Michelle Edwards's Blog, page 7

Lacy Leaves

 

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We are in high summer here in the heartland. The heat and humidity have driven most of us indoors to air conditioned relief. We view the outside as a temporarily hostile environment. I have started my  morning walks earlier, my attempt to work with the weather and catch the coolest moments of the day. I have adjusted my stride, too. I take smaller slower steps.

Recently, I bought a pair of Leki Nordic Walking Poles. Several times a week, employing a x-country ski arm movement, I blaze along the sidewalk. At first I worried that the poles would interfere with all that my morning walks give me--time to think, observe nature, and even sing aloud if no one is around. That hasn't happen, though. The lush green and rolling countryside that appears in Grant Wood glory mid-way on my daily loop still hits me with a profound gratefulness. And on one of this week's hottest days, gracing the sidewalk, I noticed a dozen or so dried and delicate lacy leaves.

 

Notes:

Patterns

If you have a hankering for leaves, try knitting some. Leaves are simple and fast to knit. They are great  for embellishing hats, wristers, sweaters, and if you are so inclined, lamposts. Check out these patterns.

Lace Column of Leaves Scarf

A Small Leaf

Assorted Leaves

Recipe

I have had a longing all week to bake. When ithe weather cools down, I'd like to try this recipe for Norwegian Oatmeal-Lace Cookies (Havrekniplekaker).

 

 

Everything on a Waffle

 

Lately, I have had a fierce craving for waffles. On Saturday mornings, I often meet a friend for coffee and we share a waffle. Sometimes a half is just enough. Other times, I leave thinking about waffles for dinner. A few weeks ago, I came home thinking about Polly Horvath's book, Everything on a Waffle.

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Do judge Everything on a Waffle by this terrific cover which does tell you a lot about the main character Primose Squarp and her amazing story. You'll have read the book to find out what happens to Primose. Here's a quote to wet your appetite.

"Well, Uncle Jack always had a solution for eveything and this one would have been just about perfect if it hadn't gone so wrong and landed me in a foster home."

Each chapter of this delicious book ends with a recipe--the last one  is for waffles.

More about Everything on a Waffle

Everything on a Waffle  Book Trailer

 Everything on a Waffle at the author's website

Everything on a Waffle at Amazon

Patterns

A Waffle Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern at HomespunLiving

Thermal a waffle stitch sweater at Knitty

Waffle Stitch Blanket at Fiona's Friends

Waffle Stitch Preemie Hat at Zibeline Knits

 

 

Monday doodlely-doo

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With complete confidence I proceeded. A Friday blog seemed like such a good idea in June. I did not count on an eventful July. Last week a family emergency completely derailed me. My carefully planned Friday post was never posted. Never even written. Instead I did what mothers do, I took care of my sick child--an early morning emergency room visit, several doctor's appointments, and a two night sleep over in her hospital room. I'm happy to report that she is home and that she is feeling much better.

Exhausted, yesterday I rested up. I did think about this blog and the newsletter I am planning. Being away from both my desk and studio for many days gave me some insight to changes I'd like to make. Stay tuned.

And now a word about the doodles. All of them were drawn on a yellow legal pad with a Creta Color pencil. You can see the pencil below. Several other companies make these multi-color lead pencils and all brands are in the top three of my favorite pencil list. They are wonderful for sketching, taking notes and doodling. The way they change colors seem rattle loose stray thoughts and images. Try one, I bet you'll like them.

In the spirit of Mondays and the hope they bring for a productive week, doodle on!

 

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Peace and Quiet

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"In writing of a spider, I did not make the spider adapt her ways to my scheme. I spent a year studying spiders before I ever started writing the book. In this I think I found the key to my story." E.B. White.

 

  E. B. White. A writer at work.  In a space so wonderfully austere it gives me a sense of profound peace and quiet.

   I always joke that if I could get my desk to look more like White's was in this photo, I might be able to write a book like Charlotte's Web. I greatly admire White's essays and his other children's books. But Charlotte's Web is my favorite of all.

   I keep this image tacked on my studio wall over my mess of a desk. Some years it's the simple beauty of his space that grabs me. Other years, I take heart in the ocean outside the wide rectangular window--sure that it spurs his stories on. This year it's the grain of authority in his soft posture telling of his focus that pulls me in. As always, I'm touched by his need of  the barest of elements  to create: a desk, a chair, some paper, a typewriter. And a wastepaper basket. Empty.

