tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92533842024-03-07T22:53:07.040-05:00Knit BuddiesKitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.comBlogger906125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-68553892487901643672014-02-24T18:01:00.003-05:002014-02-24T18:03:51.770-05:00Knitting Winter Games 2014 - complete<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"></table><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/knitting/DSC_1273.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/headgear-iv">Headger VI</a> <br />
Designer: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/catherine-lowe">Catherine Lowe </a> - <a href="http://catherine-lowe.com/shop/category/patterns/">Site</a><br />
Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/the-plucky-knitter-primo-fingering">Wollmeise The "Pure" 100% Merino Superwash</a> - Buxkranzl<br />
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<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/knitting/IMG_3067.jpg" width="166" /></div>Hard to believe that the winter Olympics are over. This is one of the first times I have watched the games where I just couldn't get that excited and I didn't feel like what they meant to me was represented. So I had the think long and hard about whether or not to knit an Olympic project this time around. I knew I didn't want to officially sign up for any group on Revelry, that was for certain.<br />
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In the end though I decided that it was important to carry on that tradition on this blog. One of the most memorable and meaningful things I knit with MG was the <a href="http://knitbuddies.blogspot.com/search/label/2006%20knitting%20olympics">Kiri Shawl in 2006</a>. We had so much fun challenging ourselves to complete it during the 2 weeks. MG even sat down and calculated how many stitches we had to do a day to meet our task. I had really hoped she would knit with me again this Olympic, but in the end she didn't.<br />
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I had great hopes of doing multiple simple accessories for the challenge but in the end I complete the Follow your Arrow Mystery KAL and Headger VI by Catherine Lowe. The KAL really couldn't be counted since only Clue 5 was knit during the Olympics. I also started to knit two other hats, but they were not the shape that really wanted. It kind of surprises me how few true <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beret">beret </a>patterns are available. Most of the ones on Ravelry are really more like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tam_o'_Shanter_(cap)">Tam o' Shanter</a> instead.<br />
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The Catherine Lowe hat may be the hardest thing I have ever tried to knit. The fluted Stitch and Selvage stitch worked out to about 10 rows every 45 minutes. It really was rather insane since I am not a slow knitter when I actually have time to knit. Heck I could have knit another shawl in the time it took to knit the headband.<br />
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The one major mistake I made was that I was so caught up in finishing the hat that I didn't check my gauge for the main body of the hat. The reality is though that it was knit on US 1's so I really only could have gone down much more in needle size. The gauge for my band was spot on. So the hat is pretty floppy. I could try to shrink it by throwing it in the dryer, but right now I am just happy I was able to complete it during the Olympics. It hasn't been blocked at this point while I wait to decide what to do. In the end, I am pretty happy with it, floppiness and all.<br />
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So this brings to an end another Winter Games Challenge on the blog!!!! I would say I got a gold for completion.<br />
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<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/knitting/DSC_1227.jpg" width="500" /></div>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-89087380158341848562014-02-20T22:09:00.002-05:002014-02-20T22:09:22.303-05:00Follow your Arrow Mystery KAL<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"></table><p><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/shawl/DSC_0933.jpg" width="500" /> </p><p>Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kittykitty/follow-your-arrow-mystery-kal">Follow your arrow mystery kal</a> <br /><br />
Designer: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ysolda-teague">Ysolda Teague</a><br />
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Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/the-plucky-knitter-primo-fingering">The Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering</a> - Little Reata</p><p>How many times have I started this KAL or that KAL over the years. This is the first time I can say that I actually finished the KAL and in record time. Though I have to be honest I just don't think KAL's are for me. I am to much of a control freak. It will make a happy gift for someone in the future.<br /><br />
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<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/shawl/DSC_0923.jpg" width="500" /></p>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-15127266414775428152014-02-03T15:17:00.001-05:002014-02-03T15:17:18.926-05:00Ready for a cuppa tea?<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"></table>
<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/tea_hat/DSC_0606.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tea-jenny">Tea-Jenny</a><br />
Designer: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/kate-davies-designs">Kate Davies</a><br />
Yarn: <a href="http://www.foulawool.co.uk/woolshop/woolshop.htm">Foula Wool </a>(3ply / Double Knitting weight / Shetland wool)<br />
Colour: Black (A), Moorit, (B) Fawn (C) , Mioget (D), Grey (E), Light Grey (F), White<br /><br />
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It looks like all my holiday knitting this year centered around Kate Davies patterns. For a tea drinker with a sense of humor I can think of nothing funnier than wearing a hat with tea pots gracing the sides and crowns. Luckily this one is going off to a friend that fills that bill. <br /><br />
I purchased the kit when it was frist announced from <a href="http://www.foulawool.co.uk/woolshop/woolshop.htm">Foulawool,</a> but there was such a demand my kit didn't come until the middle of January.The yarn is really lovely and a pleasure to knit since you can still feel the lanolin in the fiber. I love the different shades that were used in the hat. Though there is no way I would have purchased the individual hanks had a kit not been available the cost would have been rather insane for such little yarn used. I really do want to order enough of the yarn to knit a sweater for myself once it comes back in stock.<br /><br />
It was a really a fast knit. I finished it in just onder two nights. The biggest issue was the fact that the only US size 6 DPN's that I own were those plastic ones that were designed for people with arthritist. I really have never understood why they are suppose to be so good for your hand. Mine just hurt for days after using them. I also find that my stitches are a lot more uneven when ever I use them.<br /><br />
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<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/tea_hat/DSC_0605.jpg" width="500" />Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-32323692652338922602014-01-23T20:10:00.001-05:002014-01-23T20:10:33.914-05:00 Sámi Bracelets<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/sami/IMG_2512.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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Its always nice to take the day off to play hookie once and awhile. Last Friday I had the opportunity to do just that and take a class on Sámi Bracelets at <a href="http://www.knittingtemptations.com/">Knitting Temptations in Dublin, Ohio</a>. To be honest before I saw the newsletter I had no idea about this amazing craft and of course had to do a little research on this century old tradition. Sadly there seems to be very little published about this craft.<br />
<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/sami/IMG_2509.jpg" width="500" /><br />
The <a href="http://knittingtemptations.com/temptingtidbits/event/beginning-sami-bracelet/">class</a> was really well done and if anyone is in the area I strongly recommend taking the class in the future. They offer two levels basic and intermediate. In the <a href="http://knittingtemptations.com/temptingtidbits/event/beginning-sami-bracelet/">basic class</a> you learn how the bracelets are constructed and do a simple braid like you see in the picture above.<br />
<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/sami/IMG_2507.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Instructor: <a href="http://theartistsroost.com/">Anita Miller</a><br />
