my curiosity

Last night I attended my first class for Citizen Police Academy in a northwest suburb of Chicago.  You know, I am not into Police or.investigative programs on television, but my best friends husband is a commander in another suburb and i thought perhaps that these classes would enlighten me as to what it take to be a police officer.  Another friend of mine said "Don't you have enough to do, you are always up to something?"  Well why shouldn't I expose myself to something new, and as it turns out more than interesting. 
Last night was just an introduction, history of the suburb and department, officer hierarchy and qualifications and then a tour.  I was so intrigued with this tour and the back end of the process.  "Bag and Tag" Evidence, roll call, operations, "The Cells!" OMG! Since I have never experienced this, it was weird and slightly smelly.  All the precautions so that individuals do not hang themselves!  There were no guests, so we could go in and see the accommodations.
We were walking thru the station and passing one of the rooms for questioning and I got a huge whiff of alcohol. I asked immediately "Why do I smell alcohol so strongly?"
the sergeant with us said look up the light is on, we have someone in there.  Wow this person must have gone on some bender, it reeked! Anyway...
As if running my business,  knit happens, and being president of my condo association isnt enough to keep me busy, I am a recruit in my local Citizen Police Academy.
I wouldn't have it any other way, it's all good!!
Ciao for Now
Connie

it's sweater time

Wow! Went for a walk this morning and it was only in the 50's in the Chicago area.  A week ago today it was in the 90's. Fall is knocking on the front door and asking to be let in!!
This kind of day was one of my favorites when I was in grammer school and high school when I could wear a new outfit that including a new sweater, most likely from the Limited or Chas. A, Stevens  I couldn't wait.  Of course it was a store bought sweater.  At that time I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something my mom would have knit or crocheted.  She would have used some awful yarn and some dumb design, keep in mind this would have been in the 70's, need I say more?
Things sure have changed.  Yarns are do deliciously special now and the variety of fiber can be overwhelming.  There is so much I want to dive into and share with everyone, but I can only do so much.  Too bad my mom is not around, I would put her to work making samples.  And you know what?  She would have done it happily!
Well, I can not wait until the next issue of knit wear comes in.  There are always great sweater designs in the mag. and I find that they are "doable" and not too cra cra :)
Another box of new yarn just came in the door, so I have some inventory to work on.

Ciao for now and stay warm
Connie

I always say that I don't crochet

Is this the cutest?  I saw it and thought I should have that as a sample in the store for Fall. I talked to my Crochet instructor Linda and she said "Oh sure, no problem"  Well during one of the crochet classes I became inspired to work it myself.

This Beret is pattern number 30 in Vogue's Knit Simple Fall 2014.

As I worked thru reading a crochet pattern (which I still think is a challenge) i discovered that one can "improvise" much more easily than in knitting.  There's something to think about!

A possible convert!

Ciao for Now!

Wearable Art

OMG! there is a lot to do to get ready for "the crawl"

Sorry I haven't been around for a while but I was very busy getting ready for our 5th Annual Chicago Area Yarn Crawl.

i designed this Gaiter (tighter than a cowl) about 2 monthes ago, it's called "Modernism" I love it, it's like wearing art.
The Noro yarn, Koromo, just has such a great color palatte.  It makes it look much more complicated than it actually is.  I do cut out colors that I do not want to show up.  In this case there was some pink and lilac and I just wanted the colors of the sea to be predominant.  The pattern has gotten rave reviews.  To some the fair isle work is daunting and others have embraced it full on.

It's Tuesday of the crawl and just a few stragglers have been in the store.  The weekend was busy and I expect that next Saturday will be as well.  Come Sunday I will be more than ready to float in my pool and probably think of more wearable art I can design.

KALE CHIPS BETTER THAN POTATO CHIPS

CLEAN YOUR KALE BY CUTTING OFF THE STEMS. RINSE IN COLANDER WITH COLD WATER. DRY OFF IN SOME PAPER TOWEL.

