Jul 16, 2025

Knitting Pattern for Golden Days Lounge Shorts

 

knitted shorts hanging on white wall


My latest published pattern is for the Golden Days Lounge Shorts at the August Issue of I Like Knitting Magazine. 

Here is an excerpt from the magazine:

"Bask in easy summer living with the Golden Days Lounge Shorts, a warm-weather essential designed for comfort and style. Knit from the top down in the round, these customizable shorts feature a folded waistband with a functional I-cord drawstring for the perfect fit. Subtle short-row shaping ensures a flattering silhouette, while neatly finished hems at the legs keep stockinette edges crisp and curl-free. Whether you’re lounging at home, heading to the beach, or enjoying a golden hour stroll, these soft and breathable shorts are made to move with you—your new favorite piece for sun-soaked days."

Size: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X)

Finished Waist Size: 26 (28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44)”

Finished Hip Size: 34 (36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 54)”

Finished Inseam: 3” or your desired length.

Shown in size S”

Link to the pattern on Ravelry: Golden Days Lounge Shorts

and here is the link to the website of the I Like Knitting Magazine:

I Like Knitting

Jul 10, 2025

My Favorites

 

a collection of photos of different baking goodies

Baking is definitively another favorite activity for me. In the picture you can see my early attempts at my sourdough bread, and few of my favorite sweet desserts that I really enjoy. Linzer cookies and my grandma's bundt cake recipes are my comfort food that I return to bake quite often. Dandelion syrup is my spring project when dandelions bloom. And then there is the Panna Cotta. A dessert I was first introduced in a little coffee shop in my hometown. I would meet with my friends there every time I would visit my hometown. While sipping on cappuccino and catching up on our lives, we would eat the Panna Cotta with raspberries on top. 

I wanted to make Panna Cotta even when I was not in that little coffee place. So, I searched for a recipe. I have found one on Epicurious, about ten years ago. I printed the recipe out in 2015. It says that the recipe originally appeared in Gourmet in August 1997. I did some adjustments and added the raspberry sauce.

So here is my variation on that original recipe. I usually make the Panna Cotta one day and the raspberry sauce the following day. 

Ingredients: 
2 cups of heavy cream
1 cup of half and half
1/3 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of cold water
1 envelope of unflavored gelatine (I use the Knorr variety) 
1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 bag of frozen raspberries (or mixed berries)
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a small saucepan sprinkle gelatine over the water. 
In another saucepan heat cream, half and half and sugar. Bring to almost boil, stirring. Remove from heat. Heat the gelatine until it dissolves over a low heat. Remove from heat.
Dump the gelatine into the cream mixture, add vanilla extract and divide evenly between the bowls. 
Let sit until it cools down, then refrigerate. 

In a saucepan heat over low heat the bag of frozen berries with sugar and vanilla extract until the berries are breaking apart. Remove from heat.  

If you add the raspberry sauce while the Panna Cotta is not solid, it will mix together. If you wait until the Panna Cotta is solid, it will create the two layers.

Add fresh berries on top and enjoy :)  

a glass with panna cotta and berries





Jul 7, 2025

Summer 2025

 

a giant knitted shark pretending to bite a wooden stool

Happy summer days to you all! 

Working in the public schools has its challenges, but it also has a wonderfully long summer break. I do really like that part. It allows me to get some knitting done and even start to think about new designs and create new knitting patterns. I am not sure how successful I will be, but my intentions are set high.  

A close-up picture of knitted otter's face

As an independent knitwear designer I am participating in two events held on Ravelry.

First, it's the fabulous Ami-a-long, an event for knitters and crocheters who loves to create toys. Join the Ami-a-long group on Ravelry and see all the critters and win some prizes.

Second, is the Around the world, stitch along. Another great event hosted on Ravelry, by participating designers. Join the fun event, learn something new and win some prizes. The group on Ravelry is Around the World Stitch Along.


For some snippets from my life and pictures of the latest knitting or other adventures follow me on Instagram or sign up for the newsletter on my website. 

Stana's Critters Etc