Needle Review

As I sit here camera-less, I thought perhaps it would be a good time to mention that I bought a new needle set this past spring. A needle review wouldn't require pics, right? Well,here goes:

I had been using the Denise interchangeables and I had some issues:

-the needles come apart from the cables constantly, causing your knitting to fall off the cable. Good thing I am an expert at picking up stitches.

-the cables are very thick and unwieldy. They are just as thick as the smallest needles, size 5, in the kit. So when working on a size 5 or 6 project, the loops of the project get "caught up" on the thickness of the needle and I'm constantly having to slide things around to get to knitting again.

-the gap between the cables and needles is just big enough for yarn to catch and snag.

The main reason I chose the Boye Needlemasters was of price. You can get a 40% or 50% off coupon from Joann's to buy the set with and that puts it under $40. I did not want to spend the money on Knitpicks. I was wary of the Needlemasters as I've heard mixed reviews but I thought it was worth the gamble.

Well, I waited patiently for a coupon to show up in my inbox, and finally, I was able to buy my Needlemaster kit.

I am really happy with my choice. The kit has a greater range of needle sizes, a better join from cable to needle, and thinner cables. They aren't as flexible as knitpicks cables are, but a vast improvement over the Denise cables. I have had no problems with the screw that joins the cable to the needle coming loose whatsoever.

If you also dislike the Denise needles for the reasons stated above and don't want to spring for a bunch of Addi's or the knitpicks set, I think for under $40 the Needlemaster kit is a great deal.

Long time, huh?

I'm sorry....I'm hopelessly addicted to Ravelry for my internet knitting needs. This place is getting dusty!

1. I moved to Evanston. The new apartment is great, and I love living in the burbs.

2. I started a full time job. It is excellent. My coworkers are really nice people and I actually get paid really well. The whole reason I went back to college many moons ago!

3. Knitting: I'm working on Thermal's sleeves. Now that I have a steady income I think I will buy a new camera so I can document my knitting and cooking excursions again. I've been using my crappy cell phone camera for the time being. I like Thermal, but it is getting rather tiresome as it's all on what, size 3s? Why am I always drawn to sweaters on tiny needles?!?

4. Next in the queue is an afghan for my living room, and a baby blanket (yawn). THEN, I'll be working on some workplace-appropriate knits, such as sweater vests and cotton knits for next springtime.

Smoque

On Friday after the Sox game we came home and saw Smoque BBQ on the Food Network. It's only a short drive from our place, so we figured we'd go for lunch the next day.



As you can see there's one hell of a line to get your food. CB stands in line, head and shoulders above the rest.

I got a half and half sandwich (one half pulled pork, the other half brisket) and he got the brisket platter. His came with fries, we both got mac and cheese and coleslaw.





Tonight we grilled on the deck. I turned my steak into a salad with roasted corn, he kept his in taco form. Served w/homemade guac. Lisa loves to relax on the porch too.

Psst....

look what I did this past weekend!

http://probonobaker.typepad.com/probonobaker/2008/06/picnic.html

I have to steal her link, due to the whole cell phone camera only thing!

Moroccan Chicken Stew

Well, I may not have a camera, but my cell phone camera is functional enough for now I figure.



Here's a chicken stew we made today. Firstly, rub the chicken with spices and marinate. Then, heat up some garlic, onions, chickpeas, tomatoes, and olives. Season as you will, add the chicken, and in about 5 minutes in the pressure cooker you've got a finished dinner.

Serve over couscous.

You've got to be kidding me.

My camera broke again!?!

At least I was able to salvage some SF pics.

I apologize for the delay

But I moved on May 1 and still working on getting the house together. Of course during this time there's very little cooking or crafting to be had while I unpack and clean. I plan on being back next week, with pictures of a finished Rogue (cross your fingers for me!!) and San Francisco.

On the horizon:

-I can't believe how many dinners and parties I've been invited to in the next month. One in particular, a Chicago food blogger's picnic, shall be interesting material for good ol' 21CH.

-I'm going to start some new crafting (Blissful from the Happy Hooker) and finish up some old crafting (Thermal)

-Pics of the finished house, of course. We've painted every room and I laid down new floor tile in the kitchen.

-As mentioned above, a two day getaway to San Francisco this weekend.