HEAT OVEN TO 400 F

LAY ONTO A SHEET PAN ON A SINGLE LAYER (OR AS WELL AS YOU CAN) 

LIGHTLY DRIZZLE WITH OLIVE OIL, PINCH OF SALT AND A PINCH OF CAYENNE PEPPER.  I ALSO LIKE TO SPRINKLE WITH FINELY CHOPPED PEANUTS OR EVEN SUNFLOWER SEEDS LIKE I DID ON THIS BATCH.

ROAST FOR APPROX. 15 MINUTES, TOSS DURING THE ROASTING..

THE CHIPS WILL BE TISSUE THIN AND DELICATE.  EAT THAT DAY THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO STORE.  THEY GET TOO SOFT.

ENJOY YOUR KALE CHIPS INSTEAD OF POTATO CHIPS!

CHOW! FOR NOW :)

ROASTED CHICKPEAS a delicious protein

Place chickpeas on a paper towel lined sheet pan. Place another towel on top and roll peas around to dry. Place in oven per recipe

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas with Rosemary & Brown Sugar

2 (14 oz) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
2 tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt, divided
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dry
1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Drain chickpeas into a strainer. Rinse and drain very well. Dry the chickpeas on a large sheet of paper towel, with another sheet laid over top. Pat gently to remove excess water.

Roast chickpeas dry  by arranging in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until chickpeas are golden brown and rattle when you shake the baking sheet.

While the chickpeas are roasting, combine brown sugar, rosemary, 1 teaspoon olive oil, cayenne pepper (the amount you use depends on your heat tolerance), and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl. 

Pour the roasted chickpeas into the bowl and toss with the brown sugar mixture. Cool completely. Serve. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Remember you can use any spice combo you enjoy. 

Ginger, Garlic Garam Masala

Lemon, Thyme fleur de sel

cinnamon brown sugar pumpkin pie spice

im sure you can come up with interesting combinations

I have been saying lately that I am officially an old lady since I order from QVC.  No disrespect to either older woman or QVC.  I have to say that I have been delighted with everything that I have gotten from shoes to electric toothbrush to my gallon on WEN.  Have you heard of this stuff.  It is a shampoo and conditioner alternative for your hair.  I have seen these infomercials for a couple of years and have heard some people talk about .  Well I went BIG or I could just go home right?  RIGHT I bought a freakin gallon of this stuff.  I ended up selecting the Lavender scent/composition I thought it was appropriate for my type of hair as well as enjoying the fragrance.
I used it for the first time this morning and I think I like it.  I used no other styling product, and my hair is very smooth, especially the ends, it's VERY shinny, andn I did not use any other product when I blew dry.  I have very fine hair that I think is beginning to fall out when I look at the part.  After using WEN it seems that the part looks fuller.
Who knows?  I will get back to you in a week with a picture 
so far so good.
Now I am going to go order more yarn!

Ciao for Now

knit for life and keep yourself sharp and sane

In the Early Fall 2014 VOGUEknitting issue there is an article by Leslie Petrovsky,  that many of you may find interesting.  It substantiates what I have mentioned in the past, and that I find in my own personal life, is that knitting does the mind good!  I myself have been hospitalized for anxiety, in the form of "I think I'm having a heart attack"  Knitting has absolutely brought me to a calmer place.  Anyway...In a publication of the Occupational Therapy International "purposeful and meaningful activites" such as music, drawing, meditation, reading, arts, crafts and home repairs  could ward off stress related diseases and reduce dementia risks.
Take a look at this 2 page report,  It's worth getting the magazine to read this if not for the beautiful patterns.

Ciao for now

Chilly Summer? Think about this Chili Recipe

Made this Friday nite, it was so good with a dollop of Sour Cream on it too!  here's the recipe... 

