Yarny Days

Mandala

2012-01-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

Clearly, it is baby season in my part of the world. This year will be filled with baby-gift projects. I better get cranking. In the spirit of cranking, I decided to recruit my own, personalized domestic helper, Ms. Kid. If you want something handmade from her, it will be most definitely "purple" (the real color being fuchsia). She is so obsessed with "purple," that she has her own crochet hook in her favorite color.

I dont think I have ever made circular blankets. As some of you might know my hatred for seaming, I like the idea of a one-piece blanket. So I made two circular blankets for two friends of mine--one called "Granny Mandala", and the other, "Flat Circle." Both patterns are decided to make placemats, cushions, etc. Note to self: the granny mandala does not really work for blankets. I think it is best to use the pattern for the intended idea (of making smaller mandala-things). When one starts adding more and more rounds, the darn thing ripples like crazy. I frogged so many times. It was nuts. I should have kept extensive notes, but well. I figured some kind of formula in some of the later rounds to avoid excess-fabric-creation. Will I make another Granny Mandala blanket. Nope.

But the Flat Circle pattern is a dream. It will not ripple and end up looking like the world's finest amoeba. Keep going as per the row math (well described in the pattern), and the blanket will truly lay flat. I used the same yarn for both the blankets. It has been in my stash for years--and finally, it is going to find a home(s). Using stashed yarn is so liberating.

Side note: I love the word, Mandala. The idea of a circle is...calming. Ms. Domestic Helper also agrees. It is one shape she is obsessed with drawing over and over again. "Lets draw...ah...circle, Mommy?"

Pattern: Granny Mandala (free)
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Sundance
Hook: 5mm
Size: around 32in diameter

Pattern: Flat Circle (free)
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Sundance
Hook: 5mm
Size: around 25in diameter

Law and Order Blanket No.3

2012-01-09T12:02:00.002-05:00

When Xmas rolled in a few weeks ago, I realized I did not post about the blanket I made for Suketu for Xmas 2010. Yes, 2010. "I will take pictures tomorrow, I will take pictures tomorrow" led to 12 months flying by.

This blanket was began close the heels of the first Law & Order Blanket. Almost complete, it was tucked away from many months. Obviously. I had to make the second L & O blanket for Anya-to-be. And then finally, I was inspired to finish this particular one for Suketu's den in our new (well, it was new in 2010) home.

These pictures were taken this morning. And I must say that after one year of use (especially child-use), the blanket has held up very well. I used Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool--comes in many neutral colors, and has great yardage.

Will I be making such a monster of a L&O blanket again? Maybe. As you will see soon, I have been caught by the blanket fever.

Pattern: my own recipe
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool. So many skeins, I lost count.
Needle: 5mm

Empty Nest Syndrome

2011-12-19T14:39:00.002-05:00

No, Anya did not move away to attend college. There are days when we wish we could pack her off, but they said they wouldn't take a two year old. So until she is ready, she will be living with us.

When I was pregnant, I began knitting primarily for the baby-to-be. And after Anya was born, I began knitting more and more just for her. Then one day, somewhere down the line, the flood gates opened. The million opinions. She decided she hated sweaters and vests. Fortunately, I didnt take it personally. It was not just the handknits--the hatred encompassed all things outerwear.

But there is good news. One, though it might shock you, I still craft. Two, my daughter has suddenly transformed into a sweater (or in her words, "sweata") loving person.

I digress. My point is--my blog has been going through an empty nest syndrome...grieving for the loss of its main protagonist. And though, for the moment, she has decided to make her grand appearance, toddler-hood is a strange thing. The Queen (yes, thats what she is called in these places) might decide that it is not her thing anymore.

Yarny Days might see some major revamping in 2012. And hopefully, restart the blogging. I miss my blog. And all my crafty friends around the world.

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So many people ask me if I have made Bombay Love for Anya. Clearly, it took a while. To make one, and to blog about it. I think Anya likes it. Or she is yet to give her verdict. (Can you tell that having a chatty toddler makes me nervous?)

One specific change I did for this version are the sleeves. I wanted to "tighten" the ends, so with the magenta yarn, I did two tight rounds of single crochet around. This drew in the sleeves, giving it a much more finished look--rather that just "flopping around"...if that makes sense. I think you can see this more clearly in the pictures.

I have been asked several times if I would design the pattern in larger sizes. Unfortunately, no. I had made up the pattern one time, and wrote it to help others make their version. I know some people have made larger sizes. One raveler has even made an adult version. Click here to see more!

Pattern: Bombay Love (pattern free; see sidebar of this blog)
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted; Cascade Yarns 220 Wool for edging
Size: 1.5 - 2.5 years
Needle: 5.5 mm

For the New Kid on the Block

2011-09-27T16:01:00.004-04:00

Anya welcomed her new cousin last week. We are very excited for the latest addition in our extended family. AND grandchild-craziness will be more shared and well distributed in our neck of the woods!

She presented him with a crocheted, mommy-made blanket. (This brown color was hard to photograph. The first picture is more true to the actual color). It is a great pattern if you want something that is repetitive and mindless. And what I really like is its texture. Also, turns out pretty 'thick' because of the nature of its stitches. If you crochet, do add this to your must-made list.

I made up the border stitch. Goes something like this--sc between one 'bunch of stitches', chain 5 times, and then repeat. Nothing special at the corners. The chains help with the 'no-curling' effect.

My version raveled here
Pattern: Diagonal Box Stitch (free download at Ravelry)
Hook: 3.5mm
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino (Brown) and Classic Elite Sundance (for border)
Size: 32 * 32 inches

Baby Shower Idea, Part II: Baby Food for Adults

2011-09-01T12:58:00.003-04:00

Who does not like presents? Even if they are in the form of party favors. I always wonder what I will find my bag/my container/my box. Can you tell I love the (pleasantly) surprise factor?

With that in mind, I started thinking about favors for my sister-in-law's shower (see Part I here). I knew what I did not want--to give something to people, only for them to dump it into their growing pile of random favors from their partying life. And even if they did decide to chunk it, it needed to have some kind of memory.

Some website suggested using baby food jars. So this is what I ended up doing--went to BJs and bought the smallest, cheapest, baby food jars available. I bought the savory kind, because once I scooped them out, I made a huge (huge) pot of soup for us (and the entire neighborhood). If you ever decide to use do something like this, scoop the food out of the jar, and immediately wash the lid and container with water (and unscented soap). Pat dry and air-dry the containers overnight.

Now what does one put in these jars? Sweets of course. And personalized M&Ms came to the rescue. They come in a fantastic array of colors--all you have to do is send them graphics and text! I filled half the jar with other chocolate (Herseys, Lindt, etc), and the top half with the personalized M&Ms. Close jar, tie ribbon, and you are good to go.

Hindu Mythological Child-God, Baby Krishna

(usually identified with young boys)

Mother rocking her Child in a Cradle

Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law's initials with Date of Baby Shower

And for sweets during the party, we had mini-cupcakes from our delish local cupcake place, Sweet. The blue-green cupcakes went fabulously with the tables' centerpieces--blue-green washcloth cupcakes.

Baby Shower Idea, Part I: A Cake fit for a Prince

2011-08-22T15:05:00.001-04:00

It was my sister-in-law's baby shower party some weeks ago--I have never organized a baby shower for anyone before, so this was certainly new for me. One thing was clear--it had to be handmade and crafty. Over the next few blog posts, I will share the things I made for the shower. Today is diaper-cake day.

I have always been intrigued with diaper cakes--I think they are a totally awesome, innovative idea. And super easy. I looked a few youtube versions of how to make one, and I just winged it. Meaning, I first bought the diapers (size one, instead of newborn--so that the cake can be enjoyed for longer), made the "cake," and then went to the mecca of all crafty goodness, Michaels. The colors for the shower were green and blue, so thats the ribbon I bought. I knew I didnt want any funky bows on the cake--just enough ribbon to cover the circumference.

My mother-in-law has a large ribbon collection--and she had some gold ribbon with some pompoms on it. I cut off those pompoms, and voila, it turned out to be real cool looking, zigzag gold tape. Thats what you see over the green-blue ribbons.

I could have stopped there, but the "joints" of the ribbons really bothered me. Suketu saw me spending hours obsessing over the "lack of perfection." Over the years, I have collected several little things on my trips to India. I had these multi-colored motifs, usually used on clothing, and glued them at the joints. (FYI--If you have never used a hot-glue gun, proceed with caution. Ask me how I know).

The last detail. From the start, I wanted the cake to be "prince" inspired, but I just didnt know how that would be possible. Just when I had given up on the idea, in the cupcake aisle at Michaels, I found these little boy-cupcake-toppers! They worked out perfect. I made little crowns for each of them. Thats it. Now you have a cake for a little baby!

The Humble, Stuffed, Mini Sweet-Pepper; Indian Style

2011-08-05T21:29:00.004-04:00

I finally admit it. I have been ignoring my blog. Partly because I am hardly on Ravelry anymore (still knitting though). Partly because I am yet to make crafty friends in Hoboken. And partly because I am just pure lazy with the photography clean-up. All in all, the police would call it "Blog Neglect."

Strangely however, I still aspire to blog. Every day. Something happens during the day, and I take pictures thinking, I will blog about it. I cook something unique (strange?), take fancy pictures, telling myself that one day, they will be in blogland.

So here you go. I made these peppers as one of the entrees, when we had Suketu's aunts and uncles over for dinner. When summer arrives, I am the first in line at the grocery store, buying sweet mini-peppers. Within hours, I make something sweet/spicy with them. The sweetness is from the peppers themselves. The heat is from the stuffing. This is my Indian take on stuffed peppers.

Ingredients

Please note: Measurements and quantities are approximations and guess-work. I make up my recipes as I go. Change spice-level according to taste (or should I say, tolerance).

2 pounds sweet mini-peppers, deseeded
1 frozen packet of paneer (usually found frozen in Indian grocery stores, crumbled (sorry for the vague "quantity,"--I just winged it)
1/2 pound baby carrots, diced and steamed
3 onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp coriander powder
2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
salt to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan under medium heat. Saute onions until slightly brown. Add all the spices, paneer, and carrots, and continue to saute the mixture for another 3-5 minutes under low heat.
2. Once this mixture has cooled, stuff the peppers and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake the peppers in the oven at 375 degrees F for 50 minutes.
3. Check the peppers and see if the caramelization has began. I usually use a glass baking dish, so I keep looking underneath it. You will see thick, dark syrupy stuff around the peppers. Once this starts, bake for another 5 minutes or so. Then you are done. Note--somewhere in the baking process, there is a fine line between caramelization and burning. Keep checking on the peppers regularly.
4. If you have extra stuffing, you can make delicious roti-wraps. I have warm memories of opening my lunch-box in school, and voila--my mom would have made us wraps with leftovers. The possibilities are endless.

Xmas Gifts, Part 1

2011-06-15T13:06:00.002-04:00

Xmas in June? Something like that. I have been so way behind in picture-taking and blog-writing, that you get to enjoy Xmas gifts now. (The good news is that the recipients did receive gifts during Xmas season). Our home and its inhabitants (well, lets just say I) have been deeply involved in tranforming the former from empty apartment-state to house-state to now home-state. I have another 3-4 months' work of getting everything together, but this is a great process. I love organizing and decorating, and this home-project is my latest hobby. Pictures to come. Soon.

Back to Xmas. One of Anya's hand-knit gifts was a Noro vest, inspired by one that my friend, Sarah, made for her son. I sized the vest for this coming winter season. It is a simple top-down recipe (for calculations see Barbara Walker's books) and thats it. The outcome is pretty-darn cute. I bought some more Noro a few months ago to make one for myself, and a Noro striping scarf for Suketu. I finally get those Noro-"obsessors."

Pattern: my own recipe (top-down)
Yarn: Noro and Cascade superwash
Needle: US 8
Size: 18 - 2.5 years

This hat. It is a hat with many stories. Made for Anya. Ended my fitting my head. Self-gifted by Suketu. He loves the quirkiness of the yarn--one of the reasons, I suppose, you would want to use it for a uhmm, child? (Incidentally, the same friend, Sarah, made one for her son, and gave me leftover skeins to make one for Anya!). The yarn (same dye-lot) had some dye-lot issues, as you can notice. But Suketu loves it anyway. And so do I--especially because he got a handknit gift this year. Actually, two. The second one will be in the next blog-post.

Pattern: Elfin (my version is here)
Yarn: Farmhouse Yarns Lumpy Bumpy (1.25 skeins)
Needle: US 8
Size: 18 months...well, which fits an male adult's head

Household Happenings

2011-05-06T10:33:00.002-04:00

Hello.

I am full of lame excuses. I have not blogged because my camera has been doing something funky. Don’t ask me what, but it has. Anyway, here I am.

We have been buzy doing toddler stuff. Time really catches up, right? After having a splendid mural for Anya at our old place, we (ah, how I take credit for things I did not create) had to do something splendid again for Anya’s room. These are some work in progress pictures. The mural is done, but ah…I need to take pictures. Ok camera. Behave tomorrow. Suketu’s friend, Brian did a monumental task. He is just amazing. Details to follow. Soon.

I, yes I, have also been knitting. A lot more than you think. This poncho for Anya was knit up during my India trip. I am no big fan of variegated yarn, but I think I am coming around--well, at least for baby stuff. The confusion (?) in the yarn dyeing somehow goes with children's personalities. Maybe?

One of the best yarns I have ever worked with. Lorna's Laces in Worsted. Soft, machine-washable, and so easy on the needles and fingers. Definitely expensive, but this poncho took only a skein. A big thumbs up. And Anya and her grandpa also seem to agree.

Pattern: Children's Poncho (Ravelry link) See my version here.
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted multi (one skein)
Needle: US 5 and US 7
Modifications: I casted on stitches of second size (68)

Baby Color-Block Blanket

2011-03-09T19:37:00.000-05:00

No, No. I am still here. I cant believe the last time I posted was in January. How can that be possible? Is it March yet?

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Everyone knows that I love knitting for babies. But what gives me more pleasure is knitting for people who I have known forever--not the "people" per se, but their babies. Do you get what I mean?

I have know Nasir almost forever--and when I was in India, we got to meet his lovely, new fellow. This blanket was made for him--my first ever granny square blanket which involved seaming. If you have read my blog more than once (yap, once is all it takes), you know how much I hate seaming. But as they say, no pain, no gain. I love the outcome.

Pattern: made up
Yarn: Spud and Chloe sweater
Hook: 4.5mm

A Poncho also went to India

2011-01-17T15:53:00.003-05:00

One of the most fun things about the India trip was going there with handmade gifts. Gone are the days (I mean, specifically for the urban, middle/upper class--who make up a miniscule percentage) when chocolates and clothes from "abroad" made enticing presents. And hey, nothing can hold its own against something handmade, can it?

This poncho was for my sister-in-law. A simple, stockinette piece, started a few months before I had Anya and finished when the kid was three months old. Washed and blocked two weeks before our India trip. A total of...err, many months. Lets skip the math.

For those of the mindless-knitting clan, this is a winner. My friend, Nadine, gave me her poncho recipe, and helped me figure out how many stitches to cast on. After that, one just has to keep knitting. And knitting some more. I am definitely going to make one for myself. Some day.

Pattern: from a friend's head
Yarn: Spud and Chloe, sweater (worsted weight)
Needle: US 8

Anya went to India!