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Sámi crafts are inspired by Scandinavia's indigenous population, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people">Saami people</a> or the people of the sun and the wind. There homes extend from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Kola Peninsula of Russia. The Sámi people are among the largest indigenous ethnic groups in Europe. They are the only group in Scandinavia that have legal rights to have reindeer heard. The reindeer's are sacred to the Saami people and when a reindeer is killed all parts of the animal must be used. <br />
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The respect for the reindeer can be seen in all the crafts and tools that are made with parts of the animal. The Sámi bracelets are just another example of this with using several parts: vegetable-tanned reindeer leather, reindeer horn (that is sheded) and the most amazing silver-tin alloy thread. The leather is tanned with a tannin commonly extracted from birch, willow, and fir trees. The process is rare since it is free of chrome and nickel making the reindeer hide actually hypoallergenic. What makes them truly unique though is the tin thread. A thread of coiled pewter is spun over a thread core. The Sámi invented a way to wrap the thread with a melted tin alloy made with 4 to 3% of silver. So over time it will create and amazing patina.<br />
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While Googling I found a great post in English about what is Tin Thread... <a href="http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com/2013/03/tin-thread-resources.html#.Ut9gBGQo4dk">Wild roses and Blackberries</a> Definitely a very informative resource on the material and also references to where you can find more information about the supplies and resources.<br />
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There doesn't seem to be a lot of additional how to's online about the Sámi bracelets: Here are a few that I found.<br />
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Projectland - <a href="http://projectland.typepad.com/many-projects-going-on-at/2012/04/learning-how-to-make-a-sami-bracelet.html">Click Here</a><br />
Not Only Quilts has an online tutorial for making the bracelet in English - <a href="http://www.notonlyquilts.com/2012/09/sami-bracelet-tutorial.html">Click Here</a> - <a href="http://www.notonlyquilts.com/2011/02/tutorial-simple-katarina-bracelet.html">Katrian Bracelet</a><br /><br />
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Here are a couple of Swedish How to Sites (Goto love Google Translate)<br />
Slojd-Detalje <a href="http://www.slojd-detaljer.se/vad-vill-du-skapa/smycken/tenntradsarmband"> Click Here</a> <br />
SVENSKA.YLE.FI <a href="http://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2004/05/09/klockarmband-med-tenntradsbroderi">Click Here </a><br />
Min Fritid -<a href="http://minfritidswe.blogspot.se/2012/01/tenntradsbroderi.html"> Click Here</a><br />Med glimten i ögat - <a href="http://stiils.blogspot.se/2009/02/tenntradsflatning.html">Click Here</a><br />
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And finally here is a YouTube video I found of Ellen Hill Sewing a Saami Bracelet!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pDpvD-fOjeI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
Ellen Hill Sewing Saami Bracelets - Beautiful Video I found on YouTubeKitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-39230281531643535092014-01-01T18:16:00.003-05:002014-01-01T18:16:54.499-05:00Christmas Snawheid<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"></table>
<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/DSC_2282.jpg" width="500" /><br />
Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kittykitty/snawheid">Snawheid</a><br />
Designer: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/kate-davies-designs">Kate Davies</a><br />
Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland 2-ply Spindrift Heritage<br />
Colour: Madder and Natural<br />
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So what is a knitter to do when your future sister-in-law request a Christmas hat on her Christmas wish list? Well you quickly search Ravelry for the perfect hat and order yarn that day. The yarn was ordered on the 14th but didn't show up until Christmas Eve. So crap, that is a lot of knitting to do in colourwork that I am not to comfortable with in the first place to get it ready to fly home with her. Well I thankfully made it with some modifications in less than 2.5 days and here are photos of the final result. <br />
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I also wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Years! Hope that the year of the Horse will be a great one for you and your family.<br />
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<img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2014_images/P1100400.jpg" width="500" />Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-26523670001132032002013-12-11T18:43:00.002-05:002013-12-11T18:44:16.077-05:00Blank Canvas<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"></table>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blank-canvas">Blank Canvas</a> <br />
Designer: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ysolda-teague">Ysolda Teague</a><br />
Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-ryc-cashsoft-dk">Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK</a><br />
Colour: Evergreen<br />
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Hard to believe that it has been over a year since I have posted on the blog. I could make a hundred and one excuses about why I haven't posted, but there just hasn't been a lot of knitting going on here at Knitbuddies. This year has been filled with a lot of ups/downs and knitting just hasn't filled the void in my life that it use to. <br />
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That being said, I have managed to finish one FO before this year comes to an end. Back in February I was luck enough to take Ysolda's online class to make Blank Canvas. The class was truly amazing and I learned so much just by reading everyones post and watching the projects come together.<br />
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The pattern is a lot of fun and for once I can honestly say that the raglan sleeve actually fits.<br />
If anyone still has me added to there RSS feed, I just want to say thank you for sticking with me. Hope you have a great holiday! I have missed you all. <br />
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<img height="640" src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2013_images/P1100212.jpg" width="360" /><br />
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<img height="640" src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2013_images/P1100213.jpg" width="360" />Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-17182211873183632102012-12-04T12:03:00.000-05:002012-12-05T14:28:16.195-05:00Moko-Moko Cowl<br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moko-moko-cowl">Moko-Moko Cowl</a><br />
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Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian<br />
Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted<br />
Colour: Shades of Pemberley<br />
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Olga Buraya-Kefelian did me the honor of letting me be one of her test knitters for a recently released cowl pattern. The thing that I loved most about the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moko-moko-cowl">Moko Moko Cowl </a>was that it took me less then 10 hours of knitting time to complete the project. The pattern is very addictive and rewarding which is exactly what I need right now.<br />
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The one thing that I would probably change would be to make it narrower so that I could make it a little longer. This is only because I normally like a much longer cowl since I have a thick neck. This would also have allowed me to not have to block it so hard and keep the soft pillows it creates unblocked.<br />
Thanks so much <a href="http://olgajazzzy.blogspot.com/">Olga</a> for letting me test knit for you!<br />
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<br />Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-68628354659050250382012-11-29T11:45:00.002-05:002012-11-29T11:46:21.056-05:00Mizutama Shawl<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"><tbody>
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<tr> <td>Has it really been last February since I actually sat down and tried to post a blog post. Though not really that surprising I guess given everything that has been going on this past year and how fast the year has just flown by. <br />
I was out to dinner last night with MeowGirl and she was reminding me about my lack of blogging. So here is at least a quick post about a lovely pattern by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/olga-buraya-kefelian">Olga Buraya-Kefelian</a>, Mizutama Shawl.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/shawl/DSC_3953.jpg" width="500" /></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Pattern: Mizutama Shawl<br />
