tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37642713342577685792024-03-14T15:22:16.501+10:00I Should Be Cleaning Up...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-39271009515700307192013-09-13T23:50:00.000+10:002013-09-13T23:50:00.304+10:00Colette Violet - 1015 - Variation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPlGuKqSx8ufW0jf2Sgr7N7XssC4eL8GTZ2CN9pWohTC3GTmkVe3c_4EJB7Fe8E3ZENBBFmHzWMXPBf7sWtKMc4jH_19Umx80FO4sIkKsAfbvdlyxBuT2ahBPcPDBeXs-AKBt6or4vPw/s1600/IMG_9965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPlGuKqSx8ufW0jf2Sgr7N7XssC4eL8GTZ2CN9pWohTC3GTmkVe3c_4EJB7Fe8E3ZENBBFmHzWMXPBf7sWtKMc4jH_19Umx80FO4sIkKsAfbvdlyxBuT2ahBPcPDBeXs-AKBt6or4vPw/s400/IMG_9965.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ishouldbecleaningup.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/colette-violet-1015.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the first one I sewed. I sewed this one shortly after, making some alterations. I thought the sleeves would be cute with gathers, and I changed the rounded peter pan collar to a pointed style peter pan (or, flat pointed, I think they are called).<br />
<br />
First, this just shows the bust adjustment i made, taking up the extra slack in the side bust dart. I didn't need to make the whole thing wider, as most FBAs show you to. I don't know if this is proper, but it's what I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWj292bxR0WFqnPFRP1UlWonRDSgArJ0m3SvbErbAlOUzIhdm3uTPwr-h2zKw4MA9RT7WlMChOpQ6ISSOaTZY70tAJ7-tUH91HjDTn0tA4GAwX-3OGhByU-r2tPs9MFu7TdK8YpMQh7c/s1600/IMG_9937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWj292bxR0WFqnPFRP1UlWonRDSgArJ0m3SvbErbAlOUzIhdm3uTPwr-h2zKw4MA9RT7WlMChOpQ6ISSOaTZY70tAJ7-tUH91HjDTn0tA4GAwX-3OGhByU-r2tPs9MFu7TdK8YpMQh7c/s320/IMG_9937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I made a simple sleeve cuff, cutting a 4" wide strip, by the circumference of my upper arm. I wanted it snug, but not tight. Iron the piece lengthwise in half, and then turn in each outside length towards the middle, and iron again. Sew your piece together, at each end, making a ring. For the sleeves, I just altered the pattern by adding more length at the shoulder line of the sleeve, ie. a bigger curve at the top of the shoulder, and a wider circumference at the hem of the sleeve.. I sewed a practice to get the angles right. Sew long stitches in the cuff part of the sleeve inside your seam allowance to gather later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMvnPqOAHY0U1yiZsb9tctsl-iPv6ECU-KfpZigj66c7xcGIXe3mDNNGWmbEWMlgcECqppa1alOYrhkjIbV6Cwg9csMBg5Oe0vSJiQCyNrYOc7Uvdb8MQkSQRukR84b09rn6cqQ9yZ1A/s1600/IMG_9941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMvnPqOAHY0U1yiZsb9tctsl-iPv6ECU-KfpZigj66c7xcGIXe3mDNNGWmbEWMlgcECqppa1alOYrhkjIbV6Cwg9csMBg5Oe0vSJiQCyNrYOc7Uvdb8MQkSQRukR84b09rn6cqQ9yZ1A/s320/IMG_9941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I attached the cuff, right sides together, and pulled up the gathers in my sleeve to fit the cuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARuxBfU47Kyf3GnkWfKTwcnQczxhJGV0YRk5iQl9h-7eojsf3GB6aEdiMJ_aOGdEf6zOh71T1DcPpfX4KrDr66VM7HCtxc4j0ByzcyRO5w2J0nQZe1Ol_nI4d8EADE1Z8tSEugFEnMBI/s1600/IMG_9939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARuxBfU47Kyf3GnkWfKTwcnQczxhJGV0YRk5iQl9h-7eojsf3GB6aEdiMJ_aOGdEf6zOh71T1DcPpfX4KrDr66VM7HCtxc4j0ByzcyRO5w2J0nQZe1Ol_nI4d8EADE1Z8tSEugFEnMBI/s320/IMG_9939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sew the seam of the cuff to the sleeve along the line you ironed, and then turn your cuff back the right way, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCR8NKS1BEpDiIf7HUswW015jwtTG8SGBkUyDOm7s9K0jwqXusvqaoAxCVuQ6yS9Ru0lsBj1sO-O6l6blb7f5AvzaXpsojqGPpqB9ix9M4mftiKTDd_MiasFIz-bPRMyLmQd3sB-N-Lg/s1600/IMG_9943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCR8NKS1BEpDiIf7HUswW015jwtTG8SGBkUyDOm7s9K0jwqXusvqaoAxCVuQ6yS9Ru0lsBj1sO-O6l6blb7f5AvzaXpsojqGPpqB9ix9M4mftiKTDd_MiasFIz-bPRMyLmQd3sB-N-Lg/s320/IMG_9943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I top stitched the cuff in place, catching the inner fold of the cuff (so i didn't need to hand stitch it in place.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGUq0rAp9RMsQqC29_CXA_hRrhFeSOy6caPIOeeF-ERG3MbhMQ1LoSW4827hVsn2yCQIuCYAEvTwN-JaMRXtTbIO8rOEblY31p_xBTkaOQxf1JOIBxlfbtYwg9XEHpMazy7NDp-idFWg/s1600/IMG_9944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGUq0rAp9RMsQqC29_CXA_hRrhFeSOy6caPIOeeF-ERG3MbhMQ1LoSW4827hVsn2yCQIuCYAEvTwN-JaMRXtTbIO8rOEblY31p_xBTkaOQxf1JOIBxlfbtYwg9XEHpMazy7NDp-idFWg/s320/IMG_9944.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjZxjHQ7NnGvYRixIxE7bP_AevrBlBeHnOnp9pitqLyq9HCO2sh5rj-NyELCEnWy9q7Jlt0jR2Rq47dYcEllohqSn18y_oVUtuwhMhWeWbAP0hTnFE0Ywbz9BigIjd8PWK-Nr8g8yt_U/s1600/IMG_9945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjZxjHQ7NnGvYRixIxE7bP_AevrBlBeHnOnp9pitqLyq9HCO2sh5rj-NyELCEnWy9q7Jlt0jR2Rq47dYcEllohqSn18y_oVUtuwhMhWeWbAP0hTnFE0Ywbz9BigIjd8PWK-Nr8g8yt_U/s320/IMG_9945.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqGDxreROoMUhqi7jWK-YuaUzc5BxeJPlPlCwc3b6BPKPEijqA6WYJpipNvkcbCVExdFVpPHNgpC2RQQg5oOU2RcjKakV21NmnjnGgQcBEyJ7A_F_DPQR_uCE2qVW1fKN4C7Y7OsPE-U/s1600/IMG_9973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqGDxreROoMUhqi7jWK-YuaUzc5BxeJPlPlCwc3b6BPKPEijqA6WYJpipNvkcbCVExdFVpPHNgpC2RQQg5oOU2RcjKakV21NmnjnGgQcBEyJ7A_F_DPQR_uCE2qVW1fKN4C7Y7OsPE-U/s320/IMG_9973.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgYvLQB8nfJkowDbktVCHdhi4Qs3RQEo8YzeOE7HRGrBGpeiqPhmFwLbxTiHGrbFEvqK0BoDnic2qEUZ2POcQUl2WZ30VWcLScvdGJHPyblYC8ZIJtOzdcG1Dzcv0qSMGeHXZJ5Y6kG0/s1600/IMG_9974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgYvLQB8nfJkowDbktVCHdhi4Qs3RQEo8YzeOE7HRGrBGpeiqPhmFwLbxTiHGrbFEvqK0BoDnic2qEUZ2POcQUl2WZ30VWcLScvdGJHPyblYC8ZIJtOzdcG1Dzcv0qSMGeHXZJ5Y6kG0/s320/IMG_9974.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-53434167266832568212013-09-03T22:51:00.003+10:002013-09-03T23:03:34.294+10:00Butterick B5814<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGCMCdFT9UQNUrFFFOxOGCFewSyJSDxhyphenhyphenrNucTVv-gTMwkS89uGFYjm1bTwlTq8Z9b55mlQZojyRjZYdX-fxoK6SrfBitAvenWiFaXhyNTYR-Wss8j7HFouXsPmpg0f3SGhlgsyif2J8/s1600/IMG_2703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGCMCdFT9UQNUrFFFOxOGCFewSyJSDxhyphenhyphenrNucTVv-gTMwkS89uGFYjm1bTwlTq8Z9b55mlQZojyRjZYdX-fxoK6SrfBitAvenWiFaXhyNTYR-Wss8j7HFouXsPmpg0f3SGhlgsyif2J8/s400/IMG_2703.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally got the guts to try out this pattern. <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5814-products-27962.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">Gertie's pattern for Butterick, the B5814</a>. Being a full-figured girl, I was a little nervous about the neckline. I have cleavage in a turtle neck, pretty much. I tend to be 3 different sizes, depending on the pattern. One size each for chest, waist & hips. I used to hate to alter the patterns, but now I am beginning to not mind the process. I find that if I just be patient, I enjoy the process. Same with sewing. I used to be impatient for the final product, where now I do it slowly, and make sure I do it right.<br />
<br />
I sewed my first muslin with just a little added to the sides, tapered back down to the waist, so I could see how much I needed to alter, hoping it wouldn't BE much... It fit, but not nicely. I could stuff myself in, but you couldn't see the lovely details of the bodice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEwlI-ugC1Mgu9bDRg9FiphkqhC0cFQCZ39UYKWVAk9LVIqcmgKzedGjor2bmBouI-ijZeqIedRTc7QdCOxRwCCpxREWdSNP59sglTcGqRqjn-nY_kdPoD5VNcWTkRD3ncMdAzMd5Jc/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEwlI-ugC1Mgu9bDRg9FiphkqhC0cFQCZ39UYKWVAk9LVIqcmgKzedGjor2bmBouI-ijZeqIedRTc7QdCOxRwCCpxREWdSNP59sglTcGqRqjn-nY_kdPoD5VNcWTkRD3ncMdAzMd5Jc/s400/IMG_2685.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Second muslin was better, but not perfect. I did a full bust adjustment (FBA) but it wasn't enough. I marked on my muslin where I wanted everything to sit, and went back to my pattern. In all, I added a side dart to both sides, and enlarged the front dart. I also added 2" of length to be taken up in part by that side dart. I increased the size of each of the gathers on the front piece, so as to allow for the lack of a front dart. I also changed the angle of where those gathers sat, as now things had shifted a bit. I ended up making quite a few changes! More than any other pattern ever. And it's still not perfect, but pretty close. I suppose I am my own worst critic, so I see wrinkles and gathers that I don't like, but no one else will likely notice. I also had the same problem as Gertie of the sleeves not staying put, so I did adjust the angle of the sleeve where it's sewed to the bodice. I also had to change the bust point, and move the darts too. I think in all, I must have sewn 5 or 6 muslins. Some all from scratch, and others with minor changes. I didn't bother with a skirt muslin, as there was enough ease for me to be comfortable to just sew it. I also moved the drape over, so you can see the gathers in the skirt more clearly. It took me longer to draft new pattern pieces than it did for me to sew the damn thing!<br />
<br />
But the sewing process was so lovely! I chose a wool blend in a grey-ish brown with lighter coloured flecks. I'm in love with the material. It's heavy, but not too thick. It has a slight bit of stretch, but that is taken care of with the dress being fully lined. I bought the material before I had the pattern, just waiting for the perfect moment to use the fabric. I did find the drape in the pattern to be almost impossible to sew through, but I did it... Did anyone else have problems? Maybe my material was a little thicker than I thought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeRPb2K46Rv_kr7JBtVqGmrRWJvOEvUDTlLD76Ih1NsxTTcyUUQebzh9Cxy1SZR8_CjoB3G2tLgD3gHA0o67pnwbExr3N42p64kN9ZdDY4YFF-A0ZlXWOJoY8Ydvz0J7SXXIcha3eZPE/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeRPb2K46Rv_kr7JBtVqGmrRWJvOEvUDTlLD76Ih1NsxTTcyUUQebzh9Cxy1SZR8_CjoB3G2tLgD3gHA0o67pnwbExr3N42p64kN9ZdDY4YFF-A0ZlXWOJoY8Ydvz0J7SXXIcha3eZPE/s400/IMG_2693.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I also did the stabilizing that Gertie recommends. I might have not thought to do this, so I am glad I read through Gertie's posts. I also added tiny little bra stays (just snaps sewn to a piece of ribbon, so i could keep my straps hidden under the sleeves.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/stabilizing-v-neck-with-twill-tape.html">http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/stabilizing-v-neck-with-twill-tape.html</a><br />
<br />
I used these other blog posts as guidelines for my process:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/butterick-5814-construction-and-fabric.html">http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/butterick-5814-construction-and-fabric.html</a><br />
<a href="http://sometimessewist.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/gerties-5814/">http://sometimessewist.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/gerties-5814/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/the-b5814-bodice-muslin.html">http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/11/the-b5814-bodice-muslin.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_c-2cgQc-WlWJjURPd_29TWim4ckaGaAGWbX4vM-0-T1h_B4Z-wjC44yBG6y_uyiVtDEZDR6o0GrgmMFEHqZp4ApTWVV29agG6H3iBVPbE9lNzrvbllC0lB5ft0soGAjvSdIR8UvhH8/s1600/IMG_2680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_c-2cgQc-WlWJjURPd_29TWim4ckaGaAGWbX4vM-0-T1h_B4Z-wjC44yBG6y_uyiVtDEZDR6o0GrgmMFEHqZp4ApTWVV29agG6H3iBVPbE9lNzrvbllC0lB5ft0soGAjvSdIR8UvhH8/s400/IMG_2680.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oO1R4xxPID9Z1N60qHLay5CD6TbFvJ9ewyAxFJMJzNUgufRFMV8XsT4KLYxnlBaLYqTBLcY1P-w1xRjepug1V6HEuPnlFzkKt6ewUsELc84t8-NOYe_MznMYfdNmJ3IX9L3DTcQK5q8/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oO1R4xxPID9Z1N60qHLay5CD6TbFvJ9ewyAxFJMJzNUgufRFMV8XsT4KLYxnlBaLYqTBLcY1P-w1xRjepug1V6HEuPnlFzkKt6ewUsELc84t8-NOYe_MznMYfdNmJ3IX9L3DTcQK5q8/s400/IMG_2702.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had some fun with make-up too. Love the <a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner.do" target="_blank">Stila Liquid liner</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yEdyRSi0xGIMXPYgSFaf47heCdoSfHz7KehYiTDHfSq7nnmxgfeu1U0NpdlD1O-KCUudO9aTx2Ka_GlXC41LHw2RI6NfsAzeGpy0ccf6gaUYGRy1ld9t1DXrNbdfqCHdIpRtDL4ntTI/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yEdyRSi0xGIMXPYgSFaf47heCdoSfHz7KehYiTDHfSq7nnmxgfeu1U0NpdlD1O-KCUudO9aTx2Ka_GlXC41LHw2RI6NfsAzeGpy0ccf6gaUYGRy1ld9t1DXrNbdfqCHdIpRtDL4ntTI/s400/IMG_2719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-54134037698647809712013-06-10T14:10:00.000+10:002013-06-10T14:10:00.728+10:00Jack Pesch RocketI got myself a gorgeous vintage bicycle a few years ago for my birthday. A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Pesch_Bridge" target="_blank">Jack Pesch</a> Rocket. The plan all along was to restore it, and I finally finished it! Well, it's almost finished. Plans change a little along the way sometimes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnEy2rMU03h4ypjPcTkjNG-kcvb9DAYO2YBvxeHkwhcXXpYt32yoKiFp3ogZbvtW5anKhjGz8c2pnGVCjlJxcUUUm-2_6VuWTB2GwEkKkooY1aKAG07_MYjyDlc6RwVLrPDOFl7Sq4EU/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnEy2rMU03h4ypjPcTkjNG-kcvb9DAYO2YBvxeHkwhcXXpYt32yoKiFp3ogZbvtW5anKhjGz8c2pnGVCjlJxcUUUm-2_6VuWTB2GwEkKkooY1aKAG07_MYjyDlc6RwVLrPDOFl7Sq4EU/s320/IMG_2361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I bought the bike for about $80 on ebay. It was completely working, and in fairly good shape. Not 100% sure on when my bike was made, but because the grips are plastic and the seat was vinyl, I would think 60's or 70's. The thing that makes me think it might be older is that the bike came with dress guards attached to the rear fender. The builder was a local bike racer from Brisbane. It looks like he used a generic frame, and built the bicycles in his shop in brisbane anywhere from the 30's to the 90's. There is very little info online about his bicycles. I'd love to look in a local library or something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosLd3UGHGIPFu_TBVuS4DHrezGXbVGLDjTcWX6v9gEk5al9oYK52VCfzN9qwoRk-VTL-dGWk5xC3zdE1avjcSdVHsiW5AC4E_Ja0uoLvgXSf5QUiMqKcrxsC_MBASuPKmCym5z55j5EQ/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosLd3UGHGIPFu_TBVuS4DHrezGXbVGLDjTcWX6v9gEk5al9oYK52VCfzN9qwoRk-VTL-dGWk5xC3zdE1avjcSdVHsiW5AC4E_Ja0uoLvgXSf5QUiMqKcrxsC_MBASuPKmCym5z55j5EQ/s320/IMG_2133.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
