Weekly Perks the Third

This article, All Dogs Go To Heaven, is a new-time favourite from one of my old-time favourite sites, Pajiba. Steven Lloyd Wilson unpacks why we feel so awful when dogs die in film, and it's pretty damning (answer: because dogs have the chivalry of knights, and we don't.)

I thought I'd use a picture of this Basset Hound/Beagle puppy that absolutely destroyed me on Petfinder.
It looks like he's getting adopted though, so no worries.

I'm headed to New York this week, and pretty psyched to try out every goddamn place on Louis CK's list of the best places in the city. I was sold at "Just dough dipped in grease and butter and honey and coconut." Do you have any other foodie or fun destinations you recommend I try while I'm there?

"Man Up, Bieber", a GQ article about Justin Bieber's new "mature" public image had me shudder-laughing at work. It starts with this sentence: "I have been told specifically that I will be able to punch Justin Bieber in the face." It continues here.

I already have the perfect yarn to start this beautiful cowl I've been eying for a while on Erica Knits. However, I'm not allowed until I have a couple projects cast off beforehand. Hands, get to work.

This is a good reminder that the pursuit of perfection is fruitless affair. Thanks CNN (and Christine) for pointing it out.

The root of the word courage is cor -- the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant to speak one's mind by telling all one's heart.

Over time, this definition has changed, and, today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics are important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we've lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we're feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage.

Heroics are often about putting our life on the line. Courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line.

*Just to note: we're getting back on track 'round these parts.

Thanks for sticking around, you lovelies.

In Stitches

Though I've not been online much of late, my hands have been far from idle. Making things and crafting has always ben a big part of what keeps me sane, and more often than not, that's channeled as knitting. Calming, meditative and easy to tote around, it's a way for my hands to fidget productively. Considering it's such a regular part of my life, it's surprising I don't write about it more often. It might have something to do with the fact that during busy times, I often find myself starting more projects than I could hope to finish, so it's always a relief when I actually reach the end of one.

I started knitting my first lace project a while ago, and had always been intimidated by the openness of the patterns – how was I supposed to pick up my stitches when one would inevitably drop? How could I follow those patterns that read like Greek? And yet somehow, I reached the end of this one.

I shouldn't have worried so much. Haruni is a wonderfully written pattern, with lots of helpful advice sprinkled throughout. The main body is worked in a simple stitch pattern, very easy to memorize, and the leafy edging is easy to read.

More than anything, this shawl required patience – my Ravelry entry tells me I started in early September, only to finish in March, a solid half a year after I had cast on. And I finally got to experience the difference that blocking your work makes – that's washing it, then pinning it into the shape you want and letting it air dry, to "set" the stitches. Though I don't know if knitting lace regularly is for me, I'm glad I did it. I BEAT you, Haruni. (You can find my project notes here.)

Lately, I've actually been crocheting more often than knitting. There's been this long-simmering feud between knitting and crocheting camps, both believing their craft to be the best, with many native knitters preferring to think of crochet hooks merely as "dropped stitch fixers". While knitting is a lot more economical (crochet uses roughly 3 times the yarn of knitting) and offers a lighter weight, smoother end product, I'm finding the speed and ease of crocheting to be a lot more instantly gratifying, and I certainly like it much better for fussy laceweight yarns.

Case in point: I started that Purl Bee two-colour cowl I had been on about for so long, and I love working on it.

I'd tried using this Malabrigo Lace in a few knitting projects, but the super soft, single-spun merino was too sticky – the yarn would felt on itself and be a terrible pain to rip back. I much prefer it in this pattern, where the multiple knots add strength to the loose spin, and the softly undulating colours of the yarn don't pool up noticeably.

The original pattern called for using two colours, but I'm going to use up all of this before I even think about buying a second colour, and with another whole skein to go, it's going to be quite unnecessary. And as you can see, I've been using the bag that came with my LL Bean flats as a project bag, which has been the perfect size. I can't wait to start wearing this tiny woolen wonder come early fall. (You can find my project notes here.)

But before then, I need a spring scarf, so I cast on the EXACT SAME PATTERN in a heavier gauge. Believe me, I know it looks vastly different.

I spotted this hand-dyed cotton on a recent pop into Romni and couldn't resist. The colours just scream spring poesy to me. And would you believe I only cast on an extra 10 stitches and it rests below my chest, as opposed to up around my neck? What a difference gauge makes. In a lot of ways, these are polar opposites – one light and airy and soft-spoken and woolly, the other bright and garish and chunky cotton (I can throw it in the washing machine even!). They are practical wardrobe stables in entirely different ways, all stemming from the same pattern – which is itself an elaboration on classic granny square crochet. (You can find my project notes here.)