2011-01-11T13:32:00.003-05:00

A photo-blogpost about Anya's travels to India, the country of grandparents, great grandparents, bangles, mosquito bites, late-night party animal attitude (also called jet-lag) and unlimited dosa, sambar, and thaiyr satham.

Keeping Grandma on her toes

Piano lessons from Aunty Vaishali

Proudly sporting Bangles

Christmas Day with Uncle Alan

Always on the go (Ulsoor Market, Bangalore)

And finally, Great-Grandma could not be happier

Claudia Scarf

2010-12-17T11:48:00.001-05:00

After spending the last few months finishing several unfinished projects, it was a dream to work on something new. This is a last minute Xmas gift for my mother-in-law, who spends many hours a week entertaining Anya. This scarf is filled with gratitude and "thankfulness"--if thats even a word, but you get my point.

Initially, I only intended to make gifts for Anya. Somehow down the line, Suketu got himself onto the list. And then I thought it was only fair to make something for my mother-in-law. So I needed a quick pattern with a beautiful outcome--and this is the perfect pattern. Totally mindless once you get through the first few rows, and it is 100% pretty.

Since I am going through my stash in a big way, I decided to use the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino that I had been saving up for I dont know what. Maybe a yarn famine? Very nice to work with, but the quality control sucks big time. Tons of spots where the yarn was knotted up together. Crochet hides all this stuff, but if it were knitting, there would have certainly been some cursing. Anyway--six skeins and I got more than a generous sized scarf. I am definitely going to make a few more of these.

Raveled here
Pattern: Claudia Scarf (free)
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino; six skeins
Size: small (the pattern is written for fingering weight; I used DK)
Hook: 4mm

Shrug it off.

2010-11-20T22:21:00.003-05:00

Not rocket-science, but it did take a whole year to finish this one. I began making this little shrug just went I got pregnant last year, and finished it in February this year. A whole darn year. And then some to blog about it. PS: Photography by Oiyi.

I have never worked with mercerized cotton for adult clothing before--while making the shrug, it was so heavy, I thought I was dragging my whole life along with it. But after finishing and blocking it, I love it. The garment has a great texture and shine to it--and the stitch definition comes through very well. A little pick-me-up, on the days when you need that extra something.

Pattern: Shrug this (free)
Yarn: Knitting Fever King Tut (2.5 skeins)
Needle: US 3 and 5
Modifications: Changed number of stitches cast on to accommodate new gauge

Hats, Baby. Hats.

2010-11-13T20:11:00.003-05:00

Since we have had the baby, Suketu's crafting requests have been on the back-burner. The situation really got to him when Ms. Anya showed up in her brand new, very silly, very funky hat. Suketu would leave the house every morning saying--I have a cold head.

So here you go. Both babies with hats on. Suketu's hat is a slouchy version of the original pattern (details below). The personalized "S" is a special request--initially he wanted something like, Anya's Dad. Cool Dad. Suketu, the Dad. You can see we heavily negotiated. Happy Winter, Mr.

Anya's hat--I saw this yarn when I did not have Anya, and my thoughts were--what the hell?! Who would ever knit anything with that. Now that I have a kid, I totally get it. It has a little bit of something, for every kind of child in you.

Pattern for Suketu's Hat: Turn a Square (free download through Ravelry)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Solid, 0.5 skein; Madelinetosh DK straps for "S"
Needle: US 5 and US 7

Pattern for Anya's Hat: Brandon Ribbed Beanie Hat (free download through Ravelry)
Yarn: Colinette Cadenza (colorway: mardigras)
Needle: US 6
Size: small

Latest Happenings from Anya.

2010-11-06T01:14:00.005-04:00

Hello! So many thing have happened lately.

I turned the Big One.

My godmother, Ami, came all the way from Texas to hang out with me.

I supervised Sorin's bath-time. Ami's kid is so very chubby.

I was a Buffalo for Halloween. Can you tell that my parents first met in Buffalo some years ago?

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A big thank you to several crafty friends for encouraging me to finish this blanket for Sorin. Though it is no secret that I am a lover of color, this project was very intense for me. But the end result is 100% perfect. Special thanks to Oiyi for naming it--Crayola! Yes, it could also be a Crayola airplane.

Pattern: Lyn's Round Ripple Baby Afghan
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic Lite; six skeins
Hook: 3.5mm

Still a Blog about Yarnyness.

2010-10-17T19:15:00.002-04:00

If you have been wondering lately, I am still crafting. Just a little behind with the blogging.

Same time, last year, fellow blogger Sam Lamb, came out with this little cute pattern. At the time, I was already knitting up a storm and had way too many crafty things to finish before the Queen arrived. So this was a "save" for toddler-life. Geez. She is going to be a year next week.

So here you go. Super cute baby t-shirt vest. I made a 12-18 months size by using worsted weight yarn. Mis-matched buttons because---well, that's what I had. After I cast on, I just winged it and used the photos as a guide. This pattern is certainly a winner.

Pattern: Baby t-shirt vest (free)
Yarn: Lion Brand's Cotton Ease; one skein
Needle: US 7
Size: 12-18 months

Memories.

2010-10-05T22:57:00.004-04:00

So we moved out of our awesome NYC apartment last month. Tomorrow will be our one month anniversary in beautiful Hoboken, NJ. We love our new life here--and the back and forth between what we continue to have in the city, and what we are creating in our home on the other side of the Hudson river.

Our New York apartment was special. From all the places we lived before, our time there brings back a flood of memories. Of course, a particular one. Anya's godmother painted this beautiful mural for our child and it was hard to let go. (Yes, she is awesome. And if you are in the Houston (Texas) area, maybe you could coax her to do up your home. When she is able to get away from her own little wee one). It was (is) a beautiful tree, in Suketu's favorite color, and it held (holds) a lot of meaning to us. Gravity. Creation. Growth. New Seasons. Change. All those things that a birth of a child brings to one's life. Tree, NYC, West Village--we will miss you. Hoboken--here we are.

Easy-Peasy

2010-07-21T09:51:00.001-04:00

I am still here. And there has been crafting and other procrastination habits underway, but I just haven't gotten around blogging about it.

Since I got pregnant (calm done, not again. I am talking about Anya-pregnancy), I am frequently looking for shortcuts. Especially crafting and cooking. I need crafting for therapy and cooking for...err...therapy?

So during my pregnancy, I got quite fascinated with the idea of iron-ons. They are the perfect thing to perk up a boring item...in this case, a onesie (see previous iron-on crafting project here). So I bought several plain old-white ones, and transferred some cute-iron-ons. Maybe not the most creative, but definitely 100% cute.

Then there is cooking. Our neighbor gave us several pounds of "too-much-produce-from-farmers-market" mushrooms, and Suketu kept bugging the hell out of me--What you going to make? What you going to make? What I really wanted to make, I didnt have the ingredients for...so I just looked around the kitchen and made-do. I think that is the best kind of cooking.

Tomato-Mushrooms with a Black Pepper Kick

Ingredients
1. Two pounds mushrooms, sliced
2. Two medium sized onions, diced
3. Two tablespoons tomato sauce
4. black pepper powder, depending on how much of a kick you want
5. one and a half teaspoon garam masala
6. salt to taste
7. two tablespoons olive oil
8. five cloves garlic, finely chopped

In a heavy pot, heat the oil, and add the onions and garlic. Under low-medium heat, Sweat them until the moisture leaves them AND they have browned. Add the tomato sauce and continue to cook them until the oil leaves the onion-tomato sauce mixture. See this great blog-post for details.

Add the black pepper, garam masala, and salt and continue to stir. After thirty seconds, add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are done! Serve with roti or over rice.

Summer Romance

2010-05-27T10:52:00.004-04:00

Clearly, there should be no doubt now who he likes more--me or you know who.

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This little Tee is for a special boy, of a special friend. Michelle and I know each other from graduate school; I met Suketu through her husband and her; over the years, our friendship has blossomed and grown. And now she is juggling two kids like it is a walk in the park. She is awesome.

More awesome is her new little boy, Max. Michelle and I were pregnant around the same time, and we worked on our dissertations together here in NYC. At the end of it, she had birthed a dissertation and a child. Holy Cow.

So this is a little something for my little man. Again, a little top-down Tee, with a red crochet chain stitch at the collar. Max--you are all set for the coming Fall!

Pattern: Telemark Pullover (free download on Ravelry) (raveled here)
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease (0.75 skein)
Needle: forgot! Darn it.
Size: 6-12 months

Babies.

2010-04-09T19:23:00.000-04:00

More Anya-handmade-gift pictures. Thank you to Sanhita for the beautiful sweater and blanket. I was eying the blanket pattern for the longest time. And when she told me that she was going to make something for Anya, this is the blanket she made (!) (And who else could have made it better. Sanhita is crafter extraordinare).

And my long time knitting friend, Shweta, made Anya a little sweater-dress, with two matching hats, and little booties. She is totally awesome. I miss her very much--now that she lives all the way in California.

Another baby. Dont be crazy. Not me, silly. A friend of mine just had a baby boy a month ago. I made this little sweater for him. This is the most simplest, clever construction ever. Two hexagons seamed together. Brilliant. And for the sizing, just make the hexagons as big as you want.

I am desperately trying to destash all things in my life, and this includes buttons. They are odd and from here and there. But then again, that's handmade gifting character for you. I am sure my mommy friend wont mind.

Raveled here
Pattern: Sue's Hexagon Baby Sweater (free)
Yarn: Rowan RYC Siena (approximately 1.5 each in two different colors)
Hook: 3.25
Size: 3-6 months

Still here.

2010-03-27T18:19:00.005-04:00

We are still here. Preoccupied with growing up and learning about the world. And crafting too. But those finished handmade projects will have to wait until the next blog-post. Today, it is all about me.

Why I Craft

2010-02-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

Why I Craft, Part I: Making Wonderful Friendships

Around the time I started blogging, I "met" Leslie via a Granny Square swap. Over the years, we have become great friends. She is funny, wise, and wonderful. I hope that one day, we will get to meet. Leslie knit up this beautiful sweater for Anya. Thank you, my friend. You are awesome.

Why I Craft, Part II: Learning New Things (and winning Prizes!)

At their 200th blog post celebration, I won a granny pincushion at Erin and Sarah's (a crafty sister team) blog. I never ever thought of the idea of making a pincushion with granny inspiration. Well. At our home, the pincushion is Anya's latest toy. I am sure Erin and Sarah will not mind.

Why I Craft, Part III: Making Gifts for yet to exist Persons

I don't knit socks. I don't plan to knit socks. I possess sock yarn. So with the intent of using my sock yarn stash (!), I began this little baby shirt. I started it in early 2009, and finished it last weekend. It took a little more than a year. Ah.

I made it up as I went along, so unfortunately don't even remember how many stitches I started with. I did at one time (sometime last year, I think), but memory is a strange phenomenon. It is a top down beauty--with a pretty button courtesy my friend, Penelope. I just realized that this lone hat goes with this shirt. There you go--anyone having a baby girl anytime soon?

Yarn: Knitpicks Dancing (discontinued); 1.46 skeins
Pattern: My own concoction
Size: 3-6 months
Hook: 2.5mm

Why I Craft, Part IV: For that warm, fuzzy feeling when you see your baby in your handknits

More and More for Anya. And then some for ME.

2010-02-11T13:40:00.001-05:00

More gifts for Anya. I wish I could take all the pictures at once, but that would take a whole day. And a whole day for myself does not exist in my life anymore. So here you go.

This what my PhD colleagues and crafty friends, Rachel and Diane, made for Anya. Rachel made the super, very quirky (which we love!), circular granny blanket. We leave it on our recliner and Anya gets all mesmerized every time she looks at it. The little booties and elephant (elephant!) bib are from Diane. I so wanted to make the same bib when I was pregnant, but well, I have a zillion projects going on then. Thank you, my friends! It is so sad that one have to waste precious knitting time on writing a dissertation. Oh darn it.

Getting back to me. You know, me? After all that crazy amount of baby knitting in 2009, I am so done for a while. This year is going to be about ME. The "All about Me" 2010. To get me started, I needed something that was quick and super fast. I had two skeins of this yarn, sitting in my stash forever, so Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet came to the rescue.

Held double, the two skeins ran out very quickly. I managed to trade in some yarn for a skein on Ravelry (Ah, have I told you that some friends and I are on "yarn diet/destash/knit from stash" health plan? Basically that translates to no buying yarn until June 2010. Stay tuned). So this little shrug is product of 2.75 skeins of worsted weight. I love it.

I thought reverse stockinette stitch was not for me. It just seems wrong. Does that make sense? But I do like it--as the designer of this pattern says, it looks quite vintage. Vintage works for me. I did think of putting a button at the neckline, but I prefer the shrug without one.

Pattern: Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet (free)
Yarn: Berreco Peruvia (2.75 skeins; held double)
Needle: US 11 for body; US 10 for rib
Size: 33-34
Modifications:
- For the front garter bands, I had 5 stitches for each front. I cant stand it when the neckline rolls.
- After I separated the sleeves, started ribbing for the body bottom edge immediately.

Childhood

2010-01-27T01:18:00.001-05:00

We had a small kiddie party for Anya a couple of weekends ago at her grandparents' home. It seemed like it had flooded kids. I am grateful for the opportunity--for me, having a child is a second chance at childhood.

I wanted the children to do something crafty (of course) at the party, so we picked painting. It was so much of fun--some of the adults joined in too. Ha. Some of the kids left their canvases behind...to be later put up in Anya's room.

I was determined to knit Anya a dress for the party. Actually, I wanted to make her something for Xmas. I casted on mid December--and panicked. Too little time, too much pressure. I dont work well under pressure. She wore a store bought dress for Xmas.

When the New Year began, I picked up the dress again. (Yes, I made it up the pattern, and no, unfortunately, I did not write it up as I went along). It was the first baby garment post-Anya. And it was exciting and unnerving at the same time. Exciting because I could keep trying it on her as I went along (she has no choice but get used to this kind of dress up). Unnerving because this had to be perfect. I mean, I could not make a garment that did not fit her--especially now that she was here (!) At one point, I just wished I could knit the dress ON her. (Again, it is time she gets used to these crazy ideas).

I am pleased with the outcome. It is a simple top down dress, with skirt increases at regular intervals on either side. I picked up stitches for the collar and button band. Hello Kitty buttons for pleasure. The yarn is a perfect fit--it has great stitch definition and feels real good in the hands. The dress fit Anya well--hopefully one day, she will look at her baby pictures, and notice that she is wearing a dress made by her mom. And hopefully that will get her curious about one, the obvious--about art, craft, and inspiration--and two, move beyond the obvious--what it means to create, evolve, challenge, and differ. That, in my mind, will complete the circle of my crafting.

Pattern: my own recipe
Yarn: Lion Brand's LB Collection Superwash Merino in Antique (0.75 skein)
Needle: US 5
Size: 3 months

Modelling Job

2010-01-14T13:18:00.002-05:00

Hi, this is Anya. I am writing this blog post because well, that lady who usually writes it (aka Mom) says she wants a break from mothering, and has gone to get her nails done. She has become a little weird(er) lately. I woke up this morning...nice sunny morning, great weather. There she was---a little grumpy. Fine, I kept her up and about the whole of yesterday, but hey, cant she take some heat. Well. I guess not. Wimp.

