double-points

I've started knitting another hat- this time from some dark brown Norwegian wool, and using the 'Last Minute Purled Beret' pattern from Knit and Tonic. I really like the design (I first saw it beautifully made in Noro yarn on Emma's blog), and lord knows, it's hat weather around here. I figured that because the design was called 'Last-minute', I should be able to finish it this winter. Hopefully.

While thinking about knitting, I also found a wonderful pattern for a hat with earflaps (along with lots of other great patterns)- designed by Kirsten Kapur of Through the Loops. The design is called 'Thorpe' (scroll down a bit- it's on the right-hand side under 'Free Patterns'.) I think I might try this one next- it will be a good excuse to practice crocheting an edge, too.

I'm enjoying doing a bit of knitting in the evenings, even though I'm forcing myself to use slippery double-pointed needles (I feel more comfortable on straights but i know it's silly to use those for hats.) The other day in the grocery store, I noticed that circular and double-point needles were hung up near the checkout in that bit where all the chewing gum and chocolate is lined up. That's pretty great, isn't it? Just for those 'oh phew, i almost forgot my size 6 circular!' moments.

Here we have a plate of naan breads I made tonight (okay, Tom kneaded and rolled the dough. He's good like that.) I was cooking some rice and a lentil curry for dinner, and just happened to be looking at blogs at the same time (ha) and came across this post at angry chicken and knew I had to have some naan. I have tried making these in the past, but I think the recipe linked to here was far superior because I remember my previous effort being a bit disappointing. I used this recipe and halved the measurements, because we I was worried about running out of flour. It made about 7-8 breads though which was perfect. Also, I skipped the rising step due to lack of time, and fried them in a hot frying pan instead of a grill, and they worked out really nicely. I rubbed some chopped garlic and butter on the cooked naans just to add to their health-giving properties.

Lastly, here are some pictures from a walk we took yesterday in the last of the afternoon light. We went to the end of the peninsula near where we live, and it was beautiful, rocky and dramatic. The kind of rocks that look like whales sleeping near the shore. The kids paddled a bit in the ice-cold sea with their snow boots on.

 

Comments

[abbehope]

Beautiful. I saw the naanrecipy, but can't quite deside what kind of flour to get if I'm to make them, any advice?

Btw - lærer du norsk også? :)

[Lies]

Aaaah so beautiful beautiful by the sea!!!
Great knitting and cooking tips - I like the way you blog while you cook!!!
X Lies

[Di]

Wow - the naan breads look great - I have never tried to make them myself - although I have made lentil curry before. I must try that recipe out!

Thanks also for the links to the hats - I enjoy knitting hats so will try out the earflap pattern too!

So glad that you enjoyed a walk in the sunshine and that coastline looks beautiful!

[Jacinta]

It's lovely seeing pictures of where you live, especially the kids at the beach in their snow gear.

[Mary Ellen]

The area you've move to looks beautiful.. i hope the kids had fun! Stay warm!

[cyndi]

it all looks so yummy!

[Helen]

You'll find this hard to believe, but I wish it was hat wearing weather today - it's extremely hot AND extremely windy, which is not a favourite combination of mine.

I look forward to knitting weather - lately it just feels too sticky hot to be handling wool.

You look like you are settling in beautifully - thanks for the regular updates.

x Helen

[Fiona]

They're one of my fave foods.. naan.. I'm going to leave it to the local Indian experts to whip them up for me in Sg, which is soon.. Yay!

[Kris]

Beautiful photos in this post! I managed to take a short break last week and enjoyed all those "new place" things on holiday. Your new adventure must be a bit like that. Permanently on holidays!

[Felicia]

Wow! What a beautiful walk :)

[jessica]

Great post...made me hungry for lentil curry!!! The pics are beautiful as well, looks like you live in another beautiful place (your NZ pics were always so pretty). Oh, and how amazing is that new Devendra Banhart??? We listen to it constantly these days.

[celine reid]

If it wasn't for the diet I have just started I would try your naan recipe straight away. I also love to read about how you seem to embrace life in our new country so well

[Lisa]

I really am geographically challenged... Its really great you are near the sea, no matter how freaky cold it is! Go the hats, I cant knit (and don't have a pinch of the patience/commitment it requires to complete something) but I do love hats - even in this awful hotness I purchased a possum fur blended with merino beret in Golden Bay when I was home, cant wait for some coldness! x

[mims]

homemade naan and beachplay in winter...awesome!

[jen]

i so admire those who knit.. i have tried and tried for years now, but it cannot hold my attention!
beautiful shore shots! enjoy this lovely day.

[Barbara]

Oh, they DO look like slumbering whales! What a gorgeous coastline!!!

That nan bread is making my mouth water. I've never tried making it myself, but now I'll have to!

[Ozlen]

Hi there,

glad to see yopu are settling in nicely. I just have a few comments. I did smile about the double pointed needles in the checkout line. Funny they always have candy over here also, I wish they had needles instead. And forget about the checkout line, I wish they had those in the grocery stores period. Maybe Morweigans are serious knitters?? Hmmm..
Also, I am amazed that you make such beautfiul Naan bread in a pinch like that, I have got to try that recipe myself.

Take care,
Ozlen

[therese]

Still smiling at the ongoing experience of (re)discovering bits and pieces of my country and culture through someone elses eyes. What a treat. I do love the land I walk. I'm happy you see the magic too. May it continue to speak to you!

[Chara Michele]

It looks so beautiful there! (Knitting needles in the checkout, how great is that!)

[Jo]

Beautiful life-in-motion shots Melissa, and thanks for the naan link :) Your local super sounds like a great place!

[Emma]

I bet you will be happy with your brown beret. Thanks for the link, Melissa! If we ever meet we can sport similar looks. ;) I know what you mean with the slipperiness of metal needles... it might prolong any project. I could swap you a pair of wooden needles for a ball of norwegian wool if you are interested?

Beautiful pictures. I especially love the pic of little Keira at the coastline.

[anuriitta]

You Make My Day!

Best wishes,
anuriitta,
http://anutje.livejournal.com/

[Tracy]

Still conquering my dpns fear too ;o). I find wood/bamboo dpns helpful to the metal varitey. Your bread looks sooo good! Naan breads made great pizza bases too. Wonderful photos--what a lovely view of the coast. Happy week to you all ((HUGS))

[jendoop]

Thanks for the recipe, I love Naan but had never found a recipe I felt confident in. I have a great Chicken tomato curry recipe (super easy) you could use Tofu too, if you're interested...

[suzanne]

Mmmm - Naans and knitting! Two of my favourite things! V. impressed by your skill with dpn's - I am working up to that - very slowly!