blog entry draft

I have made up this Duffer Cuff (see definition of duffer) - just need to complete the pair - with plenty of time to sport them before St. Patricks day!
I wrote up the pattern, but need to make sure the argyle chart is OK to share.

I am on the decreases of my second nordic mitten. I think that will be what I work on tonight.

Next project?? Boyfriend sweater number two. Rowan Hike out of Cascade Eco wool charcoal grey with blue stripe by special request. (Note: Rowan re-uses pattern names - how lame is that!)
Photo of Hike

Since I am on my 3rd week of work, I need to get back into planning food better. Last week was busy, since I met with friends each night post-birthday. I am loving how I can bend my knee more and more. When I sleep, I can turn how I want.

March is nearly here. For me, it will be the beginning of my New Year since I am feeling more healing in my knee and have started a job I am loving!

I knew Swedes were unique... but today I learned of something that was unbelievable.

Standard Swedish Pizza Menu Item: Africana Pizza
(toppings include ham, bananas, curry and pinapple on a marinara base)

I really didn't believe Jesper when he said he wanted this type of pizza tonight while we were shopping for toppings at Trader Joe's. All he could do was smile and say he really wasn't joking about his curry banana pizza.

If you know me well, you'd know I have a STRONG dislike of bananas, not just eating or smelling, but I can't touch them either.

This was a test of will.

Behold the Swede-Am pizza. (with protective banana shield)


Knitting news:
I am nearing the end of my Nordic mitten, but have been sidetracked by a new project. Green/white argyle wrist warmers.

Brr! It's cold outside!

I finished my beaded cuffs tonight! It was a push to get them done, but I really wanted to wear them and am already planning to try another pair in argyle. They just keep my wrists so toasty warm, right over my veins. I think this will help in my cold office.

I bought this pattern: See Eunny Knit!: Pattern: Deep V Argyle Vest I will be ordering Knit Picks Merino Style in Vanilla and Petal (White and Pink).

Today is my birthday! It really began yesterday when Mom, Nancy, Jen & I spent the day together. We went to a yummy lunch at the Beach Cafe in Kirkland, then to Village Yarn & Tea shop (wonderful LYS I hadn't been to yet). After that, we headed to the ferry downtown Seattle and visited Bainbridge Island - Churchmouse Yan & Tea shop.

I got some good stuff!

Rowan felted tweed to make some fingerless gloves.
Some Eucalan wash to try out.
Koigu yarn and beads to make "Off the Cuff" wrist warmers.
Jen also gave me 4 skeins of Eco Wool.

Today I woke up to gift from Jesper and then we made Swedish Pancakes with lingonberries and whipped cream. YUM!

I just put this Knitting Font on my PC! Now I can chart in Excel.

My first day at Expedia was good, mainly HR stuff, I'm looking forward to being able to do some actual work this week. It's been about 2 months I've been off work and more since I've been challenged at work at all. Now if I just get my leg muscles back in shape - thing will really brighten up.

I've been out sailing this weekend and everyday of it was blue skies and great sailing. We stayed in Pt. Townsend and had a chance to take the bus into town for a little shopping. I visited the LYS and picked up this yarn for a future fair-isle mitten project yet to be designed.

I didn't have enough energy to knit the first 2 nights, but managed to knit 1.5 Traveler socks for Jesper out of Cascade superwash and the cuff is done on my second mitten.

GONE SAILING - Jesper & I will be back Sunday evening.

One mitten down, one to go! This pattern was gripping - I kept saying "Just one more row..."

I should finish the match on our sailing trip this week to San Juan Island. Now I can get to work packing, grocery shopping and doing some leg exercises. I did manage to bake my favorite muffins earlier today.

Yesterday I made Swedish Yellow Pea Soup and it turned out nice - but it gives me the worst stomach pain. My body just wasn't made to process pea soup. I'm willing to try it once more and if it again gives me stomach pain - it's a banned food.

I got my Nordic Mitten kit in the mail Saturday and started them right away.
Here is where I am so far. They seem to fit perfectly so far. I am using size 2 Addi Natura, I wanted the metal Addi's but Hilltop East didn't have them. I think I'm better off with bamboo needles for this project, they are less slippery - no lost stitches.

I also blocked my Kiri shawl and it is the perfect size. I should get another photo later. But it turned out really nice. De-stashing project = mission accomplished.

I made this cute little wristband last night from leftover yarn. The flower was knit a few days ago and now it has the perfect pedestal.

I am on the edging of my world's scratchiest Kiri shawl. I think it will be perfect for tossing around. I hope it washes softer with hair conditioner.

Today I am going to Seattle to track down tickets for "Laugh Lover's Ball" for Valentine's Day. I got silicone heart shaped baking pans at Target to make a heart shaped cake. I also found a ton of novelty socks at Target on clearance for $0.97 each! So fun!