A Slow, Wippy Start



This lace weight's colorway is
entitled Betty Friedan. True to
its name, it was pretty
obstinate while I was trying to
wind it into a ball at one of
the area local yarn shops. 

Well, it's Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday, and I'm definitely fee-fi-fo-fumming through my projects in progress (at least the ones I can talk about). I have two small projects going, one shawl (cause when am I not working on a shawl?) two sweaters ... and then other stuff. So I'll provide a round-up of the projects in progress:

1. My Cables 'Round the Nebula sweater: this test knit is coming along ... at a snail's pace. I'm past the first armhole, and am some ways into the back. Since it's a sideways-constructed sweater, I started at the left front and am working my way around. There is some short-row shaping in the back, and this is my first taste of working short-rows. Can anyone say wrap and turn?


My Cables 'Round the Nebula: this
photo was taken just prior to my working
the armhole and starting on the back.

2. My Marbled Cardi: this is a sweater I started last summer (yes, folks!) and with the camraderie of a few Ravelry friends over in the 52 Projects in 52 Weeks thread, I'm determined to get this completed. I'm done with the body, and am now working on the front trim before I tuck into the sleeves (which won't be for at least another week). I'd really like to wear it this summer. Ummm ... do you think I'm giving myself enough leeway?

3. A placemat for my dining room table: This is my small, hopefully quick project from Totally Simple Crochet. I wanted to use up some of my stash of cotton in addition to wanting a new something to brighten up my table, and this little pattern did the trick. I really like how simple single crochet and chain stitches can, when using different colors, produce an almost woven look (sorry about the crappy scanner pic).

4. And my new shawl: This pattern, while not mine, is going to stay under wraps at the moment. Suffice to say that this is, hands down, one of the most beautifully lace-y crochet shawls I've ever attempted. Started at the beginning of the year (right after I finished my last one for the 2011 shawl challenge) I'm about 40% done. I'd like to get it done by the end of the month, but that might be a little optimistic.

Finally, I'm also working on a certain scarf pattern with a certain alpaca and silk fingering yarn. Since a certain someone has hers in (much-needed) time out, I will spare her, and the rest of you, with the update. Mine is going better than hers - no time out needed over here. The perks of writing your own pattern.

Here's to hoping I actually have something finished for next week! In the meantime, definitely head over to Andrea's blog and see what progress everyone else is making on their respective projects. And to all in the U.S. over this holiday weekend - take time to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy in your own, unique way. For myself, beyond the myriad community service projects previously accomplished, it's always worth it to be mindful of his struggle as well as how far we as a country have come, in no small part, because of that struggle.



60s Redux, Divided
This is a portion of one of my recent paintings



On Food ... and Heroes

In case anyone missed it, Monday was the first annual U.S. Food Day. Created by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this event was devised to promote a series of healthy eating and social justice issues. 

As anyone who has read this blog for any length of time will know, food is a passion of mine. My eating regime continues to undergo refinement - it's definitely a work-in-progress. So, as a way to celebrate, albeit a little late, I'm leaving all of you with a montage of food and related photos I've taken throughout the past year. I'd love to hear what thoughts the food photos bring up. I think food is a hot-button issue for most people, so hearing your take on this new food awareness day would be very cool.

Finally, I cannot get out of the way of hearing about the life of the late Steve Jobs. No less than three high profile interviews with his biographer have been conducted and published since Sunday - on 60 Minutes, on NPR's Morning Edition and yesterday on Fresh Air.

I must admit, I previously knew little of the details of Steve Jobs' personal life. However, after hearing this series of interviews, I am convinced that Jobs was a modern-day hero, in the Joseph Campbell sense of that word. Imperfect to be certain, but with one of the clearest visions, as well as the will and determination to see that vision come to fruition, I am in no doubt that Jobs' presence in this life will be greatly missed. I know I will miss his impeccable aesthetic sensibility.

Food and heroes. They can be interchangeable, no?



The famous fishmonger of Pike Place Market



Yummy Bon Appetit chocolate chip cookies



Sicilian-inspired appetizers at the Palmento book event

 

Pumpkin breakfast "pudding" from
my trusty crockpot



The perfect bowl of sugar























Fresh blueberries




The perfect summer bowl of strawberries



Anyone for a little budget tuna
noddle caserole?

Signs of last fall ...

... juxtaposed against signs of this fall. Fiber and candles round out the scene.