Little Bird Big City

Thanksgiving come and gaga-gone

2009-11-30T01:15:00.004-05:00

Oh Thanksgiving, you are so good. I lurrrrrve you, you sweet and delicious thang. You own my heart.
I want Thanksgiving all the time. Maybe next week? Well? Whatcha think?
Anyone? My leftovers are running out!

We hosted another wonderful holiday dinner at our house this year. I didn't know what would happen this turkey season, being in Portland now. I'd enjoyed years of wonderfully unforgettable orphan Thanksgivings in Brooklyn. Most of our pals there were transplants from afar, just like us. But not in Portland. Many of us are close to home, within a short driving distance from our dear families. My original plan was to follow my parents to Eastern Oregon to feast with my cousins, Aunt, Uncle and more of our extended family. But once I found out I had to work that day, I knew I would be forced to stay in town, perhaps alone.... How pleased I was to find out my best friend and about 14 others had nowhere to go too. yes yes YES! The chance to host once again! Victory laps.

I spent the entire week preparing for all the holiday catering at work, including almost 60 pies. I'm beginning to feel a bit like a pie guru. Or a pie machine. Or just a giant pie eating pie. Anyway, I thought I'd share a couple of my tips with you.

I made 2 pies for dinner this year, and 3 more were brought by some friends. My first was a classic Pumpkin Pie, with that sweet and creamy filling, just a touch of the spice that so perfectly represents this time of year. Top that with a dollop of vanilla scented home-made whipped cream? Belly heaven. Secondly, I decided on a twist to another standard T-day dessert and made a Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This is the only time I can justify the purchase and use of corn syrup, which I think is rather revolting, actually. But hey, special occasions call for special circumstances, am I right? This was my first attempt at this recipe, an easy one to follow, with rich satisfying results. Just don't forget to toast the pecans beforehand to keep them crisp and crunchy.
Tips are as follows:

PVC piping can be turned into the cheapest most incredible and sturdy rolling pin! I'm serious. It comes in a variety of sizes, which means you can customize it to fit any project. Mine is about 2 1/2 feet long for rolling out fondant for large cakes, but you can make it much smaller...or not. Just go to your local hardware store and they will cut it for you. It's so inexpensive, try a few different sizes to see what fits you best. Give it a shot, you shan't be disappointed.
Then, when you throw your round of pastry onto your floured surface, be sure to rotate it after each time you roll it to get an even thickness. This also prevents it from sticking to the counter. If it starts to adhere, sprinkle some more flour down.

Before you transfer your dough to a pie dish, grab an 12" plate, lay it over the pastry, and cut around the edge with a sharp knife. You'll make a perfect circle, which results in an even crust to crimp the edge with.

TaDa!

Practically perfect in every way.
Of course, we ate more than just pie....everyone played their part and brought a dish that was special to them. That's the most exciting part of an Orphan Thanksgiving, being able to try something you may never have had otherwise. There was so much food, it hardly looked like we made a dent. Here are some pictures. I wish I had done a better job of documenting all the dishes. Aw well.

Sage rubbed turkey with cider gravy. It turned out beautifully, thanks to Erin.

And of course, the crowning achievement of the season, the Hand Turkey Wall:

I hope everyone out there had as lovely a time as I did. I was so thankful to be surrounded by such wonderful, caring, and talented people. I'm just real pleased to be here, so glad I moved to this incredible city.
xo

Short Stay in Long Beach

2009-11-17T18:53:00.003-05:00

We made a plan some weeks ago to momentarily vacate Portland for the windy shores of Long Beach, Washington. The intention of the flee? To spend the night in an oceanside cabin, nestled in fleece blankets amongst glasses of wine and skeins of yarn, fingers furiously at work on whatever craft project occupied us at the moment. But more than that, for me, it was an escape from the pressures that were ailing me. A breathe of fresh and salty air. And a great time to sit with Sarah, her sister, and her mom, and knit until my fingers hurt, eventually letting my head slowly and sleepily fall to the arm of the couch in slumber.

We took a moment to stop by the local yarn shop and ogle their selections. Everyone walked away with something. These were Erin's lovely purchases.

For dinner, Sarah brought the ingredients to throw together her favorite soup. Perfect for a cold and windy day. It's so simple and good and completely versatile. I thought I'd share the recipe with you.

Mushroom Barley soup:

ingredients:
1/2 oz. dried Shiitake mushrooms (you can substitute your favorite)
2 T butter
2 T vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic
1 leek, thinly sliced
1 large onion, diced
1 or 2 sticks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 cup barley
4-8 cups chicken stock
2 T fresh dill, diced

procedure:
Cover dried mushrooms in 1 cup boiling water and let stand 20 minutes. Squeeze dry with paper towels. Reserve the water. Chop mushrooms.
Heat oil and butter in a large soup pot. Sautee mushrooms on low heat for 2 or 3 minutes. Add garlic, onion, celery and carrots. Cook until the onions start to soften, about 7 minutes. Push the veggies to the side with a wooden spoon. Turn heat up to medium-high and add barley, toasting it slightly, about 1 minute. Add mushroom water and stock. At this point, you can add as much stock as you want. The less stock you add, the more stew-y it will be. Depends on how thin you like your soup.
Cover and cook until barley is tender, around 3o-40 minutes. Add fresh dill, salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy!

The next day, we strapped on rubber boots, wrapped ourselves up tightly, and scrambled all the way down to the beach, taking short cuts, backtracking, foraging where there were no paths, and crossing other people's property. The weather was cold and windy, and the rain was coming from all directions, but I think that walk was my favorite moment of the entire weekend.

We returned to our home in Portland that night, almost immediately getting back in the car to make a run to the craft store. Sarah and I are neck deep in holiday crafting. I'll share pictures of the wreck that is our dining room table at a later time...it's a bit of a disaster area. I'm thankful to our roommate, Mark, who doesn't participate in the mess making, but also doesn't seem to mind the mess. At least not out loud. We'll be hosting an Orphan Thanksgiving next week, so there will have to be some major tidying up before then.

Before I sign out, I'd like to share some music that I've been enjoying lately. The Local Natives are friends of Sarah and Ryan, they came to stay with us a short while ago. I really like their music, but this song is my favorite thus far:

Happy Halloween, 3 days later

2009-11-03T19:32:00.002-05:00

Here's a quick lil' post for ya, one that I didn't plan on doing until about, ohhh 3 seconds ago. But hay hay! Sometimes I ride the waves of spontaneity! (so not true)

So Happy Halloween to all those who love the holiday as much as I do. We had a bit of a party at our little Brooklyn Park house. We worked hard all week preparing, eating candy, crafting spookies, eating candy, decorating, making ghosts out of tampons, and eating candy. Did I already mention eating candy? Oh Yeah, there's no end in sight. Anyhooo.

Can you guess who I was? Here's a hint: He's the ghost with the most, baby.
That's right! Beetlejuice! Good job. Ok ok. That's enough. Don't say it again.
Haha! You're so funny. But really, just not a third time. Please.
Wait, no don't...don't do it...no.....NO! NOOOOO!!!!!!!
(ok I'm done)

Roommate Photo! We may have to blow this up and put it on our dining room wall...

I'm clearly madly in love with whomever I'm looking at outside the frames of this picture. That's my "lurve you" face. Or my, "damn, you're good lookin" face. Who it may be? I may never know.

These photos were taken expertly by my best friend, who took the time to set up an area of the house like a photo booth, and then man it all night long. She ended up with 250 or so pictures from that night. Whoa.

