herringbone

The pattern is big herringbone cowl by the purl bee in knit pick's comfy worsted blackberry.  This was one of the most enjoyable projects I have done in a while. The yarn is soft and has a wonderful stitch definition and drape.  And the pattern... I am in love with the construction of this pattern. It is entirely unique. Using worsted weight yarn, the fabric comes together with overlaps of draping stitches from large needles, creating a beautiful woven effect.

Using beta from fellow knitters, I purchased an interchangeable needle set so I could use 13s on the left and 17s on the right.  This really helped to make the pattern construction less frustrating, and instead was a pure delight to knit as a commissioned project for my friend.  Details here.  If you are looking for a project with wonderful structure and thoughtful construction, please consider this.  I will absolutely be knitting this one again.

wip wednesday

Reading and knitting are a wonderful pair.  Especially this pair.  The knitting actually inspired the reading; something about the unique construction of the herringbone pattern had me thinking of trips to the bay, clam chowder, salty cold air... and I found myself taking to sea...

"Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can."  -- Herman Melville's The Whale

 

This book is clever, dark and hilariously insightful.   I would highly recommend it, especially if you are starting to feel 'grim about the mouth' in these cold winter months.  This knit is the perfect companion. More on that later.  In the mean time, keep yourself from knocking people's hat's off, and find yourself a good book and a good knit.

Inspired by the Yarn Along.  I won't be joining in every Wednesday, since you would be seeing a lot of the same wips and books, but they are delightful to peruse, and I wanted to share this with you today. 

What are you reading and knitting?

a little color

small things ~

  

Happy Friday

gluten-less chocolate beet cake

Here is a wonderful recipe for you.  Adapted from Joy the Baker to be gluten free, this chocolate cake is moist and tasty with naturally pick icing, and does not at all taste like salad.  The beets add an amazing texture, a little sweet earthiness, and a lot of color.  It tastes full of chocolatey awesome frosted in sweet buttery pink cream cheese.

What you'll need:

For the cake

• 3 small beets
• 1 tbs oil
• 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick) + some to grease pans
• 2 tsp unsweetened coca powder (for dusting pans)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 package of chocolate gluten free cake mix
• 1/2 cup of buttermilk

For the Frosting

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 4-5 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 Tbs of grated beets
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-2 tsp milk

What to do:

1. The beets:  Wash them well, trim the tops, place in foil with olive oil and seal in foil pouch.  Place on a baking sheet and roast at 375 for 1 hour.  Let them cool completely, then peel them with a pairing knife, and use a fine grater to turn them into 1/2 cup (for the cake) + 2 Tbs (for the frosting) of beet pulp.  Your hands will be purple, this is fun!
2. The cake: Reduce oven temp to 350.  Butter and dust the pans; 2 8in or one 9in.  You may want to use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan as well. 
3. Cream together the butter and sugars using a mixer until light and fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add beets and vanilla, mix thoroughly.  Then add about half of your cake mix.  Now, add the butter milk slowly, continuing to mix while you add.  Once incorporated, add the rest of your cake mix, and stir until just combined.  It will be pretty thick.
4. Add the batter to your pan(s), and then bake 23-25 (9in) or 30-32 (8in).  When a toothpick comes out clean, you're done!  Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate to finish cooling before frosting.
5. The frosting:  In a mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese.  Add the beets.  Then add the vanilla, the powdered sugar, and adjust your thickness with the milk.  
6. Frost your cake, and feel free to serve with a pinot noir, it was excellent! 

Happy 14th cold day of February!

winter blues

 The stress level is high, and the outdoors are cold.  This photo from Knit Picks made me smile.  What do you do to keep cozy on dreary days?  I'll be knitting something in blue.