Bunny time

The bunny background --

It is a pattern from SOS Designs, circa 1981. If you couldn't tell it was 1981 by the date, you could from the materials list -- cotton polyester velour and qiana! SOS Designs had a lot of cute patterns in the early 80's. (While I doubt they are still in business under this name, their address was Box 14462, Columbus, OH 43214.) I believe one of the Big 4 pattern companies bought them out (Butterick? Simplicity?); I remember seeing their patterns in the craft section a few years later. The pattern was so cute because it included outfits -- overalls, pinafore, vest with collar (!), a dress, and a long eyelet dress. Such detail and using knit fabric for the body and ears was very forgiving and easy to sew. I made a bunch of them to give away and fortunately kept one. The carrot was my idea wrapping a fabric scrap with orange embroidery thread and the leaves a green embroidery thread tassel. The patterns still pop up occasionally at garage sales, thrift stores and eBay.

Frohe Ostern from Burda

I'm hoping I just said Happy Easter in German. The Burda Special Easter issue (from 1991) is entirely in German, including the instructions. There is a photo of a yummy looking cake and it says, "Frohe Ostern"...

These bunnies are from a table runner project in the issue. I zig-zagged appliqued around the edges using metallic thread, which tangled and broke about every inch along the way. I also used Viking's quilting stitch F2 1/4" around the bunnies in pink. Target had a special assortment of spring-colored frames for $5; the 5"x 7" was perfect. Of course I did the bunnies first then bought the frames. Whew, they fit!

Welcome, Spring!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Firm, "Radioactive" 2:49

Easter Treats from Target Dollar Spot

Each little basket holds either a Sweet Tart and Nerds filled egg, also only $1 at the Dollar Spot. They fit perfectly!

Sorry, Sandra - I tried

To add all three of your newest Sandra Betzina Vogue Today's Fit patterns to my collection during last week's $3.99 sale at Jo-Ann's. But I had my daughter with me and she said, "No!", (to the jacket 1036) and "NO!" (to the blouse 1033). I was only able to get the 1034 jeans by telling her it was featured in the current issue of Threads. She did a bait and switch and found these Burdas for me. ("Burda looks good on us!") So instead of spending $11.66; I spent $30.63. I probably got a better deal style-wise, she does have a good eye for fashion and keeping me from going frumpy. (Though I may sneak back at the next sale and get the others. I'm sure Sandra's blouse version in her cool fabrics look so much better than the pattern photo. And by the time I start/finish the jacket, it will be way too hot here to wear, but for next fall...?) I did read in her Spring/Summer 2008 pattern forecast she'll have more new patterns in April.

Burda 8360 See, cute and even a little like Laura Bennett's QVC blouse. Even has back shoulder and elbow darts (?!)

Burda 7781 The shorter sleeved version first go-round, then maybe the longer sleeved.

Burda 7795 Cute and cool looking

Burda 7965 Looks like a skirt. Definitely not the 70's culottes.

Burda 7966 Longer and capri versions for yoga, hanging around. Because they are Burda, you know they will fit better and look good!

Everyday Food #50 - Fast Chicken Fajitas (sorta)

Inspired is the best word, Fast Chicken Fajitas from page 20 of the March 2008 Everyday Food issue #50. I had a package of Costco's boneless chicken breasts, but I also had Penzeys Fajita Seasoning in the pantry. It seemed easier to me to just sprinkle the fajita seasoning on the chicken and broil away. As I read the recipe again, apparently I even skipped the step of rubbing oil into the chicken first. No harm done. In the meantime I stir-fried the peppers and onions in the skillet, and added the broiled chicken towards the very end for seasoning and flavoring.

We all gave it an A, for a quick and easy lunch/dinner --without having to buy the preseasoned/precooked chicken fajitas in the $$ package. As L said, "no funny, chewy pieces!" It was all tender, all good, and fast to the table.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Elton John, "The Bitch is Back" 3:43
Greatest Hits 1970-2002, Disc 1

Burda 7876 Young Fashion Teen View B - Vest

Hot off the needle!

What a surprise this pattern was -- the details, the fit, the style.

When L selected View B, from the front photo we thought it was just a couple of pieces and bought some skull print fabric (?!) to use for the project. I quickly learned I would be decapitating already decapitated skulls even further and decided to go with a solid instead. Found in my stash was a black snakeskin embossed print from the Wally-World $1 table, back in the day when they still would get treasure pieces thrown down amongst the dreck. It leant itself perfectly to the seaming and pieces. The 5/8" fleur de lis buttons are JHB #1364; the purple buttons rescued from an old jacket, bringing in the purple lining. The pattern calls for 1 1/2" wide elastic to gather the back of the straps. You can find and buy it off the roll at Jo-Ann's...since you just need 8"; save a little money!