I've pretty much been MIA lately because of this really fun and exciting project that I've been working on. I was asked to hang some drawings up in a cafe near my hood. Well, instead of hanging up work that I already have (silly silly idea), I decided to produce all new pieces. So, for the last two weeks, a day in the life of Brooke basically went like this: Wake up, yawn, stretch, go to work, bust out some pastries for the ladies, go home, stretch, put on stretch pants, brew some coffee, and sit down and draw for 6 hours. Stretch in stretch pants. Go to bed. That, and Halloween prep have consumed me completely.
Alas, I finally hung my work yesterday. Now I'm free. Freeeeeeee! Free to start more drawing. I'm an addict. I wish I could post pictures, but I didn't have the opportunity to scan them. But if you're in the Portland Metro Area, please check them out. They're at Cafe Pallino located at 3003 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202.
On to the next, I say!!!
xxx
B

Fall is upon us...

2009-10-05T18:58:00.002-04:00

...and I couldn't be happier about it. I've mentioned this before. In fact, I get this way every year... but I really think Fall is the most super spectacular! I mean, I love summer as much as the next guy. But when it comes down to it, I know in my purest heart of hearts, that Fall is by far best season. I guess you could say the feeling comes from the pit of my stomach. It's telling me to get cooking, because what's better than comforting cool weather dishes?? Y'know, the kind of food loaded with fat, sugar and carbs? Yeah! You remember and love it as much as I do, admit it. My philosophy? When the time is right, indulge. It just so happens that for me, the time is always right. What? Don't look at me like that.

So yes, it's baking season. No, for reals this time! Ok, it's always baking season. But now I'm out in full force. Be expecting a lot of food related posts to be popping up over the next several months.

Starting with.....

Zucchini Bread

mmmmmm, vegetable-y sweetness.

I drooled over this recipe during my return flight home from New York. It was in the Food and Wine magazine last month. Both food creations I'm featuring today were from that particular issue.
This Yogurt-Zucchini Bread with Walnuts was everything I wanted it to be. Well, almost everything. I prefer a very moist sweet bread. I find a lot recipes out there have an airier crumb than I would like. I don't want fluffy, I want dense, darn it! This one is halfway there. And it improved with age. The next day, I wasn't forcing myself to smother it in butter to fight off any unwanted dryness. But I still smothered it in butter anyways. Because it's delicious, that's why.

Pull Apart Cheesy Onion Bread, oh my god.

Recipe
I have absolutely only the highest regards for this recipe. Not only was it super fun to make (can you say "playing with food?"), but it was finger licking, napkin wearing, good. Yeah, it was kinda greasy, completely buttery, a wee bit cheesy, and totally crumbly. Beaming. Slice it up the next day, throw it in a toaster, and taste the magic. Yes...the magic. Please, don't be intimidated by bread baking. I can't stress that enough. It may seem scary. But start simple. No yeast involved. No rising time. It couldn't be easier or more rewarding. Just try not to eat the whole thing, hard as it is.

Oh....well, hello, beautiful hand-dyed, hand-spun yarn by Angela...how do you do?
You sure are a pretty one.....
...It's go time!
Lasers! Lasers shooting out of my fingers! Pew pew pew!

That's right folks. I've got my knitting fingers back. In full swing.

I decided to make something really simple with this yarn, to show off it's beautiful colorway. I settled on a no frills beanie because I was eager to knit something up really quick. Ahh the satisfaction of single day knitting. Victorious!

I started this hat off using the Felicity Pattern on Ravelry. But I modified it so I wouldn't run out of yarn. I love how it turned out, super cozy. I think I feel like a quick frolic in the woods! Tromp tromp tromp.

In more exciting news:

Ta Da!!!

The bike that Brooke built. Well, I can't completely claim that. But! I did attach the wheels, the fenders and the seat (with guidance). Which is really huge for me. I'm super enthusiastic that I'm finally learning so much about bicycle maintenance. I was lucky with this "new" bike. My roommate had it lying amongst the cobwebs in the basement, unused. It really didn't fit her right. So she handed it off to me. AND, with a little TLC she looks great! Don't you think?

RIP Centurion LeMans

2009-09-27T17:11:00.002-04:00

I have to post a quick message directly spoken from my sad sad heart...

I woke up smiling this morning at the sun shining through my windows. My plans for the day included a trip to the bike shop for some bicycle maintenance and fender attachment. The friendly employee at The Community Cycling Center gladly pulled my bike out of my trunk and brought in for inspection. He looked at the bike, then at me, then back at the bike. With a furrowed brow and a sigh in his voice, he informed me that my beloved friend was on the verge of breakage. He pointed out the impurities in the frame.
"Someone's crashed this bike," he said gently. The damage to the bike was obvious, once it had been pointed out to me. The conclusion? It would be dangerous for me to continue navigating the streets on it. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. I left the shop with my head held high...but it didn't take long before the tears were streaming down my cheeks.

In order for anyone to understand the attachment I have to this inanimate object, you'd have to be made aware of the history I have with it.

A Tribute:
This bicycle has been in my family for 40 years. Once upon a time, it belonged to my mother. She was the first owner. She jetted around on these same two wheels throughout college. I inherited it when I moved away to attend the same college. This speedy machine was my pride and joy. Always has been. I love the way it feels gliding over the pavement, so swift. We've been through so much together. At one point, many years ago, it was stolen from under my nose. I cried and cried over the loss. But to my disbelief, just a few weeks later I encountered the thief and strong armed my bike back into my life. I knew at that point that this bike and I were meant to be. Although I wasn't able to take her to New York, I thought of her often. Just imagine my joy when we were reunited just a few short months ago. I thought our love affair would last much longer. But here I am, being forced to let her go...again.

I'm thinking about having a funeral. Is that too much?
I won't forget the amazing times I've had riding this bike around Oregon. I sigh in sadness as I reluctantly shop for another bike to get around on.

Goodbye LeMans. Je t'aime.

I Ate New York

2009-09-20T13:29:00.002-04:00

I returned from New York about a week and a half ago, but only just now found a brief moment to update this blog. I'm pretty low on energy right now, too, and don't have a lot of patience for the time it takes to complete this thing. What? It's Sunday morning! I should technically still be sleeping. But I inherited this annoying gene that forces me to get up early no matter what. Soo...my nagging brain got me outta bed, and now I'm here before you, raw and unfiltered, trying to spew out some sort of logic in a comprehensible manner. More coffee, please!

New York was great! Fantastic, even.
I basically ate my way through the city for 9 days straight. That's what you do, right? When you travel? You eat copious amounts of food, gain a little weight, come home with a new idea of what cuisine should be? Well, that's what I did. Not that Portland doesn't have some of the most incredible food out there, but I spend a lot less time going out to eat here because I can't afford to. But when you're on vacation....do as New Yorkers do EVERYDAY (how do they afford this?), and eat out. By the end of the trip, I knew, with my most purest heart of hearts, that I wanted to dedicate my life to food. What that means for me exactly? No idea. But I'm excited, I'm enthused, and I'm HUNGRY.
The wedding party I flew specifically to New York for was incredible. I have such amazing and talented friends. We came, we cooked, we conquered.

Prepping for the party started at 2pm. Guests trickled in throughout the evening, some of the bringing their culinary prowess, some just bringing a helping hand.

Stuffed jalapenos for the rooftop grill.

Cheese filled proscuitto wrapped dates, also to be grilled.

Judah fires up the grill as the rest of the guests trickle in. A handful of us set up the food and alcohol on tables, and the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline.

Picturesque, isn't it? The party continued through the night into the wee hours of the morning. It was amazing reuniting with old friends, some of which I hadn't seen for 6 or more years. We spent the weekend together, catching up over food and drink. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The next day was spent recovering and relaxing.

The Waterfront Park in Williamsburg is a new addition to the neighborhood, with great views of Manhattan. A perfect place to sit and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

And of course, eat snacks.

Red Velvet donuts from my favorite donut shop in Greenpoint, Peter Pan Bakery
Yummmmm. (best donuts around....and you know how I love them pastries)

Next day...

A simple picnic at Governor's Island turns into a buffet of fine foods and sparkling wines.