   It's quite possible that this photo was posed. It's possible that while writing Charlotte's Web, E. B. White's desk was filled with pads of paper, notes, candy wrappers and cups of moldy coffee. It doesn't matter. Not to me. Because White was right when he wrote—"… that reality and fantasy make good bedfellows."

  Happy Fourth of July to one and all. May you each find some time and space to be quiet and peaceful.

 

Notes:

  Tea Time – Include a little civility and grace in your weekend.  Lilac in May  shows you how to make a perfect afternoon tea.

 Thanks to Mrsrunofthemills  for a lovely review of A Knitter's Home Companion. Check out her site and click through her blog roll. That's where I found Lilac in May!

I am thinking about starting a newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.

Thanks to all of you who have written and asked to be on the newsletter list.

Blog Posts also appear on my Facebook and Ravelry Pages.
Please visit me there.
I tweet @Knitsweet.

You can read my latest Lion Brand Essay--A Knitter's Ode to the Sweatshirt by clicking here.

Iowa

 

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A few weeks ago my friend, middle-grade novelist Anne Ylvisaker, posed a question on her blog--Why Iowa? She invited me and other Iowans to answer.

This week traveling on country roads to Northwestern Iowa with my pal,  puppeteer Monica Leo, I found even more to hearten me. Like in Charles City, Iowa, where their mighty library houses an enviable gallery of spectacular prints including Hiroshige, Durer, Chagall, Rembrandt, Whistler, Picasso, Pissaro as well as printmaking giants, Piranesi and Meryon.

More, too, in that the heartbeat of even the smallest Iowa towns, is their library. And in library meeting rooms in Charles City, Hartley and Sac City, I watched in wonder as Monica performed her In the Mirror: Three Tales from Asia  to terrific and attentive audiences.

Notes:

If you happen to be in the neighborhood of  West Bend, Iowa, you must visit The Grotto of the Redemption-- a testament to faith, perseverance and geology.

And if you are hungry and want pie for breakfast, or eggs and has browns with toasts and coffee, stop in Early--made famous by this Greg Brown song.

I am thinking about starting a newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.

Thanks to all of you who have written and asked to be on the newsletter list.

Blog Posts also appear on my Facebook and Ravelry Pages.
Please visit me there.
I tweet @Knitsweet.

You can read my latest Lion Brand Essay--A Knitter's Ode to the Sweatshirt by clicking on the image at the top of the blog or clicking here.

On a Road Trip

I didn't mean to drop my laptop. I certainly did not intend to kill it. Sad news here. My faithful HP Pavilion Pc is no longer among the working. Unfortunate.

Tomorrow when I leave for a three day road trip, I am packing the usual clothes, books, sketch pads, and knitting. My laptop will stay at home. I'll be unconnected for a few days. Check back on Sunday for the Friday blog.

Hope you enjoy my new essay in this week's Lion Brand Yarn Company newsletter.

 

Father's Day Cappuccino

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 Homemade cappuccino is my morning ritual. Even back in the days when my youngest daughter had what's known out here as "early bird" gym and had to be at school when it was still dark out. My pot would be set up and perking, the first cup poured and savored, even before we trekked out the door. Most days, my husband Rody and I, sit in our respective chairs, coffee cups balanced on the oversized armrests, and enjoy our cappuccinos together. In honor of our morning civilty, we often take turns serving each other.

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For a Father's Day treat, make your own cappuccino.

Directions:

Fill the espresso pot  (I prefer the classic Bialetti model)  to the line with cold water.

Fill the funnel part of the espresso pot with coffee.

Screw on the pot  top. Place on a medium flame and wait until you smell the coffee. If you use a great roast like Dunn Brothers  (they ship), you will smell the coffee.  And if you are near by and the radio is off, you will hear the bubbling of the coffee rising to the upper half of the pot. When the bubbling sounds stops, open the top and check to see if the coffee has stopped frothing forth. To avoid boiling your brew, remove the pot from the burner.

The espresso part is done.

Easy, right?

