Remembering an old friend

An old friend passed away this week. But, 'passed away' does not seem like an accurate way to describe a life or death of someone so unique. Kip was someone that if you met him for more than 5 minutes, you had a 'Kip story'. Another friend described him well this week. She called him a 'force of nature'. That he was, and frankly, still is.

I knew I wanted to write something about Kip, but I just wasn't sure how to pay 'tribute' to someone that you cannot sum up with mere words. I have been re-living experiences we had together....working together, quiting our job together, moving to Boston together, moving to Arizona....but,there are so many stories it is hard to pick one experience or story to share. Kip made me both laugh and cry. He was his own sitcom. He did not need a cast. And, honestly, we would have all gladly played second, third, etc... billing to his star.

So, I will remember Kip and the stories. I will share them with people, friends, and family for the rest of my days. And since I could not say it more eloquently in my own words, I will quote Meryl Streep in 'Out of Africa': “He brought us joy. And we loved him well. He was not ours. He was not mine. ..."

Got hitched and 'chuck' was there

It is true. I got hitched on 10/10/09. It was a wonderful day and evening. So many friends and family made the day so incredible and memorable. In an earlier post, I wrote about my wedding shawl that I knitted in case it was cold. Well, I wasn't cold. Everyone else at the wedding was however because we turned down the air so low in order to keep me from fainting. At one point, I stuck my arm down in the cooler and submerged it in ice and water.....ahhhhhhh

We went laid back for the reception. That is a nice way of saying cheap.....The pizza was so good. Fuel Pizza is the best if you need an event catered. And, of course we had wine. Trader Joe's 3 buck Chuck cannot be beat. We went with the Cabernet and some Merlot. And of course, I had my own stash of my Franzia box wine tucked away in the kitchen. I am all class. But seriously, for you next party, pick up a case of 3 buck Chuck. It tastes good and doesn't bust the bank. So, relax, have a glass of wine with your love. I will leave you with these words from Led Zeppelin:

And so today, my world it smiles, your hand in mine, we walk the miles,
Thanks to you it will be done, for you to me are the only one.
Happiness, no more be sad, happiness....I'm glad.
If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you.
If the mountains should crumble to the sea, there would still be you and me.

Meret for Malbec

Ok, so I will admit that I do not have a scientific way of choosing wine. My method is typically if I think the label is clever, interesting, or pretty, then I will try the wine. This does not always work out, however this time it did. This Malbec is much lighter and fruitier than most, which makes it a very nice choice for a summer red. I picked this up at the local grocery store for $10. This same company also makes other reds and whites if you are not a fan of Malbec.

While my method is not without it's flaws, I also used this same method for selecting my next knitting project, The Meret. Since I am a big fan of hats and this one is just pretty, it is my next project. I am making it out of some inexpensive acrylic yarn first to get the feel of the pattern. Check out the website in it's entirety, Wooly Wormhead. Live Free, Laugh Long, and Knit Hard!

Sangria Sisters

I went to Durham to visit my sister Jennifer. I love spending time with her and her family. Her husband offered to stay at home with their boys while Jennifer and I went out for dinner. We went to Blue Corn Cafe. Both Jennifer and I love sangria. Jennifer would always make a batch of sangria when the 'KAK Sisters' would get together. She even named her recipe 'KAK Sister Sangria'. I will explain the 'KAK Sisters' at another time.

So, in honor of my upcoming nuptials, we got a pitcher of sangria. It was deelish! There is nothing better on a hot summer day than some refreshing sangria and some smokey, spicey Mexican food. So, whip up a pitcher with some of your closest friends and enjoy drink, food, and laughter. Try this recipe for a base and add whatever fruit is in season. Also, a cinnamon stick in each glass is a nice touch:

• 1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
• 1 Lemon cut into wedges
• 1 Orange cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Shot brandy
• 2 Cups ginger ale or club soda

Malbec and Merino

Malbec is my favorite wine. I discovered it by accident a couple of years ago and my favorite is still the first vineyard I tried. Trapiche Malbecs are amazing. They are deep colored, rich, fruity like plums and blackberries, with a hint of woody flavor. Trapiche has created some really affordable Malbecs. All are under $10 and compliment any meal or knitting project, see how I threw that in there.

