Day 19: Do you watch movies and/or listen to podcasts while knitting? What are your favorite things to knit to?

It depends on the project. Something easy or repetitive almost requires me to listen to or watch something. When I was finishing Tracie's Hemlock blanket, I watched all three Lord of the Rings movies - the extended editions, mind you. I also like to read when I'm knitting. Working on the bus/train is also fun; the looks some people get because there is a 20-something young woman knitting in public are hilarious.

Three-Bean Chili

I know, I know. I'm WAY behind on my knitting posts, but I really wanted to share this. I made it tonight and will definitely be made again.

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Three-Bean Chili

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) (roughly 1 3/4 cups) can vegetable broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
Toppings of your choice

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to pan; saute 3 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and next 9 ingredients (through diced tomatoes); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes. Stir in cornmeal; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.

Onion, pepper, and garlic sauteing away.

Everyone into the pot!

It was delicious.

Day 18: Do you knit English or Continental?

I'm an English style knitter though I've taught myself to knit Continental when doing colorwork. I knit all the color work of Lusekofte-sque Mitts two handed. Maybe one day I'll do an entire project Continental style.

Day 17: Have you ever had a project that you loved become ruined? What’s the story behind it?

None that I know of. Unless one getting lost by USPS counts. I made a lovely round wedding blanket for my dear friend Ashley in September of 2011. Katie sent it off to her and we never saw it again. I'm really ticked off that they lost it. Not because of the cost, but because of the time that went into it and the reason Katie and I made it. Yes, both of us made it. Katie dyed the yarn and I knit it up.

Katie's beautiful hand dyed yarn

Lighting sucks but the finished product.

Ignoring my stuff in the background,
Aero is doing a fine job of showing size.
I should have blocked this out with all the picots, but didn't.

Day 16: Have you ever had a knitting related injury?

Hmmm.... Arthritis, Ulnar Nerve Dysfunction, cramps, a sore back... just a few.

Day 15: What was your least favorite pattern and why?

See Day 7. Beautiful pattern. Murder on my hands.

Day 14: What’s the worst yarn/fiber that you’ve worked with and why?

After working with the wonderful wools and blends that Black Sheep carries, I have come to detest working with most acrylic yarns. Caron Simply Soft is okay still, but I have issues working with Red Heart. It squeaks and isn't soft and just feels wrong in my hands. *shudders* I'll keep my soft and pretty wools now thank you.