I was thinking this morning, that on a typical week I find so many ideas for projects I want to try, that I have trouble keeping track of them all. I keep a paper journal where I save photos of things I’d like to make, names of websites I stumble upon and want to revisit, recipes I think we’ll love, gift ideas, etc. My paper journals are complemented with apps like Evernote and Pinterest, and quick snapshots saved on my phone.
So, today I had an idea. What if I gave myself a recurring task to review my notes once a week, and select my favorite things to share with you? I got this idea from reading this article on creativity, which I revisit often and has inspired me to try other things like drawing and thinking up my own knitting patterns.
I will comb through all my notes every weekend and share them on the blog on Sundays. This will a) motivate me to write more often, b) give all my favorite notes a home, and c) share my ideas with others. (a.k.a.: The why of this blog.)
Of course, I am certain I will never get to all of the ideas I save, but you might!
I also like the idea of keeping track of the year one week at a time. It makes my planning more manageable and keeps me on track. This is week #47. Let’s get started!
Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
For knitters…
This week’s board includes the cover of the latest Rowan newsletter, Fall/Winter issue. (1) I have been a fan of Rowan for my whole adult knitting life. This newsletter will get you excited about Magazine 68, their latest issue. I’ve already ordered mine and cannot wait to receive it in the mail. For more pattern ideas, go check out their site: knitrowan.com.
(3) Knitting technique + free pattern: Mini tassels are adorable. This is a free pattern by London Loop. They also sell kits and offer tutorials if you decide to try this project.
(5) If you have little kiddos in your family, you might like to try making a small toy as a Christmas gift. The book The Knitted Nursery Collection by Jem Weston offers some adorable ideas using Rowan yarns, which are my favorite.
(7) Here’s a fun way to get rid of small amounts of yarn and decorate your home for the holidays. I saw these miniature mittens in the Sundance Catalog, but they were out of stock. But don’t despair! I’m giving myself some homework to put together a small tutorial on how to make them. Stay tuned! (I just checked and they are available again, but I’ll still be working on a short tutorial for a holiday garland.)
For food lovers…
This week I purchased a small item from the Williams Sonoma store. While on their site, I decided to browse their tableware section. You know, Thanksgiving is coming, and browsing is fun! (6) This 28-piece flatware set is so beautiful! The handles are made out of six different woods harvested in France. I thought it was stunning (as well as the price, which unfortunately is WAY out of my budget)! I’m jealous if you can get it. 😍
On Instagram, (2) this gorgeous photo of a pear tart (also by @williamssonoma) instantly caught my attention. (So beautiful!) Better yet, you can make this recipe in under 30 minutes. THIS I must try! It may not be what I plan on making for Thanksgiving this year, but I think I’ll add a few pears and some puff pastry to my shopping list in case I change my mind. Here’s the link to the recipe.
And speaking of dessert. (4) These Inslee Fariss plates are too cute not to get. The theme is based on the classic song, ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’. Such a cute idea. These may be one of the only things about 2020 worth collecting! You can learn more about this designer, @inslee on IG.
Need a refresher on the lyrics? It’s never too early to start practicing your holiday carols! Learn about the history of this song and listen to it here.
In other news, we officially welcomed the fall/winter season this week with colder weather and some much-anticipated rain. I started a pair of fingerless mittens to wear on my walks with Estelle. I’m trying to come up with an original design but so far all I have are swatches.
I also tried this delicious pumpkin bread recipe. It makes two loaves, so you may want to read my post about how to freeze bread and cakes. Some of the recipe reviewers at foodnetwork.com thought there was too much oil and sugar in the recipe, but I found the bread to be delicious, without making any substitutions.
Next time I might experiment by using whole wheat flour and some walnuts – I love walnuts in bread. Do you have a favorite pumpkin bread recipe?
Next week is Thanksgiving, and we’re grateful that all our family members are all in good health, which in my mind is the only thing that matters these days. We will miss gathering with them very much this year and look forward to getting together again without the need to wear masks.
We are still deciding on what our menu will be. It’s a little difficult to include all the traditional dishes to feed such a small group. We don’t want to eat the same thing for a whole week! Below is a list of what we are thinking of making. (I know, I know. We still need something green.) I’ll be looking at Melissa Clark‘s, Samin Nosrat‘s, Alison Roman’s, and Ina Garten’s menu suggestions for 2020, among others, to see if something sounds good.
possible menu:
- Samin Nosrat’s Buttermilk Turkey
- Stuffing by, TBD
- Julia Child’s Potatoes Dauphinoise
- Aunt K’s Sweet Potato Gratin
- Tartine’s Apple Nougatine Tart
- Store Bought Vanilla Ice Cream (Marianne’s is our favorite these days.)
What are you making today?
