Burda 7824 Young Fashion Teen Top - View B

This Burda 7824 top is just pretty! Pretty on the hanger, pretty to wear. The combination of styling, fabric (Jo-Ann's sheer ocean gray blue with "velvet" flocked circles and ovals -on the rounders near the store entrance and I believe still on sale 40% or 50% off- and the mother-of-pearl shell buttons made a perfect top for my Pisces girl!

However, it is short. If you are petite, this is good to go for you straight out of the envelope. Look at the model, even she is leaning to one side to make it appear longer. Same with View A. L's version is with 1-1/2" added, and the next go-round I'll add another 1-1/2 inches.

Another styling detail not obviously evident on the pattern envelope is the two-piece overlay over the front bottom. A nice surprise -- the technical drawing made us think it was another belly flasher.

Even with all the cool detailing, it went together easily in an afternoon. Surprisingly this fabric wasn't a *$%#@ to sew. It behaved nicely despite the sheerness. The only thing I didn't do was interface the front button placket. My intention was to just sew the buttons on; however, I had to sew a snap underneath the top button for ease of getting on and off. The other two buttons are sewn through.

We'll definitely make it again with the extra length, and perhaps even playing with different fabric combinations for the overlay. Another Burda winner!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

R.E.M. "Supernatural Superserious" 3:24
Accelerate
Did you see them perform this on The Colbert Report? And their interview with Stephen was hysterical!

Dianthus Gigantus - update! and again!

"Amazon Neon Duo" is already 18 inches tall and the flowers are beginning to open - a glowing neon ultra-violet purple! Beautiful!

<--This is a shot from this morning (left).

And Sunday afternoon (right) -->

Burda 7793 View B - Tank Top

All you have to do is blink and this tank top from Burda 7793 is done!

No facings or bias trim to fiddle with, you use Steam-A-Seam to fold, fuse and stitch the edges under.

Even though it called for 2-way stretch knit, I used some of the leftover blue rose knit fabric for a trial run, which seemed to work just fine. And we were happy once again at Burda's perfect fit and style combinations -- The side seams are shaped, the shoulder straps narrow at the top shoulder, the front has a nice scoop curve without overexposing or being dowdy, and the back is lower than the front-but still covering the bra strap. L really liked that! With the pattern's wide size range--so you know it's going to look good on just about everyone--I even traced off her size, reserving the larger size for me! I know this will become a great basic tank wardrobe addition.

The only changes made were in length -- I added 1 1/2" at the alteration line above the waist and 1 1/2 inches at the hem line. The pattern photo looked a little short and it probably would have hit about the same without the adjustments. She could always trim it if necessary later after wearing a few times or it may even self-adjust after washing and drying. Us tallies hate raising our arms and having the hem ride up to the armpit!

UnHappy Meal

Not all McDonald's have free wi-fi -- depending upon the generosity of the franchise owner. You log on and pay $2.95 for 2 hours at a pop with your credit card at their online connect site. In small print it says sometimes a promotional code may be available, but when asked, they didn't know anything. . .

Burda 8517 Young Fashion Teen View A - Top...in a knit!

L loved the purple cotton version of 8517 so much, I thought I would try it in a knit. This is a silky thin knit, much nicer in real life than it photographed. We decided to forgo the ruching option again. It hung from the shoulder gathering so nicely, it didn't need any pit stops along the way.

www.tankmiche.com/signs/

Slow Cooking Thursday & Crockpot Challenge - Crocked Chicken

My recipe is based upon the one by Cathy Thomas in the Houston Chronicle on May 19, 1999. "The easiest way to cook the humble bird to use in anything that calls for cooked chicken." What is different from other recipes is that you do not add any liquid. Just plop the bird in there, breast side up.

