Talk to you in the comments Contest




Al and I have been trying to come up with a contest. I am so scattered lately. So, I'm going to ask a bunch of scattered questions. Answer any of them, then I will answer YOU in the comments I promise. I need some distraction my pretend friends, and this will be fun for Al and I . The winner gets this beachy summer blue tyedyed bag. It is perfect for anyknitter. It has a little side zipper on the outside tucked away. It has a little inside zippered pocket as well.

I will be putting things in the pirze bag as we go along. Al and I will pick a winner from those who are kind enough to comment.

SO here goes: You only have to answer ONE to enter.

*What is the last fear you conquered?

*What should I ask for knitwise for my upcoming 49th birthday?

*How are you at transitions? What helps you make them?
Transtition like: your children moving out, your pets being ill, moving to a new neighborhood, seasonal transtions?

*What is the worst thing/best you ever knit?

*Send me somewhere in cyberspace knitting related. A store, a blog a pattern.

*Should I make a drop sleeve sweater because there is no armhole shaping.
Then I could just work on neck shaping, and not get confused with the AT THE SAME TIME instructions. The ones that
totally freak me out and intimidate me.

*Show me a sweater to buy that I can't refuse. I;m looking for a a boxy cozy butt coverin cardigan. That doesn't itch much.

Fireman loves side dishes. Share a side dish fit for summer. Make it easy!

Recommend a great knit podcast or great funny podcast.

Send me a site with an AMAZING GRACE rendition that you love!


I'll talk to you in the comments. :) I really will. Each of you!

Please don't announce this contest anywhere. I want regular readers and lurkers this time!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Worst thing I've knit: I made a Christmas table runner out of slippery ribbon. Gah. Miserable to knit with, hard to control, looks OK now that it's done, but it was definitely not enjoyable.

Best thing I've knit: Vintage Velvet from Scarf Style. Love the yarn, love the pattern, and it's *so* soft.
Heather said…
My fave A.G. rendition can be heard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1tOVd4PCk&feature=related

And, you should absolutely work on a drop sleeve. 'At The Same Time' is a four letter word around my house.
Sarah Glova said…
I thought I'd answer the worst/best too :)

Worst:
My Dad gave me a very thoughtful knit gift: a "cappuccino" hat kit. The cute kit came with two bamboo needles, some great coffee-colored yarn, and a hat pattern. Unfortunately it was my first hat, and I didn't realize till it was done that the hat... was about the size of a salad bowl. The pattern clearly wasn't made for that yarn and was stuck in just to make a kit. Big fail.

Best:
I made my best friend's 1-year-old birthday girl a jacket without a pattern! Big ta-da moment :)

I did want to answer another question though-- should you make the drop sleeve sweater??? YES! And then show me how :)

Glad you put a note not to announce the contest because I was definitely about to haha.
Patt said…
Sorry if this is a repeat I am coming out of lurking to say hello! I want to be a pretend friend, too! I am out of work, job hunting and stuck in the house and lonely. I made 3 sweaters in two weeks! My worst effort was a shawl that I just loved the yarn, but is way too garrish to wear. BTW, my niece is a brand new RN looking in the Chicago area for a job. I am originally from that area and love reading your blog. Live in the south now. How about a squash casserole, very southern. And I hate to see AT THE SAME TIME! I immediately turn the page.
Lynn said…
We love wilted cucumber salad and in summer there is always an abundance of cukes. Peel them and thinly slice before putting in a bowl of heavily salted water. Soak for at least 3 hours so they get limp. Pour them into a colander and rinse in a lot of cold water. Drain, put in a clean bowl. In another bowl mix 2 TBSP vinegar, 2 TBSP white sugar and 1 or 2 TBSP of water. Pour over cukes, stir and refrigerate for several hours. Taste and if it is too sour, add a little more water or sugar disolved in water.Delicious. cool and easy to make side dish that keeps well too so make a lot. Please let me know if you try it an like it. Old family recipe.
Lynn
kathy b said…
Amy ,
Al and I love the Vintage Velvet Scarf and we have the book! We may have to knit that one!
kathy b said…
Heather

Quite a rendition. Enjoyed the Blind Boys of Alabama. Soulful.