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian<br />
Yarn: Alisha Goes Around Tracks of Bison Fingering</td> </tr>
<tr> <td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/shawl/DSC_3950.jpg" width="500" /></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>The shawl was started in the spring when the pattern was first released. I loved seeing the dots slowly appear as the shawl grew. The pattern was super easy to follow and remember. The first 10 pattern repeats were even done the first night. Then I ran into one big problem with the shawl, I figured out I was allergic to the yarn. After knitting only 4 rows towards the end my hands would itch so badly I wanted to tear my skin off and my mouth and nose would begin to tingle. I really should have just sent the yarn to someone else to enjoy, but I just loved the pattern so much I was determined to finish. Guess I need to add Bison to my list of fibers that I am allergic to and should never ever try to knit with again.</td> </tr>
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Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-76188718397988944102012-02-29T15:44:00.000-05:002012-02-29T15:45:02.862-05:00kitty: Shibui Silk Book Giveaway Winner<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td>Drum Roll Please: The winner is Fleegle!!!!</td>
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<td><p> </p>
<p>I really want to apologize for taking so long to get my act together and collecting all the names for the Contest. I pretty much haven't moved from the bed since I got back from Taiwan. I just haven't been able to fight off this crud this time. I am somewhat on the mend now and at least have made it to the computer.</p>
<p>I had 38 people who entered through one of the three ways to enter the contest. Thank you so much for taking the time to enter.</p>
<p>Fleegle, please just drop me an e-mail with your address and I will get your prize in the mail.</p></td>
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<td><center>Thanks so much again everyone who entered.</center></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-37969433900748283172012-02-29T15:33:00.001-05:002012-02-29T15:35:56.136-05:00kitty: Mary Martin 1953<table width="500" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<td>I couldn't help but find myself laughing in pure delight....</td>
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<td><center><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KNelPflT6gI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></td>
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<td>Mary Martin - 1953<br />
A view of the history of fashion</td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-39324494297387885992012-02-15T14:18:00.001-05:002012-02-15T14:19:28.400-05:00kitty: Sorry for the delaySorry guys... It may be a couple of days before I post the winner. I have been in the bed unable to move with a cold/flu since I got back from Taiwan.Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-8543117200075197082012-01-23T00:26:00.001-05:002012-01-23T00:28:14.043-05:00kitty:Book Review & Book Giveaway: Shibui Silk<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/212.jpg" width="500" height="340" /></td>
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<td><strong><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/1.jpg" width="145" height="200" align="left" style="padding:10px;" /><br />
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Book Title: </strong><em><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Booklets&Pattern=Shibui+Silk">Shibui Silk</a></em><br />
<strong>Designer: </strong>Olga Buraya-Kefelian (AKA: Olgajazzy)<br />
<strong>Publisher: </strong>Planet Purl Press<br />
<strong>Approx. Retail Price: </strong>$18.00 USD (<a href="http://www.knit-purl.com/store/pc/Shibui-Silk-Book-19p7573.htm">Knit & Purl)</a><br />
<strong>Category: </strong>Knitting/Crochet<br />
<strong>Pages: 30<br />
Patterns: </strong>8<br />
<strong>Availability: </strong>Soft cover<br />
<strong>Release Date: </strong>January 1, 2012</td>
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<td><p>What a way to start the knitting New Year with a great new book filled with beautiful spring knits from Olga Buraya-Kefelian and Shibui, Shibui Silk. My first reaction when it arrived in the mail was pure happiness. The book far surpassed my first impression from the photos online. As you flip through the book you also get to enjoy how good the matt heavy weight pages feel. In the day where most of our patterns we buy are in pdf format this is really a nice treat.<br />
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<p>There are 8 designs in the book; several sweaters, a pair of fingerless gloves, shawl/scarf, and a hat for woman.<br />
</p>
<p>Over the years I have knit quite a few patterns designed by Olga Buraya-Kefelian. She is particularly known for thinking her way through a pattern, and that care is certainly shown here. Her designs feature unique construction as well as interesting textures. There are also several patterns in the book that offer a more a modular design that lend itself to multiple styling options for her customers. This is a trend that you can see if you follow her designs.</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/2.jpg" width="500" height="357" /></td>
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<td align="right"><font size=1>All photos are copyright of Shibui, I took Photos actual photos from the pages of the book.</font></td>
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<td><strong>So what treasures are inside: </strong></td>
</tr>
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<td><ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/francis">Francis</a> - I have to say this is the sweater that if I had the yarn for it I would be casting on right away. I really love the little flirty surprise this sweater is hiding in the back. From the front Francis is just a simple little tee with a round neck and short sleeves, but when you turn around the back is constructed like an over lapping tulip with a graceful curved hem. Great for letting in a cool breeze for those hot and muggy summer days.<br />
<br />
</li> <li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/goltry"><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/3.jpg" width="135" height="200" border="0" align="right" style="padding:10px;" />Goltry</a> - Goltry at first glance appears to be just a simple beanie, but when you look closer you notice the amazing texture spirals to the crown. Even the colour of the model fits into the trend for this spring season.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/laverne-3">Laverne</a> - One thing that Olga is really known for with her designs are garments that have interesting construction that can be styled multiple ways. Laverne is one of those garments. The sweater is worked sideways from the front edge with an incorporated i-cord edge and drawstring. You can wear it loose and drappy, cinched, wrapped, belted, or buttoned up. <br />
<br />
Really a prefect sweater in my opinion for the spring months that will soon be upon us. I am also really impressed with how pretty the colours are for <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato">Staccato yarn</a>. <br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ada-4">Ada</a> - We have seen this trend before from Olga with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duplicity-pullover">Duplicity Pullover</a> from her Ori Ami Knits book. By adding the fake layer to the sweater you have the appearance of a layered garment but not the added bulk. Ada is a cute little staple garment that can be worn as a vest or tank top for spring/summer. <br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/laverne-3"><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/5.jpg" alt="" width="138" height="200" border="0" align="right" style="padding:10px;" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arnett">Arnett </a>- Wow... that is about all I can say. Even M loves this design when I first showed him the pictures he thought it was one of Olga's best designs. Everything about it is just a lot of fun. The little hidden pockets, the fact it is reversible. This is just one of those designs that will last forever and once again can be styled in so many ways.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marlow">Marlow</a> - Marlow is a really good staple shawl to have in your wardrobe and something that would be a great car project. I could see many people knitting this as a quick gift for friends.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prue-3">Prue</a> - You know, I am not sure what it is about fingerless gloves. They seem to have become a staple for every knitter to have multiples for our outdoor wear and indoor wear.