Fairly soon after getting the bike, I cleaned the chain, got new cranks ($20), new Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires & tubes ($50), new handlebars ($25) and a new <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gyes-GS-10-Comfort-Cruise-Front-Rear-Springs-Leather-Bike-Saddle-Brown-560-037-/220888909643" target="_blank">Gyes Saddle</a> ($76). The handlebars are exactly the same as the original, and I put the original grips back on. I also bought a Papillionaire <a href="https://www.papillionaire.com.au/shop/wicker-basket-with-lid-wholesale-copy" target="_blank">basket</a> ($24). I soaked the rims in acid and scrubbed them up really nice. Rims in this specific size are almost impossible to find, and expensive. I thought I would get as much use out of them before I buy new ones ($50 each).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3AqpX1VCqVSXjORe4DjRcSj2A02own4h49kP5SHacTNDVq9dL59YiPDzoML5_0wgF2iC5MJZfsHvrpWg85mXfsS8IyvzAxazvRoCOnxxvH0WwNHkNP_A5SckPrZeAsbDw_ANX6kpTHY/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3AqpX1VCqVSXjORe4DjRcSj2A02own4h49kP5SHacTNDVq9dL59YiPDzoML5_0wgF2iC5MJZfsHvrpWg85mXfsS8IyvzAxazvRoCOnxxvH0WwNHkNP_A5SckPrZeAsbDw_ANX6kpTHY/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOwP3_WsUX9jIe9CXcNqCT6fBcXOtum3KOvpThbHvo14iIxaJLtmUGPWIUHfrVJLQX3gLuyKdMStm_p_Tc152LfT3bzMvaVLLuAleZqIdhPmaHg8mIYoEj5ows2D253PSRDhXTI3GEmM/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOwP3_WsUX9jIe9CXcNqCT6fBcXOtum3KOvpThbHvo14iIxaJLtmUGPWIUHfrVJLQX3gLuyKdMStm_p_Tc152LfT3bzMvaVLLuAleZqIdhPmaHg8mIYoEj5ows2D253PSRDhXTI3GEmM/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2xiabTaWVNXtenpguNEqjtn8iVjqtVCe2lQFPlDWFr0EA9wS0cwb3tTMY5ZnXcDTADG9f5_ZaebqlERfOcM06Wv_njzAKmqAENfiFtYFsI_j063MopVtEyjSQZvYoNWFzTxFP2YKB0Q/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2xiabTaWVNXtenpguNEqjtn8iVjqtVCe2lQFPlDWFr0EA9wS0cwb3tTMY5ZnXcDTADG9f5_ZaebqlERfOcM06Wv_njzAKmqAENfiFtYFsI_j063MopVtEyjSQZvYoNWFzTxFP2YKB0Q/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmt09MEY9y6WB5e281sbXtrtJi75CLANY2D6zJpoiv0mjv_P_SAItQmL8o-ZqggPdcCr_USOFTY_jTcw5hNGmG_0fs244KQbVMj1tFPjLg_5yNrvhSN2BkpE0mTo0i19lR9eq1Ib_0J8/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmt09MEY9y6WB5e281sbXtrtJi75CLANY2D6zJpoiv0mjv_P_SAItQmL8o-ZqggPdcCr_USOFTY_jTcw5hNGmG_0fs244KQbVMj1tFPjLg_5yNrvhSN2BkpE0mTo0i19lR9eq1Ib_0J8/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6SAX_imM-AosL1KuCSqcgOLzT88hTqJpNYBu9MwNE0yfwxxiL9QOQL6p7x2ZiLNnqKolWtJLnUlyXSPbE-MYsNuJchIHXaRYQ8OSBapdh32GrA3iMxupfSyuOsTMk8DpdMOqJHDGz0I/s1600/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6SAX_imM-AosL1KuCSqcgOLzT88hTqJpNYBu9MwNE0yfwxxiL9QOQL6p7x2ZiLNnqKolWtJLnUlyXSPbE-MYsNuJchIHXaRYQ8OSBapdh32GrA3iMxupfSyuOsTMk8DpdMOqJHDGz0I/s320/IMG_3016.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I LOVE the original waterslide decals. But I didn't like the two-tone blues of the paint on the frame. I tried my hardest to match the original paint, so I could refinish the forks and fenders myself, leaving the frame with the decals. But seriously, a good quality paint in that blue became impossible to find. Even when I found something promising, the supplier was so unreliable, I gave up. I called him SO many times. After riding the bike as is for a year, the waterslides began to flake off; you can't even see the gorgeous red rockets that used to be on the downtube. Sadly, I made the decision to go ahead and just get the entire frame powdercoated. I looked for colours online, and then called around to see what brands my local powdercoaters stocked. They sandblasted and powdercoated the frame, forks, fenders & chain guard for $120!! I got a good deal because they took FOREVER. But that was fine with me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixq4FBuXkvghxhhRpiLxAO4aBBfEMqGyqhsHM05Wil5u_ETa-ktzqiVFwsAkr-Eg7U2ATWuDuXL2qI5Wg2hujIv6kl7t5TJACQmhH0H8W13KiQ619FhiTelXWerij2EzbnfUT8ug7z2k/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixq4FBuXkvghxhhRpiLxAO4aBBfEMqGyqhsHM05Wil5u_ETa-ktzqiVFwsAkr-Eg7U2ATWuDuXL2qI5Wg2hujIv6kl7t5TJACQmhH0H8W13KiQ619FhiTelXWerij2EzbnfUT8ug7z2k/s320/IMG_1478.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH4lUzpQ7XnlI1W5l6-tvDejnaKQ2C0K68x7b2WGKHJn_jYt17jXt5yGJAK4hlVShf7gbGVZ48bDuI9JwUK0008OWrRNHlJT8r56E-aKCdK4grXQ9Ic4ouNQJMPUJJwfKl7IWt-vEOjY/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH4lUzpQ7XnlI1W5l6-tvDejnaKQ2C0K68x7b2WGKHJn_jYt17jXt5yGJAK4hlVShf7gbGVZ48bDuI9JwUK0008OWrRNHlJT8r56E-aKCdK4grXQ9Ic4ouNQJMPUJJwfKl7IWt-vEOjY/s320/IMG_3657.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2En2CJujsXI2YkiKiZ7MlwyBDUmwZEPSPktN89O30nXsMpjKLZEdoqyYQkhIwfpCR_X9aq32OIH6F2DUq2P9Nhi5kYrvt1bwHh7GS5b7FtsAUb56aQFRSxuhuMbkLATwLUm_jQwkOEc/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2En2CJujsXI2YkiKiZ7MlwyBDUmwZEPSPktN89O30nXsMpjKLZEdoqyYQkhIwfpCR_X9aq32OIH6F2DUq2P9Nhi5kYrvt1bwHh7GS5b7FtsAUb56aQFRSxuhuMbkLATwLUm_jQwkOEc/s320/IMG_3658.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_5H6nO4Uvcf5ijLA-Eviv4MKHQGheDSoK8jBpWeeJhrnn6a_91GjNJMWYf4Px2WVmzd8qbje4azGkc6MmLs3dtCruGUBiT5EcqsasF1vnx07iTcR7EY735JwN0EKa0vEkbQjs_AVp8U/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_5H6nO4Uvcf5ijLA-Eviv4MKHQGheDSoK8jBpWeeJhrnn6a_91GjNJMWYf4Px2WVmzd8qbje4azGkc6MmLs3dtCruGUBiT5EcqsasF1vnx07iTcR7EY735JwN0EKa0vEkbQjs_AVp8U/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCz2sJXNX5dApHNhw7pMoAhh6Tct9Gqu9sQosElgWKQkEtosVr_2PfNpDQJ2zCzkfIQ4lFZAycpWnz8DA89S3yP9Cdw3NIfGchFqel4hXl_2zysl7E0InxYp4_ySUoe3cj3Q6lq9ChGXc/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCz2sJXNX5dApHNhw7pMoAhh6Tct9Gqu9sQosElgWKQkEtosVr_2PfNpDQJ2zCzkfIQ4lFZAycpWnz8DA89S3yP9Cdw3NIfGchFqel4hXl_2zysl7E0InxYp4_ySUoe3cj3Q6lq9ChGXc/s320/IMG_1492.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So, now I think the only thing missing is those original waterslides. I've seen them on ebay before, but lost to another bidder. I've been waiting around to see if some come up. Otherwise, I might try and paint the original design myself, or just get some pin-striping done, and a headbadge. I went out a few months ago and took some photos of the bike as it is now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g4GZMCrEkt-CE8donClz8BhXvgoX5cDDtq2wrLPjzFM2QJKOWVbwtwNTct9UaIEMAvZojC_Yhlf-uFVel7RbN-qdzYfc4ZsraVUXvAg1rbGsgTPI7R6oiRJYUj3FCxw0m5AkdOiQN_0/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g4GZMCrEkt-CE8donClz8BhXvgoX5cDDtq2wrLPjzFM2QJKOWVbwtwNTct9UaIEMAvZojC_Yhlf-uFVel7RbN-qdzYfc4ZsraVUXvAg1rbGsgTPI7R6oiRJYUj3FCxw0m5AkdOiQN_0/s320/IMG_1536.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOCYht0IH8BjFLau-NymQIORTuutS92d-ttIT-Mpgz4IIsM0YkWUWFiyBzzbER8tAcmcGrXCVZwhx5mPNUqiEwIpIduw5hXT9J3RhgtPN9kkvXdTEiID-u_nXN7Zf2S4Fv-ELXqRJKA0/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOCYht0IH8BjFLau-NymQIORTuutS92d-ttIT-Mpgz4IIsM0YkWUWFiyBzzbER8tAcmcGrXCVZwhx5mPNUqiEwIpIduw5hXT9J3RhgtPN9kkvXdTEiID-u_nXN7Zf2S4Fv-ELXqRJKA0/s320/IMG_1538.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3B9bzTCAH955eAQ7_EBlQ9vLgKJSclt3a0P68cW3-WGDhVRyttEvsnmlRNwWXzlK7tZS-jGjxuK_S5aRCN0YmAYc_AYfmj5jUd0LEKHwXTjirTQv_v2SGdZi3CMKUKoJUh6czebno18/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3B9bzTCAH955eAQ7_EBlQ9vLgKJSclt3a0P68cW3-WGDhVRyttEvsnmlRNwWXzlK7tZS-jGjxuK_S5aRCN0YmAYc_AYfmj5jUd0LEKHwXTjirTQv_v2SGdZi3CMKUKoJUh6czebno18/s320/IMG_3763.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG3how6JlMM8BnXE0Mpq1g8IoHaoq6zEaQutse6NTnUwHk5RvIOirrPvBmmd9ek1pXmbffaL2YPdYUesc8M-uAYgfdTgXGWHHTvEcUMoC85whD5k5uu8AsOTZYcVlPecGGwMRDmzyuvM/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG3how6JlMM8BnXE0Mpq1g8IoHaoq6zEaQutse6NTnUwHk5RvIOirrPvBmmd9ek1pXmbffaL2YPdYUesc8M-uAYgfdTgXGWHHTvEcUMoC85whD5k5uu8AsOTZYcVlPecGGwMRDmzyuvM/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeMZ8sQzeLW1dYlTgClRppphavtMzSFbVjb3eMv7-v3lphV7s-hookhh2R1aNRBjGctgs7HQlYDNkS2TQLnUek40UlDEgJ1tMVr-r5te6-b9054yxnquSAkfYGVEVZqEC4IR2DKodfVQ/s1600/IMG_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeMZ8sQzeLW1dYlTgClRppphavtMzSFbVjb3eMv7-v3lphV7s-hookhh2R1aNRBjGctgs7HQlYDNkS2TQLnUek40UlDEgJ1tMVr-r5te6-b9054yxnquSAkfYGVEVZqEC4IR2DKodfVQ/s320/IMG_3770.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF3TzaPfvAk0yw5e4wNE40z6V22CLQ2IOXbQucmFqzKO1yXlBEl4gkhQnFdCeb-FmVdK7DnNqLE3nQk_u4p4LKWnjKLXH-QmhdDLRlRS6ehZpW1OW69yomJT3o5oTNYw6f56cO8J7vMM/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF3TzaPfvAk0yw5e4wNE40z6V22CLQ2IOXbQucmFqzKO1yXlBEl4gkhQnFdCeb-FmVdK7DnNqLE3nQk_u4p4LKWnjKLXH-QmhdDLRlRS6ehZpW1OW69yomJT3o5oTNYw6f56cO8J7vMM/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUIb7r-pwisY90wwvidtsQ3TEGqu4nwe9XNxQxUjcD1aqmZ3w90BiV03GsV7AEH1Na_kRHSM3W3rNW9S4v0VWOEnfLCp52rahP0D4RI38oriN2qhgnsgvScpgvDehdE2fdlDZB05uDJg/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUIb7r-pwisY90wwvidtsQ3TEGqu4nwe9XNxQxUjcD1aqmZ3w90BiV03GsV7AEH1Na_kRHSM3W3rNW9S4v0VWOEnfLCp52rahP0D4RI38oriN2qhgnsgvScpgvDehdE2fdlDZB05uDJg/s320/IMG_3773.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-10402347531013125122013-06-06T12:47:00.001+10:002013-06-06T12:47:59.186+10:00Kitty CatI've been wanting to make a little softie now for yonks (do only Aussies say that?... I would never say that out loud...but typing it seems to work :) ). My niece is now at that age, about 2 years, where I can make her things, and where she might actually look at it for a few minutes before getting her 'MatMan' figurines instead (she loves her Batman toys from her Dad's childhood collection). And who I am I kidding, it's going to be a dog toy in less than a week knowing their sneaky pup. Neither of which I care about since I enjoy making things regardless of where they end up. I know my niece LOVES kitties too...though I won't spell out what she actually calls them....it starts with a T.<br />
<br />
I found <a href="http://www.weewonderfuls.com/" target="_blank">this</a> adorable pattern online, which I altered, which I suggest that you don't bother to alter (I wanted round ears)! It's a perfectly simple pattern, that is so cute, I want to make one for myself! I can't find my original photos I took. This photo is from my instagram feed. If I ever find the originals, I will add them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1V2DyXfwLPIcXu94EQ7zPtrE6bKCZL1UV-HVuRAzABgnjzJZavqZq3VjCznaFqBHg5cbjBjOrh8zv6S2ckwFooEhJq7rHvsFUu6OrBzef0vSmX4OMKASr_Zdh4S8Zd1MAHbGRHxbsPo/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1V2DyXfwLPIcXu94EQ7zPtrE6bKCZL1UV-HVuRAzABgnjzJZavqZq3VjCznaFqBHg5cbjBjOrh8zv6S2ckwFooEhJq7rHvsFUu6OrBzef0vSmX4OMKASr_Zdh4S8Zd1MAHbGRHxbsPo/s320/IMG_2195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I'm a little slow in blog posts lately. I've had a rough year, and just didn't feel like myself. But I think I am getting back on track, and hope to keep this little blog going. I have a handful of dresses, a blouse or two, and pair of shorts to share with you soon. I'd like to start talking more about how I alter my patterns. I usually need to adjust every pattern to fit, and when I do research, it's hard to find what others have done. Maybe this will help other women who are shaped more like me to get ideas, or just see what someone else has done to get a better fit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-9172029554212954462012-11-23T14:59:00.000+10:002012-11-23T14:59:08.777+10:00StormsWe've had some stormy weather lately, and after all these years, I finally took my camera out to get some photos. Normally, the storm is upon us fast enough that the rain is here at the same time, but last weekend the storm was far enough away in all directions that we were in the middle with no rain. It was perfect for taking photos. Unfortunately, the lightning was so intense, and I didn't always have the camera settings right, and so many of my photos were completely blown out. There was sheet lightning continually going overtop of me, so any shots of far away lightning were overpowered by the sheet lightning above me. But I still managed to get a few good ones. Night photography is my favorite because of the colours that show up when you look at the film later. I had two night in a row of these storms, and I will try and go out more often from now on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kNKCIRNo4VfSJ4D1dHk7W1GxaledsS_DcI4RJeRaYyO4ZvCIngVm_Y3ygPTU34ltkb0mwNAi_5a8TBGDnR2IlnBjjxflLHhmMsQjj0IAVyZjABfS-fj0adCXo9m8FF2Dg4EhLG3wNkc/s1600/IMG_7703a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kNKCIRNo4VfSJ4D1dHk7W1GxaledsS_DcI4RJeRaYyO4ZvCIngVm_Y3ygPTU34ltkb0mwNAi_5a8TBGDnR2IlnBjjxflLHhmMsQjj0IAVyZjABfS-fj0adCXo9m8FF2Dg4EhLG3wNkc/s400/IMG_7703a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFtHqel1ZITlvnQS2bghxzaHutn-87SJxKgHbULFxbmN8LmxnI7HfIi9ziQhYWPAucC48HWEtvZo6Rz3lX_hymfjypkx3Rnt50pMC5x2h6ab9Dww3xzvBoyCX42fnQv_nt-RtulKNLU/s1600/IMG_7714a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFtHqel1ZITlvnQS2bghxzaHutn-87SJxKgHbULFxbmN8LmxnI7HfIi9ziQhYWPAucC48HWEtvZo6Rz3lX_hymfjypkx3Rnt50pMC5x2h6ab9Dww3xzvBoyCX42fnQv_nt-RtulKNLU/s400/IMG_7714a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Ebthg-HMWukFU7J8iU6ZqdcXxwhKGOryWLE2Zje2QfvsZezDsoSpWLyycsQeS1asPHypUIO0gyJqT7LXDjbnmLC3uSzAWcaHgcXwdJNoqA-Gdw_iDy5ZB60sTI5WvdtcaW6I4Fo0i8/s1600/IMG_7746+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Ebthg-HMWukFU7J8iU6ZqdcXxwhKGOryWLE2Zje2QfvsZezDsoSpWLyycsQeS1asPHypUIO0gyJqT7LXDjbnmLC3uSzAWcaHgcXwdJNoqA-Gdw_iDy5ZB60sTI5WvdtcaW6I4Fo0i8/s400/IMG_7746+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wz45GftvZXcHCWRm73-KP37x1-wUv99nVIrkfzTOJLGcUVAAuUEmV97vgrjbCtCJP8hyiVpXNiFYC1MgoaZUUy6Ce9EC3vZZD9py5lAEuNaiX8PY-cf2pWPgAsYNqiNxzeIkCSav0Js/s1600/IMG_7755a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wz45GftvZXcHCWRm73-KP37x1-wUv99nVIrkfzTOJLGcUVAAuUEmV97vgrjbCtCJP8hyiVpXNiFYC1MgoaZUUy6Ce9EC3vZZD9py5lAEuNaiX8PY-cf2pWPgAsYNqiNxzeIkCSav0Js/s400/IMG_7755a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzA31WDO1aLgsN7A6Kl9dj9lwQcQLdXieZ2eMU3fdG1Lvqdw3RvfET_EAuCLJgagT5LLxWbctid7oM6sXw4hkBjxxPFjMD4qq2GLROhiKCPKMiAOZo3ur1ALOGq0NeXCQHXBFjTCdvo4/s1600/IMG_7761a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzA31WDO1aLgsN7A6Kl9dj9lwQcQLdXieZ2eMU3fdG1Lvqdw3RvfET_EAuCLJgagT5LLxWbctid7oM6sXw4hkBjxxPFjMD4qq2GLROhiKCPKMiAOZo3ur1ALOGq0NeXCQHXBFjTCdvo4/s400/IMG_7761a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH9973caAttZUSG7zjF4kkX32ZGRJdmAYfrGqthz8vi-N0PquMX_XmHMWRS15FwdkCTKCSk7XHdcEd0Kr90K3ROVq3tc4m2NNqk9pSjG9FC91MmOfzT4V7hjPwgvniqVjbSt13fg_zN4/s1600/IMG_7766a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH9973caAttZUSG7zjF4kkX32ZGRJdmAYfrGqthz8vi-N0PquMX_XmHMWRS15FwdkCTKCSk7XHdcEd0Kr90K3ROVq3tc4m2NNqk9pSjG9FC91MmOfzT4V7hjPwgvniqVjbSt13fg_zN4/s400/IMG_7766a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ3tfanPSoXWiy35uvitfXhx0Bg6Id8VYI0tErPzitKlF3suH9JjTr6XtNr0ZFRO_gOdJQSdwewixBOid7Qf_24ASQoQxVR0lWJkpX6vY_vqssZ9qMfBxXGh1Pgh31WZLPMDH9zGJ5DE/s1600/IMG_7773a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ3tfanPSoXWiy35uvitfXhx0Bg6Id8VYI0tErPzitKlF3suH9JjTr6XtNr0ZFRO_gOdJQSdwewixBOid7Qf_24ASQoQxVR0lWJkpX6vY_vqssZ9qMfBxXGh1Pgh31WZLPMDH9zGJ5DE/s400/IMG_7773a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n6dOxtcpYFxJ7XnlUGQYt3DsLS045Z-_E_S_EEm-uCusNNfyJQE_iC0AWS8z1BQwgVCKlQl-Rq7BM5jHD-gqx_wo-oX9yMq4DxTEfBUvCCpaUlEW7LEotHOOKlXAXOutRh-4FS9pD-Y/s1600/IMG_7779a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n6dOxtcpYFxJ7XnlUGQYt3DsLS045Z-_E_S_EEm-uCusNNfyJQE_iC0AWS8z1BQwgVCKlQl-Rq7BM5jHD-gqx_wo-oX9yMq4DxTEfBUvCCpaUlEW7LEotHOOKlXAXOutRh-4FS9pD-Y/s400/IMG_7779a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSoJ4N6O7OvmzrnA3Bq5_aq8uv3hLv3br_91139xlshniPFhOQ-RZTBADW6ANAhrn-1bcsGEzzDQe1hxUM4mw9e2GQeS0MTEQdPKbScAL6EOmvpdCSp-5Hugq32SkX5w2NmHUwHSuxQg/s1600/IMG_7781a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSoJ4N6O7OvmzrnA3Bq5_aq8uv3hLv3br_91139xlshniPFhOQ-RZTBADW6ANAhrn-1bcsGEzzDQe1hxUM4mw9e2GQeS0MTEQdPKbScAL6EOmvpdCSp-5Hugq32SkX5w2NmHUwHSuxQg/s400/IMG_7781a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE5ZCy-Ofxvs1iWRBg9_nPJnU6_USSi_8DjUXgT5qlwLgO_ZWxrmFU2pKvPP7f2vvLq-p-Z7EG3LrEpk_FYIvgBTAkOhn8Xu-187_tEkRd0WAgFc3f6ArWR-oopsFyvMHoLE1ybX2C_0/s1600/IMG_7784a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE5ZCy-Ofxvs1iWRBg9_nPJnU6_USSi_8DjUXgT5qlwLgO_ZWxrmFU2pKvPP7f2vvLq-p-Z7EG3LrEpk_FYIvgBTAkOhn8Xu-187_tEkRd0WAgFc3f6ArWR-oopsFyvMHoLE1ybX2C_0/s400/IMG_7784a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3AVtJ7h9W0dTynWv-HgCvvhIypFXOiViMvzVH1blzg8SBbGfnDNdGUAVR0aUVziavFVM3fSEZXXctqCB2ChuH096uTvI-EukSjUPya30FFX0Xv67lV4RSYfMXpdHsFalos-owPuz0uw/s1600/IMG_7793a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3AVtJ7h9W0dTynWv-HgCvvhIypFXOiViMvzVH1blzg8SBbGfnDNdGUAVR0aUVziavFVM3fSEZXXctqCB2ChuH096uTvI-EukSjUPya30FFX0Xv67lV4RSYfMXpdHsFalos-owPuz0uw/s400/IMG_7793a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo6Frzz3676B4BLtoAzJg-w4pKtZBlnijy9AQvePArWU3CpnrTd5liwTFbnnxaHSHC1jdqYGEG2ThW6eoLKSPSuFJBPPPnb3u6vWwhX-e2SMnUaWQ-kRpHxHDNqqpuDAdHopvZCtcZh4/s1600/IMG_7821a+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo6Frzz3676B4BLtoAzJg-w4pKtZBlnijy9AQvePArWU3CpnrTd5liwTFbnnxaHSHC1jdqYGEG2ThW6eoLKSPSuFJBPPPnb3u6vWwhX-e2SMnUaWQ-kRpHxHDNqqpuDAdHopvZCtcZh4/s400/IMG_7821a+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-23140541821143633672012-11-23T14:41:00.003+10:002012-11-23T14:41:58.572+10:00Cream Cheese Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKC0joh_sKBN7NUSWW43vH1HvfeT0HT4VjhNQ4oQEo6CuvV9KDWSP2qdTDNU3Hx0M8y7YKLRE0OY7OmhS3ocaT8Gebd_l6iu0aBtokAoojaPq8l5Rw-XsZoSvs6QPa8kg5jwiMvOnluk/s1600/IMG_6253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKC0joh_sKBN7NUSWW43vH1HvfeT0HT4VjhNQ4oQEo6CuvV9KDWSP2qdTDNU3Hx0M8y7YKLRE0OY7OmhS3ocaT8Gebd_l6iu0aBtokAoojaPq8l5Rw-XsZoSvs6QPa8kg5jwiMvOnluk/s400/IMG_6253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These were so good. Make them. Recipe <a href="http://www.cadburykitchen.com.au/recipes/view/marbled-brownies/1/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMru1hMV3gluygrqnaqyqIVEkZxqRRI2MlgGdIeoM8k2byPm6hPXIGjHBxeu50X56TcBZhlOOe04AeyYYra5C04KflKuXkQFVqqRxJ5X6A5SWkmZdKwmP6QLVbikgxwmA23mkZaRwDvXc/s1600/IMG_6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMru1hMV3gluygrqnaqyqIVEkZxqRRI2MlgGdIeoM8k2byPm6hPXIGjHBxeu50X56TcBZhlOOe04AeyYYra5C04KflKuXkQFVqqRxJ5X6A5SWkmZdKwmP6QLVbikgxwmA23mkZaRwDvXc/s320/IMG_6242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRSf065CgdbsQ_kcEFMacDlmZRTBqgdnqGigF8HzC4PAPabZgRAtNN2LqgAshEgOL9x-Oth-g7pGaGaURhyjNkB151lecN7kGFeDxNk-GESJE_H04LB1Ks-b-92f8c10NzO2lhDuC1O4/s1600/IMG_6243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRSf065CgdbsQ_kcEFMacDlmZRTBqgdnqGigF8HzC4PAPabZgRAtNN2LqgAshEgOL9x-Oth-g7pGaGaURhyjNkB151lecN7kGFeDxNk-GESJE_H04LB1Ks-b-92f8c10NzO2lhDuC1O4/s320/IMG_6243.