So glad you dont like a.t.s.t. It is great to have knit fear company!
kathy b said…
Sarah with the Salad bowl hat. NOw that made us both laugh! I've been there done that. Wow you knit a jacket and made up the pattern. I must go to your blog to see if there is a picture.
kathy b said…
Patt

Squash casserole. MMMMM. Would that be hot or cold? We usually have squash in the fall.
kathy b said…
Lynn

Cold cukes sound delightful with sugar and vinegar. MMMMM. Maybe I'll make some tomorrow! makes me feel like a cucumber on rye sandwich too.
Birdsong said…
For your birthday: a knitter's weekend with a few good knitting buddies... maybe a shop hop of your own, or stay at a resort together or a mountain cabin (remember, it doesn't have to be RIGHT on your BD)
Worst thing I've knit: I made an intarsia Christmas tree scarf about 16 years ago, and not only did I have to fuss with all those bobbins, but when I finished and sewed it together (to hide all the ends, as pattern recommended), it was really thick and not particularly comfortable or attractive!
Transitions: I think I do ok, but the big ones get processed a lot in my dreamtime... such as seeing the (grown) kids as little again.
Side Dish for summer: my current favorite is sliced very fresh tomatoes, with slices of mozarella on each, then drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the plate... easy peasy!
kathy b said…
Birdsong

I may have a perfect opportunity to knit at AL's new place for my bday get away! Now to get Al to knit with me again!
Ohhh I love summer tomatoes and mozzarella with dressing. YES! My neighbors are in Japan and the tomatoes need some harvesting. I was encouraged to eat them ! THeres a gift!
What is the last fear you conquered?Short row heels

*What should I ask for knitwise for my upcoming 49th birthday?The interchangeable addi turbo set/cable needle necklace if you dont already have one;)

*How are you at transitions? What helps you make them? Family
Transtition like: your children moving out, your pets being ill, moving to a new neighborhood, seasonal transtions?

*What is the worst thing/best you ever knit? A pair of socks with wonky heels/best the sheep you can see it on my ravelry it is also my avatar there.

*Send me somewhere in cyberspace knitting related. A store, a blog a pattern.Darcy's Knotty Knitter look in my sidebar for patterns and tips and click on it there are lots of wonderful enabler type links;)

*Should I make a drop sleeve sweater because there is no armhole shaping.Yes
Hugs Darcy
Sometimes dreading a transition is worse than the actual event. Just realizing that helps me know that everything will be okay. It also helps to plan what you will do when the transition comes. For example--before you retire you should have some idea of what you will do during the day. If you wait until you quit working to figure it out, you'll sit around bored and unhappy.

~Tracy
P.S. We're the same age. I'm turning 49 in November.
kathy b said…
Darcy!

I don't think I've ever noticed your sheep. Sheep shame on me! I will go now and look at your best success.

Addi turbo collection....really? Now Im thinking....
kathy b said…
Tracy -

I guess we can both retire in 2028 then right?

I love that we are the same age. Im fine with 49. As long as there are presents I love my birthdays! You are a scorpio like my Zach ???
kathy b said…
Tracy -

I guess we can both retire in 2028 then right?

I love that we are the same age. Im fine with 49. As long as there are presents I love my birthdays! You are a scorpio like my Zach ???
Patt said…
Squash Casserole is hot, made with the yellow squash. Paula Deens recipe is good.
Gayle said…
How am I with transitions? I dislike change. I am in one right now. We are moving back to our old house. (Not by choice but by circumstance due to the economy and DH out of work.) I know I need to stay possitive but it is still hard. As for knitting, I am working on anything that helps releave the stress.:)
Grace said…
*What is the last fear you conquered? adding beads to lace

*What should I ask for knitwise for my upcoming 49th birthday? i told you a mannequin, they are great

*How are you at transitions? What helps you make them?
Transtition like: your children moving out, your pets being ill, moving to a new neighborhood, seasonal transtions?
I cast on a new project
*What is the worst thing/best you ever knit?
Worst--a recently designed shawl in acrylic--the pattern is great the yarn was terrible
Best---whatever shawl I am doing now
*Send me somewhere in cyberspace knitting related. A store, a blog a pattern.
http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Category:Edgings_and_Insertions
*Should I make a drop sleeve sweater because there is no armhole shaping. If that style looks good on you
Then I could just work on neck shaping, and not get confused with the AT THE SAME TIME instructions. The ones that
totally freak me out and intimidate me. But practice is the only way you will learn

*Show me a sweater to buy that I can't refuse. I;m looking for a a boxy cozy butt coverin cardigan. That doesn't itch much.