Prue is a lovely fingerless glove using a welted stitch that just may be too pretty to go outside.
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tulsa-3"><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/olga_book/4.jpg" width="133" height="200" border="0" align="right" style="padding:10px;"/>Tulsa</a> - I just started the scarf last night. I promised a friend before the holiday's that I would knit her a scarf and I thought this one would be a perfect. The pleats add enough interest so that it doesn't get boring but knitting on size 7 needles also means that it is growing quickly. Especially since my other project at the minute is on US 0's.<br />
<br />
</li>
</ul></td>
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<td><p>Okay, enough of me blathering about how much I like this book. Getting to the Free Stuff now!!! Olga was sweet enough to offer me a copy of the book to give away to my readers. I cannot express how excited I am about the giveaway. And to make it even more tempting there will be something else from me in the box to sweeten the deal. So to offer you multiple ways of entering here are three options.</p></td>
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<td><ul>
<li>For one entry, leave a comment with your favorite Shibui Silk Olga design.</li>
<li>Become a fan of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/OLGAJAZZY/251429294878510">Olgajazzy on Facebook </a>and leave a comment about your favorite design on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.327349103953195.77506.251429294878510&type=1">Shibui Silk Book Album page</a></li>
<li>For a 3nd entry Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter the message must contain the tag:<br />
#KnitbuddiesGiveaway<br />
And your favorite design from the book</li>
</ul></td>
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<td><p>I will accept entries until midnight on Monday, Feb 13th, and then announce the lucky winner in a post next Tuesday.</p></td>
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<td> </td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-52510814848724034562012-01-04T17:53:00.000-05:002012-01-04T17:56:12.400-05:00kitty: Fashion Exhibitions 2012<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6130/5995783005_d428d72980.jpg" alt="Alexander McQueen Exhibition" width="500" height="375" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"><p>In 2011, did museums finally realize that being fashionable means that your empty hallow halls could be filled with long lines or people clamoring to see the current exhibit? Given the record breaking success last year at the Met with the <a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/">Alexander McQueen exhibit "Savage Beauty"</a>, <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/yohji-yamamoto/">Yohji Yamamoto exhibit at the V&A in London,</a> <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/balenciaga-and-spain">Balenciaga and Spain at the de Young </a>in San Francisco, <a href="http://mbam.qc.ca/en/expositions/exposition_153.html">The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts</a>, and many more it looks like 2012 is going to be really exciting for the Historical Fashion Fans.</p>
<p>I am sure there are other exhibitions out there, so this list is by no means complete in any way, but after a short google search these were the ones I found. If you know of others, please drop me an <a href="mailto:cilla.knitbuddies@gmail.com">email.</a> If I find out others I will happily post them.</p>
<p>Now to decided which ones to try to visit this year:</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/fashion-world-jean-paul-gaultier-sidewalk-catwalk" target="_blank">The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk</a></td> <td>de Young Museum, San Francisco</td> <td>March 24 - August 19, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/ballgowns/ballgowns-british-glamour-since-1950/" target="_blank">Ballgowns - British Glamour Since 1950's</a></td> <td> V&A, London</td> <td> May 19 - Jan 6, 2013</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/now-at-the-met/news/2011/on-fashion" target="_blank">Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion </a></td> <td>Costume Institute
at the Met, NYC</td> <td>May 10 - August 19, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/english-439/exhibitions/forthcoming-events" target="_blank">“Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs,” a retrospective of Jacobs’ work at LV</a></td> <td> Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris</td> <td>March 9-September 16, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.denverartmuseum.org/explore_art/temporaryExhibitionDetails/exhibitionId--206073/exhibitionType--Upcoming" target="_blank">Yves Saint Laurent — The Retrospective</a></td> <td>Denver Art Museum, Denver Colorado</td> <td>March 25 - July 8, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://www.barbican.org.uk/bie/upcoming/fifty-years-of-james-bond-style" target="_blank">Fifty Years of James Bond Style</a></td> <td>The Barbican, London</td> <td>April 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.fitnyc.edu/3452.asp" target="_blank">IMPACT: 50 years of the CFDA</a></td> <td>FIT Museum, NYC</td> <td>Feb 10 - April 17, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2012/christian-louboutin" target="_blank">Christian Louboutin</a></td> <td>Design Museum, London</td> <td>March 28 - July 01, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.elleuk.com/news/fashion-news/the-irrepressible-dv" target="_blank">Diana Vreeland: The Eye has to Travel</a></td> <td>Fortuny Musuem, Venice Italy</td> <td>March 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/exhibition/azzedine-ala%C3%AF-21st-century" target="_blank">Azzedine Alaïain the 21st Centruy</a></td> <td>Groninger Museum in Groningen, The Netherlands</td> <td>Currently until May 6th, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2011/10/walter-van-beirendonck-dream-t.php" target="_blank">Walter van Beirendonck: "Dream the World Awake"</a></td> <td>Fashion Museum in Antwerpen</td> <td>Currently until February 19, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.vogue.it/en/talents/blog-from/2011/08/limited-unlimited" target="_blank">Silvia Venturini Fendi: Limited/Unlimited</a></td> <td>Alta Roma</td> <td>Jan 28-31, 2012</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/batashoemuseum?sk=wall&filter=2" target="_blank">Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection</a></td> <td>Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto</td> <td>May 10 - April 7, 2013</td> </tr></tbody></table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-30241265878368930152012-01-02T15:38:00.000-05:002012-01-02T15:39:18.681-05:00kitty: Happy New Years 2012<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2012/2012.png" width="500" height="446" /></td>
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<td><center><strong><br />
Happy New Years....</strong></center><br /> <br /></td>
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<td><p>There really isn't a lot to wrap up on the knitting or crafting front for of 2012. Life and work really took over all of my free time for knitting. All an all this past year has been a tough one and I am frankly glad to see it end. Sadly it isn't starting off well either. </p>
<p>Hope the year to come will be a good one for all of you guys! Take care</p>
<p>P.S. On another note I just realized this blog has been around since November 2004. Even I have a hard time believing it has been up that long.</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-12353760231753635722011-09-23T12:30:00.002-05:002011-09-23T12:31:10.929-05:00kitty: A new fall sweater<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6159360212_ac7fca94bd.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>Pattern: Pumpkin Pie<br />
Designer: Heather Dixon<br />
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton</p>
<p>I haven't had a lot of time for knitting as of late, but I did just finish a fun pattern by Heather Dixon called Pumpkin Pie. It had been on my list of things to knit for awhile. So when Wendy of Knit and Tonic fame listed a lot of 12 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted Cotton on her destash list this summer I jumped on the listing. </p>
