Everybody wants a rock...

Cooking fodder

When time gets really really short, I like reading recipes[1]. Sort of the most compact stories ever. I'm especially hooked by multiple trials, and assessments of what worked and didn't work, and why. I'm also a sucker for equipment comparison (between cooking and backpacking, I don't even need to get into electronics to be a gadget freak). I love Cook's Illustrated; it is my only print subscription. I've just discovered Cooking for Engineers, which also falls strongly into the 'cooking for the analytical mind' category. Other good online postprandial reads: The Julie/Julia Project (1 year to cook the entire compendium of Mastering the Art of French Cooking); Struggle in a Bungalow Kitchen (look in the archives - originally an attempt to assemble a suite of tried and true meals for everyday cooking); Jonathon Gold's Counter Intelligence (LA Weekly column).

Knitting? Mostly happening on occasional Sundays and odd moments... finished the mate to the last fingerless mitten, and have almost finished a hat for my nephew and one for charity. Pictures? Not happening so much.

[1]Do I have time for actually cooking? Um, no.

Back with a vengence

Schacht wheel
Originally uploaded by thomasina.

Yes, a long hiatus, but since knitting is portable, there is actually lots to report... more following (or leading, given the nature of blogs). This, a Schacht wheel, is obviously not very portable, however.

I'm taking a spinning class for the next month, and they actually let me take this home! Okay, it was an extra $20 for the rental, but I consider that a real bargain. The first day actually went really well. I'm more interested in the process right now than the result (note that I was not the person in class that ripped out the spindle to re-spin...). The Schacht is really smooth, and I'm doing pretty well with managing the drafting triangle, and I just figured out how to get the wheel to take up the spun fiber, instead of ending up across the room.

Knitty Secret Pal 4

Knitty Secret Pal 4
Originally uploaded by thomasina.

I've been pretty busy with the Knittyboard Secret Pal 4, since we just received our matches today. It makes me feel a bit schizophrenic to post under two logins. I've been collecting some pattern and yarn ideas for my SP spoilee, which has been very fun. My SP spoiler claimed me nearly instantaneously (is she tangy? is she extraspicy? is she, dare I say it, piquant!?).

I went with a friend to Yarnover today. Did not buy any yarn for me, but went crazy over a bunch of old Addi Turbos that were about half price. Also got sucked in by the hardwood; beautiful hand-worked knitting needles in a size #11 and a drop spindle (4.5 ounces! ack!). Maybe I will be up for pictures tomorrow.

Loot from the road trip

Spinning
Originally uploaded by thomasina.

I only made it to Susan's Fiber Shop out of the four yarn stores I had taken down information on. I went there on the way into town; after the trauma of getting to the Geology Museum (equal parts construction, very bad Mapquest directions, and general cluelessness), I didn't have the time or inclination to attempt any more driving around.