We hopped back on the ferry that afternoon to take us back to the city. Once in Brooklyn, we spent the evening filling ourselves up with german sausages and steins of beer at the Radegast Hall and Biergarten.

I mean, I ate and ate and ate...

But I also knit. I trucked it over to my friend Rebecca's place for a meet-up with my old knitting group. Incredible! Reunited and it feels so good! Now don't get me wrong...we ate. We ate A LOT! And it was delicious, of course. But more importantly, I felt like a part of that group again, as though I'd never moved away. I have missed it terribly. I wished I could have spent more evenings with them, but unfortunately, my time was very limited. I left them that night feeling like I would always be a part of them, no matter where I was. And I also left with some home made jam, bourbon cherries, and some gorgeous hand spun, hand dyed yarn, courtesy of Angela (which I will picture later).
Thanks so much, ladies!

Well, one quick trip to the yarn shop...

Ah Purl, je t'aime.

I flew home last week exhausted and satisfied. I'd had a perfect trip, really. And an important one. Because although I love New York, and feel like it's played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am now, it didn't take long before I was reminded why I left. And by the end, those reasons were becoming more evident and I'd started feeling like I'd been rubbed a little bit raw by the harsher qualities of the city.
Stepping off that plane onto Oregon soil was in incredible sigh of relief. It helps, too, when you're greeted at the airport by your friends parading around playing horns and drums....just for you.

Reflecting on a Year

2009-08-30T13:18:00.003-04:00

Well hello there.
It's a beautiful gray Sunday morning here in Portland. I'm perched at my favorite local coffee shop, Albina Press, where the tattooed baristas remember your drink and are always good for a laugh. I'm hooked.

So...I'm writing today because,

Two very important events are coming up in the next couple of days. Event number one: My one year blog anniversary. 12 months, 35 posts! Wow. I can't even believe it's true. How quickly time passes, and how much a life can change.

Here I am with my mom during my visit to the Northwest last August.

One year passes:

Here's a less than flattering photo of me during a camping trip in the Olympic National Park, taken just a couple of weeks ago. I have tired face.

Aside from adding inches in length to my hair, not much has changed in my appearance.

But who knew back then, where I'd be now?

That I'd be trading this:

for this:

Sigh. Making that move from city to city was hard on my heart and I still get choked up a bit when I read my blog entry detailing those tough times. I do miss the place and people on a daily basis. However, I have no regrets about my decision to leave. When I packed up my belongings and made that difficult trip back home, I left a lot of my unhappinesses behind, buried forever. I'm deeply in love with everything Portland offers and there's no other place I could picture myself right now. AND the great thing about Brooklyn is it's a fantastic place to visit!

Therefore, appropriately enough, event number two: a 9 day trip back to the birth place of said blog, my former home, New York City.

Drawn back by special events and the lure of the city, I've booked myself to the maximum. I'll be seeing old friends, old coworkers, old hang outs, and tons of old memories unfolding before me. I'm unbelievably excited and a bit apprehensive. My breath catches in my chest just thinking about it. In less than 48 hours I'll be sitting tightly in my airplane seat focusing on not letting my nerves overcome me. I imagine that it'll feel natural once I get there...at least, that's what I'm hoping.

So I'll be M.I.A for a couple of weeks. I'm sure I'll come back with new ideas, new perspectives, and lots of stories. Until then, I leave you with the some new pictures from my garden, and a slew of new drawings that I've been spewing out lately.

My favorite tomato thus far, and the most delicious. Hillbilly Potato Leaf is an heirloom tomato. I can't wait for the rest to ripen.

I may have mentioned this before, but we have 17 tomato plants. It's just now becoming overwhelming. To my dismay, I can't seem to keep on top of it, even when I eat them for every meal and every snack! We're giving them away at this point. When I come back, I hope to do some canning. I hope you are all enjoying the same success that we are!

My drawings are coming much more naturally these days. I can't seem to stop. It feels so amazing to be at this point again. To feel like I'm not forcing it out of me. I've purchased some smaller sketchbooks with the idea that I can fill them up during my trip back East. We'll see how that pans out.

Oregon Blackberries

2009-08-12T18:53:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I was confronted with the sudden urge to go blackberry picking. Oregon has the most delicious and succulent berries...and they're free for the taking! You just have to know where to go. I wrestled Erin and the pup into taking an afternoon excursion out to Sauvie Island, which is a small mass of land covered in farms and, yes, blackberries. It also has a wonderful sandy beach, and a nudey one at that! (wink wink)
Anyways. We took a drive out to the beach and climbed along the shore until we found a spot infested with the ripest berries. Now....I'm a bit of a machine when it comes to berry picking. I take it VERY seriously. It's like a shopping spree. You have all this merchandise at your fingertips, but you're on a time limit. In other words, go go GO!!!! I put the bucket between my legs and pick with both hands. There's quite a rhythm to it. Unfortunately for me, when all is said and done, and my little trance is over with, I'm definitely worse for wear.

ouch.

I love this color. I need to dye yarn with blackberry juice.

the loot.

I've been inspired into a canning frenzy by my friend Rebecca in Brooklyn. She's a canning queen! So the next day, I rushed home from work and made this:

...in just a few short hours. It's soo mmm mmmm good.
A little spicy, tangy sweet. I can't wait to hand it out as gifts.
Here's the recipe:

Blackberry-Ginger Preserves

Makes Approximately 5 half-pint jars
•
10-11 cups blackberries
•
3 Tablespoons grated fresh ginger
•
½ cup orange juice
•
7 cups sugar
•
zest of one orange

In a large pot, place berries and gently mash with wooden spoon. Warm over low heat 15 minutes to extract juices. Add ginger and orange juice and gently warm over low heat. Bring mixture to a boil and add sugar one-half cup at a time stirring constantly. Add orange zest. Allow mixture to boil 10-20 min. until it reaches 220 degrees F on a candy thermometer or passes the jelly test. Remove from heat. Ladle into hot sterilized jars and process according to manufacturer’s directions.

So so easy. Really. Try it out. Put it on your biscuit. Ooohhh yeah.

After the preserves were jarred and put away, I still had about half of the berries left. I was going to bake a pie, my favorite favorite thing to make...but I just ran out of time. So I made the next best, quickest, and awesome tasting thing.

COBBLER ahoyhoy!

I don't have a recipe for this dessert because I was flying by the seat of my pants. Sounds delightful, doesn't it?
I make these fairly often at work, soo.... I mostly just followed a biscuit recipe, adding sugar and cinnamon. I mixed the fruit with sugar, flour, lemon juice and some spices, and threw it in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes. I added the biscuit topping and sprinkled more cinnamon and sugar on top. Then, pop, back in the oven until the biscuit is golden brown on top, about 20 minutes I think.

It overflowed. Tastes better that way.

I hope you all out there in cyberspace take a minute to pick some berries this summer, whatever kind, doesn't matter. Meanwhile, I'm looking into picking some peaches before the seasons out. Wish me luck!

I'm Salivating Right Now (and soon you will too)

2009-07-21T00:41:00.003-04:00

I found this incredible tart recipe on Epicurious a couple of weeks ago. I'm always game to try anything curd-filled. I just loooove curd! Curd curd, creamy, tangy, melt on your tongue....curd. Phew! A nectarine lime curd, though! Sounded to me like a heavenly slice of summer lovin' in a delicious pastry shell.
And let me tell you somethin, it was. Boy howdy, it was! This is going to be my go-to dessert from now until October. It tasted so fresh without being too sweet. And what really brought it home for me was the brown-sugar crust. I will probably never make another boring ol' plain white sugar crust again. It pales in comparison.
Don't ask me, just make the tart already!

PS. I doubled this recipe to make a 12" tart. I think it was a wise decision, this recipe only feeds 4. That's like an insult to dessert lovers everywhere.

