Swatch Done

I completed & blocked my swatch for the Mystic Waters KAL. I used Baruffa Cashwool, #3 Addi Turbo Lace Needles and #8 Mill Hill Beads.

I'm not happy with where I placed my beads. I will have to pay closer attention when the charts start coming (in 6 days). They are kind of hard to see, but since I'm using them as accents, I think they will be okay. They do show more in person.

This yarn is super soft. I'm glad I spent the money on the lace needles because it does "grab" the yarn a bit. I think I would go nuts with any other type of needles.

Gonna Be A Bear

Started the "Secret"

The Nautical Knitter posted the first hint in the wee hours of the morning and I was able to print it out before the rush. I was too tired to start on it last night and am have a flare of my arthritis today. Taking it slowly, I did get through Line 30.

I changed the beads I was going to use. The pearls worked with the crochet hook so I'm using those. I think they will look much better with the navy and give it a more dressy look.

I'm still working on the design contest entry for Lone Star State Knitters. I need to get that finished soon because it's a busy month with traveling, visitors from out of town and life.

Walnut Pasta

I created this the other night. Might need some fine-tuning.

1/2 lb whole wheat angel hair pasta
1/2 cup walnuts
5-6 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup (unpacked) sundried tomatoes in oil, cut into strips
lots & lots of fresh basil, cut into strips

Start water for pasta. Just before adding pasta (which takes about 6-8 mins to cook), add about 1 tbs oil to a frying pan (I used walnut oil), garlic and walnuts. Cook and stir until pasta is done and until garlic & walnuts are toasted. Watch careful because both the garlic and walnuts will burn easily.

Drain pasta. Toss with a bit of olive oil. Add tomatoes & basil to walnuts and heat for just a moment. Add to pasta, toss & serve.

Notes: the first time I made this, I did not add oil to the pasta. I thought there was enough on the walnut mixture, but I was wrong. You could also use some of the oil from the tomatoes. I didn't use any salt in this recipe, but it didn't need any.

Secret of the Stole Swatch

This is my swatch for Secret of the Stole which starts this week (finally!!!). I just kinda threw the beads on there since I didn't get them until after I had knitted up the swatch.

I still haven't decided if I'm going to use these, use the pearls or use none. I am tending towards the pearls but they will be harder to do since they have a teensy, tiny hole. I'll probably decide once I get to that point and see if I can get the pearls on with a thin wire.

Some pictures.

Nothing much in life happening right now, but do have some new photos.

The first is Joseth with his dog, Benjamin. Joseth & his Aunt Lindsay were having fun with cameras one morning when she was visiting. The last is of Ashley and me. I really, Really, REALLY need to lose some weight before Lindsay's wedding in April.