Perry from Brooklyn Tweed Wool People collection. (Suzanne! Oh how I love it! Thank you! Did you cast on for it yet?)
Levenwick from Wool People and Aidez by Cirilla Rose and Common Ground by Elizabeth Smith. (Barb T, Thank you. They all pique my fancy!)
Pecan Crush and Ardara by Carol Feller's. (Thank you, Cathy. I have a crush on Ardara!)
Heidi Kirrmaiers designs. (Thank you, Maryse. SO many great cardi's there. I have always loved Peasy.)
Aidez has another vote. (Thank you rosieplichta. I think I am in love with that sweater. Please let me know if you write up a pattern for the Siena Cardigan from Sundance!)
Faux Circle Jacket (Thank you, Peppermint Mocha Mama! I love those different stitches.)
Snowbird by Heidi Kirrmaier. (Jan! Thank you. That looks like something I would live in!)
Sullivan by Brooklyn Tweed Wool People Collection. (Thank you, Sarah. That looks like a very wearable cardigan. And could that photo shoot be any cuter! )
Larch Cardigan by Amy Christoffers. (Thank you, Margaux. I really love that a-line shaping.)

Okay. Have fun going through those. I sure did.
See you tomorrow.

i love august

It's August!
I have a vacation with my sister and all of our kids.
Spectacular days.
Spectacular evenings.
With the most gorgeous sunsets.
And an entire list of cardigan patterns to google, thanks to you!
How much better could it get.
Seriously. A big giant thank you for all your input. I can't wait to get started on one.
Happy August days to you.
xx,
leslie