Finally…. Fairly Easy Fair Isle!

Back in 2010 I wrote this post re: the Fairly Easy Fair Isle cardigan from Stitch and Bitch Nation, that I wanted to make.

Well, I finally am!

This is a cardigan that has been very popular around the knitting blogs for a long time and a pattern that is apparently a good way to start working with Fair Isle designs. This is my first attempt at any project like this and I admit, I’m a bit overwhelmed at this point, at the thought of actually getting it done.

But, I’ve tackled other patterns in the past that I thought would be challenging and I managed to work my way through to the end, most times.

And what a great feeling it is to ace a pattern that IS a challenge!

I am going to need some help with reading/working the colorworks charts for the yoke and sleeves of this cardigan. The knitting and construction itself, no problem. If anyone is reading this who did make this cardigan, I’d really appreciate any pointers and tips you could send my way. I am an absolute Fair Isle novice but not for long!!!

Here’s a photo of one of these cardigans in darker colors:

I went with spring colors for myself and in a yarn from synthetic fibers. I’m using Lion Brand Jiffy and I’m actually very happy with the quality of this yarn. I am trying to transition away from using wool and silk yarns these days. The cruelty aspect of production of these types of natural fibers, has really turned me off from wanting to use them. I love wool but I don’t love how many sheeps are treated to produce this product.

I choose these colors, what do you think? Made me think of spring!         

       

Main Color: Jiffy Dusty Pink

The photo makes the color look a bit brighter than it is.

It’s actually a very pretty dusty rose color.

Main and contrast colors for Fair Isle design

I’m starting with the sleeves as they are worked on straight needles. I need to get another long circular needle to work the body of the sweater. And speaking of the circulars, I’ve gone over this pattern 3 times and I can’t see where the shorter circular needle is actually required? I’m not going to buy that one for now.

If anyone knows of a good site to view Fair Isle tutorials and how to read a chart, do let me know, thank you!  I need all the help I can get.

Wish me luck!

Sitting at Your Desk and in Need of a Stretch?

I subscribed to Office Yoga recently and I’m finding it very helpful. It’s free and spam free too.

I have a bad habit of sitting at my computer for long periods of time. And without taking enough breaks, especially to exercise LOL.

I’m finding these fast and easy, daily yoga stretches/ breathing tips, very helpful. I hope you do too.

Re: My Real Life Reviews

Just to let any readers know that my review blog: My Real Life Reviews IS still active and I will be posting there on a regular basis again, starting in February.

I’ve been having problems with the domain renewal process but hopefully that will be cleared up in the next couple of days. I’ll be writing more about THAT experience in a bit. Suffice to say, I haven’t been impressed with a certain company!!!

Hope to see you soon and Happy Week, G

 

PS: I’m back up and running at www.myreallifereviews.com  as of this afternoon.

Best Wishes and a Sweet Treat from Me and Mr. Cheddar!

                                         

Isn’t he a cutie?   This picture always makes me smile.

                                                   

We both wish you the very best in 2012. ♥ 

                                                    

 It’s going to be a great year, I just know it!

                                

PS: If you are looking for last-minute recipes from some delicious fruit loaves and great alternatives to fruitcake (does anyone really like fruitcake? LOL) click here for some holiday/anytime loaf recipes! My sweet gift to you!

PSS: Mr. Cheddar is entered in a photo contest and would like your vote! You can read about it here. Thanks for your feline support.

Gifts that Won’t Break the Bank!

I’ve just posted a Gift Suggestion List over at My Real Life Reviews, featuring some of my favorite products, all under $20.

                                                                                               

Great gift ideas that won’t break the bank!

                                                                                         

Check it out at:

20 Great Gift Ideas Under $20 with Reviews

and do share, thanks.

                                                             

Happy, Happy Holidays!!! ♥

Photo courtesy of: Flickr

The Blogging News x 4!

I’m taking a break from blogging at Veggies….you can read more about what I’m currently working on here at my Happy Break blog.

I hope you will continue to stop by to enjoy the extensive recipe archives…here.

 

As I’ve explained in the link above, My Real Life Reviews and Take a Happy Break are still up and running, I’ll be posting at both every week. I just have too much “on my plate” right now to keep up all four blogs.

 

I will still be visiting all my fav blogs too. Just not as often as I have been, for a while.

Happy Autumn, G

Red Cabbage! Don’t Ya Just Love it?

This time of year, cabbage in all colors is looking and tasting so great.

 I’ve always loved red/purple cabbage. I think it’s actually pretty! I especially like the design of the leaves, when a cabbage is cut in half, as in this photo. Another work of art from Mother Nature. 

I guess I need to get out more if a cabbage captures my attention this much!

Another thing that’s great about cabbage is how much can be made with just one head for such a small amount of money too. I bought a medium-sized red cabbage last week and I made a big batch of Sweet and Sour Red Slaw, added it to a couple of large green salads and still had some left over.

I’m including the recipe for the Sweet and Sour Red Slaw from Not Just for Vegetarians on the next page of this post.

I only have a photo of this colorful coleslaw as it appears on the cover of my cookbook. It’s rather difficult to take food photos for me, right now. Not the best lighting to work with etc. 

This “slaw” has a sweet flavour with just a bit of tang from the ginger root and lemon. It goes with a number of main dishes beautifully. Pictured above with: Simply the Best “Meat” Loaf with Mushroom Gravy and Savory Cheddar Cheese Muffins, all from Not Just for Vegetarians.

This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Hope you enjoy a batch soon!

Red cabbage photo courtesy of: Flickr

What’s In Your Veggie Burgers???

I did some extensive reading online this week re: the manufacturing of commercial veggie burgers; while preparing to write a review about a popular brand. What I found was disturbing to say the least.

You can read my full review and links to other reports at: My Real Life Reviews, Yves Prima Veggie Burgers.

On a happier note and as I said in this review; I will be sharing a new homemade veggie burger recipe here soon. Delish and easy to make. Stay tuned!

And keep reading those labels. It is so worth it.

On the Menu Last Night: Easy Vegetable Curry

It was a sweltering day here in BC yesterday at 35+ C.

Of all things, I was craving a curry! More hot stuff.

This is one of our fav main dishes and it didn’t take long at all to make.

I had rice ready to go beforehand. Added chopsticks for fun (I love eating with them) and cashews to top and it was a supper, good to go! 

Here’s the link to the recipe for my version of vegetable curry and also the other recipes shown in this photo. 

Hope you enjoy this for dinner soon too.

                                            

PS: Badly-needed rain is in the forecast today. Here’s hoping it actually does.

A Caption Contest!

One of my newer fav blogs to visit is author, Susan Wiggs’ : The View from Here. 

I also recently started reading Susan’s novels. She brings an authentic and highly entertaining voice to the genre of women’s fiction. I’ve already reviewed one of her books over at my review blog: The Goodbye Quilt- book review. I read that one in an afternoon! I wanted to see what was going to happen next so I just kept on going; the dishes and computer will always wait! My kind of reading/relax time.

Susan has a fun caption contest on right now. Stop by and check out the photo she has posted and leave a caption suggestion as a comment. And maybe win an autographed copy of one of her books!

                            

Hope to see you there. Yes, I have already entered.