And, They’re Off!

And, They’re Off!

Hello Gentle Reader!

I hope you are having an awesome extended weekend for the holiday, and if you were waiting patiently for the start of the AsKatKnits Summer Knit-Along, the wait is over!

Last night, in preparation, I pulled out one of the WIPs from my basket and sat down with the pattern to figure out where I am so I can spend a little quality time with it today. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am further along than I thought. I have divided for the sleeves and am cruising up the back. This morning, I have hopes that this will be approaching the finish line by this time next week.

I would love to have you join us, we have some great discussion going on Ravelry!

That’s all I have for today, I am off to do a bit of knitting!

See you back here tomorrow and have a fantastic Memorial Day!

A Weekend to Remember

A Weekend to Remember

I think it is most fitting that the first poppy blossom opened yesterday in honor of Memorial Day weekend. It was just gorgeous yesterday in the late day sun, almost as amazing as this field of 300,00 knitted poppies at the Chelsea Flower Show. Just.Stunning.

Carole shared a link to BOTNS Book Bingo on Wednesday and Kym shared her card yesterday, so like a good lemming, I printed my card out and am IN IT TO WIN IT! Well, perhaps not with Carole playing – seriously, that girl can read and read fast!! It boggles my mind. Regardless, it seems like a fun way to spend the summer and that’s my story and I am sticking to it!

I am so good with some of these; book set in another country – check! Read another book by an author already used for this Bingo card – check! Book recommended by a librarian – check! (Thanks Carole!!) Perhaps this will be easier than I think. If you wanted to up your reading game this year, this will help! And, I am feeling decidedly child-like, awash in memories of Summer Reading at the library. It was the best thing ever for the summer vacation!

Now on to the Friday Links:

Feeling left out because you don’t have flock of sheep?

The Book of Haps roll out continues, with Tom of Holland and Gudrun Johnston having particularly lovely haps!

And, today’s pattern reveal is just stunning by the Baa-ble Hat creator!

River Flow sounds like the perfect summer knit.

Joji has a beautiful little shawl that takes just one skein of sock yarn! Which also gave me an earworm.

I will be nice and share. Have an amazing FriYAY and an even better LONG weekend! See you all back here on Monday!

A Monday of Insane Proportions

A Monday of Insane Proportions

Hello Gentle Readers!

It was the best of weekends, it was the worst of weekends.

Yay in that it was the weekend and boo because it rained for most of it.

There was Happy Houring on Friday. It was really nice, even though the weather prevented it from being outdoors.

There was quite a bit of yard working, despite the rain.

There was lots of reading – I finished Mink River (LOVED!!) and I am over half way through White Nights and LOVING it.

There was some knitting (one sock is racing on to the finish line) and some spinning.

But, all in all, it was a good weekend, in spite of the weather.

Today will be jam-packed full of busyness but, on my ‘me’ list for the week is to get some sewing completed.

I picked up some lovely denim over the weekend and I also have some mending to get done.

See you tomorrow…

Fiber Friday

Fiber Friday

We have had several foggy mornings here this week, above was the view from yesterday. This morning it is clear and SUNNY and I am so happy it is Friday!!

I am linking up with Rachel today for her Fibre Friday! The sock knitting continues, as does the drop spindling. I work on one at night when I watch a bit of television and the other when Sherman goes outside.

I hope to have the sock finished by Monday, and I only have 4 more bits of fiber to finish spinning, and at the rate I am going, completion by the end of the month is very feasible, especially since the weatherman says that there is more rain in the forecast, although there is supposed to be some sun on Sunday!

My poor garden is so waterlogged and the grass is growing so rapidly that we Steve is mowing twice a week. I have some flowers to get planted and my poppies are filled with buds this year! We picked up a Tri-color Beech that we will get planted in a new bed that we Steve has dug up. I will move some things around into there to fill in the space. It is a slow process to get gardens in order!

PicMonkey CollageI do have some fun links for you this week:

It is never too soon to start the prep work if you are planning to Tour de Fleece!

Ysolda brings us Bruntsfield and it is just lovely!

Staying with the “Y” for just one more – Ysabel

Headlands is another divine Design by Romi

Oh Hei!

Like a mystery?

Bristol Ivy shows us how to miter a sweater in two offerings: Waits and Newsome

Short-row chic (oh and it’s free!)

Kate Davies has something new The Book of Haps!

Knitting One Sock in the MDK Sock-Along? How about 2 half socks?

Or maybe you are more adventurous – how about toe up with cables?

12 Days of Christmas Mitten Garland KAL is a thing, and FREE! (There are a mere 218 days until Christmas, in case you were wondering!) Or, if you’d really rather an Advent Calendar made from Mittens

This is not new, but really, I think that Vicki of Knitorious needs to make this for her darling grandson!

Lastly, I found a recipe for a yummy looking cocktail that I think would work with White Zinfandel as well!  Frosé

That is all I have for today, have a great Friday and an even better weekend – whatever your weather! See you back here on Monday!

P.S. Want to join the Summer Knit-Along? Everything you need to know is right here.

Weekend Recharged

Weekend Recharged

After having several irregular weekends in a row, we celebrated having just a normal old weekend here at Casa del KatKnits!

There were Rhubarb Mules, mmmmmmmm.

It was nice to start the weekend with something that makes us so happy and relaxed!

We did some Farmer’s Marketing, some IKEA wandering, and some Green House visiting.

There was reading, and knitting, and spinning, too.

While the weather was not spectacular, we did all kinds of things that help in the recharging of body and soul, and makes Monday not the challenge that it wants to be!

How was your weekend?

Buffalo Cauliflower:

  • Pre-heat oven to 425°F
  • 1 head of Cauliflower, cored and cut up (try and cut the pieces in even sizes so they cook uniformly)
  • Toss cut cauliflower with 1 TBSP olive oil and 1 tsp of Chili powder and lay on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or so, until they begin to soften and brown but are not mushy.
  • Remove from oven and toss with buffalo sauce, serve with blue cheese dip or ranch if that is your preference.

Steve’s Buffalo Sauce:

  • ½ Cup Frank’s Red Hot
  • 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
  • 1 tsp White vinegar
  • 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • Chili powder to taste (add more or less for spiciness)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Dash of celery salt

Steve finds the best way to heat the sauce is in the microwave at 10-15 second intervals on high, stirring as it warms to keep the butter incorporated. You do not want the sauce hot, but just warm enough to combine. If you overheat it the butter separates.

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