<p>The yarn feels like a teddy bear, but sadly is already piling after just one wearing.</p>
<p> </p></td>
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<td><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6129916289_82a5d45212.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6130467158_8d2f2f4b2d.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6159360064_db4cced471.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-11448473480484521012011-07-29T14:00:00.000-05:002011-07-29T14:01:08.019-05:00kitty: I scream, We all scream for good buttons!!!<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/button/P1010711.jpg" width="500" height="407" /></td>
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<td align="center"><strong>I scream, We all scream for good buttons!!!</strong></td>
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<td><p>Recently I ran across an amazing etsy seller, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateBayouShop">Chocolate Bayou Shop</a> who sales vintage buttons in fairly large quantities. A part of me wanted to keep her site info all to myself, but I decided I shouldn't be greedy and to share the info. Her buttons are very nice quality. They arrived quickly and well packed. And what always gets me the most they had a hand written thank you note. Something I always treasured when <a href="http://www.bitterpurl.com/">Yahaira</a> owned her online yarn shop that kept me coming back.</p>
<p>Here is the group of buttons that I recently picked up from her recently. I have been desperately looking for good buttons for Cria. (I even am waiting on ones from Israel.) I may have gone a little overboard, but she is having a Christmas in July sale so I couldn't resist.</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-69544385170358146932011-07-18T12:54:00.000-05:002011-07-18T12:54:00.108-05:00kitty: a little knitting action going on.... Cria<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5949393840_b8816b5db4.jpg" width="500" height="374" /></td>
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<td align="right">Zeiss Ikon Nettar<br />
It has a viewfinder, folding bellow, self-erecting,<br />
produces 6*6cm exposures on 120 film.</td>
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<td>It feels like I have been working on Cria forever, I started it the end of May and now I find myself mid July. I only have about 25 rows left on the left sleeve so the end is in site. Really no reason other than the work and the heat to be honest. The pattern is a lot of fun and I have to say I absolutely love this yarn. I would jump on the chance to buy it again. </td>
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<td><center><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5948809141_22be245c5a_o.jpg" width="468" height="500" /></center></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-22279726909846763762011-07-18T01:04:00.003-05:002011-07-18T01:08:19.479-05:00Kitty: Semi Finals of the World Cup of Food - FRA 1 vs SWE 2 - Truffle Oil Steak with Truffle Oil Mushrooms<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/worldcup/P1010585.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><center><p><strong>France 1 vs Sweden 2</strong></p></center>
<p>Today's entry is French Truffle Oil Steak with Truffle Grilled Mushrooms. I had a great plan to cook this entry and also a Swedish Sandwich Cake for lunch. The final game started before I was able to finish cooking both dishes.</p>
<p>Warning the following recipes are also just general outlines since I didn't have enough time to write down the measurements as I was cooking.</p>
<p><strong>Truffle Oil Mushrooms</strong></p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/worldcup/P1010575.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>10 large Button Mushrooms<br />
Truffle Oil<br />
Paprika<br />
Dried Dill</p>
<p>Dip<br />
Honey<br />
Vanilla Powder
</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/worldcup/P1010571.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>Coat the mushrooms with all of the seasonings and grill on a hot grill until done.</td>
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<td><strong>Truffle Oil Steak</strong></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/worldcup/P1010580.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>1 Strip Steak<br />
Paprika<br />
Coriander<br />
Onion Powder<br />
Truffle Oil</p>
<p>Greek Olives</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/july/worldcup/P1010566.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>Coat both sides of the steak with the seasonings above and only grill on one side to sear in the seasonings. Grill the meat until it is medium rare</p>
<p>Combine 1 slice of meat, 1/4 of a mushroom, and one greek olive</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-26909966046280961622011-07-05T16:45:00.001-05:002011-07-05T16:45:21.244-05:00Happy Belated 4th of July<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5318/5893217978_d112b4f48b.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></td>
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<td><center>
<strong>Happy Belated 4th of July... <br />
Hope you all had a blast!!</strong>
</center></td>
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<td><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5892649859_91dc880162.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></td>
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<td align="right"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmacgyver/sets/72157626971575475/with/5892649859/">Photos taken by M during Red White and Boom</a></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-13199569518432206472011-06-30T21:13:00.001-05:002011-06-30T21:15:13.835-05:00Kitty: Day 4 of the World Cup of Food - FRA 4 vs CAN 0 - Steak Crackers & French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010110.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><center><b>France 4 vs Canada 0</b></center></td>
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<td><p>Today's entries are Steak Crackers and a French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart. I figured I needed to do two recipes today because France had such a resounding win today. The largest scoring for any game so far</p>
<p>Nothing really says summer to me better than a Custard Fruit Tart. Something really light and happy with berries on top always puts me in a good mood. Traditionally you would melt down a cup of jam to pain your fruit, but I have never liked the texture. I just soak my fruit in vanilla powder and sugar instead before putting the fruit on the tart.</p></td>
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<td> </td>
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<td><strong>French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart</strong></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010065.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Short Bread Crust </strong>(Recipe was originally given to me by an old friend to make short bread cookies. The recipe works for both. Thanks always C.T.)</td>
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<td>1 1/2 cup flour<br />
1/2 cup of natural sugar<br />
1/4 of a teaspoon of salt<br />
10 Tablespoons of butter<br />
1 large egg yolk</td>
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<td>1) Add the sugar to the food processor and pulse for 2-5 minutes until you have turned the natural sugar almost into confectioner's sugar<br />
2) Add the rest of the dry ingredients to the food processor and pulse them to combine.<br />
3) Cut up the butter and slowly add the butter to the dry ingredients, pulse the ingredients until the mixture looks like the coarse meal.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010068.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>4) Break up the egg yolk with your hands and add it to the mixture. You will want to pulse the mixture until it comes together</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010076.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>5) Butter and flower a fluted tart pan with a removable bottom and press the dough evenly over the surface of the pan.<br />
6) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F<br />