Nectarine Lime Curd Tart with a Brown-Sugar Crust
Gourmet | June 1998

yield: Serves 4 generously
For this recipe we call for a 13 1/2- by 4- by 1-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable fluted rim; you could also use an 8 1/2- by 1-inch... more ›

Ingredients

For curd

* 1 firm-ripe medium nectarine
* 5 large egg yolks
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons fresh lime
* 2 tablespoons unsalted
* 1/8 teaspoon vanilla

For crust

* 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
* 3/4 teaspoon salt

* 4 firm-ripe medium nectarines
* 1/3 cup peach jam

Preparation

Make curd:
Halve and pit nectarine. Cut halves into pieces and in a blender purée until smooth. In a heavy saucepan whisk together purée, yolks, granulated sugar, lime juice, butter, and vanilla. Cook mixture over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it just reaches a boil, about 7 minutes, and immediately remove pan from heat. Strain curd through a sieve into a bowl and cool, its surface covered with a buttered round of wax paper. Chill curd at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Make crust:
Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cut butter into pieces. In a food processor pulse flour, brown sugar, and salt until combined well. Add butter and blend until a dough begins to form (mixture should hold together when squeezed between fingers). Press dough evenly into bottom and up sides of a 13 1/2- by 4- by 1-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable fluted rim. Bake crust in middle of oven 20 minutes and cool in pan on a rack. Crust may be made 2 days ahead and kept in pan, covered, at room temperature.

Halve and pit nectarines. Cut halves into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Spoon curd into shell, smoothing top, and arrange nectarine slices decoratively on top. In a small saucepan heat jam over low heat until hot. Pour jam through a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids. Lightly brush fruit with glaze. Chill tart, loosely covered with plastic wrap, until ready to serve. Tart may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

Like holy wow!

Ahem....

Enter minor knitting project:

Saartje's Bootees
by Saartje de Bruijn
(free ravelry download)
I used stash yarn for this. You may remember this yarn from an array of timeless projects including: fingerless gloves and boyfriend hat.
Size #3 straight needles.

I know this is kinda pathetic. This is the only project I've finished in months. I'm so disappointed in myself....I'm amazed I could even muster the motivation to complete these. Knitting requires motivation, like the birth of a little munchkin. It's a bit too hot for these right now, but I think he'll grow into them. They should be perfect for the fall.
I can't wait to see these tiny shoes on even teenier feet. Sigh.

Now....

Are you ready for more eye candy? Get your napkins ready.

Donuts.
Repeat after me. Donuts donuts donuts DONUTS!

ok. Enough of that.

I'm not going to post the recipe here, because we're working with it. We have ambition. We want to make the best donuts in all of Portland, and by golly, I think we can do it!

And you can do it too. They're so easy to make. You don't need much, just a big hunker of frying oil, a cast iron pot, a candy thermometer, and a wire spatula.

We decided on the old-fashioned cake style donuts for our first time. They seemed like the least complicated and the most transportable (we were hauling them out to our favorite karaoke joint that evening).

The dough, which consisted mostly of flour, milk, melted butter, and sugar, was rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick, and then cut out with circular cutters. We ended up with a lot of donut holes, which was perfect.

The oil was heated to 360. This is where it can get dangerous. Overheating the oil can start a fire, so having a thermometer is really important.

They only fry for a couple of minutes per side.
Perfection.

We set them out on racks immediately after pulling them out of the hot oil. We didn't have paper towels that day, so we compromised. I would highly suggest using something absorbent to suck up as much oil as possible. These are greasy suckas!
But just look. You can tell how crispy they were, can't you? Drool now.

We coated some of them in a sugary mixture, and left some plain. They're good, either way.

So...if you love donuts as much as I love donuts, you should definitely try making some at home. There are recipes all over the internet. Just find one that suits you best. Good luck! I hope I've inspired you.

Donuts.

Anyway,

So I hafta post this song after my pal KnitXcorE put it up on his blog today. I just think it's so lovely and the animation is right up my alley. I hope you like it too.

Sarah Blasko- No Turning Back

ok ok ok ok OK!

2009-07-10T18:34:00.005-04:00

Oh.....hey, guess what, I'm back.
Where was I, you might ask?
Welllllllll, nowhere in particular. Nope, nowhere at all... Ok, I was here... I was here all along, avoiding my blog like the plague. I don't know what's gotten into me, I've just had NOTHING to say. Nada. Zip. 0.
Until now! And I'm sorry to disappoint, but it's not knitting related. I promise to post another blog entry within the week featuring one teeny tiny finished project and an amazing pastry recipe that I can't get enough of.

But for now, let's just sit back and pine over this past Fourth of July weekend. Sigh.
It was a good one, was it not?

This is me, sporting watersocks and oar, gazing over the edge of the boat, soaking up some vitamin E, and rocking with the subtle waves of the river.

This particular trip was planned months ago, but Erin and I jumped on the bandwagon, if you will, about a week before departure. There were 22 of us filling up five 15 foot rafts, embarking on a 3 day float down the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. These are the kinds of trips that I've been dreaming about, what I've been wanting to do since I started spending sticky, hot, miserable (at times) summers in New York City. In other words, this was THE life.
Regard:

We packed all our necessities into dry sacks, and lined the rafts with them, strapping it all in, so not a morsel would fly overboard during the rockiest portions of the float.

I brought along this cheap Fuji waterproof one time use camera. I was non too thrilled about it, especially once the plastic casing started fogging up from the inside. But as it turns out, I kind of like the blurry effects. It's a nice representation of the trip in general.

Day 1 involved cliff jumping and all around tom foolery.

ps. I was way too chicken to make this jump. I'm an adventurous person in general but I was a little timid in this case, afraid I wouldn't be able to clear the rocks below. Nerrrrrvous! So I stood back and enjoyed the view.

Camping in the desert is unlike anything I've ever experienced. The heat was so extreme, we had to soak in the river until the sun dropped behind the hills. Only then could we muster the strength to crawl ashore, set up tents and make dinner. Since we weren't allowed to make a fire, we spent the evenings walking amongst the brush and rattlesnakes (yeah, we saw 3), and sitting around the oil lamp gazing at endless sky and stars.

Gorgeous, non?

We saw a lot of deer along the river.

Here's where my camera started to fog out. Kind of looks like a setting for a horror film. Maybe this is where the giant river monster pops violently out of the current and breaks someone in two???

Spooky.

We had some wild rapids on the last day of the float. We strapped on life jackets and held oars tightly, swiftly soaring from wave to wave, from rock to rock. The last rapid required us to pull over and scout it out before taking it on. When the water's low it can be quite dangerous, tossing people out of their boats effortlessly. Lucky for us, the river level this year was really high, and we cruised through without a scratch.

Also, we're pretty tough, sooo....I think maybe, the river was a little scared.

This was about the end of the road. Maupin, Oregon.
An unforgettable trip, considering that I have some crazy tan lines and a slight case of river rash. !!!!
I look forward to going again next year, if possible. Until then, I'm planning some backpacking trips and other outdoor excursions. I'll keep you posted.

In slightly funnier news, I was in this music video that just came out. I'm in the audience wearing a crazy mask, so you can't tell it's me, but I know. I'm doing some wicked moves. Check it out! Blitzen Trapper: Black River Killer.

