February 5, 2009

Happy Knitting New Year!  The Steelers have won the Super Bowl, which makes my family back in West Virginia very happy (my husband is still sulking over the collapse of the Giants).

For those of you who have inquired about my back surgery…I am recovering nicely, and the people at physical therapy are really kicking my butt three times a week to get me back into top knitting shape. Many knitters, like me, would rather knit than exercise, but you’ve got to get up and move to get those juices flowing. I also got a recumbent exercise bicycle, with a nice wide seat (for what my friends call “knitter’s butt”), and now I can knit and exercise at the same time and it’s great (maybe I’ll do a combination knit ‘n exercise book?) The only negative about exercising is that I feel that I deserve a reward afterwards…cookies! But I’m working on that kind of thinking.

Over the past few months, I’ve received many photos from people who are knitting my designs, and it is so great to see them. Thanks so much for sharing and keep ‘em coming!

In case you don’t already know, I’ve designed a Silver Anniversary Limited Edition Silk Scarf (seen at right) that you can look at and order from nickyknits.com or just click on the “store” button at left. The design incorporates some of my favorite magical knitting motifs and you can get it in silver or chartreuse, while they last. (Pardon the plug, but they are selling like hotcakes…although, you can’t accessorize with hotcakes.)

I’ve just finished going over the galley of Knitting In Tuscany (Spring 2009), and it’s filled with my original Tuscany-inspired designs, knitting shops and destinations for knitters, hotels, restaurants, shopping and sightseeing recommendations and lots more. There are many beautiful photos of Tuscany and lots of photos of me in Tuscany (that my publisher insisted upon, saying people will want to know I was there). I’ve been to Tuscany many times but hair, makeup and wardrobe weren’t my first thoughts. Oh well! The book was written to be of interest to all knitters, even those who don’t actually go there. I’m very excited about it and will share more photos and info with you in future blogs. If you like the book, buy it, and I will do more books and knits from around the world. Below is a picture of me in a lovely Italian yarn shop.

Just before Christmas my husband opened the blinds in our living room, and there sitting on the railing of our terrace, was a very big, beautiful red-tailed hawk staring at him. He managed to get his camera and took a couple of photos as the hawk peeked through the blinds at him. I don’t know who was more surprised…Howard or the hawk!

And, speaking of photos, my cousin Melanie in Ohio sent me pictures of her cat Pooks, whom I think is the “most wonderfully mean cat in the world.” The second photo is classic Pook, if you have the nerve to look at him.

At the end of February I will be teaching and doing book signings at Stitches West in Santa Clara, California and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. I am designing this gray lace piece with purple roses done in intarsia for their opening day devoted to intarsia knitting.
 

I’ll be sharing cookie recipes with you in my blogs, so here’s my favorite “cookie of the month” recipe. (Warning: they are addictive, so consume with moderation or consult your local physician.)
 

Cookie, Cookie Magic (no bake)

1 package Oreo cookies - the 3 rows of Oreos package (can also use mint)
1 8 oz pk cream cheese
1 12 oz pk white chocolate (can be any color)

Crush Oreos in food processor to get fine crumbs…Add cream cheese and blend until mixture is soft and shiny…Chill for 1 hour…Hand roll into walnut sized balls…Melt chocolate in microwave for about 2 minutes (liquify)…Using a small spoon or toothpick, dip balls into chocolate and place on waxed paper…Place in freezer for 5 minutes…Eat!

For extra decadence, place a long-stemmed cherry in center when you form the balls.

How many balls the recipe makes depends on how big you make them…should be about 2 or 3 dozen.

Once again, a happy, healthy New Year to you all, and keep those needles clicking!
 

Nicky