I know many rave about cabling without a cable needle and I do it for 1x1 cables sometimes but generally it's just not for me. (I end up feeling I'm strangling rather than working the cables). I like working fast though and all other methods have fallen short (sticking behind the ear- long hair bad idea / in the knitting - it falls out, split stitches / setting it down- the invisible gnomes abscond with it, etc).

With Mother Necessity nudging me, I set my mind to inventing a solution. I wanted a method that didn't require letting go of the knitting and liked a similar idea to the wrist pin cushion. After a few failed prototypes this is what I came up with and Eureka, it works perfectly!

This cable needle holder is worn like a ring on any finger that's comfortable. The elastic loop performs double duty as a button loop closure and holds the cable needle securely under tension. The cable needle is slipped in and out as needed without having to let go of the working yarn or needles.

What You Need (or what I used anyway):

• 2 1/2" long piece of round cord elastic
• 4" x 7/8" piece of fabric (approximately)
• Matching sewing thread
• One 1/2" button (with a shank strongly preferred)

If you'd like, you can print out this template for the fabric. First fold and press your hems, your final size should be 3" x 5/8". This final size is what matters, not the hem allowance. (Also, does pressing my folds with my hair straightener instead of the huge industrial iron make me a total freak?)

I used the fabric selvedge here as it was a little sturdier for attaching the elastic.

View from the right side. Note: if you have thin fingers (smaller than size 6), or would like to wear this on your pinky I'd recommend making the piece shorter.

Next fold the piece of elastic in half and secure it to the inside hem fabric making sure not to go through both layers. It's pictured here half unfolded on the right side. I found lashing down both ends by wrapping the thread around everything a few times help to initially secure it. Then work up and over each end in a figure 8 fashion being sure to pierce through the elastic a few times until it's nice and secure.

If you have greater finesse with a sewing machine than I, topstitch around all the edges to secure hem. Otherwise hand sew with backstitch.

Finally, sew on your button. If not using the recommended shank type button be sure you make a good strong thread shank. (You will be putting a lot a repeated tension on this closure.)

Now you're ready to zoom through your next cabling project!
I'm really rather fond of mine and happily wear it simply as jewelry. Definitely more stylish if forgotten than a needle behind the ear (or in the other stow-away place I’ve heard of- the cleavage)!

Commenter #50- which is Bex of Subversive Lesbian Anarchic Knitter! Congrats Bex! I've sent an email for your mailing address to get these goodies out to you.

And hooo boy did I get myself into something with all these questions, lol. For the sake of my sanity and post length I'll be breaking up the responses into different posts. So- now onto More Than You Could Possibly Want to Know About PieKnits!

We'll start with our winner's query - Bex asks "Mmm, I know you like Weezer (the band) - what other music do you like? Oh, and whats your favourite yarn to knit with?" I like so much stuff- but mostly heavy/hard rock and pieces with haunting melodies. I definitely have a penchant for female singers too. :) System of a Down, A Perfect circle, NIN, Rasputina, The Distillers, Kidneythieves, Korn, The Gossip, L7, Manson, Portishead, Tool, 7 year bitch, Crisis, Type O Negative, Voltaire, Weezer, White (and Rob) Zombie, and my latest love is probably Emilie Autumn. As for favorite yarn I think I answer that farther down in the post. :)

Monica asks "What's your day job?"
My job title is "Multimedia Developer." The company I work for makes eLearning and computer based training for corporations and their customers. I program, develop and do design on the courses which are mostly Flash based. And jezzabell asks "Is your day time job connected with this what you like to do?" I've found thinking geared toward instruction and learning has helped a lot with pattern writing! That and I'm doing less web design work-wise so this site is my fun side project.

Joanna Kostrzewa asks "What is your favorite Indian sweet?" Ooh that's a tough one! I have to admit the first thing that comes to mind in Mango Ice Cream that some of the Indian restaurants have because I love all things mango. And Indian ice cream is amazing- my FIL brought home a tub of ice cream every day while we were in India and we ate it all and it was awesome. As for traditional sweets- I'm rather fond of Peda (I think that's correct, there's soooo many names and variations!)