INGREDIENTS

• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic, crushed with a press
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Two 15 to 19-ounce cans whitekidney beans (cannellini), rinsed and drained
• One 16-ounce jar mild salsa verde
• One 14 to 14 1/2-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

• 
  

• TWEET
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DIRECTIONS

In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 1 teaspoon oil on medium-high until very hot. Sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken to the Dutch oven in two batches, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes per batch, and adding 1 teaspoon more oil for the second batch. With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a medium bowl once it is done. 

After all the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil with the garlic and onions to the Dutch oven, and cook on medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in thecumin, oregano, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, and cook 1 minute. Add the beans, salsa verde, broth and browned chicken, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook the chili for 15 minutes to blend the flavors. To serve, garnish with cilantro. 

Each serving: calories 370, total fat 18g, saturated fat --, cholesterol --, sodium 815mg, total carbohydrate 25g, dietary fiber --, sugars --, protein 25g, calcium --

be careful in the sun

I currently have two of these beauties on my chest, 6 stitches each Basal Cell Carcinoma. (I will spare you the pictures of the stitches you might think that I am related to Frankenstein. Yuck, but I got the call today that they are both clear.  Thank you God!!!  I had one on the back of my knee that was also clear and in July I go for two on my back.  So I will wait to see what they say about that.

I was never a true sun lover as a kid but I did like to "lay out" and get color.  My friends would get tan and I would burn, but I would always say that's' how I tan, I have to burn first.  Now I'm 50ish and the doctors at Advanced Dermatology are finding problems. It's important to take of ourselves in all aspects and do what we have to do, dont wait!

Do you know just one indoor tanning session... 

increases the risk of melanoma by 20%

increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 29%

increases the risk for squamous cell carcinoma  67%

IN all more than 170,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in the US each year are linked to indoor tanning.

I failed to mention that I used to do that too, especially to get that "Base Tan"  which I would still burn as soon as I set foot on the the Florida beaches.

Older and wiser I suppose.

Did I mention that I chair the pool committee in the development in which I live? I have become the sunscreen patrol now, how ironic!

Be safe and dont forget the sunscreen

Ciao for Now!

knitting is not just for the elderly

But then again, those of us that are into it already know that!
Many of you know that I love to watch cooking shows and read cook books as much as I love to knit and research knitting.  I was watching the show The Kitchen on the Food Network and Wendy Williams, the talk show host was on as a special guest.  Wendy discussed that she was turning 50 and she had a "Bucket List".  Do you know what was the first thing she mentioned?  Yes, knitting.  She said that she wanted to learn to knit and that it was not just for old folks.  Universities all over the world have students knitting.  So "How you doin?" :)

It' cool to knit and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
As I always say *Peace, Love, Knit* repeat and pass it on!

Ciao for now

this past Sunday was Father's Day

Since I wrote about my mom, I felt that it was appropriate to give my dad equal billing.  My dad sure did not inspire me to craft, but since he was a baker he did inspire me to take the journey into acquire baking knowledge.  My dad past away 6 years ago of a brain tumor.  Curious, since he was always feeding his brain.  He was not a Baker by choice, but rather out of necessity.  In Germany, at that time, WWII had just ended and he was a hungry 14 year old boy looking for food and warmth.  He had heard Since I wrote about my mom, I felt that I had to give my dad equal billing.  My dad sure did not inspire me to craft, but since he was a baker he did inspire me to take the journey into acquire baking knowledge.  My dad past away 6 years ago of a brain tumor.  Curious, since he was always feeding his brain.  He was not a Baker by choice, but rather out of necessity.  In Germany, at that time, WWII had just ended and he was a hungry 14 year old boy looking for food and warmth.  He had heard through the streets that there was a baker looking for apprentices and would provide food and shelter for their labor.  My dad thought that sounded like the thing to do.  Never having completed his education past 6th grade, he had little oportunities. After years of training he got a paying job in his trade. And not long after that he met up with a guy, who happened to be my uncle and they would hang out.  My uncle had a sister, my mom…and then rest is history.  My parents sold everything they had to move to the United States.  My dad opened a Bakery in Chicago. With the efforts of my mom they made a nice life for us.