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKC0joh_sKBN7NUSWW43vH1HvfeT0HT4VjhNQ4oQEo6CuvV9KDWSP2qdTDNU3Hx0M8y7YKLRE0OY7OmhS3ocaT8Gebd_l6iu0aBtokAoojaPq8l5Rw-XsZoSvs6QPa8kg5jwiMvOnluk/s1600/IMG_6253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-25209118644224092472012-11-14T22:17:00.000+10:002012-11-14T22:17:09.212+10:00Keyhole Blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVfCuhnjyr-HEy2G1PXSKJEE_hDg-ChFxaBjrbdajzkoTC47tnKvdS-qSfd1aWLcfH_V1ix7Zi3tEV0mJUQdAXCe9vhdIyZmxiGZrFSvDmPrCH1kxOK5dDhucneirWmYz2Nz-4sNlcPo/s1600/IMG_6786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVfCuhnjyr-HEy2G1PXSKJEE_hDg-ChFxaBjrbdajzkoTC47tnKvdS-qSfd1aWLcfH_V1ix7Zi3tEV0mJUQdAXCe9vhdIyZmxiGZrFSvDmPrCH1kxOK5dDhucneirWmYz2Nz-4sNlcPo/s400/IMG_6786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My first project from <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Gertie_s_New_Book_for_Better_Sewing-9781584799917.html" target="_blank">Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing</a>
was the Keyhole Blouse. I did two of the alterations she suggested,
which was make a keyhole at the neckline, and also add some gathers at
the shoulder. This blouse is so cute with the buttons down the back too.
I love it. I also added my own touch, of a tie to help give the blouse a
little more shape. I tend to need a belt, or a well fitting shirt,
otherwise I lose shape, and look like a balloon. On this alteration, I
would suggest changing the button placement. I left it as was in the
original pattern, not really thinking, but with this alteration, it
doesn't really work. The top gaps open.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS6ALy20LZ2G5cX_27fka9ErwJ5xsU3xjlRP3xz7I47R8KbZ5pzeKZ4kITlyIH0Q5gxJcQ3PEpZw-YQAHH97AnzKwE4TrHwrWLpMTwEdZebr5l7kk-NvkTMtl8qUg84n5pJiFZBQdUyU/s1600/IMG_6749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS6ALy20LZ2G5cX_27fka9ErwJ5xsU3xjlRP3xz7I47R8KbZ5pzeKZ4kITlyIH0Q5gxJcQ3PEpZw-YQAHH97AnzKwE4TrHwrWLpMTwEdZebr5l7kk-NvkTMtl8qUg84n5pJiFZBQdUyU/s320/IMG_6749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-Dl4eifMCRfky12XvmYfQPnWtKetifsMMZRqyU5NxhkPWpsEKJKieywEhoQtNa4Ok0qYdlz3HYklNgbvMYLNDKElUaOJeXXek87Jx7NwCR6YqFyOItpuFIcotTJ-Hz7taRkvQ3lMNiM/s1600/IMG_6752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-Dl4eifMCRfky12XvmYfQPnWtKetifsMMZRqyU5NxhkPWpsEKJKieywEhoQtNa4Ok0qYdlz3HYklNgbvMYLNDKElUaOJeXXek87Jx7NwCR6YqFyOItpuFIcotTJ-Hz7taRkvQ3lMNiM/s320/IMG_6752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHYy4uZU4pNgJeZLeJRoI0BT28KDp9L-1Am6BjfoZCoMNr0THH3sRfDeONgpcpE8Tu6Y3Gq9bnmsmPnQPsaLsP3CfyHhUDea33XerBy5kbDyZUDjsqGfeLlSPaDC9P_1sYezZ-jwjPY/s1600/IMG_6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRHYy4uZU4pNgJeZLeJRoI0BT28KDp9L-1Am6BjfoZCoMNr0THH3sRfDeONgpcpE8Tu6Y3Gq9bnmsmPnQPsaLsP3CfyHhUDea33XerBy5kbDyZUDjsqGfeLlSPaDC9P_1sYezZ-jwjPY/s320/IMG_6754.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gIZxUzjnckU0_kGsO116mrg1AFP5CKZBoHjM3DizaISYbv3aa6bz83PtDwI7RGuic1A9EYSNBfrhN4d0KQxI4jYHrfRa9YvG4OmC2zMtMwxTRxVJ6157i5OYaK6exUnzyi_Cdb630F0/s1600/IMG_6756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gIZxUzjnckU0_kGsO116mrg1AFP5CKZBoHjM3DizaISYbv3aa6bz83PtDwI7RGuic1A9EYSNBfrhN4d0KQxI4jYHrfRa9YvG4OmC2zMtMwxTRxVJ6157i5OYaK6exUnzyi_Cdb630F0/s320/IMG_6756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked out a summery cotton, with some simple
embroidery, and a print of tiny little strawberries and flowers. It's
been my favorite to wear lately. I wear it with the pants I made, as
well as plain shorts.<br />
<br />
I did the slash & spread
method Gertie talks about in her book to transfer the bust dart to the
shoulder where I made gathers. I made a muslin first, to see how the
gathers would look & feel. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwc6E0NGLz4OCbLbDbz6sGBwp_9jR5qaab7i4L8BDnnOJy59J4tfbI20KcpOByqLQyngLH7-HkIkRDwlj3yLYVn3e885p6KMUBnxYeqVX970tZJqegXWWqfMKl6qqnKb_PLaTFfQrbc4/s1600/IMG_6709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwc6E0NGLz4OCbLbDbz6sGBwp_9jR5qaab7i4L8BDnnOJy59J4tfbI20KcpOByqLQyngLH7-HkIkRDwlj3yLYVn3e885p6KMUBnxYeqVX970tZJqegXWWqfMKl6qqnKb_PLaTFfQrbc4/s320/IMG_6709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjBk-s-8HLK8kxLqlmly3R4OHU_qyIviqzZEkUPooKEYkOe1QB7Ign3ruaUm1_7zlj38Lrz2P26G6tHl3wQpXUOgWuBFxfVVTR1ij3ktPNBxHuGqz3DMT3KN361lLb0hKcVC3ZdPLKqE/s1600/IMG_6798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjBk-s-8HLK8kxLqlmly3R4OHU_qyIviqzZEkUPooKEYkOe1QB7Ign3ruaUm1_7zlj38Lrz2P26G6tHl3wQpXUOgWuBFxfVVTR1ij3ktPNBxHuGqz3DMT3KN361lLb0hKcVC3ZdPLKqE/s320/IMG_6798.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-E9BsvS-qiJDQ5_SgtH9s9O8BlPtkLRh6FFWIYNDvia48CSr_u2XcD7GZ7fBBUL_MDaKMbs89d0JclmAPHEPFuqLKJWnAuRw7qorjoSZTdp22UG3PUhIIJlHic638wWZusXvNJcEffE/s1600/IMG_6801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-E9BsvS-qiJDQ5_SgtH9s9O8BlPtkLRh6FFWIYNDvia48CSr_u2XcD7GZ7fBBUL_MDaKMbs89d0JclmAPHEPFuqLKJWnAuRw7qorjoSZTdp22UG3PUhIIJlHic638wWZusXvNJcEffE/s320/IMG_6801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Gertie's instructions are great & easy to follow too. I can't wait to work on something new!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-2093019916490743572012-09-20T22:56:00.001+10:002012-09-20T22:56:31.930+10:00French Silk Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27zpZJO_668NV9Y6vJ7yvQ0ON8RHtAklXENKtLPlswO8gwDAfAGK-BY5J7EVncxli64tJduqdk1XNprE3g22Ea_GiAH6PO5MmnZ8TC_-sblI4Cc0OUaUW3IFQOIMwzLhuB_sorwnzF9g/s1600/IMG_6217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27zpZJO_668NV9Y6vJ7yvQ0ON8RHtAklXENKtLPlswO8gwDAfAGK-BY5J7EVncxli64tJduqdk1XNprE3g22Ea_GiAH6PO5MmnZ8TC_-sblI4Cc0OUaUW3IFQOIMwzLhuB_sorwnzF9g/s400/IMG_6217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My sister and I would BEG to make this as kids. We loved it. Mainly because we just wanted to eat it on its own. It sure makes a boring cake delicious. I made some cupcakes to snack on after a little charity mud run thing I did a few weeks ago, but after all that baking, NO ICING SUGAR! And too little too late, I didn't even think about this recipe! No cupcakes for anyone (in fact, I threw most of them away). This icing recipe is from my mom who got it from somewhere, who knows, but when I googled it, a blog my Aunt contributes to came up, so it must be in the family :) <a href="http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2010/09/chocolate-layer-cake.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ10Y0inFbyn61W-BdYX7CFLXAacXr3UWlLwKbKHvdIA-4Uzjz149auXR24DCVBYhNL1d1I87ydRDlg3fmsQ9AuTVq0nTAaHGX1PjT4X9ntCPXPKlxC9ZT9YyH4uT7Qvu7RPbAkkCc_g/s1600/IMG_5887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ10Y0inFbyn61W-BdYX7CFLXAacXr3UWlLwKbKHvdIA-4Uzjz149auXR24DCVBYhNL1d1I87ydRDlg3fmsQ9AuTVq0nTAaHGX1PjT4X9ntCPXPKlxC9ZT9YyH4uT7Qvu7RPbAkkCc_g/s400/IMG_5887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVOAtm96K1vBlx8KKor8YhZl09NQ7ShgQrU3CJnJtVU-ohmAw1ntt76FuT9Awi220ITkXCsbtD_j8W6P1SS8VtRtz0USTVr0P8Jk2Vm_aGofnJh4rqeH-NZ5YhhOpHPcqgiAefYSWpD4/s1600/IMG_5894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVOAtm96K1vBlx8KKor8YhZl09NQ7ShgQrU3CJnJtVU-ohmAw1ntt76FuT9Awi220ITkXCsbtD_j8W6P1SS8VtRtz0USTVr0P8Jk2Vm_aGofnJh4rqeH-NZ5YhhOpHPcqgiAefYSWpD4/s400/IMG_5894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXEYNdJ08h5u36F5yoRfmBwK_QBCSbwQ4v8D-iopcJVquThlZWyCg0gDVnfH91NepksqBji11oP0ed0wKFuCT_M1VF2UzaXtio85YD1NoG_LZOU_RFZ7zJBjfuKhUp5kKzffBWzldynw/s1600/IMG_5886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXEYNdJ08h5u36F5yoRfmBwK_QBCSbwQ4v8D-iopcJVquThlZWyCg0gDVnfH91NepksqBji11oP0ed0wKFuCT_M1VF2UzaXtio85YD1NoG_LZOU_RFZ7zJBjfuKhUp5kKzffBWzldynw/s400/IMG_5886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMosdE9boxKsIM6Ze9x3_Mq9VcVasMkcLd5IuYlccL4Df2jueg2dk3CNG1A1XynCnvxtwLU263as_S0PeKNSu3scTNmKJj5jdM96vWnqVTsb5pWV0bGbw66QLt16JiMDBAzZT0w6eFc8I/s1600/IMG_5889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMosdE9boxKsIM6Ze9x3_Mq9VcVasMkcLd5IuYlccL4Df2jueg2dk3CNG1A1XynCnvxtwLU263as_S0PeKNSu3scTNmKJj5jdM96vWnqVTsb5pWV0bGbw66QLt16JiMDBAzZT0w6eFc8I/s400/IMG_5889.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can leave it at room temperature, and it will be very smooth & spreadable, or if you chill it too long like me, you can spoon it out, and it will look like this glob. But, I kinda like this blob, after seeing so many perfectly decorated cupcakes, this is a fun change.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3BKhSoy7kr5P7et9tYG-y1PT7Sdi-5iDSbFSTeLzHuYB0NmFrGBqFz9743_F4b_WqNexDYLBzxSeF8xPh5aDRHFEN_pnShVf8GCqvItYHvBre7AOQ09ZEV53863QFibYOr6Qf7z4Vk4/s1600/IMG_6219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3BKhSoy7kr5P7et9tYG-y1PT7Sdi-5iDSbFSTeLzHuYB0NmFrGBqFz9743_F4b_WqNexDYLBzxSeF8xPh5aDRHFEN_pnShVf8GCqvItYHvBre7AOQ09ZEV53863QFibYOr6Qf7z4Vk4/s400/IMG_6219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-61016264406044467262012-09-12T21:45:00.000+10:002012-09-12T21:46:57.572+10:00Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnFafVbQpPwsuWgB-rTz4XNiz7x9LCrVcXNZDEoMHA0TgyJ-misMvb5Ux-mAu46twNlhcXklaSOg4DJEnd9j4BM3knpWOe5EDFafyzZy16QJyVdY4NFBQfvV4CBejK-Gy0B3OYtlsofw/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnFafVbQpPwsuWgB-rTz4XNiz7x9LCrVcXNZDEoMHA0TgyJ-misMvb5Ux-mAu46twNlhcXklaSOg4DJEnd9j4BM3knpWOe5EDFafyzZy16QJyVdY4NFBQfvV4CBejK-Gy0B3OYtlsofw/s400/IMG_5865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The long awaited book has arrived! I ordered it the minute I could, and waited... and waited... and heard about how everyone else got theirs, and how amazing it is. FINALLY, last week, my copy came! And it's everything I knew it would be. I can't wait to get into it, but work has really picked up for me lately, so I am afraid <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Gertie_s_New_Book_for_Better_Sewing-9781584799917.html" target="_blank">Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing</a> is on hold. At least I am used to waiting :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUtpmmUdDNB8T4lSk8r_XS-rN4B25nl1ZqIdRVqEnPs9rLpxuEjWxZHkxapnE48LdTRECerktyzYd40xAlokoKFtqBPsBsnRniogymoFxN8IL5tPXwLIOnWkIRfRIFbkxo78_utBluEY/s1600/IMG_5866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUtpmmUdDNB8T4lSk8r_XS-rN4B25nl1ZqIdRVqEnPs9rLpxuEjWxZHkxapnE48LdTRECerktyzYd40xAlokoKFtqBPsBsnRniogymoFxN8IL5tPXwLIOnWkIRfRIFbkxo78_utBluEY/s400/IMG_5866.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have read through a lot of it, and have two projects picked out for when I have some spare time, so I can dig right in. But I think the bulk of it will have to wait for December, when things will slow down again for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS3k7_aqE9-mG5G4ZiFUE8IrxzUKxms5GyKAy08Jdm3Ecbv5Sv8kaBmN2nAAT97XmV7C-Qf3eiY7lyHL3cOey37KIbQBZCIY57RlmO2v2Gq3ZTXhBkcLIhf8pNO0QrC94RHkI4QFF1qE/s1600/IMG_5870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS3k7_aqE9-mG5G4ZiFUE8IrxzUKxms5GyKAy08Jdm3Ecbv5Sv8kaBmN2nAAT97XmV7C-Qf3eiY7lyHL3cOey37KIbQBZCIY57RlmO2v2Gq3ZTXhBkcLIhf8pNO0QrC94RHkI4QFF1qE/s400/IMG_5870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started following <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_blank">Gertie's blog</a> after I broke my ankle & had a lot of spare time. That's when I really got into following blogs & thinking about how I need some serious hobbies. From the first few months, I knew one day, one day, she would have a book, like half of the other creative bloggers out there, and when that day came, I couldn't have been more happy for her (and me!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmi0VJXWui2d26i217yYTLy5qaeekVLeqcPdkrD5q4EYFwRil7OHy4jwyUfOJ2wt8PHPFXZrvfS7mvQppx99_z7WHwtjAqhPi-EGFje2vmhqFCeBRY2CcR-Wml-WYFiL7ldH4juEg17E/s1600/IMG_5867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmi0VJXWui2d26i217yYTLy5qaeekVLeqcPdkrD5q4EYFwRil7OHy4jwyUfOJ2wt8PHPFXZrvfS7mvQppx99_z7WHwtjAqhPi-EGFje2vmhqFCeBRY2CcR-Wml-WYFiL7ldH4juEg17E/s400/IMG_5867.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This book is a fantastic resource. She has combed through vintage patterns, and written down the easiest ways to follow them, the easiest methods to understanding the techniques, and the modern equivalents to notions that are no longer available, or obsolete. She has done ALL the work for me! And she is inspiring me to create my own patterns, and alterations without fear. I feel like she bridged that gap between the hobbyist sewist and the professional seamstress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQwobYD0hvPKhjKPEBLj7HA4OJto0NJ_SttpEowsNRzQyz7nWmzBJDbzMV8uv822r2nb2fRuUKzGQ5ldsi4wzFzp56kIbLLcohWK-wVVWOH_92uY75bnrfe9E0yhGW5Kt_jL7KSZq4YE/s1600/IMG_5869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQwobYD0hvPKhjKPEBLj7HA4OJto0NJ_SttpEowsNRzQyz7nWmzBJDbzMV8uv822r2nb2fRuUKzGQ5ldsi4wzFzp56kIbLLcohWK-wVVWOH_92uY75bnrfe9E0yhGW5Kt_jL7KSZq4YE/s400/IMG_5869.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And the illustrations are fantastic, and alone are worth buying the book for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmTmqKywfnZSH9zvMZQW9IADhYSTFf2Vvtod5b4QjyH5AGpHzmzwZRliwWdjTK76xFSIZJtJA53IKm47hpmSQjvTBuFnm9O2YrrZO5qlos0bbcrLdSxHfndKVYZG-EL9u8qBDHnhtcqE/s1600/IMG_5872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmTmqKywfnZSH9zvMZQW9IADhYSTFf2Vvtod5b4QjyH5AGpHzmzwZRliwWdjTK76xFSIZJtJA53IKm47hpmSQjvTBuFnm9O2YrrZO5qlos0bbcrLdSxHfndKVYZG-EL9u8qBDHnhtcqE/s400/IMG_5872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-39322173988620082102012-09-10T23:44:00.000+10:002012-09-10T23:44:40.658+10:00Colette Violet - 1015This is <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Colette pattern</a> Violet, #1015. It's such a cute pattern, and their presentation is also wonderful too! It's a little booklet with easy to understand instructions and illustrations. It's easy to keep on the table next to your sewing machine, unlike those enormous flimsy folding sheets you get in other patterns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvieLe2RJ6Tf9gkri24IMAAUVHNEagiOpTbLSCdlnVILxizk5zhpZoE1Vo8pcOAhyphenhyphenri4tXqaYGqLYs5tjQGKMUSj8f4V6HYVKHAvrbwKtyu5tMGWdw5CWohj8Vlc1r44CNagKvPxmrncg/s1600/IMG_5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvieLe2RJ6Tf9gkri24IMAAUVHNEagiOpTbLSCdlnVILxizk5zhpZoE1Vo8pcOAhyphenhyphenri4tXqaYGqLYs5tjQGKMUSj8f4V6HYVKHAvrbwKtyu5tMGWdw5CWohj8Vlc1r44CNagKvPxmrncg/s320/IMG_5512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've seen Colette patterns online, but they are too expensive for me to