Anyway, she was kind enough to feed me some breakfast and then boom. She says--"Lets get this day started, Missy." Day started! Already? She lays me on the bed, pulls out this camera, and here we go. The craziness. She (and that guy who lives in this house) says that I need to work for a living. So here I am, posing away for these zillion camera clicks.

Wow. The first picture is of a gift for ME! Cupcake hat. Thank you, Mazhalai! I am loving it. I was told that mom called me Cupcake before I showed up. I love the bright red pompom. Thanks again and kisses to little Neyan.

Orange hat. Mom made it--not for me, but for someone else who is going to have a baby soon. Who? She does not know yet. I told you--she is kinda messed up in her head. She put some cute buttons on the hat--it has some great attitude...just like me.

Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Lion Brand's Cotton Ease
Size: 3-6 months

Finally. Mom made this hat for ME. About time. It goes with this sweater of mine. The yarn is from the leftover stuff from several projects. It is still kinda too big for me--I am told it will fit me in the coming Fall.

Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton DK
Hook: 3.5mm
Size: 12 months

I dont know what I am doing in the following project pictures, but whatever. This is the Beanie and Scarf mom made for herself a few weeks before I was born. She said that she was sick of making baby projects (cheeky or what). She whipped it out in a couple of days and has been wearing it ever since. She boasts to Dad that people she meets love her scarf. Dad told me--they better...it cost $$$ to make it. Some investment. Mom calls it her "Pre-Baby, Indulgence Scarf".

Pattern for Beanie: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Wool (0.5 skeins in 7803); Noro Silk Garden (301) for edging
Hook: 5mm
Size: Woman's

Patten for Scarf: Shell Stitch pattern from Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden (4 skeins in 301)
Hook: 5mm

Two Months

2009-12-22T17:59:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Anya turned two months. Two months. Was it just a few days ago that she decided to show up? Or has she been here forever?

This is how she looked when we brought her home. Yes, all decked out in a ducky outfit. The hat and mittens are made by knitting friend, Tomo. Aren't they super cute! My entire family loves the oh so silly, oh so cute hat. Tomo also makes wonderful things for sale--hats, hairbands, mitts, gloves. Let me know if you are interested to see her wares.

And this is Anya now. Yesterday, to be precise. Yap. It is the same blanket in the pictures above. Made by me. The granny square obsessed me. I made the blanket a month before she made her appearance. I had all this mercerized cotton that I just wanted to get off my hands. Who knew that this would the most used blanket during Anya's first few months? Maybe it is because Suketu loves it--for its car seat-friendly size and colors (he is going through a green phase).

Pattern: Good Old Granny Square
Yarn: Rowan RYC Siena in brown (2.9 skeins) and sage green (3 skeins)
Hook: 3.25mm
Size: 24 inches * 24 inches

Useful Things

2009-12-01T14:47:00.003-05:00

What were you this Turkey Day? Anya was a pumpkin--well, for some of the time. She was not very happy about her over-sized pumpkin hat...but I must say she did super well during our little photo session.

In the Thanksgiving spirit, thanks is due to knit blogger and now Bangalore knitting friend, Anjali. She made the cutest little version of Pebble. The crazy part of this whole story is that she first made Baby Sophisticate, but by the time she finished it, she realized I made one too. Then when she was just about putting on the buttons on Pebble, she saw that I made that too. But I told her enough was enough. Send me my gift already (!) And Anjali's Pebble is in a smaller size, so Anya will be able to wear it real soon.

When I started making stuff for Anya, I was on the hunt for practical, useful baby patterns. And I tried to stick to that agenda. And now that the baby is finally here, it is verdict time.

After all the blankets I made, this little kicking sack has been the most useful thing around. (I cant say much about the baby garments, as are 6 months and up size). Made in sock yarn from stash, it is light enough to be worn on a cool night, and yet the wool is good enough for a winter day. And the best part of it is all is when Anya is just hanging out in a t-shirt and diaper and wants a little something. I just pull up the sack all the way to her waist (should I say chest!) and she is good to go. And she cannot kick it off...the way she always does so with a blanket. To make the sack more kicker friendly, I made some increases half way down the project...every 10 rows, about 4 times. Anya is a little kicking machine--if I were to make this again, I would make the increases some more times.

When I started this sack pattern, I thought I would hate it. But the cables were a little joy to knit and the stockinette was mindless bliss. Some people on Ravelry found the pattern too time-consuming because of the sock weight yarn, but I loved it. Its another story that I dont knit socks.

Pattern: Kicking Bag for Babies (free download at Ravelry)
Yarn: Zitron Trekking (XXL); colorway 108; 0.75 skeins
Needle: US 2.5
Size: Newborn - 6 months
Modifications: Half way, I made a set of increases at beginning of the round, and halfway during the round. This was done every 10 rounds, four times. If your kid is a kicker, I would recommend making these increases around 3-4 times. Makes the bag much more roomy.

Birth Announcement

2009-11-25T01:30:00.005-05:00

I am grateful to have several crafty friends around the world. I think their presence became/has become more prominent in my life after Cupcake. They have made some of the most stunning things for the baby--over the next several weeks (months?), you will see exactly what I am talking about.

One exception. Fellow-blogger and now real-life friend, Angela, made something for me during my pregnancy. How cool is that. It is a beautiful shawl, in the most beautiful RED--my most favorite color. Here is a picture from her blog, and click here for project details. Every time I wear it, almost everyone wants to know all about it. Angela--thank you.

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It has been a while since Suketu and I sent out mass postal mail. A month before my due date, I started working on the birth announcement. Suketu's friend, Mariann, put it all together and once Anya was born, we inserted photographs. A big thank you to Mariann--for patiently working through several (several) drafts with me.

The outcome expresses some key ideas:
1. A fun, yet mature aesthetic: Hey, I love all things baby, but not totally into the "babyish" thing. I quickly realized that colors usually do the trick.
1. Bright, cheerful colors: Pastels were not an option. A yellow-orange and brown worked. (I dont know how those creative guys do it. So many hues of the same darn color.)
2. Homemade photography: Holy Molly. Babies love fast-moving poses. No baby styling involved--it was a good weather day, and Anya was wide awake. The green onesie that Suketu loves was a mere coincidence. I would have loved for her to wear an Indian outfit, but everything I have is way too big right now.
3. A tree: Since Gravity plays such a central role, there had to be a tree somewhere. Mariann dug up the perfect one.
4. Font: I have always been intrigued with this particular font. It looks like Hindi, but it is really English. Dont ask me where you can find the font file--I am sure if you are tech -savy, you will find it in no time. I had my brother do the searching.

And here it is the finished product.

Sending Celebratory Sweets your way!

2009-11-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you very much for all the wishes! Suketu and I are very preoccupied with figuring out this new game. Some of you wanted to know if Cupcake has learned how to knit yet (!) Trust me, people...I have dreams of a crafting QUEENdom, where of course, yours truly is Queen, and Cupcake is the assistant. Boy oh Boy.

In true Indian style, the grandmothers spent yesterday fixing up sweet boxes to distribute amongst family and friends. Like in most cultures, something sweet is given out on happy occasions. (Ah, the life Cupcake has). More than the sweets, I always look forward to the packaging.

In true blog/virtual style, here are some celebratory sweets, from us to you. With much love.

Homemade Laddoos (Sweet stuff rolled into a ball)

Organizing the boxes

Nuts and Sweets in the box

Now you know what I mean--these are the boxes (!) Available in stores at Newark Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey

A final cardboard case for the box

Our Yummy, Delicious Cupcake

2009-10-31T21:49:00.003-04:00

The flavor of our Cupcake is Girl! We are so excited to introduce her to you. Thank you for all the support and wishes over the past months...and for the "how are you" emails in the last couple of weeks. More pictures and baby updates soon!

Anya G Patel-Aranha was born on October 21, 2009; 7 pounds 2 ounces, 19.9 inches.

Anya is Sanskrit for inexhaustible; forever. G is the English Alphabet "G" for Gravity (for detailed explanation, see here). And of course, Patel-Aranha is a little bit of Dad, a little bit of Mom.

Color Mania

2009-10-19T14:48:00.001-04:00

Thanks for checking up on me. For those who asked when I was due--well, in two weeks. Gee.

See what my friend, Nadine, made for Cupcake! Isn't our bear super cute! She used the Bobbi Bear pattern (Rav link). A long time ago, I had mentioned to Nadine of Suketu's love for a handknit, striped baby shirt at a yarn store. So she made one for Bear! Thank you, Nadine! We love our yet to be named Bear.

One more. Over the years, I have tried to get out of the traditional color schemes and experiment with unusual color possibilities. Fellow bloggers and Ravelry friends ask me from where and how I come up with my color combinations. Here is my limited, amateur two cents. And my two cents worth is just this--work with the colors you would never put together. Strange but true. It works. And if you think you are messing up, keep going. You are on the right track.

So I put three colors together. Reddish-maroon, Bright Blue, and Orange. The pattern is filled with mindless garter stitch--bliss. With the remaining yarn, I made a little beanie. I must have used this beanie pattern a zillion times. A well-written, basic pattern that one can work with in many ways. Buttons from Vardhman.

For Cardigan:
Pattern: Garter Stitch Raglan Baby Cardi (free download via Ravelry)
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece: 0.3 skeins in Blue, 0.9 skeins in Red-Maroon
Needle: US 4
Size: 6 months
Major modification: Button holes made every 11th row

For Hat:
Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie (free)
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (Blue and Red); Knit One Crochet Too 2nd Time Cotton in Orange
Hook: 4mm
Size: 0 - 6 months

Pebbled Vested Interest

2009-10-14T11:40:00.001-04:00

HOLY COW! Is it really October 14th? I hope this kid knows all the "how tos."

Some of you, my great blog friends, say that most of my Cupcake projects have a "reason." That is true. However, this vest has no reason. Just vested interest. For its pure cuteness. I cannot get over how grown up the outcome of this pattern looks!

I think this is the only project for which I hunted and special ordered the yarn. It definitely had to be tweed. And machine washable. Plymouth Encore Worsted Tweed turned out perfect at all levels.

And finally. A project with zero modifications. The only modification is that I used worsted weight rather than DK--to up the size. I think the vest was done in two days--it is a perfectly written pattern. And oh, do you know by now how much I love buttons? Thanks to a wonderful button hunting trip with knitting friends, we landed up at Vardhman. It is my new to-go place in NYC for great, and yet very affordable, notions. Special thanks to Penelope and Angela for procurement support.

Pattern: Pebble (Henry's Manly Cobblestone-Inspired Baby Vest) (free)
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted Tweed; 0.75 skeins
Needle: US 7
Size: 6 months
Gauge: 4 stitches per inch

When I grow up...

2009-10-04T17:38:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the posting delay. The weather here has been rainy and cloudy, making it difficult to photograph. The sun finally came out today (Hello Sun!) and here I am. Let me begin by congratulating Kathy (bigblueice on Ravelry) for winning the Giveaway! I will be sending you an email this evening for your postal info. Thank you to everyone who participated!

From the time I started making stuff for Cupcake, I have been itching to use this particular yarn. I think in my crazy excitement of finally working with it, I somehow managed to make it real big. (How does one goof up top down measurements. Duh.). So big, it is going to fit Cupcake at age one. Biggie Kimono. Anyway, people grow, and the kid will wear this then.

Another no-brainer pattern. I made some modifications so that the stockinette does not roll (see below) and worked the sleeves short. The yarn says it is worsted, but it seemed DK to me. I dont know how some people on Ravelry used larger sized needles for projects with this yarn. Well, I suppose one person's worsted is another's DK.

Pattern: Seamless Baby Kimono (Free)
Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too 2nd Time Cotton; 1.75 skeins
Needle: US 5
Size: 12 months (chest size 22 inches)
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch
Modifications:
1. 5 rows of garter stitch for a collar. Saw that some complained of stockinette rolling.
2. Sleeves: 3 rounds stockinette, 8 rounds garter stitch.
3. Didn't do the ties. Created button holes on either edge at the garter border, and added buttons in such a way so as to expose one button.

Its Yarny Days' Second Birthday! And there is a Giveaway!

2009-09-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

Yarny Days turned two yesterday! Has it grown big or what--seen so many places, made so many friends, and housed so much craftiness. I am amazed that there has been so much commitment to this blog project on my part. In true Grammy style, I must say that I could not do it without all of you. Thank you for being around!

And of course, to celebrate this wonderful time, there is got to be a giveaway. It is going to be a surprise crafty package for the winner--containing yarn, crafty books, and goodies! To take part, just leave a comment for the blog post by Sept 29 (please see that your comment links up to your blog/website or leave an email address). And oh yes, this is an equal opportunity-destination giveaway--you could be living in any part of the world.

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Here is what I call "One Chubby for the Road." I never planned to make a bulky vest for Cupcake, and this was very spontaneous. The other weird thing is that this is not my kind of color--too baby for my liking. But the whole thing just grew on me--the weight of the yarn, the color, the buttons.

I was inspired by the Felix's Cardigan pattern (link below), especially the V-neck shaping. It is a fast, easy knit anyway, and with heavy worsted yarn, it was under-one-day knitting. If I had the buttons on hand, it would have officially been done in a day.

Pattern: Vest inspired by Felix's Cardigan
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore...Hmmm. The label said Chunky, but it was between worsted and chunky (something was off with my skein); one skein
Needle: US 8
Size: 6 - 12 months
Modifications:
1. Slip 1 stitch every row (for a neat garter stitch band)
2. 5 stitches for garter stitch band (instead of 4 stitches)
3. Bound off sleeves when separating sleeves and body. This was done purlwise.
5. Button hole: K2, yo, k2g, k1
6. Button hole made every 11th row
7. While during the garter stitch band at the bottom of the body, I missed a knit row (I purled instead). Well.

Prof. Cupcake

2009-09-15T12:54:00.006-04:00

The latest finished object for Cupcake. Though I like the way this sweater is designed, I decided to knit it for a totally different reason. In her description, the designer says "I think the shawl collar adds an air of sophistication - like this baby belongs in a library, sipping tea and reading Shakespeare!" Suketu and I are both academic researchers by day, and...well, the same by night--usually living in our own heads and striving to understand the "beyond" of our societies. The look of this sweater just called out to me--it fits all the essentialist stereotypes of people from our side of the world. (Remember the stereotype of professors in jackets/ suits, with their heads buried in some book in the library?)

The sweater is knit in bulky cotton, and in a super tight gauge, so that it has the look and feel of a jacket. The yarn I used is Schulana Supercotton Solid--I now regret not buying more when it was on sale at a yarn store. It feels soft and wonderful in your hands, without the usual tackiness of 100% cotton (maybe the nylon in it helps?).

Again, super fast because it is top down (could it be any other way?). Buttons from stash. Suketu liked my idea of putting leather/suede patches at the elbows, but I was unsuccessful in finding small pieces for the patches. I am thinking my mom-in-law will come up with something on her sewing machine.

Pattern: Baby Sophisticate (free download link on Ravelry)
Yarn: Schulana Supercotton Solid; four skeins
Needles: US 8 for body. US 9 for sleeves (I really tightened up in magic loop)
Size: 6-12 months
Modifications:
1. I knit the body plus sleeves until I reached desired chest size.
2. This pattern did not have any sleeve decreases. I used suggested sleeve decreases from the Baby Pullover #214 pattern.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2009-09-09T13:30:00.001-04:00

I have been having some not so good postal mail karma. Remember this? Anyway, I sent a replacement package to Josie and finally, she now has her swap package! (Dont get me started of how this package sat at New Delhi customs clearance for days. A totally different postal karma story).

