Yesterday, Adrienne visited The Loopy Room. She lives in Chicago and was on her way to a spinning workshop (how cool is that?) in LaMars. We were talking about spinning wheels when she came in, and she graciously offered to get her Lendrum that was in the car, so that I could try it out. (Knitters and spinners – aren’t they just the best?) She gave me some great spinning tips and it was very fun trying out her wheel. The Lendrum and the Schacht were the two that I most wanted to try out. We made her pose for a photo so that we can start the Loopy Wall of Fame. (Of course I totally forgot to take pictures of the fun people who stopped by today. I must leave the camera out so that I remember….) After shopping hours today, I left Loopy Central in the very capable hands of Susan-the-awesome-assistant and The Elves, and went to my favorite LYS – The Weaving Department. If you live in St. Louis, you know why that’s my favorite local shop. We have some great shops here, but Nancy and her gang have an awesome selection of yarns, always make you feel welcome and appreciated, and are just lovely to deal with. She also sells wheels and looms, and she had a Schacht for me to try. I never should’ve tried it. I was sold on it pretty quickly. 🙂 It helps that Kay – who works there – was an expert teacher and had me spinning away in just 10 minutes. I think I finally “get” it. It just so happens that they have a spinning class going on, so tomorrow I will go to the class (with my second class on 12/1) and at the end of the class tomorrow, I’ll take my new Schacht home. I’m excited!! (And now I’m in the poorhouse. But I’ll be spinning in that poorhouse, so all is well.) I’ll keep you posted on things as I progress. I have also started talking to some roving dyers, and am excited to have that coming here in the new year!
As promised, here is the decadent Pumpkin Dessert recipe that I promised you. Pay no attention to the 2 sticks of butter on the top. (Well, I mean YES, you do need to add those to the top, but NO, you do not need to obsess about how many calories it might add in to your dessert.)
Christy’s Pumpkin Dessert
1 large can of pumpkin (28 – 30 oz)
1 can evaporated milk (10 – 12 oz)
3 eggs
2 sticks of butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup of nuts (optional)
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon.
Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil and grease it. Pour the pumpkin mixture in the pan and sprinkle the dry cake mix on top. Pat the cake mix down with a spoon. Sprinkle with nuts (if desired) and drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (check it at 45 minutes and put a piece of foil over the top if it’s getting a little brown.) Let stand 10 minutes and turn out on a board to cut into pieces, or refrigerate. Great served with whipped topping or ice cream.
And now the November Loopy Loot contest (where you answer my question in the blog comments and I draw a name next Friday to win a gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe!) We love having music going here at Loopy Central, and I think we need some new tunes. Tell me your favorite one or two musical artists. (I know it’s hard to narrow it down. Ok, go ahead and tell me however many you want.) For instrumental music, I really like Matt Bachrach and Michael Faircloth. Matt was an artist that I ran across at our mall, of all places. They had him playing on a stage one day during the holiday season a couple of years ago. Michael has played at our church a couple of times. Both are amazing pianists and I think I have collected all of their albums over time. So suggest some new names – instrumental or otherwise, and I’ll check into them! (Note – this isn’t for playing while people shop here, since we’re not “open” most of the time – it’s just music for us to pack orders to!)
Sheri doanyofyouhavedaughterswhospin?IwonderifKnittingDaughterwouldlikethis?
Right on, Bertha.
Man, I’m not a classic music person. Give me good ol Rock N Roll. Especially if you are packing orders – something FUN! and FAST. Sting, KC, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, oh, on and on.
Congrats on your wheel and thanks for the pumpkin recipe.
Holy mackerel, it’s hard to choose just one or two artists. I think my overall, lifetime faves are Tool, Indigo Girls, and Simon & Garfunkel. But I’ve been on a Dragonforce binge for the past week, so who knows? Of course, anything that involves Danny Elfman is a sure bet. And the list can go on and on and on…
Rob Costlow found at magnatunes. His Sophomore Jinx is my favorite of his albums.
Favourite music of the moment….
Maroon Five and Linkin Park. Both have good beats and are very ‘up’. If the later is not angry. But sometimes, I think at work, there’s really a place for that…. like when you’re having a bad day 🙂 helps express the rage. 😉
I love singing along to They Might Be Giants songs, but they’re definitely not for everyone. My husband hates them. Something a little more low-key that we both enjoy is Iron & Wine.
