Author: MCD

I'm a writer. I also bake. And knit. A lot. My novels are available anywhere ebooks/paperbacks/audiobooks are sold online. Find more info on my blog: http://www.madebymeghan.ca

Categories
Knitting

Tofino meets South Forks

More socks all for me!! After making the Monkey socks (post below) I wanted to find a pattern that would be able to handle a highly variegated yarn like the Gourmet Crafter Sock series and I hoped that the slipped stitches of the South Forks pattern would do the trick.

The colour turned out more overall black than I thought it would (green seemed to dominate the skein) but I think the end result is very handsome. These are lovely cushy socks. I still adore the yarn (no colour transfer or breaks with this skein).

The pattern was well-written and I knit it without alteration. Now I have two brand new pairs of socks – decadent!

Pattern: South Forks Socks by  Linda Welch
Yarn: Gourmet Crafter Sock by Alexa — Tofino Fern
Cast on: January 19, 2011
Finished: February 21, 2011
Pattern Rating: 5 stars
Yarn Rating: 5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Categories
Knitting

Monkey socks

Finally a pair of socks just for me! I have been gazing longingly at this yarn since Michael purchased it for my birthday – I loved the colourway and the cashmere content (of course). The fact that it is done by a local dyer – even more fantastic!

As a part of my “try out the top patterns on Ravelry personal challenge series” I chose Monkey by Cookie A (links below) for my next pair of socks. The pattern, which currently has 13,865 ravelry projects, was as great as reviewed–simple and easy to follow, but with an end result that looks much more complicated. Problem was the variegation of the yarn is so high that even this pattern, which is noted for working well with varigated yarn, gets quite obscured.

The yarn, Gourmet Crafter Sock by Alexa (links below) was divine. The colours are saturated and the fibre luxurious. My only complain was that the red came off (slightly, which is typical with reds) in my hands and this particular skein had 3 or 4 “breaks” in it. I am looking to collect and knit all of Alexa’s great colourways – just for fun!

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.
Yarn: Gourmet Crafter Sock by Alexa
Cast on: December 31, 2010
Finished: January 19, 2011
Pattern Rating: 5 stars
Yarn Rating: 5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Categories
webseries

Eliza Faria (aka ANNIE) cast as young Reneesme in Twilight: Breaking Dawn

Just a fun side note to the usual baking, knitting and writing posts I usually go on about:

The adorable and very talented Eliza Faria, who just so happens to play Annie in my web series, SiftingRealities, was just cast as the young Reneesme character in the upcoming Twilight movie: Breaking Dawn: Part One.

You can see Eliza in the SiftingRealities pilot: TRAPPED AT THE BACK DOOR and episode three: ZOMBIE IN THE GARDEN.

We wish Eliza much luck, and tons of fun, filming on a big time movie set!! So exciting!!

Categories
baking

Chocolate Pudding & Coconut Macaroons…

While it is true that chocolate has many perfect partnerships: peanut butter, caramel, ice cream, and really ANY cookie, as well as, being simply fantastic in many different manifestations: solid, chips, melted, hot, cold and, of course, molten – I believe that the pairing of chocolate pudding and macaroons is one of the most perfect pairings of recipes in all time (at least of the time I’ve been baking).

If you are craving pudding then what are you going to do with the egg whites? Throw them out? Make a (I don’t hesitate to say) bland omelet? The same goes with the yokes when making macaroons. My solution? Make both!

Mini Almond Macaroons – a tiny version of my standard recipe. FYI – full sized ones where featured in the 2nd episode of my (half-filmed) web series, SiftingRealities.

My chocolate pudding recipe comes via my trusty, and terribly destroyed, copy of Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book – no modifications. Tips: stir, stir, stir – constantly – and you won’t end up with lumpy pudding. Also use butter and high quality cocoa. Michael, who isn’t really supposed to eat chocolate in large quantities, can’t have a single cup of this pudding without getting a migraine. I praise blame the cocoa.

Why the tiny portion sizes? We’re counting calories this new year and I am happy to say that with all the “good” ingredients still included, and by simply trimming back portion size, the pudding is only 118 calories a (1/4) cup and a single macaroon weighs in at 81 calories (or less if you don’t add the ground almond). Why not have two?

YUMMY!

Categories
photography vancouver

Good morning (snowy) Vancouver…

footprints at 7:55am - not everyone gets a day off work when it snows...
Categories
photography

Testing out the new (old) camera…

I am test shooting a Canon Rebel XTi. I bought the body used at Kerrisdale Cameras, which is ironic because the first camera I ever purchased (a 35mm without a light meter) was bought from their North Vancouver location in 1990.

This is Richard Parker.

This is Parker’s hair during a thorough personal cleaning. No, I didn’t style it that way for him.

I quickly turned off the too-eager flash, and found myself very happy to have something with more weight back in my hands (I absolutely loathe our point & shoot digital). So far I am absolutely loving the depth and focus abilities. More shots to come.

Ooooo… maybe it’ll snow!

Categories
Knitting

Gift Knitting…

Now I am not a very big gift knitter.  I am ultimately selfish with regards to projects that take so much of my time and are usually made with yarn that I am totally in love with (and therefore have no wish to just give away). Debates about gift knitting can go on for days on Ravelry, and non-knitters really seem to have little grasp of how much time and energy go into knitting, so a lot of knitters fall into the same category as me: only give handknits to those you think will appreciate it.

