Freaking Finally Socks!!

I don't know what my problem is about socks. I've tried to make them twice before, as in, cast on, plugged away for a while, enough to have the whole leg knit, start the heel, and then, screw it. I just. gave. up. I don't think it's the heel that gets me.
I think it's the fiddly double pointed needles with the teeny tiny yarn thread.

In an effort to combat that double threat, I bought this new sock book and decided to teach myself to knit from the toe-up, and not use dpns.

Saturday night, I taught myself the turkish cast-on, and using two circulars, I'm well on my way to the heel.

I'm using Rock Creek yarn in Cherry Blossom, and I've decided to just knit these in plain stockinette, although I may do some patterning on the leg portion, if I'm feeling particularly ambitious. I do think this yarn looks lovely in plain stockinette, though.

Gratuitious Olias shot above.

Here's hoping I can break the sock curse!

FO: Fountain Martini Pillow

I sewed up this baby over the last few weeks. I've found that I sew best when I'm not rushed, and take my time to pin the fabric first.

This pillow is of the envelope variety, although my envelope is just a smidge too short, so I may add an extra piece of fabric to provide better coverage.

It's fun to play with the format, and I'm feeling more confident about adding little sections of fabric to complete the whole picture. I imagine that just comes with a little experience.

I used less than half a yard total of two fabrics by Amy Butler. I found this to be a great ending to the yellow stage of Project Spectrum. This is sitting on my red couch, and that's where it will stay, for now.

Bella and Olias had to check out my crafty work, as always.

Look at those cute little bunny feet. Ah, I love them.

Sunday Stash #31

Man, I really love this fabric. A few weeks ago, I mentioned this quilt. This Heather Ross fabric has been sitting in my stash for months, and eventually, I'll take the plunge and start cutting.

Food Friday: Zucchini Bread

I made this zucchini bread a few weeks ago, thanks to a coworker's garden-grown zucchini.
I used a recipe I found on recipezaar, but used less sugar, whole wheat flour instead of white flour and added flax seeds. I like to use mini-loaf pans, and I made some in a muffin pan as well. I made a double batch of the batter and took some to work and some to my family reunion.

Happy food Friday before the Fourth!

Planning

It's the beginning of the third phase of Project Spectrum. The color is red, which fits my mood completely right now. We all need more red in our lives. I've got at least three projects in the works for the next few months. Orangina, in the yarn specified (Rowan 4-ply):

I also cast on for another Liesl this morning in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes, Cranberry:

Additionally, I have to make something with this:

I'm thinking either Ingenue (rav link) or Vaila, but I've still got time to figure that out. I have six skeins, so I'm not really limited by yardage. I just want to pick a sweater that is really flattering so I can do this lovely shade of red justice.

Finally, here's some fabrics that are getting me revved up for red.

Sunday stash #30

More from My Folklore! I know I've said it before, but I heart Lecien.

Food Friday

For Father's day this year, instead of buying my dad some crazy gadget or gag gift, I did something simple.
I made him cookies.
Chocolate chip. With pecans.
He ate them all (except for one lone sad cookie) in one day.

I guess he liked them.