This is a great, super easy, super quick, market bag pattern (see info below). Since these bags really stretch out, I crocheted in a very tight gauge and made shorter handles. The yarn fiber also helped--it is very closely plied and holds up very well for projects like bags, coasters, mats.

Pattern: String Bag from Lesley Stanfield's book First Crochet
Yarn: J&P Coats Royale - Lovebeads Crochet, 1.6 skeins
Hook: 3.5mm

The Gravity-Newton Series

2009-09-01T12:51:00.002-04:00

Phase II of the paint job has began. But it is not just any painting--Ami, the godmother to be, is crafting a mural. She says it is still in a work in progress stage, but Suketu and I already think it is perfect. It is beautiful, breath-taking, and more than what we thought it would be. I cant wait for all of you see pictures when it is all done!

In line with the mural theme, Suketu and I have been fascinated (very fascinated) with the phenomenon of gravity. What is Gravity? It is a mind-boggling question. So many things answered, at the same time, so many things unanswered. So much so, Suketu says that the fact that I like him, is like Gravity. It is a mind-boggling thought to him--that I actually like him. I know. He is cute.

We are also so taken by Gravity, that between Suketu and I, the baby is called "G". I sometimes feel why even bother thinking of a "real" name for this kid--I know we will end up yelling "G, you better get your ass here right now, before I start thinking very evil things" OR "G, one more curfew violation and you will be G for grounded." Kid, dont blame us. Blame Newton. And that apple which started it all. Presenting the Gravity-Newton Series.

I bought these apple no-sew iron-ons from an Etsy seller. One went on a onesie. The other two on bibs--I have been told that drool and burp bibs are in high demand in mommy circles. So in my destashing frenzy, this was the best thing I could make with the cotton yarn I had.

I made up the below bib as I went along...and used the decreasing concept at the neck from this pattern (Ravelry link). I am not into the whole stringy, tying thing at the back, so I made a band with buttons. Since I only have a theoretical understanding about babies, their bodies, and their clothes, I assume I can add more buttons if need be.

Pattern: Own concoction; special mention for neck decreases--Cotton Bib (Ravelry link)
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid in yellow and brown
Hook: 4mm

This bib is a highly improvised version of a pattern. As you might know, I dont fancy frills and scallops, so theey were all omitted here. Also, like in the first bib, I made a band with buttons. And ironed-on an apple.

Pattern: Crochet Baby Bib
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid in yellow and brown
Hook: 4mm

Bollywood Calling

2009-08-24T15:18:00.001-04:00

Suketu has a strong dislike for undershirts, especially during the summer. He would also like to believe that not wearing an undershirt will give him a Bollywood status. (Look at pictures here--you get my point about Bollywood actors and their chests.). It is besides the point that Suketu does not watch mainstream Bollywood cinema and doesn't know a word of Hindi. So, much to my amusement, Suketu is fascinated with Bollywood clothing AND he never passes a possibility of heading out of the house without an undershirt. Sadly, he has failed to make the latter happen. He tries nonetheless--so much so, that his pretend anti-undershirt/Bollywood wannabe attitude has become a never-failing conversation piece amongst our Bollywood-loving friends.

I must pay tribute to this entire saga. Via Cupcake. I used the Telemark Pullover pattern (Ravelry link) to get an essentialist, very stereotyped version of a "Bollywood shirt." (I can already hear Edward Said and Foucault YELLING in my head). High collar plus a V-neck for ample chest exposure. Varied buttons from stash. My friend, Ami, suggested I put some glitter on the outfit, but that would have been too much for me. The mismatched, slightly weird buttons works better for this already very weird story behind this shirt.

Pattern: Telemark Pullover
Yarn: Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece (1.5 skeins)
Needle: US 4 (I used US 5 for knitting the sleeves in Magic loop. I really tightened up)
Size: 6 - 12 months
Modifications: 1. I knit the body plus sleeves until I reached desired chest size.
2. Instead of doing eight rows of garter stitch for the bottom of the shirt and the sleeves, I did 16.
3. The sleeves were getting big and floppy. So I used the sleeve decreases from the Baby Pullover #214 pattern (decreased four times).

Another One, just like the Other One

2009-08-18T13:57:00.003-04:00

Thank you for your personal insights/experiences regarding the previous blog post. Also, some of you asked for an update about how things are going. Long story short--I am exhausted most of the time, but also awake most of the time. People say I should get all the sleep I can get...since October is around the corner, but as you can see, I am still in denial. Fortunately, Suketu has suddenly switched onto a "not in denial" mode, otherwise nothing would get done around here.

Our new home improvement project is organizing the apartment (no drilling yet, so it is a safe environment. I wish Suketu would not secretly aspire to be a carpenter or plumber). He is doing the painting/re-arranging and I am (reluctantly) cleaning. (Frankly, the anal-obsessive compulsive-Type A personality in me is missing in action. I would just love to vegetate on the couch, watch bad television, knit, eat, and aimlessly surf the internet.) We are currently painting the "baby section". Photo updates as the job progresses.

AND, just when you were getting sick of this pattern, and just when you were thinking I would not make one for Cupcake, here it is. I have made three versions of this blanket. Three. Here, here, and here. Please dont ask why. It is a love-hate relationship with mindless garter stitch.

I had 3.5 skeins left from the Law & Order Afghan project, and so I knit with the off-white halfway (that is, before decreasing). Then alternated the off-white and yellow, and when I ran out of the yellow, alternated with the red. When I ran out with the off-white, just knit with the red. You get the point. The ways of stashbusting life. I dont feel guilty that I had to buy the red and yellow--totally worth it.

Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite (this is a dishcloth pattern--I just knit a huge size)
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Chunky in Off-White, Yellow, and Red
Needle: US 10
Size: 35 inches * 35 inches

Through a Different Lens

2009-08-11T00:30:00.009-04:00

This post is way off the usual content of this blog. It must be the hormones.

I am finishing up a photography class (It is amazing what a camera can do--when one knows what to do with it. I am still figuring it out). For one of the projects, I decided to photograph the buzy commercial street in Jackson Heights, Queens. It was the most instinctive idea--Jackson Heights speaks to me in multiple levels...one being my academic interest in Indian immigrant communities in the US.

Maybe it was also the most instinctive idea because lately, I have been thinking a lot more about living in the US. When I moved here five years ago, I was hit by the dilemma of status. Here I was--a woman graduate student from India figuring out her space within the United States (and for all that it stood for). I must admit I was overwhelmed, anxious, and perplexed--of how one builds sites of resistance and challenge in dominant spaces.

I was also suddenly "brown", and it brought a new dimension to my already struggling understanding of self. I was now a graduate student from a "Third World" country, elite and privileged by her middle class upbringing, and at the same time, a woman who has to now figure out a new way of understanding race, class, and social divisions. Further, I was an international student, simultaneously trying to find a place within US academy, and critically seeking to understand and challenge dominant western discourses. Many (actually, all) of these issues are a work in progress.

After five years, I find myself in a committed relationship. My partner is an American citizen--and through marriage, I am now a "permanent resident" in the United States. He says he is American by citizenship and Indian American by spirit. And he tosses and turns about this, very uncomfortably, every day. I feel for him--because I have the same discomfort--about citizenship, belonging, and nostalgia. Our experiences are polls apart, and yet we are caught in similar time-space continuums. We spend hours talking about our political sense, our sense of loss and gain, and our tight (im)balance between here and there. We, or I, for the most part, think about what this will mean for our child-to-be, for his or her journey "to belong."

Preggo Friends

2009-08-04T12:59:00.002-04:00

Looks like people are getting pregnant on a regular basis these days. Almost every month I hear from some friend or family member--is there some schedule going around that I am not aware of?

So I have a gifting sweatshop of sorts going on. And before you ask--No, I dont craft for all my preggo friends/family. Over the years, I have learned the hard way...initially, I would make something for anyone and everyone...birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Xmas, babies. Most recipients were truly appreciative, no matter what the outcome. And then there were those--who wanted it, and at the same time, really didnt care much for it. It was just another something. (Hell Yeah. When was the last time someone gave you something handmade. I mean, truly handmade, not store bought, fancy-vancy, "I paid a zillion dollars for this, kinda handmade). I must admit that I was disappointed, border-line heart broken. I think people forget (or dont appreciate the magical phenomenon) that gifting something handmade is to someone is a literal translation of giving away a part of you.

Well. Then a year or so ago, one wise friend, Bitsy, told me that she only crafts for people who are deeply committed to her. Not to her craft, but to her philosophy about social justice and change, and her sensibilities about the ways in which handcrafting radically changes the ways in which we view this world. So simple.

Since then, I think about this every time I set out to make a gift. It has made decision making so much easier. Suketu and I also share similar life philosophies and politics--and he is a constant reminder...of the means, processes, and the ends.

So here is another gift. Anita, my friend from undergraduate school, is due any day. Over the years, we have talked so much about babies--I had promised her that my crafting gift to her would be a baby knit. I made a diagonal baby blanket--mindless garter stitch. Though I dislike the mindlessness, the results from the pattern are always stunning.

Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite (this is a dishcloth pattern--I just knit a huge size)
Yarn: Lion Brand's Cotton Ease in Terracotta
Needle: US 8
Size: 35 inches * 35 inches

Baby Theme

2009-07-28T09:32:00.016-04:00

I am back from a short holiday to Toronto. It is always nice to see old friends and live in new surroundings. But I am also so glad to be back--locating and relocating always wipes me out. I am a certified wimp.

Dinner at Amy and Robin's home

Make your own cookies at Sweet Flour!

One of the most photographed buildings in Toronto

St. Lawrence Market

Vintage Sale at St. Lawrence Market

Lettuce Knit

During my time away, I braced myself, wove the ends, and buttoned this otherwise long finished baby cardigan. (Weaving and buttoning--how much I dislike you). I was done under an hour, and as always, I asked myself why I waited so long (!)

As most top down sweaters, this pattern is very straight forward. I initially wanted to make the cardigan in one color, but since I am stash busting, I used two.

The buttons from Downtown yarns made my day. Suketu yelled with pleasant surprise when he saw the cardigan. We are planning to design the baby section (we live in a teeny weeny NYC apt, so the baby will have a "section" in our bedroom) around an elephant theme. More details about the theme as we figure it out ourselves. Of course, we would love your suggestions/advice.

Pattern: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi (can be downloaded for free at Ravelry)
Yarn: Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton DK in Oak Bark (0.5 skeins) and Natural (2 skeins)
Needle: US 4
Size: 6 - 12 months
Modifications:
1. Worked the yoke until the chest was about 21-22 inches.
2. I wanted to keep the neck a little more open, so I didnt work the button bands right from the beginning of the neckline.
3. Worked the sleeves until I ran out of yarn.

Law & Order Addiction

2009-07-14T11:41:00.001-04:00

There is no way this kid is getting away without a Law & Order Blanket. I designed the first one last year--as a wedding gift for my best friend. And I suppose Cupcake should also have one. And hey--there is no scope for any complaining. There is no scope for anybody disagreeing with Law & Order TV addiction.

I came across Berreco Comfort by chance--at a big sale at Skein Attraction. In my on-going simultaneous effort of destashing and cost-cutting, this was a good buy. The yarn is 100% acyclic and has a super luxurious feel. And bonus--I got skeins in Suketu's favorite colors--brown and orange. I was concerned that it might pile, but the (over handled) sample knit at the store showed no such sign.

And yes, before you ask, I promise that I working on writing up the pattern.

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Berreco Comfort (four skeins)
Hook: 5mm
Size: 32 inches * 32 inches

Pulli

2009-07-06T08:26:00.002-04:00

We went on a weekend vacation, and I was determined to finish this pullover for Cupcake. Started in mid May, it was high-time it was done. I have a big finishing problem, but it is getting better.

Again, another top-down pattern and this one is from Knitting Pure and Simple. Mine was supposed to look something like this (Ravelry link), but I made my own concoction (!) I was worried I would run out of yarn, so I shorted the sleeves. I also made a split roll neck--see details at the end of this blog post.

One sec. Didnt I just say I was worried of running out of yarn? Then who is the peeking behind Pulli?

Its a hat. In the beginning, I was so bummed out that I had underestimated the yardage. Pulli's sleeves must be pissed. Anyway, I decided to make a hat.

I might be exaggerating due to sheer joy, but this hat pattern gave the best crown decreases ever (use Version I of the pattern). I hate it when baby hats turn out like couch potatoes. All lumpy and shapeless on the top. And of course, for extra flavor, I added buttons from stash. I am glad I did--the project was looking a little lifeless without them.

Pattern for Pulli: Baby Pullover #214
Pattern for Pulli's Hat: Purple Baby Hats (Version I)
Size: 6-12 months
Yarn: Filatura Lanarota Chaco
Needles: US 8 and US 6 for ribbing
Modifications for Pulli:
1. Shorted the length of the sleeves--I knitted until I finished decreasing four times.
2. I read on Ravelry that for some, the neck was too tight. So I decided to make a split neck by picking up stitches at the neck, but not joining in a round.
3. Added buttons for extra accent interest.

Granny and Grand-Baby

2009-06-30T16:26:00.004-04:00

Thank you very much for your best wishes--both here, on Ravelry, and via email. We really appreciate it. Many of you want to know the flavor of our cupcake--we wont know until Cupcake arrives!

In the meantime, I am doing a little bit of crafting. This blanket was not the first project to be cast on, but it was the first to be finished. I think that is kinda cool--the first crochet technique I learned (I think I must have been six?) was the good old Granny Square. And I learned crocheting (and many other crafting addictions) from my mom. So this project is a thank you to my mom. Hence it is called "Oh Granny! It is a Grand-Baby Blanket!"

I am not good at making baby clothes in traditional baby colors. Not that I dislike baby colors. I am also not good at making baby clothes in "babyish" patterns. Again, I love the frills and fancies--I think for that I would invest in store bought things...I am too preoccupied making little baby-adult clothes.

Though I have tons of Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece in stash, this is the first time I have worked with it. I liked this yarn for this project for two reasons. One, the stitch definition is just amazing. Second, it is the perfect blend of wool and cotton for all-year blanket needs.

I also liked how the yarn worked with the pattern. I wanted a tighter (but very comfortable) gauge, so I used a 4mm hook. This defined the corners of the square, without really enhancing it. At the end, the project looks like a three dc in space blanket, and also as a granny square. Or at least that is how it looks to me...

But can you tell how there is a shade difference for about two rounds? All the yarn was from the same dye lot, and I have no idea how this happened. Well. If this was store bought (and not handmade), I would have got very annoyed and promptly returned it. But since it is handmade, it is all about character. It is.

Pattern: Grand Granny Square Afghan by Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece in Slate Charcoal
Hook: 4mm
Modifications: The last round was of single crochet, with three single crochets in the corners.

And one cupcake in the oven.

2009-06-23T07:02:00.004-04:00

What is the most frustrating thing about handmaking baby clothes? I never know if it is big enough, small enough, fitting enough... Grr. So I asked Suketu if we could just have our own model, and he thought it was a splendid idea.

So our cupcake arrives in the end of October. And you must know by now how much we love cupcakes.

Guilty as Hell.

2009-06-16T06:12:00.002-04:00

Fine. I am back in the US. And I dont have any India pictures. Zilch. My brother took some for me, but he is currently holding them ransom.

