She-Knits #116 April 2012

Well, I missed writing any notes on last months podcast. But- here I am with April's!

She-Knits Mystery #11 Lovely Rita begins April 18th

Simple pattern that is well selling Piper's Journey

Read or rather listened to "The Rest of Her Life" by Laura Moriarty, I liked it - I checked it out on the internet from my library...the greatest thing ever!!

Am currently listening to We need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Rosenblat - not sure I like it yet

Ok, so I asked, have you ever gone to your knitting guild or a Fiber Festival and heard asomeone speak? Particularly a designer? Who...or is it whom did you hear speak and why did you like the talk...orn ot. Maybe it would be best to only answer positively in here and if you want to tell me about a talk you didn't like private message me in Ravelry ..I'm sheknits.

The newsletter will go out in the next few days announcing the early bird special for She-Knits Mystery #11, Maya - a lace and slip stitch small shawl...more like awesome scarf with cool beading.

#99 She-Knits Small Talk Podcast - If everyone goes bankrupt do we then just start over?

Title Talk and Feedback
Brunch at the Ritz Carlton......very upscale.....sort of silly.
Thank you to those of you that gave me both private and public comments, they make me feel motivated and touched...and are educational too!

Family
The secret is out, my husband and I don't sleep together.

Knitting
Kimmy and Samantha bag patterns are currently being written
Millie Shawl, a fancy schmany dress up lace shawl in Symphony by Tilli Tomas is on the needles
Willow has been knit and written

New and Nice
Whip out your life savings or maybe your big needles and your lambskin yarn.....
Prada Knit Clutches
Prada Knit Tote

Now whip out your small needles and hooks and your gold chain yarn
Arielle De Pinto crochet and knit jewelry
20o8 -
2009 -
2010 irreverent Look Book

Stoke of Insight by Jill Bolte taylor
Wonderful wonderful book.

Fear
Something will be wrong at my check up.

Nobody will be interested in what I am offering and therefore I won't be teaching at my LYS

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
I am so grateful that I have both my parents, Mom is 79 and Dad is 81 and they are both in basically great health.....(now the fear pops up that I am jinxing something by saying that)

Good thoughts go out to all you medical and health professionals that take the attitude of compassionate care. You probably deal with all sorts of people and you yourself are only human as well....I know it is hared to deal with humans all day however when i am in there and nervous, your attitude during your care of me makes all the difference in the world between making my experience a decent one or terrible one.

CONTEST - Since next podcast will be my 100th episode- lets celebrate! How do "we" celebrate? Well, by me showing you my gratitude that you listen by giving away some stuff? What stuff, you ask? I would like to give away two prizes meaning there will be two winners-
1. a free kit with pattern for the next She-Knits Mystery KAL 5 -
2. Inspired to Knit by Michelle Rose Orne

How do you enter?
Post an answer in here to the following questions
1. What is your current favorite book.
2. Tell me something you are proud of yourself about.
3. Would you rather win the kit and pattern or the book.

I will announce the winner in the 100the episode.

Peace

#97 She-Knits is always hungry

I am so sorry about the gaps of silence in between segments of the podcast...there is actually music there however I didn't realize I needed to be recording on a different track for the music to come through.

Title talk
Are you always hungry? Do you think about food a lot? I do...I feel like I am constantly hungry or thinking about food unless I actively push myself to stop.

What am I doing in my knitting world?
Knitscene has accepted a design of mine for Spring 2011...yay!! I am pattern writing....a lot. What do you think of the new Knitty?

Family
Should it be fun for my 8 year old to come with me to the store while I pick out things for his sisters without him being allowed to pick something out for himself?

New and Nice
Samesky.com - supports HIV postitve women in Rowanda buy selling hand crocheted and beaded (hand blown glass beads) rings and bracelets created by these woman.

Onnesti.etsy.com - take a look at this adorable raffia hat....

joesblueberries.com - How about renting your own blueberry bush. Love this

Fear
I don't want all my kids to grow up and move out...well sometimes I do....however mostly I think it will be sad and lonely. If you have gotten through this or have the same fear I would love to hear from you.

Gratitude and good thoughts
What would I do without my test knitters?

