Knitted Twisted Hat

I knitted another twisted hat. It’s a fun and easy pattern once you get into the repetitive groove. I used Caron Big Cakes and the colour is Rainbow Jellys.

I found the pattern here.

Directions are for size small; changes for size large are in parentheses.

Hat circumference at bottom edge: 16 (18)" [41 (46)cm]; Hat stretches to fit 20 (22)” [51 (56)cm]

I used 4.5mm [US 7] and 5.5mm [US 9] needles and 4 ply yarn. 

Hat is worked in the round on double pointed needles.

With smaller needles, cast on 90 (102) sts. Divide sts evenly around double pointed needles. Join to work in rounds, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Ribbing Round: 

[K1 through the back loop, p1] around. Repeat ribbing round until piece measures 1½" [4cm] from beginning.

Round 1: Change to larger needles and knit.
Round 2: [K2, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 90 (102) sts.
Repeat round 2 until piece measures 8 (8½)" [20 (22) cm] from beginning.

Shape Crown

• Decrease round 1: [K2tog, yo, k2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 75 (85) sts.
• Next round: [K1, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 75 (85) sts.
• Decrease round 2: *K1, yo, [k2tog] twice; repeat from * around – 60 (68) sts
• Next round: [K1, yo, k1, k2tog] around – 60 (68) sts.
• Decrease round 3: [K2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 45 (51) sts.
• Decrease round 4: [K1, k2tog] around – 30 (34) sts.
• Decrease round 5: [K2tog] around – 15 (17) sts.
• Decrease round 6: [K2tog, k1] 5 times, k2tog 0 (1) time – 10 (11) sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull to gather. Secure end. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 sts together

p = purl

St st = Stockinette stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

yo = yarn over

Knitted Twisted Hat

I knitted another twisted hat. It’s a fun and easy pattern once you get into the repetitive groove. I used Caron Big Cakes and the colour is Rainbow Jellys.

I found the pattern here.

Directions are for size small; changes for size large are in parentheses.

Hat circumference at bottom edge: 16 (18)" [41 (46)cm]; Hat stretches to fit 20 (22)” [51 (56)cm]

I used 4.5mm [US 7] and 5.5mm [US 9] needles and 4 ply yarn. 

Hat is worked in the round on double pointed needles.

With smaller needles, cast on 90 (102) sts. Divide sts evenly around double pointed needles. Join to work in rounds, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Ribbing Round: 

[K1 through the back loop, p1] around. Repeat ribbing round until piece measures 1½" [4cm] from beginning.

Round 1: Change to larger needles and knit.
Round 2: [K2, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 90 (102) sts.
Repeat round 2 until piece measures 8 (8½)" [20 (22) cm] from beginning.

Shape Crown

• Decrease round 1: [K2tog, yo, k2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 75 (85) sts.
• Next round: [K1, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 75 (85) sts.
• Decrease round 2: *K1, yo, [k2tog] twice; repeat from * around – 60 (68) sts
• Next round: [K1, yo, k1, k2tog] around – 60 (68) sts.
• Decrease round 3: [K2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 45 (51) sts.
• Decrease round 4: [K1, k2tog] around – 30 (34) sts.
• Decrease round 5: [K2tog] around – 15 (17) sts.
• Decrease round 6: [K2tog, k1] 5 times, k2tog 0 (1) time – 10 (11) sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull to gather. Secure end. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 sts together

p = purl

St st = Stockinette stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

yo = yarn over

Knitted Twisted Hat

I knitted another twisted hat. It’s a fun and easy pattern once you get into the repetitive groove. I used Caron Big Cakes and the colour is Rainbow Jellys.

I found the pattern here.

Directions are for size small; changes for size large are in parentheses.

Hat circumference at bottom edge: 16 (18)" [41 (46)cm]; Hat stretches to fit 20 (22)” [51 (56)cm]

I used 4.5mm [US 7] and 5.5mm [US 9] needles and 4 ply yarn. 

Hat is worked in the round on double pointed needles.

With smaller needles, cast on 90 (102) sts. Divide sts evenly around double pointed needles. Join to work in rounds, taking care not to twist sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Ribbing Round: 

[K1 through the back loop, p1] around. Repeat ribbing round until piece measures 1½" [4cm] from beginning.

Round 1: Change to larger needles and knit.
Round 2: [K2, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 90 (102) sts.
Repeat round 2 until piece measures 8 (8½)" [20 (22) cm] from beginning.