Maybe we should talk about crafting then. Blogger friend and fellow crafter, Mazhalai, is having a baby (yeah!) boy and this is what I made for the little fellow.

Stashbusting is the new name of the game. I had 1.5 skeins from the Blue project, and this worked just fine for this baby kimono. I just made the sleeves shorter.

This is a super easy project and of course, it has got to be top down. (I think I am officially a top down snob.) I didnt have two identical buttons in my stash so I used what I had. Well, babies can carry off all kinds of fashion.

Pattern: Baby Kimono Wrap
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton, 1.5 skeins
Hook: 5mm
Size: 6 months
Modifications:
1. The yarn was too heavy for hdc, so I did the entire project in dc.
2. Worked the sleeves until I ran out of yarn.

The case of lost postal mail.

2009-05-21T10:45:00.001-04:00

Lots of news.

Firstly, Whipup showcased my two baby sweater patterns. Here and here. I got the biggest (pleasantest) surprise when I got emails from friends saying that they "read" about me. Really? Gee.

Am I now officially famous? Humor me.

Secondly, I am in India! Got here yesterday morning. More updates as the month passes.

Thirdly, the South Asian Crafters swap at Ravelry. My swap partner, Josie, made me this beautiful lace scarf--it is going to be perfect for this fall. I love purple, and cant knit lace. This scarf is just perfect for me. Again, thanks Josie!

And this is what I made for Josie. Which never reached (!) It was returned to me the first time, and the second time, it was sucked into the postal mail black hole. I am still grieving. Why, tell me, why? Anyway, I am going to make something else for Josie and mail in the next coming month.

The project consists of a place-mat and four coasters crocheted with good old hardware twine. The twine is a killer on the fingers, but the finish is just amazing. Suketu wondered where I bought the place-mat, so thats a really good verdict.

I got the pattern for the place-mat from one of the volumes in an old crafting series I collected years ago--Stitch by Stitch. Published in the 1980s, sadly the series is now out of print. The coaster pattern is from Crocheting School--it is the pattern for crocheting in a spiral. The stitches in both the mat and the coasters are made in the back loop, so as to get a flatter, more stable surface.

I have never added beads on a knitted/crocheted project. I sewed on beads on the mat edge and added some at the end of the coaster spiral--I think the beads have their own whimsical personality. All in all, this was a fruitful project. ('Tea-Time" comes to mind). I just wish it was more fruitful by actually getting to its destination! Well.

Pattern:
Place-mat from the Stitch-by-Stitch Series (published in the 1980s)
Coaster design (how to crochet in a spiral) from the book Crocheting School
Yarn: Local Hardware Twine
Hook: 6mm

Decor for your hands

2009-05-05T15:30:00.014-04:00

You will not believe it. I finally have projects to show and the weather here has been gloomy. No photographs, and so no craft related blog posts.

Anyway, it is a good time to address some old questions. I received some emailed after I posted these pictures last year -- about the "color" on my hands.

Thats Mehendi. A beautiful way of decorating your hands and feet. One needs tons of creativity and a steady hand. For best results, ie, for a rich, dark-brownish maroon color:

1. Get it done about two days before your event (I could do it only a day before). The color deepens over time.
2. Once dried, with cotton balls, periodically dab a concoction of lemon juice and sugar. Also, heat your hands over a low-flame lit stove top. Its all about the color, baby!
2. Leave on the henna overnight. Longer the better.
3. Have no contact with water during this time. Or any liquid. If you have to, once the henna has dried, tie plastic bags around your hands and feet. Yes, I know. Taking a shower this way is tricky, but there are crazier lengths people go in the name of beauty. Or obsession.
4. Some people suggest that once the henna has dried, to tie plastic bags around your hands and feet (that is, when you are not in the shower or brushing your teeth). You DO NOT want to do that. This leads to sticky wet hands...and you do not want any contact with sweat (aka water!). When you go to bed that night, the dried henna is going to flake off and make a mess on your sheets. So spread out an old sheet you are ready to give up on.
5. Next morning, rub off the henna. Vola. Stare at your artwork. It is only going to get better. Dont get alarmed if the color on your feet, back of your hands, and arms turn out lighter than the palms of your hands. Thats normal.

Of course, I am sure there are a thousand more tips out there. Please feel free to add in the comments section.

My talented cousins-in-law were the artists. I wanted a super intricate, Indian-style design (I think broadly, there are two styles--Arabic and Indian. Of course, there are further divisions in terms of region, etc). These are pictures during and right after the Mehendi was applied. When it is wet, it looks like "gunk". Suketu thought it was the final result, and kinda freaked out. The next day, he was happily taken aback.

Finally. A Crafting Update.

2009-04-07T17:25:00.001-04:00

Just when you thought I dont craft anymore. (Or just when I was thinking I dont craft anymore).

At the Fair and Square (Cross-Stitch) Exchange, my swap partner, Susan, made me these beautiful squares. I really like the two toned cranberry color she used. I am yet to decide what I will make out of these squares. Maybe a wall hanging? Thanks Susan!

For Susan, I stitched a pattern out of Cross-Stitch Designs from India by Carol Phillipson. If you are into cross-stitch, this is a beautiful book--it has very intricate and wonderful India-inspired designs.

I decided to make the design one solid color and of course, it had to be red. Bright red. Its amazing how fast the pattern works up when you dont have to change colors. In the beginning, I was not very confident that it would end up looking appealing...but eventually, it did.

Pattern: From Cross-Stitch Designs from India by Carol Phillipson
Thread: Red in DMC

Grandma's Homemade Solutions

2009-03-24T14:40:00.006-04:00

Its been a little over a month since I blogged last...and I am way behind my blog reading and crafting. Thanks for your concerned emails, and my apologies for disappearing. We have been dealing with some (nothing alarming at all) life issues, travel...and I have been a little under the weather.

Its during these "under the weather" times that you remember some people. Like Grandma. Who turned 86 this month (my talented photographer-brother took this picture). Growing up, she gave me warm back rubs when I woke up in the middle of the night, and held my head when I threw up.

I suppose this is poor man's food, but Mai (aka Grandma) made the below concoction when we had a fever. We eat it with paiz (Konkani word for par-boiled rice in starchy water). "Eat" is the wrong word...you just stick your finger into the "juice" (all this is going to make a lot more sense once you read the recipe).

Meet-Mirsang (Konkani phrase for Salt-Chilli)

Statutory warning: Do NOT try this if your stomach lining is not used to spicy food.

One green chilli
One dried red chilli
A tiny ball of tamarind (enough to be smooshed into an teaspoon measure)
Salt to taste...and then another pinch (your tastebuds are usually dead when you are sick. My Grandma says sea salt tastes much better...)

Cut the chillis in half. Add all ingredients in a bowl. Add two teaspoons of water. Mash everything together. Done!

So, they say starchy, bland food is good for you when you have a fever. So eat this concoction’s LIQUID with some watery rice. Just for a little flavor. If it is too spicy, which it might be, add more water. If you need more salt, add more salt. Whatever your taste buds are calling for.

The truth of the matter is...I tried making it the other day. It worked, but really didnt taste like the way Grandma makes it. Well.

Magic.

2009-02-19T14:57:00.001-05:00

So, this might be one of the craziest things we have ever got our hands on. The Miracle Noodle. No carbs, no sugar. Only soluble fiber.

We ordered the angel hair noodles. Each portion comes in a little baggie of water. But beware, these noodles smell very fishy. So the first thing to do is rinse them for a couple of minutes in running cold water. Then dry them on paper towels for 2 minutes or so and you are good to go! (yap, these noodles do not need any cooking).

The million dollar question. How does this stuff taste? Ok. If you are thinking pasta, rice, noodles, forget about it. It tastes like "nothing", but at the same time adapts the flavor of your dish. The first couple of times, it might taste "plasticy", but your taste buds quickly catch up. A word of caution--make small portions. This stuff is very filling.

Today lunch was Spicy (Miracle) Noodles in Pesto and Vegetables

Ingredients

1. one small onion, cubed
2. one small red pepper, cubed
3. four garlic cloves, finely chopped
4. one teaspoon chilli powder
5. salt to taste
6. one baggie angel hair Miracle Noodles, rinsed and dried
7. one tablespoon olive oil
8. one tablespoon pesto

1. Heat oil in a pan and under medium flame, saute garlic and union until light brown. Add red pepper and cook for a couple of minutes.
2. Add chilli powder, salt and pesto. Stir well.
3. Add noodles. Stir well. If the noodles seem wet, thats fine. The heat will dry them up quickly.

Thats it! This might be the quickest meal you ever made! For extra flavor, I added our must-have condiment at home -- Maggi Ketchup. Available in almost all Indian grocery stores. Here is our favorite flavor.

Everyday is a New Sweater Day

2009-02-10T10:30:00.006-05:00

Oh, how much I love babies. It feels like everyone around me is having a baby. I think I am having a small baby crafting sweatshop in my head. Babies, babies, babies.

I am all about top-down (it is another story of how petrified I am of seaming pieces together). Since so many of my friends are procreating, I have been on the hunt for good top-down crochet (I am faster with crochet) sweater patterns. Without much success, I soon started coming up with my own...Bombay Love is one of them.

Then I wanted a sweater that was versatile, that can be worn in many ways. Hey--babies are very fashionable. "Everyday is a New Sweater Day" was born. Button up and you have a funnel neck jacket. Roll up and you have a little pullover. Fold and you have a collared shirt!

This sweater was made for Anjali's baby! I made it in a 12 month baby size, but like all top-downs, it is all flexible (you got to love that). Work less rounds before separating the sleeves, and you have a smaller sweater. Remove the funnel neck and you have a plain sweater. Dont work on the sleeves after separation, and you have a little shirt. I am all about "making it your own."

Everyday is a New Sweater Day (Click here to queue it on Ravelry)

Stuff:

* 1.5 skeins of worsted weight yarn; a little bit of worsted weight yarn in contrasting color for edging (I used Vanna's Choice Solids)
* size 5.5 crochet hook (fits 12 month old)
* two buttons and one yarn needle

Abbreviations:

* Ch: chain
* DC: double crochet
* SC: single crochet
* St: stitch
* DC-DEC: double crochet decrease
* Sl st: slip stitch

Body:

With the main color of your choice, Chain 38.

Row 1: DC in the 3rd ch from hook and in every ch across. Ch3, turn. Count this Ch3 as the first st in the next row and in every other row.

Row 2: DC in all other sts across. Ch3, turn.

Row 3 - 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: DC in first 6 sts, (DC, Ch1, DC) in the next chain, DC in next 4 chs (first sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in the next chain, DC in next 12 chs (back), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next chain, DC in next 4 chs (second sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next chain, DC in the next 6 chs (second front), Ch3, turn.

Row 6: * Work DC until Ch1 space, work (DC, Ch1, DC) in this space, repeat from * 3 more times, DC to end, Ch3, turn.

Repeat Row 6 until desired chest measurement. My shirts had a chest circumference of about 23 inches.

Next row: DC until Ch1 space, work DC-DEC in the first Ch1 space and the next Ch1 space (one sleeve separated), DC until next (third) Ch1 space, work DC-DEC in the third Ch1 space and the next (fourth) Ch1 space (second sleeve separated), DC to end, Ch3, turn.

Next row: DC in each st across, Ch3, turn. Repeat this row until you are two rows away from desired length (remember to end with WS row).

Next row: Change to contrasting color. DC in each st across, Ch3, turn.

Next row: DC in each st across. Fasten off.

Sleeves:

Attach main color yarn at Ch1 space at underarm, Ch2, work DC around, join to the second st of Ch2 with sl st.

Ch2, word DC around, join to the second st of Ch2 with st st. Repeat this row until desired sleeve length.

For edging: Attach contrasting color, Ch1, word SC around, join to Ch1 with sl st. Fasten off.

Repeat the same for the next sleeve.

Buttons: Sew buttons as shown in the pictures.

Finishing:

Weave in ends.
Smile.
Look at your handmade project again.

Please:
This pattern is for your personal use only. If you use it, please link/acknowledge the pattern. Kindly do not publish pattern text or photographs without my written permission. Thanks!

Bombay Love

2009-01-29T14:44:00.011-05:00

During my masters degree (crazy but I am on the website. My claim to fame), I shared an apartment with a wonderful person. We had nothing in common. We met out of circumstance, found a place, and lived together. It was magical, romantic, and fulfilling. She is one of "those" people in my life where there are no boundaries, no inhibitions, no pauses. I can pick up the phone and we pick up our relationship from the time we talked last. The picture is from our old college years.

After several years of waiting and hoping, Nilanjana (aka Nilu) is having babies. Yes, babies as in twins. Babies in general make me terribly emotional, but nothing like this time around. Making these two little shirt-sweaters for them was a journey for me. I remembered our years in Bombay, the wars with our worlds, and the negotiations regarding what we wanted to become. I also thought of the heartbreaking journey that Nilu has undergone to become a mother. Her disappointed voice, but her very hopeful spirit. I am so very happy for her.

I came up with this pattern and figured a way to write it--this could not have been more timely. My first pattern to met the rest of the world. It is called "Bombay Love" ...reminiscing Nilu's and my old times in the city we both love so much. And the city in which we met and built our wonderful friendship.

Bombay Love (Queue it on Ravelry by clicking here)

- Top down baby shirt-sweater. Fast and furious.
- This is my first attempt at writing a pattern. Please email me with comments/corrections. My apologies in advance.

Stuff:

* 1 skein of worsted weight yarn; a little bit of worsted weight yarn in contrasting color for edging (I used Vanna's Choice Solids)
* size 5.5 crochet hook (fits newborn - three months)
* US 2 DPNs
* two buttons and one yarn needle.

Abbreviations:

* Ch: chain
* DC: double crochet
* SC: single crochet
* St: stitch
* DC-DEC: double crochet decrease
* Sl st: slip stitch

Body:

With the main color of your choice, Chain 38.
Row 1: DC in the 3rd ch from hook and in the next ch (first front), (DC, Ch1, DC) in the next chain, DC in next 4 chs (first sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in the next chain, DC in next 12 chs (back), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next chain, DC in next 4 chs (second sleeve), (DC, Ch1, DC) in next chain, DC in the next 11 chs (second front), Ch2, turn. Do not count this ch2 as the first st in the next row or in any other row. If you dont do this, then when you do the edging, there are "holes" between the edging and the body. Does that make sense?

Row 2: * Work DC until Ch1 space, work (DC, Ch1, DC) in this space, repeat from * 3 more times, DC to end, Ch2, turn.

Repeat Row 2 until desired chest measurement. My shirts had a chest circumference of about 20 inches.

Next row: DC until Ch1 space, work DC-DEC in the first Ch1 space and the next Ch1 space (one sleeve created), DC until next (third) Ch1 space, work DC-DEC in the third Ch1 space and the next (fourth) Ch1 space (second sleeve created), DC to end, Ch2, turn.

Next row: DC in each st across, Ch2, turn. Repeat this row until desired length of the shirt. My shirts had a total length of 10 inches. Remember to end with WS row.

Next row: Change to edging color. SC across the lower edge, continue SC across the first front, around the neck, across second front. Fasten off. I would suggest that at each corner you might come across during the edging, work 2 SC. This will stable the corners and will reduce curling up.

Sleeves:

Attach edging yarn at Ch1 space at underarm, Ch1, work SC around, join to Ch1 with sl st. Fasten off.

Repeat the same for the next sleeve.

