Flibbertygibbet

Going underground - Supper Club

I love food.

I love my neighbourhood.

I really love finding good food in my neighbourhood. So I was quietly giddy when I heard about a new local supper club - essentially it's when someone opens their home to guests (in return for a 'donation' as of course not being a real restaurant they can't have paying customers) and lets loose their culinary imagination - and as much talent as they can muster - on their menu.

We really, really hit it lucky.

Simon and Yuen of Fernandez and Leluu are avid foodies and wonderful hosts - frankly, they seem almost surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reaction they seem to be receiving, but they shouldn't be. From their blog you can see how much time, patience and passion they invest in this project - in addition to fulltime jobs.

I coveted their vintage typewriters. I adored the napkins and crockery.

 

MENU

Hot Sweet Sour Soup With Catfish, Tomatoes, Pineapple & Beansprouts

Frogs Legs Teriyaki w/ Vietnamese Parsley & Sweet Basil Seed Cocktail

Vietnamese Spring Rolls With Pork, King Prawns, Black Fungus & Glass Noodles

Cubed Tuna Sashimi With Soya Sauce, Ginger & Spring Onions & Ferdie Chips

Seared Peppered Fillet Of Beef With Sugar Snap Peas, Cucumber Salad & Kabocha Squash Salad With Satsuma, Sake, Soya & Mirin Dressing

 

Red Curry With Chicken & Butternut Squash Served w/ Steamed Rice

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream With Ginger Biscuits

Yeah, by the end my photography skills had gone by the wayside. Too busy concentrating on food.  Marvelling at how we could possibly fit in the ice cream and ginger to-die-for shortbread. Wanting to move in. That sort of thing.

Today's post is brought to you by the letter...

B. BBBBBBB.  I got a new keybbbbboard. It's beeyoutiful, bouncy and best of of all, not broken. I accept full responsibility for drinking coffee in the proximity of the old one while not quite awake one morning... I killed just one key, the B. I mean, it could have been worse - a vowel, for example - and I expanded my vocabulary while avoiding words using that letter, it's been a long couple of months using the cut and paste function while trying to decide whether to spring for a new machine (this mac is a little old in the tooth though that's not necessarily a reason to retire it) or find another solution. The answer came in the form of the Bookyard, who sell Apple spares and I got a new keyboard for about £50 and fitted it myself, rather than paying the £150 I was quoted by two different repair shops in town.  I used to think "Why do I have complete crap like watchmakers screwdrivers cluttering up my house?" The answer is (a) to make jewellery like this and (b) to enable me to remove the metal plate beneath the mac's keyboard, unplug the old one and put in a new one in three minutes.  The service from the Bookyard was excellent after an initial snafu where they shipped the wrong model, but they responded to my email within 30 mins - at 11:00pm at night and it was all sorted out the next day. I may yet send them my titanium powerbook to see if they can do anything with it...

Lots of little adventures this week.  I was lucky enough to win a dozen cupcakes from Ella's Bakehouse, a chi-chi new bakery at 20a Covent Garden Market, where they specialise in cupcakes with a couture theme (the woman behind it used to be a model, the face of Versace, apparently)

 

 

They're yum. Very very yum in fact.  I brought them to the volunteers' meeting at Wilton's that evening, as I'd already brought baked goods to work once this week - and to my neighbours too.  I am luring the guy next door into a false sense of security, once he's hooked on the cookies I'll be asking for some help putting up the long awaited shelves in the studio. I baked like a maniac last week because my grandmother had fallen and fractured her hip (fine now after an operation) and I needed displacement activities.  Cue two dozen cookies, rye sodabread, and muffins.  Plus the sourdough that didn't quite work out (the sponge starter is hidden under Lotusen's cupcake teatowel below) which I'll be attempting again today.