Her recipe called for a 2.5 to 3.5 pound chicken, a wedge of 1/4 medium lemon, bay leaf, salt and pepper, 2-4 sprigs of fresh thyme. Remove giblets from interior of chicken and fat pads on either side of interior opening. Wash chicken in cold water, shake off excess. Place lemon wedge and bay leaf inside cavity. Place chicken in a 3 1/2 to 4 quart crockpot, breast side up. Season with salt and pepper, add thyme. Cook on Low 7-8 1/2 hours.

---

Through the years, I have modified it. I place halved onions on the bottom and then put the chicken on top, season it with poultry seasoning or my new favorite - Penzeys Ozark Style Seasoning. I also like to use Penzeys Old World Seasoning - the wonderful smell has you practically clawing the crockpot. This is one of the few times I leave the skin on chicken as it cooks. It transports the flavor to the chicken and helps keep it from drying out. I also hurry it along by cooking it on High for 1-2 hours and then Low for 2 hours or until the thermometer reads 180. It fits perfectly in my 4 quart crockpot.

(Finally I crocked on a Thursday so I could participate in Slow Cooking Thursday!)

One of my favorite bread machine recipes

This is my go-to recipe when I need a regular, no-fuss loaf of bread. It is sized for a 1 pound machine. Put in the order your bread machine prefers.

1 cup water

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/4 cup bread flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon dry milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon yeast

Netflix Stars - Keeping Mum

3/5...only because of Hometown Hunk Patrick Swayze. A nice surprise to find him in this movie, and his role is hysterical!

Today's Costco Find

But on the other hand, we did find this rose - "Pink Knockout" - for $11.59. They also had "Rainbow Knockout" with yellow and apricot pink colors. For $5 more I get flowers instead of a cooked chicken. Sounds like a deal to me!

Et tu Costco?

Even Costco isn't immune from higher prices -- the rotissierie chicken, which used to be $4.99; then $5.99 is now $6.59! T balked at that price and instead we bought a two-pack of whole chickens for the same price to crock at home.

Burda 8134 View B - Tank Top - & Update

Update 4-10-08 -- Here's the pink version I made this morning, posted not for the applause, but to show the Burda details...how the front is narrower than the back. And to make your eyes buggy with the bias on bias action!

Make it today, wear it tonight!

We take a slight detour from sewing for L for something for me! I got these cute Nick and Nora PJ bottoms from Target as a gift, but unlike their other PJ's, they didn't have matching tops. Somehow a USMC t-shirt did not go with them. I was going to drag out Kwik Sew 2811, but didn't want to spend that much time, fabric and money, so I looked at the Burdas and found a tank top for woven fabric in Burda 8134 and "Tonal Stripe" 100% cotton seersucker in Crocus and Hyacinth on sale 40% off ($4.19/yard before the ASG discount) at Jo-Ann's. Be forewarned, it's a shrinker. I lost almost 4" in a 2 yard cut.

The envelope drawing looked like one was made on the bias and the other on the straight grain. Perhaps that plaid fabric was on the bias and putting it on the bias made it look straight grain? Then the matching pants wouldn't make sense. Confusing. Note and move on. I didn't see any yardage specifics for the View B, so figured bias/straight grain was an either/or option. Turns out not! The yardage amount is for the bias. Good thing I pinned the front and back before cutting and seeing that I would not have enough fabric for the bias armhole and neckline pieces if I laid out on grain. Whew! Usually I just pin and cut when fabric is hanging off the table. Also, be sure you follow the layout instructions - there is just enough room to get all the pieces on. The pieces are that close to each other. Unless you are a pattern layout genius (and Burda is tough to beat), don't lose this tissue bit...I'm glad a took a photo!

I'm pleased how this turned out and will make it again - in Crocus or Hyacinth, whichever the pink one is...probably Hyacinth. I liked the bust darts, which are not shown on the drawings. And they are appropriately placed, given this is lingerie. The bias is fun, especially the hem finish. It's the perfect length and style to go with the Nick and Nora capris. I would note that you may want to get a little extra - 1/8 to 1/4 yard in case of shrinkage. The pattern layout uses every last bit of fabric. Also it runs a little big. I don't know if that is because of the bias or my bias in making my old size. If you are in between sizes, go down and just baste the side seams if you are unsure. The side seams are 5/8" so all would not be lost if you needed to adjust the other way. Now back to sewing for L before this manic sewing phase ends!

