Thank you Wany & Square #4 this weekend!

I was feeling a bit guilty last week for a few days in a row when Wany was working hard upstairs, getting our back stock room back in order and back on track.  While we were downstairs where it is cooler...  Thank you so much Wany, you did a wonderful job and the upstairs looks great again after being neglected for more than a year now...  Today I went up several times to find some back stock, and guess what I found it instantly!!  

Take a look at how serious these "square" knitters looked at one of our recent classes, this one was a challenge!  But they all loved it at least so they say....

Here is what Andi has to say about this Saturday (July18) "Square of the Month" Class:

Hi everyone - I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. We will be making a mock cable with an eyelet in the middle.

We had the “pre” make-up class last Saturday. Everyone finished the square during the class, so I would call that a success! And a break from the more challenging class we had the week before.

If you are reading this and are not “square” like the rest of us, come join in the fun!

If you want to get a jump on things before the class starts, cast on 43 stitches and work 6 rows of garter stitch (knit every row.)

See everyone Saturday! 
-Andi

Customers sharing some wonderful party recipes!

What a nice 4th of July party we had indeed!  It was a very special day.  Everyone really outdid themselves with the great dishes they prepared and we had a lovely feast.  We had so much food, that we actually had a two day party, had a great Bar-B-Q the next day!  As you can see, the bowl that Marilyn is holding here, is practically empty!  That one contained Diane's awesome Endive and Walnut Salad, what a huge hit it was.  She is kind enough to share the recipe with us....  Other big hits at the party were Lori's Confetti Grain Salad and she is also sharing her recipe with us,  Andi's Egg Salad,  Ann's Potato Salad and Christine's Minted Zucchini Salad.  And of course, Emily's desserts.  

Lori's Confetti Grain Salad:

This salad tastes even better the next day!

1 cup any combination of oatgroats, barley (not pearled), spelt berries, kamut, quinoa (not more than 25%), or rice 2 cups water or broth (try low-sodium chicken broth) 1 pinch sea salt 1 quarter size spot of olive oil 1 red, orange, yellow or green bell pepper, chopped ½ bunch parsley, chopped fine 3-4 scallions, sliced thin 2 red radishes, chopped fine (opt) ¼ cup frozen corn, defrosted (opt) ¼ cup jicama, chopped (opt)

½-1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered ¼ cup celery, chopped fine ¼ cup carrots, chopped fine ¼ cup purple cabbage, shredded (opt) 1 15 oz. can black beans or other beans, rinsed 2 oz. olive oil 4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 1½ tsp dried dill ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp sea salt

Rinse grains and check for stones. Place grains in rice cooker. Add water or broth, pinch salt and spot of olive oil. Turn rice cooker on. (This can be made in advance) In a large serving bowl, place rinsed beans, chopped bell pepper, scallions, parsley, (corn, jicama, radishes, carrots, celery if using). Stir gently to combine ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill. Add grains after they've cooled a bit to the serving bowl. Mix well. Add tomatoes and mix gently. Whisk dressing while pouring over salad. Serve over lettuce leaves if you wish. If you have time, allow salad to chill.

Cooking Times

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Source

Author: Lori Moldovan

Author Notes

Substitute any protein for the beans. Feel free to use any beans or combination of proteins.

Substitute any citrus juice for lemon juice. I prefer lemon or a lemon/lime combination.

This is a flexible recipe, make it your own!

Diane's Endive and Walnut Salad:

This recipe came from the French Farmhouse Cookbook which has some just super recipes.

 

For the Vinaigrette

1 tsp Dijon mustard  (I use more)

2 Tbs sherry vinegar

6 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil

1 large shallot, peeled and cut into paper thin rounds

1 clove garlic, peeled, green germ removed, and minced

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

For the Salad

3 large Belgian endive, trimmed

6 ounces (180 g) Gruyere-type cheese, cut into small cubes

1 Cup (125 g) walnuts, finely chopped

 

1. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the mustard and vinegar.  Then add the olive oil in a fine stream, whisking constantly until the mixture is emulsified.  Add the shallot and the garlic, whisk, and then season to taste with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.

 

2. Cut the endive into thin crosswise slices. Add the endive, the cheese and the walnuts to the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly.  Season to taste and serve immediately.

 

My comment, while this salad tends to lose some of its fresh color, it is great if not served "immediately" (right?) and I have eaten the left overs on day 2.  Enjoy!

Not for the weak of heart, yet one of the most touching scenes you will ever see

I came across this video today and being the animal lover and advocate that I am, I have to admit this is one of the most touching scenes I have ever seen.  So sad and yet, what an inspiration.  We can all learn from this.   The incredible hero, a stray, was never found after this day.  The dog he tried to save and so heroically took off the streets did not make it.  But what an incredible act of love.

Hero Dog Tries To Help Wounded Dog - Watch the best video clips here

Great SUMMER Crochet Project with Megan

MRS. Megan Smith will be back in the shop on Tuesday!!!

We can’t wait to hear her full report on her wonderful wedding in Michigan and on her exotic honeymoon on the other side of the world! Here is the project that Megan has chosen as the shops’ summer project, and what she has to say about it…..

Come join us for the Tuesday Crochet A Long. Beginning July 7th and running through September, we will be crocheting this versatile tunic. It’s a great pattern for those of you who are comfortable with basic crochet and looking to move past shawls and scarves to crochet your first garment. The tunic is constructed in the round, and there are several yarns in the shop now that would be great options for this project. Make it in Blue Heron Mercerized Cotton or the EuroFlax and wear it as a beach cover up or make it in the Arucania sock weight yarn and wear it as a cute tunic with jeans or pants. In the crochet-a-long, we will go over reading a pattern and determining your size, learning about how you can modify a pattern so that it better fits your body, and crochet math. Crochet math lets you fully customize garments so that if you see something you like, but want to change a few things-you can!! Remember, this is a learning process-not everything will be covered in one or two classes, but if you stick with the garment, you will come away with a great new piece of clothing and better understanding of crochet! We look forward to seeing you there.

Megan

Square of the Month Class continues

Join Andi and the rest of the "square people" on Saturday July 4th at 11:30 for the next afghan square class.   In case you were not aware of this wonderful series of classes, here is a little description and photo of an afghan that could be completed from this class, thanks for sharing the picture Barbara and Andi!!  This weekend's square will feature cables, simple ones and not so simple ones.....

"Come learn chart reading and new techniques for a different square each month. Squares will be assembled and joined to create a beautiful afghan or pillow. There is a beginner lace square, as well as cables, fair isle and intarsia color work too. You’ll learn 12 techniques in all.  $25"