Oh man. I just told Hubby that you’re getting a wheel. He said “oh no.” LOL! I have had my eye on the Lady Bug for some time now. I am hoping to get one in 2008. Copper Pot has some yummy roving… As does Yarnophilia Yarns and Roving on ETSY.
As for music, I enjoy Sting, The Police and Dave Matthews. I also like Enya. All very good at keeping me focused and energized while I dye.
The recipe is like an upside down pumpkin butter bar from Paula Dean! SWEET!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m a fan of just about anything from Narada for New Age Stuff and I do love good jazz. My all time favorite artist, especially in winter, is Jimmy Buffett. When it’s cold and dreary out all I have to do is pop in “Off to See the Lizard” and I’m so in a warmer place!
Country Music all the way!! Esp the oldies like OakRidge Boys and Alabama, also like several of the newer ones esp Toby Keith!!
Yeah. Another spinner!!!
I suspect I have really bizarre and certainly eclectic musical tastes…
For a different instrumental check out Continental Drift by Robin Petrie & Danny Carnahan (http://www.amazon.com/Continental-Drift-Petrie/dp/B000000MLE) Hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, mandolin. Two for the road by the same duo is also wonderful and adds vocals.
Scott Joplin Piano Rags (one of my favorites is “Solace – A Mexican Seranade”)
The Wreck of the Olga Symphony by the Olga Symphony — how could I not love songs about making maple syrup, chopping firewood, and not being able to go to bed because of lost pajamas (http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-Olga-Symphony/dp/B000066SUJ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1195241347&sr=1-7)
http://www.myspace.com/danwilsonmusic
“All kinds of beautiful”
My new fav
I find I have to grade papers to instrumental music. I like Mannhein Steamroller and most of the artists who record for the Narada label.
Ok I’ve seen a lot of my favorites on here Jimmy Buffet, Michael Buble (I have this recording of him singing the Spiderman theme song and it unites my loves of Jazz and Superheroes), Nickel Creek, Flogging Molly, Sweeney Todd, They Might be Giants, but I have to give my main girl Ella Fitzgerald a shout out (I know Kelli mentioned her too, but she’s that good) seriously, I love listening to her so much. I particularly recommend “Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife” it is my favorite live album of all time, maybe my favorite album.
Instrumental wise I am also a big fan of the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, also the Harry Potter, Pirates of the Carribbean, Star Wars, and Master and Commander soundtracks. I also really enjoy listening to Tchaikovsky Ballets and Gershwin compositions (instrumental or their Broadway Stuff). And Phantom of the Opera (Original Cast, not the movie cast) because I have loved it since I was about 5.
For instrumental I love Ray Lynch, his album Deep Breakfast has been a favorite of mine since I was in middle school.
I’m really looking forward to the new Mark Cohen album
In the studio when i really need to get down to it and work hard and steady it’s Peter Gabriel or U2 turned up too loud.
For mellow music, you can’t beat Detroit’s own Earl Klugh. Greatest guitar since Chet Atkins. For upbeat and humorous, check out The Jumpin’ Chi Chi’s, a band out of Memphis. And you still can’t go wrong with Rod Stewart. (I know, my age is showing. He’s still good.)
And congrats on finding your wheel. Try some BFL. You’ll be spinning like a pro in no time.
I live on the theory that it’s a good thing we aren’t all alike, or everyone would have to like the same things as me! 🙂 Of course, my absolute favorites are nothing like what you usually listen to. #1 is Barenaked Ladies. Lots of energy and would keep you hopping while packing up orders. #2 is a very local band to Pitsburgh, The Clarks.
Regardless, I highly recommend Pandora: http://www.pandora.com Plug in a favorite or two and it makes a custom radio station running on your computer!
I’ll narrow it down to two, just for you, but keep in mind that DH and I are serious musicphiles (we have close to 1000 cd’s… we’d give up the TV long before the stereo! 🙂 but Steven Curtis Chapman is a consistent favorite, and we both love Mindy Smith. In fact, she just came out with a holiday CD (called My Holiday) that is really wonderful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now I just have to figure out how to justify that yummy dessert with my weight watchers leader…..
My music likes are all over the charts and I love many types of music. If I’m working and I want musc in the background, enough to notice it , but not enough to distract me, I put on Hikari Oe.