 

I've been back to the Make Lounge (the more of observant of you may wonder if I ever leave) to do the embroidery class. Super sweet teacher whose name I've forgotten, eek, but you can find her via the ML's website. I started on a pillowcase using one of the Sublime Stitching patterns, Dutch-Russian but due to attempting time-consuming satin stitch on it, it's still languishing.  It's a supercute pattern though, and you can see another classmate's project from that pattern here.  So for some instant gratification, I cam home and did this: a quick cupcake onesie.

I'm still persevering with running, 3 miles every other day. I loved the physio I saw about my feet/shins/knees/hips (nobody can agree what it really is) the other day because the first thing she said when I walked in was 'So you're a runner' and then I realised she didn't think this was lunacy and rather was focussed on how to keep me running rather than simply telling me not to. Incredibly refreshing. She did suggest that after a spin class or any other time when I'm having problems with numbness that I should get someone to massage my outer knee and showed me how to do that - I can't quite imagine throwing myself down on the floor of the spin studio and saying 'You, here, now'... but otherwise the advice was promising.

Lots more weekend news to come but given the issues with Typepad recently I'll quite while I'm ahead. Though when I bitched about TP on Twitter, I got a swift response from someone in their technical customer service offering to help.  I'll be taking him up on that. Between the b key and procrastination, I'd become lax enough at posting and then the renewed technical issues, after the utter debacle earlier this year, made me wonder whether to just shut the blog down but now I'm a little more optimistic...

More than I thought

I mutter to myself 'well what will you blog about - you haven't done anything much recently'.  Upon reading the divine Lotusen's blog though, I realise that in fact I've been out and about quite a bit! (I'm the G that she mentions).  Here's the dress - not yet shortened but it's actually quite cool!  

I'm not sure that it's really designer, but this is what's on the label:

I've had a lot of freelance work on - I spent today repaginating a 500 page book, yes, all of it - and also the day job has prevented me from doing fun stuff like having coffee with Helen and the bub, bah. To say it's keeping me busy would be quite the understatement. That's also my rubbish way of saying 'I'm too braindead to fix the formatting problems here, sorry guys'.

London's climate has been temperamental, to say the least. Last night was cold enough to warrant pulling on the Misti Alpaca socks (long since finished though apparently never detailed here) and grabbing the quilt, though we've had scorchio days and too-hot-to-sleep over the last weeks too. I'm persevering with the running despite the weather (purchased shorts on Friday. Needed to wear thermal running tights on Saturday) and using the Nike+ is really helping, as I've mentioned before I am ludicrously competitive with myself. I get a little thrill every time Tiger Woods chimes out to tell me that I've run a new 1m PB. (9:11 - yeah, I never said I was Speedy Gonzales but I compensate with stubbornness)  If anyone else is using the Nike+ website, I'm Scampermouse on there. Come and say hello.

 

I'm spending far too much time on Twitter lately, mainly because it has introduced me to lots of interesting people and places, both conceptually and IRL and all of the following was introduced to me via Twitter.  The zeitgeist nature of it coupled with the fact that it seems increasingly to translate to real life, intrigues me wildly.  On Saturday I went along to meet some Tweeps (ok sorry - the terminology drives me insane, I can't really bear to say that) to meet some people from Twitter at the Crafternoon at The Old Queen's Head in Islington. I'm halfway through making a Measuring Tape Rosette from a kit I got there - I have to say my only gripe about these craft kits is that the thread supplied is usually crap - in theory I'll finish it at home. Ahem.  I did teach someone to purl though.  Halo polished.

In the evening it was off to Wilton's Music Hall, with some of the knitting crew thankfully as time with them recently has been far too curtailed, to see Tiny Wallop's Phantasmagorical Extravaganza.  It was utterly hilarious - to the point where my cheeks were aching from laughing so much - tinged with the sense of buttock-clenching fear that comes only from Audience Participation with us all trying to judge which strategy worked best to avoid being chosen - look at the performer, or avoid their gaze? There's one more night, which is Saturday 18th July, if you're in London. Come! Catherine Rose, the magician and mind-reader who opened the show, was amazing too. I want to know how she did that with the table.  Even when the hall is dark, Wilton's is a magical place, currently raising funds for renovation, so you should pop along and 'drink for charity' - patronise the bar if you're in the area.