Project Golden Runway

Click here for potential changes to Project Runway when it moves from Bravo to Lifetime!

On the positive side, we will get a summer series run beginning in July - Bravo!

Burda 8517 Young Fashion Teen View A - Top

We are on a Burda roll! This is Burda 8517 View A without the empire gathering trimming. The hem is unfinished in this first try-on photo, she wants 4 1/2" side seam slits for a little extra ease through the hips so she can have the option of wearing loose or belted. We saw a similar styled top at Urban Outfitters for $42!
The orchid star print fabric is from the Red Tag markdown section of Jo-Ann's. I think it was $2/yd. The elastic in the casing is not pulled tightly. Just enough to give a hint of a gather-pucker shaping. I think that keeps it more trendy and less like a preschooler's puffy-sleeved top. You can see the model's sleeves are not tight to the arms either. Unlike a Big 4 pattern, there is a distinct difference between the front and back body and sleeve pieces - you can even tell on the hanger. Details like this definitely make a big difference in the fit and styling. We'll be making this again, you can see a snip of the fabric for the dress version taped to the pattern envelope.

Crockpot Challenge - Brownie Cake Squares

These are great!! Rich and chewy, just like a brownie...cake!

If you are serving it later, it tastes best warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds. There was a little difficulty getting it out of the crockpot, despite coating first with non-stick spray. I think next time I'll try a piece of parchment paper for the bottom. This recipe is from the new $4.99 Prevention Guide Slow Cooker Recipe Book (page 49) currently on the newsstands. I found it at Barnes and Noble over the weekend.

BROWNIE CAKE SQUARES

2/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk

1/3 cup trans-fat free margarine*

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (or regular)

Coat 4-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine milk, margarine, egg and vanilla in another bowl. Mix in flour mixture until smooth, then stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in bottom of slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low 2-3 (2 1/2 in my 4 quart size) hours or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool, uncovered, 15 minutes. Remove insert from cooker and invert contents over rack (plate). Cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.

*The recipe did not specify softened or melted. I actually used softened unsalted butter and was able to mix it in without any problem. I also think a handful of walnuts would make it taste good, too. L thought it was missing something - probably that.

Hershey's Almond Chocolate Chip Shortbread

From my Hershey's Homemade Cookbook but also online - click here for the recipe.

I cut the ingredients in half and baked in an 8" x 8" pan. I didn't want a lifetime commitment nor the temptation of the 13" x 9" pan! I was also able to lop off almost 2 tablespoons of butter without any difference. I also used regular sized chips and lined the bottom of the baking dish a la Martha for easier removal.

Grade: A! They are rich enough you really can't overeat. One'll do ya!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Madonna, "4 Minutes", 4:04
with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

Netflix Stars - Atonement

3.5/5 stars. The beginning is a little hard to get into and if you realize from the start it will jump around a lot, you'll be less inclined to ditch. And besides, James McAvoy is in it! It's a movie that will have you thinking about it later, and not having read the book, it's also a movie you can't guess the ending. Well done!

Tah-Dah! Burda 8316 Young Fashion Teen View B - Pants

Perfect fit! Aren't these cute-cute-cute!? I love the side seam pleats. Here's the earlier post of the work in progress.

