good things lately

This week has not been the week I expected it to be. I've needed good things in my life to balance the bad. If I'm feeling brave, I'll tell you about the bad sometime. But right now I'm still healing, greedily drinking in all the good I can.

coconut fish

My mom and I got to watch them being made at an old-fashioned candy shop across the river. And we got to eat them while they were still warm!

mail

It brought inspiration for my mind and hands. Taproot has me itching to plant some bulbs next month so I can have a garden full of flowers come spring. I've got plans to make my boy a coat from that navy yarn, and I better hurry because I want to finish it before we head up north.

my boy

He is the sweetest. He still loves being outside, whether it's hanging out in the herb garden or walking down by the river. He's learned some new signs lately: shampoo, bath, pasta (his favorite), and poop(!). He learned how to play hide and seek today, but he was easy to find because his squeals of excitement could be heard throughout the house.

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good things all around

Dottie Angel's frock pattern. Yes, yes! I want to make one for each day of the week. I'd fill the pockets with yarn and chocolates.

Just for fun, I filled a up a virtual cart at the Fringe Supply Co. shop. My favorites were this tote, these simple stitch markers, some bonsai-style scissors, and, most indulgent (and best!) of all, rosewood needles.

Melody's Pinecone & Mulberry hat makes me swoon so much that I cast it on almost as soon as she released the pattern. Oh, such beautiful, cozy texture.

And these college guys make me smile so hard every time I watch their rendition of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" (and the events of this week have necessitated many viewings). Seeing that dorm hall makes me nostalgic because it's where I met my sweet husband a dozen or so years ago! I love that the guys there now are every bit as goofy as my husband and his fraternity brothers were.

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I would love to hear about something good in your life. Or something funny. Or something you've come across online that has made you smile. Please, share some good things!

snoflinga + links

Hello. It's Friday morning, which always feels good. The weekend is within reach, right? The baby is asleep, and here I am at the computer. I keep glancing out the window next to me to watch the snow fall--just flurries, which I can barely make out against the pale gray sky. I have to look hard at the trunks of the tall oak trees down the street to see the tiny snowflakes. We've got a scant inch of snow on the ground, but even that little bit brightens the whole house. I'm drinking blueberry tea and breathing deeply. I've been slathering on coconut oil and a few drops of peppermint essential oil every morning to wake myself up. The scent invigorates me all day. It's been a week of good days.

I've got my crafty nose to the grindstone this week, working hard on a top-secret present for my mom's birthday next Tuesday. Ah, deadlines. I wouldn't have it any other way though. I work best under deadlines. The structure helps me prioritize and get things done. And so I can't really talk about what I've been making this week, but I can show you a finished object.

I've been wearing my Snoflinga hat every day since I made it. I love everything about it: the yarn (Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, so woolly, but soft after a good soak), the color (Camper, which may be my perfect shade of pink. It has great depth of color and is feminine without being too girly.), the bobbles, the slouchiness, and that little loop at the top, which I forgot to make and had to go back and add. I've never had a slouchy hat before and wore this hat around the house for two days before I had the nerve to wear it out in public. So silly!

The Snoflinga was a joy to knit. First off, I was glad that the yarn was rustic because softer yarns have a tendency to catch on my rough winter hands. Shelter felt good in my hands! And the pattern was easy to follow and kept my interest with those garter rows and bobbles. The beauty of the design is its simplicity and restraint. I loved knitting it so much that I want to cast on another one, even though I rarely knit the same pattern twice.

Well, I better get back to that grindstone. I'll leave you with some of my favorite things from the Internet this week.

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I had a chocolate emergency yesterday. Luckily this brownie in a mug came to the rescue. (And thank goodness I have a weekend of birthday cake and Nord's doughnuts coming up.)

I wish this color-saturated quilt were on my bed right now.

At the risk of sounding like a fangirl, I'm pretty enchanted with Carrie's Dessau Cowl.

I loved reading Molly's take on feeding her kid.

Are you joining in Vibeke's color swap? I think it will be so much fun!

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Have a good weekend, friends! I'm going on a yarn adventure, so I'm excited about mine!

lately + links

fuzzy ears

winter sunshine (any sunshine at all)

this little library

our shadows

new yarn

Some recent link love:

• Carrie Bostick Hoge nailed it with Uniform. I want to cast one on so soon!

• I really identify with Kate's thoughts on blogging.

• Casey is making a mood blanket to document this year. It looks amazing already!

• Did you know years used to have more days? This is a fascinating listen.