 Finally, again via Twitter, this is one of the funniest things I've seen in ages and I now feel the need to purchase the kit. If you don't like profanity with your pastry or are exceptionally easily offended, there's no need to click here. 

Bueller?

Can't believe it's flown by so quickly, this weekend.  A mixture of working and socialising, and a little bit of knitting.  Yesterday I met up with two lovely ladies, Ruth and Abi.  We stopped into Loop quickly and yet it took me a suprisingly short amount of time to do a considerable amount of damage to my credit card.

I met Ruth after we'd commented on each other's blogs, a couple of years ago now, and I went up and introduced myself to her at Origin.  I then got a bit embarrassed as it occurred to me that it was perhaps a slightly stalkerish thing to do.  Similarly, Abi and I met after I mentioned I was doing a market stall, she popped by and introduced herself. Her young daughters pointed out "Mum, if we said we were going to meet someone from the internet, you wouldn't let us out.'  Fair point, well made. I'm am glad, however, that all of these introductions did take place, and which led to coffee, cake and chatting about vintage handbags yesterday. 

Here's the last knitting project that will be completed for a while:

Easy ribbed handwarmers in SkeinQueen Cashmere Silk for a friend's birthday.  One of them is very late and the other one is only a little bit late.

In Loop yesterday I asked Abi when she was going to start knitting socks and she was more than game, so left with some very lovely Jitterbug. It's her first pair of socks, and we're going to have a bit of a KnitAlong.  I'm going to try my first pair of patterned socks (well, the horrendous garter rib ones don't count because they got frogged, even though they'd met the Yarn Harlot...)

Anyone else fancy joining in?  The idea would be to do something sockish that you haven't done before - either your first pair; magic loop when you've only knit with dpns; toe-up instead of top-down or vice versa...  leave a comment if you're interested.  There's no deadline for completion - well ok, let's say the end of the year. 

I'm going to try to Bellatrix socks in the new skein of Misti Alpaca. I'm also going to cast on with Lucy's handdyed because I just can't wait, and really want to see how they come out.  Also they will be stocking stitch so I should be able to work on them in company:  the Bellatrix will take more concentration from me so I'll be able to work on them on the tube etc but probably not when out.  That should keep me busy for a while.  Two pairs of socks running concurrently is just about right for me.

The other question I wanted to float out again was the idea of running the fabric swap again as a couple of people have asked about it. Details of the last one here - again, leave a comment if you're interested!

Make it

A list of things to do yesterday morning en route to Islington meant an early start, before heading to the Make Lounge for their Leather Cinch Belt course.  But it was worth it...

Wow - it was such fun! Merle O'Grady, the tutor is a total sweetie, and so calm while six women wielded rubber mallets and splashed it-will-never-ever-come-off dye with abandon all around her. We all put a slightly personal twist on the belts - some of us used contrasting colours for the main part and the strap, others used rivets instead of buckles, and some of us just made the damn thing a little wonky.  'Don't worry,'  Merle told me comfortingly, 'nobody will see that bit because it's underneath'.  Therapy too!

There was a really nice group of people on the course (with another dozen upstairs making tea cup candles) and a lot of chat revolved around other crafts that people dabble in - jewellery making, stone sculpture, decoupage, japanese silk painting, cross stitch, etc. and Merle promised to send on a list of leather suppliers.  We were comparing notes on where to shop and most people were surprised at just how many names were bandied about - it makes me more surprised to think that anyone might not know some of these shops because hey, craft shopping takes up a considerable portion of my time, energy and salary, and I do know that the list I know is just scratching the surface. Most of my friends are crafty.  We are also complete enablers. So here's a start at putting together a London Craft Map - I've been to most of these places myself but would love to hear your suggestions for more, just email them to me.  I'll investigate and add!