Buttons:

With DPNs and with color of your choice (I just used what was remaining), cast on two stitches and work I-Cord for about 9.5 inches. Sew the I Cord to body as shown in the picture. I placed the I Cord between the fourth and fifth row from the top. Sew button on the other side.

Finishing:

Weave in ends.
Smile.
Look at your handmade project again.

Please:
This pattern is for your personal use only. If you use it, please link/acknowledge the pattern. Kindly do not publish pattern text or photographs without my written permission. Thanks!

Floor Decor...

2009-01-20T22:35:00.004-05:00

...of a different kind. Rangoli. Ami's wonderful handiwork for our party last October.

Ingredients:
1. In this case, washable color chalk. The possibilities are endless. See here.
2. Flowers
3. Diyas
4. Drawing talent
5. Love for best friend

Red for Emergency

2009-01-11T12:03:00.004-05:00

There has GOT TO BE an emergency exit out of UFO land. (Please. Tell me there is.) I suppose not. So very angrily and stubbornly, I am finishing them. One at a time. Or sometimes a new one and an old one. I never learn.

To celebrate the one ones, I present Big Red Sleeves. Extra large, mushy, cuddly sleeves. (For some reason, this sweater also reminds me of the red robe that boxers wear to the ring. Dramatic.) Started last year around June, this sweater is finally done. The sleeves were pending this whole time. I am not a good project finisher (but a very very good starter).

I am bad at taking notes as I make stuff up, so I don't remember how many stitches I casted on. But I do remember that they were most stitches for the sleeves in proportion to the rest of the body. I know. This is of no help.

Love my new sweater. It is perfect for cold NY winters. Perfect with a cup of hot tea...and snow. Also perfect for the knitter in me, because it is top down. Perfect for the color lover in me, because it is red. Crazy red. (Oh, did my nail polish give me away?)

I used Cascade Pastaza (part Ilama, part wool). Bad idea. The yarn sheds as you work with it, and it gave me itchy eyes. (BUT I don't get itchy eyes when I am around it or wear it. It has also stopped shedding. Phew) But my skeins were thick and thin in some places...and fuzzy at some spots and I like the rustic, almost crude, stitch definition they lend Big Sleeves. This is going to be my most worn sweater this season.

Ending a top down sweater in rib stitch. I found this very very painful. So how many times have you heard "bind off loosely?" So when I finished the ribbing (US 8 for ribbing), I went up a needle size (US 9) and bond off rib wise. The edge of the sweater flared. I ripped back and with US 9, I bond off knit wise. Still flaring. So I tried with US 8 rib wise. Flaring. Finally, it worked with US 8 knit wise. Just when I was loosing my mind.

Pattern: my own concoction
Yarn: Cascade Pastaza, 9 skeins
Needle: US 9 & US 8 for ribbing

Mission Possible

2009-01-06T10:15:00.003-05:00

Another wonderful year begins. I usually do not make resolutions as they become mission impossible. But I have a resolution this year--no yarn procurement for 2009, unless it is for a huge project like an afghan/blanket or a very specific gift for which I didnt have yarn. I am comfortable saying this because I have not bought any yarn since June 18, 2008. (Crazy or what). I almost bought some when I was here yesterday--but I paused and thought about the consumerist circle I have gotten myself into. Buying yarn. Procuring yarn. Buying more yarn that I really dont need.

So I spent some of my holiday time last month organizing my yarn. And finishing this blanket, Stripes. Stripes was actually supposed to have a twin. You got it. There were supposed to be two of them for my friend's to-be-twins. Well, by the time I finished this blanket, I was in garter stitch hell. And terribly bored. So I decided to stop at one. And give it to someone else at a later date. Or keep it for myself as a chair throw. Yet to be decided. I think I will end up keeping it.

Though I curse garter stitch hell, it was a very enjoyable knit. Relaxing. You begin at one corner and end at another. I did this once before, and I loved it. No math, no over-thinking, no measuring. All the things that make the anal in me very anxious. Just knit. And oh yes, the blanket owes its existence to a dishcloth pattern. See below.

The color panels are all coincidence. I knit a color until I finished that ball of yarn. And miracle. The blanket looks all "made-up." Well, now that it does look like I had a plan, if I look closely, the green rows on one side don't add up with the green on the other side. Crap. Lets not think about this. And not look too hard.

All in all, I am in love with this pattern. Another version of this pattern coming up sometime soon. After I am done with some UFOs that are flying around in my home.

Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth
Yarn: Vanna's Choice in Beige, Golden Yellow, and Green (these are my names for the colors)
Needle: US 10
Size: 35 inches * 35 inches

Little Shruglets

2008-12-29T20:08:00.001-05:00

My childhood family friend in Edison, NJ, has a new member in her family. Mia. Aint she cute? And chubby. Her brother, Gerard, thinks so too. So all chubby babies deserve a little "shruglet."

So I made a little shrug for Mia. It is a 6-12 months size (those babies grow so fast. I cant keep up). I have got hooked onto this pattern--I have a lot of worsted yarn, and this pattern is a basic template for a top down baby crochet sweater. I am making several versions based on this pattern (Yap. Get ready).

Pattern: Crocheted Baby Sweater
Yarn: Bernat's Denim Style in white
Hook: 5.5mm
Modifications: I did not work the sleeves after I connected the body. The sleeves are little "caps" now. Also, worked fewer rows for the body.

Lovely Week.

2008-12-22T22:55:00.004-05:00

1. I visited Buffalo last Wednesday.
2. Diane got the flu Wednesday evening.
3. Amy's car was stolen Wednesday night/Thursday morning.
4. Diane got locked out of her new (and beautiful) new home Thursday afternoon.
5. Amy and I got locked out of her apartment Friday morning.
6. Though it was snowing like crazy, Amy and I went to school on Friday. Only to find out the library closed early because
7. A snowstorm was on its way.
8. Amy canceled her dinner party Friday night because of the storm.
8. It snowed (and snowed) the whole of Friday.
9. Saturday -- silence.
10. Snowstorm again on Sunday.
11. Amy and her partner, Robin, got stuck in snowstorm Sunday.
12. Come Monday, my flight back to NYC is delayed.
13. My butt still remembers two falls because of slippery snow.

Some candid (and now very funny) pictures from the storm. We were digging out Diane's car from the parking lot (ok. I was taking pictures).

************************************************************************************

My friend and crafter, Shweta, is having a baby boy in January. She recently moved from this part of the world to California. (Oh, how much I miss you). We both enjoy crochet, and we both love granny squares. So I made a giant granny square blanket for the baby...and I call it "For the Love of Granny" baby blanket.

Pattern: Target square from Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Touch (Blue) and Red Heart Designer Sport (Purple)
Hook: 5mm
Size: 35 inches x 35 inches

So cold.

2008-12-15T13:37:00.011-05:00

It must be the coldest winter ever. When we visited Suketu's parents' home in NJ this weekend, Suketu helped me take pictures of the scarf I made for the Sit N Knit Holiday Exchange. He took one candid picture of angry me...cursing the cold wind.

But all in all, it was a great weekend. The Sit N Knit annual Holiday party was fun...filled with food and wonderful handknits. I got to hang out with my crafty friends and work on what seems like an endless baby blanket.

Angela and me

Nicole and Carolyn

For the exchange, I received a super cute hat from Jessica. Here is me with her, modeling my new hat. Thank you, Jessica!

My "winter white ripple scarf" went to Rebecca. She mostly knits, and does a little bit of crochet, and was super happy to receive her first crochet item.

The pattern of this scarf is actually from an afghan pattern. I worked one repeat of the pattern, in chunky yarn. All in under three hours. Bliss.

Pattern: Easy Ripple Afghan; one repeat of the pattern
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Chunky in off-white
Hook: 6mm

Dessert anyone?

2008-12-02T16:38:00.004-05:00

Over the next several weeks (months?), this blog is going to periodically talk about the crafty things that happened at our engagement party. (I made our friend-photographer, Alex, take so many pictures, at one point, he thought I was nuts. Then I told him it was for my blog, and it suddenly all made sense to him).

Suketu and I love playing host to family and friends, and we wanted them to go home with something personal, special, and meaningful. We both love dessert...especially cupcakes. (Ok. Suketu likes cupcakes more than I do). I love Chinese take-out, but not any kind of Chinese food. It has got to be Indian-Chinese cuisine (Oh. How much I miss India). So we ordered an assortment of cupcakes from our favorite cupcake store, Elenis, and put them in Chinese take-out containers from Pearl River.

Each of the eighty containers had something written and drawn on them. All of them came from the top of my head, as I kept writing. Some of them were nostalgic, some of them sentimental, and some plain silly.

But most of the containers had something about Obama. Our party was just a month before the election, and that is all what most of us thought about. I wrote and Ami drew a picture. It was wonderful. Now every time Suketu and I have a cupcake, we remind ourselves that there is hope, and change is really possible.

Thankful.

2008-11-24T11:55:00.013-05:00

So many things have been happening over the past several months, and I am very thankful.

Thankful for wonderful blog friends. Rachel and I are part of the Birthday Swap on Ravelry, and she sent me a huge package for my birthday. All kinds of things--stitch markers, magazines, tons of yarn (!), an "R" notepad, beads, hemp....The coolest thing was the Scorpio mug! It sits on my table, making me proud every day that I am a Scorpio :) Thank you Rachel, for being such a great blog friend...it has been so great getting to know you over the past one year! And for all the birthday years to come!

Then there is Juanita. She won my 100th post giveaway--click here and here to see the incredible stuff she made out of the package. So however crazy this might sound, she sent me a thank-you package! (Oh these crafters, they are so crazy). We both enjoy thrift stores, buttons, cooking, and craft...so I got thrifty buttons and a thrifty "Swisse" apron. And a calendar, and an embroidered kerchief, and post cards, and letters. Thanks, thanks much.

I am also thankful for babies. Several of my cousins and close friends are pregnant right now, and the biggest joy for me is to make baby things for them. Life, change, and babies are the most magical things in this world...and it is incredible of how different the world suddenly feels.

My second-cousin, Jonathan, and his wife, Sharmila, in Toronto, just had their baby (two weeks early, one day after my birthday! Ah. November babies). The new addition to our already exploding extended family is baby girlie Jasmine, 5.10 pounds. Again, this is so magical.

I made Jasmine a little cardi-shirt-sweater...call it whatever your mood fancies. I call it Princess Jasmine's New Clothes. It is a quick crochet project--I took a week or so because of my current sporadic crafting habits, but really, it is under three-four hours. The biggest advantage is seamless (yay!) and so less headache and cursing.

Pattern: Crocheted Baby Sweater
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted in off-white, and Red Heart Worsted in beige
Crochet Hook: 5.5mm

Mods: Several
1. Made the sweater a little bigger, so chained 44. Followed the pattern, did 7 dc for one front, 5 for one sleeve, 14 for back, 5 for the other sleeve, and 7 for the other front.
2. Worked until the chest was 24 inches, and divided body and sleeves.
3. Worked body until desired length and made sleeves to "shirt" size.

An extraordinary man

2008-11-06T13:35:00.015-05:00

Thank you so much for your best wishes. It means a lot to me.

My father visited us in September, and stayed with us until mid October. Over the years, especially after moving out of home eight years ago, I have been fortunate to spend a lot of "down-time" with him--where we just relax, talk, and introspect.

Many things I am, and many things that I believe in, I have learned from my Dad. It is because of him that I understand tolerance and respect difference. It is because of him that I have learned to challenge the "normal." It is from him that I get the strength to navigate this wonderful life and make hard, difficult decisions. My father is my best friend and my life long mentor. I cannot imagine a day without him.

Here are some pictures of my Dad, Suketu, Suketu's parents, and me from the engagement party and a couple of days later at the city clerk's office.

PS: I have been trying to figure out how to post an enlarged version of them, but no success. Just click on them for a larger view.

10.10.2008

2008-10-10T17:29:00.008-04:00

Just when I thought I was settling down from the India trip, my Dad arrived from India. Just when I was getting used to taking him out and showing him the sights, Suketu and I had an engagement (or what I call "celebrating our relationship") party. Just when I decided to buy thank-you cards, we got married. Yes. Just like that. We decided late Tuesday evening and walked into the city clerk's office this morning.

After being together for almost three years, Suketu is today my "husband". Though I admit that this is a challenge,--between my life around and my ideas about state, marriage, and paperwork--today is a very happy day. Our parents are terribly happy and that makes me happy. So very happy.

And yes, I promise. Pictures soon.

Handicrafty Home Improvement

2008-09-19T10:25:00.014-04:00

Every time I get back from India, I turn the house upside down. Basically because I need to find a place for everything I got back, (and yes, figure out what to do with what was there before!). This time was no different. The saga continues.

Indian embroidery patchwork wall-hanging (from Goa) in the living room. The creases are driving me insane, but they must wait to be ironed out in the weekend.

Framed Brass-work in the bedroom

Wood carving and hanging glass lanterns

You would think that Sarawati, the Hindu mythological Goddess of Knowledge, would inspire academic life...

The cutest find from Bangalore. Suketu loves elephants, so we collect cool, unique elephant inspired stuff. This is what happened when Ganesh and Gandhi met one sunny day.

Lastly, a framed gift from my brother and sister-in-law

I got so carried away with all the home improvement stuff, that I painted the foyer yellow. Bright, "I need sunglasses" kinda yellow.

Away and now Back

2008-09-04T10:48:00.003-04:00

Hello! Sorting out tons of photographs. Here are some from Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

My younger brother, Rayan, and Vaishali at their beautiful engagement party (Bangalore)

Senior Citizens taking a walk: Vodka and Grandma (Bangalore)

Good Old Commercial Street (Bangalore)

Suketu at a trial fitting for his first ever custom made suit (Bangalore)

Buying Antique pens at this really cool store (Seetha Phone Company) on Avenue Road (Bangalore)

Pretending to fix watches at Suketu's uncle's watch repair shop (Ahmedabad)

At the Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad

A historic moment. Suketu's uncle and cousin at the house Suketu's Dad grew up in (Ahmedabad)

Baby-overload at Suketu's uncle's home in Ahmedabad

Local Happenings

2008-08-12T14:24:00.003-04:00

Meeting crafty friends for dinner: (L-R) Anjali, Amrita, Cindy, Sanhita, and Sanhita's daughter

At yummy Corner House with sister-in-law Vaishali and friend Manisha

Devouring more home cooked Mangalorean food. Presenting Kube-Sukka (or Clams in a "dry" masala).

Manju at the newspaper archive learning how to knit my current project! I am so proud.

Every Day.

2008-08-03T13:48:00.015-04:00

I wish I could blog every day, especially my every day in India. But days at home move quickly that sometimes it is hard to tell when the day begins, and when it ends.

I am in Bangalore, the city I grew up in, and the city I love. However, the Bangalore I knew once upon a time is changing so fast that there is some of the familiar and a lot of the new. Glass buildings, crazy traffic, the namma Metro project or subway construction, SO MANY PEOPLE. So many people, so many malls, so many cars, so many stores. So much on the backs of those who have so very little. We will save that for another day.

I spend some of my time at the archives of one of the oldest newspapers in Bangalore. It is a big but refreshing change--from interacting with people via interviews earlier this year, to looking at old, bulky folders for that one news clipping that has the power to make your day. I have a great spot between two large bookcases and here is where I do my reading. And yes, random spurts of knitting.