• Liesl's Levenwick is stunning.

• Toasty oatmeal muffins are perfect for winter mornings.

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P.S. Check out Liesl's blog for a little interview with me as part of her 3 Questions series.

yarn along

yarn along

I fell off the knitting train for a whole week. I blame those sleeves! But I'm back to knitting now (although not back to sweater-knitting). I've been working on lots of gifts. I cast on this simple gray project last night; it's a Christmas present, so I can't share details here. I'll include them on my Ravelry page if you're interested.

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I've actually been reading quite a bit lately. Over the long weekend, my husband and I rearranged our large collection of books, so of course I made a big to-read stack. K loves Michael Chabon, and I've read some of his fiction, so I thought I'd try out this book of essays. Chabon's writing is clever, entertaining, and offers insight into what men think about (baseball, family, feigning confidence, cooking). One of my favorite parts of reading Manhood for Amateurs is that I can talk to K about it because he's already read it, too. Sometimes I miss being a lit student and reading books along with a class full of people. 

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How are you this week? Are you reading or making anything?

I love to know what other people are making! Here are some recent favorites:

Alicia makes the prettiest cakes, and she's just shared a chocolate cake recipe that I can't wait to try. 

Kristen makes some beautiful (and impressive!) jewelry.

A lace A-frame tent would be the perfect hideaway for an afternoon nap.

Tracy's handmade rabbits and polka-dot cookies make me so happy. 

I want to sew up a bunch of these simple bags and try out different stitch patterns on my sewing machine in the process.

good things lately

my list of good things:

Moonrise Kingdom finally opened in Louisville, so my weekend plans are set! 

I have almost finished knitting my Imogen tee. It's gorgeous and girly. I can't wait to wear it! The designer is offering a discount in her Ravelry shop through tomorrow (6/24) if you're interested. Her Sibella is the next sweater on my to-knit list.

This garden looks so dreamy.

Maiden Radio has been keeping me good company lately. I've been listening to their lullabies and old-fashioned songs.

I like these ideas.

Drinking coffee from a rustic mug and eating breakfast outside would make any day feel like a holiday.

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Have a great weekend!

What's on your list of good things this week?

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loving lately

Strawberry jam shortbread cookies from Apples for Jam

It feels like summer here. We've had hot days and warm nights. Last night we sat outside with friends, talked, and stargazed by candlelight. It felt like the perfect start to a summer of fun.

In the spirit of summer fun, here are things that have made me happy lately:

I fell into a local music hole the other day, and I never want to come out. I keep listening to Sweet Dark-Haired Man. Joan Shelley's voice sounds vintage and familiar (in a way that makes her songs feel like old favorites), and I love any song with a good whistle in it.

A post about endearing annoyances.

A strawberry cake in the woods. I need more picnics in my life.

As much as I love stargazing, I'm pretty much in the dark when it comes to constellations. The only one I can consistently identify is the Big Dipper! I'd love to wear this Big Dipper necklace (via blue moss).

And wouldn't this dress be fun for summer adventures?

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Speaking of summer adventures, I need to get busy and plan some summer getaways.

Have a great weekend!

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P.S. Thanks for all of your well-wishes for my dad. He got great results back from the doctor!

loving lately

Kate's caravan bedding makes my heart beat fast. So much vintage sheet goodness!

Francesca's nightgown has me thinking that my t-shirt and shorts as sleepwear don't cut it anymore. She also recently shared the most beautiful day at the beach.

Liesl's wallet has lots of pockets for organizing and a mini-doily that I made!

Kristen's nook takes its inspiration from her garden. She just started her blog recently, and it's already bursting with good things.

Cirilia Rose's sequined cardigan looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Esme is lovely in yellow and polka dots. I like her bike, too.

The perfect pillowcase for my bed is made right here in Louisville. (via Design*Sponge)

I'd like to take a drive through horse country and then spend the day weaving baskets at The Homestead.

My favorite Missed Connection has books and polka dots.

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What are you loving lately?

after graduation plans

I am so looking to having a bit more free time to fill with creative pursuits. This is going to be such a fun summer! Here are some things I plan to do:

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* Make this indulgent cake. There is a high probability that my version fall apart. Since I don't need a meltdown while trying to write papers, I'm saving this cake to make next weekend.

* Knit a Rusted Root sweater of my own. I need to get my new knitting needles first. I'm thinking that Harmony needles would make knitting even more enjoyable.

* Hem my jeans. I've put off this task for an embarrassing amount of time.