Loving London

Abi and I went to the Thames Festival yesterday, to watch swing dancers and burlesque artists, and admire shimmying sailors and homemade period frocks.  Squinting in the sunshine, drinking complimentary hot chocolate (though we queried the environmental impact of giving each person a one-use only plastic card to redeem their free drink).  Loving all that London has to offer.  The music made me want to take dance classes - but I do know my limitations. 

Honey, I spent the housekeeping

It's lucky that the cats don't cost too much to feed as I completely smashed, decimated, obliterated the budget at I Knit Day 2008.  It's ok, they like yarn (I know this because each day when I come home they have dragged something else out of the WIP basket to play with) so they'll forgive me - besides, I buy the cat food (ten minutes before Tesco closes, practically wearing my pyjamas, because I got so stuck into socks this morning) and so therefore I retain some measure of authority around here.  In that vein, I think I shocked a fellow Raveller yesterday when I said something along the lines of it was worth getting divorced to get a craft room.  Anywaaaaaaaaaaaay...

The queue.  At 10:45.  Apparently within an hour it was around the block, and around the block again.

A soft murmur filled the air - the sound of silk being revered, lace being admired, sock yarn being pawed, and Claire spontaneously shrieking 'There he is!' when we saw Jon EasyKnitter.  I bought three skeins from him:  lushness (stored on Ravelry)

We took time out to make pom poms for peace.  And for a seat, I admit it.  Tiring, this spending a fortune and yarn-pimping lark. 

As this particular adventure was a last-minute decision, my only option had been an 'exhibition only' ticket.  I had a good feeling though - so I asked at the front desk whether there had been any cancellations. And what do you know... I also scored a Ravelry badge as one of the girls at dinner the night before said that Alice Socktopus had ordered a huge bag and she was giving them away with purchases - so one set of Pattern Tamers later...

Cassandra knits furiously to get the dishcloth finished.  While everyone else sits in anticipation.  Whilst knitting, naturally.

She was priceless.  Really, really funny and with some serious points to make.  Partly about not committing felonies by assaulting people who don't 'get' knitting (I'm paraphrasing and condensing here - paradensing) but also about how in fact we're actually doing something that benefits our brains, enhances creativity, engenders patience, and provides us with a supply of superb gifts when we get the gauge wrong. She had a strong message about how the muggles just don't get it, and that's ok.  Because as we could see and feel, as we sat as a group listening, laughing, knitting and empathising, we know that we're right and they're off fishing and that's just standing in water.  Sod the people who don't understand it. Despite what a Cambridge study may say, we know that there is such a thing as emergency knitting, and yes it does fit in your bag.

  

ETA: was listening to Craft Sanity and in her interview, Cat Bordhi alludes to the more scientific side of Stephanie's talk and it may be the subject of a future podcast.  I think it's something she normally talks about when she does one of these big events, but for anyone who's not going to make it to one soon, look out for it.

The reason for the season[al shopping]

The next stop was Imaginknit.
 

This picture gives you some idea of the scope of the place - there's a second room that's just as filled with yarny goodness.  The search was on for Malabrigo Worsted in Azul Profundo, and that's what I came away with, along with some laceweight Malabrigo in Marron Profundo for me.  Don't those names just sound magical in Spanish. So much selection here that it was also sort of bewildering.  I was sorry on Monday that I didn't make it to Noe Knits - don't think there would have been anything very interesting there but the neighbourhood looked like fun.

After that I decided to get myself in gear and get up to Fort Mason, and the reason for scheduling my work trip for last weekend - Renegade Craft! It took me quite a while to find Fort Mason and there wasn't any signage inside the compound which was annoying.  It was much bigger than last year's foray in New York but there wasn't as much that grabbed me - or that I grabbed.

