A Regular KIP Gal

I have really been enjoying my KIP streak these days. While I’ve known her for a year and a half now, Brandi has become my go to girl for knitting in San Diego. Last night we went to Lotus Thai in Hillcrest and enjoyed a multitude of Thai delectables, wine, knitting, and chatting. This was actually part of a Ravelry group that Brandi is on. Even though I’m not part of that group, I’m always up for good food and company! Could it get any better than on a Thursday night?

Here’s what our mouth’s watered to:

Thai Wonton Soup

Chicken Satay

Crying Tiger Steak (Charcoal-broiled marinated top sirloin steak, lightly seasoned, served with greens and a spicy Thai steak sauce.)

Roasted Duck Panang Curry (Whole half roasted duck glazed with honey and five spices, stewed in a classic panang curry sauce with fresh sweet peppers, roasted cashew nuts, and a spice aroma of kaffir lime leaves.)

Yesterday, I also received yarny goodness I have also received yarn for new knitting projects:

Rowan 4-ply cotton in black for my second rendition of Orangina

Ella Rae Shibu silk in blue haze for my third rendition of the Ella Rae Shrug (FO of my first one today or tomorrow)

Southwest Trading Company Bamboo in Butter – this is actual a recycle from my Ms. Marigold, that is now too big. I will use it to make the Lotus

Other knitting goodness that is still on route:

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran – to finish my mother’s shrug

Comfy in Pomegranate for the Cable Aran Vest

Shine in Mallard for a project that I can no longer remember what I wanted it for…I got a total of 600 yards and it is 4.5-5 sts per inch (I’ll take suggestions…)

2-at-a-time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oake (There’s at least 4 pairs that I like and am hoping this helps me with knitting more socks)

Busy Knitting Bee… loooooong post

So I’ve been a busy bee with knitting these days. I have managed to go to the Infinite Knitters Starbucks meet-up for the last 2 weeks in a row and am going this evening. Who-raw!!! I have a quick FO pic that will be re shot soon….my Ella Rae shrug is finished and worn to work, but not quite finished due to running out of yarn. I cast off for the mere joy of an FO…it’s been sooooooooo long, but am having my trusty knitting bud Brandi frog back the entire neckline. I have already placed an order for one more skein of the Shibu in Caramel along with 5 more skeins in the color blue haze. I’m really loving this shrug. The pattern is so easy to remember and the finished piece is a great addition to any warm weather wardrobe, where the temperature can drop just enough to make you wish your back was covered. I’m making one for my Mother for Mother’s day while I wait for my last skein. I had 3 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran from a previous secret pal swap. I ordered 2 more skeins to make sure I have enough to make it for her, but am loving the texture and feel so far. Here’s some progress pics of both.





Sunday afternoon Brandi and I met with the Ravelry Knit Nutz group to do a little KIP at Balboa Park. Let me tell you – it was a scorcher that day…my car said it was as much as 97°. What was so great, was that we were on the lawn, under some trees, but a fountain. Could it get anymore “picturesque”? Yes, it could – there was a man playing the saxophone nearby…not too loud, just great background music while we sat, knit, ate, and chatted amongst each other. For those in the San Diego area, please feel free to join. Next week we will be meeting at the Living Room in La Jolla at 1:00 pm. This is a nice little spot, which I was first introduced to a year or so ago when I met a Knitters Review member named Gail in person for a little KIP action. Good memories all around.

Today I had a wonderful surprise, I received the most beautiful gifts from my favorite color swap pal Laura from D.C. She is a spoiler indeed. Since I am actually both a quilter and a knitter, Laura spoiled me with both! The package includes a National Cherry Blossom Festival bag filled with:

• Washington, D.C . – Then and Now book. Perfect for my coffee table! I also love that Laura put little stickies in it sharing her experiences at different locations.
  
• Fons & Porters Quilting Magazine – A perfect way to get me back on the quilting wagon, since it’s been a full year!
  
• The Quilters Apprentice – a Jennifer Chiaverini book. I am hoping to go away for a little getaway sometime soon and this will be the perfect read.
  
• Yarn Harlot’s “Things I Learned from Knitting”. This baby is going with me to Balboa park this weekend!
  
• A cute DPN case
  
• Notecards
  
• Last but not least….(hey – she made me open this one last too! Lol)…7 skeins of Ella Rae Bamboo Silk in plum. The color is GORGEOUS and it feels so luxurious, I can’t stop touching it.

Thank you so much Laura. You are so wonderful! I couldn’t have picked out better myself!



I have a long-over due meme, but will save that for Tuesday or Wednesday, as this post may have dragged on past the normal knitter’s attention span. Plus…I’ve got to look over my blog roll before meeting with the Infinite Knitters myself to catch up. I’ve missed all of you!