I am a bit concerned that Burda 8316 is designated a "Start 3" pattern. While they print the pattern layout on the directions sheet and the pattern tissue (usually they are just on the tissue), I think for beginners, the directions are a little vague and all over the place. For instance, the leg elastic. I went through the pattern instructions several times and checked the tissue for a measuring/cutting guideline. Wait, back up - the pattern called for 5/8" elastic - a little hard to find, so I used 1/2". OK. No where did it say how long to cut the pieces?! I looked at the back of the envelope and it indicated you needed a 42" piece of 5/8" elastic. So I think, 2 legs, divide by 2 = 21" per leg. That's why the elastic is still pinned and not sewn until L tries them on. Still - one measurement of elastic for sizes 6-18?!

Instead of using eyelets, I made buttonholes for the tie, which appears to be mostly decorative. I'll see how much it pulls in the waist and may just make a mock non-functioning tie the next pair. I can just see that narrow (3/8") tie misbehaving up and down around inside the facing. See the tiny red heart button? You can, right above the bow knot. It's sewn over a snap, and I put a second snap on the underflap next to it. I deviated from the pattern instructions again for that one, too. There was supposed to be a real button closure but since I used the Sandra Betzina fly front, I forgot to set it a little lower to accommodate the button/button hole. And this is other reminder if you use SB's method, don't attach the contour facing first. Then you'll have room to do what you are supposed to do. But, no harm, no foul. The only thing L cares about is them staying up... and shut.

Other than sort of following your own way of pants construction, this is another winning, teen-approved Burda pattern. L mentioned she'd also like a pair of the View A pants, too, probably without the side D rings.

Bad bees, bad bees...

...whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they buzz by you?! (with apologies to Inner Circle's Cops TV theme song)

It seems to be bee season around here, even making local news. So imagine my shock (and relief) when the "Gotcha!" truck was on my street mid afternoon yesterday. We had seen bees buzzing around the house across the street, but had no idea there were at least 250,000 of them between the walls, and some Africanized - per the Gotcha Guy. "Go see a movie or stay away for a few hours, it'll be crazy here for awhile" No kidding -- If you look at some of their Gallery photos (including the "Texas Icicles"), you see why I made beeline outta there - to pick up L from school and make a detour at the library for homework time. Almost four hours later, we carefully drove up the street and all was fine. Whew. Last year, Gotcha was designated one of Channel 13's "Marvin's Angels". (Click here for story) Hopefully you won't bee needing any help, but if you would like to help them help others, keep them in mind when you are looking to donate to a do-good company.

The Complete Book of Retro Crafts

The Complete Book of Retro Crafts - Collecting, Displaying & Making Crafts of the Past by Suzie Millions. Library Call No. 745.5, ISBN: 978-1-57990-869-0 Lark Books, 2008 What a wonderful and fun read! First, it's from Lark Books so I knew it already had potential before I even opened it. But you will also love flipping through the pages, looking at her amazing collection of craft kitsch, along with projects you can create. I bet you'll want to make the Bread Wrapper Apron (page 166), too. Remember those "Saucy Tea Cup Cuties"? She includes a brushstroke chart to help the drawing-impaired like me get the faces down right. Lots of hints, ideas and even a gift-giving chart matching appropriate projects for appropriate occasions. You'll be glad you added this book to your reserve and/or to buy lists.

Houston, we have a new outlet center!

Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, near Fairfield (which we used to nickname "Far-field" back when there was hardly anything out there and we were on our way to the Hempstead HealthTex/VF outlet store when L was little). They are part of the Chelsea Premium Outlets. The other closest one is in Round Rock north of Austin.

And if you join the VIP Club online, in addition to special deals at the stores, you can get access to special deals around your selected outlet's area attractions. In particular, for the Houston location right now, they have great discounts on admission to the Aerodrome Ice Skating AND the Houston Museum of Natural Science attractions - the Exhibit Hall, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham 3-D Imax, and the current Leonardo da Vinci, Lucy's Legacy, and CSI: The Experience special exhibits.

Target Dollar Spot Finds

Doesn't this key fob look Coach-y?