[image error]The Bodum Frother looks like a piece of science lab equipment--a glass beaker and a mental plunger. It's the simplest, low tech way to froth milk. While you espresso is preparing to bubble up, fill about 3/4 th of the glass beaker with milk. Plunge 25-30 times. Remove plunger and warm milk for 30 seconds in the microwave. Repeat. Pour milk into cup, spoon froth on top, as desired, then add your espresso.

Enjoy. Happy Father's Day!

 

I am thinking about starting a monthly newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.
Blog Posts also appear on my Facebook and Ravelry Pages.
Please visit me there.
I tweet @Knitsweet.  

Laidback Knitter's Contest

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Congrations to Katie! She plans to give her copy of The Ten Secrets of the Laidback Knitters to a close friend-- " a she's a brilliant knitter, and has knitted me a few wonderful gifts, and many other gifts for other people, all of which have been greatly appreciated. And I'd like to return that gift, whilst encouraging her in one of her many talents."

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. It was great hearing from all of you. If you are still interested in catching the Laidback spirit, check out the book's website  The Ten Secrets of the Laidback Knitters.  Follow Laidback Knitter Vicki Steifel on Twitter-- Vicki Steifel at Knitting News. Or Join The Laidback Knitters (and Crocheters) on Ravelry.

Note:

I will now be blogging regularly on Fridays. Post should appear by noon CST. I have added a Blog RSS for those of you who would like to follow that way. I am thinking about starting a monthly newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.

 

10 Secrets of the Laidback Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn and Life

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 "10 Secrets of the Laidback Knitters gives knitters permission to relax and have fun with their knitting; to see that knitting is as much about process as product; and to know that the stitches they knit can express the inner joy they feel." Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza, 10 Secrets of the Laidback Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn and Life

Top Ten reasons why I like The Ten Secrets of the Laidback Knitters:

1) I love secrets. Secret passages. Secret messages. And the secrets of laidback knitters.

2) Great photography of animals, yarns, knitters, projects, nature. I especially love the vintage shot of author Vicki Stiefel modeling for a 1950's pattern book, Fashions in Wool for Little Tots.

3) All the models represent realistic body types and a variety of ages.

4) The interesting knitters you met on their pages—like Wise Woman, Anne Hennessey of the Wool Room at Meadowbrook Farm, Antrim, New Hampshire.

5) The kind and funny ways the authors remind you to check your gauge. "Checking the gauge is a pain. We know. But just pretend it's fun."

6) The generous spirit that guides the book's rich content, sidebars with historical tidbits, interesting links, stories, anecdotes, and useful advice.

7) See the Souls of Fibers--An entire chapter on fibers to help you understand  and make good yarn choices.

8) The Vintage Quilt Socks pattern designed by Judy Summers, author of Knitted Socks East and West: 30 Designs Inspired by Japanese Stitch Patterns.

9) Do it with Hooks—a  helpful, handy chapter on crochet which as the authors state is often a "perfect partner to knitting"

10) Connect the Dots—a chapter on knitting and community. It includes a touching tribute to the authors' knitting buddy, Cindy.

If I needed an eleventh reason, it might be The Giveaway. The Laidback Knitter's have generously sent a copy (I'm not ready to part with mine) for a blog giveaway.

Contest Info: Click here and send  an email with one reason why you would like a copy of 10 Secrets of the Laidback Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn and Life.

One entry only, please! All entries must be in by 5 pm. CST Thursday, April 28th   2011. The lucky winner will be announced the following on Friday's Blog.

Note: I will now be blogging regularly on Fridays. Post should appear by noon CST. I have added a Blog RSS for those of you who would like to follow that way. I am thinking about starting a monthly newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.

Friday's Feature -- Sis Gessner's Mandel Bread Recipe

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A Mandel bread recipe.

Not just any mandel bread, but Sis Gessner's --from my house to yours. The recipe is in my new book, A Knitter's Home Companion.

Read A Baker's Handy Helper and Sis Gessner's Mandel Bread recipe today in the Lion Brand Yarn Comapny's Newsletter, The Weekly Stitch.

 

 Note: I will now be blogging regularly on Fridays. Post should appear by noon CST. I have added a Blog RSS for those of you who would like to follow that way. I am thing about starting a monthly newsletter with stories, pictures, pattern and recipe links. If you'd like to be on my mailing list, send me an email from the contact page.