For my dad’s funeral I had co-written the eulogy, and in it I wanted to make sure that it was said “ Richard was an interesting man, because he was interested”

He wanted to learn the English language as soon as he arrived in this country. Good with numbers he did his own accounting and book keeping. He wanted to learn about the Stock Market and take classes to invest.  He was always interested in people and learning about them and what made them who they were.  Richard may have only been a Baker, but he was proud of his accomplishments and his thirst for knowledge.  I am proud to be his daughter and sharing with me an entrepreneurial spirit.

 the streets that there was a baker looking for apprentices and would provide food and shelter for their labor.  My dad thought that sounded like the thing to do.  Never having completed his education past 6^th grade, he had little opportunities. After years of training he got a paying job in his trade. And not long after that he met up with a guy, who happened to be my uncle and they would hang out.  My uncle had a sister, my mom…and then rest is history.  My parents sold everything they had to move to the United States.  My dad opened a Bakery in Chicago. With the efforts of my mom they made a nice life for us.

For my dad’s funeral I had co-written the eulogy, and in it I wanted to make sure that it was said “ Richard was an interesting man, because he was interested”

He wanted to learn the English language as soon as he arrived in this country. Good with numbers he did his own accounting and book keeping. He wanted to learn about the Stock Market and take classes to invest.  He was always interested in people and learning about them and what made them who they were.  Richard may have only been a Baker, but he was proud of his accomplishments and his thirst for knowledge.  I am proud to be his daughter and sharing with me an entrepreneurial spirit.

ciao for now, see you at knit happens

eggs for breakfast

Have you tried this? Remember make Toad in a Hole? Well this is similar but you slice a pepper.  I happened to have a yellow pepper.  Place it in a pan with some butter.  Drop a whole egg in a there you have it.  I like a little sirracha on my eggs so that is what the red stuff is.

Yummy, and I am going to make these often.

Ciao for Now.

who said not wearing makeup was ok?  Especially for a photo shoot? :)

Oh well?  I'm secure in the woman that I am! hahahahah

Anyway....the store is named knit happens and I always say I don't crochet but I have been trying some small projects lately.  This Beanie is something I saw the Crochet Dude do on Tv so I thought I would try it out. Super simple triple crochet. I used scrap yarn I had left over from our yarn tasting.  I took the little bit extra of the colored yarn and did an crochet over stitch swirl for an extra embellishment, you know I am all over that!!

If you are interested in HOW TO let me know.

Ciao for Now

Lizzi and her groomer Kelly at the new Dog Barber II 

We like to say she is spending the morning at "the Spa"!

The new location is 157 W. Dundee in Buffalo Grove, IL.

847-342-0551

ask for Christine!

I just noticed how lady like she is with her legs crossed.

coyotes, friend or foe?

This past Tuesday morning my dog Lizzi woke me up as she always does around 7:00am and wants to go outside.  My routine is to step out of bed and open the window blinds that face the front of the building.  Mind you 7:00 am, the Sun is shining brightly and to my surprise, no to my horror, 8’ from me is a large coyote.  He must have been sleeping peacefully on the beautiful stepping stones nestled between lush green plantings.  As I opened the blinds it stood up, my mouth dropped open, it looked around prior to it prancing over onto the driveway.  It stopped again to look around, and it continued to prance down the street towards the paths and onto the back of Queens to then lay down.  At this point I told myself to breath.  I have news for you, had Lizzi and I walked out the front door and experienced this lost creature I would have woken up the whole development and the entire surrounding areas with my scream.  The poor squirrels wouldn’t stop sketching from the Crabtree as if to warn everyone around that there was a predator in our midst.  My intent in sharing the story in so much as to say, as much as we need to be considerate of our human neighbors, we need to respect our prolific wildlife neighbors sharing our community for better and for worse.  The same morning I experienced the coyote, I had to stop the car on my street to allow a Goose family to cross with 7 goslings in tow.  I thought “Come on …really?)

discontinued and lost little lambs

 A table full of yarns that just might be what you have been looking for and they are all 50% off.  New yarns being added every day! From now until the Chicago Yarn Crawl beginning August 2nd.

