Lost in DC

Well, not really, more like sitting in traffic in DC, but it wasn't as catchy for a title.

Note to self: Do not attempt to go to the zoo during Easter break.. Really, it took us over an hour to get there (usually at most a 40 min trip) to find the entrance blocked with the sign "no parking available". Now, there is a lot of parking at the zoo, lots, so this was not a good sign, also all around us there were families trying to get to the entrance, nonetheless we tried to find parking on the street with no luck. We ended up on Connecticut Ave again sitting in traffic trying to get downtown to catch New York Ave to get to the National Arboretum, where we decided we could go to enjoy the picnic lunch we had in the cooler. That took about another hour. I have never seen so many people in DC; I guess because we live so close we do our trips during non-peak tourist days. I had a lot of time to study the architecture... Total time from leaving home to the Arboretum 3 1/2 hours...yeaph.

The Arboretum was heavenly, quiet, sunny, cool and few people around. We had our picnic and then walked around some of our favorite gardens.



Camellias in bloom



A view of the river



A Japanese Flower Arrangement Exhibit



The National Capitol Columns



The end of our visit

Burda WOF 10/2008 114 Knit top

I really liked the design for this top/dress when I first saw it and when I saw Christina's version I had to make it.

I tried the top first, that way if it didn't work for me I wouldn't try the dress. This top has been finished for a while and I wore it before today but I wasn't completely happy with it, so today I took it in at the side seam at chest level and a little bit of the "wing" and I'm much happier with the look. When putting it together I reinforced the shoulder area with fusible tape and I raised the neckline (next time I will raise it more ;-) The fabric I used is a very comfortable to wear rayon knit from Joann's, my only complaint is that it wrinkles very easily.

Here are a couple of more pictures.

A Trip to the National Aquarium

At the Australia exhibit

The boys are off for Spring Break and they had been wanting to go to the aquarium, so off we went yesterday.

My whole family loves aquariums and zoos, and we are lucky to have the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the National Zoo in Washington D.C. Tomorrow we are off to the zoo.

Here is a couple of pictures; it was really cold and windy yesterday so we didn't linger outdoors too much.

A bag and a sweater

Today I finally took pictures of the sweater I made for Large Marge's Yarn Shop and of the bag I made for my cousin.

The bag is Sandra Betzina's Vogue 7862. This sews up pretty quickly; I did not add a lining because this pleather fabric has a black knit backing that looks nice.





The pattern for the sweater is Sailor's Rib V-neck Pullover from Vermont Fiber Designs. The pattern is a tunic with no shaping which doesn't work with my pear shape figure so I added shaping to accommodate larger hips and slimming down (by decreasing stitches) up to the waistline. I also added extra rows for my long back waist length. I'll get to wear the sweater after a few months :-)





All pictures were taken at Large Marge's Yarn Shop. If you live in the Baltimore area drop by, they have very friendly staff and a wonderful selection of yarns and patterns.

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My next project is a baby quilt for my future nephew. I have all the fabrics ready to start cutting. I chose Rowan's Baby Block Quilt from Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Road. I'm going to change one of the blocks but pretty much follow their design.

As you can see my colorway is very different but I think it will work. I will probably add a few more fabrics, after all this is supposed to be a scrappy quilt.

A few random things to share

Yesterday I finally cut Vogue 7862. This Sandra Betzina pattern for a bag, I have made several times before. One of those times I made it for my cousin who loved it and requested another one; this was a few years ago, I figure by now the original one has been put to rest so I'm sending her a new one. This one I'm making from a cool synthetic leather I bought from Emma one Sock a long time ago. Pictures to follow...

These two necklaces I made after taking a beading class. The pendant is made from early 20th century pressings(molds?) that I purchased at a bead show. I enjoy beading but I struggle with bead combinations.

I finally decided to buy the Kai gift set, since they have been highly recommended it on the net. I still haven't tried them, I'll let you know how they hold up.

I'm still knitting a pattern for my friend's yarn shop. I hope to finish it before Easter. I'm using Berroco's Comfort Chunky. This yarn feels wonderful against the skin, it is a mix of acrylic/nylon and once you touch it you'll love it. It also comes in worsted,DK, baby and sock. Go check it out! (NAVY, just love the yarn)

Vogue 8379 Wrap Knit Dress

I am so glad I finally made this pattern! I know this design has been made over and over by the sewing community and no wonder, the best part is the no gap neckline! The last knit wrap dress I made (a Butterick design) was very disappointing; I won't blame it on the pattern, maybe I did something wrong when I made my regular modifications.



The fabric I had been saving for the right pattern. It was the first fabric that Ann from Gorgeous Fabrics sold. This black and white poly/lycra knit came with a border that I used for the collar, cuffs and also for the front facings.



I had 3 yards and I used every scrap;after cutting all my pieces I realized I had forgotten the front facings and all I had left was a piece of the border...I did a faced facing following the instructions in Easy Guide to Sewing Blouses. Basically you sew the fusible to the unfinished edge of the facing (right sides together), turn the fusible to the wrong side and fuse and you get a very neat finish on your facing.





