Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wee Tiny Things & Sock Yarn that Makes Me Thirsty
I joined Emily's Wee Tiny Sock Swap after having a great time knitting for the Dish Rag Tag also hosted by Miss Yarn Miracle herself. I got the name of the person I was making the sock for on Friday night and in about an hour last night knit up this little sock. I love it. I made it out of The Plucky Knitter Merino Fingering in colorway Manor. Love.
I've also been knitting on my Mother-In-Law's socks. I can post these here because I know she doesn't read my blog. She's been hinting for a while about wanting a pair of handknit socks so I decided to knit her some for Mother's Day. It's pretty easy knitting these because we wear the same size shoe. She has a bit of a skinnier foot than I do so I just did the foot on 64 sts instead of my usual 68. They are turning out so cute. I'm using sKNITches Mint Mocha Latte dyed for me in a special order by Sam. I'm hoping to cast on for the second one tonight during the Mister's ice hockey playoff game. :)
Have a happy Sunday! The Mister and I have date night tonight. My MIL is taking the 'Nut overnight so we can go out to dinner and go to my man's hockey game...it's the first one I've been able to get to in 2 seasons so I'm really excited!
Labels: Plucky love, SAM KAL, sock love
Monday, March 24, 2008
Smells like spring
It's in the high 80's here in Phoenix right now and we are experiencing all that goes with it from open windows, cotton blankets at night, daffodils on the kitchen window ledge and best of all, springtime baking.One of my very favorite vegan baking recipes so far has been this cake. It's the Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake from Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero. I've made this in the bundt form and cupcake form. Both came out moist and delicious. This recipe is perfect for lemons fresh off the tree.
1 2/3 cups granualted sugar
2/3 cup canola oil
1 (14 oz can) Coconut milk (I used Trader Joe's 50% less fat)
1/4 cup rice or soy milk (I used Rice)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 TBSp finely grated lemon zest
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups shredded or flaked unsweetened coconut (I used Bob's Red Mill Flaked)
A few TBSP confectioner's sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8 or 10 inch bundt pan. (I think this makde 24 cupcakes when I made them that way)
In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, coconut milk, rice milk, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing well after each addition. (I did this with a whisk) Fold in coconut.
Pour batter into bundt and bake for 1 hour, or until a knife comes out clean. (Cupcakes took about 18-22 minutes)
Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes, then remove cake from bundt pan and let cool completely. Garnish with confectioner's sugar and coconut flakes. Enjoy!
Labels: vegan cookin'
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Embossed Leaves Love
I just finished these last night and I couldn't wait to take pics and say that they were done. I LOVED KNITTING THESE! It was my first time doing a lace and charted pattern and it was soooo much fun! I am thrilled with the fit on these and the yarn was a dream to work with. Without further ado, my Embossed Leaves aka My SAM KAL 5 March St. Patty's socks.(click to make any picture bigger)
Specs:
Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt from IK Winter 2005
Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy in Happy Forest
Needles: Knit Picks DPNs in Size 1 1/2
Mods: I used the heel from this pattern from Favorite Socks, instead of the suggested short row heel in the magazine pattern. A big thanks to Melana for sharing.
Notes: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sock yarn so much. This is my new fav. It's so beautiful...the pics couldn't do it justice and it is so soft and smooshy. I'm glad I have more in my stash!
Labels: DIC Smooshy, lurve, SAM KAL, sock love
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Helllloooooo Bay-bee, oooo
I can finally share the rest of the baby knits I worked on now that everything has been gifted.First up, an Upside Down Daisy Hat for my friend, Stef who is due any day now.
Specs:Pattern: Upside Down Daisy Hat by Susan B. Anderson from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish DK in Petal, Pale Lemon & Asparagus
Needles: Addis Turbo US Size 6 16" circulars
Mods: The pattern suggested using a lighter weight yarn for the petals, but since I had this yarn in my stash, I just went with it. Because of this, I needed only 4 petals on top of that hat instead of the recommended 5 or 6.
Up next:
Yup, more Saartje's Booties. I seriously LOVE this pattern and think it makes the perfect baby gift! One of these went to a charity auction for a friend's son's school and the other was gifted tothe sweet new mama, Miss MaryMo.
Specs:
Pattern: Saartje's Booties by Saartje de Bruijn
Yarn: Yarntini Sport Weight in Pomtini
Needles: US 3 Clover
Mods: None
Last, but not least, a hat for Mary to go with the booties.
Specs:Pattern: Bunny Tail Hat by Susan B. Anderson from Itty Bitty Hats (links above)
Yarn: Yarntini Sport in Pomtini
Needles: Knit Picks Circular US size 4 16"
Mods: None. Super quick and sweet pattern. I would totally knit this again!
In the spirit of babies, my blogless friend, Jess and I had a baby shower for our friend, Stef and I made, what else, cupcakes! This recipe was just too awesome not to share with you. Of course, these are 100% vegan and they were soooooooo good. Seriously one of the most delish recipes I have ever made! Recipe here.
Up next: Christmas gifts 08 and finished Embossed Leaves! Have an awesome rest of the weekend.
Labels: cupcake lurve, hello baby...ooo, vegan cookin'