order with shipping costs to Australia. Then a friend took me to one of her favorite local shops,
<a href="http://www.piecetogether.com.au/" target="_blank">Piece Together</a>, and lo and behold, they stocked Colette patterns for VERY reasonable
prices (which is also rare in Australia). It turned out to be much cheaper
for me to buy it in person, than online. Yay!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNb-cgUytvTf7f7ova3RzF-TnwVd6ftmaKz8XAN33fZZcJQWZBac6xnbGqU4mpYsgtUYANt00LQ2R1YzMM6_rtsyCzxHCDA1zsHZqg4lamAjtqiumLFwq7VJrEM6SHK-gJ3cGBT6hOzw/s1600/IMG_5511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNb-cgUytvTf7f7ova3RzF-TnwVd6ftmaKz8XAN33fZZcJQWZBac6xnbGqU4mpYsgtUYANt00LQ2R1YzMM6_rtsyCzxHCDA1zsHZqg4lamAjtqiumLFwq7VJrEM6SHK-gJ3cGBT6hOzw/s320/IMG_5511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked a peach gingham for my material, and simple floral buttons. I used scraps from the previous blouse I sewed for the peter pan collar. I lengthened the blouse about an inch, but maybe even less -it was already a good length. Using the finished overall bust size as my pattern size, I still needed to take it in on the side seams. I took in about an extra inch at the waist (4" overall), tapering to .5" at the hem, keeping the same width at the arm holes / bust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS2WgztJquSVsUp_i4M-7Z08kpnGOXCJr1lD7-Sev9BATZ2buynmU2VGXlPaTIV7eZ39N2zq-c3wMYPAxXerN9uF4FsTMXxJdRkRrjxAMGDOLm6I2ZJMm3IzJW7bgL-x6wc5VZFob8Vs/s1600/IMG_5513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS2WgztJquSVsUp_i4M-7Z08kpnGOXCJr1lD7-Sev9BATZ2buynmU2VGXlPaTIV7eZ39N2zq-c3wMYPAxXerN9uF4FsTMXxJdRkRrjxAMGDOLm6I2ZJMm3IzJW7bgL-x6wc5VZFob8Vs/s320/IMG_5513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0CuU1_HGxYwlc1CGb6QoSR5Kld0qrc4I7Q6p0KPJhMPm7voUlNoJ-Glr0B5PQrAPWEmNDIOY4VoQpe5sZ9BOSpIj2N7VU7cs0SA2v-qGCpmLqk0pqMaKisFvotOMwWT7XBshdebSd8w/s1600/IMG_5510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0CuU1_HGxYwlc1CGb6QoSR5Kld0qrc4I7Q6p0KPJhMPm7voUlNoJ-Glr0B5PQrAPWEmNDIOY4VoQpe5sZ9BOSpIj2N7VU7cs0SA2v-qGCpmLqk0pqMaKisFvotOMwWT7XBshdebSd8w/s320/IMG_5510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Blouses that tend to fit my bust, are too bulky everywhere else. I find
it hard to get a flattering fit, but I am learning. Being a little less
comfy in loose fitting clothes, does mean I look better overall. I would
love to wear muumuus all day long; they hide all lumps & bumps, but
I would look ridiculous. Tapering this blouse in at the waist means I don't need to wear a belt, trying to show a waist line. This is also quite casual, so I don't want to have to wear a belt. I am sure there is room for an extra dart or two for a perfect fit, but I am happy overall with the end result. I also used my new serger / overlocker to finish seams and hem, and I LOVE it. First time (machine) sewing button holes too, and they were much simpler than I imagined. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4hiYOzjOB6HIdn2GdRb_nbWrE0UFRwpvYXoBiHJwXQW5Tn9yQw4isCux4xlUymhKnRDoEL6YVomxw_tMCTuik0a0YWnnyZapfRI8AHrmaOHx4hiZmiejt9CT-MGT_jLsl6aZ4uEOUkw/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4hiYOzjOB6HIdn2GdRb_nbWrE0UFRwpvYXoBiHJwXQW5Tn9yQw4isCux4xlUymhKnRDoEL6YVomxw_tMCTuik0a0YWnnyZapfRI8AHrmaOHx4hiZmiejt9CT-MGT_jLsl6aZ4uEOUkw/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkvCliFUp339f2kSV1kHLFgdOkyvWwqVmAEtbDdvj6ZNzyaQdjfoFFNhLgHWZDZlyUi4trwJE3t96V8QHa5il-jZIguOjBdwdpBo1tcPowkgFf4NzHhTmbizpzs7qWtO6p6uI94aPg9U/s1600/IMG_6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkvCliFUp339f2kSV1kHLFgdOkyvWwqVmAEtbDdvj6ZNzyaQdjfoFFNhLgHWZDZlyUi4trwJE3t96V8QHa5il-jZIguOjBdwdpBo1tcPowkgFf4NzHhTmbizpzs7qWtO6p6uI94aPg9U/s320/IMG_6224.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
I forgot to take a photo of the yoke on the back. It's subtle, and makes for a nice comfortable fit.<br />
<br />
The patterns suggests alterations to make as well, like gathers, pin tucks, etc. I was thinking of adding a more ruffled sleeve, like make it larger, but then gather it with some elastic on the hem. It would be so cute & girly.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-23892164040837595562012-08-22T21:49:00.000+10:002012-08-22T21:52:49.366+10:00Simplicity 4047 - Pants & Blouse<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TIH0lbkb2lLbuGH8HfzILoPujP4AbulQjh0F33eRrrpvdLdBYaSgMjvjHnMJTDAOarKvF8VD24ZYILs2CgTOt6l-FEbCLT7Zti3XN7terhZeXGdPvKZFCrE9fnCT1rDS6quk24SMxuI/s1600/IMG_5394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TIH0lbkb2lLbuGH8HfzILoPujP4AbulQjh0F33eRrrpvdLdBYaSgMjvjHnMJTDAOarKvF8VD24ZYILs2CgTOt6l-FEbCLT7Zti3XN7terhZeXGdPvKZFCrE9fnCT1rDS6quk24SMxuI/s400/IMG_5394.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
This is such a cute pattern, and, I think, understated. As in, it doesn't SCREAM vintage. It's smart, and vintage looking, but not super obvious, which I like. It's Simplicity 4047, but last time I looked, it was out of print. I got my copy off ebay for about $15.<br />
<br />
I sewed a blouse from it over a year ago, and really liked the fabric I chose, but I didn't take any detailed measurements as it was only my second proper sewing attempt and it was too big around & too short... and kind of reminded me of hospital scrubs. I still wear it on occasion, but when I recently sewed another version, I really fell in love. I added FOUR, yes 4, inches in length to this pattern, and sewed a smaller size, and I love it. I also lowered the neckline by about 2 inches, so it didn't feel so hospital-ish. I picked a nice material, and actually spent more than I would normally for fabric, but I am so glad I did. It's a light cotton, with small embroidered flowers on it. Because this fabric was lighter, I used a light-weight interfacing, and also made the neckline interfacing panel a lot narrower, as I didn't want to be able to see through the blouse and have my interfacing so visible. There is also a ring of interfacing along the sleeve edge to give it some shape, but I didn't add it, instead keeping the sleeves loose. They have less shape, but then they also fit nicely into the sleeves of a cardigan, not showing lumps through. I made the sash a few inches longer as well, so I had the option to tie it in a bow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LNIajp1a151FZ5PE-pG4GjzEwj2yxdITuwTX50NQbpdaDQ3giLBh4LgGkPrA0XHKJbhQ4hI4GpL3_YTWmwQqDLsdS8itLb7Pa1yl3PWV6dKVjpnkjb13ipNkns5_FgZhRR6KGA_7VeU/s1600/IMG_5450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LNIajp1a151FZ5PE-pG4GjzEwj2yxdITuwTX50NQbpdaDQ3giLBh4LgGkPrA0XHKJbhQ4hI4GpL3_YTWmwQqDLsdS8itLb7Pa1yl3PWV6dKVjpnkjb13ipNkns5_FgZhRR6KGA_7VeU/s400/IMG_5450.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UUSYmf3owcST0tKjQOgj22ONKVaNF248ZQSxBfamjY7hOH3syVOWBIbTi6SIjltih0XQORKYLH14WQs4_vUMeJNjNGVcILDO1g2edji45LhenjMkP_1w3r6LQOAQtksGxxOOrW1ql8Q/s1600/IMG_5470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UUSYmf3owcST0tKjQOgj22ONKVaNF248ZQSxBfamjY7hOH3syVOWBIbTi6SIjltih0XQORKYLH14WQs4_vUMeJNjNGVcILDO1g2edji45LhenjMkP_1w3r6LQOAQtksGxxOOrW1ql8Q/s320/IMG_5470.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9uEdRvn10PR0qVQpszGo1XNSFhBjJ-8sn76zSxuCfvOXaF7A2d2ZJAlWz_PYgPHSHqaU51tH3fJ4E12IWkQDIDXaBbGBH0MdB35PTEE7wPqdr0s4heTLl9hS-Uz6XteXC-jUxAEAQM/s1600/IMG_5469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d9uEdRvn10PR0qVQpszGo1XNSFhBjJ-8sn76zSxuCfvOXaF7A2d2ZJAlWz_PYgPHSHqaU51tH3fJ4E12IWkQDIDXaBbGBH0MdB35PTEE7wPqdr0s4heTLl9hS-Uz6XteXC-jUxAEAQM/s320/IMG_5469.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xDNJJTs-Nf9PS5tyhbNtQ_FZr_pxPdh4IUKi2tZa2cMMh26Fxc4VwigPLVk-BQ1Q8e3wv4nl3HHYSxmbXMJutL_a2YMNXFBMvDn4mJ9KE28O5L5aR9A4Y5jAmqdX5CSlej-8uuczxAo/s1600/IMG_5472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xDNJJTs-Nf9PS5tyhbNtQ_FZr_pxPdh4IUKi2tZa2cMMh26Fxc4VwigPLVk-BQ1Q8e3wv4nl3HHYSxmbXMJutL_a2YMNXFBMvDn4mJ9KE28O5L5aR9A4Y5jAmqdX5CSlej-8uuczxAo/s320/IMG_5472.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For the pants, they also fit well in a smaller size (always check finished garment measurements, not what your actual size is. Depending on how you like your clothes to fit, you will probably be a smaller size than the pattern suggests. Sometimes the pattern envelope will tell you the finished garment size, but sometimes those measurement are written on the pattern itself). I decided to use a jeans material, with little stretch. The pants looked to be a little bigger than I wanted, but I cut them out according to the pattern anyhow, just to be sure I knew how the jeans felt, as the material is thick & sturdy. But yep, they were enormous. The waist & hips fit perfectly, but the legs were a lot wider than I wanted. So, I sewed my side seams as the pattern suggested, then pinched in the sides as I was standing up straight. I ended up taking 4 inches on the circumference of each leg, tapering from the knee up to the hips. I took in 1.5" on the outside, and 1/2" from the inside seam to get the 4", and kept a straight line from the knee down. Taking measurements from a natural position (whether you need to add, or take out material) helps the garment sit, or hang, correctly. That is why I didn't take equal amounts off the inside and outside seam, or all 4 inches only out of one seam. The pants, or my body shape, dictated that I needed the excess taken out in different amounts to hang nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg28MnTAO_VCHyGYwSX_ptRlquvFgX50zHa_MmRH8J9Gh6gIFrUwjyaymnrW3LJouWKIVJqJPVjQ5vGRsau8KpkX4J15_OoDDt6nadMOt_uZyU9PmIbBNd9xir64IrJK0IjjHnihrztU4/s1600/IMG_5435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg28MnTAO_VCHyGYwSX_ptRlquvFgX50zHa_MmRH8J9Gh6gIFrUwjyaymnrW3LJouWKIVJqJPVjQ5vGRsau8KpkX4J15_OoDDt6nadMOt_uZyU9PmIbBNd9xir64IrJK0IjjHnihrztU4/s400/IMG_5435.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsHHj97aqRvM8qf8kO0PBgFJrm5P-BB6yRkSvPfhbfwvevAoG0szNLxljs2q8i2Uyi9EAQxW5w7z1pBWhz7wy8rzmNaVF7prqzvyGwh6nwz6NMeyPvMme5t_VKacs5zYJfvp36WynxFw/s1600/IMG_5474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsHHj97aqRvM8qf8kO0PBgFJrm5P-BB6yRkSvPfhbfwvevAoG0szNLxljs2q8i2Uyi9EAQxW5w7z1pBWhz7wy8rzmNaVF7prqzvyGwh6nwz6NMeyPvMme5t_VKacs5zYJfvp36WynxFw/s320/IMG_5474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFgSkj5vrZ40LDk49OAQ0S_IDNpzlOJn8UBpW6iyD_mepxOblvcnd2uwqZIKvAc06T5ZUavlTrxGKFVdFwADoQ4asLl9LtGKwtAzQE2gCGvsRvNLSWiQ1SBfhB5E1FWI7xkj0WhzCkJ4/s1600/IMG_5478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFgSkj5vrZ40LDk49OAQ0S_IDNpzlOJn8UBpW6iyD_mepxOblvcnd2uwqZIKvAc06T5ZUavlTrxGKFVdFwADoQ4asLl9LtGKwtAzQE2gCGvsRvNLSWiQ1SBfhB5E1FWI7xkj0WhzCkJ4/s320/IMG_5478.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, after a day of sewing, I needed to test out the new threads, and we took our respective modes of transport to a local cafe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrZAobLo8oQERGKfLNAEH62f9s-L5ECkelOaRuUH3j9kWtv0ktQbII2ezFcusF4scfbE8lSiII-wQ0H28-NRkOWGR9fDBcve7AK29enjSuQnUYF1WiI5T90MyuCPY-x8emLYOszGmKHc/s1600/IMG_5491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrZAobLo8oQERGKfLNAEH62f9s-L5ECkelOaRuUH3j9kWtv0ktQbII2ezFcusF4scfbE8lSiII-wQ0H28-NRkOWGR9fDBcve7AK29enjSuQnUYF1WiI5T90MyuCPY-x8emLYOszGmKHc/s320/IMG_5491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IfdI4nnRwovgmoJnEDSYbK-f2gGUFwDimMTp9aA5zhQ8lFlwi93MPFVD8oPaqESLDxq8toFxGgTToX4e5ExyrYrWZvKNoKVuvpsd0O9XwWSCwB_VL1JKE-qF-NddeoWIiQv2qHcqSpk/s1600/IMG_5496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IfdI4nnRwovgmoJnEDSYbK-f2gGUFwDimMTp9aA5zhQ8lFlwi93MPFVD8oPaqESLDxq8toFxGgTToX4e5ExyrYrWZvKNoKVuvpsd0O9XwWSCwB_VL1JKE-qF-NddeoWIiQv2qHcqSpk/s320/IMG_5496.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8bc3VDSCt4452s0uXzb5h6azj9kKcZlY7xI0nu43wWvtbIujNpvjTEzV-VI54Qu6KxcHZV58GDW6rHoUdF9qC5-RoiZGBBttiIT-6jEbCuUDHU4ExnXAqL8NwgBIZeHryqjzldjQCsI/s1600/IMG_5426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8bc3VDSCt4452s0uXzb5h6azj9kKcZlY7xI0nu43wWvtbIujNpvjTEzV-VI54Qu6KxcHZV58GDW6rHoUdF9qC5-RoiZGBBttiIT-6jEbCuUDHU4ExnXAqL8NwgBIZeHryqjzldjQCsI/s320/IMG_5426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizayNa-NOFK-9kCrBXfBvtqVqzlMs6Wr7Ld92FJtUn_LbAbH08GbwiHxvXAhaeoV9M2BUTljwsHFC1pImy0f9P2MMPnQoZ1CyEYYD6_cI2gD1z_Ux2eeMBSNPnMOcRdtyRYANyZk4UFj0/s1600/IMG_5501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizayNa-NOFK-9kCrBXfBvtqVqzlMs6Wr7Ld92FJtUn_LbAbH08GbwiHxvXAhaeoV9M2BUTljwsHFC1pImy0f9P2MMPnQoZ1CyEYYD6_cI2gD1z_Ux2eeMBSNPnMOcRdtyRYANyZk4UFj0/s320/IMG_5501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3_y1kp_IrCzfWRBqyCbPQ9y_ckkGydaZQ8jVr1cdyrXILAOYymADzOKUCWrHadajFAl47TdhWmb-LQUIGn6sVEfHZFKsjt3dlFiIfNkcAAk0lFproTI1oaLfHUVRXZr2liiieZMqF7M/s1600/IMG_5504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3_y1kp_IrCzfWRBqyCbPQ9y_ckkGydaZQ8jVr1cdyrXILAOYymADzOKUCWrHadajFAl47TdhWmb-LQUIGn6sVEfHZFKsjt3dlFiIfNkcAAk0lFproTI1oaLfHUVRXZr2liiieZMqF7M/s320/IMG_5504.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall, I am very pleased with the results, and taken out on a test run, everything worked great! I could ride bike, sit & eat, and no seams fell apart :)<br />
<br />
(We live near a regional airport & often get to see pilots in training, jets, carriers, all sorts of aircraft. today we got to watch these little guys fly in formation, though I only got the camera out as they were looping back for landing. Supposedly the fighter pilots train in these to practice formation. A few weeks back, I got to watch the new Australian fighter jets come and say hello to the guys in the tower. As much as living near an airport SUCKS, you do get to see some fun stuff every so often).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWfct0g27G4G6yL6wSexX4Rx-95ZpgGTBJMbED2HLSX84y-rmCKOcdEye7aPcLB4mxt5IrqYY8G2vtd7PekYsudo47Xgc8hmC10qbwC-DwSCqzl42DKEOyNqnFkItAy9F2WuRB75o1c0/s1600/IMG_5507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWfct0g27G4G6yL6wSexX4Rx-95ZpgGTBJMbED2HLSX84y-rmCKOcdEye7aPcLB4mxt5IrqYY8G2vtd7PekYsudo47Xgc8hmC10qbwC-DwSCqzl42DKEOyNqnFkItAy9F2WuRB75o1c0/s320/IMG_5507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoPn2CrATIfnEBOZoWd_SsZoZHFtf_GTURecU2j9eBiAhShIXlA11ExBcCCPcBGdz4DrtpP1T6rlKkbaKPL2BsU_mfGpR0VWKCjrrPo-zugsQN-HCT09KuuNPBnLMNcxS8ceYqTMLybA/s1600/IMG_5506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoPn2CrATIfnEBOZoWd_SsZoZHFtf_GTURecU2j9eBiAhShIXlA11ExBcCCPcBGdz4DrtpP1T6rlKkbaKPL2BsU_mfGpR0VWKCjrrPo-zugsQN-HCT09KuuNPBnLMNcxS8ceYqTMLybA/s320/IMG_5506.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-89542561344359257912012-08-20T22:14:00.001+10:002012-08-20T22:14:43.671+10:00Strawberry CheesecakeI made a cheesecake last weekend for my wedding anniversary. My
husband isn't a huge sweet tooth, so it's hard to make him a sweet
treat, as he doesn't really care...I suppose I used my anniversary as an
excuse to make cheesecake, didn't I? Either way, we both enjoyed it,
one of us more than the other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokZAg9C7yg8f7D81Oo60JRmy8OHGjoSf2viZ1jGy_CDO7qNwJr45NJSiVhBPT5HTWu1AlFBvAXfE3GeML_MLewo3acq6R-5Y9onnVgG4m7SV80IaE7AkkTmRBYieBj4CZOUOvJyUEbm0/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokZAg9C7yg8f7D81Oo60JRmy8OHGjoSf2viZ1jGy_CDO7qNwJr45NJSiVhBPT5HTWu1AlFBvAXfE3GeML_MLewo3acq6R-5Y9onnVgG4m7SV80IaE7AkkTmRBYieBj4CZOUOvJyUEbm0/s400/IMG_5345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I used a recipe that called for the ingredients I had
