Optical Illusions

I just started the Op Art blanket. It’s an optical illusion that spirals from the center in ever growing stripes. Starting with only 4 stitches, the pattern increases by 4 with each row until you end with 888 stitches! I did the math. Counting the bind off, the total blanket is 99,898 stitches! I’ve done 8,318 so far. This is going to take forever 🙂

I am making it in green and white, the color of Marshall University and CK Highschool in Huntington, WV for friends of mine. It is where we grew up, but both of us are far away now.
If you are interested, the pattern is here.

Knitting a new leaf… And a sock!

This morning I very quickly knitted another leaf dishcloth!

I love this pattern, it knits so quickly! And if you follow my blog or have been here before, I knitted a leaf a couple weeks ago from a pattern from the same author. The pattern can be found here. This is the “Stocking Stitch” pattern. If you were curious how it compared, I have a picture of that too.

So, this week I also tried my first ever knitted sock. It was a toe-up pattern knitted magic loop style. It also knitted pretty easy, however the yarn I am using is frustrating! The skein has had 4 or 5 breaks in it already, so annoying! Also, my bind off is completely wrong and not stretchy, so with the second sick I will see if I can fix that.

Today I think I’m going to make more leaves and start the sock tomorrow. Have a great weekend!

Strawberries and Cream “Cheesecake”

Remember the Orange Creamsicle “Cheesecake” I posted the other day? Well, this is the same recipe, but with strawberry gelatin. Oh, and I finely chopped 2 fresh strawberries and mixed them in too, along with half of one on top for garnish.

It was yummy and I can’t wait to try another flavor. Maybe I’ll layer a couple? This is becoming my favorite summer treat!

Orange Creamsicle “Cheesecake”

I found this recipe on Pinterest and though it’s not really cheesecake because of the gelatin, it is an excellent light, sugar-free dessert!

Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 box sugar free orange gelatin (makes 2 cups size)
1 1/4 cup Heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
6 +/- drops liquid sweetener (like EZ Sweetz or stevia extract)

Instructions
-Boil the water and then dissolve the gelatin in it.

-Whip the heavy cream. I use a knock off Magic Bullet type mixer. It takes about 30 seconds or so, but you can use a hand mixer too.

-In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and mix in sweetener well. I love my KitchenAid mixer for this!

Speaking of sweeteners, I use a liquid stevia from Whole Foods, but you can use any type you have on hand. The amount of drops may vary though depending in which one you use.

-Once the gelatin has cooled for at least 15 minutes, slowly pour it into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth.

-Fold in whipped cream fully

-Pour into greased pan and refrigerate for a couple hours

Makes 8 servings, approximately 2 net carbs each, depending on your specific brands.

Try strawberry or lime flavors or add sliced fruit to the top and enjoy!

Fabric ruffle scarf

I bought this ruffle fabric a few months back and just knit it! I know it’s 90 degrees outside, but I REALLY want to wear it!

The fiber is called Starbella Flirt Siberia by Premier Yarns . I also have the same fiber in the Black Spot colorway that I can’t wait to use!