Grandma Smith's Banana Bread

2009-06-03T12:17:00.004-04:00

When bananas become to soft and spotted for normal eating enjoyment, I throw them jauntily into the freezer. It's a natural reaction, picked up from my mother, learned from childhood. I don't even think twice about it. So on Monday, when I peered into the icebox and noticed that the bananas had piled into a somewhat obscene quantity, I called my Mom for her grandmother's banana bread recipe, the one I grew up eating. The kind that dreams are made of. Salivate.
Now, this particular recipe has been passed down through generations. It comes originally from her Grandma Smith, who was a talented pastry chef, always cooking and baking for the hard working crew that manned their farm. According to my Mother, she was always baking (as grandmas often do), and if ever she was in need of a sweet treat or some cheering up, she could cross the fields to grandma's house and find some pie or cake cooling on the table. Even when my mom moved away for college, her grandma consistently sent her banana bread from home. Such a history and great memories are baked into this banana bread, I can't wait to someday teach my children how to make it.
I'm sure that almost everyone has their favorite banana bread, maybe the one they grew up with, the one their mother's baked every once in a while, for the sticky fingers and hungry mouths of children. Or maybe it's the slice they pick up at the local bakery they've been frequenting for years. Wherever it comes from, it's a particular taste and texture you crave.
Stating that, I'm going to go ahead and say this loud and clear: This is the BEST banana bread recipe you'll EVER find. I'm not kidding. There's not another one like it. It's more than simple, and probably, by far, the moistest, spongiest, most flavorful thing your tongue will ever touch. Go ahead and try it, I dare you!

Grandma Smith's Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup (about 3) smashed overripe bananas

Instructions:
In a small bowl combine dry ingredients. Set aside.
In a standing mixer cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, and mix until thoroughly combined.
Add smashed bananas, mix. Slowly dump in dry ingredients and nuts.
Mix until it all comes together.
Pour into one greased and floured bread pan.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes-1 hour. You'll know it's done when a toothpick pierced through the center comes out clean.

Let it cool before you pop it out onto a tray, or else the bread my come apart.

Slice and Enjoy!

Montana and more.

2009-05-26T12:56:00.002-04:00

So "hi."
I have a confession to make. I'm lazy.
I swear I've been doing.....stuff. But when I think back, and try to make a list, I draw up blanks. I discovered last week that I will run out of yarn for my never ever ending sweater project. Pooh. So, of course, instead of ordering more of said yarn from Knit Picks, I made a trip to the craft store and bought something lovely for a new project (of which I haven't started yet...). Sheesh. I almost can't stand myself.
Moving on though, cuz, how much can one really beat up one's self, when one is having such a fabulous time doing other things of semi-great importance? Right?
Such as.....
I went on a spontaneous road trip the week before last that turned into, possibly, one of the better traveling experiences of my adult life. It was short, lasting only 4 days, and much of it was spent driving. BUT, I saw some beautiful country and met some characters along the way, and got to spend time with my best friend of 16 years.
Our destination was Helena, Montana, traveling through Washington and Idaho along the way. Erin had an important meeting to attend there. She does environmental compliance for the Federal Highways Department. So when her work was over, she took me out to see her project, which was in an old mining town turned ghost town, called Remini. Population 25.
(I fancy places like this, I just can't get enough)

Doesn't this make you sigh and flop back in your chair with jealousy and awe? Well, it does that to me...

This ladder must have been here for soooo long. Now it's a smile.

It's amazing that people still live here. That they still drive the 8 mile dirt road leading up to this place, even during the harsh snowy winters. I commend them for that.

We stopped in Idaho on our way back to Oregon, to soak in some hot springs. Jerry Johnson, a 1.5 mile hike from the freeway, was so breathtaking. I could have spent hours there. Or lifetimes even.

We bought these silly straw hats in Missoula, Montana, and couldn't take them off the whole rest of the trip. It just felt right. We likened ourselves to Thelma and Louise. No?

The sun was so warm that day, and what a view from the hot spring.

Our last stop on route back to Portland, was Joseph, Oregon. Another old pioneer town, it was filled with historic buildings and stuffed with tiny bits of delicious history.

The view from our cabin, by itself, was enough to make me fall in love.
We fantasized about moving down to Joseph for a few months out of the year, renting out rooms, herding some cows, you know, the usual. Could happen?

Incredible, right??? I KNOW!

Don't YOU kind of want to live here too? sigh sigh sigh.

We drove the 7 hours home after Joseph, exploring more ghost towns, driving right along the Oregon Trail. We spotted wild turkey, deer, elk, a beaver....and a heck of a lot of roadkill. (sad face)

I didn't knit a single stitch the entire time. Kind of refreshing, though, right? Sometimes you need to just relax, and pretend you don't have a bazillion things to do. That's just what I did.

No knitting news.

2009-05-13T12:49:00.002-04:00

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
I thought I would start this post off with something delectable and mouthwatering. These cookies were impossible to resist! I'm not kidding here. You think I'm joking? I am not.....As soon as I saw them, pleasantly displayed on the last page of this months Martha Stewart Living Magazine, I knew I had to try them out. I ran to the store the next day to pick up any loose ingredients, and whipped them up in no time. Seriously, the dough, pre-baking, looks and smells just like strawberry shortcake.
They bake up light and fluffy. And I swear, they're healthy! (hehe) Each cookie is mostly strawberries anyway. I ate 4 last night (smirk).
A couple of warnings: make sure you dice your fruit well, into very little pieces, or they will be hard to scoop. I also had to flatten them a little with the back of my spoon, otherwise they won't come out as pretty. Finally, I drizzled a lemon glaze on top, because I can't get enough lemon flavor. But that's just my taste. Lemon glaze is just fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar, whisked together to a desired consistency. Let me know if you make them!

Our Garden
I haven't been doing much knitting lately. Burnt out? I don't know about that. The sweater is still in the works, and that's about all I can focus on for the moment. Mostly, though, I'm not pick up the needles as often as I should. Ah well.
It being Spring, and this being Portland, my roommates and I have started planting our vegetable garden. This is thrilling for me, who's never had a real garden! The last couple of years in Brooklyn, I did my best to plant herbs and tomatoes on my fire escape. They were pretty successful, actually, and I was a proud mother every time I picked a warm cherry tomato or plucked some basil for pesto. But NOW, this is the real deal!

These are peas, just sprouting right out of the soil, all cute and full of potential! Soon, we'll string up some twine for them to wrap their little fingers around.

Here, Mark and Rachel planted kale, spinach, radishes, and swiss chard! One of the boxes behind our lovely compost has strawberries and red leaf lettuce. We still have a lot more planting to do. I bought seeds for carrots, beets, broccoli rabe, and squash. And then there are tomatoes. Mark wants as many plants as possible, and heck, I'm not going to say no!

Our herb garden, containing 11 varieties, rests on our side deck, where the sun shines all day long. I'm so excited to watch everything grow. It's so rewarding. I'll keep taking pictures as the garden blooms.

I've been doing some more illustrating. This is the first time I've really worked with watercolors. So it's a bit of an experiment. Let me know what you think.

2009-05-04T12:33:00.002-04:00

I've been experiencing some technical difficulties for the last week or so. The internet connection at my house, that was never ours to begin with, is now officially not ours. Pft! Therefore, with laptop in tow, I've been trekking to a local coffee shop every morning and hooking up to the world wide web there. What this means? I don't have my hard drive or my printer when I think I really need it, like when uploading pictures, etc. It's taken me this long to plan ahead and download photos from my camera whilst at home, and then upload them onto flickr at the cafe. I guess I finally figured out 2+2=4. Well, apparently today was my breakthrough day. I was able to get a few things accomplished! I mean, besides mindlessly surfing the web.

I've been tirelessly working on sweater knitting lately. Why am I so slow??? I'm NOWHERE near finishing, so don't expect much of a report in reference to that for quite awhile. While I was in Arizona, however, I started and completed a marvelous little project.

Sundance Makeup Bag
by Joëlle Meier Rioux

I used leftover yarn from the Fake-A-Gamo bag I had knit for Sarah. I just love the color. This was a super simple pattern to knit, with beautiful results. I also lined the interior to prevent it from stretching and to ensure that it holds it's shape in my purse. I never thought I'd have much of a need for a makeup bag, but I turns out I take this everywhere I go. It's great for holding my, ahem, personals as well.