on hand, but wow, there are a lot of cheesecake recipes out there. I have <a href="http://ishouldbecleaningup.blogspot.com.au/2009/04/cupcakes-cheesecakes-cookies.html" target="_blank">a fabulous cookbook</a> FILLED with cheesecakes, each one barely varying from
the next, but I still want to try all of them. The recipe I ended up using was from <a href="http://ishouldbecleaningup.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/the-essential-dessert-cookbook.html" target="_blank">this</a> book. I did my own base, and my own topping.<br />
<br />
This cake baked up amazingly. NO CRACKS! And then I covered it with a mess of
strawberry sauce. I think I did this last time I made a
baked cheesecake too :(<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Base -<br />
250-300g crushed Chocolate Cookies (Arnotts Choc Ripple / Oreo crumbs in North America, or whatever cookie you like best)<br />
125g (1/2 cup) melted Butter<b></b><br />
<br />
Cake - <b><br /></b><br />
500g Cream Cheese, softened<br />
2/3 cup Caster Sugar<br />
1 tsp Vanilla<br />
1 tbsp Lemon Juice<br />
4 Eggs<br />
<br />
Topping - <br />
1 punnet (250g) Strawberries<br />
1/4 cup - 1/2 cup Sugar (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F<br />
2. Prepare 20cm / 8" springform cake tin with baking paper, or grease. I always use baking paper, so I can get the cake out of the tin easier.<br />
3. Melt butter & combine with crushed cookies / crumbs. I crush cookies in a large ziplock with a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor. Press mixture into your tin. Using a flat bottomed cup works really well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc3sHGWuO6yAhrnDN0C0e2o7CscRq8-2VOxLj8kWbVmcAb8Dpayfyg5TqhaRxaOh6-B-KX-2OQjfF1-IkvmzDbQJHcft0mP8FlGo33tGGIq_ZLMbm5nUmFUkfBWPC25kqaGqb78lY8JM/s1600/IMG_5319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZc3sHGWuO6yAhrnDN0C0e2o7CscRq8-2VOxLj8kWbVmcAb8Dpayfyg5TqhaRxaOh6-B-KX-2OQjfF1-IkvmzDbQJHcft0mP8FlGo33tGGIq_ZLMbm5nUmFUkfBWPC25kqaGqb78lY8JM/s320/IMG_5319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth with electric mixer. Add sugar, vanilla & lemon juice and beat until smooth.<br />
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition.<br />
6. Poor mixture over base & bake for 45 minutes, or until done (just firm to the touch). Turn oven off, and open oven door slightly. Allow cake to cool completely in oven, with door ajar. Once cool, refrigerate until time to serve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNApGlFAamf3qUeHTbMV2QBLBCfcF3YeGPuzCzhAdsXdgYbCEfNWzEabMvI-8azMSZ3kwcEZUWA7frgUrWWhxHGXK7VjhyphenhyphenjYnXTZDcFPnU4slLuqsrAbvANkCcHBqjLhdsUhf1lxo3FxY/s1600/IMG_5336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNApGlFAamf3qUeHTbMV2QBLBCfcF3YeGPuzCzhAdsXdgYbCEfNWzEabMvI-8azMSZ3kwcEZUWA7frgUrWWhxHGXK7VjhyphenhyphenjYnXTZDcFPnU4slLuqsrAbvANkCcHBqjLhdsUhf1lxo3FxY/s320/IMG_5336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qGZXFCq6n8aMzCd_PM51Drnt9bcZDfyef3DzUf-WmKOD_Qzl-dabQg0G3YcPU50htwON0huxVapJytfb7L-9i-PBN9zv9yRLBKXcByq9Ut8bzDxoFxKq5OliV1TRasIDN2pJmWfkjko/s1600/IMG_5343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qGZXFCq6n8aMzCd_PM51Drnt9bcZDfyef3DzUf-WmKOD_Qzl-dabQg0G3YcPU50htwON0huxVapJytfb7L-9i-PBN9zv9yRLBKXcByq9Ut8bzDxoFxKq5OliV1TRasIDN2pJmWfkjko/s320/IMG_5343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7. To make strawberry sauce, you can use your favorite method, or this method, which I just made up; I don't know if there is a proper way to do this. I cut up all the berries I want to use, add some sugar, and stir over medium heat. Once the mixture is hot, I will sometimes crush some of the berries with a potato masher to make more of a sauce. I cook until just boiling, and then allow to cool. Do not allow to burn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRMjYZqJwoGS5T4pubb6ch1vf9jLdHzSQYyKWfN462FvqEFCH3BmwmRo1VWIqPhtSpPaW1zAM2meWyaGo4g-khLnXQZ0NmHozFLIxY1V7kv3bw9aReDfUmbBzCGr_2AbeZawRcjLWeBs/s1600/IMG_5339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRMjYZqJwoGS5T4pubb6ch1vf9jLdHzSQYyKWfN462FvqEFCH3BmwmRo1VWIqPhtSpPaW1zAM2meWyaGo4g-khLnXQZ0NmHozFLIxY1V7kv3bw9aReDfUmbBzCGr_2AbeZawRcjLWeBs/s320/IMG_5339.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h9TB7TTl6RO07IigmxlAXlPxq6Zl-PgAexLn6mwY852KDM5kln0GSmTXTrCcrE9ZfR1T5j9_TCMCmPuJklut6PmdFEWFt5wh7EyytmkJlnPqw0HBbgkAsG_jEa-IlehDFdVWkrO_dlg/s1600/IMG_5352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h9TB7TTl6RO07IigmxlAXlPxq6Zl-PgAexLn6mwY852KDM5kln0GSmTXTrCcrE9ZfR1T5j9_TCMCmPuJklut6PmdFEWFt5wh7EyytmkJlnPqw0HBbgkAsG_jEa-IlehDFdVWkrO_dlg/s400/IMG_5352.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8smtPiaI0phwXRv3nEoZuwVEWJAQ3yHVTrR2HAog9CIB1ziWg7_qs5bueszeDUwLJYrALZfUSi56MMMyEeOltGZnRIF_zbjjGSO6zGPd_ONVSYFaSE2qgrTt3tTCFRO6Km4gXyfSPcOc/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8smtPiaI0phwXRv3nEoZuwVEWJAQ3yHVTrR2HAog9CIB1ziWg7_qs5bueszeDUwLJYrALZfUSi56MMMyEeOltGZnRIF_zbjjGSO6zGPd_ONVSYFaSE2qgrTt3tTCFRO6Km4gXyfSPcOc/s400/IMG_5355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-43025554740966841202012-08-20T21:48:00.000+10:002012-08-20T21:48:03.384+10:00The Essential Dessert CookbookThis is a cookbook I got a few years back for my birthday from a friend. It is a fabulous book, with lots of classic & lots of contemporary recipes, from pies to waffles, poached fruit to cheesecakes, low-fat to ice creams, it has a really nice selection of proper desserts (no cupcakes). Everything is classy, which I love. I have enough cupcake recipes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBG0_yY2reRpdp_mhyIKkw9S4zkIdufdoVDuNOsdnNK9rl4nwRLtPZiXtxe0lcJVvfr-dW2aHOtSl_h-y8qjojE12Z22u1BqmOvTQmzsxzxLP9YCoUyW_-s-ov95i8y0KLitfnp-DCH8/s1600/IMG_5517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBG0_yY2reRpdp_mhyIKkw9S4zkIdufdoVDuNOsdnNK9rl4nwRLtPZiXtxe0lcJVvfr-dW2aHOtSl_h-y8qjojE12Z22u1BqmOvTQmzsxzxLP9YCoUyW_-s-ov95i8y0KLitfnp-DCH8/s400/IMG_5517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can get it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Dessert-Cookbook-Wendy-Stephen/dp/1740454111" target="_blank">here</a>. It's from Murdoch Books.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-27157787448438636302012-08-09T20:18:00.000+10:002012-08-09T20:18:18.354+10:00Mini "Pies"I made a proper pie once. It was awful. But I've since learned that it was my oven's fault, not mine (my oven has given me a lot of grief). I guess I've been scared to go to all that work again in case I get let down. So, I've been making these little guys for a while, in different forms. It's not really a proper pie, but it's a quick & painless substitute when I want dessert without too much trouble.<br />
<br />
I noticed my favorite Bakerella recently did a little something similar <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/sweet-tarts/" target="_blank">here</a>. Her's look amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUU5VwdBBTXM9Ey2exbOXe0ERSJyPnacpziXL4GoDFcn8dK9OswcFt7Iuqlave1gqDy71Mik9tvHW3KmHf92PkFRvN-MK1ViOqvXoodMLi1scKGHZkXxx3e8VeSRUJQwiJRth18j5B2E/s1600/IMG_5231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUU5VwdBBTXM9Ey2exbOXe0ERSJyPnacpziXL4GoDFcn8dK9OswcFt7Iuqlave1gqDy71Mik9tvHW3KmHf92PkFRvN-MK1ViOqvXoodMLi1scKGHZkXxx3e8VeSRUJQwiJRth18j5B2E/s400/IMG_5231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
1 Granny Smith Apple<br />
I sheet puff pastry or shortcrust pastry<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
Raw sugar for dusting<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Method:</b></span><br />
1.Cut your pastry sheet into 4 pieces & preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (or whatever your pastry sheet instructions say.<br />
2. Cut up an apple into small pieces (preferably Granny Smith, I used a Gala in this photo, as I didn't have any Grannies) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSxe7yIN4wim9djWh1ITwtQZCnZMMDcGjA-FvKvTlt-yLGO-6y192w1KYWdbt3QI0POYUd35noYqb7MI-RwBzozKXaVHKZvNHzY8rJQ2UAaQbJlfLYGxQWfABCd4D_TNPGd2P6yBwvLc/s1600/IMG_5229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSxe7yIN4wim9djWh1ITwtQZCnZMMDcGjA-FvKvTlt-yLGO-6y192w1KYWdbt3QI0POYUd35noYqb7MI-RwBzozKXaVHKZvNHzY8rJQ2UAaQbJlfLYGxQWfABCd4D_TNPGd2P6yBwvLc/s400/IMG_5229.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Mix sugar and cinnamon together, and toss apples in mixture to coat<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBSjq1FP0I1EMORcaTVzZW3cVWG6GBiG3MBrJFvs81lafFoEnWc6vweB4UxmWfruIAQ8TFXBOWrTXp_Wns7YploA4MtHxNwCW9QUguahbZbXTXaj5rNUEReBXQ6Fn-McfSP-ppG6vquI/s1600/IMG_5225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBSjq1FP0I1EMORcaTVzZW3cVWG6GBiG3MBrJFvs81lafFoEnWc6vweB4UxmWfruIAQ8TFXBOWrTXp_Wns7YploA4MtHxNwCW9QUguahbZbXTXaj5rNUEReBXQ6Fn-McfSP-ppG6vquI/s400/IMG_5225.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSxe7yIN4wim9djWh1ITwtQZCnZMMDcGjA-FvKvTlt-yLGO-6y192w1KYWdbt3QI0POYUd35noYqb7MI-RwBzozKXaVHKZvNHzY8rJQ2UAaQbJlfLYGxQWfABCd4D_TNPGd2P6yBwvLc/s1600/IMG_5229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
4. Spoon apples onto pastry sheet pieces, and wrap up & pinch pastry together to form a small bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRERPIoy8gJQFNSD29SGvyAY_pqoNyXQCm8PgSwbFT4K2h-m3MSB1tbKwVYmnqbf3tUsfIbCIVZMujaC0QhnOsPXbjzGC7CzVn7O-8_exIG4anl-VSh_IFROF2EXLh7wqT3NKvJW1368/s1600/IMG_5228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRERPIoy8gJQFNSD29SGvyAY_pqoNyXQCm8PgSwbFT4K2h-m3MSB1tbKwVYmnqbf3tUsfIbCIVZMujaC0QhnOsPXbjzGC7CzVn7O-8_exIG4anl-VSh_IFROF2EXLh7wqT3NKvJW1368/s400/IMG_5228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Sprinkle edges of pastry with raw sugar & bake for about 20 minutes. Serve hot with ice cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQZTQjgeXwXwYhD78aeLYDhlnZ4hnljl6T6PRnHqBfoIUL-n6SmamQjpvLVgGdTY9jeYpMDUQMad2-XOLxVYH6O-yVTntmuzascfuGVNyNaud_Enz5C517W7czXBJxdlWqkynOUZAROo/s1600/IMG_5230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQZTQjgeXwXwYhD78aeLYDhlnZ4hnljl6T6PRnHqBfoIUL-n6SmamQjpvLVgGdTY9jeYpMDUQMad2-XOLxVYH6O-yVTntmuzascfuGVNyNaud_Enz5C517W7czXBJxdlWqkynOUZAROo/s400/IMG_5230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-19633321494549061112012-08-04T13:49:00.004+10:002012-08-04T13:50:23.894+10:00Dress - Butterick B5752I've been doing a little more sewing lately, more than just make-up bags and baby bibs :) And I would like to start sharing it here, as I see myself making a lot more in the future, so hopefully it can become something I post about more regularly. It's a little scary posting photos of yourself online like this, but what the heck. This is something I enjoy doing. My favorite sewing blog is <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_blank">Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewin</a>g. She is who inspired me to get back into sewing for myself. She has tons of great tutorials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6A9rzWccLdMF7URxhaPAD23xbTa1dSYhuXsD-Fsge3hJwRexrYYK_dFc-NpGFr3PQArKQ9lxthfSwjXLrp7wUxiIAM17_6cwt0L7iCfElZ6j3ecznX-mRRGORCMYZh4l4e0CFeKMxCs/s1600/IMG_5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6A9rzWccLdMF7URxhaPAD23xbTa1dSYhuXsD-Fsge3hJwRexrYYK_dFc-NpGFr3PQArKQ9lxthfSwjXLrp7wUxiIAM17_6cwt0L7iCfElZ6j3ecznX-mRRGORCMYZh4l4e0CFeKMxCs/s400/IMG_5214.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
<br />
This isn't my first dress. I sewed one a few years ago for a theme party, and since I've sewed another 3, which I will share here too. This is just the only one I have photos of.<br />
<br />
I love vintage patterns & style, and try to buy it whenever possible. Most of my patterns are vintage or reprints. This is not vintage by any stretch, but most dresses are influenced from bygone eras, with nothing much being all that original these days. At least not in basic styles. I figured with the right material, and accessories (I have a gorgeous embroidered floral cardigan from the 60's to go with this) you could get a retro look with a modern pattern. This dress was made from Butterick, pattern B5752. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUDcKN_-Y1xfzxa_ceAzH9g8b-J3t6TY_dvd1WCIhRCN06xoYQtyL-bclFsY4t7YDP1lOc3vS_zcsEKf0uF0GuH0RyCQ3wSFT9cukRbbqlhZvRWgy2rMTHizkPZNkJ0ngBUoP1YdkLck/s1600/IMG_5167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I lengthened the skirt by 2". I also had to add darts at the side of the bust area, as my bust is a little larger than allowed for in patterns. I first cut out my lining material and used that as a sort of muslin to work out where I needed to make adjustments. I really don't know that much about changing patterns, but I've picked up a bit from trial and error. The first dress I made to fit me, took a lot of sewing and re-sewing, but it was well worth it. I now take good measurements of myself, and of the pattern, and I usually only need to adjust the pattern once to make a good fit. It helps if you understand how your pattern will be constructed. Then you will know where the best place to make adjustments is.<br />
<br />
My Favorite part of the dress is the small pleats in the neckline. Such a nice detail, I thought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hoPCudcEsRLYKZJl0sUX1hgUvlCD-qp0PsEFQauMihFhpY5PZy__QGAaWIW9h4fJk9589mlf3njm4lnymKKBHJIiJcfnGDba0Zc_DlgMOb33-etKdedjWmwcNVVU1-7co9Ar-anZZyc/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hoPCudcEsRLYKZJl0sUX1hgUvlCD-qp0PsEFQauMihFhpY5PZy__QGAaWIW9h4fJk9589mlf3njm4lnymKKBHJIiJcfnGDba0Zc_DlgMOb33-etKdedjWmwcNVVU1-7co9Ar-anZZyc/s400/IMG_5215.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUDcKN_-Y1xfzxa_ceAzH9g8b-J3t6TY_dvd1WCIhRCN06xoYQtyL-bclFsY4t7YDP1lOc3vS_zcsEKf0uF0GuH0RyCQ3wSFT9cukRbbqlhZvRWgy2rMTHizkPZNkJ0ngBUoP1YdkLck/s1600/IMG_5167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUDcKN_-Y1xfzxa_ceAzH9g8b-J3t6TY_dvd1WCIhRCN06xoYQtyL-bclFsY4t7YDP1lOc3vS_zcsEKf0uF0GuH0RyCQ3wSFT9cukRbbqlhZvRWgy2rMTHizkPZNkJ0ngBUoP1YdkLck/s400/IMG_5167.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The back was supposed to use a hidden zipper. Well, I realized a little too late I don't have the right foot. So, not so much a hidden zipper. I think I will stick to my trusty way of doing zippers from here on out, called the Centered Zipper <a href="http://craftzine.com/101/sewing101_zippers/" target="_blank">here</a>. They always work nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YgBuYwcHPKylyTsWE7PBIxQ0DWjJ-WTKnvUxLbtRqEQf7eZ8iZ1VWeuEB9EZYiIl52aYJ6i5s3E5IH7Ib290yXQgUPRCa2aMjO4E5qS7m0msk5_ysS2ZCli3hnI7FROIBQRYNG4_Pk/s1600/IMG_5217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YgBuYwcHPKylyTsWE7PBIxQ0DWjJ-WTKnvUxLbtRqEQf7eZ8iZ1VWeuEB9EZYiIl52aYJ6i5s3E5IH7Ib290yXQgUPRCa2aMjO4E5qS7m0msk5_ysS2ZCli3hnI7FROIBQRYNG4_Pk/s400/IMG_5217.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
The material is 100% cotton, nothing special. It's a reprint of a vintage design. I thought it would make an excellent apron... but a dress? I did it anyways, and love it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-54049142964930081632012-07-25T19:48:00.000+10:002012-07-26T00:44:13.693+10:00Churros<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq9yvu14lbXKECRCVrnAXk1PW2_M2ef6MWVghMC6c8XQ4qd98spbinCnmRtIGJH8av9E5FyX3Q0HEopNXFoJNUhnzP6cX6PrVjqNqMi1Qf3F0UXQu6guB5_oMBslB3F6ZVq-riO3KBLU/s1600/IMG_3832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq9yvu14lbXKECRCVrnAXk1PW2_M2ef6MWVghMC6c8XQ4qd98spbinCnmRtIGJH8av9E5FyX3Q0HEopNXFoJNUhnzP6cX6PrVjqNqMi1Qf3F0UXQu6guB5_oMBslB3F6ZVq-riO3KBLU/s400/IMG_3832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mexican food is the
latest trend in Australia, with terrible little shops popping up all