http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=9835&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4477%2C7488%2C7142&iProductID=9835

Fireman loves side dishes. Share a side dish fit for summer. Make it easy! I have 2 Chop cherry tomatos, radishes and cucumbers add Ken's vidalia onion dressing and chill or shuck and cut fresh corn from the cob, saute it in butter in a frying pan with salt pepper a tsp of sugar and 1/2 cup of shredded parmesean

Recommend a great knit podcast or great funny podcast. Got me there I don't have any

Send me a site with an AMAZING GRACE rendition that you love!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4L9jab4QII
Olivia said…
Worst thing I knit: terrifying koigu baby sweater-all different oranges, very stiff, very thick. Have no idea why I thought it would look good. I ripped it out and made a lovely Garden Party Shawl instead.

Best thing: Cabled cardigan sweater from Interweave. I finished it right before I went to college and it is still gorgeous, comfortable and wearable.
kathy b said…
Patt

Love Mzzzz Paula and will try her squash recipe. Mmmm
kathy b said…
Allison

I LOVE That sweater you knit too.
You are in the contest now. There will be no mother favoritism. :)
kathy b said…
Gayle

So Sorry you are moving by circumstances. I hope you find some comfort in the familiar. I don't know what I'd do without my stress relief knitting. I wish Al would knit a bit now.
kathy b said…
Grace

Ken's Vidalia ONion dressing! I've always wanted a reason to try it! At first I thought I was making the salad and then making the corn and putting them together. See why I can't cook so well? Hahahahah I had a good laugh at myself. Must try your corn recipe yum yum yum.
More on your other links later.
Bianca said…
*What should I ask for knitwise for my upcoming 49th birthday?

More time to knit! :-)) And a good health, no pain in your arm.

*Send me somewhere in cyberspace knitting related. A store, a blog a pattern.--> see your Ravelry account haha

*Should I make a drop sleeve sweater because there is no armhole shaping.
Then I could just work on neck shaping, and not get confused with the AT THE SAME TIME instructions. The ones that
totally freak me out and intimidate me.

Yes. And for crying out loud... ask for help when you don't get it. I will spell it out word for word!

Fireman loves side dishes. Share a side dish fit for summer. Make it easy!
Ice berg salad, decorated with Gouda cheese (cubes), pineapple and bell peppers - Mix and enjoy with hamburgers and potatoes.
kathy b said…
Bianca

THANKS SO MUCH For the pattern! Wahoo clipperknits! Made my day!
And oh will I ever ask you for help! Line by line? You are really a great pretend friend! You have no idea how pesky I can be!
Yummy recipe........it is a must try!
Turtle said…
lol, i so related to many of your questions! But with summer and tomatoes upon us: EASY!!!

THIN-SLICED TOMATO GRATIN (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 glass oven ware dish (we used one that was 9×12)
4-5 large tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 leaves of basil, thinly sliced
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (plus extra for the breadcrumbs – see below)
1/4 cup olive oil

For breadcrumb topping:
1 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano or romano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika/pimenton
1 teaspoon oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon peperoncino
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
What to do:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Put a bit of olive oil in the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange your tomatoes flat down, side by side, in your dish. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper, the minced garlic and 1/4 cup of the parmigiano reggiano.
In a separate bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with all of the herbs, spices and the cheese. Mix. Sprinkle some of the dry mixture (before you add the olive oil) on to the top of the tomatoes (about 1/8 of a cup).
With a fork, blend in the olive oil with the remaining dry mixture. It will look kind of chunky. Sprinkle as much of this mixture on to the tomatoes as well. You may not use all of this – eyeball it. Top with some fresh basil.
Put in oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until top is brown and crusty and the tomatoes have shrunk a bit.
Bianca said…
Yes, line by line. It is not so difficult. I promise you. I'll even add photos to make things more clear when needed :-)
kathy b said…
Turtle

Now I must have those neighbor tomatoes ripen. Out to check on them.......! Do you say tomato or tomato?
kathy b said…
Bianca

Pictures too! OKay I m finding the pattern !
Debra in NC said…
*How are you at transitions? What helps you make them?"

Well, I've lost 2 of my cats in the past 7 months. The first one I lost was 17 years old, I've had her since she was about 3 months old, the second one I lost was 15 years old and was born here.

