littleturtleknits.com

Ten on Tuesday: Things I will make for me in 2010!

ltkmama — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:32:47 +0000

Now that the holidays have past and we’ve entered the days of bleak midwinter, I have been knitting a lot. (not that I ever am not knitting alot, really!) But there’s something about these arctic cold days that make me want to do nothing other than drink coffee and knit, while snuggled on my couch and under a plush blanket. I’ve decided that 2010 will be the Year of Knitting Selfishly. It’s pathetic how few items I’ve made for myself. I knit for the boys, for the Hubster, for gifties, and (always) for the shop. And it’s not that I’ll stop doing those knitting projects (onthe contrary, I am all aflutter with knitting for the Spring Collection!) but I am being more conscious about taking time to work on projects for myself. So, this week’s Ten on Tuesday list is of those projects I plan to knit selfishly. Anyone want to join me?

February Lady Sweater – this is actually a re-knit, as the one I did last year is way too big on me now (yay for losing 15 pounds! Boo for too-stretchy knits)
Strawberry Lace Cardi – I’m a sucker for anything Veronik designs. Planning to use some Malabrigo for this.
Shifting Sands – To be done in a Merisoft Shimmer from Punta Yarns. Love that stuff!
Juliet – not sure on yarn for this yet.
Dahliah – having to restrain myself from casting this onbefore I finish #6.
Touch of Grey – started already, check out my progress on my project page!
Prairie Boots – quick, cute slippers. Enough said.
Squirrel Mittens – just enough whimsy to suit me.
as yet-undesigned tank top (I’ve got the picture in my head, just need to get it onto paper!)
Fill in the blank (I’m leaving this last one up to you, dear readers! Leave me a comment with the project you think I should do)

I might die of the Christmas Cuteness!

ltkmama — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:50:19 +0000

The flu has hit me, and hard. I’ve done pretty much nothing for the past 48 hours, except make myself some chicken soup, knit, and surf the net looking for ideas and inspiration for my December Daily. I literally gasped when I saw this:

on Etsy. Seriously, is it not the most adorable vintage christmas goodie you’ve ever seen?! You must go buy this pdf (super cheap, by the way!) from TayloredArts and plop one on every single gift you give out this season. Bonus points if it’s a knitted gift you’re giving.

And because I’m feeling a bit loopy from the flu drugs, I’m even going to give away one of these PDFs. Leave a comment telling me all about the knitted gifts you’re planning to give this season, and I’ll have the boys pick a name out of a (knitted) hat. I’ll buy a set for the winner and have it sent to your email so you can give some Christmas Cuteness!

The Giveaway will close Sunday, Nov.8th at midnight. For a second chance to win, join Little Turtle Knit’s facebook fan page.

http://www.littleturtleknits.com on Facebook

Tutorial: Pick Up + Purl

ltkmama — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:29:14 +0000

A knitter on Ravelry posted asking for clarification on the pick up and purl technique on my Stripey Slippers. I promised that I’d get a video of the technique, since it’s one that would take far too many words to describe (but can be shown in less than 30 seconds!) Please excuse the insanely poor quality of this video – it’s what you get when your 8 year old is weilding the tiny camcorder. You might want to turn down the volume before you hit play, he was way too close to my mouth!

Comfort in a Bowl (aka: White Chicken Chili recipe)

ltkmama — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:53:00 +0000

It seems that in the past month, at least two people are sick at any given time in our house. That’s a lot of germs, folks. That’s a lot of demands for comfort food, also. To be frank, I’m a little tired of chicken soup, so I’ve been trying to develop a taste for other comfort foods in my family. This recipe is a sure winner. Everyone loves it, and it’s easy to make.

White Chicken Chili
2-3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (if we’ve got leftover chicken from a roast, I use that, otherwise I boil 2 boneless breasts and shred it after cooking)
1 bag of great northern beans, soaked and cooked(or 2 big cans of northern beans or other white bean)
1 onion, chopped
1 stick, plus 2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cups milk or half and half
2 cups chicken stock (or 1 can chicken broth)
1 small can green chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt & pepper (to taste)

Condiments: sour cream, monterey jack or sharp cheddar, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro or whatever else you fancy

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot (I use this cast iron dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, stirring several times to coat with the butter. Allow the onion to cook down until golden, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove onions to a separate plate, and add remaining stick of butter to pot.
4. Once butter is melted, slowly add in flour while constantly whisking (this is making a roux)
5. very slowly whisk in the milk/half and half until the mixture is thick and well blended, then very slowly whisk in the stock
6. add in the onions, chicken, green chilies and spices
7. reduce the heat to med-low and let simmer for 20-30 minutes (or reduce to low and let it simmer for an hour or so)

Serve with condiments and enjoy!

Digiscrapping: So cool!

ltkmama — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:49 +0000

One of my favorite digi designers is having a sale at 2Peas this week:

I’ve already gone and gotten myself the January + February 365 Kit (yes, I’m starting my 365 Project in April. So what? I’m a bit quirky!) and a cute little graph paper. Crystal’s work is fun and fresh, and makes seriously awesome pages, so go check it out!