The sun finally came out today, so my girls and I headed out for the annual visit to our favorite pumpkin patch. (DH and the lad have long since lost interest in these excursions.) Set high on a hill, overlooking spectacular fall foliage, the farm is located in one of the most beautiful spots in our very scenic little town. Those of you who believe the myth that NJ is nothing but highways and oil refineries really should see this part of the state.
We like our pumpkins a little on the not-so-perfect side and we like them big, so the visit always involves a lot of hunting and discussion.
We finally found one that was suitably warty and massive so IJK threw it on her shoulders and trotted down the hill with it. I am so glad that I am no longer the chief pumpkin hauler in the family.
We also purchased two large Hubbard squash which we will cook and use for making pumpkin bread. Every year we take the excess pulp that these huge squash produce and freeze it carefully measured into two cup portions in ziplock baggies. Throughout the year we pull out those baggies and make a few loaves. If you have never used fresh pumpkin for baking before, trust me, it is worth the little bit of extra effort. The taste is much, much better than canned. I just cut the squash in half and put it face down in a pan with a bit of water. I cook it in a 350 oven until it pierces easily with a fork.
We thought the pumpkin patch would make a good FO photo shoot location. So despite the fact that it was a bit warm today for alpaca mittens, DD#2 bravely modeled.
I knit this pair of Reykjavik mittens as a sample for a class I'll be teaching at Modern Yarn in Montclair, NJ. The yarn is Frog Tree Alpaca Sport. It makes a very yummy pair of mittens. The class will be held the first three Mondays of November at 7 pm. You may call the store for more information or to sign up. The class will cover colorwork technique, so if you've always wanted to try stranded colorwork, but have been a little intimidated sign up and we'll show you that it's really quite a lot of fun.
If you look closely you'll see that this pair is not identical. I thought it would be fun to reverse the color positions on the second mitten. It's pretty subtle in this colorway, but I'd love to try it in a more bold combo.
You'll find more details on the mittens on Ravelry.
For those who have asked, I'll be releasing my new pattern, Miller's Hat on Wednesday.
How fun! I was out at the harvest festival last night thinking, "I really need some mittens right now" I guess it is time to cast on!
Posted by: jessica | October 25, 2009 at 05:53 PM
These pictures and commentary is so very lovely. Makes me ache a little for my college girls...who is in her dorm room making gingerbread houses with her friends.
Posted by: Darci | October 25, 2009 at 06:05 PM
Hi! Your day looks like it was beautiful! I "just" posted a recipe you can use for your baked pumpkin... good timing!
http://nelkindesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/sunday-is-for-food-pumpkin-bread.html
Posted by: Laura | October 25, 2009 at 08:04 PM
The pumpkin patch and photo shoot look like lots of fun. Great mitts! I wish your class was around me, I'd love to join in.
Posted by: Renee | October 25, 2009 at 09:23 PM
That pumpkin your daughter is carrying is **perfect**!
Posted by: grumperina | October 25, 2009 at 09:46 PM
beautiful day, beautiful daughters, beautiful pumpkins, beautiful mittens, and then a beautiful hat to look forward to! thank you for sharing all of that.
by the way, i am really enjoying this year's mystery sock and am even managing to keep up! :)
Posted by: annri | October 25, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Fantastic pictures and gorgeous mittens.
We don't have any pumpkin patches near us - infact there are only a small number here in the UK so I love to see other blogger's photos.
Posted by: kerry | October 26, 2009 at 03:33 AM
And here I thought WE had found the perfect pumpkin this year...looks like there were 2 in the patch!
LOVE the mittens.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkG7Q2vNy6x3EA_3KGK-jqjk2MAbh5uEkI | October 26, 2009 at 07:04 AM
what a fun outing with the girls :) are you going to carve that sucker?
Posted by: mai | October 26, 2009 at 12:38 PM
What a perfect day! (And NJ is a really well-kept secret, if you ask me!) Can't wait for the Miller's hat pattern. Actually, all of your new patterns are just screaming out for me to knit them up! :-)
Posted by: Kym | October 26, 2009 at 03:21 PM
I'm fine with everyone thinking that NJ is refineries and highways, it keeps the rabble away. I love riding my bike out there.
Posted by: Kat | October 26, 2009 at 06:46 PM
love the mittens, the blue is perfect with the orange!
Posted by: darlene | October 26, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Again, you have such great kids - and in this world, that is not easy - good work! Thanks for the tip on the Hubbard squash - that does sound worth the effort - for sure!
Posted by: stacey | October 27, 2009 at 07:08 AM