Riffles and Runs Beanie - Free Crochet Pattern!

Ahhhhh, crochet. For the last few years, most of my non-academic hobbies have fallen to the wayside in favor of a set of hooks and tons of luscious yarn. As I've been writing my dissertation, I decided that I needed to set the yarn aside and really focus, but honestly, I realized that the creative energy I generate by making and designing hats, scarfs and gloves actually helps to supplement the creative energy I need in order to think about my research and write well. So... back to the yarn! (Thank goodness - that was a boring few months!)

Recently, I realized that I didn't have a Christmas present ready for my step-mom and looked over my stash and patterns. Last year I designed a cowl called the Riffles and Runs cowl (pattern to be posted soon!), and hooked up in soft and squishy Bernat Alpaca and in a gorgeous plum color it's the perfect gift for her! So I whipped that up in a couple of hours - it's a super easy pattern. It needed a matching hat though, and for that I needed to come up with a pattern. The things I wanted: The signature riffles and runs texture, a bottom-to-top pattern with smooth decreases to shape the top of the hat, and a super-stretchy band for ultimate comfortableness.

I ended up with a fantastic hat! And I'd hate for you not to have one of your own, so here is the pattern for ya! (You can also download this in pdf format from my pattern shop, The Ivy Killers Designs, at Ravelry.com for $1.99. This helps offset my costs for pattern development and helps me keep offering patterns for free!)  There is a "messy bun"/ponytail version and a full beanie version. And add a pom pom on top if you want!

Furls new Candy Shop Crochet Set - Giveaway!

 

I've been wanting some of the lovely Furls wooden crochet hooks for a long time. But they're just a bit outside my price range at the moment, as I'm still plodding my way through graduate school. But Furls is holding a giveaway of $688 worth of goods including a set of hooks, a hook stand, yarn bowl and a ball of Ice yarn. My chance!!! Check 'em out, and even if you don't win, you can use coupon code bonitalovesfurls for 10% off any Furls purchase.

Good to note - this giveaway is only open to US and Canadian participants.

Click here to enter!

Summer Good-on-Everything Aioli

The summer is just flying past, and since I'm working out-of-state for weeks at a time, I haven't been able to keep up with crafting and cooking. But on the few days I get to spend at home, I've been trying to get in some sewing and some quick but delicious meals. Sunday was one of those, and it really was delicious - Roasted Shiitake Mushroom Sandwiches with Garlic-Basil Aioli. You can get the full sandwich recipe over at the Red Owl Blog, but here on Grow, Knead, Pickle & Sew I wanted to share this easy and versatile recipe for the aioli I used.

First, let me say that making a traditional aioli would include emulsifying olive oil and farm-fresh egg yolks a la homemade mayo, but since we're going for quick here, you'll notice that the recipe calls for store-bought mayo. If you're going the healthy, homemade way (which of course I recommend - do as I say, not as I do) then you should by all means make up a batch of mayo first, especially if you use the incredible Julia Childs whey-fermented recipe.

This aioli can be used as a sandwich spread, as a dip for roasted potatoes, fresh veggies or as a topping for a summer quiche. Also, I want to plug Alm Hill/Growing Washington, as they are selling some incredible basil right now at the Wallingford Farmers Market (Seattle on Wednesdays). 

Click through for the recipe!