Not only is the corset vest lined, it is also interfaced. I used HTC's Form Flex 100% cotton fusible woven. It added just enough weight and body, and the woven aspect kept it from creasing over the curving.

While the pattern is rated "Easy," there are a lot of steps involved - lining, interfacing, topstitching - and the written directions are good, but do not have a drawing of the back strap/back button attachment. Also it is easy to get confused when sewing the seams, as the shaping fools your eye into which way is up or down. I did a little thread basting along the top to help keep me from becoming confused...especially if you walk away from the sewing room and then return later.

The finished length is 7 1/2" and unless you are very shortwaisted, it will flatter most. Next time I will make the straps about 1" longer. My daughter is over 6 feet tall and I was able to "fudge" the front strap buttons with only 1 button instead of 2 sewn on the actual vest. I would still like to make it again in another fabric - perhaps denim and pipe the seams. I'll need to be careful in the color selections so it doesn't look too country bumpkin-ish or ready to rodeo!

Burda 7876 is a good mileage, stylish pattern to keep on hand with lots of options appealing to teens. She's already mentioned she would also like to have the View A vest--maybe with that skull fabric!

(Yes, those are the Burda 7991 pants!)

Netflix Stars: The Darjeeling Limited

ZERO, nada, zip!

All three of us didn't like it. We tried to watch the prequel movie first...Hit the Menu button after about 8 minutes. Then the movie...Gave that about 10 minutes. Asked ourselves, why are we watching this?! And tossed it back into the mailbox.

Real Housewives of New York City

I LOVE this show! I never really got into the Orange County version. This one I can watch the repeats over and over...not glued to the tv but in the background. LuAnn (center) is my favorite, followed closely by Jill (second from the left). The storylines are as good as any soap opera, if not better!

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

March 20-22 $1.99 Butterick
March 27-29 99 cents Simplicity

Happy St. Pat's Day!

Last year's Oxalis came back!

Yes, I'm still here -- I've been in the sewing room finishing Burda 7876. It turned out sooooo cute! And the fit, wow! I'll post the photos soonest. L is very impressed and can't wait to wear it for an upcoming "dress down day" Seriously people, if you have a teenager or a teenager's body (sigh), grab this pattern.

Mood Sling

Thanks to Blogging Project Runway, I found and ordered the Mood canvas bag I saw Jillian using on Project Runway! It was $7; plus $7.99 UPS shipping. So cool - the logo print on both sides is in a copper metallic, really stands out and looks sharp! 20" across, 13" tall, 6" bottom width. The black canvas is coated on inside for durability. Black corded 27" double handles let you sling it over your shoulder comfortably.

Bake Sale! Cocoa M&M Cookies

I think the flowers help hide the fact we snuck some out and ate them ourselves, don't you?

This is from McCalls magazine, circa March 1995 when M&M's came in 1 pound bags...now they are 14 1/2 ounces. I always thought the contrast between the chocolate brown and the Easter pastel colored M&M's looked so pretty and spring-like! Because I was pressed for time this go-round, I did not roll them in powdered sugar before baking, but instead sprinkled a little on top after they came out of the oven. I think I like this better, and less messy. I also learned I could just drop them by teaspoonfuls on the sheet from the mixer instead of chilling first-more time saved.

COCOA M&M COOKIES

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (you can easily lop off 1 1/2 tablespoons without being missed)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup M&Ms plain chocolate candy, any kind

confectioner's sugar

Grease 3 large baking sheets. Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In large (coverable if you do this *) bowl, combine sugar and butter. At high speed beat 2 minutes or until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla; beat 2 minutes. Beat in flour mixture. Stir in candies. (*chill 10 minutes or until dough is firm. Roll dough into 1" balls then roll in confectioner's sugar). Place 2" apart on prepared sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Gwen Stefani, "What You Waiting For" 3:37

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated" 2:29

Black (Cherry) Eye

Da-yam! Ulta Black Cherry Shower Gel in your eye is painful! I flipped the lid up and a drop flew into my eye. Three hours later it still burns. At least my eye isn't cherry red anymore. Small consolation it was "not tested on animals." Humans, yes - ow! But if you keep it out of your eyes, it is a nice body wash and Ulta usually has specials for it at any given time.

Sign (up) here

Here's the application to be on Project Runway 5. Interesting to read at the very least...especially towards the end of the form (medical and mental examinations if needed?!)

