I finally made it to my first Thirsty Thursday post!!!! When I was coming up with an idea for my blog, I wanted to mix in my love of beer with my love of knitting. At first thought, this could be very dangerous. I know that I have dropped a stitch or miscounted for a pattern after a few beers. Thankfully, the mishaps aren’t too big and I can fix them without too much stress.
This brings me to the post. I wanted to highlight some of the small, local breweries I visited and pair them with a pattern or yarn or both. In an ideal world, I would have this project in progress, but we all know that since I’ve got a few too many things on the needles and others jockeying for an opportunity to be cast on, I’m not sure it would be in the best interest of my sanity to actually cast these things on.
Remember back to when Jordan and I went to the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Fest? Well to balance out the overwhelmingly yarny afternoon, we visited Country Boy Brewing in Lexington, Kentucky. We stopped by their taproom located at 436 Chair Avenue in Lexington.
Here’s what the website says about their taproom and I’m not sure I can say it better:
“Country Boy Brewing and Taproom is located near the University of Kentucky and is only a short 10 minute walk from the world-famous Rupp Arena. The Taproom features 24 taps, with always at least half of the list made up of beers brewed on site. The rest of the taps are featured great guest beers from across the nation. No food is served in the taproom, but often food trucks can be found in the lot out front. Of course, you are welcome to bring any food in the taproom with you, or order it and have it delivered while you enjoy several cold ones on site.The taproom is inviting and comfortable–So why not come in, grab a beer, and stay a while. You’ll be glad you did.”
There was a food truck outside the taproom, but we weren’t hungry. Instead we just had beer. Here is a look at their tap list while we were there:
There were 2 boards flanking the bar, but I only got 1 good picture. Jordan and I tried 2 different beers each while we were there. I really enjoyed the Ghost (in the foreground). It’s a German Gose style beer. Here’s what the brewery has to say about it:
“A Wheat beer brewed with Sea Salt and Coriander, Ghost is Country Boy’s take on the classic German Gose. Slightly tart and extremely refreshing, this beer has a habit of vanishing into thin air…”
I like the Ghost. It was easy to drink and quite smooth. I didn’t think the “tart” factor was overpowering but certainly refreshing as a wheat beer is on a warm day.
In the background is Cliff Jumper IPA that Jordan ordered. It had a delicious hoppy bite with a pungent aroma. A wonderful IPA if you like that sort of thing which we do 🙂 If you come across their beers wherever you are, it’s certainly worth a try and a great way to support a local brewery.
In the spirit of Country Boy, I propose a knit bandana. In the spirit of beer, how about a simple knit bandana. I’ve had my eye on this pattern for the Bandana Cowl from the Purl Bee.
I love that Erin, the pattern author, suggests several different yarns to use for this cowl right on the pattern page! The pattern looks easy and since it’s knit on US size 10 needles. There is some counting on the short rows. And I love that the Swan’s Island Bulky this is knit in is only 130-yards. Makes me feel like I may have something in my stash to make this or an excuse to buy more (which is completely contrary to my last post)!!
Another idea would be this Springtime Bandana also from the Purl Bee. It looks light and airy, perfect for summer. The pattern seems less complicated but does involve holding 2 yarns together.
Finally, there is this beauty that is way more complicated, but fits the bill for a cool bandana. It’s the Houndstooth Bandana from O-Wool designed by Jocelyn J. Tunney. It’s a paid pattern located at O-Wool.com. I love the colors and the houndstooth colorwork. I would definitely not undertake this while enjoying alcoholic beverages as it may result in a completely new pattern. You should visit the site. She’s got some beautiful yarns and patterns. Thank you Ravelry for enabling me to find more designers and yarn companies with each search .
Maybe in the next few months I can cast on one of these, but for now, I need to stick to knitting down my current WIPs.
I try to stick to plain old garter or stockinette when I’m in need of a brainless moment. Right now, my brainless, no look knit is this baby blanket for my future neice. It’s coming along and I’ve made it to a color change!!!!
What is your favorite simple knit to work on while you aren’t necessarily paying attention, enjoying a delicious adult beverage, or just need a brainless knit to keep your fingers busy?
v’s & bumps,
Jenna
PS. Sis & Brother wanted to say HI!!
hardknitlife 