In truth, I find time to be the best healer. And allowing myself to grieve......I stay strong around people, so I tend to let my emotions out at night when my house is quiet and dh is in bed. Also, just trying to appreciate my remaining pets for whom they are, spending more one-on-one time with them, enjoying them for the moment.
Katherine said…
Okay, here is a trip into cyberspace for a pattern I fell in love with. If you like easy-peasy shawls with a new slant try this one: http://www.patternfish.com/patterns/3090

It reminds me of you!
kathy b said…
Oh Debra in NC. I am so sorry about your kitties Pet grief is deep. Im glad you are enjoying the remaining pets. Im sure they love the atteniton.
kathy b said…
Katherine

It has all the elements: flat knit
gorgeous yarn
no schematics

but it has 3 of 4 intermediate bars!

Im glad it reminds you of me! I love that!
Georgi said…
*What is the last fear you conquered?
Standing up for myself, and not backing down when a bully tried to back me into a corner during a serious discussion/argument. My voice shook, I was sweating (buckets) but I did it and was able to show my point of view without crying or saying “whatever” (which is my normal response when confronted by a bully). It feels very liberating; next I am going to knit gloves :-)
kathy b said…
Georgi

Good for you and your fear conquering. That is such a difficult thing to do. When you are shaking especially! I know that feeling.

I want to see the gloves! At first I thought you meant BOXING gloves!
Emily said…
My middle name is Anyknitter!

*The last fear was driving - I'm not really over that one yet, but I will make the car go in certain low traffic situations.
*Knitwise you should ask for a swift and ballwinder if you haven't got one. Best tools ever. (Second choice is 48 new yarns to try, but I think you have a better shot at the winder.)
*I do not care for change. I get really mad and compartmentalize until I get used to it.
*The best thing I ever knit was Michael's brown cardigan. There are too many worst things to count!
*Have you seen http://petitepurls.com/ ?
*Drop sleeve sweaters are certainly easier, but don't let AT THE SAME TIME intimidate you! Just get two different colored row counters or use the stitch markers that are removable to help you keep track.
*EVERYDAY CARDIGAN! http://www.kpixie.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=341 Add as much length as you like.
*Tomato, motzerella and basil salad - just cube everything and mix it up with a little of this: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mustard-Vinaigrette/Detail.aspx

All but two is pretty good right? I was going to answer them all but you've stumped me on the last ones!
kathy b said…
Emily

Is the Everday cardigan a drop sleeve? it is really cute.
I think forty NINE balls of yarn is a perfect perfect idea. Love your answers!
Unknown said…
Coming out of lurking to wish you a happy 49th birthday.

The knit gift you should ask for is some knitting time.

The best project ever is the Grant Park sweater from Twist Collective. Can't believe how fast it knits up and is incredibly easy.

The worst project is a hat for my daughter, I had twisted the stitches on the first round and was making the decreases for the top before I noticed there was anything wrong with it.
kathy b said…
BUBBAD2

I have never seen Twist Collective. That was a very fun suggestion. Thanks for delurking for the bday !
Kim said…
I think the worst thing I knit was trying to make a lacy shawl with chunky chunky handpainted yarn. I frogged it.
Anonymous said…
Well, I just love you, Kathyb, and I hope that whatever transition you are going through, you will remember to breath deeply through it. I also eat many puffed Cheetos and drink Diet Pepsi.
evergreenknits said…
Yay for contests! (and I promise I won't put this on WiKnit)

I'm terrible, just terrible with life transitions. Mostly I just cry and get on with it, with maybe a little Buddhist philosophy (I recommend Pema Chodron) to ease the way.

On a totally different note, you asked about the drop shoulder sweater: don't do it! It's so appealing to think of such a simple construction. But, honestly, I don't think they look good on anyone. How about trying one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's seamless, bottom-up sweater recipes instead?
kathy b said…
Kim

Chunky chunky handpaint for Lace? That sounds like something ONLY I would do! it is fun to look back and laugh eh?
kathy b said…
Lynn

Must get cheetos. Great idea. And Coke for me. Im trying to be joyful and optimistic. Change is good.
kathy b said…
Evergreen!

That is exactly what Al said. It won't look good even if it is an easy knit. Now that's makes two of you. Out. The idea is now ...poof....gone! For the best. Thanks
Anonymous said…
knitwise for your birthday you should ask for a gift certificate to your favorite knit shop then when something inspires you can purchase it,because it maybe more than just an accsessorie,or yarn.or certain needles let your passion make your desicion not the gift.p.s
i was going to give the recipe for tomato augratin but some one beat me to it you really have to make it's divine!
Unknown said…
Do NOT make a drop stitch sweater!!! They are generally not flattering. Just saying...
kathy b said…
Nell Honey!