* Begin my summer reading list. So far the list consists of: Bossypants, Little House on the Prairie, On Writing, Thirteen Stories by Eudora Welty, Pride and Prejudice, Heidi. I'm taking suggestions, too.

* Sew up some fun bits and baubles. I'm feeling inspired by Chez Sucre Chez's anticipatory cross stitch; Tuuni's doily and lace creations; Jane's delicate, colorful works; Aneela's patchwork; and Camille's cheery banners.  

* Shake up a jar of homemade butter. I remember doing this as a girl scout and loving it. The resulting butter seemed too precious to eat, so I tried a bit on a cracker and then saved the rest until it had to be thrown out. This time I'm going to eat it all.

* Host a knitting/tea party inspired by this one. I've had a number of friends express interest in learning to knit, and this would be a fun way to teach them all in one fell swoop.

* Pull some salt water taffy of my own. I'm don't even like taffy that much, but it looks so pretty that I want to try it out. I'd make mine pink and flavor it with vanilla. Or maybe bright yellow and lemon-flavored.

* Garden hop. I was talking yesterday with some friends about their gardening, and it made me long to grow some vegetables of my own. Since I've got no outdoor space to plant at my apartment, I thought I'd make a point of visiting the gardens of family and friends this summer. There was talk of a canning party, and I'd love to try that, too.

* Go thrifting. I'm in search of the perfect (and perfectly priced) vintage globe and a materials to make a picnic blanket of my own.

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Whew! I'm going to be busy! 

Have you got any plans or projects you're looking forward to?

Warm me up

a rare blue sky in winter

This winter seems like it doesn't want to quit. There has been so much snow all over the US and there's more to come.

We had some brief hours of sunshine over the weekend, which were lovely and such a tease because it's gray again already.

I've collected some links that will make you think warm thoughts and maybe even be a bit less grumbly that there's more winter ahead.

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Wouldn't you love to go on this dreamy sleigh ride?

I love to take hot baths, but have trouble relaxing for very long. I want to do something. This tub caddy would be perfect.

If I had a nickel for every time I said, "I wish I were having a fondue party in a teepee right now..."

Brighten up your evening hours with some spindles and candles.

Can someone please invite me on a winter picnic? Drinking beer and wearing mittens are two of my favorite things. I don't know why I didn't think to put them together sooner.

Now is the perfect time to make (or buy) a cozy rug.

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What's keeping you warm lately?

I've been trying to go to bed early. I take a book and a crochet project and snuggle under lots of blankets.

Old-fashioned dinner rolls + links

These rolls, these rolls...They are soft and flavorful and a little bit mysterious. It seems they disappear! Rachel, who writes the Heart of Light blog, calls them "Fly off the plate rolls," and she's not kidding.

These are yeast rolls, good for weekends or days off when you can start them around lunchtime so they'll have time to rise for dinner. I made these on Monday, my work-at-home day, to go with a big pot of chili for dinner. 

I did worry briefly about having so many rolls and only two people to eat them. Of course, K and I had no problem. These rolls are excellent the next day (and the day after...and again the next day...) sliced and filled with your favorite sandwich fixings. We filled ours with egg salad, and lunches this week have been pretty amazing!

The recipe is here. I've made these twice, once Rachel's way with milk and once with the milk powder the original recipe called for. Both were spectacular! 

The flavor of these rolls reminds me of my Grandma Alice's batter rolls. It's old-fashioned, yeasty, and buttery. I love my grandma's recipe and will always make hers for holidays (it just wouldn't be the same), but I must say that the Fly off your plates are easier and take less time. Grandma's batter roll recipe calls for scalding milk, folding the dough a special way, and tucking a pat of butter into each individual roll. Delicious? Yes. Reminiscent of childhood holidays? Of course. Fast? Not exactly.

So the Fly off your plate rolls will be my go-to for easy, simple suppers. As an added bonus, I think these rolls bake up beautifully. It may be that I'm longing for spring so much that I'm seeing the signs of it everywhere, but doesn't it look like a flower? 

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Links of things I'm loving (and thought you might like, too):

Tyrol Hat: I'm so in love with this hat. Old-fashioned and whimsical, sign me up. 

Cardigan Re-vamp: I would love to reinvigorate a sweater like this. I don't think I've ever mentioned it here, but I'm kind of cardigan fiend. As in, I wear a cardigan pretty much every day. I can't help myself, I love them so! 