A popular one!
Gwen asks "Where do you get inspiration for your designs?", Jennifer "What inspires you in your design work?", Kristin asks "What inspires you?", Rachel asks "Where do you get the inspirations for your patterns?", Beverly asks "What inspires you when you design knitwear?", Alison asks "You come up with some of the most interesting things, where do you get your inspiration?" I get inspiration from all over and sometimes from who know where! I do keep an 'inspiration file' both in print and saved from web. Usually it's a certain element of something I see in commercial fashion, ads, vintage clothing such as a silhouette, interesting shaping, a closure. Sometimes the final piece is inspired by a certain feel. I also take inspiration from time periods, such as Celtic, Victorian, and a recent piece from Ancient Greece.

Kelly-Ann asks "What other designers inspire you?" and Earthchick asks "Who's your favorite designer?" There's so many amazing designers out there that blow me away but off the top of my head: Nora Gaughm, Teva Durham, Jenna Wilson, Adrian Bizilia, and Elsebeth Lavold. Goes to show I have a bit of a thing for interesting construction, complex cables and details.

Jenni asks "Whats the secret to making palek paneer?" Not sure how much help I can be as this isn't a usual one for us. However we do make spinach curries a lot and I'd recommend using fresh spinach and cooking it in a pressure cooker vs. using frozen.

Erin asks "Are you a cat or dog person (or neither)?" Actually I'm both! I love them both fiercely for their own unique ways. I could never pick one over the other as it's kinda like comparing apples to oranges for me. Unfortunately Mr. PieKnits is really allergic to cats. My love for kitties is well known in the family though and my grandfather upon hearing this joked "And you still married him?" hehe. We have the bestest, cutest, funniest, sweetest, smartest dog ever (not biased or anything) - Aejaz.

Gem asks "How long does it take you to get such cute photos of you modeling your FO's?" Awww the beauty of digital cameras and no 'wasting' of film. I usually just snap a lot very quickly. If modeling is required it's usually whenever I can snatch Mr. PieKnits during a few minutes of day light and us home together (half the time that's 10 minutes before work, ha.)

Beth asks "What's your favorite project you've knit?" I should have known I'd have to answer my own tough question! As for other designs between Anouk (enjoyable easy but engaging process, happy FO), Circumnavigated Cardigan (lots of interesting options for customization and clever technique) and the Cabled Newsboy Cap (for most worn).

Dave asks "What's your dream knit project? Details, please." I think what most knitters are looking for- that perfect balance of engrossing details without too much frustrating difficulty that produces a stunning or more complicated looking piece using beautiful and enjoyable yarn. Too much to ask!? ;)

Alice from France asks "Do you draw or note on a sketchbook your ideas for a design?" Yep, I tend to end up sketching all over the place. But once a design is pretty firmed up in my minds eye I sketch it out in a notebook with notes all over the place. I usually do a lot of "sketching" on the computer too. I draw in Illustrator or Flash all day at work so it's what I'm used to. Especially when I work up a final sketch for a design proposal. I'll usually do the silhouette on the computer, print it then add color and texture shading/detail with pencil and colored pencils.

Orli asks "Who takes all your photos? They're always so artistic, and some of them look impossible to do on one's own." Thanks, anything without me in it I take with a few exceptions such as this shot I'm rather amused I managed to get myself. (The benefit of having a wall of mirrors behind you, heh.)

For the rest though I have brag on my hubby- Mr. PieKnits a bit. :) He takes nearly all the modeled shots. I usually provide "art direction" and sometimes have a very specific shot in mind that I want but he's the one that finds them and otherwise it's all him. :)

Wendy asks "Do you have any tips for beginners on how to design patterns?" My biggest thing is always Just Try It; I'm a believer in learning by doing. But otherwise get yourself some good reference books and then forget about them and dream up whatever you can, then worry about how you're going to make it work in stitches. If the design has to evolve so be it, but I found the biggest thing hindering me in the beginning would be shying away from an idea as I was unsure I could figure it out. (Which dawned on me that was really counter-productive.)