You made me laugh! Not a drop stitch sweater......a drop sleeve sweater! Im imagining a drop stitch sweater.......oh dear. Im imagining hideous!
kathy b said…
Thing ONe

Gift certificate is a thought..................Wisconsin sheep and wool festival is around the corner....
purple-power said…
Hi - lurker here.

I just forgot all the questions. Oh wait - here's one: for your birthday, pick out a yarn you yearn for but won't treat yourself to and then ask for that. Ask for a sweater's worth or a shawl worth or whatever you want to knit.

Since you're knew on sweaters, pick something like Noro Silk Garden or something extra pretty and tweedie so you can do something simple and yet have it look really special.
Elaine said…
Well I have to weigh in on the drop shoulder sweater idea. I've been knitting all of my life and have knit and designed literally hundreds of sweaters. The only time I follow a pattern is for something very unusual like Hanne Falkenberg sweaters because the engineering is so interesting.

Until a few years ago I always did a set-in sleeve and looked down on drop shoulder sweaters. I have now changed my mind and almost all of my sweaters and jackets are now drop shoulder and I think they look great personally. I guess I would think twice about it if I was using a very thick yarn, but for worsted weight or lighter, a drop shoulder looks just fine PROVIDED you sew it together well. For that, unless it is very very fine yarn, do not sew the seams with wool - it comes out all lumpy and yucky-looking. Instead sew it with a needle and thread and you will get the nicest looking seams.

If your LYS has some sample sweaters with a drop shoulder, do try them on and see what you think. I never take photos so I can't show you mine except for the one jacket on my website which is just lying down anyway (not modeled) Look around Ravelry and I'm sure you'll see some really good-looking drop shouldered sweaters.

My 50 cents (this is much too long to be 2 cents and anyway there's been lots of inflation!)
Rachel O said…
I'll answer the separation question from the other side. I just graduated from college and have taken a position in France for a year or two.

The best way to deal with separation Mom, is to be cheerful about it and not make your child feel like a slug for growing up and being independent. We'll be home again for visits and miss you.
Unknown said…
I guess I'm with lots of others in suggesting you ask for a knitterly gift card for the shop of your choice. It is so tough guessing exactly the right yarn for someone else.
kathy b said…
Purple Power You may have something here.....Noro silk garden.. It practically screams I'm a gorgeous knit! ....hmmmmmm
kathy b said…
Elaine!

So glad you answered and put in your fifty cents.
I WILL try a drop sleeve from a knitshop on this body and see how it looks. Great seaming tip to avoid frustration.........

thank you so much. Good to hear from you in this contest
kathy b said…
Purple Power You may have something here.....Noro silk garden.. It practically screams I'm a gorgeous knit! ....hmmmmmm
kathy b said…
Rachel O

From across the pond! I LOVE IT. No no, I am not wimpering over it. My father still does this and it is maddening. I wish he'd live his own life, and not spend all his time worrying about how none of his kids can ever visit enough for him. I am just uneasy with sudden change. It takes me time.
kathy b said…
Tom

I may ask for a cash for an upcoming road trip to a llama farm that my sis offered to take me on! Like a G.C .........very hard to choose yarn for others. I agree!
Unknown said…
Oh I was going to say ask for a gift certificate, or pick out 2 or 3 yarns you love and pass them along with appropriate amounts and then you'll be surprised by which one you actually get. Leaving an expensive yarn purchase to someone else, even a fireman, can be well ... disappointing.
kathy b said…
Ej

THis is a very good point. A couple of suggestions and the surprise of which one is safe and easy for fireman ! I dont like to make it difficult.
rita said…
I'm too late to win anything, but I have to chime in!

I have always resisted change. I stress about it and drive myself (and everyone else) crazy. BUT--it almost always ends in a good way. I adapt very easily once I gripe for ages!

Fear--that's another thing I stress about. Then something happens and I find out it's not the worst thing in the world. So far!

My husband lost his job in November; my salary is less than half of what he used to make. Scared us both. But you know, we've ended up happier and in a better place financially; he's semi-retired (people just don't want to hire a 63-year-old upper management), he sold his old Porsche, we paid off everything but the house, and now we're going to sell the house and buy a place in the Keys! All because he lost his job.

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