Grow Your Blog

My name is Rose and as you can guess by the title of my blog, I am an Italian grandmother, and proud of it.  I enjoy knitting, cooking, writing and being busy, so I do a lot of volunteer work. I have been knitting for 30 years and finally consider myself an expert knitter.  I do hope if you find my blog you will become one of my followers. I have linked my blog to some very talented and creative people, please check them out too!

One of those talented people I have discovered is the very talented and creative Vick over at  '2 Bags Full.'  Vick is hosting a "Grow Your Blog" party in a few weeks, and I am so happy to be among those joining the group. If it was not for Tanna at Brick Street Bungalow I would never have discovered Vicki or this event.

The few of you following my blog, know that I had a pretty progressive nine year old knitting blog prior to starting this blog, as well as, a cooking blog and a photography blog.  Life happens, and I made the decision to take down all three blogs. However, I missed blogging and felt sad that my readers must've wondered what happened to me, THE KNIGHTLY KNITTER!  Although, it is doubtful that everyone who previously read my blog(s) will find me again, this is a new day, a new blog and time to find new readers. So, with that, I am joining the "Grow Your Blog" party and I encourage you, if you have a blog to join me, all the particulars can be found HERE.

Thanks again to Tanna for alerting me to this great idea.  She is one of my original followers who found me because I never stopped following her! She so inspires me.

Sorelle Lace-Edged Pullover

On my needles, with no big rush to finish is Sorelle Lace-Edged Pullover by Angela Hahn.  It is a very easy pattern to follow, at least to the point I have knitted so far. The sweater is for me, so when it's finished it's finished. In the meantime, there are a few baby gifts I'd like to get started on, so stay tuned.

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

This evening we had Garlic Shrimp Scampi for dinner. It was really delicious and only 5 pts+ (10 shrimp per serving)!  I served it with brown rice and a side of steamed broccoli. Jim and my mother both really enjoyed the meal; both cleaning their plates. I will definitely repeat this dish since it was both delicious and easy to prepare. Next time I will serve it with a baked potato instead of the rice, since the rice soaked up much of the cooking juices.

Point Worthy Foods

My husband made his annual resolution to lose weight and I am happy to help him with his goal. I like when he decides to lose weight and eat better because it motivates me to do the same. I do NOT like, however, when I am cooking, baking and working to help him and I discover candy bar wrappers in his pockets or in the car. He has promised to eat what I provide and stay away from junk. I will keep you posted on how long he lasts! In the meantime, I have started stocking up on foods that I know he can quickly and safely eat without doing damage to his waistline.

Egg McRosie

 Jim gets up early for work and doesn't like to eat as soon as he gets up, so I have prepared and froze 6 egg sandwiches that he can warm up in the microwave at work on his morning break for 8 points+ breakfast.

Each sandwich consists of an english muffin, one egg, a slice of cheddar cheese and a slice of deli ham. 

If Jim doesn't have a dessert after lunch he will feel deprived, so I made pumpkin muffins which are sweet yet low fat and have a low point value (4 pts+)

Mix together a box of spice cake mix, 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce and  15 oz. can pumpkin puree; divide into 14 muffins and you have a great treat!  Make the muffins smaller to if you want lower point value, but I like a larger muffin.

Projects of 2014

Because I removed my previous blog, I thought I'd show pictures of the projects I completed in 2014 in a single post here today. Looking back over the year, it was not my most productive knitting year and certainly, by far not my best cooking year.  Perhaps I will do better in 2015, or maybe my interests are taking a turn; time will tell!

Arroyo by Sarah H. Wolf

Despicable Me Minion Hat by Juanita McLellan

Minion Beanie by Lyne Tinkler

Apple Cozy by Jennifer Mc Cann

Apple Cozy by Yours Truly

Scalloped Neck Warmer (Mary Maxim)

Fibermania's Swing 

Ribbed Scarf by Yours Truly

Gale by Alicia Plummer

Rice Stitch Prayer Shawl by Louis Chicquette

Mock Cable Rib Stitch Prayer Shawl by Louis Chicquette

That Chocolate's Gone Straight to Your Ribs Hat by Leonie Connellan

Swirled Ski Cap by Caps for Kids

Ribbed Scarf by Yours Truly

Pop Top Mittens by Joan Beebe (same as above photo)

Gap-Tactic Cowl by Jen Geigley

Sleeveheart by Alyssa McFarland

Family Rosary Beads

Pumpkin Pies for the neighbors!

Making traditional stuffed spinach bread with my mother.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, blessed 2015!

Beads of Joy

I made a set of family Rosary beads for a couple close friends and cousins this Christmas. I was able to capture two of the four ladies' expression as they opened their personalized gift.

It was such a joy to share these special gifts with them.

Stitch Markers for Christmas

Every year I like to give each of my knitting buddies a token Christmas gift. Years past I have given such gifts as: cupcakes in jars, breads, cookies, and candy bars decorated like snowmen. This year, I made stitch markers for each of them.

I made two different sizes; one to fit a smaller size needle and one for a larger needle.

They were fun and quick to make; I sure hope they like them!