Peace

#61 The things we do wrong, the things we do right

Is it just personality type that makes some of seem to focus more on the things we do right or the things we do wrong? I have the unfortunate tendency to focus too much on the things I do wrong instead of all the goo things I actually do. I have to work hard to feel good about the good...I keep working on it though.

So now apres' le Dumpling comes my second out of three designs that is now published...
Big Lace Scarves in Interweave Felts '08



This is one of those things in which you actually would appreciate it more if you had it around your neck and felt its dreamy light softness with warmth at the same time.

I am very interested in submitting for Fall and Winter publications as they come up...I am bubbling over with ideas...which is another one of those great feelings.

#59 My shoe is full!

They're ba-ack! All my ankle bitting blood sucking wonderful fabulous so different yet all mine .....well sort of mine (are your kids really "your's"?). Man oh man I like having them all here so much it hurts. It hurts because its no longer the norm, 5 here is the norm , no longer seven. It is something that happens, I am telling you, your children will grow up and leave you...at least leave physically living in your house 24/7......sigh. But listen, I am not going to stew about it or feel sad even one second longer because the reality is it is the way it is and it is for the most part a positive thing. When kids can't launch , usually something is going on that is difficult.

I will announce winners of the contest in which you so kindly answered all my fiber festival questions a bit later today when I let kiddo's randomly pick you winers out. Check back to see if it is you and THANK YOU to all that entered!

Later.....

37 people entered so since I said i would pick1 winner per 15 people I am letting one of my children pick 2 winners by asking her to chose 2 numbers between 1 and 37. She picked 6 + 11 and so the winners are:
Anita
Feminist Knitter

I also gave an extra prize to CoggieTM because of her really brilliant suggestion about bringing a standing mirror because we women like to see ourselves! I think the mirror will help sell! Again thank you for all of you that took the time to enter, I appreciated reading through all of your answers.

Sharon

#52 It all blends together.

Is it that way for everyone that works at home...and who's husband works at home....and who has kids at home. Or is it something about when you knit for work and knit for fun and knit for sanity?

I talk about:
Toothpick Optional



Patternworks

Noni Bags

5 more days until I go to TNNA.....eeeekkkk...YAYYY!!!!!

Want a job in knitting....how about as Nora Gaughan's assistant....



Design Assistant:

Berroco Inc, a major importer of hand knitting yarns, is currently searching for a design assistant. (Berroco is Located in Uxbridge , MA – approximately 1 hour by car from Boston, MA, 35 minutes from Providence, RI)

Duties to include:
• Designing of hand knit and crochet garments for woman, men and children
• Writing newsletters and fashion copy
• Social, fashion and trend spotting
• Working with national knitting magazines
• Domestic and international travel for trade shows

Requirements:
• Hand knit design experience
• Ability to knit, crochet, and sketch
• Profeciency with Mac and PC including layout, drawing, spreadsheet, & internet
• College degree

Compensation:
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits

Contact:
• Please submit resume by e-mail to Norah Gaughan, Design Director
ngaughan@berroco.com

Episode #27 Google Knitting

Listen to the podcast Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase

Go to Google Blog Search and have fun ...but put a time limit on it!

Holiday Kal Cal ifor new participants. You can still donate prizes and get free advertising in return.


* Silja Devine is contributing a $25.00 gift certificate to her new shop! She is also offering a Discount to all Holiday Elves so make sure you check her out!! You can find her at... My Creative Impulses

* THE Cheryl Oberle of Cheryl Oberle Designs is contributing a signed copy of both of her books! You can find more of her wonderful designs here.
o Folk Shawls
o Folk Vests


* Carrie of DharmaFay (yes...that Carrie..also known by her Socks In The City Podcast Fame) is contributing some sock yarn! Winners Choice! You can find her at
Dharma Fey

#25 Peace inside my head is not possible...or is it?