I also get to hang out with really cool, politically minded archivists. They are always ready to vehemently discuss and debate...something that I always look forward to. The archivists do some of the most painstaking manual work--every day, they go through all the newspapers circulated in the city and archive every piece of paper under subject.

Of course, they also love goofing off and posing like Rajnikant.

When I am at home, my mother makes all my favourite Mangalorean food, the most yummiest of all time being Mutli-Kube (or Clams with Rice Balls). This was today's lunch and she dictated the recipe as she cooked. Here it is.

Mutli-Kube (Clams with Rice Balls)

Beware. This is a time-consuming recipe. But once your work is done, you will agree that it is one of the yummiest things you have ever eaten.

Ingredients
1. two cups boiled rice (this is a special kind of Indian rice; you will be able to find it in an Indian store) soaked in water overnight
2. three pounds steamed clams (more the merrier). You will not have the whole family fighting for clams.
3. three large onions, coarsely chopped
4. one large onion, finely chopped lengthwise
4. two large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
5. two tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
6. two teaspoon garam masala
7. two teaspoon coriander powder
8. two teaspoon chilli powder
two tablespoon olive oil
salt to taste

1. Grind the rice in a food processor and add water as you when you feel that the processor wont move without it. The point being, we are interested in making a white mass and not a rice paste. Steam this mass for about half hour and when still warm, make little rice balls.
2. Under medium frame, fry the ginger-garlic paste in one tablespoon oil. Read more about this procedure in this recipe.
3. Add the coarsely chopped onions (add more oil if you think something will get burnt). Fry until light brown. Add the tomatoes and continue to cook for another two minutes. Add the garam masala, coriander powder, and chilli powder. Fry for another 30 seconds.
4. Cool this mixture and make a paste in a food processor.
5. Under medium frame, sautee the finely chopped unions in one tablespoon oil. When browned, add the paste from the food processor. Continue to cook for another minute or so.
6. Add the clams and rice balls to this mixture. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring the whole thing to a boil. If you feel that most of the water has evaporated/absorbed by the rice balls, add a little more water. If the dish turns out a little "liquidy", that is fine.
7. Writing this whole recipe down made me so hungry that I am going to go to the kitchen to dig into the leftovers. I hope my brother did not get there already.

Law & Order/Knitting/Brunch Party

2008-07-23T15:10:00.000-04:00

I AM IN INDIA! I am here for the next four weeks for dissertation/life/family stuff. Yay Baby. I arrived early this morning...feel like have been in a plane forever. However, (again) it does not seize to amaze me that I am in the other end of the planet in one day. How crazy.

Before I left for India, I invited some of my girlfriends to our place for some Law & Order viewing, knitting, and brunch. Yes. Law & Order. I am a full-blown Law& Order addict. I dont remember my life when I did not watch Law & Order (yes, thats how much I am addicted to the show). It is a different story that we did not watch any L & O at the party, because people were so into getting to know each other, knitting, and eating. But knowing that my friends are ready to put up with my quirky, weird mind is enough for me.

Suketu and Ami cooked up the brunch. It was so great and so yummy. Thank you very much. A big thank you to everyone who made it to our place...it was a celebration of many things meaningful to our lives.

At the party, Ami received her much awaited wedding present. In addition, she is leaving NYC for Austin in the end of August, so it is also a "cant wait to see you again" present.

From the get-go, I wanted to make a blanket. A gigantic, "I cant have enough of" kinda blanket. I looked at several crochet patterns, but nothing really made me happy. I did not want to make a million granny squares because I knew I would be seaming them together forever. Also, I had a particular idea in mind....I wanted something aesthetically unique (to suit Ami's taste) and with a modernistic construction (keeping in mind Nihar's ideas about home decor). So I just came up with my own design of one huge (60" x 60") granny square made with a neutral color (I used off-white).

After figuring out the basic math (coming from me, basic might be too strong a word), this blanket is a breeze. In my mind, I call this piece as the Law & Order Blanket. There are so many episodes of L&O in this blanket...each stitch has its own story. So many stories. I thought I would never finish, but L&O kept me going.

I am sooo happy with the way the blanket turned out. I am especially happy that Ami liked it. Her whole face lit up--what else can a crafter ask for. It was worth all the yelling, screaming, and cursing. Ami is my best friend and sister by day and my therapist by night. We have big dreams of one day living in the same city, giving up boring aspects of our lives, and lolly-gagging the hours with knitting, painting, and thinking of the next thing we would like to make with our hands.

Pattern: Law & Order Blanket (own design; pattern coming soon)
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted
Crochet Hook: 5.5mm
Size: 60 inches x 60 inches

Crafting Rut to Kitchen Cookie

2008-07-12T09:08:00.007-04:00

I am in a crafting rut. You know those phases when you do even feel like picking up a needle (I sound like a traitor). At times, I have been pushing myself to finish some UFOs. Two Thursdays ago, Angela and I met at the Point for some knitting and chatting.

I worked on the beaded ripple stole for my mom...cursing the whole beading process (I am SEWING beads on the edgings! How crazy is that). I decided to add the beads after the stole was done...so I am in bead hell right now. And there was Angela, cruising through her Blouson (if you are on Ravelry, click here). Thank goodness Angela and I happily chatted away, otherwise I would have chewed off my hand out of sheer bead-desperation. You get no extra points for figuring out that since that Thursday, I have not picked up the stole even once.

But there has been other kinds of creation. Food. Yesterday's dinner was Kheema (minced meat). I had little time, so I churned out this super quick version of Masala Kheema. If you precook the meat and freeze it, you will have a meal in minutes.

Super Easy, Super Quick Masala Kheema

Tip: My mother knew we liked lamb kheema, so she used to add vegetables and potatoes to this dish. Good tip if you have kids or don't want to make the extra veggie dish.

Ingredients:
1. One pound of minced meat of your choice (I used extra lean lamb)
2. 3/4 large onion, finely chopped
3. One cup green peas
4. 6 oz tomato sauce
4. 4 tsp garam masala
5. 4 tsp coriander
6. 2 tsp chilli powder
7. 1 tsp cumin powder
8. A pinch of tumeric powder
9. 1 small cinnamon stick
10. A few bay leaves
11. 1 large dried red chilli
12. 2 Tbsp olive oil
12. Salt to taste

1. Saute the onions under medium flame until brown.
2. Add all the powders and saute the onions for another 30 seconds.
3. Add two cups of water, meat, tomato sauce, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, dried chilli, and salt.
4. Cook the meat until done (add more water if necessary). Now you have two options: if you would like a "dry" dish (which is less watery), see that you cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. If you would like a more gravy-like meal, add some more water.
5. If you are someone who gets annoyed by the extra, inedible stuff in the serving bowl (trust me, I have first hand experience), remove the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and chilli before serving. Personally, I like it in the dish and of course, avoid it while serving myself. It is my weird belief that especially if you have leftovers, the extra stuff adds more flavor overnight.
5. Serve warm with roti or rice.

Art

2008-06-30T15:07:00.007-04:00

Amy, my friend and fellow partner in dissertation-crime, visited us from Buffalo last week. It was really nice to see her...but it was especially nice hang out with an art, craft, museum loving friend (her dissertation work is on art museums. How cool is that). We visited the MoMa, and of course, I had to take some crafty pictures.

From top to bottom: Amy and wool fabric "walls", a Necchi sewing machine (1956 model), quilt art, and I am sure Picasso would have also loved knitting (ok. If there is something out there about Picasso and knitting, my apologies. I know zilch about art history).

One night we ate at DoSirak, a Korean restaurant near Union Square. If I were a foodie critic, I would give this place a 20 on 10. Affordable prices, big portions, great food. From right, clockwise: Shweta, Katrice, Bitsy, Amy, and Julie.

Long blogpost, because you dont just get to meet Amy, you also get to say hello to "B3 Big Button Blouse" aka my version of the C3 Crochet Crop Cardigan. I am so guilty of introducing Big Button so late (you know the UFO syndrome), I almost have the urge to write an apology letter to her. She was finished a long time back, but was packed away in a corner. Because? Because I am terribly lazy when it comes to finishing. So silly. So guilty.

Anyway. About my newly finished project. Monica Brown has written a really easy to read, easy to follow, organized pattern. I really enjoyed making this blouse, especially since it was top down. However, when I started the shell pattern, I found that there was suddenly "excess" fabric at the back. I saw on Ravelry that this did not happen to everyone, so I suppose it is one of those "fix it yourself" problems. You can see what I did in the modifications section below.

I enjoy larger than life accessories, so I bought these big, bright, pink-purple toned buttons from M&J Trimmings. The tug o' war was between these buttons and big, classic looking, mother of pearl buttons. I liked what I finally bought---the mother of pearl were too serious for my personality (but I am thinking that I should have bought them for another project). Special thanks to Ami and Shubh for tagging along with me to button paradise.

Pattern: C3 Crochet Crop Cardigan
Yarn: Classic Elite Soft Linen
Crochet Hook: 3.5mm
Modifications:

1. Though I hit gauge in my swatch, I had to do more rows until the yoke met at the armholes. That was no problem at all--what I I had to really care about was that when I began the shell pattern, I had multiples of 6 plus 1 stitches.

2. When I started the shell pattern (with the suggested larger size hook), the back fabric started getting floppy and had excess "folds" of fabric. After many frogging episodes, I managed to fix the problem. Firstly, I used the 3.5mm hook (the smaller one) for the entire garment. Secondly, I did not work the increase row before beginning the shell pattern. After I separated the sleeves and body, I began the shell pattern (I cheated a little bit in the first row so that I had multiples of 6 plus 1 stitches).

3. I eliminated the 3/4 sleeves. I stopped working on my sleeves once I separated the sleeves and the body.

4. Oh yes. I also increased the body length, until I could wear it as a blouse. I wear it over a tank.

Cupcake

2008-06-24T08:38:00.010-04:00

I am back from a conference related trip to Cincinnati. Just three days but it felt like a long time. I am not complaining--I attended one of the best keynotes ever (she also signed a copy of her book. I felt like a star-struck, rock star fan) and met some wonderful people on my panel. But I find all kinds of travel exhausting--the packing, locating, relocating, unpacking.

I got back and guess who had received mail. I am currently thinking of an engagement gift idea for my younger brother (Rayan) and his long time girlfriend (Vaishali) of eight years (pictures here). Mazhalai got wind of my idea search through a ravelry group and she offered to send me these banana leaf (!) place mats for inspiration. If you have eaten off a banana leaf before, I am sure you are part of my excitement of receiving this package. For some South Indian banana leaf trivia, read this. Many thanks to Mazhalai for the "leaves", chocolate, and note.

PS: Rayan and Vaish do not live together and Vaishali will soon be leaving for England for a year long masters course. So I want to make something that is separate (a minimum of two pieces) and yet connected. I have had suggestions, on Ravelry, of making place mats, socks, scarfs, vest plus shawl. Someone at Ravelry also suggested making twin afghans and seaming them together once Rayan and Vaish have a place together. I am warming up to several of these ideas--any other suggestions are very welcome.

More. Suketu's birthday was this weekend. He loves cupcakes. He worships cupcakes. I am sure he also dreams in cupcake language. This was a perfect whimsical thing to make. He totally freaked out when he saw it. He thinks it is the coolest thing....especially the "sprinkles" aka glass head pins. I think it makes a really cute gift for anyone who fancies baked goods.

Pattern: Quick Cupcake
Yarn: Sugar N Cream
Crochet Hook: 5mm

Just call me Elfie.

2008-06-14T20:33:00.021-04:00

Happy World Wide Knit in Public Day! Big day for us crafters--a political act of how we have come to view this world. A group of 70 odd people knitted at Central Park, courtesy our wonderful knitting group, Sit N Knit. I got to hang out with some of my most favorite people, did some progress on my version of the cropped cardigan, and solved one big casting off mystery. More news in the weeks to come. And oh, the last picture. I was too buzy eating the lemon bars that Amy (left) had made. Not one, not two, but three lemon bars.

Today's featured project is Elfie. Yap... you can "just call me Elfie". My colleagues at school had an almost impromptu baby shower for our friend and fellow dissertator, Rachel. I now live in NYC and miss all the school related gathering-celebrating (and whining-crying-"why is my life so sucky") fun; Anyway, I had to mail something handmade for the baby-to-be. And I had to come up with it really fast.

So I decided to make a baby set with a hat and booties (baby booties--I never seize to wonder who in the world could wear such small shoes?). I found the pattern on the Lion Brand website and I was done in under three hours. I took another hour or so figuring out how to embellish the gift, but that is just me, Ms. "I really want to drive myself crazy before I commit". I have a small button collection, mostly comprised of the extra buttons received with Suketu's shirts, buttons snipped off "undonatable" clothes, buttons found in forgotten corners of drawers and dressers. Basically, "vintage" quality buttons. I think they are special--each button has a story...something to say. With all its chipped corners, it wants to tell you where it came from and where it is going to go.

This is also my personal philosophy about handcrafting (and about many other things in daily living). (Maybe I am thinking more about this today given the nature of the day). Every handmade project is alive (forever) with a story. Every handmade project, filled with imperfections, split stitches, signs of frogging and frogging again, wants to tell you something. Anyone who is seeking something "perfect"/store bought (aka "superior") is missing the point--it is perfect because I made it. It is perfect because I was thinking of you while making it. It is ours forever because it has something of you, and something of me.

Getting back to Elfie. This would have worked in less than three hours if I had enough sense to first check Ravelry. Many complaints that the hat works out too small, even with gauge. See modifications below.

Pattern: Just call me Elfie is inspired by the Baby Elfin set, Lion Brand website.
Yarn: Bernat's Denimstyle in white
Crochet Hook: 4.5mm
Accessory: Neutral colored buttons from personal collection
Modification for hat: By the time I finished all the rows before the flaps, something looked terribly wrong. Not even a cat's head would fit that. So I changed plans and continued to increase. Stopped increasing when the diameter was about 2.5 inches less of the goal diameter. Continued without increases until desired length. No flaps. Hat done.
Modification for booties: I am a "visual" knitter. I need a photograph (yes, it helps me wing things too). Anyway, by the time I was done with the first set of increases, I could visualize it. I was getting a sole length of more than 4 inches, so I skipped a few rows here and there, and made it approximately 4. I skipped the cuffs and single crocheted the bootie opening. Added buttons for extra happiness.

Summer

2008-06-08T18:02:00.013-04:00

Giveaway Happiness is packing its bags and heading to Switzerland! Juanita is the proud winner! Congratulations--I emailed you for your address. Thank you to everyone who took part.

News highlight. Guess who started a blog. Ami! You can visit her at whimkit; if you stop by, please say hello. You can expect many creative escapades--and much quirkiness. Lovely, pretty, I cannot get more of, quirkiness.

Summer is here. So wonderful. It is 100 degrees today and hey can you hear me complaining. Summer is here, and just by coincidence, so is my brand new tote bag. When I was in India earlier this year, I began learning how to sew; after getting back to NYC, I signed up for a beginners sewing class at Purl Patchwork. I do believe I have a serious urge to sew--I think a lot of that has to do with the kind of sound/rhythm a machine in action makes. It is so---soothing.

Moving on. This is what I made in the class. It is a squarish tote bag with a lining and a small pouch with a zipper. I can now say that I now understand the science behind cutting fabric and seam allowances. And yes--I can now sew in a straight line. Finally, though I loved the old school machines, the automatic machines are a modern miracle. Smooth, with no acrobatic moves necessary.