Ultimate Blog Party!

Welcome ya'll to my blog! It's a little bit of everything from day-to-day life in Texas. Click around and enjoy!

-----------
Thank you to Notes from the Cookie Jar for the heads' up about the party! Click on the sidebar to get to the 5 Minutes for Mom party site.

Netlfix Stars - Becoming Jane

We'd give it 3.75/5 stars. It started out well and then towards the end sort of lost its way a little bit. A good insight into society's expectation and treatment of women in that era. Definitely a chick flick. Definitely chemistry between Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy - hoo! I found a blog devoted to this movie that's fun to read, http://becomingjane.blogspot.com/

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Shooter Jennings, "Walk of Life" 3:57
The Wolf

Fudgy Buttermilk Brownies

Fudgy Buttermilk Brownies from The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 7th edition. This recipe was on a bookmark. So many other "light" brownie recipes I've tried were cakey instead of fudgy. I was hoping with fudgy in the title they would be a little more dense. They were, but still not chewy-gooey. The frosting helped make it taste richer and I tossed in a handful of walnuts. This is probably the closest to a mix than all the others I've tried. L didn't really like them, I thought they were OK. Think I'll stick with the Ghiradelli mix from Costco and just enjoy a small piece instead. A little bit of something good tastes better than a lot of not.

March of the tools

Hey, you know me -- I'm all about the buttons and links. This is Heather Bailey's (Hello, I'm Heather) and she's compiling a bunch of cool tools. As soon as I get home, I'll post my favorites.

175!

175 cookie recipes in the soon-to-be-published, Martha Stewart's Cookies cookbook. Per the Costco Connection magazine, they will have it mid-March (and Everyday Food again). Amazon says you can pre-order for March 11.

Update 3-11-08 -- I picked up my copy at Costco today! $13.59 (publish price is $24.95). The recipes are divied up into -- light and delicate...chunky and nutty...crisp and crunchy...soft and chewy...cakey and tender...rich and dense...crumbly and sandy. . .yum! The books are going fast, there were only 6 copies left on the table.

Burda, Burda

After clothes shopping in frustration with L this morning, we headed over to Jo-Ann's for successful pattern and fabric shopping instead. With 14 yards of all on sale fabric we are sewing 2 pair cropped pants, 2 skirts, 2 tank tops and 1 hooded jacket (we are lining the hood in a contrast metallic shiny fabric a la Chris March in the Project Runway Diva challenge!):

Burda 8316 View B cropped pants You can see the cool side seam pleat detail in the technical drawing

Burda 7789 View D skirt, View A jacket, View C tank top

(Red/white stripe fabric - tank top, orange fabric with stars - hopefully wearable muslin for pants and skirt, gray stripe seersucker - pants, red/blue strip - skirt, pebble fabric with black metallic dot/stripe - jacket)

Smiling Happy People

What a pretty smile! Why doesn't she smile more?

A well deserved win for Christian, though I thought Rami's and Jillian's were also good. Jillian really does jackets well. Rami's gowns looked ready for the red carpet.

Do check out Christian's sister Shannon's blog - Little Bubbles It was fun to read about the Runway Finale party she hosted, complete with a "tent." Creativity runs in their family.

I hope Project Runway Season 5 casts more just-starting-out designers like Christian, and not the already-established ones like Rami. A mix is fine, just not skewed too heavily towards the experienced. If you already have your own store, step aside and give someone else their chance.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Depeche Mode, "Just Can't Get Enough" 3:44

Sew Subversive/Sew Strange

Saying out loud after flipping all the way through and looking at the back cover -- this is from Taunton?! (The Threads people) Not as much about sewing-sewing as refashioning what's in your closet or at Goodwill. Appealing maybe to the 19-20 year olds. L would not have anything to do with the "fashions" and if you are older or younger and not living in a "cool" city like San Francisco (which is where these people are from), you'll look like an idiot. Such promise. They tried. AlterNation is better. Save $14.95 or wait for Half-Price Books, or look for it at the library - 646.404 Stitch Lounge Presents Sew Subversive Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista by Melissa Rannels, Melissa Alvardo, Hope Meng 2006 ISBN 978-1-56158-809-1

What the H...?!

All this and a bag of chips

From Whole Foods Market - Frontera Chipolte Roasted Tomatillo Garlic HOT Salsa. 16 ounces, $3.99; goes on sale for 2/$6.00. Guaranteed to clear your sinuses! www.fronterafoods.com

She shoots, she scores!