She Knits for Knitters...my new pattern Caroline Bag






*****CONTEST*****


Send me your favorite finger food DESSERT recipe i.e.
COOKIES
BARS
BROWNIES
HOMEMADE CONFECTIONS
- no forks spoon or knives allowed (except for cutting pieces) for eating- fingers only

Either post on Ravelry in She-Knits Podcast group under CONTEST heading or send it to me via e-mail sdreifuss[AT]msn[DOT]com. I'm hungry hurry-up
CONTEST ENDS Nov. 22nd- you will be harshly but fairly judged (kind of) by my children (and me) and there will also be a randomly picked winner.

"Hey She-Knits, "you so politely ask, "What do I W I N ?" Well, for you sock and shawl meisters some sock/shawl yarn...meaning that skinny kind of yarn- and for you felters or bulky wool lovers some Lamb's Pride Bulky. There will be two winners. So COME ON LET'S SEE YOUR GOOD STUFF! And think before you send...chocolate chip cookies probably won't win..no offense to the humble chocolate cookie...unless it is something really special.

GO to Pandora's Box and have fun!

Givers of SWAG:

Loopy Ewe yummy yarn
Knitted Gems original knitting patterns
Studio Marlowe original pattern for really pretty pullover sweater
Snarky Designs original pattern for "the Luckiest" a felted bag


Craftcast Podcast Alison Lee- Episode #39 with Art biz Guru Bruce Baker


The rest of the shownotes are all about the zuppa, I wanted to give non-Ravelryers a chance to see the receipe's. If you are on Rav. they are in my She-Knits Podcast group forum.
Enjoy and keep the soups coming!

Judie's:
Sweet Potato Soup

3 tbsp chili-infused olive oil 2 leeks -chop about 500g. sweet potato diced 900ml. vegetable stock 1 can chick peas (I use ones I've soaked and cooked myself -about 1-2 cups worth) 100g. Cyprus Halloumi cheese 4 tbsp of Five seed Mix (this is sunflower seeds,pumpkin seeds, linseed, hemp seeds and pinenuts) 2 tbsp parsley

Heat oil in saucepan, and leeks, soften (5 min.) Add sweet potatoes, stir (3 min). Add stock, boil and cover. After 5min. add chickpeas; cook 5 min. Drain and pat dry the cheese; dice and fry in a little oil; add seeds and stir another 1-2 minutes until cheese turns colour. Blend soup and and vegetables until crushed; ladle into bowls and top with cheese, seeds and parsley.

Prep. time -10 minutes; cook 20 minutes



Susan's:

Spanish Chickpea Soup

Two 432 g cans of chick-peas

2 fat garlic cloves, chopped

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

A generous pinch of Cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh

coriander or flat-leaf parsley

salt and pepper

olive oil, to garnish (optional)

Drain the liquid from the chick-pea cans into a measuring jug. Add water to make up the liquid to 900 ml (l '/2 pints). In a food processor or blender, puree this liquid with the chick-peas, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Pass the soup through a sieve into a saucepan. Season it with salt, pepper and Cayenne and stir in most of the mint and coriander or parsley. Boil the soup hard for two minutes. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Stir in the rest of the herbs and serve, if liked, with a swirl of olive oil.


Knitterphreek's
CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

1 pound of mushrooms

1/2 cup of butter or margarine

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 small onion, sliced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

3-1/2 cups chicken stock

3 chicken boullion cubes or envelopes

1 teaspoon salt (I leave this out, there is enough salt added in the boullion)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup heavy or whipping cream

Trim tough stem ends of mushrooms; remove stems; set aside. With knife slice mushroom caps thinly.

In a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, in hot butter or margarine, cook sliced mushrooms and lemon juice until mushrooms are just tender, stirring.

Reduce heat to medium-low; with slotted spoon, remove mushrooms to bowl. In saucepan in remaining butter, cook onion and stems; cook until onion is tender.

Stir in flour until blended; cook 1 minute, stirring the mixture constantly.

Gradually stir in chicken stock and boullion; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened.

In blender, ladle half of the mixture; cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with the other half.

Return mixture to the saucepan; stir in salt (if used), pepper, cream and mushroom slices; reheat just until soup is boiling.

I serve with homemade croutons (chunks of bread sauteed in butter till crisp) YUM!!!