I've only recently met some of the members of this band, but I thought I would post this video anyways, because I think it's so so lurvely. Enjoy! Blitzen Trapper:

A Quickie

2009-04-19T10:42:00.002-04:00

I'm posting a quickie this morning before I step onto a plane heading to Phoenix, Arizona. We're having a small family gathering at my Grandparents' house this week and the temperatures are supposed to rise into the lower 100's! It'll be a bit of a body shock, considering we've had some chilly nights in Portland lately. My skin hasn't seen the light of day in months and I haven't put on a bathing suit since last August. This should be interesting.

I finally finished my roommates birthday present! She was thrilled:

Pattern: Fake-A-Gamo by Kate Sonnick (available for free upon request)
Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool
Needles: 7 straight
The only part I struggled with was deciding which handles to buy for this purse. I couldn't find the bamboo ones from the original pattern so I had to modify. I think I went back Jo Ann Fabrics three times before I found a pair I was satisfied with. I used some leftover material to sew in a lining, and Voila!, the gift was complete. I'm really happy with the turnout, really wish I had one for myself. I'm not sure if I have the patience to knit another one, however. Maybe in the distant future. That was my first project of this sort. I usually only knit garments. But now I'm casting on for a make up bag. Times, they are a changin!

My other knit projects are far from completely, and I've taken a hiatus from drawing, so I don't have much else to chatter it up about.

However....I went out with some friends the other night to see Sarah Jane's band play, Gabe Rozzell and the Decency, at the East End. After the show, we all piled into the photo booth to take pictures. I've always been a big fan of those photos and have taken countless shots over the years. I love the contrast, the graininess and the spontaneity of it all. So I rummaged through my old picture boxes and my suitcases and pulled out all the strips I could find. I thought I would share them with you and maybe inspire you to seek out some old pictures of yours to share.

Some of these date almost 15 years back. I'd like to think I've changed in appearance somewhat, although I still get the wide-eyed OH face when I tell people I'm 28.

Well, it's about time for me to jet off to the airport. I'll leave you today with some music by some of my best friends' band. I've known these guys for over 10 years. We lived in the dormitory together. That's a bond you can never break. Here they are, Blind Pilot:

Why am I knitting 2 sweaters at once? and other stories.

2009-04-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

I have a few things to share with you all. Honestly, I'm overwhelmingly mid project on about 4 different knits right now, which is a little like, WHOA! I'm not sure what propelled me to start a second sweater project mid stitch on another. This is totally not my style. I'm normally a one thing at a time kind of girl. I don't always multi task well. Ahem........ok, I lied. I know exactly what drove me to it. My roommate wanted to pick out a pattern for her mom to knit her for Christmas this year. I pulled out several dusty and crinkled pattern books and we started flipping through them together. I really really lurve knitting books, but I very rarely knit a single stitch from any of them. Darn you Ravelry! I just get...so...distracted! I immediately remembered why I had purchased GlamKnits by the ever so talented Stefanie Japel, the minute I layed eyes on the cover page. I've had some yarn laying around since an unfortunate frogging of the Bridie sweater last fall. So I impatiently cast on for this:

I caught Milo a little off guard here. In this picture he somewhat resembles a deer in the headlights.
The pattern is:
Fitted Deep Ribbed Cardigan
The yarn is:
Knit Picks Shine Sport, which is oh so friendly on the fingers and fun to knit with.
I haven't actually touched said project in over a week because I'm knitting a secret gift for my roommate's 25th birthday, which was on Monday. I'm getting way too behind here.

I did finish a few things over the last two weeks, some of them not worth mentioning. I will only share this one with you, because my nephew is just too darn cute not to.

It's a hat! With ears! Here's a better view:

Pattern: Top Down Bonnet with Anime Character, by Adrian Bizilia
The original pattern has a face that I didn't feel like stitching on (laziness? Perhaps). My biggest disappointment was that the ears were too floppy, so you can't really see them when my brother forces the hat onto this unwilling baby's head. Aw well.

Although work has been scarce as of late, I've decided to post the two cakes that I did manage to squeak out last week. Ready? Go:

One football helmet cake for a youngster who loves his high school team! Lincoln High, I believe. Go Cardinals!

I never thought I'd see the day where I, too, would be smoothing fondant over double D sized breasts. Now I can say I've done everything. Apparently, a 50 year old woman ordered this for her husbands birthday. According to her, he still thinks she looks hot in a bikini. Awwwwww.

I'm leaving you with a quick music video. I like to spread love and promote my friends' talents. So here they are, my pals, Loch Lomond.

Spring in Brooklyn Park

2009-03-27T14:29:00.002-04:00

Spring is my second favorite time of year (a close second to Fall). I'm so happy to be back in Portland right now. The damp and shining streets are lined with gorgeous flowering trees in shades of pink and white, and the second you leave your house or step out of your car, you're accosted with the scents of these blooming buds. Although the heavy Spring showers can seem a bit oppressive at times, whenever the sun peeks out from behind the gray, Portlanders throw on their summer gear and take full advantage. I joined the masses yesterday, walking through the tiny streets, camera strapped to my shoulder, just taking it all in and enjoying the moment. I wanted to take some photos of my historic working class neighborhood and catch some of the colors of Spring simultaneously. This is what I found:

These trees are my favorite, so bold against the bright colors of the neighborhood houses.

Then there are the Daffodils.

And the Cherry Blossoms.

The Historic Aladdin Theater is one of my favorite places to see a show, and just a few blocks from my house. It has a beautiful stage with deep red curtains, and you can't pass by on a Friday or Saturday night without seeing a hefty line wrapped around the corner.

I'm really drawn to old hand painted advertisements. This is one of many in my neighborhood.

This book store is one of my favorite buildings in the neighborhood. The colors complement each other so well.

Great Karaoke here. Although I'm not much of a singer/performer, I love to watch.

This one's for Rebecca. Great sausages.

I haven't been here in years. But I love vintage signs like this one.

I really love the way the pedals fell to the sidewalk. It's so naturally romantic, I can't allow myself to crush them under my feet. I always have to go around.

I plan to post some finished projects soon. I've been really busy, I swear!

My New Friends

2009-03-12T12:02:00.004-04:00

I'm starting this entry off by introducing you all to two very furry friends of mine. After my move to Portland and the unfortunate loss of my beloved Major Deegan, I was feeling a bit empty inside and in desperate need of some feline love and attention. Enter Milo and Meekah, Sarah Jane's silly and affectionate kitties with big personalities.

This is Milo. We also call her Big Kitty. She has a little extra meat on her bones. She sways from side to side when she walks, makes the wooden floor boards creak, and lets out a big sigh when you squeeze her. And also, she's a drooler.

We've become fast friends, the two of us. And sometimes she'll even grace me with her presence during the night, moving from one spot to the next, so I don't have to slumber alone. She'll roll onto her back and cover her eyes with her paws, blocking out the rest of the world.
One amazing thing about Milo is that she's so drawn to whistling. If you whistle a quick tune in her direction, she's all yours. She'll immediately climb onto your lap and sing along with her broken meows. It's quite an earful.

Here's Meekah:

It took this crazy little hairball a bit longer to warm up to me. I think we're good pals now, though. I love watching her, perched on the fence outside my window, her long flowing fur just blowing in the wind, and her skillful eyes darting from one moving object to the next.

Most of the time, though, she sleeps in Sarah Jane's room watching the leaves rustle outside the window.
Although I miss my kitty from New York, I know that he's safe and has finally settled into his new home in Westchester. He has friends to play with and a loving family who'll take good care of him. I still think about him all the time, but it's nice to have some company to take my mind off of the guilt that I still feel over leaving him. Without Meekah and Milo, I know the sadness would be greater. Thank you, friends!

Oh, and I started knitting a sweater, something I've been meaning to do all winter. But since the frost is almost over (fingers crossed), I've decided to cast on for a lighter version of a winter classic.

This sweater will be perfect for Spring days and Summer nights, since it still gets chilly after dusk in Oregon (thank god for that!).