Ciao for Now

the great thinker

I don't know if that is the case, but I was bored until my friend Sherry came in to tell me that she is moving to Arizona. Well I guess I have somewhere to visit.  Back to th was thinking what should I be working on?  I have customer finishing to do, but I dont want to do that.  I have projects to complete for the yarn crawl, but I dont want  to do that.  What I want to do is go lay in the pool and veg!!  I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow.

ciao for now

and I will keep thinking :)

it' s good to be green, be coffee house chic

Most of you know by now that I am a great fan of Michelle Hunter.  I found this coffee cup wrap on her site so I worked it up and I thought I would share it with you.
If you are a sock knitter or a shawl knitter I'm sure that you have stash fingering/sock weight yarn that you love and don't like it hanging around, you know it's too beautiful not use for something...well this is the thing.  Whether you partake in coffee or tea you will enjoy keeping your fingers from getting a little too warm and yet keeping your drink from getting cold!

Materials: Approx. 35 yds of fingering/sock yarn and #2 DPN needles or method of choice.
Ga. approx 7sts/1" Stst.   Size: Approx 3"H.
Abbreviations: K2toDrg = knit 2 together
                        RT = (Right Twist) knit 2 sts together, then without taking sts off the left                                         hand needle, reknit the first st and remove both sts from the left                                           hand needle.

Pattern:
CO 60 sts (try using a German Twisted for a stretchy cast on)
Divide sts with a multiple of 6 on your needles
Join in the round and take care not to twist the stitches.

Double Mock Cable Rib: Multiple of 6 stitches
Round 1: *K4, P2; repeat from * to the end of the rnd.
Round 2: *RT twice, P2; repeat from the * to the end of the rnd.
Round 3: *K4, P2; repeat from the * to the end of the rnd
Round 4: *K1,RT,K1,P2; repeat from the * to the end of the rnd.

Work the Double Mock Cable Rib (above) for 32 rounds (8 repeats).  To modify add and subtract after the 4th round of the pattern repeat.

Drink Responsibly!
and as Michelle Hunter always says " Happy Knitting!"

when someone says they have cancer

How does one respond to someone telling you that they have cancer?

Being a knit shop owner is like being a therapist or a bartender.  Customers share a lot of information and problems with me other than they dropped a stitch.  I listen the best I can without offering advise unless they ask me for that.  The problem is that I am not a therapist.  Sometimes it's difficult for me to take it all in because it has nowhere to go.  I have to absorb it.  I hear that psychiatrist need to see someone just for this reason. Right now it's my cross to bear.  Maybe this is plan laid out for me.

But, what do I say to someone who tells me that they have cancer.

my next dog might be named Iris

doesn't this make you smile?

Worth posting

If you happens to be one of the lucky ones that receives my stores Happening then you will have already seen this, but I thought it was Blog worthy as well.

My Mom …was the best!

   

I more than adored my mom from the first day I laid eyes on her J As busy as she was , she was ALWAYS there for me. When I wanted a quarter to go to Clarks  penny candy guy, when I wanted the new Partridge family album, when I wanted my hair curled with my Crazy Curls before school, when I wanted to get white patent leather go-go boots like Nancy Sinatra or when I just wanted her attention with a hug and a kiss. I guess I always wanted something, and I still do.  My mom has been gone from me for over half my life but her spirit lives inside me every day.