over... except one. <a href="http://www.madmex.com.au/" target="_blank">Mad Mex</a>. I love it. The first time I had it, I
fell head over heels for their churros, and resolved to be able to make my own. But I'd give
these ones I made a 7/10 sadly, but I hope it was my fault & and not the recipe. I plan to try them
again after some further research. The cinnamon ratio is way off, in my
opinion, and I love cinnamon. I would halve the cinnamon, or less. I also thought
that maybe the oil was too hot... or something made them a little too
doughy in the middle & almost burnt on the outside. I'll have to
play around, but they were still edible. The reason I picked this recipe
is that the author said he'd tried a lot of recipes and none measured
up. I might need to research more about dough consistency & deep frying... as you'll see in a future post about doughnuts :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mowielicious.com/.a/6a00e554dae3f488330163047cc53d970d-pi" target="_blank">Here is the recipe</a>, and this guys photography is fantastic. Go <a href="http://www.mowielicious.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, you won't regret it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislA4hIWjAR8Z4tcTAFnAwXkd-VCtqIhtqKn8CX_PUARVW3TCoJAwE54c7jJQqlBHCYZ6yInMOcUB856Mrlvnfx36N9bJlpwS-5YjVvCiIWmj_YYYZp58w1Z9lo5aitbOva2Zzej3Qzi4/s1600/IMG_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislA4hIWjAR8Z4tcTAFnAwXkd-VCtqIhtqKn8CX_PUARVW3TCoJAwE54c7jJQqlBHCYZ6yInMOcUB856Mrlvnfx36N9bJlpwS-5YjVvCiIWmj_YYYZp58w1Z9lo5aitbOva2Zzej3Qzi4/s400/IMG_3833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-14557326600275137082012-07-19T18:13:00.000+10:002012-07-19T18:15:48.291+10:00Strawberry Pear Dessert SmoothieI am entering this smoothie recipe into a competition to win a new blender (cross your fingers for me). It's been a favorite drink of mine since I invented it (I'm very smart) 9 years ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz0HqIT3Fld5KYuSOCSHB3iZt6n-RoxAdHtuJwSJJJ0lHNztZX4xe7biPW1SeLKC6TGLC0klRPw3m-m9XRTGjaSR96s3OHHPn6wzM7x7d-gKIbNVfF95my08Idf5yNVOSJvzxdFZEJss/s1600/IMG_5133a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz0HqIT3Fld5KYuSOCSHB3iZt6n-RoxAdHtuJwSJJJ0lHNztZX4xe7biPW1SeLKC6TGLC0klRPw3m-m9XRTGjaSR96s3OHHPn6wzM7x7d-gKIbNVfF95my08Idf5yNVOSJvzxdFZEJss/s400/IMG_5133a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>Ingedients:</b></u><br />
Frozen Strawberries (1-2 cups, or about a punnets worth 250g and freeze if you can wait)<br />
Frozen Pear (cut up a pear or two and freeze them)<br />
Ice cream, 2 scoops plus more for serving<br />
Yogurt (optional) any flavour, I like V<a href="http://www.vaalia.com.au/products/vaalia-light-yoghurt/" target="_blank">aalia french vanilla flavour</a> 150 g size.<br />
1 Tsp Vanilla<br />
1 Cup Milk<br />
<br />
<u><b>Method:</b></u><br />
1. Cut up strawberries and freeze, or buy frozen strawberries. Cut up a pear and freeze, if you have the time, otherwise a fresh pear will do just fine.<br />
2. In a blender, add strawberries, pear, milk and vanilla, and blend until smooth. Add ice cream and blend again.<br />
3. Serve with another scoop of ice cream, and top with fresh strawberries. Enjoy! Makes about 1 litre.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGOQvzUf45xhMzkWKId9spAQjMn1B_Q6rHGiRFexDM8vzeqC5iY_X8FocIvgeDQYz2W58wAj2NoqWgiYVjuFEYqeAEtEaJD3Wyq_mNfOB7eWEaDvQx9bCqht_t9LW-gL1D50VdyvrILo/s1600/IMG_5108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGOQvzUf45xhMzkWKId9spAQjMn1B_Q6rHGiRFexDM8vzeqC5iY_X8FocIvgeDQYz2W58wAj2NoqWgiYVjuFEYqeAEtEaJD3Wyq_mNfOB7eWEaDvQx9bCqht_t9LW-gL1D50VdyvrILo/s320/IMG_5108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIIlZ5AjK6sSDGV4cqXAWdUJIOPxiIPKLw9GTWlH6bTAJqsAwqTYBJb5dklIrgRUNU2fYbo3NhBQkN2Jn9OF9idnhOeBqnTNBLiy5gQVaxpuIS64AKH_NkJwVzamIKSOAlyXcGkw1Wpk/s1600/IMG_5109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIIlZ5AjK6sSDGV4cqXAWdUJIOPxiIPKLw9GTWlH6bTAJqsAwqTYBJb5dklIrgRUNU2fYbo3NhBQkN2Jn9OF9idnhOeBqnTNBLiy5gQVaxpuIS64AKH_NkJwVzamIKSOAlyXcGkw1Wpk/s320/IMG_5109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOc7LX4-r7PnfNFidvJZEVLehnA4ug1cDGtGkfwbvWyXarce_npAiwQ6L6WmGtssZcz_d_2F5C9xoKZ19Igdy0msFDs4LQvlJqTWZ1ta3y6jWHvLjLGnmfI-U0nomYKuVi7u66RNzIKA/s1600/IMG_5110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOc7LX4-r7PnfNFidvJZEVLehnA4ug1cDGtGkfwbvWyXarce_npAiwQ6L6WmGtssZcz_d_2F5C9xoKZ19Igdy0msFDs4LQvlJqTWZ1ta3y6jWHvLjLGnmfI-U0nomYKuVi7u66RNzIKA/s320/IMG_5110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK77mK7r0SHL6pLdYu1_NUeX-3Ww7g5vfv_XryLuG5_53UARJU2z52TJhHpaKAfbuLW_-inmNL4_c9INZ_Q19DFQqYh22OetPkmp1qHN996_pXR-LPLR-iSMyfcxjh6qiGxCIQwxurZm0/s1600/IMG_5112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK77mK7r0SHL6pLdYu1_NUeX-3Ww7g5vfv_XryLuG5_53UARJU2z52TJhHpaKAfbuLW_-inmNL4_c9INZ_Q19DFQqYh22OetPkmp1qHN996_pXR-LPLR-iSMyfcxjh6qiGxCIQwxurZm0/s320/IMG_5112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjaw3BkZ2XgOmGIXbr_SL-9M668bam-ciiTak6qVRkmjJvdubCx-7A0LMmIk2TCZP33eGWTzZpj5zd4Kjm8KIDAT7SuWPzM4O1cqed1ccNKO-iAxjSVi311D8tlZl6QhIwofRn1gNptA/s1600/IMG_5113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjaw3BkZ2XgOmGIXbr_SL-9M668bam-ciiTak6qVRkmjJvdubCx-7A0LMmIk2TCZP33eGWTzZpj5zd4Kjm8KIDAT7SuWPzM4O1cqed1ccNKO-iAxjSVi311D8tlZl6QhIwofRn1gNptA/s320/IMG_5113.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoCE0cWINEE3MJWOzjh0ys41njdJoqCSTwNfRV9BWqKjnZ5wzbY8u2d-MMSbnun1gYBZuhvoYoH3z1QXyAPCq5ifQQt5KJS-7Uk4wTct6SPZgRI_QKjbWKWlbhw3ca8kTP6Hj2QcosEY/s1600/IMG_5116a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoCE0cWINEE3MJWOzjh0ys41njdJoqCSTwNfRV9BWqKjnZ5wzbY8u2d-MMSbnun1gYBZuhvoYoH3z1QXyAPCq5ifQQt5KJS-7Uk4wTct6SPZgRI_QKjbWKWlbhw3ca8kTP6Hj2QcosEY/s320/IMG_5116a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SCS_pHuF8-s6AKGhAZ8k3lvgDOZKkYdp4RVrVAwO56dlBSs-e5xpa4nttTGdBklfDoa5_j7_N-InM7vm1ldJA7OETVHDawzfQ914EVqsNAjDyfX1pvHGV1FdeDljpt7x-qYqDi1Frg8/s1600/IMG_5124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SCS_pHuF8-s6AKGhAZ8k3lvgDOZKkYdp4RVrVAwO56dlBSs-e5xpa4nttTGdBklfDoa5_j7_N-InM7vm1ldJA7OETVHDawzfQ914EVqsNAjDyfX1pvHGV1FdeDljpt7x-qYqDi1Frg8/s320/IMG_5124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgQR3xfC5Hk6FYxcmpjlhc-a8DVRQtmDLv8vwiTkw-QeDLvPSG0UwXcp915Dq8w8cCtOHaDF5WK8NJ_B0k5SOscbGz_oMZfav_RE9kKtaB7ix37mGzNLNZI2QikGO8p3KdrX7u_bNkWA/s1600/IMG_5131a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgQR3xfC5Hk6FYxcmpjlhc-a8DVRQtmDLv8vwiTkw-QeDLvPSG0UwXcp915Dq8w8cCtOHaDF5WK8NJ_B0k5SOscbGz_oMZfav_RE9kKtaB7ix37mGzNLNZI2QikGO8p3KdrX7u_bNkWA/s320/IMG_5131a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujnyKlqHH0WBs_FV-H7jiY9NypNNAR1-qkXyXruXTYSDajHfmPRNPt5Q-3D8VYz5YDNENDrrdM1nQ3Idf3bupbJWS9gDI6e98ba8qyQnsEuqa-4Waat1Ad0EdAHrUWradykbmlJFbVWM/s1600/IMG_5139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujnyKlqHH0WBs_FV-H7jiY9NypNNAR1-qkXyXruXTYSDajHfmPRNPt5Q-3D8VYz5YDNENDrrdM1nQ3Idf3bupbJWS9gDI6e98ba8qyQnsEuqa-4Waat1Ad0EdAHrUWradykbmlJFbVWM/s400/IMG_5139a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-28809461276679295532012-07-05T13:59:00.001+10:002012-07-06T19:32:29.130+10:00Lemon Layer CakeI went to the most beautiful baby shower ever. It was magazine worthy. I took a million photos, and here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPF-MiTlWmLB-ymp4h01nRgQHq91w4IyO1AF_-sCJ160legaRpDsqVJhPieCZtC1ArdgxvbeaLpHopZKYfPOemJsONF2hYtgbvVXApZNuBqytaHNkTgKiJymBz0qt_3LOOUqwfm_QVTA/s1600/IMG_3286+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPF-MiTlWmLB-ymp4h01nRgQHq91w4IyO1AF_-sCJ160legaRpDsqVJhPieCZtC1ArdgxvbeaLpHopZKYfPOemJsONF2hYtgbvVXApZNuBqytaHNkTgKiJymBz0qt_3LOOUqwfm_QVTA/s400/IMG_3286+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVUEtPbPeef79ucH22DpSmo1192L8qPB93yasYVH2uzCEvnCv3ma_Mr7jb_bM6DUS74T_yLUqYhnmVnn0-PGVgjw8qhayTdgtMqWMIens1MIbmeWWkLHjENZ0Yf2nzv-0LFmTVUaCMIc/s1600/IMG_3281+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVUEtPbPeef79ucH22DpSmo1192L8qPB93yasYVH2uzCEvnCv3ma_Mr7jb_bM6DUS74T_yLUqYhnmVnn0-PGVgjw8qhayTdgtMqWMIens1MIbmeWWkLHjENZ0Yf2nzv-0LFmTVUaCMIc/s400/IMG_3281+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_7w5PGK1bkTb_ZzMB_vANIHyUL1RiJ5gOW6ktBEwSIshhC7OgDl7GVj6az9v_RoxNP0hCEofyOHrxXx9ABh7L91ioer_4AWc0PmXwtThp3rJYZh5plKFQ9Ic5Inq43lOHsWMXDG6h9k/s1600/IMG_3295+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_7w5PGK1bkTb_ZzMB_vANIHyUL1RiJ5gOW6ktBEwSIshhC7OgDl7GVj6az9v_RoxNP0hCEofyOHrxXx9ABh7L91ioer_4AWc0PmXwtThp3rJYZh5plKFQ9Ic5Inq43lOHsWMXDG6h9k/s400/IMG_3295+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1KnrGYUbeDTIM2X3KgGET1rx4kz3Q2a0a0ku55T7hD_itsDkN0zJlaLoOsg4qFAYK8cr-OqcgpFVNzsr0NxaftEeEWyIfgRPqH65OrSi-0pZDt0yI7j5j5Yco7xd2chgL6P7W4Z-9EE/s1600/IMG_3300+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1KnrGYUbeDTIM2X3KgGET1rx4kz3Q2a0a0ku55T7hD_itsDkN0zJlaLoOsg4qFAYK8cr-OqcgpFVNzsr0NxaftEeEWyIfgRPqH65OrSi-0pZDt0yI7j5j5Yco7xd2chgL6P7W4Z-9EE/s400/IMG_3300+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jeVRvlnPwxDo2erHMelWPGLm4513Q-N1VD5vp_HHQiKixV1HXnlxw1Ii7ax8slHkml7A3X1LEdA9B6oV2kYaCjH4ViTLoW08VBiPjK01GcUlh3Sdhvr_KJIStE0TGzGHH4QGK0o5g6c/s1600/IMG_3303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jeVRvlnPwxDo2erHMelWPGLm4513Q-N1VD5vp_HHQiKixV1HXnlxw1Ii7ax8slHkml7A3X1LEdA9B6oV2kYaCjH4ViTLoW08VBiPjK01GcUlh3Sdhvr_KJIStE0TGzGHH4QGK0o5g6c/s400/IMG_3303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn8nPJpCbRj1LRmbQkQcX0uKTC9YfFtyr4eCDlc7kENP_qffAXKYZiGvbYXzOVhJ-t0bcE6G7zrkkpxP9KQjLaglMhcHdn9AcYMVSgSy7VWxUeGXqu1B-VoraGNhyn5rvbhjTJp-nCxc/s1600/IMG_3306+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn8nPJpCbRj1LRmbQkQcX0uKTC9YfFtyr4eCDlc7kENP_qffAXKYZiGvbYXzOVhJ-t0bcE6G7zrkkpxP9KQjLaglMhcHdn9AcYMVSgSy7VWxUeGXqu1B-VoraGNhyn5rvbhjTJp-nCxc/s400/IMG_3306+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu23-C2BcDVQ-Mt50Yp5TqOyeYzDmwvwoOzZ7NHsavts1o2hzpnak6KUSw62Wz_uf7HCYpf9YugFF3wB9H7pcectIlO92Q2PyV2OJYFSfBw_SysGHZn69wWLvfhpKtlqmXEKFzZNpOe0/s1600/IMG_3309+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu23-C2BcDVQ-Mt50Yp5TqOyeYzDmwvwoOzZ7NHsavts1o2hzpnak6KUSw62Wz_uf7HCYpf9YugFF3wB9H7pcectIlO92Q2PyV2OJYFSfBw_SysGHZn69wWLvfhpKtlqmXEKFzZNpOe0/s400/IMG_3309+copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOQnEFbNxfhFC8Bp9wKpJgh2aSkv-FsIQybtwuPz33W_aQcvc-0AsHWa24eQ5bmiHLga6sOZ4Z2wwlJw3Oh6yIx4zaxrBSqYzj60jPHJK3B_nXnleIxmuJIPhr8-nMe5sg9swlMoiZfc/s1600/IMG_3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOQnEFbNxfhFC8Bp9wKpJgh2aSkv-FsIQybtwuPz33W_aQcvc-0AsHWa24eQ5bmiHLga6sOZ4Z2wwlJw3Oh6yIx4zaxrBSqYzj60jPHJK3B_nXnleIxmuJIPhr8-nMe5sg9swlMoiZfc/s400/IMG_3310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ictsxmUJhKErww_u95J2-MM-8WGUwvd2CBvXf-mYXrNK5pYLUE1v8SqcCjCYmCNiQnVgROXPT21rS_AaM7Yi6dMz4-qRcvvZkElnod0BavVangPJMx593oWAADmGFiwSRaWlZS5Emhg/s1600/IMG_3357+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ictsxmUJhKErww_u95J2-MM-8WGUwvd2CBvXf-mYXrNK5pYLUE1v8SqcCjCYmCNiQnVgROXPT21rS_AaM7Yi6dMz4-qRcvvZkElnod0BavVangPJMx593oWAADmGFiwSRaWlZS5Emhg/s400/IMG_3357+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHKTpQQu3SuYsaVNHugavhJOE7df3maJm1HH_x-7eMsUB3_vsVEIDGcT6GF5w4H2JKgFZfXkGVJlWaKHMCDtL05UvRRTsrxXjDrPykpg1B2s5X2s_hfSOidHPpxYUcip0G8COhgpp2-I/s1600/IMG_3365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHKTpQQu3SuYsaVNHugavhJOE7df3maJm1HH_x-7eMsUB3_vsVEIDGcT6GF5w4H2JKgFZfXkGVJlWaKHMCDtL05UvRRTsrxXjDrPykpg1B2s5X2s_hfSOidHPpxYUcip0G8COhgpp2-I/s400/IMG_3365.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQfj0Cv4AYSYtBZBq3IZmsYP4a_SCCPcgcH36-Tg3fcPBr7aO2I-QvUULe4NGB298JdScpwvH17Ov_jk7ZJyNNkeF0cg3LhvTrlxG1yqy6iDqVspXLALoW6bgaKuyLywqYMH2SbparM8/s1600/IMG_3292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQfj0Cv4AYSYtBZBq3IZmsYP4a_SCCPcgcH36-Tg3fcPBr7aO2I-QvUULe4NGB298JdScpwvH17Ov_jk7ZJyNNkeF0cg3LhvTrlxG1yqy6iDqVspXLALoW6bgaKuyLywqYMH2SbparM8/s400/IMG_3292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was asked to make a cake for the shower, and I was kind of nervous, as I knew there would be a lot of people there I'd never met before. That's a lot of pressure to make something nice, and I don't make many special cakes. I've made a few, but nothing spectacular, but I love to bake so I figured I could pull off something without too much skill. I'm not much of a decorator, but I have a nice selection of piping tips and bags, and I saw this idea of easy icing roses ages ago, and I wanted to try it. Perfect occasion. I'd also been seeing all those beautifully coloured layered cakes, so decided to try that too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNSkuVQHX0h0uwSEvLUdBtMQAh6zBx2y0m_qXdUicOVWFU0sDPWnBbMTEK8ULYIoMtVqSkWHZnwWQUn2SlY9NtLA3RtWZQsfRiLOCG9fK6U2k6-h4SKqJErpThyphenhyphenrbfgLFObXognYdzsk/s1600/IMG_3334+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNSkuVQHX0h0uwSEvLUdBtMQAh6zBx2y0m_qXdUicOVWFU0sDPWnBbMTEK8ULYIoMtVqSkWHZnwWQUn2SlY9NtLA3RtWZQsfRiLOCG9fK6U2k6-h4SKqJErpThyphenhyphenrbfgLFObXognYdzsk/s400/IMG_3334+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSHKd4LGnrGkA_QV07emk_joRbbfL4xky-aedw4FbUXfR7HI0FxCPGvRQJr1rFtchZtISkcVcT3luT2erOQAUPuLQfuTuqahsQdmEuv0okyUVagCOyw9nlzCGmr-YnRKI5C9noaozQ1g/s1600/IMG_3344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSHKd4LGnrGkA_QV07emk_joRbbfL4xky-aedw4FbUXfR7HI0FxCPGvRQJr1rFtchZtISkcVcT3luT2erOQAUPuLQfuTuqahsQdmEuv0okyUVagCOyw9nlzCGmr-YnRKI5C9noaozQ1g/s400/IMG_3344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FaTA3MjBC16U-QuYiSlI9Ul4zs7l888_QOGvmh3eBpsWPBY30GOTajvT1VFhZSw8KLx7gUQnSPFHFasIoPexSL_hDig9ZU9KM1e3LALbL2fAH_sb6CS-tQHaP73GPhFP2MZShJWhhhM/s1600/IMG_3346+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FaTA3MjBC16U-QuYiSlI9Ul4zs7l888_QOGvmh3eBpsWPBY30GOTajvT1VFhZSw8KLx7gUQnSPFHFasIoPexSL_hDig9ZU9KM1e3LALbL2fAH_sb6CS-tQHaP73GPhFP2MZShJWhhhM/s400/IMG_3346+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I got the recipe from <a href="http://www.cookiemadness.net/2011/10/triple-lemon-cake/" target="_blank">here</a>, using the lemon filling & icing as well.<br />
<br />
I wanted to dye the layers nice shades of pink & purple. I added too much dye. I use the gel dyes, and used what I thought looked good in the batter. I actually used 3 different shades, but as you can see, it looks like 2. They seem to end up darker after baking. I wanted a really pale layer, then a bit brighter, and then a purple layer. Oh well. Lesson learned. Use LESS dye, a small enough amount that you think it's not enough.<br />
<br />
I'd only done a filling once before this, and it didn't work very well. This time, I was <i>lucky</i> it worked. Here is the number one tip to adding a filling to a cake - DO AN ICING BARRIER! Pipe a healthy ring of icing along the outside of each layer that will be filled. This creates a wall that the filling will not squish out of. My cake was sliding around all over the place. I didn't do this barrier, so I propped it up in the fridge against large bowls, and stuck toothpicks all over the place. Not the simplest solution. Another lesson learned.<br />
<br />
My next tip is to spread a thin layer of icing all over the cake once the filling is set, or once you are confident you won't push the cake over. A nice thin layer will smooth the cake out, and make a clean surface to decorate on. How many times have you gone to ice a cake and crumbs end up being pulled off the cake, and mixed in with the icing. Not pretty. Let this thin layer set in the fridge (or wherever you want)<br />
<br />
To create the roses, you pipe circles, but backwards. So, you begin in the middle, and pipe to the outside. I tried almost ALL of my tips, but the nicest looking one was a 5 or 6 pointed open star tip, and a small one at that. Those large M1 tips are too big, in my opinion. Maybe on a large cake they would work. It's also A TON of icing using the M1 size. I don't know what my size was, but it wasn't tiny either. A medium size tip. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but a lot of tips don't have their size written on them. <br />