7) Butter a piece of aluminum foil that fits the bottom and the sides of the crust and place it on top of the dough and cook for 30 minutes<br />
8) Remove the aluminium foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes.<br />
9) Let cool for at least 30 minutes before you are ready to assemble</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010081.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Vanilla Custard</strong></td>
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<td>2 cups of Whole Milk<br />
7 large egg yolks<br />
1/3 cup of cornstarch<br />
1/2 cup of sugar<br />
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract<br />
4 tablespoons of salted butter</td>
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<td>1) Add Milk and vanilla to a sauce pan and bring the mixture up to boil while cooking on low.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010078.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p> 2) In another bowl whisk the yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together in a metal bowl. <br />
3) When the milk and vanilla boils, remove from heat and measure out 1 cup of hot milk and slowly drizzle it into the yolk mixture to warm the eggs while whisking continually. (It is better to take a long time to drizzle than to cook your eggs)<br />
4) When the first cup is added you will want to add the rest of the milk to the yolk mixture. <br />
5) Cut up the butter into small pieces and add to the mixture.<br />
6) When the butter has melted, pour the mixture back into the original sauce pan and return to the eye.<br />
7) Bring mixture up to a boil again while continuing to whisk constantly
for a minute<br />
8) Remove from the heat and allow to set for 10 minutes then transfer it to a bowl to allow to cool in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010083.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Garnishing Fruit</strong></td>
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<td>Blueberries<br />
Raspberries<br />
Strawberries, etc<br />
1 tablespoon each bowl Natural Sugar<br />
Shake of Vanilla Powder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1) Wash the fruits and put to marinate with 1tablespoon of sugar per bowl and a shake of vanilla powder to each bowl<br />
2) Allow to marinate for 30 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1) Pour the cooled custard into the tart shell<br />
2) Add the fruit to the top of the custard<br /></td>
</tr>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010132.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Steak Crackers</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2 Small steaks<br />
Cream Cheese<br />
Chopped Black Olives<br />
Grape Tomatoes<br />
Fruity Red Wine<br />
Ritz Crackers</td>
</tr>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010121.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>1) Place 2 small steaks on the grill and sear with the red wine on each side<br /></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010124.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>2) Place a handful of the olives on one side of the steak while it finishes to cook on the finale flip</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010127.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>Assemble<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1 cracker, a small smear of cream cheese, a small bite of steak, 1/2 half of grape tomato, and a piece of the hot olive.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/france/P1010129.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-4705808185222260492011-06-29T20:56:00.002-05:002011-06-29T21:03:52.872-05:00Kitty: Day 3 of the World Cup of Food - BRA 1 vs AUS 0 - Brazilian Churrasquinhos-<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010060.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><center>
<strong>Brazil 1 vs Australia 0</strong>
</center></td>
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<td><p>Tonight meal was Churrasquinhos to celebrate Brazil's win over Australia. I'm sorry Australian friends. :( I actually really really wanted to make Lamington tonight :(</p>
<p>So a little bit about tonight meal. Churrasco is a Portuguese term referring to beef or grilled meat served as a principle ingredient in Brazilian and other Latin American cuisines. In Brazil though "Churrasqueira" requires a special BBQ grill that is designed to only support skewers or a spit. So sadly I had to substitute with just metal skewers on the grill. I didn't get to enjoy the skewers directly above the charcoal embers and that rich smoky taste. None the less it made for an enjoyable meal.</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010022.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Brazilian Churrasquinhos</strong></td>
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<td>1lb of beef chunks<br />
1 medium Spanish Onion<br />
6 strips of thick smoked bacon<br />
1/2 bottle of Jarritos Tamarind Soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon of dill<br />
1/4 cup of olive oil<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
Juice and sliced pineapple<br />
1 head of romaine lettuce</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010025.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>1) Chop one onion into small pieces and combine the rest of the ingredients into a small bowl. (Minus the pineapple and lettuce)<br />
2) Marinade mixture for 1 hour in your refrigerator</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010027.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>3) Take one skewer and place the bacon on the skewer weaving back and forth bacon, meat, bacon, meat, bacon, meat until the end of the strip of bacon. Repeat for the remaining of your ingredients.</td>
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<td>4) Place on a hot grill and grill until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010041.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>5) Wash and break up the salad and place in a metal bowl. Pour the juice from a container of fresh cut pineapple over the grilled skewers and place half of the can of pineapple in the salad.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/brazil/P1010050.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>Ready to serve. The wilted lettuce under the skewers that have the bacon grease is obviously the best part.</p>
<p>Hope you enjoy today's entry in the World Cup of Food!!!</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-20722114216173817952011-06-28T21:29:00.002-05:002011-06-28T21:32:09.751-05:00kitty: Day 2 of the World Cup of Food - ENG 1 vs MEX 1- Basil Oil and Mexican Fajita<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1010015.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><center>
<strong>England 1 vs Mexico 1</strong>
</center></td>
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<td>Mexican Fajita, what could be wrong with any grilled meat served on a flour tortilla? Absolutely nothing!!!! We went with a very traditional version using skirt steak, mushrooms, onion, avocados, cheese, tomatoes, but with a little basil twist.</td>
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<td><strong>Basil Oil</strong></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000955.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>2 cups of Shredded fresh basil<br />
1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil</td>
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<td>1) Wash and remove the stems from fresh basil and place it in a blender<br />
2) Pour in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil<br />
3) Chop just until the leaves are finely chopped ( do not puree) and oil is blended together<br />
4) Pour mixture into a sauce pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until bubbles form around the sides and it reaches 165f degrees. <br /></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000960.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>5) In a strainer lined with cheese cloth or silk pour the mixture and allow to cool for 1 hour<br />
6) After oil passes through, gather the cloth and twist the top with a pair of chopsticks and transfer to your storage jar.