Shape Crown

• Decrease round 1: [K2tog, yo, k2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 75 (85) sts.
• Next round: [K1, yo, k2, k2tog] around – 75 (85) sts.
• Decrease round 2: *K1, yo, [k2tog] twice; repeat from * around – 60 (68) sts
• Next round: [K1, yo, k1, k2tog] around – 60 (68) sts.
• Decrease round 3: [K2, k2tog] 15 (17) times – 45 (51) sts.
• Decrease round 4: [K1, k2tog] around – 30 (34) sts.
• Decrease round 5: [K2tog] around – 15 (17) sts.
• Decrease round 6: [K2tog, k1] 5 times, k2tog 0 (1) time – 10 (11) sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull to gather. Secure end. Weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit

k2tog = knit 2 sts together

p = purl

St st = Stockinette stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

yo = yarn over

Book ~ "The Happy Ever After Playlist" (2020) Abby Jimenez

From Goodreads ~ Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: he wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: with his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

Sloan was out and about when a dog darts out in front of her car and jumps in through her sunroof. She takes Tucker, the dog, home and tries to contact the owner whose info in on Tucker's tag. Sloan's fiancé had been killed in a motorcycle accident two years ago and she is still grieving but having Tucker is helping her get back into her old life. 

Two weeks later Jason, Tucker's owner, finally contacts her and wants his dog back. He's been hiking in New Zealand and assumed a friend was taking good care of Tucker. He's going to be in Australia for another couple of weeks and Sloan offers to keep Tucker until he gets back. During that time, they text and talk on the phone and get to know each other. When Jason gets back home, they connect and can't deny there is an attraction and start to plan a life together.

I thought this story was just okay. It started off cute and light but then went downhill for me with so much drama. I found it hard to believe that Sloan has spent the last two years in mourning but snapped out of it pretty quickly when she meets Jason ... within a month or so they are in love, she has given up everything for him and they planning a future around him and his music. The dialog and actions was unrealistic and cheesy ... though they are almost thirty and have had life experiences, they talk and act like young teenage girls. The ending wrapped up way too cleanly ... everything and everyone was perfect.

It's written in first person perspective alternating in Sloan and Jason's voices (the chapters are labeled). As a head's up, there is swearing (I don't have an issue with swearing but there was an excessive amount) and adult activity.

Local Public Eatery, Toronto, ON (Adelaide Street)

I had supper this evening at Local (at Adelaide and York) with Liz, my pal of about 30 years.

Here we are!

Liz had LPE Greens (fresh greens, tomato, quinoa, pickled red grapes and smoked cheddar with dijon and honey vinaigrette) with Blackened Chicken.

Book ~ "Baby, Don't Hurt Me: Stories and Scars from Saturday Night Live" (2019) Chris Kattan

From Goodreads ~ You may know him as Mango, Mr. Peepers, the gibberish-spouting Suel Forrester or one half of the head-bopping brothers in "A Night at the Roxbury". Maybe you remember him as the forlorn gothic kid Azrael Abyss, Gay Hitler or the guitarist in the "More Cowbell" sketch. Whichever it is, Chris Kattan has earned a spot in the hearts of a generation of comedy fans.

Chris Kattan has defied comparison, expectations and sometimes gravity with his inimitable style of physical comedy. By creating some of the most memorable "Saturday Night Live" characters, as well as his many roles in film and television, Kattan has remained one of the most fearless and versatile comedians in the world.

Not long after Chris was labeled one of the improv group Groundlings' "must-see" performers in the company, he was cast on "SNL" - and within the first six weeks, Chris's film career also took off.

Now, for the first time, Kattan opens up about eight seasons on "SNL", performing alongside friends and future legends including Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey, and guest hosts from Charlize Theron to Tom Hanks to David Bowie. He also shares stories of his unusual childhood (involving a secluded mountain with zen monks) with Leonard Cohen and Alan Watts. "Baby, Don't Hurt Me" offers an unprecedented look into Chris's life, from his fascinating relationship with Lorne Michaels, a private Valentine's Day dinner with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, an unforgettable flight with Beyoncé and even breaking his neck on live television.

"Baby, Don't Hurt Me" is a candid revealing memoir from a timeless comedian and a window into the world of millennium-era "SNL", from the rehearsals to the after-after parties, as narrated by your hilarious and inspiring friend - who just so happened to be there for all of it.

I recently watched A Night at the Roxbury (I've seen it a few times). When I came across this memoir, I was still kind of in a Roxbury state of mine so thought I'd check it. I know of Chris Kattan from A Night at the Roxbury but hadn't really watched much of Saturday Night Live by the time he was on it ... I was a fan when it first came on but lost interest as I thought it had gone downhill over the years (I don't find it all that funny when I occasionally watch it now).

I found it surprisingly I like it more than I thought it would. I thought Kattan had an interesting story to tell. His parents split up when he was young and he was raised in two worlds ... his mother and stepfather's world was in a Zen environment living on a mountain and his father's world was in the entertainment field.