I promise, I'll check in on these two projects and show you the finished results!

Left Field

I suppose if anything could unite the list of things that are inspiring me lately, it's getting the details right: pairing the right colours, the right little flourishes, achieving a harmonious balance.

This bathroom popped up on my Pinterest a couple days ago and I've been dreaming of it ever since. The seafoam and rust colour combo, the standalone soaker tub (siiiiiiigh), and the massive stag head pretty much tickle all my homey bones. And guys! Guess what! It's a real place in Ireland that you can stay! Ballyvolane House of Cork, you're pretty alright.

I've been curious to try these Ballet Beautiful videos as a supplement to my ballet classes – my favourite upper body stretch is great for loosening my shoulders but I'd like to start strengthening all my parts more regularly. Has anyone tried these? Are they as good as they look?

I know, I'm cruel. But how's a gal supposed to focus on getting in shape for her short shorts when Smitten Kitchen goes around posting things like this fried egg sandwich with bacon and blue cheese, huh? Completely unfair, that's what it is. At least it's got veggies in it, I GUESS (but, oh yeah, they're tossed in bacon fat, uh huh).

I'm obsessed with the details of the new Scout & Catalogue Rorschach scarves – all those little hidden skeletons and kitten heads and butterflies captured in a silky, silvery neutral. To top it off, the duo behind Fieldguided did a beautiful job photographing S&C's boho, beachy vibe for the lookbook. (You can see the process to create the scarves here, and more shots from the lookbook here.)

As usual, the Purl Bee knocks one out of the park with this two-tone crocheted cowl. Once I finish the shawl that shall not end, this'll likely be the next thing I cast on. (Is it still called casting on when it's crochet? "Playing hooky?")

Being known as someone who's fairly fearless about wearing crazy nails means you get lots of nail tutorials passed your way. My favourite of late is this one from Refinery 29, based on a print from Rag & Bone 'cause it looks like knitting (thanks for the tip-off, Kim!) But dear lord, is it ever hard to do! I tried it, then ended up starting over and doing this beach blanket/licorice allsorts mani instead, because I was watching Khloe & Lamar and why complicate life further, you know? And then I animated it. Why? Seche Vite fumes, that's why.

As always, you can see what I'm digging in realtime on Pinterest.

Playing Catch Up

I just can't help myself, the list of things to make grows ever longer. For Christmas, may I have another set of hands please?

These Paint Pail Mittens from the Purl Bee are so cute I could puke.

After making one to give away, Park & Cube has inspired me to make more of these bow know scarves. Fine gauge, super soft yarn and a larger size? Yes please. (This is the pattern I originally used.)

via Maiya Mayhem

I've never handpainted yarn before but I've always been curious to try. This method is so smart – mix up your dye (aka Kool-Aid) and freeze in an ice cube tray, and simply let 'em melt. Brilliant, and easy enough that I might actually get to this sometime soon.
(On a very much related note, any Canadians/Torontonians have a good source for Kool-Aid with no sugar added? I've heard it's difficult to find.)

via The Pioneer Woman

Americans, please stop making me so hungry for turkey. It's not fair, you know? I could eat only this panini from The Pioneer Woman using leftover turkey and cranberry sauce 4 daze.

via Hungry Girl Por Vida

I'll probably end up making these herbed turkey burgers with cranberry sauce and goat cheese instead to satisfy my craving (though I won't be making the buns. Seriously, who bakes the buns?)

via Steamy Kitchen

I'm really excited for this pan-fried pumpkin gnocci for a few reasons: 1. it features a brown butter and sage sauce, 2. the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, 3. the instructions look really doable. God, Steamy Kitchen, you make it look so easy.

Here's hoping for a wonderful weekend, filled with making good stuff,

meeting good folk, eating good foods.

Life of Late, the Second

Alas, I am busy as a bee today, so I've got a few recommends to tide you over.

Rebecca Coriam: Lost at Sea is the story of how one young woman (and over 171 people like her) have disappeared off cruise ships in the past eleven years. Coriam was a crew member on a Disney ship, and details about her probable death have been obscured by the company, the lack of investigation and the nature of international waters. Food for thought – especially those statistics on the higher instance of sexual assault aboard cruise ships. Thanks to Karen for the tipoff.

via Vanessa Jackman

I've been wearing my hair like these backstage Tory Burch SS 2012 models for the past few days. Perfect for hair that's a day or two dirty – you just use a bit of hairspray and backteasing just near the middle of your head, smooth the strands overtop and tighten your hair elastic at the sides. Easy peasy and perfectly polished. Many more photos available at Vanessa Jackman's ever lovely website.

