A Little More Blue

I teased you the other day with a glimpse of some variegated blue yarn I began knitting into a shawl recently and now that I've got a few more inches done, it's time to share some details, don't you think?

The pattern is called Sugared Violets by Rose Beck, and when it first was released as part of the Be Mine collection, I was fortunate enough to win it during a giveaway.  It's hard to believe that it's taken me two years to cast on this shawl (or any shawl from that collection), but as we knitters know, some patterns have to be cast on immediately while others stay in our minds and linger until we're ready. 

As I've been knitting monogamously on a test knit for the last few weeks which, by the way, is fantastic, I realized that my hands and brain could use a palate cleanser to keep my mojo going.  So, I went stash diving and was reacquainted with my one skein of Ball and Skein Glissade which I purchased at a sheep & fiber fair exactly a year ago next week.  

I'm calling this project Blue Sugared Violets and it might end up as a gift to a very special someone for a very special occasion but that's all I can say for now.

There are some elements to this pattern that has got me thinking .... but I'll share more about that tomorrow.  

Something Blue

I think some shawl knitting is in order ...

Ball & Skein Glissade

... especially in something blue.

Manise color way

Eats: Split Yellow Pea Soup

In mid-March, we spent a few days in Montreal, one of my favorite cities, and on the way back home to the states, we took an hour's detour to the countryside and did something we have always wanted to do when traveling in the Quebec region.  Known for its delicious and plentiful maple syrup, this part of eastern Canada is dotted with cabanes au sucre, maple sugar shacks that welcome visitors to stay and enjoy their products.

We had a delectable brunch of pancakes, biscuits, eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage, and a variety of maple syrup-infused desserts all served with strong coffee. Pouring maple syrup on any or all of the dishes was encouraged, and Mark even tried a maple syrup beer. But my favorite part of the meal was actually what started the feast ~ it was a bright and hearty split pea soup made with yellow peas, and I knew I had to recreate it once I got home. 

I love soup for lunch especially in the cool, damp days of spring ~ it's warming but not heavy ~ and I whipped up a large pot of this recipe yesterday. What better way to open my sweet Mother's Day cards and chocolates than over steaming bowls of soup with my family!

Split Yellow Pea Soup 
(serves 6)

1 small onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 thick slice of ham, diced
2 cups of dried split yellow peas, rinsed
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of water
1 bay leaf
salt & pepper, to taste
maple syrup

In a soup pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sautee vegetables for 5 minutes.  Add split yellow peas and mix.  Add vegetable broth and bay leaf, let simmer for 20 minutes, then add water.  On low heat, simmer soup until peas are soft, occasionally stirring.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with toasted pita or crusty french bread.  Oh, and don't forget to drizzle a little pure maple syrup on top. Enjoy!

Craft Fair: Lessons Learned

Last Saturday could not have been more beautiful, both in terms of weather and in crafty spirit.  My local Made By Hand Craft Fair was chockfull of talented, creative, and friendly vendors which made my first experience participating in one that much nicer.

So, what are the lessons that I learned? 

1) Don't underestimate the time it takes to set up your table/booth.  Since I kept my table display simple, I figured that I would only need 30 minutes (not the allotted 60) to get to my table and make it look pretty. I know, the more experienced of you are guffawing right about now. I managed to get everything laid out the way I wanted with two minutes to spare before the doors opened, but I was definitely sweating!

2) Do have bright and legible signage for the items that you're selling.  I didn't do this and regret it.  While the lack of signage encouraged buyers to ask me questions and chat, I think I lost some folks who strolled by and didn't want to engage.  I also think that fun and cheery signage adds another creative element to one's table/booth.

3) Take lots of photographs of your table/booth before the craft fair begins.  I was so rushed when the doors opened that I only took these two blah photographs which don't represent my table or the wonderful atmosphere of the fair.  I tried to take some photographs during the fair, but it just never happened.

4) Finally, have a friend (thank you, Beth) and/or a sister (thank you, Esther) keep you company during the event.  It's not easy having your creativity out there for people to look at and while they're not really judging you, it's hard not to feel personally on display yourself.  I loved having Beth and Esther with me and it made the hours fly by.

Will I do this again?  I'm not sure but I do know that the next Made By Hand craft fair is in mid-November so I've got some time to think about it.