Ern asks "How many WIPs do you have at any given time?" I guess I usually have "active WIPs" and "on indefinite hold WIPs". Just counting the pieces I'm actually going between always at least two usually more like four. Now that could be with four other items lounging for months and several swatches thrown in too though, heh.

Cecilia asks "What's your favorite thing you've ever knit and/or designed." and Liz G. asks "What is your favorite of all you have designed?" Refer to above for favorite knit, as for favorite design it really feels like choosing between your children! If I had to say, I think it'd be the Celtic Tote. I loved everything about the entire design and process. It was fun coming up with, fun charting, enjoyable knitting and such satisfying results with the finished piece looking like what I'd hoped for. It's been the awesomest thing ever getting to see so many other FOs.

Kirstie asks "What's your favorite type of thing to knit (or design)?" Hmm, I guess I don't have a specific "type" as I've done so many different things. I'd have to say I like the technically involved stuff. I joke that I like to wrestle with my knitting, I don't know I'm weird. :)

Amanda asks "What was your last yarn purchase?" Wow, I really had to think about this one, ha. I'm pretty set with my stash at the moment. I think technically it was some Patons Classic Wool Merino I picked up to swatch in for a book submission (had the right colors I needed) but I haven't been able to show that one yet. Otherwise it was probably the Victorian beaded thimble bag kit last October.

Lori asks "Hmm...how's the weather?" Ha, right now actually cloudy and rainy! I've gotten so incredibly spoiled with Texas weather and sunshine all the time. At least it's still 78 degrees. :)

Allison asks "Do you have a recipe for Carrot Halwa you'd like to share? ;)" I'm sorry I don't actually! But I will check with my MIL and see if I can't get one up here. :)

Stephanie asks "Do you have a favorite yarn?" Not really, at least not one clear favorite. Yarn and the individual project are so uniquely linked for me. Although I do tend to oooh and aww over heathers, subtle multi's and nearly solids. And handspun- so much handspun out there makes me fall down with want!

Aimee asks "Where do you start when you are coming up with a design? (If that makes no sense, I'm sorry, I have been hand raising a runt kitten, its like having a newborn again)" First lets all say "awwww" for the little kitten. As for where I start I guess it depends. There's the initial spark of an idea which can come from about anything- something I saw in commercial fashion, an interesting closure, a new technique, totally random out of the sky, etc. I usually end up turning it over in my head for awhile until I have to start doodling it out usually on whatever random scrap of paper is around. For my own sanity I'll later try to gather these bits of paper and properly sketch out the design with notes in my actual "design journal". Then it's off to swatching (or obsessive yarn hunting).

Molly asks "How did you first start knitting?" and Carole asks "How/where did you learn to knit?" I wrote a bit about it on my 1 year blogiversary here but basically I stumbled upon knitting blogs and the Stitch N' Bitch book online and knew I wanted to learn to knit and Make All This Cool Stuff out there. I picked up the book and some Wally World basics figuring I'd start slowly as I didn't want to end up frustrated and quitting and before I knew it I was knitting away. :)

Melanie asks "What's on your needles, other than your designs?" Hmmm, well I'm really trying to finish up some long standing design WIPs and swatching but what I'm most looking forward to getting back to is the Peacock Feathers Shawl. Poor thing hasn't seen the light of day in ages. Considering how looong I take to finish things I'm seriously considering finally casting on Rogue so that it may be done in time for the next brief cool season. (See I am so behind the times.)

Jen C. asks "Where do you think your knitting is headed? (as in more sweaters, more socks, going fair isle, lace?)" I actually keep a notepad file with a loose 'plan/schedule' of my ideas and I'd really like to get to some more garment designs next. Plans include a textural hoodie and a more complex corset inspired/victorian flair top but several handbag designs won't let me sleep, so expect a few of those coming up. Also hoping to get a non-traditional lace scarf moved from paper to fiber and take a stab at some socks.