via Rebecca Like Nails

One of my goals for this weekend is to try this pretty watercolour nail tutorial. I can see it being very lovely with a palette akin to Starry Night or maybe one of these beautiful paintings by Michael Cina. Plus it looks way easier than the marbling technique that I never had enough patience to try.

via Closet Cooking

Speaking of plans for this weekend, I'm about to eat my face off. Tomorrow I have plans to make these mexican baked eggs, and later I'm probably going to indulge in a pot of this french onion soup and this roasted beet salad. It's going to be a magnificent symphony of food.

via Smitten Kitchen

I've had to take a break from knitting as my tendonitis has flared up again, and it couldn't be more poorly timed. It's the holiday season! The time to be making cozy, soft, cushiony, knit-with-love goodies! So, aside from babying my arm in alternating hot and ice baths, I've been planning what's next on my needles. In my dream world, that includes these goodies (all with patterns!)

Gina's Brioche Cowl via The Purl Bee

Marian via Ravelry

Short Row Sweater via The Purl Bee

Crocheted Chunky Circle Scarf via People Webs

Love Socks via Ravelry

Laura and I are going to see Melancholia and I'm megapsyched. Sure, it's going to be depressing, but it's also supposed to be sumptuous and gorgeous. We can soothe our rattled nerves at the Grace Kelly exhibit we're also checking out. Baby's first Lars Von Trier!

I'm about to start an extra long weekend, and I just can't wait for it (tomorrow!).

Have a great weekend guys, and I hope it's filled with lots of the good stuff.

Five Things That, Yes, I Did This Week

I've been running late all week. I can't seem get on top of my to-do list, I've never had enough coffee, and I still don't have a Halloween costume. So, rather than think about everything I haven't done, I'm going to focus on five things that I have.


1. I made this pulled pork from the Pioneer Woman, and damn, was it good.

via

Plentiful too – I made it on Sunday and we've had it for dinner almost every night this week (including one evening with chief knitting pals, Steph and Karen). I cooled the sauce separately and removed the fatty layer, but next time I'd reduce the sauce too, and give it a thicker consistency. We might try it on pizza tomorrow.


2. I finally finished this little bow scarf.

I apologize that I've only got this grainy Photobooth pic, but I knew I had to document it at the moment of completion or it wouldn't exist online for at least another month (I started knitting this last January, for an idea of how timely I am). This is a gift for someone, so I won't say who for in case she reads this. Her price for the scarf will be for her to model it for me properly.

This was a great little knit – very straightforward with a tweedy worsted yarn in a garter stitch, and if I had given it the proper dedication, I'd imagine it knits up quickly. It would make for a good beginner's project, as it covers some basic techniques (increasing, decreasing) in a short and simple little scarf. It's a free pattern too, so you might want to knit one up for yourself (or as a last minute gift idea!)


3. I finally threw out the nasty old makeup remover I'd been using since university (six years ago, blech!) and replaced it with this Clean & Clear Soothing Oil-Free Makeup Remover.

via

It works well and gets the job done, but I'm just really happy now that I don't feel grossed every time I get fed up with wearing days worth of mascara. It was like $10, guys. Why didn't I do this sooner? Do you have any products in your medicine cabinet should have met their maker long ago? Take it from me – treating yourself is so worth it.

As a sidenote, buying Clean & Clear made me feel prepubescent all over again, but without the mood swings.


4. This is one thing I haven't done, but I'm proud of myself for not doing. That is, spend too much money on a knitting kit from Wool & The Gang. Specifically, this sweater kit:

via

This pretty much THE SWEATER I have been looking for this fall. But the thing is it's like, $150 dollars for a sweater you knit yourself. That's crazy talk. And no, the yarn is not spun out of the hairs collected from angels or qiviut or something – it's plain ol' wool. It doesn't even specify if it's merino. And while I'm sure the wooden needles are nice, I think I already own a pair of 15mms. I just can't justify that.

I asked The Gang if I could buy the pattern separately, which I cannot, and I'd want to adapt the pattern anyway (not a fan of those reversed stockinette sleeves). So I've found yarn that I LOVE that will make a nice sub (that yarn alone is going to be $90, but at least it's Malabrigo), and I'm just going to design it myself. Should be easy peasy (famous last words?), as soon as I save up the pennies to buy the yarn.


5. Speaking of pennies, I did this super rad moon manicure that I never want to remove.

I used American Apparel's Summer Peach and Revlon's Copper Penny, which is just slightly less coppery and slightly more rose gold with a touch of white shimmer. I did a moon mani tutorial a few months ago if you'd like to try this out (apparently I like using Summer Peach for this!)