Crockpot Challenge: Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

This turned out great! And worth an extra 15 minutes on the treadmill tomorrow (and the day after, and the day after...!) The peanut butter part was kind of cake-y/sponge-y and the chocolate turned into a fudge-y sauce - I didn't expect that! I also thought 4 servings were very generous - to avoid potential tummy-ache, think 6 servings. It cooked very quickly, a little less than 1 1/2 hours on high. So if you are looking to make a fast dessert in the afternoon for dinner, this will work for you. I also didn't have any problem with the larger 2 1/2 quart size. In fact, I think it helped it turn out prettier and easier to serve - and allowed more real estate access to the chocolate fudge on the bottom.

Our ratings: B+/it goes into the recipe notebook

Life is Fast. Cook Slow. *

Today's Costco run included the rotisserie chicken and spinach salad for dinner tonight. Even with the La Brea demi baguettes for T, I needed a bribe for the tribe. I saw the new Taste of Home Slow Cooker book ($12.99), flipped through for inspiration and found a recipe for Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake. Looked pretty good and I still had some leftover Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Light Ice Cream in the freezer to go with. This could be a good finish to dinner. It calls for a 1 1/2 quart crockpot...I have a 5 and a 4. And also the new Beth Hensperger Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recies for Two - For your Small Slow Cooker (1-1/2 to 3 quart). There's lots of good recipes for the 1-1/2'er to justify adding a new crockpot to the family (now one for each of us!). Will report results and rating later tonight.

----------- Update #1

Finding a Rival brand 1-1/2 quart crockpot is hard - Kroger had a 2 1/2 quart and the 16 ounce Little Dipper. The smallest at Bed Bath and Beyond was 4 quart and the Little Dipper. I can see why BBB has those ubiquitous 20% off coupons, their prices are higher-beware! Target had the Chef Mate 1-1/2 quart for $8.99. Sold! Albeit a little cheap looking...and the three boxes on the shelves looked pretty beat up - one was missing the lid, another the directions, the other looked like it fell off the truck.

----------- Update #2

Evidently they all fell off the truck. When I got home, there was a crack in the liner. I was too distracted making sure I had a lid, directions, a heating unit...and didn't check the insert. You definitely get what you pay for with this brand, I can't believe Target sells it. While I thought it seemed cheap at the store, I bought it anyways because Target had it. But on the other positive, can't remember side of the brain - I did buy the Rival 2 1/2 crock pot from Kroger earlier this afternoon, before I had gone to Target and after I had the chance to check the recipe to discover it called for the smaller size. It seems to fit nicely and it's crocking away right now -- smells wonderful!

------------

(*From the Rival Crockpot box)

Got Milk?

Get Girl Scout cookies! Here's an easy cookie booth locator for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. I'm sure your local Girl Scout Council webpage will have a similar link, too.

(Thin Mints - eat directly from the freezer - Cool!)

(Samoas - aka "crownbusters")

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Fergie, "Here I Come" 3:21
The Dutchess
(good for a high incline)

Project Runway recapper

Opalescent definitely has one of the most entertaining series of Project Runway recaps, complete with hysterical photoshopped photos! This is the one who did the Project Runway "Class of Season 4 'Yearbook'" picture.

Jo-Ann's Upcoming Pattern Sales

$1.99 Simplicity - March 2-8
$1.99 McCalls - March 13-15
$3.99 Vogue - March 13-15

Hair Apparent

Sadly not! I thought Chris' clothing was a little ookie. I'm with Tim on this one. While I wasn't overly impressed with Rami's collection, if Chris hadn't used the hair (or told us) he would have easily won that round. But if I didn't know it was human hair and instead it was perhaps just a poly fur trim or even fake wig hair, I would have really liked these designs. You can't deny he definitely has talent and vision.

Update on Burda 7876

Cute, cute, cute, cute, cute! The fit, the cut, everything on the trial run of Burda 7876 View B went together so well. I'm off to use some more stash fabric, lining and buttons with a green light ahead. I would even love to make it a second time with a lightweight denim and shove some piping in those seams - I think they are begging for it. And as I mentioned before, you could definitely use the seaming to replicate Laura Bennett's QVC corset jacket details.

Goody Good Housekeeping

Have I turned into my grandmother? My mother? Or maybe Good Housekeeping has turned into a more relevant and entertaining magazine for the younger half of the baby boomer generation? Let's hope for the latter, egads. Each section is prefaced by "Good" as in "Good (enough) Housekeeping, Good Health, Good Buzz, Good Looks, the Goods, Good Food, Good Reads" etc. Here's an example from the "Good House" section -- "Funny Bunny Folds"