Sewing is way different than knitting/ crochet. There is no looking back after you cut the fabric. No frogging, no ripping. Sewing (especially cutting fabric) creates anxiety in me--but I think that is because I am still figuring out things. I am not sure if I am going to remember many things from class. For instance, how to add a zip. I am hoping this stuff is just "going to come back to me."

Patterns: From the Purl Patchwork class manual for beginner sewing class
Fabric: From Purl Patchwork

100th Post. Giveaway Happiness.

2008-05-29T09:20:00.010-04:00

100th post. Already. I have met so many people and made so many friends. It has been a wonderful journey.

Happy Giveaway. I love receiving packages, but I equally love sending them.

Here is all the Giveaway info:

- You could be living in any part of the world--everyone is invited to play!
- The winner will receive two skeins of Manos, 101 Designer One Skein Wonders, and a yard of that cheery cotton fabric from Mood Fabrics.
- To participate in the giveaway happiness, just leave a comment on this blog post by the 6th of June (next Friday), 9am EST. Nothing to be so official sounding about it, but that is when the "pick from the hat" drawing will happen. I cant wait.
- If you are unsure whether or not your comment links up to your email address or blog, leave your email address in the comment or email me your address (my email address is on my profile page). If you win, I want to make sure that I can reach you :)

Blue

2008-05-20T11:06:00.019-04:00

I was so happy to read all the cross-stitch histories. Thanks for sharing.

I took part in the Spring swap at the Four Seasons Swap at Ravelry, and this is what my (secret) sending partner, Cheryl, mailed me. I love cotton yarn, and I received so much of Sugar n’ Cream happiness. I am very intrigued by the book. Many thanks, Cheryl! She said that she really tried to find colored cotton twine (the hardware store kind) for me…thanks for hunting. I really appreciate it.

Crafting life. I have been trying very hard to finish my UFOs. I have an ongoing deal with self—to begin one project for every three finished. I was clean for over a month—until yesterday. I casted on and my long-distance conscious made me frog it. Actually, it felt great to frog—I was walking around with way too much guilt. Now that it has been frogged, technically, I am still clean.

Anyway. I began what has now come to be called “Blue” last November, with the hope of making this (second from left on row two). Come April 2008 and I don’t feel like full-sleeve, bolero styled outfit anymore. So I just winged it, and came up with my own concoction.

Though I am not jumping with joy, I am happy with the outcome. This was such a fast knit (would have been faster if I did not live in UFO land). Blue is totally wearable; I have never knit anything blue for myself (so strange). It is a top-down...and so less seaming. Yay. Butterflies would be the last thing I would buy, but when I saw these buttons at Downtown Yarns, something clicked. I totally love them--I think they lend a whimsical touch.

Pattern: Own concoction. Special mention--Neck Down Bulky Bolero (from Knitting Pure and Simple) for casting inspiration and Puff-Sleeve Feminine Cardigan (from Fitted Knits) for sleeve band inspiration.
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton
Needle: US $8 (circular for body, dpns for sleeves)

Blue’s first public appearance was at last night’s Sit n Knit’s "bar" party. I won something at the raffle. Me. I was so taken aback when Ann-Marie called out my ticket number. I never win anything.

Finding an Old Lover

2008-05-09T09:57:00.017-04:00

Thank you very much for you get-well soon wishes. I am feeling a lot better. Leah's tip on air-conditioning worked like a charm! Though I am still clogged up, I have not been waking up with swollen red eyes. Anything in non-allergy direction is a bonus.

I learned embroidery and cross-stitch before crochet and knitting. I do not even remember how old I was....think around 7-8 years old. My mother is a talented crafter (though she does not do much anymore) and I learned embroidery (and later, crocheting) from her. I picked up cross-stitch from a neighbor and got quite obsessed with it. What I enjoy about needlework is its precision and attention to detail (which kinda goes hand in hand with my anal, obsessive Type A personality). (My mother capitalized on my obsession. I still think I should get some kind of remuneration)

The last time I did any kind of cross-stitch or embroidery was about 4-5 years ago. Last December, I came across Fair Square, a cross-stitch exchange. I wanted to exercise my rusty skills, and so I signed up.

My swap partner was Christina, who stitched these beautiful squares for me. She loves flowers, houses, bunnies, and everything "Xmasy". So I decided to stitch petunia flowers for her, in shades of pink, one of her favorite colors, and purple, one of my current favorite colors. (Who knew that the lily of the valley flowers in the square complement the ones currently blooming in Christina's garden!)

This is also a personal history, of flowers and pink. I stitched so many flowers in my childhood, I managed to get quite annoyed with them. Pink--a color I am not very crazy about--I suppose I must have stitched a lot of pink flowers. Stitching these squares for Christina made me revisit both of them. I really enjoyed the experience--I must say my skills have not gotten all that rusty. I was quite pleased with the outcome.

Pattern: Framed Petunia, from an Indian cross-stitch book (Cross Stitch Supriya, published by Maya Publication)
Threads: DMC in shades of pink, purple, and neutral greens (I chose a green tone that would not overshadow the flowers)

I added some goodies, including two kits--one is Xmasy, with a house and snowman and the other, a rabbit. Christina also enjoys crocheting and knitting, so there was a skein of Manos to symbolize our other crafting connections.

Hello from Allergy-land

2008-05-07T14:16:00.009-04:00

I received some emails asking if regular sausage or red meat could be substituted for Goan sausage. Thought I should add a note here. If you use un-marinated meat or sausage, do not forget to add garam masala, meat powders, and an extra dose of vinegar. A google search for Indian meat recipes should help with regard to quantities, spices, etc.

Meet my two new best friends. I have the worst seasonal allergies--all clogged up with the cold, and have terribly itchy, watery eyes. Resident doctor aka Suketu says that it will pass soon and hey, I am waiting. Been waiting for the past TWO weeks. Still waiting. Tick, tick.

There has been good news during this wait. For me, postal mail is very great news. I love postal mail--in my mind, it is real mail. I remember my Dad and I used to spend most of December writing holiday cards to our family, friends, and his business contacts. It seemed so real, so personal, so us.

This is what I received from yarny-blogger friend, Leslie. Thanks much! I really appreciate that you thought of me.

Then came along a big package all the way from Sweden from Christina, my swap partner at Fair Square, a cross-stitch exchange. This is what she stitched for me.

The square also has my initials and location. How cool is that. How thoughtful is that. When Christina asked me what I would like, I requested if something local/indigenous would be possible. Christina says that the pattern in the center is a reworked pattern from an old weaving technique called "opphamata". It was used around Sweden as far back as the 16th century. Christina: Thank you! This is so perfect.

Christina also collects vintage items...and she sent me three things from her collection. The linen tea-towel is handwoven in a old technique, "angle brackets"; the potholder is in a "nordic" pattern, and since I like buttons, she sent me some. Bliss.

Thank you again, Christina.

A little bit of Goan food

2008-04-28T21:01:00.019-04:00

An update on the last post: Umesh and Roopa just had a beautiful little girl. Woooho! Thanks much for the baby gift appreciation...the proud parents liked them too!

Last week, knit-friends Katrice, Bitsy, and Shweta were over for lots of knitting and some food. Thank you for a wonderful evening. A big thank you to Shweta—I now own a handknit, designer hat (!). She designed it and the pattern will soon be available online on a new website.

What was for dinner? Dessert first (if you are like me, your primary interest is the "dessert situation”). Sorry for the bad pictures, but those are Chocolate Brownie Cookies—I made enough for the knitting party and as a birthday present for Suketu’s brother. At the knitting dinner, we had warm cookies with vanilla ice-cream, blueberries, and strawberries. I am no baking expert, but I must say that they turned out very good.

Recipe: Chocolate Brownie Cookies from Williams Sonoma Food Made Easy, Baking
Modifications: The recipe calls for chopped walnuts—I chopped half of the walnuts and finely grinded the other half. The ground walnuts lend a subtle, overall nutty flavor to the cookies.

Dinner. I decided it was high time I made the Goan sausages I brought back from my recent India trip. Here is a picture. Goan sausages are made of uncooked pork; the meat is marinated with spices and vinegar and packed into tight “balls”. In Goan markets, a hundred of such balls (which make up a string) cost 200 rupees. I am not sure how long they stay good without refrigeration; I have seen my parents freeze them within a month of buying them.

Recipe for Goan Sausage with Potato and Onions

Notes:
- There are many interesting ways of cooking Goan sausage, and this is just one way my family likes it. I am not sure if this is a Mangalorean take on cooking Goan sausage (?)
- There is no sugar coating this. Goan sausage is NOT made of lean pork…you get my point of how this becomes a greasy dish. I hardly eat or cook meat anymore and strongly dislike greasy food. However this dish is a rare treat especially if you just cannot walk around the corner and land up in a Goan market!
- For this specific recipe, do not add spices like garam masala and meat powders. They might mask the yummy flavor of the sausage.

Ingredients:
- 2.5 strings Goan sausage (this is usually made up of 150 balls). Remove the sausage covering, and put the meat into a bowl.
- 5 medium-sized onions, cut into large cubes
- 5 medium-sized potatoes, boiled, skinned, and cut into large cubes
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 4 teaspoons coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- A pinch of tumeric powder
- 3 teaspoons vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste

Directions:
1. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan under medium flame. Under low heat, add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for about eight minutes (the point being, cook until you lose the “raw” flavor and odor of the paste). Be careful not to burn the paste, as this can happen quite easily. Unfortunately, for this not to happen, the only remedy is to add more oil. Once done, keep aside in a bowl.

2. Heat one tablespoon of oil in the pan under medium flame. Sautee the onions until light yellowish-brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, chilli powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder and fry for about 30 seconds. Add the meat and two cups of water and cook until the meat is tender. Don’t let the meat dry up while cooking; you will have to keep adding water. I prefer a thick gravy, so I closely moderate the water content so that it will cook the meat but not water-down the dish.
3. The meat has a strong tangy aroma in its uncooked form and this tanginess is the uniqueness of this meat. If you feel some of the tanginess has been lost during the cooking process, add some vinegar half way through step 2.
4. Turn off heat and add potatoes to the meat. Add salt to taste (add with caution—sometimes salt might not be necessary because of the pre-marinated nature of the sausage).
5. Proudly serve with dhal and rice.

Baby

2008-04-20T19:45:00.016-04:00

Yesterday was a trip to one of our favourite places, Coldspring. It is a tiny town in Hudson Valley, NY--filled with unique stores and beautiful homes. We loved this one particular house, and Ami and her husband Nihar (who is visiting from Houston, while Ami works in NYC until October) looked all prettied up in front of it.

Ami and Nihar

I am especially in love with the red doors. Red is one of my favorite colors.

Then we heard some disappointing news. The really cool, fun yarn store in Coldspring, Knitting Smith, is going out of business. Sniff. I don't mean transition so quickly from sad news to sale news, but everything in the store (I mean everything...including buttons, books, notions, Addi Turbos!) is 50% off. Crazy or what!

Ami hogged up some serious yarn for a sweater for Nihar and a lace shrug for herself, while I caught Nihar petting some yarn (actually, I made him pose for the shot. He is a good model). He is so amused with Ami's new addiction.

This is what I bought.

For the past three days, Suketu has been thinking aloud (very aloud...actually, yelling aloud) about how much he would love a knitted tie. I am planning to make this (any other suggestions are very welcome), but he has been told that it aint going to happen in the next couple of months or so. The news does not make him happy, but the yarn purchase has temporarily calmed him down.

Another purchase.

I have been looking for a crochet hook case for the longest time. I did have big plans of making a felted holder, but it fell through the cracks of general crafting plans. This case was so pretty (and cheap), I had to get it.

Now for the real stuff. Baby stuff. Umesh, who has been working in my Dad's firm in India for many years, and his wife are expecting their first child anytime this week. I made these three little things for the baby. All of them were super easy, super quick--they have been my "one-the-move" projects for the past couple of days. I would have loved to make something more elaborate but I just had to tell myself that there will be no dearth of future opportunities.

Cow Baby Hat

I could have easily spent another hour at M&J Trimmings, trying to find the perfect accessory. I decided on the cow, and am totally happy with her. I love the little things about Ms.Cow, especially her nose and tail.

Pattern: Real Simple Swatch Cap; in-house pattern from Gotta Knit
Yarn: Tahki 'Baby'
Needle: US 13
Cow Accessory from M&J Trimmings, NYC

Peanut Baby

The green ribbon is an unexpected but pleasant choice. Though I did not have anything particular in mind, I didnt think I would pick green to go with the brown and cream.

Pattern: Single Crochet Beanie
Yarn: Acrylic, light-worsted yarn from a craft shop on Commercial Street, Bangalore, India
Crochet Hook: 4mm
Ribbon from M&J Trimmings, NYC
Modifications: About three rounds before binding off, I made eylets in one round (*one dc, one chain stitch, repeat from * throughout) for the ribbon.

Big Button Baby Bib

I like "larger than life" accessories, especially buttons, on little crafts. I am not crazy about the yarn though. After working on this bib (and currently finishing a poncho for a little niece of mine), I have decided not to use it again. I fear that it is pile a lot in the future and not hold up well.

Pattern: Simple Baby Bib
Yarn: Bernat's Satin
Needle: US 8
Button from M&J Trimmings, NYC
Modifications: Casted on 27 stitches instead of 25.

Cookie

2008-04-14T22:14:00.015-04:00

Thank you very much for all your wonderful comments on my felting escapade. It motivates me to try to make more felted objects--any suggestions other than bags?

Long silence. That is because I have been cooking up something for you guys. Actually, I have been wrapped up with many WIPs...I cannot tell you how insane it has been at this end. More yarny news in the next post.

As for now, I am pleased to say that I am hereby inaugurating my cooking/food angle in blogland. I am a self-taught cookie, so I am sure some of the cooking "procedures" sound strange. They sound strange to me most of the time. If the recipe does not work out for you, leave a comment and lets talk about it.

Mom’s Masala Fish: my mother’s recipe and my twist on it.

Note:
- This is a spicy dish. Tweak the spice level to suit your taste buds.
- Everything is in approximation. If you want more masala, double the masala ingredients. The beauty of figuring food yourself!

Ingredients:
1. Six small sized pieces of fish of your choice, marinated for about 6-7 hours in salt and chilli powder to taste
2. One medium size onion, coarsely chopped
3. One large tomato, coarsely chopped
4. 4-5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
5. One teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
6. Two tablespoons of olive oil
7. One and a half teaspoons of chilli powder
8. One teaspoon of garam masala
9. One teaspoon of tamarind or lime juice
10. Salt to taste
11. Quarter cup coarsely chopped curry leaves
12. One-two finely chopped green chillies
13. Cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions:
1. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan (medium flame). Sautee onions until transparent. Add tomato, ginger, and garlic and continue frying for another minute. Cool this mixture and puree it in a blender.

2. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan (medium flame). Add the above mixture, tamarind/lime juice, salt, garam masala, and chilli powder. Fry for about 2 minutes. Add curry leaves and green chillies.
3. Remove 3/4 of the masala from the pan, and add 1/2 cup of water to the remaining masala. Place fish in the pan and, cook until done. Do not forget to turn the fish halfway through the cooking process and "swish" around the masala. Add more water if the pan looks dry. Otherwise, something is going to burn (!)
4. In a serving bowl, carefully mix the cooked fish and the 3/4 masala. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
5. Serve with rice or roti.