Well Typepad is playing up again (h-a-t-i-n-g it at the moment, and it's slower than hell - wondering why I'm bothering to pay the $ for it) so just losta very long post about it all but I did find some complete treasures. 

Beautiful bears from Annie Galvin, aka Wexford Girl of 3 Fish Studios (with her husband who does wicked robots), a fellow Irishwoman and really friendly.  I bought two of her handpainted postcards. But I think the bears will be on my Christmas list.

Lots of fabulous earrings from Hannah Chile at Hannahmade, I have worn these about three times already.

Ok, have lost the rest of this post for the fourth time and it's getting very frustrating.  Will leave it here, more to come.

I'm baaaaaaaack!

The logistical and technological hiccups of the first twenty-four hours got sorted out. I wish I'd been able to explore Mountain View and the surrounding area a bit more (there are some good quilting shops around apparently, though none in San Francisco) but as I won't drive... Next time I travel I will tell the bank in advance so they don't cancel all my cards again.  I will also make sure my phone service provider has set up my account correctly.  Being stranded - no money or means of communication - was not fun.  Let's just say I am not an off-grid girl.

After a couple of days of working rather too hard  (up early to work in UK time, staying late in the office to meet up with people in the US, I got to go and play!  Yes, it was fabulous.  Add San Francisco to the list of Cities I'd Most Love to Live in Following a Huge Lottery Win.  I have even chosen the house I'd like:

It's on California and Franklin.  Lots of pretty houses around there. 

On Friday we went to the Latin American Club.  These reviews are pinpoint accurate and as funny as the place itself.  We also went to Esperpento for tapas ($12 each including tip!) and I got back to my hotel pleasantly hazy.  My tip for the Lat Am club is don't drink the cocktails - they are strong as hell.

My hotel room had that essential ingredient: a knitting couch.

Yarn tourism is a great way to see a city, seeking out those specialist shops.    Art Fibers was pretty close to my hotel though I did need to use Googlemaps to find it.  Lately I am incredibly directionally challenged. 

Roxanne, the owner of this store is super friendly and though ostensibly shopping for the lovely Lucy, I did find a few things for me.  Roxanne helped me to find some treasures and also the best match for Lucy's shopping list. En route to the next yarn store I stopped at Rare Device. Ooh, I fell in love with lots of prettiness there.  Lisa Congdon, the co-owner was there, really friendly.  I wanted to tell her how much I admire her work but the old 'she'll think I'm a stalker' instinct kicked in.  I bought cards and some of Lisa's magnets:

More on the trip later...and the shopping...and RC...

The Doll House

(Photo from Times Online)
I went to the Viktor & Rolf exhibition on Thursday with the lovely Abi and it was quite the eye-opener.  See something of it here.  I didn't know anything of their clothes beforehand and during the exhibition itself the jury was out (I started off feeling rather like this journalist) - but by the end, having paid close attention to the captions around the exhibits, I was both intrigued and inspired.  Particularly by the third coat in the Russian Doll series above.  This questionnaire is interesting - partly the first question about the women they design for, because I felt a strong sense of depersonalisation of women and of the models (literally reducing them to mannequins just to show the clothes); the doll heads are supposed to echo the porcelain miniature figurines that the fashion houses of the 30s and 40s used to showcase their collections but the childlike expressions were sinister. it seemed just too ironic that one exhibit was framed by the names of all the supermodels that were 'in' that year.  But it's definitely worth seeing, and as Helen told me, it benefits from repeated viewings.  I don't doubt it.  My recommendation is to view all the collections and the films and then go to see the Doll's House.

There are lots of workshops being held as part of the education programme, and I may even find myself sneaking back.  Sadly I will miss Ruth's workshop as that day I'll be off indulging my textile tendencies in San Francisco.  Ok, sorry to miss it but won't be sad... she said gleefully as she tripped off across the Atlantic to Renegade Craft!  I think there may be a few tickets left for Ruth's session - good luck in snaring one!