I first became aware of Hikari about 9 or 10 years ago, maybe longer when he was featured on Dateline, or maybe it was 20/20. Hikari is a Japaneese composer who has autisim. The only way he speaks is through his music. I think you’ll find him a joy to listen to.
If I want distraction though and I want to sing along while I’m working, then it’s Carole King. I can’t tell you how many copies of Tapestry I have gone through.
I love your new wheel. Will you teach me to spin now you enabler you?
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thank you for all that you do!
I like IL Divo…They are handsome & have fantastic voices. For Christmas…Mannheim Steamroller and Trans America Siberia Orchestra..are great also!!! Congrats on your new hobby. Have fun with the spinning wheel!! Thanks for the wonderful recipe. Yummy
Well, I may be prejudiced…but for some fun and different music I LOVE Ukesperience (www.ukesperience.com). It’s billed as “ukelele boogie music.” And yes, that is my husband playing bass! (He also builds ukuleles and built his own bass ukulele!) Didja know that “ukulele” is correctly pronounced “oooo-kooo-lay-lay” instead of the common “you-kooo-lay-lay?”
Helene Grimaud is one of my favorite pianists — I saw her play with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra last year and she was marvelous.
Yo-Yo Ma always rocks the cello. If you’re up for something that’s not classical and a little bit sea-themed (perhaps while knitting with sea wool?), try the Dirty Three and their Ocean Songs disk.
Music… I’m mostly a classic rock girl, Led Zepplin, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, I also listen to a lot of Bon Jovi and Great Big Sea and a smattering of other stuff.
Great Big Sea is always fun to do anything to, and there is usually one or two albums of their’s in stereo in the kitchen as the whole family (all 9 of us) can agree to that, so baking, cooking, or just hanging out in the kitchen at all times of year is often to the accompaniment of their particular brand of Canadian Celtic.
My listening heartthrob: Juan Diego Florez http://www.deccaclassics.com/artists/florez/florez_home.htm
Sentimiento Latino is a great CD.
Wow, this is a hard contest for me. Why? Well, I’m not all that current on music and consider myself to be in an 80’s time warp – or just stick to old favorites that I used to listen to when I actually listened to music on a regular basis (which, is really quite a range – from easy listening to heavy metal), lol…
But, seriously, when its time to bring out the Christmas music (after Thanksgiving, FPS), I love Vince Guaraldi – so I listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas CD (I know this probably isn’t a surprise, lol since I just love Snoopy and well, the entire Peanuts gang). And, of course, one can never really go wrong with U2…
Thanks for the recipe and have a lovely weekend! Enjoy your spinning classes, too!! : )
The Kooks and Fiona Apple are always getting played at my house.
I’m stilling fighting the spinning bug! Must resist.
ooooh Sheri, I’m so excited and happy for you … congrats on your new wheel. I just bought my very first (a Lendrum) 2 weeks ago and my first spinning class was last weekend. It is so fun, not to mention relaxing and something about spinning makes me feel so darn creative 🙂 Can’t wait to see the fibers you have lined up for TLE!!
My favourite music to listen to is my 11 yr old daughter playing our piano and musician ‘for real’ is Michael W. Smith … who has also been to our church.
So Schacht it is!! (That’s what I think I’m getting as well!!) For music you totally need all of the Nickel Creek Cd’s!
I am a big, big, Jimmy Buffett fan. check out his newer stuff!
Besides that, Mannheim Steamroller does beautiful holiday music CD’s and a new one just came out.
I’m showing my age, but — the Osmond Brothers.
I still can’t believe Donny’s a grandfather, FPS.
Music? We love all kinds, but one we are really listening to is Mist on the Mountain by Geoffrey Castle. We saw him in concert and he is an amazing electric violinist. You would think he had a whole orchestra playing with him but it is just him on his violin. Hope you enjoy.
Nickel Creek is awesome, and I know that someone mentioned Incubus. I also admit to being a fan of Barry Manilow, Ani DiFranco, Missy Higgns and Colbie Caillet.
But right now—the original cast performance of Wicked is playing through the house.
Wow! You gotta listen to David Bowie and Elvis! And Tom Waits is a favorite of mine as well!
I love to listen to Garth Brooks, John Denver, the Eagles, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble, Green Day, Panic at the Disco, Sam Hensley (Christian singer) and showtunes when I quilt or knit. I guess that’s a rather eclectic list! You’ve got quite a few names on the list now!