Pattyb's
A family favorite: Cheese Broccoli Soup

1 chopped onion 3 cups water 3 chicken bouillon cubes 2 cups thin egg noodles 10 oz. package frozen chopped broccoli 3 cups milk 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 lb.velveeta cheese

Saute onions 3 minutes in a little oil;add water & bouillon cubes and boil until cubes have dissolved. Add noodles and cook 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli & garlic powder and cook 4 minutes. Add milk and cheese (cubed) and simmer until cheese melts (do not boil!). Season with salt & pepper. Yum!

tonya's
CORN & CRAB CHOWDER 1 stick of butter 1 bundle of green onions, chopped 2 cans whole kernal corn (not drained) 2 cans cream of potato soup 2 soup cans of milk 2 cans crab meat (not drained) 1 8oz block of cream cheese, softened Red pepper, salt and black pepper to taste

Saute onions in butter. When onions are tender, add other ingredients. Heat through and enjoy!

Valink's -
I most often make vegitarian split pea soup. I never use a recipe, but usually I just sautee some onions, carrots & celery, throw in some dry lentils & saute them for a few minutes, sometimes I put the sweet potatoes in at this point too, sometimes I wait til later to put them in, then I add a whole bunch of water & a bag of dry split peas &bring it to a boil. Then I add random spices, salt & pepper, whatever I'm in the mood for a the moment & let the whole thing simmer til it's the consistency I want. I like it to be a really thick soup. Sometimes I'll add pastina or orzo or something like that to thicken it further if I've added too much water or too few peas. I don't cook much, so this is the best I could do!

~Valerie


mamased's
Here's our family favorite, which I learned about from Faith, The Knitting Cook, on her podcast. It is from Moosewood. Quick. Easy. Delicious. Even works for company. Make sure you use the chipotle pepper--canned in adobo sauce available in the Mexican food section of grocery store.

Black Bean & Chipotle Soup

Serves 4 to 6; Yields 8 cups

¼ cup olive oil; 2 cups chopped onions; 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed; 2 cups peeled and diced carrots; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped green or red bell peppers; 2 cups cooked black beans (two 15-ounce cans, undrained) (or cook 1 cup dried beans); ½ dried chipotle pepper, or 1 canned chipotle in adobo sauce (recommended); 2 cups chopped fresh or undrained canned tomatoes (12-ounce can); ½ cup orange juice; ½ cup water; salt to taste; sour cream to top; chopped fresh cilantro.

Warm the oil in a non-reactive soup pot. Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and cumin and cook on medium heat, sitting often for a few minutes. Add the celery and peppers, lower the heat, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the beans chipotle, tomatoes, orange juice, and water, and simmer, covered for 20 minutes. If you're not using canned beans, add ½ cup of beans cooking liquid or additional water.

If you like a thicker broth, you can blend one or two cups of the soup until pureed, and stir it back into the remaining soup. Top with optional sour cream and cilantro.

Reprinted from Moosewood Restaurant Daily Special, Copyright © 1999 by Moosewood, Inc., Clarkson Potter, publishers, New York.




texaspurlgurl's:

Taco Soup (another Weight Watchers Recipe)

1 lb. cooked lean beef (I use the 93/7) 1 small onion, chopped 1 4 oz. can diced chilis (omit if you don't want any spiciness) 1 T. salt 1 pkg. taco seasoning 1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix (I use fat free) 1 can Hominy or corn 3 cans stewed tomatoes 1 can kidney or black beans 1 can pinto beans 1/2 can water

Brown meat. Add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for 30 minutes. Can also be put in crock pot, but you must cook the meat first. 1 cup = 3 points

My family loves this and I don't spice it up too much because then the kids won't eat it.

Enjoy!


Krisztina's
In your last podcast you asked us to share our most favourite recipe. Ours is the leek potato soup. 4 leeks 1 potato 1 onion 1/2 bar of butter 850 ml water with veg. boullion 275 ml milk salt to your taste

Cut leeks lengthwise into half then slice it up, chop onion and potato. In a pot swet them alltogether in the melted butter for 10 min. Cover and stir time to time. Add the water plus milk and simmer for 20 min. after boiling. Then just blend with the handheld blender and it is ready to serve. My kids love it. Try it. The recipe is originally from Delia Smith.