Melissa asks "Any more cookie recipes in the future?" Why yes actually! Cookies being my ultimate weakness of course, some sandwich cookies are in the queue.

Jen asks "When did you start knitting and when did you start designing?" I started knitting sometime in February of 2005, and I think I wanted to design pretty much off the bat. Didn't really think about it, coming from an art design background I immediately wanted to do my own stuff. I think I started to work on the design for Topi (my first design) about 6 months in.

Heidi asks "How did you get started with designing?" I just kind of dived in! The web is such a wonderful resource and I'm really grateful to online magazines that gave me my first platform. I read whatever knitting books I could get my hands on, deconstructed designs I liked and then just started submitting.

Rebecca asks "How long have you and hubby been married??" 3 years in less than 2 months!

Heather asks "What makes knitting click for you? Is it the process, the outcome, or maybe just the challenge?" I use to say it was both, but honestly looking at how much i actually wear/use some of my FOs I have to admit it's more process. I like the creative challenges and simply the creating. Though it's not that I think you need to make something you even use- in the same way I wouldn't think a sculpture or painting needs to "do something".

knittripps asks "What was the last design you saw that you told yourself "Oh, I have to make that"?" Hmm, well I had hunted down the Vogue Holiday 2005 for the High Neck Lace Top (#23) pattern but I just saw a recently completed one that nearly had me running for the yarn and needles to cast on Right Now.

Nichole D. asks "I've always wondered- why "PieKnits"?" Hehe, yeah I've never really shared that. Seems fitting for the the blogiversary though. When Mr. PieKnits and I were first dating, one day messing around he started writing on my hand after me asking about him being "hex-lingual" (6 languages!) and wrote the same phrase several times over in different scripts. When I asked what it said he said, grinning "sweetie pie". After that it kinda became a joke/pet name and was shorted to just "Pie". It has evolved into "Pielu" as well actually as a kind of slang homogenization of English and Telugu (sorta like Spanglish - Telugish?). We amuse ourselves with lots of words like this. :) So anyway, when on a whim I started a blog and needed a name, Pie (me) Knits was what popped into my head. :)

In the meantime, I've been sustaining baking compulsions (that whole spring-time revitalization thing going on). Therefore another recipe - Whole Wheat Apple Muffins.

These were super yummy, a nice change of pace and kept well. The lower guilt factor compared to some of my other baking was a large bonus too. Fruit! Whole wheat! See healthy stuff! If you wanted to go even healthier you could substitute half the butter with applesauce which I think I will do next time to also boost the apple flavor. The other modification I made was the original recipe called for one Tablespoon of cinnamon. Now that stopped me in my tracks as I was making this and though I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon that still seemed like a lot. So I cut back but I still feel I could have used less. The cinnamon overpowered a bit- even Mr. Pieknits commented they seemed very "masala-y". So here I've recommended just 1 teaspoon.

Also I dusted mine with Turbinado sugar instead of regular brown sugar, because well- wee sparkly!

Recipe and all that after the cut so as not to totally bombard those here just for the knitting. :)

I just find myself thinking how the hell did that time go so quickly! I swear each year the time goes faster exponentially. I have discovered and learned so much through this crazy thing, the blogsphere and all of you. So as a Blogiversary celebration and a thanks for reading- a contest! Weee!

Now on to the fun stuff- the prizes!

One 459 yd skein of Trekking Handart in gorgeous multi blues, colorway "Karibik". And I think some homemade yummies among other things might find their way into the mix.

So what do you need to do to enter? Well I thought a little Q & A might be fun. I love hearing from you (and because I'm just curious, hehe)! Simply post your answers in the comments to enter by, let's say 12:00pm central time on Wednesday (May 7). Winner will be chosen by the trusty Random Integer Generator.