I enjoyed a few glasses of Malbec while knitting a sweet hoodie out of some fine Merino Wool. The hoodie is an easy pattern found at: Baby Hoodie.
I picked 2 lovely fall colors for my friend's daughter Lil P. This is the finished product:

And check out Lil P's Mom's Blog: http://anurbanfarmwife.blogspot.com/

Box Wine and Blogging

I have been remiss. All this talk about yarn and knitting without the influence of wine. I enjoy wine. I would venture to say I love it. But, do not get me wrong. I am not a wine snob. Back in the day, I was know to partake of the Boone’s Farm Kuntry Kwencher. That’s right. I am not ashamed to admit that I would throw down some MD 20/20. If it was a special night, I would break out a jug of Gallo Hearty Burgundy mixed with Sprite in a Solo cup, drinking, listening to Van Halen on 8 track. Good times.

So, while I appreciate a good Malbec from Argentina or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, I have my standard that never fails me. My Franzia Box of Merlot. Laugh all you want, but if you just want to have a glass before bed, there is nothing better. And it’s convenient and stays fresh for a looooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg time due to the mylar bag.

So, go out, buy yourself a box (usually around 17 bucks or so), put on some great tunes, and pick up those sticks and knit.

Wedding Wrap

I am getting married on October 10, 2009! Whooo hooo! Most of the planning is done and we are in the home stretch but it has been a long ride so far. Paul officially proposed to me on 1/10/09. Paul was at work until 8pm, but I was at home making dinner for us. While I was cooking, I heard the dogs going crazy in the backyard. I went out to investigate and heard whimpering noises. As I approached the back fence, I realized that the neighbors dog was in labor and had already had 2 puppies. I was worried because it was cold outside and the momma dog was not taking care of them. I ran inside and got a blanket, tried to throw it over the fence to warm the puppies, but it wasn't working.

Paul got home and I re-capped what had happened. I said 'will you ride over to the neighbors and see if they are home because their dog is having puppies and it is cold.' His reply was 'let's get in the car and go over there.' So, we got in the car and I told him, 'this is why I love you. you don't even question going over to someones house we don't know. you just do it because I asked.' And then, he looked at me, and said, 'I love you and I love puppies. And, you are getting a ring tonight.' Then, he put the ring on my finger and asked if I would be his wife. Of course I said yes and cried a little....I am a big sap.

So, the puppies ended up fine. Here they are.... so cute right?

So, now that most of the prep work is done for the wedding, I have started knitting a wedding wrap. I picked a shell pink alpaca, very soft. Here it is so far.

Houston, we have a problem

Yes, I have a problem. An addiction. I am addicted to fiber, to yarn. I love the colors, the feel, the smell, and the excitement of creating something wonderful. However, as with any addiction, I tend to go overboard. I see it. I want it. I buy it. More often than not, I have no idea what I am going to make. I buy and get the immediate gratification. So, I now find myself faced with this.....











What a nightmare! I have two rubbermaid tubs full of whole skeins of yarn, one container of partial balls of yarn left over from other projects, and one container of patterns, needles, tape measures, etc. So, I have started a project with the scrap yarn. I am only using scraps that could not be made into a hat, of course, and this is the blanket so far....



So, if you have an overload of leftover crafting items, try and re-purpose them and create something truly unique. I will keep you updated with the progress of the blanket.

In the begining, there was yarn...

My Grammie taught me to knit when I was a child. But, I never really progressed past potholders and washcloths. If I was feeling particularly sassy, I would attempt a scarf (really just an extra long potholder). Roughly 5 years ago I was laid off and in order to maintain my sanity, I needed some creative outlet besides job searching. I decided to pick-up knitting again. I bought some inexpensive yarn and needles at Walmart and knitted a hat pattern from Martha Stewart Living. I have been knitting ever since.

My Grammie was overjoyed that I had started knitting again. We often talked about what projects we were working on and what yarn we were using. It was something wonderful and creative that we shared together. She passed away almost 3 years ago and I inherited all her yarn, needles, patterns, and her little button purse that she used to carry her current project.

Now, I have progressed to more complex projects and more decadent yarn. But, my favorite thing to knit is that first hat pattern with inexpensive yarn. Both of which, would make my Grammie proud. So, I am attaching the pattern in hopes that you will enjoy and think of someone you love.