Knitting what?

There has been knitting happening, although I've failed to document it.
One of the current projects I am learning to do is Norwegian mittens ala Indil by Eeva Saviranta which is a challenge because it's all in Finnish. But Jessica Tromp has a lovely learning curve website to help me out. So I'll let you know as it happens. 

From dianadorable

In the meantime I've been working on 'Split Personality' a shrug by Amanda Ziegler in Isager Strik Alpaca 2. Not in love with the color, the dark patches amidst the peach just make it look dirty. So I've got a dyer in mind I met at my tattoo parlor to help me out.
And then there were some lovely hats. As usual. Two 'Ripley's' from Ysolda, done quickly and without much derision. The only advice I have for this is try on the cap after the cast on, it can be quite tight. 

From dianadorable

 

From dianadorable

  
Then there was naught. This summer has been a slow knit time, too much going on to contribute to the blog. Not much sewing done either. I blame work and a boy. One I'm teaching to knit, but has a lovely brain that makes him forge ahead, no matter my dire consequences advice.
Cha cha cha. 

August

July ended with my 26th birthday at Ten Cat Tavern. There were cupcakes and laughs and poorly-executed pool games and whiskey shots. Some of the people who mean the most in my life stopped by, including the tamale guy.

From dianadorable

A lovely birthday present from artist boy wonder, Andrew Malvenda. Now I have a business card to be proud of, Chewbacca would agree. Funny story behind this; ABW sneakily asked me many, many seemingly unrelated questions over a period of weeks then presented me with this. Only one answer he ignored, when asking for my dream client I responded James Joyce. He obviously went a different route, wookie style.  

From dianadorable

I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon in the suburbs with family. Went home with some delicious tomatoes from Aunt Joyce and Uncle Riches' garden. On August 19th was my lovely gran, Shirles' birthday. Seen here with a dog of massive hair. I didn't notice till I after I posted that she had brought along a water bottle full of red wine for the outing. At the time I was too distracted by her sending my teenage cousin for ice cubes every so often.

From dianadorable

One night I recreated Susie's flourescent delicious baked spaghetti when I was craving brown sugar and ketchup. This is not a good representation of her culinary skills, it is one of Midwestern family casserole options. I have more recipes of this ilk, including a cauliflower and broccoli mix with crumbled Cheez-It's on top.

From dianadorable

A ballsy bit of yarn made my day, bought before Chicago's first Yarn Crawl. I've yet to plan out a project, but I've enjoyed having this outrageous color around. There's a special something waiting out there in the interwebs but I have yet to find it.

From dianadorable

Pierce continues to be adorable. And to sleep comfortably despite the unseasonable heat. Those are the paws of a killer cutie. 

From dianadorable

Amateur late night flower arranging, bought from Dominicks and borrowed from neighborhood gardens. The sunflower was a sidewalk crack find that I've been eyeing for some time. I've been able to save the hydrangeas, the dried out nicely.

From dianadorable

A faux tattoo on the neck makes me realize how thin my neck can look when an ugly bulldog is on it. My hair is getting long and my smile just as goofy as it was when I was 21. Some things will never change. 

From dianadorable

Cubbies & Bears

I am absolutely in love with where I live. It's a neighborhood on the Northside of Chicago, nestled between Lincoln Square and Logan Square. There's a lot of personality, furthered by the bevy of small business owners, two of which I do work for.
Grizzly's Lounge was owned by one of these such people; sold odd meats like alligator before closing at some point about two years ago. Several times a week I've walked by this abandoned restaurant with an equal amount of regret and wonder. The entire outside of this corner spot has queer murals outside that I assume only excited the patrons who visited.

From dianadorable

Look at these amazing bears, both terrifying and completely out of place in the urban atmos. "Dining Adventure with Northwoods Flair"

From dianadorable

Only half a block away there's an antique store called Old Saus Resale, owned by an Asian woman named Lee who seems to have a hoarder issue. This clever woman raided Grizzly's and when I went to visit her I found this gem. For under $100 and about twenty minutes of chat I brought it home. The frame is oak, the chalkboard double-sided, and the last specials still written upon it. It's no less then forty pounds, the three block walk home and four flights of stairs tested my triceps.

From dianadorable

I feel like I've got a little piece of my neighborhood to always carry with me, although it causes sore arms when brought about. A mix of art and nostalgia, currently propped up against my wall until I find a home with walls strong enough to hold it. Furry Monster added for reference size. Seems to be growing out his lion cut too fast, there's much more heat and humidity to come in Chicago.

From dianadorable

Not even the furry possum can get his attention. This is my favorite Pierce pose, the one that slayed me so much I brought him home seven years ago this July. I'll celebrate his birthday tomorrow with my own, with a mini cuddle fest before work.

From dianadorable

July

From dianadorable

Black Bear Combo at Xippo

From dianadorable

Pool at Tencat

From dianadorable

Birthday at Mr. Browns

From dianadorable

Out at LoKal

From dianadorable

Late Night at Susies