Does this mean the Loopy Elves aren’t listening to Christmas music!?
Seriously, I’m terrible about knowing anything about current music…so, I’m going to suggest oldies but goodies…the Beatles, the Beach Boys, etc.
Oh…how could I forget…Jimmy Buffett too! :o)
Alison Krauss has a beautiful pure voice that is always nice to have in the background. And somehow, Abba is still what I reach for when I need to get some energy!
I’m trying hard to live within the hobbies I have and not spin……………so stop trying to sway me!
And I’ve been meaning to tell you that your Rhubarb Dream is my favorite new recipe this year.
I love Manheim Steamroller for mellow but upbeat Christmas music. I also love Norah Jones & Harry Connick Jr, and I discovered Monk & Neagle recently (acoustic/jazz/pop).
If you like instrumental, Michael W Smith has a great CD called “Freedom.”
A lot of the artists I love are already in the comments above, but some that I especially like are
1. Josh Ritter–poetic and clever lyrics plus great tunes!
2. Martin Sexton–an amazing voice!
3. Emerson Hart
4. Switchfoot (a “Christian” band, but NOT a praise band–Meant to Live is one of their more popular songs)
The pumpkin dessert looks delicious! Adding this to my recipe files!
You’re asking me, the old-time music major-turned nurse to comment on the music – gosh! I’m such an eclectic! I love fabulous classical stuff by Debussy or Chopin. I love Billy Joel -check out his very first album (Amazon)….Cold Spring Harbor – wonderful stuff. I listen to a lot of Contemporary Christian music as well.
Bruce Hornsby is one of my faves. I grew up listening to the Beatles with my parents and lots of music from that era. So, I know all the oldies. PS – I also LOVE the 80’s because that’s when I grew up! Very eclectic! Try the Billy Joel – you won’t be sorry!
No spinning daughters, unless you count them spinning around me, firing 20 questions a minute! 🙂 Maybe someday……Congrats on the wheel!
Some of my favorites are The Indigo GIrls, Patty Griffin(a FANTASTIC folk artist who has the most amazing voice – I love her so much), REM, The Shins, Iron & Wine…and far too many more to list here.
I would love to learn spinning – I have some roving but have yet to actually buy a spindle. Soon, though! But I’m nowhere near able to afford a wheel. Lucky you, Sheri!
Sounds like pumpkin gooey butter cake! or almost
I have really eclectic taste in music and like music from several different genres, but one of my favorites is Josh Groban. Others I like are Rascal Flatts and John Mayer. (See what I mean?)
MIchael Buble, Clay Aiken or Billy Joel just to name a few!
Sweet Honey in the Rock, Nickel Creek, Bering Strait, and Alison Krause are my favorites, but lately I’ve been listening to Las Rubias del Norte while I weave — lovely rhythms and voices.
I’m emerging from lurkerdom because I can’t resist contests or music recommendation requests. so here are a couple of my favorite indie artists: Ferraby Lionheart and Eleni Mandell.
oh, while I’m thinking of music, I want to recommend a song by The Brunettes to you. it’s called Loopy Loopy Love!
Sarah Maclachlan, 70s funk, Al Green, Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones, old Eagles, Enya, old Billy Joel, Eurythmics, latest Dixie Chicks album… there’s a start!
The beauty of the I-pod: ready-made “mix tapes”.
Congrats on the wheel!
Music suggestions: Brad Paisley, James Taylor, Alison Kraus and Union Station, Spike Lee’s “Do it Acapella” CD, Sara Evans, George Strait, Michael Buble.
My musica tastes vary quite widely depending on the day, but I’ll throw out some of the top ones on my iPod right now: Eurythmics, Elvis, Great Big Sea and Beethoven.
Uh Oh! 😉 You got a wheel! 🙂 Have fun! It’s really cool you have a class and good teachers too!
I love Allison Krause, Maroon Five, Rod Stewart,Toby Keith. When all else fails I get out some Leon Russell.
Music. I have just a few days until I only listen to my “seasonal” CDs. My all-time favorites remain the ones from my childhood – Gene Autrey, Bing Crosby – but my father inlaw’s infulence of Manheim Steamroller and the Transiberia Orchestra are in there too, along with lots of choirs and the Nutcracker…