<br />
This cake was delicious! It was so full of lemon flavour (as the buttercream icing was also lemon!), it was intense, but so amazing. Everyone seemed to enjoy it too, and that's what mattered to me!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-18424078510766643402012-06-23T00:01:00.001+10:002012-06-23T00:17:37.610+10:00Oreo Cheesecake & Chocolate Fudge SauceI made this for dessert a few weeks ago, and I absolutely loved it. I added some fudge sauce, and used different cookies in the base, and it turned out great. This was when my oven wasn't working, so I had to try some oven-free recipes for a change.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oreo Cheesecake:</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.bakersroyale.com/cheesecake/oreo-cookies-and-cream-no-bake-cheesecake/" target="_blank">Here</a> is the recipe. Australia doesn't have graham crackers, or anything close, really. So, I took it as an opportunity to add more chocolate, and I used Arnott's Choc Ripple Biscuits. I added 2 tbsp of white sugar, and omitted the brown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLovxGNFUfwni1YbXB9tVgDWJHPZAvoHldB8rgEG1n57kaVpMXSAC5L01rzvzUrVDwxT3K04BqFit2dJpkC6Iq8ADgXnkX6d4gXnvGFcw5b-G6ChGD0UCzDlAZ92j8lB5FJdVtX9qhLA/s1600/IMG_3821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLovxGNFUfwni1YbXB9tVgDWJHPZAvoHldB8rgEG1n57kaVpMXSAC5L01rzvzUrVDwxT3K04BqFit2dJpkC6Iq8ADgXnkX6d4gXnvGFcw5b-G6ChGD0UCzDlAZ92j8lB5FJdVtX9qhLA/s400/IMG_3821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the chocolate sauce, I used this recipe from <a href="http://www.companyscoming.com/cookbooks/original-series/sweet-cravings/1/SW/" target="_blank">Company's Coming Sweet Cravings</a>, but I slightly changed a few things.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chocolate Fudge Sauce:</b></span><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate<br />
1/4 cup butter<br />
2/3 cup corn syrup, or glucose derived from corn (which is a lot thicker than corn syrup, but still works fine)<br />
1/2 cup hot water<br />
1 1/2 tsp instant coffee (optional)<br />
1/16 tsp salt<br />
<br />
1 cup icing sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
Measure first 6 ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium until mixture is smooth, and chocolate is melted. Be sure not to burn mixture, and stir constantly. Remove from heat. Sift icing sugar into a bowl. Poor a small amount of chocolate mixture into the icing sugar to form a paste. Poor the rest of the chocolate mixture in, and mix until smooth. Add vanilla and beat. Sauce thickens in the fridge, or add more icing sugar to achieve desired consistency. I find you can really taste the coffee, so it's more of a subtle mocha sauce, I think. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfnEexNKhEBO3ORxmiydBlUI9DCYEWTd8v6eVF5l2XmBc_zRGGvb-L0wlnsx9n86eWAW1PodTRZnKDcM9izrDYMjfMxtwY2E2CegQ0Fde2WtP9ETI0zUSxy__XrGO7rX9niDclrZxV8/s1600/IMG_3816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfnEexNKhEBO3ORxmiydBlUI9DCYEWTd8v6eVF5l2XmBc_zRGGvb-L0wlnsx9n86eWAW1PodTRZnKDcM9izrDYMjfMxtwY2E2CegQ0Fde2WtP9ETI0zUSxy__XrGO7rX9niDclrZxV8/s400/IMG_3816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-27419286380903631282012-06-13T15:34:00.000+10:002012-06-13T15:34:00.550+10:00Vintage Find - Sifter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDBwGQGpAdX57EAljFqpwK3tGRGOe6-nxc-fgdCVDgvu-W1B3w0XV5ciPHha9Cf-CbmMSWO38OZM3tv1h4ZM_Y6CAq64VWr6izx1t8HBlOG5Efvhe_iI0ImqXHMHtp9UZ_imtefda3cg/s1600/IMG_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDBwGQGpAdX57EAljFqpwK3tGRGOe6-nxc-fgdCVDgvu-W1B3w0XV5ciPHha9Cf-CbmMSWO38OZM3tv1h4ZM_Y6CAq64VWr6izx1t8HBlOG5Efvhe_iI0ImqXHMHtp9UZ_imtefda3cg/s400/IMG_0723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is another goodie. A sifter. I had one that worked OK, but was so
loud I dreaded using it. I would picture metal shavings being added to
my recipes as I listened to the squeal of metal on metal. This one cost
$15 at an antique shop, and I'm so happy I bought it. It not only works
perfectly, it's so lovely to look at.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-70145448028326857892012-06-08T10:38:00.000+10:002012-06-08T10:38:00.091+10:00Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8293kOVredJzi_WYC4CrW2tUUVyb7PEioaM5LB0-gInMaA2feWvdQ-fafjLVO-oAom8ZR167LyF-o_-hYKy7FSgIHpmVXGjXfetf5dndeC9zz8dCDUZmutkgWEOHQdcKDqxbYbXsE4cc/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8293kOVredJzi_WYC4CrW2tUUVyb7PEioaM5LB0-gInMaA2feWvdQ-fafjLVO-oAom8ZR167LyF-o_-hYKy7FSgIHpmVXGjXfetf5dndeC9zz8dCDUZmutkgWEOHQdcKDqxbYbXsE4cc/s400/IMG_0740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I've had <i>some</i> time over the past many months to get some sewing done. Never as much as I would like, but at least I got some gifts done I had been planning on. Another bib... though it was planned for last August, it still made it in time for the cute babe it was meant for, sometime in October, I think. This boy's mother is my best friend from highschool. We met in grade 8 humanities (english / socials), and had classes together every year. We had a BLAST together - I have never known someone who was so in tune with me; we wore the same clothes all the time, by accident! People would ask if we were trying to be twins on purpose. We had many sleep overs, and watched every old horror movie you can think of, and I mean almost every one from the 80's. We binged on junk food like it was going out of style (and still do, when we can). We've managed to stay close, even though we also live so far apart. I think about our fun times together all the time. I miss her so much!<br />
<br />
Another on recently sewn list is an apron for a very special girl I know. It was also planned for earlier in the year, but still made it out to her across the pond eventually.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8wiqf-SFgVkI9QNu-ZGxA0M1-0JswqM0kGeXB37CBSPolXa_LIGBa8MMwzFnao3nhzywpivKYjCnCKYlPZU7AE6Sxh7W7EOF0DEOWaDim1gnzD1Wf86M6MVtJuQg7jXBLyS8EpyEw00/s1600/IMG_0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8wiqf-SFgVkI9QNu-ZGxA0M1-0JswqM0kGeXB37CBSPolXa_LIGBa8MMwzFnao3nhzywpivKYjCnCKYlPZU7AE6Sxh7W7EOF0DEOWaDim1gnzD1Wf86M6MVtJuQg7jXBLyS8EpyEw00/s400/IMG_0741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And an apron for her very special mother, too. This special lady has been a friend to me my entire life, and I love her for it. We are cousins, who were great friends most of the time, but she had two older brothers who taught her a few things that she couldn't help but pass down to me. Lucky for me, we were usually on the same side of things, and I remember us two being bullies together! We had many adventures growing up, and she is one of the most special people I know. She also laughed her head off when I puked all over her in a road trip we had when we were young. That is someone amazing, if you ask me. I would have cried my eyes out! She's also probably the smartest person I know, talented, amazing mother & friend. And I miss her all the time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84t2GPBjbFgXKKPt-nwBIkMB-uWaWdEzfkTgu9LBjImds_eobDzr9qfffavmovBizHFfFxf4fiUGptYP3nxgYV6DaHee-T77xxo2cQgto0LxxjfUWg4DN55xQDzh2J3Kbymm2IG1Ct_E/s1600/IMG_2701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84t2GPBjbFgXKKPt-nwBIkMB-uWaWdEzfkTgu9LBjImds_eobDzr9qfffavmovBizHFfFxf4fiUGptYP3nxgYV6DaHee-T77xxo2cQgto0LxxjfUWg4DN55xQDzh2J3Kbymm2IG1Ct_E/s400/IMG_2701.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
Another apron, for the longest non-related friend I have had. We met in kindergarden (age 4), and have remained friends through many moves, and many years. We grew up running from the big kids in the neighborhood; having sleep overs and family outings together; lying to little brothers and sisters and getting in trouble for it; camping, hiking & swimming. We promised each other that we would get married <i>to</i> each other - I can't remember which one of us was going to be the man, but I think it was me, because I had short hair at the time. It was inconceivable that two women would get married, so we would have to trick everyone. She moved away when we went into grade 1, but we still managed to keep in contact, as our parents were friends. Then I moved away even farther in grade 3 (1,000 km), but our families still saw each other once a year, at least, most years. And though I have now moved even farther (12,000 km), we still manage to see each other every few years. It's incredible when I think of it. I grew up moving around, changing schools, always new and different friends, not many lasting the years... She is my longest friend, and I miss her every day too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sK7QZho86u36kWY1-aEmrww63RNi9hHBM9unqJ-HW8iRa0WzmK054DfZzQ-Y4cnnpLelKX9PLR4VkefXW7T5KDto0WUJC54iGgtik1zoeApK6bQ5bhhAgLW0I55U0H6EQhTq4Q-RKvA/s1600/IMG_2707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sK7QZho86u36kWY1-aEmrww63RNi9hHBM9unqJ-HW8iRa0WzmK054DfZzQ-Y4cnnpLelKX9PLR4VkefXW7T5KDto0WUJC54iGgtik1zoeApK6bQ5bhhAgLW0I55U0H6EQhTq4Q-RKvA/s400/IMG_2707.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtGIEHvyoujJq30l4WJsdplqNCjZyZaEQNxBtIZOhdOcaMyGNflmIcSN2jt_iNByFKkz2GC5u4AHcPAM1FRd6XjKJA5NpUXgVQq_6VE3iChKKM3c4Esyt3GiJGZl5dHeZdLL-UeBGew8/s1600/IMG_2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtGIEHvyoujJq30l4WJsdplqNCjZyZaEQNxBtIZOhdOcaMyGNflmIcSN2jt_iNByFKkz2GC5u4AHcPAM1FRd6XjKJA5NpUXgVQq_6VE3iChKKM3c4Esyt3GiJGZl5dHeZdLL-UeBGew8/s400/IMG_2709.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
And two more make-up bags for presents & pick-me-up's. A friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer before Christmas. It's been a struggle for her, but she is nearing her last days of radiation, after a mastectomy & chemo. She's an amazingly strong, easy-going, optimistic and, most importantly, Christian, woman who I really admire. How do you tell someone you care when they are going through that? I feel like a gift is a lame attempt, but then I think of how special it is to get a package when you weren't expecting it. Even if it can lift someones spirits for a few minutes, it's worth it. I sent her a make-up bag with some word puzzles for the long waits in waiting rooms, and a cookie-in-a-jar mix, for a day when she might feel like eating something home baked, and it wouldn't require too much effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU0PIVyrhbBdqD-siWzRKrYT9GcCUuty57xDG6Km25wVbGs3izX-dEGAEj8Yka7uIR6KCpvUa_4NRriaOVn06ZZEdbDRLt44VI1AHgBw_elMbLcg_0Z7B7_-1EMlP2YqQtVPbXNbPgcs/s1600/IMG_2760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU0PIVyrhbBdqD-siWzRKrYT9GcCUuty57xDG6Km25wVbGs3izX-dEGAEj8Yka7uIR6KCpvUa_4NRriaOVn06ZZEdbDRLt44VI1AHgBw_elMbLcg_0Z7B7_-1EMlP2YqQtVPbXNbPgcs/s400/IMG_2760.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE9mRmG9Sel48yxncrmWUcfq7K1Z2hkU2OfSTqyRF_d3CFH3rX-tt0br90jBc37sdxWmi4O8XWmjE6IHfxJSoFlQAu4OZqb-pi9nVj776RpTN9Sz2POx4ghj97FgHC-gixEHJSxdWsb8/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE9mRmG9Sel48yxncrmWUcfq7K1Z2hkU2OfSTqyRF_d3CFH3rX-tt0br90jBc37sdxWmi4O8XWmjE6IHfxJSoFlQAu4OZqb-pi9nVj776RpTN9Sz2POx4ghj97FgHC-gixEHJSxdWsb8/s400/IMG_2761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-5080517238941688102012-06-02T21:36:00.000+10:002012-06-08T00:07:37.535+10:00Caramel Date Cupcakes<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been away again, for quite some time, I see. I've been back a few times, written a post or two, and then not finished it for whatever reason, thinking I would get back to it soon... I guess always think my breaks will be shorter than they end up being. But I suppose if breaks mean my life is busy, then that's not such a bad reason to stop blogging. But I've been itching to get back on here again. I keep meaning to add more content, even if it's without commentary. I'd like to add more of a photo-journal type thing on here too. I love looking at my old blogs, and remembering the lovely days out and about, or cute creatures I tend to photograph...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UvYcJzO6txWnjtKJ0Y8pT88A9H46IUQQudXm5UUuvYcUNPRfYrs67T8rSuYF9ghHUQjXxuDA50HvZOqsgU7SmxYTlg5b6h2ikcuUOrancFTnv-LKgYzQA4t6enGNUN-vNGc7JHjexXI/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UvYcJzO6txWnjtKJ0Y8pT88A9H46IUQQudXm5UUuvYcUNPRfYrs67T8rSuYF9ghHUQjXxuDA50HvZOqsgU7SmxYTlg5b6h2ikcuUOrancFTnv-LKgYzQA4t6enGNUN-vNGc7JHjexXI/s400/IMG_0736.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I would still like to add to my list of recipes I have growing here. My oven was out of commission recently, for over 2 months, and I was devastated. I had to get a little creative, so I tried a few different, non-oven, recipes I've been a little nervous to try... a few worth mentioning here.<br />
<br />
I also keep trying to remember a favorite recipe for this-or-that and realize I haven't documented it here yet. I'd like to keep tabs on these things in some sort of organized way...not loose papers pinned to my cork-board... or in a pile on top of my printer (printers make great shelves if you use the cassette feeder!)<br />
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
AND FINALLY, here is a fantastic recipe I slightly changed from a Women's Weekly cookbook I received for my birthday last year. I pretty much omitted the chocolate from the original recipe, and then made a caramel glaze instead. Chocolate, as much as I love it, seemed wrong in this instance (there is 1/2 cup semi-sweet / dark chocolate chips added to the batter, if you feel up for it, and a chocolate glaze icing in the original recipe).</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cakes:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 3/4 cups (250g) seeded dried dates</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/3 cups (330ml) boiling water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking soda / bicarbonate of soda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
125g (just less than 1/2 cup, approx*) butter, softened</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups (225g) self-raising flour / self-rising (<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/self-rising-flour/">or use this recipe to make it, if you don't have any</a>), sifted</div>
‡°‡<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Icing:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