<br />
</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000969.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>7) Squeeze the basil until no oil drips out of the basil bundle. Transfer your basil to a dish to use latter and cover the oil with a lid and store in the refrigerator. The oil will keep for a couple of weeks.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1010019.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Mexican Fajita</strong></td>
</tr>
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<td><p>1 lb. of skirt steak cut into chunks<br />
1 Medium Spanish Onion<br />
2 Large handfuls of thick sliced mushrooms<br />
2 packets of <a href="http://www.goya.com/english/product_subcategory/Condiments/Sazon-Bouillon">sazon</a><br />
1 teaspoon of <a href="http://www.goya.com/english/product_subcategory/Condiments/Adobo">adobo</a> with pepper<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
Basil Olive Oil</p>
<p>Garnishing<br />
Flour or Corn Tortilla<br />
Tomatoes<br />
Avocado<br />
Equal portions of grated Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack Cheese
</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000980.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>1) Put a small bit of Basil Olive Oil in the bottom of a cast iron skillet an add the onions to sweat until they are transparent<br />
2) Turn the skillet to low and add the beef to the onions and continue to cook until the outside edges start to turn.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000987.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>3) Add sazon, adobo, the 2 cups of cooked basil from the basil oil cooked above, salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook on low for 5 minutes</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1000993.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>4) Add the mushrooms and stir in to the mixture and cook on low until the meat is cooked through.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/fajitas/P1010004.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td><p>While the Mixture continues to cook....<br />
5) Take pre-cooked Tortilla shells and heat them on a griddle pan until they start to bubble<br />
6) Plate Dish with a portion of the meat filling, 2-3 slices of avocado, 2-3 slices of tomatoes, and a small pinch of cheese</p>
<p>Serve to your happy dinner guest!</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-63278101826682606122011-06-27T21:04:00.003-05:002011-06-27T21:09:23.277-05:00kitty: Let the World Food Cup Begin - JP 2 vs NZL 1 - Fifa Women's World Cup Germany 2011<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000951.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/fifa.png" width="85" height="97" align="left" style="padding:20px;" />Wow... another 4 years has passed and it is time for the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/index.html">Women's FIFA World Cup of Football </a>to begin. Some of you may remember that in years past M and I have done the <a href="http://knitbuddies.blogspot.com/search/label/World%20Cup%20of%20Food">World Cup of Food</a> to correspond to the winner each day in the past. Well we are off to a bad start already, we forgot it started yesterday. So our batting average is already not that great, but we are not going to let that stop us in our culinary delights.</p>
<p><center>Let the Games Begin....</center></p>
<p>Winner Japan 2 vs New Zealand 1</p>
<p>Tan Tan Mein and Onsen Tamago</p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_dan_noodles">Tan Tan Mein</a> is technically a Chinese dish but I was inspired to cook this since we have seen it so many times on one of our favorite Japanese cooking shows, <a href="http://www.tbs.co.jp/chubaw/">Saturday Night Chubaw!</a>(Catch it on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chubaw&aq=f">youtube</a>)</p>
<p><a href="http://beyondboulder.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/onsen-tamago/">Onsen Tamago</a> though is most certainly a Japanese treat. Basically it is an egg cooked slowly in water from a hot spring. The egg whites are soft and the yokes are only slightly hard.</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000940.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><strong>Tan Tan Mein</strong></td>
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<tr>
<td>1 Medium Spanish Onion<br />
2-3 Garlic Cloves<br />
8 Dried Shiitake Mushroom and soaking water<br />
1/2 lb. Black Pork<br />
1/4 cup of aged Shiitake Mushroom Soy Sauce<br />
1/2 Teaspoon of Pepper<br />
Small Handful of MSG (Optional)<br />
Cooking oil <br />
Thin Sliced Cucumber<br />
Bean Sprouts <br /></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000896.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>1) Put Shiitake mushrooms to soak as you chop onions and garlic into small pieces<br />
<br />
2) Put a small bit of Cooking Oil to cover the bottom of your Sauce Pan and add the onions and garlic. <br />
<br />
3)
Sweat the onions and the garlic in the skillet until the onions have just turned translucent.<br />
<br />
4) While the onions and garlic are cooking take out the soaking shiitake mushrooms and slice into 1 cm inch thick strips and place back into soaking water.</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000899.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>4) Place mushrooms and ground black pork into the sauce pan and start to mix and break apart the pork bits.</p>
<p>5) Add soy sauce, MSG, and pepper to the rest of the ingredients</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000906.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>6) Cook until the pork has cooked through stirring occasionally.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000921.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>As the Pork mixture continues to cook it is time to shake shake shake your noodles.</td>
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<td><p>1 packet of Frozen Yaki Soba Noodles per person</p>
<p>1) Boil a large pot of water<br />
2) Place one packet of noodles into a drainer and continue to dip into water and shake until the noodles are done
</p>
<p>Save your water!!!</p></td>
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<td><p>When the noodles are done it is time to serve.</p>
<p>Place one package of noodles, 2/3 cup of pork mixture, a handful of bean sprouts, and a few pieces of thinly sliced cucumbers.</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000947.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td><strong>Onsen Tamago</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p>1 Small Chicken Thigh Debonned<br />
6 slices
Japanese Cucumber<br />
4 tablespoons of Tan Tan Mein Pork<br />
2 Egg<br />
Splash of Light Soy Sauce or Soba Noodle Sauce if available<br />