1. How long have you been knitting?

2. Are you a regular, new reader, lurker?

3. What's your favorite thing you ever knit?

4. Your turn! Anything you're curious to ask me?

Good luck to everyone and thanks for reading!

The other day Mr. PieKnits glances over from gaming while I was working on this and goes "You've been working on that for Forever!" Yes. I know, thank you. It's been just one of those kinds of processes, two steps forward one step back. After a few do-overs with the straps I am finally happy with them though, that and the vintage buckles kind of mollify me.

The neckline and armholes are all finished with a knit-in I-cord edging that transitions into the I-cord bind-off. Picking up necklines and crocheted finishes are not my best friends plus it'd be tricky for this type of unconnected armhole so I'm lovein' this solution.

I've been on a serious DIY kick lately. I present the latest installment, my new chair- my new spinning chair to be exact! What did it look like before?

Ick right? This was snatched up for a whole $4.99. Coincidently I had just seen the paisley fabric and had thought "Oooh I love that but don't know what I'd use it for." When I saw this chair I knew. It was a really simple reupholster project. Remove old fabric, give thanks that the underneath cushion is still in good condition, lay old fabric on new fabric to cut out pattern, wrap new fabric around seat and tack/staple into place.

The wood was in somewhat shoddy shape so I cleaned, filled in the holes and dings with wood putty, sanded and primed everything while taping off the woven back and metal parts and then applied two coats of white. The metal bars on the seat back were covered in so much gook that I wasn't sure if they were even silver but they luckily cleaned up surprisingly well with some steel wool.

Now to get some actual spinning done! (And knitting, I've been knitting- honestly.)

Finally, a real curry recipe up here! Please excuse the poor lighting (my kitchen has crap light in the evenings) but I've been wanting to share some more Indian recipes but never seem to get to them in the daytime. So the heck with it, here is what I refer to as "my mushroom curry" as it's not one of Mr. PieKnits family/regional dishes but one from a more northern India cuisine cook book. I feel less intimidated by curry's that won't be compared to "Mom's", heh.

Mushroom with Potatoes and Onions
Khumbi, Aloo Aur Pyaz
5 tablespoons oil
1 large potato, diced into 3/4 in / 2 cm pieces
4 cardamom pods
1 1/2 in / 4 cm cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed or garlic paste
3/4 in / 2 cm fresh ginger, grated or ginger paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
A big pinch of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
8 oz / 225 g / 4 cups mushrooms, quartered

Heat oil in a karahi or wok over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes (carefully! I use a lid in one hand as a splatter guard) and fry for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and set aside.

To the same oil add the whole cardamoms, cinnamon stick and bay leaves and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the onions and fry for 2-3 minutes. You would never guess this cinnamon and onion mixture would smell so wonderful but it does, trust me.

Add the garlic and ginger (I use the ready-made paste for this because it's easy and more uniformly coats) and fry an additional 2-3 minutes or until everything is soft and golden. (Mine got a bit toasty here.)

Stir in the turmeric, chili, salt and sugar. Now get ready to stir vigorously for a moment and add the vinegar. This part is fun; it fizzes like mad and sort of "deglazes" the pan.

Add the mushrooms and potatoes to the spice mixture and mix thoroughly. All that turmeric makes the mushrooms a nice bright yellow color.

Lower the heat to medium, cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender, adding a little water if you like more 'gravy'. Add more salt to taste and serve up with some basmati rice. Yum!

Now if you have ever had the misfortune to bite into a whole cardamom unexpectedly you'll understand when I say it might be worth the trouble to remove these before serving to others. Or, for your cruel amusement you can leave them in for the uninitiated, muahahaa!

To catch up- I've been using this excellent article (now available in PDF) from Interweave's 1996 Spin-Off on building a cigar-box charkha with some modifications. After amassing all the supplies and working on a plan I realized I didn't have access to a drill press need to drill perfectly centered and balanced holes for the wheels. I was rather amused at the suggestions that everyone "knows someone with woodworking tools". We're 20 something techies, everyone I know is more likely to fix your computer or network than build you a cabinet.

