Friday, April 18, 2008

Knitting Progress

I made a lot more progress on Trellis. It's turning out quite nicely, but it is a lot of work! I don't do much cable knitting, so reading from a chart took some time to get use to. I usually like things written out, but I have managed so far. The beautiful pattern emerging is what is keeping me motivated to keep knitting. I took a break from it last night because I felt a headache coming on and this sweater needs complete eye and mind concentration. Tonight is Friday night, so that means DH will be taking over the baby's needs. Hopefully, I will get the fronts done by this weekend. And dare I hope to start on the sleeves?
The knitting for the Top Down Raglan Baby Cardigan is done. Now it just needs the ends woven in and a good soak so I can block it. I still have to find some nice buttons. Sewing the buttons on is always my least favorite part, so it may sit around for a while. Does anyone have a online source for buttons?

I have a bag of crystallized ginger (Trader Joes) leftover from the pregnancy. I had thought that it might help with my "all day-sickness", but it didn't, so it has been sitting in the kitchen cabinet. The other day, I was looking through my copy of the Barefoot Contessa at Home and I noticed a recipe for a Ultimate Ginger Cookie. I had all the ingredients on hand and I got to use up the bag of crystallized ginger. After tasting the cookie, I think that I prefer ginger snaps more. This is a soft cookie that has many spices in it, a bit much for my taste. I had DH take them to work and they got devoured, so maybe I should give it a second chance?

For those of you that don't have the book, I did a search and found the recipe online HERE. If you try it, let me know what you think of it.

20 comments:

Nettie said...

Both sweaters look great! You can try etsy for unusual buttons or MJ Trimming, which is here in NY, you can order from their website.

Nanette Merrill said...

Your knitting is always so perfect. I love seeing it. I adore Ina and her cookbooks/shows. She's great.

priscilla joy said...

Great job on both sweaters, but my personal fav is Top Down Raglan Baby Cardigan...I know Melody will look too cute in that!! Hope you are feeling better soon!

rohanknitter said...

The sweaters are both gorgeous, I am loving all the greens!

hetty said...

Wow! That trellis sweater is coming along nicely! Great pattern. The top down cardigan is very nice too. Melody will look great in it!

Rebekah said...

wow...that sweater is coming along beautifully! And, as always I love your variegated top down raglan...so cute!

Thanks for the ginger cookie recipe. I'll have to try this out because I'm a big ginger fan.

Danielle said...

Trellis is simply gorgeous, btw did I mention that I loved that color you are using? The other sweater is so pretty too. I really love ginger cookies of any kind, too bad that they didn't turn out to your tastes after you spent the time to make them :( At least they got devoured at your DH's work :)

Anonymous said...

Trellis is beautiful - love the color.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful greens!

Again, your knits really inspire me to try to learn more than just the basic knit and purl.

Have a great weekned! Yay for hands on dads!

Marianne said...

Georgeous sweaters, both of them ! The color for Trellis is so pretty, it's very spring like !

Laurah said...

Yum! Ginger is my favorite - spicy in a flavorful way.
That trellis is gorgeous, by the way. I know what you mean about reading charts. I especially hate it when the repeats are not the same # of rows. Looks like it is worth the trouble though!

Corrie said...

love your knitting but its those cookies that have my attention at the moment...mmmm a muesli bar just isn't going to cut it!

Corrie:)

Kirsten said...

Trellis looks really great!
Those cookies are right up my alley. I love spices and especially ginger.

Anonymous said...

I was going to suggest MJ Trimming too, but Nettie beat me to it :o). I really love ginger so I suspect I would have devoured your cookies. Everyone has different tastes though.

bunbun said...

Those ginger cookies sure are pretty! I love the plate, too. Next time I have crystal ginger, I would like to try these.
I really like soft cookies, and spiced baked goods, so I think I might really like it!

RE: Janome sewing machine- Yes the full sized one was at the Target by my work for 49 dollars on clearance around Feb. I was afraid my husband would get irritated if I brought it home because I had just been laid off work at the time. I told him about it later and he told me I was crazy for not buying it. =P But the more I have been talking about it w/ you the more I want it!!! Let's see how long I can restrain myself!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Your sweaters are both gorgeous and I love those colors!
Have you ever tried oil of peppermint for migraine? Just dip a Qtip in it and swab all around hairline. Of course it will only work if you aren't against the smell of peppermint:)

Rima said...

I love ginger. My boyfriend has an aversion to it, so over the years, I see less and less of everything ginger.

Anonymous said...

I have never used crystalized ginger before, but i really should try it with gingersnaps or something like that! My family would probably like it.

The picture of your babe holding the giant pincushion is so cute! She is truly adorable!

Stephanie said...

stunning photos - and gorgeous knitting all the way around :) I especially love trellis - and the color you selected! hope that headache left you quickly!

Lynds said...

Gorgeous knits and the cookies look picture perfect!

As for your question on buttons, I just asked on ravelry this morning because I have a cardi in need of cute buttons. Here's the thread -> where to find buttons HTH!