Bib dress: Novita made such a pretty dress in just my style--girly and twirly.

Lemon tea and blueberries: I think I could make time for this one. Doesn't it look like such a gorgeous, calming moment?

Quilts and pillows from vintage kimono fabric: A riot of color and snuggly to boot! Makes me long to take a trip to Japan and comb through their thrift stores. They have amazing used shops!

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Have a wonderful weekend! I've got a test tomorrow which I'm antsy about, but I'm going to a maple syrup festival on Sunday. I've never been before but it sounds like fun. I'm hoping to see a tree being tapped and the sap running! If you're local, you should check it out. It's this weekend and next.

Weekend Links: The Hungry Version

I can never have too much fall flavor in my life. These pumpkin muffins and pumpkin waffles (via Heart of Light) are at the top of my to-make list.

Our counter is piled high with garden fresh jalapenos. I'm thinking these scones or this dip, which has long been on my radar. Perhaps a spicy vegetable soup? If you've got any ideas, shoot them my way please!

This applesauce looks like a delicious whole-family project, but mostly I just wish I had an apple peeler like that! I'm going to start scouring thrift stores for one because it would make apple pies so much easier.

I'm impressed--I've never even made regular yogurt, and here Liesl and her grandma made soy yogurt. The combination of yogurt, onions, parsley, and chives sounds so good!

Stovetop popcorn looks so wonderful! It would definitely make movie nights cozier.

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Sometimes it's the little things that make my day, like laughing at the stuff that this guy's dad says.

Linkin' Tunnel

*Links I'm loving lately*

RagamuffinDesign has got some awesome knitted and crocheted goods. I adore this gnome hat, this slouchy hat made from sari silk, and these wrist warmers.

My favorite DJ ever, Berk Bryant aka The Country Gentleman, was in the local newspaper yesterday. He hosts a 3-hour bluegrass show every Sunday night on Louisville's public radio station, 91.9 WFPK. In addition to playing bluegrass and old-time country, he is such a character. Part of his charm is that his show isn't polished. It makes it feel like you're just hanging out at his house and he's playing you his favorite records. If you live in Louisville, listen to him Sundays from 8-11 PM and if you're farther away, you can catch him at the same time via live streaming on wfpk.org.

Seriously, this doily sweater is my dream come true. Comfy cardigan + ultra-girly details? I've got to make one of these.

The 2009 Asian Film Festival at Village 8 Theatres is going on right now. Last night K and I saw Departures, which totally blew me away. It gives a fascinating view of Japanese death rituals, something foreigners don't usually get to see or hear about. I also enjoyed hearing Japanese spoken again. Listening was probably my best Japanese language skill, and it was exciting to realize that I haven't forgotten everything. Oh, and a bonus for this movie is that it's set in Yamagata, which is where K and I lived in Japan. I'd definitely recommend seeing it! It's playing until Thursday at Village 8.

The Saturday Night Girls cross stitches offer lots of inspiration. I love the simple silhouettes, especially the teapot. Beautiful stitching.

This Caesar Salad looks amazing! I'd like to eat a giant bowl of it right now.

I hope you're all enjoying the holiday! Happy Labor Day!

From the land of linkin'

Some things that have been inspiring me lately:

Photo from creativeyarn.blogspot.com (see #5)

1. I really like being alive. A lot.

A simple and beautiful embroidery that is so true.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/08/bakers-dozen.html/image06

2. So many things I want to smell. They all sound enticing! The descriptions of the scents are wonderful.

I really want to try: Russian Caravan Tea, Winter 1972, M3 November, Gathering Apples, Burning Leaves, Just Breathe, Ocean/Eternal Return, At the beach 1966

http://www.cbihateperfume.com/perfume.html

3. Margaret Oomen and her creations in Crochet Today. After she posted this on her blog I ran out and bought the magazine. Now I can finally make some crochet-covered stones of my own, though I do have to go on a hunt for some larger stones tonight.

http://resurrectionfern.typepad.com/resurrection_fern/2009/08/good-news.html

4. I recently started reading a blog that is beautiful and encourages readers to spread kindness throughout the world.

http://kindovermatter.blogspot.com/

5. I've never actually worn a beret, but have been loving them lately. No idea why.* This one's really darling! As soon as I break down and buy the necessary yarn, I'll be crocheting up a storm to finish it.

http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/02/puff-stitch-crochet-beret-with-bow.html

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*Ok, ok, I might have some idea. It might be because I love watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show on hulu. She's so cool and has such an amazing theme song.