Thinking it was too bad I didn't live near my parents anymore I finally realized I could just ship the marked up pieces to my Dad to drill for me (thanks Dad!). I got the pieces back and it was promptly put on the back burner again by other projects. So, (somewhat) fast-forwarding to now here's what I did.

The large drive wheel is made of the suggested two "basswood plaques" that are glued together right sides facing. The other larger wheel is a sandwich of three wooden circles with the smallest in the middle to create a grove that holds the drive band. A wooden spool is the smaller underneath wheel.

For the support rods and bearings I deviated from the article. I sawed plastic sewing machine bobbins in half to use as bearings instead metal tubing- easier to cut. Also easier to cut than the suggested metal support rods were bamboo knitting needles. This worked well since knitting needles come in such a variety of sizes, obviously. The bamboo needles were chosen to fit the inner diameter of the bobbins and the wheels drilled to the bobbin's outer diameter. The mounting blocks should be drilled to the exact needle size and the rods tapped in tight. My measuring was off however and my holes were a bit large so I improvised with wrapping an o-ring around one and using another bobbin half as a spacer for the other (and wood glue, lots of glue).

Under the large wheel, not shown, is a "washer" made from cutting out a circle from an empty plastic food container. For the drive band I used jewelry beading hollow tubing (not sure what this is called) since it was easy to cut to size. In the photo above you can see the double wheel is flipped over to show the spool/smallest wheel. I think I'm going to replace that one however with a smaller one, especially after referring to my own calculations (duh) as it'd put me closer to my desired ratio. The other reason I discovered while taking these photos- the box no longer shuts, oops.

I originally sawed one of the spools in half, as it was a bit taller than it needed to be but my hand sawing leaves much to be desired. Even after lots of sanding it was far from level. Well the double wheel assembly comes off the post for storing and I laid it in the box to make sure it'd still fit with the full-size bobbin. It did; so I thought, great I'll just use that. Forgot to take into account the support rod which also includes the height of the mounting block, heh. That's kind of how this project has been going, trial and error. But I'm enjoying the creative challenge-next up, the spindle assembly!

At quick lunch hour browse through the near-by antique mall, I stumbled upon this great bubble glass picture frame. I thought it was such a cool piece but what could I do with it, hmmm. So I left, thinking it over and then an idea hit me and I rushed back the next day. Yes! it was still there. I snapped it up and then began hunting for the right items to put it all together (which honestly is half the fun isn't it?).

To turn this...

into this.

(Click on the image for an xlarge detail shot.)

I'm so thrilled with how this turned out! I've always loved skeleton keys and found these and the picture corners on Etsy. The corner pieces were brass though and I had been hoping to find silverish when I discovered some rub on silver burnishing stuff at the craft store. Dabbed some on there and it worked perfect.

Here's a little detail, keys are hung on tiny cup hooks screwed into the wood back. Love the convex glass but trying to get a decent photo does cause you to perform a rather one-sided waltz for a decent angle.

These were another find at the same antique place. One of the vendors had a booth dedicated to old letterpress printer blocks, love! I had fun searching out the letters I wanted and spreading them out on the floor playing with different arrangements. An interesting looking spectacle I'm sure, but oh well. :D

Ok, I'm so stoked - I made my own baking recipe! Now I usually tweak and change up most recipes to my taste but I've never created an entire recipe from scratch based on something in my head. Not for baking at least which requires more of a scientific exactness than regular cooking. Of course it'd be nice to tell you that all my planning created fabulous cookies on my first try, but heh- there's that reality thing. While the first attempt produced decent cookies (and vetted by Mr. PieKnits coworkers who benefited from that trail batch), it wasn't quite what I was going for. With mostly a changing up of the assembly process I got what I was looking for, a tender cleanly sweet cookie that let the delicate saffron flavor sing through.