I recently treated myself to my own labels and this is the first garment to get one

I wanted to show how my bodice pattern looks after lengthening. I cut just above the waist (Vogue gives you a lengthening/shortening line) and moved the pieces along the grain line, this gives you a misalignment at the side seam which you need to fill in. The I add the same amount at the same place in the facing and the back. I know that this alteration always scared me when I first started to sew, especially on pieces that have darts or pleats (like in this pattern).



This is not a difficult pattern to sew but it does have a lot of pieces if you choose to do view B. I finished it last night and because is still pretty cold in the Baltimore area I wore it to work today with a cardigan and boots.

Clubbing and Ozomatli

This past weekend my husband and I did something we have not done in at least 15 years, we went to a club to enjoy a live performance. Of course not just any group would get us excited enough, it was Ozomatli.

When I found out they would be in Baltimore I contacted Cidell, after all she is young and hip, so I figure she might know about Club Sonar. Of course she did! and she recommended it. Right away I bought tickets and off we went Friday night.

Well we had a blast, Ozomatli knows how to put on a show. For those of you who might not have heard of them, they are from Los Angeles and they play a "fusion of Latin, Hip Hop and Rock". Just in case you are curious, here they are performing a favorite...

Burda WOF 12/2008 113 A Overblouse

As soon as I saw this pattern I knew I had the perfect fabric in my stash. The pattern is for knits and it has that pretty pleated neckline that we keep seeing lately in patterns and RTW. The fabric is a net with flocked flowers with the leopard print. Because of its sheerness and the fact that it didn't feel the softest against my skin I had held off for the perfect pattern. I had to use the lengthwise grain for the crosswise grain because that is where the stretch was. I lined the bodice with tricot from Emma One Sock that I originally bought for a skirt and never used.

This was an easy top to construct although Burda had some strange way of sewing in the sleeves that did not make sense to me. I sewed the shoulder/upper sleeve seam then attached front and back bodice to sleeve, finished the neckline and then sewed side seam and sleeve.

I'm happy with the result, I think I'll get more use out of it next fall.

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Thanks Ann for nominating me for the Sisterhood Award, I enjoy being part of the internet sewing community very much. Now if there was someone left to nominate....

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And thank you all for your birthday wishes. I had a nice day watching the snow fall and my kids enjoying our biggest snow storm. I also got some good sewing time, more FOs coming up.

A snowy birthday

Today is my birthday and I did not ask for snow, I asked for a spring day. Right now we are in the middle of a snow storm and of course the kids are off from school. On the bright side maybe I will get that knit dress done since we are not going anywhere...

I finished the two knit tops from my list and now I am going to make the dress. The fabric is a geometric so I have to play with placing the pattern pieces, wish me luck.

Yesterday to celebrate my birthday we went to Longwood Gardens. The conservatory was bursting with fragrance, color and orchids (there is an orchid show until March 31). We did take a walk through the grounds but there wasn't much to see as my family kept telling me.





These colors just say Spring!




Son #2 trying to get the Venus flytraps to close up

In my mailbox

What could be more exciting than a new pattern magazine that you have never seen before? Berry from Couture Frenzy had a give away a couple of weeks ago and I won!!. I have quickly looked through it and found many designs that I love, next step is choosing one to make. Thank you Berry! Muchisimas gracias!!



I also took advantage of the anniversary sale at Gorgeous Fabrics and got two knits, the printed polyester is for a dress and top. The top is to coordinate with the blue bamboo knit which I plan on making into the famous Burda jumper. Now I have to figure out in which issue of the magazine the pattern came...anyone knows off the top of their head?

What has been going on...

I finished Burda WOF 12/2008 knit top below a while ago. I really like the way it turned out, when I saw it I knew I had the perfect fabric in my stash for it. It has been so cold here that I haven't had a chance to wear it yet, as soon as I do I'll take a picture.



I tried to cut out Burda WOF 10/2008 118 out of a geometric woven print I've had for a while but didn't have enough fabric, so this pattern has been put aside.



I did cut from the same issue 114 out of the second cut of rayon knit I found at Joann's and now it is waiting to be sewn(I traced the pattern for the dress and marked the hem for the top, since I want to make the dress also)



I also started a knitting project that will be a shop model for Large Marge's Yarn Shop. If you are local, stop by and take a look, there are many wonderful yarns not found anywhere else locally including Rowan.

In family news....My husband's birthday was yesterday and to celebrate we all went snow tubing at Whitetail. What fun! I'm not a winter/snow person, but I love tubing. It requires no skills and if you dress warmly it is a blast.

The mystery sewing machine

My brother and his wife were taking a walk in their neighborhood in north Jersey and found this lovely machine with its table on the sidewalk. They picked it up and brought it home. At first they thought SIL's Featherweight might fit in the table (are there any tables out there for the Featherweights?) but no luck so they asked me if I wanted the machine...of course!!

My brother hasn't been able to find a model number so that I can find the manual and find more info. Do any of you have any idea if there are any marks or branding that will help me out?

Thanks for any help!