With that said I thought I might quickly flash some of my recent gift knitting here:

Pattern: TTL Mystery Sock by Kirsten Kapur
Yarn: Sweet Georgia CashLuxe Fine in the Tourmaline colourway
Cast on: September 3, 2010
Finished: October 16, 2010
Pattern Rating: 5 stars
Yarn Rating: 4.5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Quick thoughts – made for my lovely friend Janine who, fortunately, has smaller feet than me, because, as you can see, these are a little tight on me in the modelling shots. I found the pattern challenging and ended up ripping out the first sock THREE times and the second twice – I kept dropping stitches or making the socks WAY too small (the cables across the foot really cinch in the fabric). Ultimately it was worth it because I just loved them. I thought the colour was amazing – perfect for my friend Janine – the yarn was luxurious, and the pattern was another beautiful and well-written one by Ms. Kapur.

Pattern: Tangled Vine Socks by Chrissy Gardiner
Yarn: Fearless Fibers Merino Cashmere Nylon in the “Grass is Always Greener” colourway
Cast on: October 27, 2010
Finished: November 20, 2010
Pattern Rating: 4 stars
Yarn Rating: 5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Quick thoughts: Christmas socks for my sister – the perfect colour and absolutely decedent yarn. A fun, pretty, under appreciated pattern – though I couldn’t figure out the short row heel (which was  new to me) so after making one that turned out awfully I opted for a regular slip stitch heel.

Pattern: Twisted Mockery by Lisa Stichweh
Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon – Skinny Bugga in the Tufted Jungle King colourway
Cast on: November 1, 2010
Finished: December 7, 2010
Pattern Rating: 5 stars
Yarn Rating: 5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Quick thoughts: I belong to the Sock Knitters Anonymous Group on Ravelry. They, among other things, host a Sockdown: Ravelry challenge every year. This is a KAL (knit along) for anyone who wishes to participate (and, as long as you follow the rules, you may win a prize). As apart of this KAL different designers design mystery sock patterns every second month. These, pictured above, are the results of my very first MOCK (Mystery Sock) with the SKA group. I had never attempted such “difficult” socks, but the pattern was clearly written and easy to follow and I adore the results!  These became a Christmas gift for my mom Laurel and I hope she likes them as much as I did!

Categories
Knitting

I seem to have a bit of a hat thing going on…

This my Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (pattern free on ravelry). Yes, I succumbed to the pressure of the numerous ravelry projects (6591 and counting!!) – I thought all those knitters must know a good pattern when they knit it! Turns out they (the knitters) totally do – I love it. The pattern is simple (clearly written), but very satisfying. I also thought it was a great project for handspun yarn.

I used three different skeins (medium blue, light blue and blue/brown) of Yummy Yarn – specifically her handspun “soft spun” which is cushy and soft – I am a true fan of this local dyer/spinner.

Pattern: Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson
Yarn: Yummy Yarn Soft Spun – Medium Blue, Light Blue & Blue/Brown
Cast on: December 24, 2010
Finished: December 30, 2010
Pattern Rating: 5 stars
Yarn Rating: 4.5 stars
Ravelry Project Page

Note: photos courtesy of Michael

Categories
writing

January is for writing – a (bloody?) comedy about love.

I’ve been working on my comedy about love this afternoon, no it’s not a romantic comedy – because I said so.

I’ve been playing around with a couple of opening scenes (set at a wake) including this one (set in the bathroom of a community centre).

Trixie dramatically flings open her stall door and then slumps against it. She shakes the pregnancy test (now out of box) in her hand.

TRIXIE
(confessing)
He’s a partner.

MINX
Ever heard of a condom, stupid?

AMANDA
Did you flush?

TRIXIE
It broke.

AMANDA
The toilet?

TRIXIE
The condom.

MINX
They have pills for that.

TRIXIE
Took one. This was the earliest test I could find.

MINX
You could’ve just dropped by the hospital.

TRIXIE
I knew you’d be on the way here –

AMANDA
Listen, I know this is all terribly important, but I am having a real issue with the unflushed toilet.
(dramatically whispering)
It’s right behind you.

Trixie sighs and then leans over to flush the toilet.

This script is going to totally rock – because I said so.

ETA: Belatedly thought I should provide visual proof of writing… hence the desk shot. I also have final draft, scrivener (which I am trying out) and i-tunes running on the computer. I especially like the inclusion of the envelope… did I run out of scrap paper? why did I think grabbing an envelope was the best choice at the moment of inspiration? Ah, well. I just go with it – it usually works out for me that way.

Categories
baking

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

I chose to bake Eggnog Cheesecake Bars (another Martha Stewart recipe) specifically for Michael because he is a such a fan of eggnog (especially when added to coffee). I followed the recipe pretty precisely, though I needed to strain the mixed batter, as it was lumpier than I liked, before pouring it over the crust. I think I didn’t let the cream cheese soften enough before using it and then rushed the initial mixing – it seems I was in a big rush ALL of yesterday (December 17, 2010), because I also had a batch of shortbread (almost) flop.

Modifications: I lined the pan with parchment paper rather than trusting the vegetable oil cooking spray, used graham cracker crumbs (rather than crackers) and omitted the brandy.

Notes: the plastic wrap clings to the top (and therefore messes it up) if you let it touch.

Tasting notes: Michael says they taste exactly as advertised – eggnog cheesecake – and gave them 5 stars. It’s a keeper! Also, reviews from various tasters at the Christmas Drop-In were all positive.