I adore saffron. It has a aroma and flavor not quite like anything else but always leaves me trying to put my finger on what it reminds me of in a nice familiar way. As the worlds most expensive spice ($1000 a pound!) thankfully a little goes a long way. I'd recommend searching saffron out at an Indian grocer, as with most spices really, but especially this one. They come in the most charming boxes and bound up in gold string it makes you feel like you are indeed buying something precious.

The batch I made did not include any mix-ins but I've listed some suggestions if you feel so inclined to add them.

Saffron Cookies

2 tablespoons milk, slightly warmed
Scant 1/4 teaspoon (a pinch) saffron strands, slightly crushed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup white chocolate chips or slivered almonds or chopped cashews (optional)

In a little bowl warm the milk and add the saffron strands, slightly crushing them. Set aside and let steep, the longer the better. This can be done several hours before-hand. The saffron will turn the milk a lovely sunny yellow like this.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift or whisk flour, baking soda and salt together; set aside.

Beat butter until softened. Slowly add sugars and beat well until mixture slightly increases in volume.

In a small bowl mix together saffron mixture, egg and vanilla. Add egg mixture to butter mixture and beat, scraping down bowl as needed.

Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, stirring until flour is incorporated. Stir in optional mix-ins if using. Chill for at least an hour to overnight (or be lazy and stick in the freezer for 15 min. like me).

Drop by mounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes. Let rest on baking sheet for a couple of minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes 2 dozen.

Raise cookie to your nose, and inhale deeply, awww....
And a thank you to Mr. PieKnits who put up with my incessant batch testing. ;)

If anyone decides to make these I'd love to hear how they turned out for you!

One of the things I finally got to picking back up is the Buckle Tank. Yes you will notice I'm only now getting back to the place I was there after ripping the nearly completed top due to gauge issues. Been awhile since I've had a straight St st project to just tote around everywhere though and it's nice.

I've also been playing in the dirt.

After talking about wanting one for ages I finally have my herb garden! The spot really worked out great as it's right outside the back door from the kitchen and all tiled from the patio so easy to just step out and snip what I need while cooking. There are two kinds of chives, oregano, cilantro, flat leaf parsley, a "curry plant" (though not the kind of curry leaves we usually cook with but I was intrigued), 2 basils and hiding are a rosemary and lavender.

Lime-mint and spearmint plants live in the pot as I've learned how quickly they can take over an open garden. Also not very well pictured is the other patio garden. In the back yard I have the wee beginnings of a wild flower and vegetable garden.

Coming from the mid-west the amount of clay in the Texas soil still amazes me. While digging I grabbed a solid chunk of it and decided to test out just how clay-like it really is.

Yep, just like art class. I've decided to embrace the clay - I now have a new garden dweller, meet Frank.

This was one of the quickest easiest projects I've ever made- and they work great! Finger puppets come double-point holders, brilliant I tell you. You can get the whole tutorial by clever Robyn over at Sweet Little Domestic Life. I got a bag of multi-colored monsters at Party City and plan to make a nice set for my most used sizes.

Scored some thrifted things too. As I've mentioned several times on here I love thrifting. How can you not with things like this?

A cute owl painting with neat plaster-over-wood frame that just needs some sprucing up for a whopping $3.99. Flip it over and take a look at the signature.

Robb Wallace
   Xmas
      1895

The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes

Let me say I'm rather picky when it comes to knitting books. I have my favorite classics and most new releases I feel I already have covered. This not to say I don't always have my eye out though. So when I first heard some things about this book I thought cool, I'll have to check that out.
Then I was fortunate enough to make it to Yarn School and there got to meet Adrian Bizilia who showed some pieces that would be in the new Book of Yarn as patterns. I thought wow with patterns too! I really need to check this book out.
I got it, and I'll tell you- in this book is everything I wanted to learn with starting to spin.