Pattern: Yoke Detail Sweater
by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Knit Picks Cotlin, Linen
I went for the cheaper yarn this time, sorry Debbie Bliss! Since I'm making very little money right now, I need to be budget wise, whilst still feeding my passion for the craft. So, Knit Picks it is!
I'm really excited about this sweater. Unfortunately I already had to frog it once, it was huuuuge! I cast on 218 originally, knit in the round. Then I cast on 166 during my second try. Should fit this time.

Ok, here's another couple of drawings for you all!

In case you haven't noticed, I'm fiddling with my blog a bit. I'm trying to arrange a new header that makes sense. Until that day comes, we're sticking with this lovely view of Portland. Thanks and have a great week... I'm heading to the hot springs today!

2009-03-05T12:35:00.005-05:00

I live next to a train yard in the industrial part of Brooklyn Park. It's just a few blocks East of my house, in my cozy little neighborhood. Some folks might consider this an unfortunate location, but not me. I'm not exactly sure why I like it so much. Maybe it reminds me of living in my 6th floor walk-up overlooking the subway tracks in New York. Or maybe it goes as far back as Eugene, when I resided in a house bordering the tracks and the West side of the city. Whatever the reason, there's something inside of me that feels comforted by the sounds of the train chugging along it's lonely steel path.
I was never one of those brave souls to hop trains and ride the empty cars into the cold black night, but I knew many who did. I always wanted to tag along, but was hindered by my own fears and inhibitions. There's something so romantic about it. I guess that's why I like the idea, regardless of how unrealistic the whole thing is. I'm a sucker for romance.

I enjoy using this bridge on walks to the market. It's the easiest and fastest way to get there. It's creaky and can get slippery, but it takes you right over the criss-crossing train tracks. I have yet to pass over while a train passes under. Soon, I hope. I rushed over to the bridge last night in order to catch the sun setting behind the hills, something I've been meaning to do since I moved here.

It was definitely worth the wait. This is the view from the bridge, which is even nice on a cloudy day.

In other news:

I knit this great hat for my Mom last week. She requested something a bit poofy. When I found this pattern, I knew it was perfect for her.
Pattern: Meret, by Woolly Wormhead.
Free Ravelry download.
Yarn: Cumba, a wool/alpaca mix.
This yarn is so so soft. I had a whole skein left over, and have now been commissioned to make a bow tie scarf to match.

I love the pattern of this beret, and am particularly fond of the rolled and ribbed brim. Might have to make one of these for myself! There's nothing as "cute" as mother/ daughter matching outfits!!!

Aside from knitting, I've been trying to start illustrating again. I'm working on a new series of drawn objects. Let me know what you think!

I'm still having some html issues, so bear with me!

knit knit crochet

2009-02-24T15:34:00.002-05:00

Oh. Hello Portland, aren't you looking lovely today.
What a perfect day for some outdoor crafting! Don't mind if I do.

Pow!
The sun might be shining, but there's still a nip in the air. It is February in the Northwest. Good thing I whipped up these toasty fingerless gloves. Nice and warm, and oh so handy (get it? HAND-Y!). They leave my fingers free for perfecting my knitting skills and enjoying snacks.

Seriously, though, I love these gloves. Being a person of poor circulation, I've never been too enthusiastic about the idea of leaving my digits exposed to the frost. Color me a changed woman. I took these out on a test bike run, and they were perfect. Just enough warmth.
The pattern is a Fig and Plum original.
I used some stash alpaca for this project, and they're oh so soft, and a wee bit fuzzy. Knit up on size 4 needles, I consider this an easy and quick project that's essential for this time of year. I wear mine everyday now.

I slipped in a couple of scarves this week too.
One for me:

and one for my roommate, Sarah Jane:

Pattern:
Bow Knot Scarf
What can I say? Super simple, super fast, super cute.
I squeaked one out for Sarah because she crocheted this incredible little scarflet for me.

I don't know the first thing about crochet, and to my untrained eye, this looks really complicated. But she whipped it out in a matter of hours, no big deal. I'm hoping to learn the ways of the single needle. We have plans to exchange tips and lessons quite soon. Then, nothing can stop me from achieving greatness. Yes.

2009-02-08T15:58:00.004-05:00

Oh hello.
Been awhile.
Not a whole heck of a lot to show for such a long absence either. My only excuse is that I've been really busy trying to adjust to my new life in Portland. After I bought my car,

I had a lot of work to do just trying to prove to the Department of Motor Vehicles that I was, infact, a resident of Oregon. I went to the DMV three times before I finally completed all of my paperwork. I even had to take the written test over
again. Nothing like a night at home with a glass of wine, some relaxing music, and a
driver's manual...
I've had some time to explore my new neighborhood on foot. I plan on taking some photos of the historic buildings in the area, but haven't quite had the opportunity. I did make it, however, to the Oaks Bottom wildlife refuge, which is a quick walk or bicycle ride from my house. Shuffling alone down that path, music in my ears, and the sun sinking slowly behind the hills, was so peaceful.

By the way, what are these cotton ball flowers?

I'm fascinated by them.

Portland looked so majestic in the background.

I felt lucky to live here.

I managed to squeak out a couple of projects. The cozy legwarmers I started ages ago finally came off the needles.

Pattern:102-14 Legwarmers with Cables
by DROPS design

This project took me way too long. The pattern is really simple to follow and memorize. I definitely slowed down after the first one was completed, which happens every time. But I think they turned out pretty perfect, post blocking. I wasn't sure about knitting in white, it's such a boring color choice. But I'm pleased that I did because they match absolutely everything and pose some much needed contrast to the dark shades I usually wear.

This second project flew off the needles in just a few hours, broken up by sleep and daytime activity.

Pattern: Opus Spicatum
by Kate Gagnon

This hat is knit fair isle. It's probably one of the simpler hats I've made, it's so quick and fun, I just didn't want to put it down! I used stash yarn for this beret in hopes of depleting my gargantuan pile of fiber that's accumulated over the years. I've vowed not to visit any yarn stores (sniff sniff) until I can use up some of what I already have. Tough economic times we live in. Also, I don't have a job, sooo... I can't really justify the expenditure.
I'm casting on for another hat and scarf today, I think. I'm trying to jet through this stash, because I'm DYING to explore my local yarn stores!

By the way, does anyone know how to prevent blogger from cutting off your photos? It's driving me mad!

Our house, in the middle of our street.

2009-01-22T12:30:00.003-05:00

Well, this is it! I've finally arrived in Portland and settled in a bit. This is the cute little bungalow I'm living in, a 3 bedroom house in Historic Brooklyn, or at least that's what the hanging banners tell me. The neighborhood is great, though. It runs alongside a wildlife refuge, and we're straight across from a beautiful park with tennis courts, which I'll be sure to enjoy once the temperatures rise. There's also this great old bowling alley just a few blocks down the road that I had the pleasure of visiting last night. I couldn't believe it until I saw it in person, 25 cent games! That blows New York City prices right out of the water! So we played 3 or 4 times, taking up two lanes side by side. I've never been a good bowler, but I don't know how it's possible to get worse and worse as the night progresses. Takes talent.
Moving on. I'm making myself right at home here. I love the bedroom I moved into, 6 walls and 4 windows. I have some makeshift curtains up right now, but I plan on sewing some new ones as soon as things calm down a bit.

This is my room before I fill it with my usual clutter. I had my boxes sent via FedEx, and they arrived yesterday, not all entirely in one piece. I had an extremely emotional day sorting through those boxes yesterday, throwing away all of my broken ceramics. Not of it was worth a lot of money, but I have a tendency to attach emotions to objects. So seeing some of my bowls and figurines broken wasn't something I had anticipated. I knew that some things wouldn't survive, I just didn't expect so many things to break during transit. The boxes were completely demolished, holes in the sides, smashed corners, rips and tears. It's just too bad.