My mom worked 12 hour days 6 days a week running the bakery, but she always had time for me and rarely said no.  If she felt she wanted to say no she would send me to ask my dad.  He would ask what did mom say and my response was she said yes! Clever! Although she was busy she usually would work on some kind of needle work in the evening.  I would watch her in awe and would often ask if I could do it too.  In 1968 I was 8 years, when my mom got a kit for me to make, the lion crewel work (below).  I have it hanging in the office at home. It reminds me of a time long ago when my mom would sit with me and teach me how to do many of the handcrafts I do today.  Thanks mom for instilling in me the love of handcrafted items, love for baking, for finer things in life and to appreciate them, for caring for people in a genuine manner, and to laugh whole heatedly when something is funny.  I love you mom.  My new tattoo is in honor of you. Faith, Hope & Charity.

  

 
My dad was a good guy too I'll share more with you on Father's Day.

Have a relaxing Memorial Day this weekend and take time to give thanks to those who make our lifestyles in America valuable.

Ciao for Now!

Poop can be pretty!

This is "Lizzi" and you will be seeing much of her

Dog poopie bag dispenser
I have used, for the most part plastic bags from the grocery stores.  A friend of mine told me that these were going to be eliminated and everyone was going to paper again?  I don't know, I don't see it going away any time too soon. Regardless, I purchased rolls of poopie bags for my little darlings contributions.  Susan, a friend of mine that works here at knit happens with me had the idea to knit up these little bag dispensers she found on Ravelry for the holidays. The pattern is by Kathy Glaes and here it is:

Materials: Small amount of fingering weight yarn, DPN's or whatever method you like to work in the round.

Gauge: doesn't matter in this case.

Directions:

Cast on 48 sts and divide the sts per your method of knitting in the round.  Join in the round, careful not to have a twist. 

Knit 1.5" (which will roll slightly)

next round: [K4, K2tog, YO] 8x's

next round cont. knitting for 2.5"

next round [K6, K2tog,] 6x's

knit a round

next round [K5, K2tog,] 6x's

knit a round

next round [k4, K2tog] 6x's

knit a round

next round [K3, K2tog] 6x's

knit a round

next round [K2, K2tog] 6x's

knit a round

next round [K1, K2tog] 6x's, 12 sts on the needle

K1, P1 ribbing for 4 rounds, Bind Off loosley

Using (2) DPN's knit a 3 st I-Cord for 18".  Thread the I-Cord through the eyelets from the YO's and knot the two ends together.  Insert the roll of poopie bags and go enjoy a fashionable walk.  We should be glamorous walking the dog! 

FYI, don't start correcting my grammar!  I write in a stream of conscientiousness, if it bothers you, dont read it!  With all due respect mind you.

Ciao for now, Connie

                                                     PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Virtue is a positive trait deemed to be morally good thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.  So what is going on with a majority of people not having any patience? This morning I went to put gas in the car. When I attempted to pull into the gas station their were cones blocking my entrance.  The guy behind me was blasting his car horn, scared the bejesus out of me.  All the cars ahead of us were stopped at a red light, so where was he going so fast.  Speeding up to stop? It doesn't make sense.  Everyone is in a hurry these days, do they love getting to work early in the morning, they just cant get there fast enough?  What is it.  Not only do they not have any patience, they have no respect for others and they are ANGRY!  Angry Birds flying over my head.

Knitting has most definitely has taught me patience.  I too can be, and was an Angry Bird. Could you blame me?  I drove 30 miles each way into the city every day to work.  When I got there I had coworkers pulling on my coat tails all day.  There were days I would sit in a dark office working on CAD not wanting anyone to come in to bother me.  Now I sit in a beautiful knit salon in Buffalo Grove Illinois waiting for customers to come in.  So you come on in.

getting started

Wow, this is not as easy as i thought, but i will get it together soon.  Those who know me, know that I have a lot to talk about.  Whether it is about knitting, cooking, baking, design, current events or the study of human interactions.
So be patient please and I will be here soon!