Because I had pretty well tuned out of Saturday Night Live by the time he was on, I found myself Googling and looking for the bits he talked about when he did his characters and with the various guest hosts.

I like reading memoirs, especially in the entertainment world to get the behind the scenes scoop on different shows and personalities. It was interesting to find out who Kattan had relationships and friendships with. I liked the writing style and found it at times humorous. As a heads up, there is swearing.

Tanghulu Tanghulu, Toronto, ON

This afternoon I stopped by Tanghulu Tanghulu (which opened about 3 months ago at Queen Street W and John Street). 

I had a strawberry tanghulu and a blueberry tanghulu. I wasn’t sure what to expect and they were fun. The berries were really fresh and the coating reminded me of a delicate version of what’s on a candy apple. 

Diagonal Garter Stitch Scarf

I finished knitting a scarf ... the pattern is diagonal garter stitch. It was surprisingly an easy pattern, which I found here. I used 2/3 of a skein of Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite super bulky (#6) and the colour is dusty mint multi. It’s about 6 feet long and warm and snuggly. Thanks to Gord for modelling!

Cast on 3 stitches. 

First Section - increases:

• Row 1: KFB, knit to end, KFB.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are 23 stitches on the needle.

You can adjust the width of the scarf by knitting more or fewer stitches. The finished edges of your beginning triangle (the two edges that do not have live stitches) give a close indication of how wide your scarf will be when complete.

Middle Section - main length of the scarf:

• Row 1: KFB, knit to end, k2tog.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat these two rows until you are nearly out of yarn.

Final Section - decreases:

• Row 1: Ssk, knit to end, k2tog.
• Row 2: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat these two rows until there are 3 stitches left on the needle. Bind off.

Trinity Market, Toronto, ON

Trinity Market is in a former dry cleaners and just off Queen Street W on Bellwoods Avenue. It opened a year and a half ago and I’ve been wanting to check it out. The staff is friendly and it has a cool vibe.

Terroni, Toronto, ON (Queen Street W)

Gord and I had supper this evening on the patio at Terroni (on Queen Street W, east of Trinity Bellwoods Park).

The wine list is quite extensive so we asked for help. Oliver was great and recommended the 2021 Riesling, Ravenna IGT, ‘Ciarla’, Fondo San Giuseppe. It was quite intense at first but mellowed out nicely. Thanks, Oliver! 

Potato Chip Scarf

The “Potato Chip” scarf is popping up on knitting Facebook groups I follow so I thought I’d give it a try. 

I used a skein of Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite super bulky (#6) and the colour is dusty mint multi.

Thanks to Gord for modelling!

Cast on 20 stitches

1. Row 1: knit 8, turn, knit back to beginning
2. Row 2: knit 6, turn, knit back to beginning
3. Row 3: knit 4, turn, knit back to beginning
4. Knit across all 20 stitches.

Repeat these rows until desired length is reached. Bind off.

Hemingway's Restaurant and Bar, Toronto, ON

I had an early supper today at Hemingway's in Yorkville.

I had wings with medium sauce and fries. The wings were okay and the fries were crispy.

The server/bartender was friendly.

Othership, Toronto, ON (Yorkville)

This afternoon I did Guided Up: Awakening with 10 others at Othership in on Bloor Street W in Yorkville.

Through playful, synchronized movements following the rhythm of the breath, we’ll awaken your physical and emotional vitality. A journey designed to awaken energy in the body, elevate your mood and cultivate self-confidence. Expect a sauna to sweat, ice bath to drop-in, towel waving, aromatherapy, upbeat music, loud vocal release, sharing and active movement.

The first 20 minutes were spent in a hot sauna (85C/185F) with Deidre leading us (she was awesome!) through a a sit-down cardio-like workout with loud energetic music and aromatherapy. 

Then we were led to the ice baths (0-4C/32-40F) for 2 minutes. I stepped into my ice bath and knelt and that was enough for me (maybe 5 seconds) and I got out. I couldn’t breathe and my heart felt like it was going to explode. 

Then we went back to the hot sauna for 20 minutes and Deirdre led us through what seemed like a meditation with aromatherapy and asked some to share how they were feeling emotionally. Relaxing way to end the experience. 

Then we were on our own … we could either stay in the sauna or go back to the ice baths. I didn’t want the ice bath to defeat me so I headed back to them. I managed to get back in and lay back so just my head was out … maybe 20 seconds. Though my skin felt like it was burning, my heart was pounding and it was hard to breathe, I conquered it!

My body felt like it was pulsing for a while afterwards. It was a fun and exciting experience.