60g (1/4 cup, approx) butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup (110g) packed brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tbsp cream (or milk)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 cup (120g) icing sugar </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIa2bX3j5i3ACk1A5vKbWVCubELitbxuAN-X3LL2-Qkx2N7Ka8Nxwg328AftogjWpx7Rbts5qXj3hHdRjp8KIImSvpikEWSFkBuFWLo-ANR-axLooHk2ZXwTuryD0stPcdAGaq0_uP-4/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIa2bX3j5i3ACk1A5vKbWVCubELitbxuAN-X3LL2-Qkx2N7Ka8Nxwg328AftogjWpx7Rbts5qXj3hHdRjp8KIImSvpikEWSFkBuFWLo-ANR-axLooHk2ZXwTuryD0stPcdAGaq0_uP-4/s320/IMG_0737.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Method:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Preheat over to 180°C / 160°C fan forced / 350°F.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Prepare16 cupcake pans with liners or butter / grease.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Bring dates and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in soda, and let sit for 10 minutes. Blend mixture until smooth, and cool another 10 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one a time, beating beating between each addition.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Stir in flour and date mixture.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Fill cupcake tins, and bake for about 25 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes before turning onto wire rack.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Prepare icing by stirring butter, brown sugar and cream in a small saucepan over heat until sugar dissolves. Then bring to the boil, and simmer, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and slowly poor into icing sugar, beating as you go, to avoid lumps.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. Spread onto cakes, and enjoy :) </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So moist, and just the right amount of density to not be so cupcake-y. This could be a real dessert! With some vanilla ice cream, of course.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFx9hwAFB1pUNb7X7LOW1tF4rkJi5cMSfEFn-eOjlK0ucpPTUNlNQXsLQ7XlZUuDJSJVq6Ss8mj8y8EUjfHEaLEjZklfCKrpRVq4g3tynIz2HTjLqCF6fYyfjYObp1PUJzKWZqkapoVk/s1600/IMG_0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFx9hwAFB1pUNb7X7LOW1tF4rkJi5cMSfEFn-eOjlK0ucpPTUNlNQXsLQ7XlZUuDJSJVq6Ss8mj8y8EUjfHEaLEjZklfCKrpRVq4g3tynIz2HTjLqCF6fYyfjYObp1PUJzKWZqkapoVk/s320/IMG_0739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
* the reason I have so many measurements, is that I know this blog is read from mainly Australia & North America, and therefore everyone can use these recipes. I found it very frustrating when I first moved to Australia to find that most recipes required a scale. I still rarely use one, so I have found ways to convert most measurements. Also, Australian & North American measurements are slightly different (Tbsp size, etc), but they usually don't make a difference in the outcome of the recipes - I have never noticed a difference.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-42309106705444975242011-07-25T12:41:00.002+10:002012-04-19T19:37:20.103+10:00BibsI've been sewing these baby bibs for a few years now...I found a great pattern online, from <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/">Nicole Mallalieu</a>. She sells bag making supplies, and other pattens too, but <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/tips/bib_tutorial.htm">this pattern</a> was free to use.<br />
These 3 pink ones are for my new niece, and I have to say I love the un-baby-ish-ness of them. My sis picked out the materials she wanted (good quality cotton), all in coordinating colours, so I could use one material for the bias tape. I used good quality terry cloth on the back, which makes for a thick and sturdy bib. They feel so nice!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkcpM2_1Vmuvv7WXGqGEsCGLR4m8jr-Y9E_79pET5vJKxVm65En6XTFnWbOObZcWmdxv1TKjbMHO5-5z3k2YH3K2OFpLhy3S4kNX8mKdG2uCxd_eKoqjxXzkNCGY85FUm5bzyvv4xwRw/s1600/bibsNola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkcpM2_1Vmuvv7WXGqGEsCGLR4m8jr-Y9E_79pET5vJKxVm65En6XTFnWbOObZcWmdxv1TKjbMHO5-5z3k2YH3K2OFpLhy3S4kNX8mKdG2uCxd_eKoqjxXzkNCGY85FUm5bzyvv4xwRw/s640/bibsNola.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
These are older ones I made 3 years ago, which are cute, but I can see how I have now changed to a simpler look; less cluttered, more streamlined. I also have changed the pattern to suit a less crafty-looking bib too - I use less bias tape, depending on the materials' patterns, and I also do the arm holes differently, depending on how much sewing I want to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC92kAkCx6zHI1pcN1ibNhtL40JlqMtzFUp2R_mAWtMPhxyJVru_O2CKJYM3g_rQnY0q2udj_D79gmsNj6FVsl5w1Ya2J1ZxUk8TW8_-EoUE-t4uoiM-egYvQnh9HmLqWNRxHLHF3qNL0/s1600/IMG_4638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC92kAkCx6zHI1pcN1ibNhtL40JlqMtzFUp2R_mAWtMPhxyJVru_O2CKJYM3g_rQnY0q2udj_D79gmsNj6FVsl5w1Ya2J1ZxUk8TW8_-EoUE-t4uoiM-egYvQnh9HmLqWNRxHLHF3qNL0/s320/IMG_4638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyTXpLvpOVNt7_O6jobN9uhftNsnTYEycvPDK1fQHr_BSDRu4iVUZ6AiVkhBeTEkMZBfOtEcDV66Gl7ahytep1kwDjuLaHkWNauSj6B1j_xLqD7QWQA4BiwkqUCmg1NkE4O2z1HOCi9c/s1600/IMG_4639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyTXpLvpOVNt7_O6jobN9uhftNsnTYEycvPDK1fQHr_BSDRu4iVUZ6AiVkhBeTEkMZBfOtEcDV66Gl7ahytep1kwDjuLaHkWNauSj6B1j_xLqD7QWQA4BiwkqUCmg1NkE4O2z1HOCi9c/s320/IMG_4639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCOSn_QLtzEKX_EUuL85OZdhaGg4VMgYtmCQs9Z9u17Pq9l8y5gaK_uVeFTmyGQZHhILIIcO_NMICJnBIGQxor8xHFt9IiRSoVZk-OnNtMseN5d12pZdGWIYNg99quU4yidTZT9mz7D4/s1600/IMG_4640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCOSn_QLtzEKX_EUuL85OZdhaGg4VMgYtmCQs9Z9u17Pq9l8y5gaK_uVeFTmyGQZHhILIIcO_NMICJnBIGQxor8xHFt9IiRSoVZk-OnNtMseN5d12pZdGWIYNg99quU4yidTZT9mz7D4/s320/IMG_4640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyZhIg_vEe0lMm-EtEunixDhGFiSabGuvS4Apqbsksrn26n9QK9Nr5GG0B97y68cruJ5qfSwIECyAZ6656qXwcbg3VhMQ9m6gAG3WtuOutHZjStVhuYzsRR6C-bYZkCIuLe9WTWoM0s/s1600/IMG_4641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AyZhIg_vEe0lMm-EtEunixDhGFiSabGuvS4Apqbsksrn26n9QK9Nr5GG0B97y68cruJ5qfSwIECyAZ6656qXwcbg3VhMQ9m6gAG3WtuOutHZjStVhuYzsRR6C-bYZkCIuLe9WTWoM0s/s320/IMG_4641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I have a few others I made late last year to sell at some markets. I also really like these designs as well. I keep making more than enough, so I can one day put all my stuff on etsy, but for some reason, I just never do it! And in the meantime, everyone just keeps having babies, so I just keep giving more away...5 more (not including my sister) to give away over July/August, not to mention a few earlier this year already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3swtYCzc6sAzkH0C2DOJXAnD01o2ZfZzKF8xKR5XNTF4nbsoYelIjoIQrzugBjTlKFNlrwKUx8MsL7vysSg58wetFaopBei9XAS9OIZ75fSXFzED8lXEiZDOj1gfjynyCLBfmcQY4aE/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3swtYCzc6sAzkH0C2DOJXAnD01o2ZfZzKF8xKR5XNTF4nbsoYelIjoIQrzugBjTlKFNlrwKUx8MsL7vysSg58wetFaopBei9XAS9OIZ75fSXFzED8lXEiZDOj1gfjynyCLBfmcQY4aE/s320/IMG_3111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtWlW9nKAh7z63yCF3nRilDb_AX4PlZ9NpYgZJnRmxFG750_t8K-Hojg-3nbSNdTMt_X3ryWPmprHDd1kX0U_Ge8207_jFePB2aOPhLHtte44D_EG2vvKuoNhLoaAXvTK4pkcSy1pV6U/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtWlW9nKAh7z63yCF3nRilDb_AX4PlZ9NpYgZJnRmxFG750_t8K-Hojg-3nbSNdTMt_X3ryWPmprHDd1kX0U_Ge8207_jFePB2aOPhLHtte44D_EG2vvKuoNhLoaAXvTK4pkcSy1pV6U/s320/IMG_3113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBTt9MwztQjaQxjBMWFozF2FOJFdMs5vBJZqRdZ6B5MMzMgdEjHx1em0THFRat6vNncEdOa0kC4pRnidueT9M5lz8-yyHO3QEvISY1ZPWeepceu5Cf0gO7LzDk8t58qM6R3hEOL-eV5s/s1600/IMG_3114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBTt9MwztQjaQxjBMWFozF2FOJFdMs5vBJZqRdZ6B5MMzMgdEjHx1em0THFRat6vNncEdOa0kC4pRnidueT9M5lz8-yyHO3QEvISY1ZPWeepceu5Cf0gO7LzDk8t58qM6R3hEOL-eV5s/s320/IMG_3114.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
The black ones below have a pattern of little grey skulls all over them:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuX08k39VvjZPQ2vQJIjIxnYFwX_N4oP1Paj66Tj2o9Wy-UEeEx95iY96zJn4cucRth7evpHe0svZ8GbxkF5uQkXHcWeLiSh2bM3JbxiZTNYugvJgv2nfOyH4uuVIsm6cO3IGvFsir9o/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuX08k39VvjZPQ2vQJIjIxnYFwX_N4oP1Paj66Tj2o9Wy-UEeEx95iY96zJn4cucRth7evpHe0svZ8GbxkF5uQkXHcWeLiSh2bM3JbxiZTNYugvJgv2nfOyH4uuVIsm6cO3IGvFsir9o/s400/IMG_3173.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANxYIu9JFNUji4-pDj31XJXUsbc3iuZkma_RjarWeRWL08Wuk420BErVjuVtWTa6lmVWXTLac3_nBFOblkYNP6_0s_eJzizShgVo7vZoGS2_GRF01apASEELScwKtRBHHjSLYTAQ1sKw/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANxYIu9JFNUji4-pDj31XJXUsbc3iuZkma_RjarWeRWL08Wuk420BErVjuVtWTa6lmVWXTLac3_nBFOblkYNP6_0s_eJzizShgVo7vZoGS2_GRF01apASEELScwKtRBHHjSLYTAQ1sKw/s320/IMG_3174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-64232733423774552152011-07-18T22:51:00.003+10:002011-07-19T01:56:11.975+10:00Some Sewing...Gift Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been very busy with work, but have been managing to have a day to myself every few weeks, for the most part, to get some sewing projects done. Feels nice to sew for me. Well, for me - for others in this post...but I am working on a dress, and also a new retro-style blouse, which I will share here too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIPkIvlUHLcqN8ea3J-fOIgEQgE-dmFOwZo3SbFj1g0IHApbx2zKv7bR3kJU8wuR4MMChLZJAa7cIZSvFZagtnAEqV0jLo1ylQ3Qny0ybU9W_WOCApBhijK82LWZkfa5yIUF6e8taqd4/s1600/IMG_4687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIPkIvlUHLcqN8ea3J-fOIgEQgE-dmFOwZo3SbFj1g0IHApbx2zKv7bR3kJU8wuR4MMChLZJAa7cIZSvFZagtnAEqV0jLo1ylQ3Qny0ybU9W_WOCApBhijK82LWZkfa5yIUF6e8taqd4/s400/IMG_4687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following projects I finished a few months ago, and gave them away in April. I had planned to sew these for stocking stuffers for my sisters, and mom, but it didn't happen on time! I also normally give the exchange students my in-laws take in a gift before they go home, but I also didn't get that done before Christmas either! So, everything was sent late. I made these little pencil cases / make-up bags from some scraps I bought ages ago. For the students I bought cute stationary supplies and some little toiletries, and for my family some soap and candles. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnSoYALW5Y7jYZSpyN10vXiQLvhTj9cBiOKRdGgaKg0ecChiQ05gI4DRO6jebNu0iRr_oXPVm7buqfuoR8BFeRCRsobpV_IqeUIBmF2ZUes3xB0AhysckJBJlKEJVTSor221_4IX_Q8M/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnSoYALW5Y7jYZSpyN10vXiQLvhTj9cBiOKRdGgaKg0ecChiQ05gI4DRO6jebNu0iRr_oXPVm7buqfuoR8BFeRCRsobpV_IqeUIBmF2ZUes3xB0AhysckJBJlKEJVTSor221_4IX_Q8M/s320/IMG_4684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEok3sm7DuZsLzQtXutk0LtIBhnsQMgdo-fga9oILU0E8NjWhmDpH4AKkD24XrYP9rO1n32DYRDWrRV0uS3eUytsE-F0gKn0SdNtFmkiHfuPNPxQZn9X6xpYscLILBkDaRsFzcecw9XyQ/s1600/IMG_4682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEok3sm7DuZsLzQtXutk0LtIBhnsQMgdo-fga9oILU0E8NjWhmDpH4AKkD24XrYP9rO1n32DYRDWrRV0uS3eUytsE-F0gKn0SdNtFmkiHfuPNPxQZn9X6xpYscLILBkDaRsFzcecw9XyQ/s320/IMG_4682.jpg" width="277" /> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXDgcQCUQSkig-8ikB5t80gMqjptxK8KMuRkTlat3Esoq74hp9usyk8g8Ogl9JuAn-O81tIKcR0JQsXSS5J0pIw1MLvlXgyY4bqlTTuRx0PKXb46NoZACXNXnpa2oYRJMboUsgV_7YHA/s1600/IMG_4688.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXDgcQCUQSkig-8ikB5t80gMqjptxK8KMuRkTlat3Esoq74hp9usyk8g8Ogl9JuAn-O81tIKcR0JQsXSS5J0pIw1MLvlXgyY4bqlTTuRx0PKXb46NoZACXNXnpa2oYRJMboUsgV_7YHA/s320/IMG_4688.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnSoYALW5Y7jYZSpyN10vXiQLvhTj9cBiOKRdGgaKg0ecChiQ05gI4DRO6jebNu0iRr_oXPVm7buqfuoR8BFeRCRsobpV_IqeUIBmF2ZUes3xB0AhysckJBJlKEJVTSor221_4IX_Q8M/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bags are made from a simple pattern I quickly drew out myself with skills learned from a super cool book called "<a href="http://www.u-handbag.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=908">The Bag Making Bible</a>" by Lisa Lam. I also used <a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2007/02/had_a_quiet_wee.html">this tutorial</a> as a base to work from. I have many of her free tutorials (all on her <a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/">blog</a>), and have followed her blog for years. This book has so many patterns, and teaches so many skills. I altered her tutorial slightly to get a cleaner look at the zipper ends, and I also added a layer of clear vinyl to make the bags a little more substantial, and suitable for make-up.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-iGpqFIN6Inswq196A1z8idUZ3lAXxYYrOWXKDK2ez-nDTjo3lnt01mRRRwiNP32zwfRA-i-0Jz3kdQnBPpmctd8BSynwUtNrTDkSHKxG4kIBGDEQ-KWXxSpc3ocOFkz9yesJM8j1qQ/s1600/IMG_4972.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-iGpqFIN6Inswq196A1z8idUZ3lAXxYYrOWXKDK2ez-nDTjo3lnt01mRRRwiNP32zwfRA-i-0Jz3kdQnBPpmctd8BSynwUtNrTDkSHKxG4kIBGDEQ-KWXxSpc3ocOFkz9yesJM8j1qQ/s320/IMG_4972.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought a silicon foot for my sewing machine to sew over the vinyl, and then realized I needed a silicon ZIPPER foot, which I didn't have, so I placed tissue paper over the vinyl, and sewed that, tearing away the tissue paper after the stitch was done. Not simple, but still worked well. Otherwise, your foot will stick to the vinyl, and your work will not slide through the machine.<br />
<br />
Here are a few I have made so far:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIPkIvlUHLcqN8ea3J-fOIgEQgE-dmFOwZo3SbFj1g0IHApbx2zKv7bR3kJU8wuR4MMChLZJAa7cIZSvFZagtnAEqV0jLo1ylQ3Qny0ybU9W_WOCApBhijK82LWZkfa5yIUF6e8taqd4/s1600/IMG_4687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjWfFKO1Ab443hXRv6clvqt_QQqPg2BsBAASeal_rNXcmeyrkA6x5TAmNV4ypFXVbSn-1ZMUO8DyPUIzGWPcIP1Sov9oVEO2olPlp4wWVQrWiUP7UZ9zVjN8nCyCdzdW6CSHdOU_ovtk/s1600/IMG_4689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjWfFKO1Ab443hXRv6clvqt_QQqPg2BsBAASeal_rNXcmeyrkA6x5TAmNV4ypFXVbSn-1ZMUO8DyPUIzGWPcIP1Sov9oVEO2olPlp4wWVQrWiUP7UZ9zVjN8nCyCdzdW6CSHdOU_ovtk/s640/IMG_4689.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3764271334257768579.post-76815552071335992352011-07-07T12:46:00.000+10:002011-07-07T14:40:17.954+10:00Mexican PizzaI have to admit, this idea didn't sound all that great to me, but now I am convinced you can add anything to a pizza and be happy. I think the sour cream makes it.<br />
<br />
Here's what I did...<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Ground Beef, browned <br />
Onion, diced<br />
Red Pepper (Capsicum), diced<br />
Garlic, diced<br />
Taco Seasoning<br />
Tomato, thinly sliced<br />
Green Onion, diced<br />
Olives, sliced<br />
Cheese<br />
Pizza Sauce (or make your own with tomato paste, garlic, pepper, salt, onion powder, rosemary & Italian herbs) <br />
Pizza bases*<br />
Sour Cream<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WLzrWWbQHcX2JbS2Evl0SDAqF-7B_Ug6MMj0OdGXBzXadXLdRg4Ggpz9xxn6Y9HGoVzi2YT0PJMXpRvnF21IxrH2nv21vi0262IZ_5_qfYCkf6tLH_fbqpjx3lA4L2pG_pG7qX-Mxdw/s1600/IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WLzrWWbQHcX2JbS2Evl0SDAqF-7B_Ug6MMj0OdGXBzXadXLdRg4Ggpz9xxn6Y9HGoVzi2YT0PJMXpRvnF21IxrH2nv21vi0262IZ_5_qfYCkf6tLH_fbqpjx3lA4L2pG_pG7qX-Mxdw/s400/IMG_4521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* not the best photo, but food photos are hard to take here, as it's always dark by dinner time</span></div><b>Method:</b><br />
1. Brown beef, onion, red pepper, and garlic in a pan until cooked through. Add taco seasoning and cook as per instructions on package (or make your own, add some water, and let the mixture simmer until reduced).<br />
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C (and pre-heat pizza stone if you have one).<br />
3. Cut up all other toppings.<br />
4. Prepare pizza base with tomato pizza sauce (we also used a BBQ Tomato sauce, and it worked nicely)<br />
5. Top pizza with some ground beef, and then add the other veggies, and then the cheese.<br />
6. Bake for anywhere from 10 - 20 minutes, until cheese is beginning to brown.<br />
7. Remove from oven, and top with small dollops of sour cream, and serve immediately. Only add sour cream to the pieces you will eat now...not too sure how left overs would look tomorrow...<br />
<br />
*I used a thin-crust store-bought pizza crust base. It wasn't too bad. We wanted to try a thin crust, as my usual recipe is hard to get nice and thin. But, if you want a homemade taste, go for the handmade base. It's simple, and quick. <a href="http://ishouldbecleaningup.blogspot.com/2009/05/pizza.html">Here is the recipe I always use</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827565948387573902noreply@blogger.com0