Although I've been busy, I've managed to squeak out a little bit of knitting, mostly while I was stuck in the airport on that horrible day the plane went into the Hudson.

Pattern: 102-14 Legwarmers with Cables
by DROPS design
I've only finished one so far. So things are going a bit slow. But the pattern is super easy and I really love the end result. I can't wait to finish the other one because my legs are freezing!
I guess that's all for the update so far. I want to give a shout out to my buddies in Brooklyn. I miss all of you. I hope the knitting group is going well. I'm planning to join one here, but none could replace the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill group. I mean, who else would do a karoake knit night?
Love you guys.
Signing out.

Goodbye Brooklyn, Hello Brooklyn Park

2009-01-14T17:21:00.004-05:00

Well, this is it. My last day as a resident of greater New York. I can't even describe the mountain of emotion I've been sorting through the last couple of days. And, on top of that I've come down with something wicked. I'm loading up on zinc and C. I'm hoping desperately that I won't have to start my new life in a new city feeling like I've been knocked in the head with a hammer.
Saying goodbye has been the hardest part of this whole experience. First, I said au revoir to my knitting peeps, then it was to my dedicated fellow workers, then came all my wonderful social friends, and then... worst of all...my lovingly high strung kitty:

I was planning to drag this guy clear across the country with me until, tragically, I found out the house I'm moving into won't accept him. As much as the idea of separation put a lump in my throat, I knew I couldn't be selfish. Taking him to Oregon without knowing if he had a safe home to live in would have been irresponsible and unfair on my part. Unfortunately, leaving him at home with the ex was not an option. Luckily, some of my dear friends stepped forward to welcome him into their hearts. I'm so happy to know that he's going to a good home, but so sad to send him away from me. I will miss him so much. I tear up just thinking about him. I hope he's able to find happiness and love, and I feel so guilty I couldn't stay with him until the end.

Le Sigh.

I've had some really amazing experiences here and I really wouldn't exchange it for anything. But I'm relieved to be returning to the calmness of beautiful Oregon. I have a lot of plans and ideas for my future and I can't wait to get started on them. Ironically, I'm moving from Brooklyn, New York, to an area of S.E. Portland called Brooklyn Park. I'm going to be sharing a house with 2 lovely people in a regular neighborhood with trees and parks and dogs and goodness. Undoubtedly, I will bring parts of New York with me, things I've learned, memories. I won't forget the place that played such a huge role in shaping my personality, world views, and making me who I am today. I love you New York.

I've compiled some photos of my neighborhood and beyond. I didn't have a chance to go very far outside my immediate surroundings, but I did manage to make it to the Brooklyn Bridge a few nights ago.

One last look down my street. Nothing like the sun peeping out over the pointed brownstone rooftops.

Some views of Fort Greene and Fort Greene Park, just after the frost.

Brooklyn Bridge after nightfall:

So long, Brooklyn. Until we meet again.

I love FO's

2009-01-10T17:46:00.003-05:00

Yesssss!

The pattern

I completed my very first Fair Isle project! I think they're wonderful! I have to admit, however, that it was a bit tricky, and they aren't perfect. But small flaws are attractive, don't you think? I had trouble with the tension of the floating yarn in the back of the project. Drawing one color of yarn across the pattern as you're knitting with the other color is somewhat complicated because you have to leave enough room for the garment to stretch. I didn't allow quite as much room as I should have on the first legwarmer, so I freed it up a little more with the second one. The result? One legwarmer larger than the first! So I'm blocking and blocking and hoping they meet somewhere in the middle. Other than that, I'm really happy with them, and I'm all geared up and ready to start another, slightly more complicated, Fair Isle project. I have a few in mind, but nothing has been decided upon. I have a few other things to do first. I'm sort of legwarmer obsessed right now. It could be the freezing cold temperatures, or it could just be my love of layering. You decide.

I also made this cute lil' thing:

The deets-
Really Warm Hat.
Pattern: Melissa LaBarre
Needles: 15's
Yarn: Lion Brand Thick and Quick

Note the surprise on my face. This project was so fast and easy! I recommend this to anyone who's looking for a cheap (if you use Lion Brand) and toasty project. It only took a couple of hours to complete, and I've been wearing it everyday. And please! Don't forget the pom pom. It's what makes this hat awesome! Really, it's not the same without it. And make it big. As big as possible. Thank you.

So, a couple of nights ago I attended my very last knitting group here in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We were exchanging Secret Santa gifts and sniffling over my impending departure.

This is what I made for my secret buddy, aka Oiyi:

The Pattern: Ridged Lace Cowl
by Elinor Brown
I used Lion Brand Organic Cotton (I swear I'm not a Lion Brand freak, it's just a coincidence).
The pattern was pretty easy to follow and memorize, but I found it to be a bit boring after awhile. I want to make another one for myself because I was so happy with the result, but I'm not sure I can sit through it again, not that it even took that long. Sigh. I think I'm just impatient.
Here's Angela sporting the cowl.

I received some great gifts from my fellow knitters, and I thought I would just share a couple.

This was a gift from Angela.
She posted the project details on her blog, so I won't repeat. It's such a great gift when you're moving out of New York City, the home of 24 million rats. Eek. This one's much cuter than the kind you find scurrying across subway platforms and restaurant kitchens. I named him Oscar. He's been hiding around the apartment. I think my cat, Major Deegan, has been sniffing him out. But don't worry, Angela, I'll keep him safe.

I also got these amazing thrummed mittens from Tomo:

I've been drooling over all the thrummed mitts she's been knitting since the weather turned cold. I guess she picked up on it. I was thrilled when I opened my secret santa gift, and now I can't stop wearing them. They really are the warmest mittens I've ever laid hands on (get it?)! I'll cherish them. These two gifts are the first knitted items I've ever received. As a knitter, you make a lot of thoughtful and time consuming gifts, but are hardly ever on the receiving end of things. It's really cool when you finally are. Thank you everyone. I'll miss knitting and laughing with you every Wednesday. And I'll never ever forget that night spent in Korea town, singing karaoke.

Love you guys...

2009, here I come!

2009-01-01T19:28:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and safe celebration last night. I know I did, and I won't be drinking champagne again for a long while!

What a year it's been!! I'm really looking forward to 2009. To be honest, things have been a little bit rough here lately. The person with which I spent the last 3 years of my life, grown with, drank with, cooked with, stayed up late with, and shared all my dreams with, has left me, sad and alone. It's a complicated situation that I won't go into great detail over, but lets just say, we wanted different things in life. Something that wasn't evident until very recently. This happened just 2 weeks before Christmas. So, in turn, I'm going to do what I've been wanting to do for almost a year already, move back home to Portland, Oregon. Yay!
This does mean that I will no longer be the "little bird in the big city." Hmm.

Not sure if I'll change my blog name, but I might make a minor adjustment.
I leave the big apple on the 15th of January. I know, it's so soon! So I'm frantically packing up my apartment right now and trying to tie together all my loose ends. It's not easy. In fact, this whole holiday season has probably been one of the hardest things I've ever had to get through. But, hey, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, right?

So here are my new year's resolutions. This year they're a bit vague:
1. Have a better year than last year! (that should be easy)(knock on wood).
2. Start my own cake decorating business, even if I only accomplish the first steps.
3. Spend as much time outdoors as possible. Take advantage of what Oregon has to offer (all the things I've missed while I was living in the concrete jungle).

I guess that's about it. Exercise, eat right, blah blah blah.

I will miss Brooklyn, no doubt. But I can't wait to get back to the life I left 4 years ago. Friends, family, etc.
But don't worry, I'll still be blogging it up, just from a new location.

I did finish one legwarmer this week, and now I'm working on the second. It turned out a bit small, but I'm still able to wear it. I'm really excited about the fair isle technique, and I can't wait to try my next project!