ETA: Well, I was able to find through the Singer Website by inputting the serial number that my machine is Model or class 66 made around the 1950's. The confusing part is that there are several model 66 made in different years so I'll have to do more research... Here is a good website with more details on this model

International Sewing Machines Collectors Society

I also found helpful this entry:

Hill Country of Monroe County Mississippi

Michael Kors Boxy Cardigan

This pattern is from the Spring/Summer 2007 Vogue Knitting. I decided on this project after seeing Elann's version using their linen yarn Linus. I have seen a lot of slouchy vests both in woven fabric and knits, and I thought this would be a fun piece to play with layering.

This is Elann's version with Linus


I used a lot less yarn that Elann recommended, but maybe because I went up in needle size. I think my cardigan fabric looks less dense than theirs. I wasn't too sure about this one once it was finished but I like it, especially with the belt.



The directions are not the best and the pieces are oddly shaped,. I know I had to modify the front pieces because their decreases were not right. All in all, this is not a difficult project and produces a trendy garment.

On my knitting

I have been spending a lot of time going through my knitting books and magazines to find a pattern for this beautiful merino wool from Debbie Bliss. I originally bought it for a ribbed cardigan from one of her books, but now I think the cardigan will be too slouchy and shapeless for my taste. I have at least 4 patterns in the running when I make up my mind I'll let you know. I have come to the conclusion that I am very attracted to Shirley Paden and Norah Gaughan designs.

Two of the designs I just love are from Vogue Knitting Fall 2008




and Vogue Knitting Winter 2008/2009


In between winter knitting projects I have been working in my version of Knitty's Shetland Shorty. The yarn is a cotton, Filati FF Sailor, that I bought by the bag at Elann sometime last spring. I love the way it is turning out, I think the lace pattern is very pretty. I have ripped it out quite a few times, you really have to pay attention when knitting it.





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One more picture



Today the temperatures reached the high 50's WooHoo!!!!So we took a walk in one of our county parks, you can see how cold it is has been even though snow and ice were melting everywhere, the lake in its majority remained frozen.

I hope you had a sunny day!

Quinoa Vegetarian Paella

In my quest to include more vegetarian dishes in my family's menu, two days ago I used this recipe and made this delicious paella. Quinoa is a grain that vegetarians love because of its high protein content. It is very similar to rice but cooks a lot faster and it is more nutritious. I recently discovered the FatFree Vegan Kitchen blog and although I have only tried the paella recipe there are many other tempting recipes.

I'm re-printing the recipe below to indicate the changes I made.

Quinoa Vegetable Paella

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cup quinoa

1/2 teaspoon saffron, crushed (the recipe calls for 1/4 tsp but I have found that the saffron is very mild)

2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin (original is 1/2tsp, I love cumin!)

1 tsp thyme leaves (my addition)

1 tsp tarragon (my addition)

dash cayenne (I added hot pepper flakes instead)

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (mine had chopped green chiles)

1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 14-ounce can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained ( I skipped the beans, I wanted to add chick peas but didn't have them in my pantry)

2 3/4 - 3 cups vegetable broth

2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (I didn't have zucchini so I added green beans instead, about 1 1/2 - 2 cups of cut pieces)

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed and cut into quarters

Put the quinoa into a large bowl. Cover with water and stir well to wash the grain. Pour off the water and then repeat the washing process. You may also put the quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly.

Sauté onion and garlic in a deep non-stick skillet with a little water until soft. (I use my inconveniently-named "chicken fryer" for this.) Add the quinoa and saffron and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes. Add paprika, cumin, cayenne, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and 2 3/4 cups vegetable broth (because I used green beans I added them in this step). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low, and cook covered for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, check to see if more broth is needed. If it looks dry, add the remaining vegetable broth. Place the zucchini on top of the quinoa and re-cover. Cook for about 5 more minutes, until quinoa is done. Remove the cover, stir in the peas ( I added my frozen peas to the step where the green beans were added), and cook uncovered until peas are warm and all liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Arrange the artichoke hearts on the top and serve. Add salt at the table, if necessary.

Makes about 6 servings.

Per serving: 288 Calories (kcal); 3 g Total Fat; (9% calories from fat); 13 g Protein; 55 g Carbohydrate; 0 mg Cholesterol; 307 mg Sodium; 10 g Fiber

Enjoy!

Pattern Review Burda WOF 5-2004 # 104A

I find it wonderful that I can go to a Burda pattern magazine from 5 years ago and find a very current style top (at least I think so). Because it is so old I could not find the line drawing of it on their site so below is my poor picture.



I traced and modified this pattern, maybe not five years ago, but still a few years ago. I remember that the fabric I had intended for this top, similar to the one shown on the magazine came up short (on yardage) and so it has lingered in my working patterns box.

The berry rayon knit I ended up using I bought at Joann's; I couldn't believe they had rayon knits, so I also bought a tan color that is now waiting to be sewn. I really like the way the top turned out. The twist was not hard to figure out following Burda's instructions. I sewed the opening below the knot higher by about an inch and a half (it was really low!). The twist when the top is not on looks like it will be fussy to keep straight, but once you have it on you arrange it to your liking and it will stay that way (this top has very little ease and it fits nice and snug around the chest area). I really like the raglan sleeves in this design and this type of sleeve has shown up a lot in the latest issues of Burda.