What fibers are used and how the yarn is actually formed all play a major role in the resulting knitted fabric. Understanding how these elements all work together has been really integral in design work and at the least for yarn substitution. Oh if we'd all had more knowledge in that area when we began knitting. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say everyone has had at least one project fall flat due to improper yarn choice.

This book is so wonderfully put together, taking you from fiber, to yarn to sample patterns illustrating everything covered. As an instructional/graphic designer in the day job, the layout of this book just makes me happy. It's what I would dream of having if I ever get a book together.

Texas Sheet Cake

Holy crap was this good. I used this recipe and will simply direct you to the awesome blog, for there's no way I could do it better. Only variation I did was to use a 13"x9" pan (since mine has a lid and thus more mobile as I was bringing it to a party). I added a few minutes to the cooking time and cut the icing down by half and it was the perfect amount.

For me, I'd have to say the chocolate-mint combo trumps even the peanut butter-chocolate one. This probably has something to due with my thing for deep dark chocolate, as mint is the perfect foil. A rich fudgy brownie fulfills this role nicely.
This recipe uses a neat trick of cooling the brownies in a water bath when done in the oven. Easy to do and it really improves the texture throughout. I also like to add a pinch of instant coffee granules, not enough to make it coffee flavored but I find just a little brings out the cocoa flavor even more. (If you're really going for it, I also sub a bit of cocoa powder for flour.)

New Classic Brownies
(from Cookies and Brownies)
8 tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
4 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
pinch of instant coffee granules (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400F and line and 8-inch square metal baking pan with foil.
In the microwave or on top of a double boiler, melt the butter and the chocolate together, stirring often until smooth. Stir in sugar, vanilla and salt. Add eggs one at a time, and instant coffee if using, stirring in each addition. Work in flour. Stir until very smooth, about 1 minute.
Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake at 400F for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare a water bath. Fill a large roasting pan with water and ice about 1 inch deep.
When the brownies are done - and they will look a bit dry on top - take them immediately from the oven and place in the water bath. Add more ice to the water if necessary. Allow to cool completely in the bath before removing the pan and cutting the brownies.

Mint Icing
2 tbsp softened butter
1 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar
1 tbsp cream or milk
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
few drops green food coloring

Cream together all ingredients until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and refrigerate while you make the chocolate glaze.

Chocolate Glaze
1 oz semi sweet chocolate (or mint chocolate chips)
1 tbsp butter

In the microwave, melt together chocolate and butter in a small bowl stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Drizzle over chilled iced brownies.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

See more entries on recipes here.

I had hit that burn out point, lost the interest, you know? Uninspired and bored with current projects I had decided to tell my nagging voice of "finish up other WIPs" to stow it and cast on for Juliet. It was a good decision.

A great fling of a knit, quick and does the interesting/not-overly-complicated balance well.

Modifications weren't much for the body other than to use SSK (Improved) instead of SKP in the lace section. I usually do this sub as a personal preference. For the buttons, I did like the asymmetrical ones in the pattern but I liked the look of button tabs more. Cast on about 14 sts, worked two self-reinforcing buttonholes then bound off, can't get much easier.

Pattern: Juliet by Zephyr Style
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, held doubled; Deep Plum; 4 skeins (of the 5oz size)
Needles: 10 1/2 (although probably should have gone down to a 10, at least for the garter section)
Size: Small

I had originally intended this to be more cropped but after only 5 repeats and binding off it simply didn't hang right. It probably would've worked better in a cotton that had more drape as the back just stuck out too funny. So I ripped back and added 2 repeats to be safe. I'm much happier with it now although still, in retrospect, I think a cotton blend and 6 repeats would've been Goldilocks perfect.

And finally- Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee!! Hehe, my new piano and bestest present! Thankoooo Mr. PieKnits ;)
Music has always been large part of my life and piano one of the heftiest. I took lessons as a kid up through college but have not had a piano since I lived at my parents. (Non-full size keyboards aren't the same!)
Now I'm on the hunt for some cool fabric to sew a cushion for the bench and reupholster a matching new settee, more on that later!