Swatched: Erika Knight Maxi Wool

 

Even though it's August and not wool-knittin weather, I swatched some up last night. I bought this yarn on a trip with my hubby to Blue Bell, PA for a wedding this last February (brrrr!!).

We spent a day in Phillie after the wedding, and of course I had to look up a popular LYS and decided on Rosie's Yarn Cellar. There wasn't any parking outside so my husband was "forced" to sit in the car and listen to sports radio instead of coming inside the yarn shop. What do I bee-line for when I don't have a lot of time to browse around? Super bulky. Gimme. I saw the color Artisan of Erika Knight Maxi Wool and couldn't leave without it. Find it on Ravelry HERE.

Stats on the tag:

100% British Wool

100g per hank

shade: artisan

shade no: 20

lot no: 539

80m/87yds

8 sts & 12 rows = 10 cm / 4 in.

US 15-17

(I tend to knit bigger than most gauges so I used US 13s)

My gauge: 9 sts & 14 rows = 4 in.

I love this yarn. It knits up so nicely in stockinette. It feels like a sturdy and hearty wool, but isn't scratchy at all. I only bought two hanks, but if I had bought more I wouldn't hesitate to make this into a sweater.

I'm now deciding on what I will make with this yummy yarn. Possibly Starflower?

Summer Eats: Watermelon Cucumber Salad

This salad is such an easy and delicious side dish. It is so fresh and flavorful-- perfect for summer BBQs! There are several variations floating around out there, but this is my version.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad

(feeds 4-6)

1 shallot

2 T lemon juice

1/2 of large watermelon or 1 small watermelon

4 seedless Persian cucumbers

1 whole cube of feta cheese (or crumbled)

2-3 sprigs of mint

olive oil

salt and pepper

Slice up shallot into fine slivers. Place in the bottom of your serving bowl with the lemon juice and let sit while you are prepping the other ingredients. **I often do this when adding shallots or red onion to a salad. It pickles them slightly so that they provide a sweet flavor but aren't overpowering. 

Dice up the watermelon and cucumber into equal size chunks and put into the same bowl. Pull the mint leaves from their stems, roll the leaves up, then slice into small strips and add to bowl. Drizzle contents with olive oil (several tablespoons) and season with salt and pepper. Toss all ingredients to coat. Dice up feta cheese and add on top just before serving. 

I like the cubed feta because it hold up nicely for a longer period of time. The crumbled feta starts to look a bit murky after awhile. But it's still delicious if that's what you have. That's what I had when I took the photos!

When you get "recipe block" while standing in the produce section, I suggest this combo for dinner:

I served this salad with the pre-marinated lamb tips from Trader Joes. My hubby grilled them up (so fast!) while I tossed this salad together, and it was SO yummy. The freshness of the cucumber/watermelon/mint combo really compliments the hearty flavor of the lamb. 

Enjoy!

{ Shipping News }

I shipped my first sale today, for my long-time friend, Haley. Did you read my story in my Etsy profile about my first (and only) handmade bathing suit? That happened in Haley's pool. I'm thankful that my first order is from someone who saw my handmade bathing suit fall apart in 5th grade. Grace and feedback from a good friend is invaluable when trying something new and a little scary. She ordered my Kerchief Cowl in charcoal. I know she wears tons of gray, navy, and cream, so this will be a perfect addition to her classic and comfy Bay Area wardrobe!

Siah, my cat (#siahgirl on Instagram) was not happy to be locked out of the bedroom when there was tissue paper and yarn on the floor. That is her dream combination. I make sure to keep anything knitting related wrapped and sealed to avoid eager paws. 

Cheers to many more knitted goodies from emilygreeneblue on Etsy!

{ Grand Opening }

"Things of quality have no fear of time." ~Unknown

It's been many years coming, and it's finally here: my ETSY SHOP! I have wanted to open a shop since I started knitting many years ago. It's because of my encouraging husband, family, and friends that I finally did it! This blog is a way for me to journal the journey, share my latest designs, and document tidbits of my life. Thank you for joining me! Check out my shop HERE! You will discover hand-knitted accessories made by yours truly.

Photo:
Chunky Knit Cowl Collar  by emilygreeneblue on Etsy
by DnA Wylie Photography, Coronado, CA