Fish Flakes (Katsuobushi)</p></td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000926.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>1) Cook One debonned chicken thigh in boiling water until it is cooked through and slice in thin strips</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000928.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td>2) From your saved noodle water place 2 raw eggs into the water one on each side and allow to boil in the water. (My Cheap substitute for real Onesen water)</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/tantan/P1000929.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
</tr>
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<td><p>3) Time to plate:<br />
3 Slices of cucumber in each bowl on the bottom<br />
3 Slices of Chicken Thigh<br />
2 Tablespoons of Tan Tan Mein Pork<br />
1 Cooked Egg<br />
1 Hand full of Fish Flakes (Katsuobushi)</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enjoy, I am off to go watch the England vs Mexico game on Tivo!</td>
</tr>
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<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-1646995751745410672011-06-12T15:53:00.004-05:002011-06-12T15:59:13.645-05:00kitty: Happy Belated World Wide Knit in Public Day!!!<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><p><strong><font size=4> Happy Belated World Wide Knit in Public Day!!!!!</font></strong> </p>
<p><center>How did you spend your day?</center></p></td>
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<tr>
<td>My day started off with breakfast at La Chatelaine - (<a href="http://www.lachatelainebakery.com/">La Chatelaine Restaurant on Lane</a>)</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/P1000632.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>M and I had a leisurely breakfast and had a breakfast sandwich, small caesar salad, with tea/coffee. The morning was pretty perfect especially considering the storms had kept us up almost all night with cracks of thunder and lightening that lite up the bedroom.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/breakfast.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>Then we started our long list of errands for the day. The first stop was our favorite used camera store. You really never know what treasures you will find hidden among the huge inventory. (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/world-of-used-photography-columbus">World of Used Photography - </a> <a href="http://worldofusedphotography.com/">worldofusedphotography.com ) </a> Here is a photo of M testing a lens I really really want that he has in stock. Just trying to find a good reason to own it. It really needs a full frame camera and I would need to take more portraits.. Should I buy or should I dream?</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/lens.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>After finishing our errands we decided to park at the top of the Short North and walk to North Market. We had planned on going to take photos of roses in the <a href="http://www.parkofroses.org/">Park of Roses</a> for our exercise for the day, but they had a rose show going on at the time and a wedding. No fun to just take photos of random people when you want to take photos of flowers. We ended up stopping to get a drink and for me to knit a few rows. </td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/northmarket.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>Did you know realize that Columbus, Ohio probably has the most World Wide Knit in Public Day events going on than any other place in the world. TNNA has been taking place for several years now at the Convention Center.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/dinner.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>Knitting came along for dinner at our favorite little Chinese restaurant <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/lotus-grill-columbus">Lotus Grill </a> There English menu is average Americanized Chinese food, but there Chinese menu truly rocks. There food is always consistent and the owners are truly dear. You can not help but love the guy who works the front desk, he always makes us laugh. The price are even great to boot.</td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/P1000662.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td>And of course the day would not be complete without hitting <a href="http://www.staufs.com/content.aspx?page=grandviewstore">Stauf's</a> for coffee. It really is the perfect place for M to work and me to knit. As an added bonus though MG and her husband stopped by to join us. We spent a lot of time though watching the insane line for Jeni's ice cream two doors down. <a href="http://jenisicecreams.com/">(Jeni's Fresh Ice Cream </a>- <a href="http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/4182/jenis-fresh-ice-cream">Grandview Heights, OH</a>) ( Don't forget Jeni's new book is out - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jenis-Splendid-Ice-Creams-Home/dp/1579654363/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307911185&sr=8-1">Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream</a>) At one point a woman came in saying she had stood and counted 165 people waiting. We just sat in amazement. </td>
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<td><img src="http://www.knitbuddies.com/2011/june/11/P1000667.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>So much to my delight MG and I spent the last few hours of knit in public day together knitting in public. What every good knitbuddy should do!!!!</p>
<p><center>
<p>Happy Knit in Public Day!!!</p>
<p> </p>
</center></p></td>
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<td>PS: The project that you see in all the photos is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cria">"Cria"</a> pattern by Ysolda in her new upcoming book <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/little-red-in-the-city">Little Red in the City.</a></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9253384.post-51849528254989026282011-06-05T23:16:00.001-05:002011-06-05T23:16:52.907-05:00kitty: working on cria<table width="500" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<td><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/5802494105_de2711abf1.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></td>
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<td><p>I ended up taking a break tonight and knitting a few rounds on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cria">Cria </a>at <a href="http://www.staufs.com/default.aspx">Stauf's</a>. Really loving the shoulder construction, it is a lot of fun and most of all something new. So glad that it is not another raglan sweater. Though my only gripe is that I had to print out the pattern, cannot remember the last time I was forced to waste paper to do so. Due to the tables though I really didn't see another way. (I normally just copy over the pdf's to ibooks and read them from my iphone or ipad. It really works well for a paperless solution even with lace patterns.)<br />
<br />
Hope everyone has a great week.</p></td>
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</table>Kitty Kittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12814037601049328212noreply@blogger.com3