A basket to corral my current obsession of buying white serger thread when it's on sale. Why? For some reason everytime there is a thread sale at Jo-Ann's or Hancock's I think, "I need white thread!" Obviously, I don't! Hopefully seeing a basket full of cones will help remind me to buy black instead! Which by the way, this cute basket also comes in black and red. It's in their black/white/red section of the Dollar Spot.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Kills, "Cheap and Cheerful" 2:26
Midnight Boom
(This was one of the free songs on iTunes a couple weeks ago.)

Burda 8316 Young Fashion Teen View B - Pants

Yet another winner! Still in the finishing stages (hem, eyelets, tie) and will leave it be until tomorrow -- worn out from all the cardio today wearing my new Mio Pink watch -- but the first try-on last night was perfect. Though if you use Sandra Betzina's method for fly-front zippers, don't attach the contour facing first. I think there is a reason why you shouldn't sew tired - this is one. Fortunately I was able to make it work and look the way it should with a little unpicking, iron stomping and hand stitching it together again.

Yesterday's Costco Find

Special Edition Mio Pink Classic - $29.99 (retails for $60!) It is the one on the far right. And 10% is donated to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

How fun was this to wear today? And an eye-opener reality check. It helped me push myself harder to get the heart rate up. Then for grins when I got home, I vacuumed like a madwoman wearing it and found I got my heart rate around the same count. (?!) Who knew vacuuming was cardio?

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Devo, "Peek-A-Boo!" 3:03

Everyday Food #44 - Coconut-Pecan Cereal Bars

Coconut-Pecan Cereal Bars (Minus the coconut) From the Everyday Food Issue #44, July/August 2007 - Page 170. Just like a Rice Krispy bar only with cornflakes. And pecans. And a handful of chocolate chips. These are really rich and gooey! No chance of overeating these. I think next time I'll either cut back the marshmallows or add more cornflakes and put them in a larger 9 x 12 pan. I don't think the missing coconut would have made any difference. Our rating: B-/Would make again with modifications or just stick with the classic Rice Krispy bars instead. Though the pecans and cornflakes were a nice change of pace and taste.

Upcoming Jo-Ann's Pattern Sales

April 4/6:
$1.99 McCall's
$3.99 Vogue

April 10/12:
2 for $3 Butterick

Today's Costco Find

Via Austin -- Two piece Swiss Army luggage set in PURPLE! (Not quite as bright violet as the flash distorted below) Priced at $89; I thought that was a good price - an even better one was a surprise additional markdown of $20 at the register! There was one left at the new South Austin store. I didn't know Swiss Army made luggage, too, but just like their knives, there's lots of cool compartments and features! It definitely pays to troll different Costcos in different cities. I didn't see this in Houston.

In other good news, Krispy Kreme donuts no longer have trans fat. The big sign outside a nice Krispy Kreme on Stassney Lane told me so. KK's are no longer in Houston, so it was a treat make a stop for a fix.

Texas College Tour Swag

The score so far --

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville): Rubber bracelet in orange, backpack, pens, luggage wrap, stickers

Texas State University (San Marcos): Pencil and really nice t-shirt

Texas Bluebonnet and Wildflower Update

Along I-10 West outside of Houston towards San Antonio, they are appearing in patches, though sparse. Best viewing is on Highway 71 between Columbus and Fayetteville/La Grange, especially on the Southbound side...and easier to pull over for the photo ops. The medians are absolutely gorgeous, but for eyes only or a very fast camera speed. I don't think they have peaked yet, so make plans this weekend or next and enjoy!

Burda 8516 Young Fashion Teen View B - Blouse

Burda 8516 - View B. The hidden treasure. I don't know why the website doesn't show this cute-r version instead of a belly button!

This is another Burda teen success story! I love just being able to cut and sew for L straight from the pattern, with the only adjustment in length (added 2" to front and back, left the sleeves alone). The fabric is from Jo-Ann's red tag mark down shelves - $2/yard cotton. Running a little on the narrow side, the 4" added for in length took away from what I needed for the neck edge bias strip. But I was able to find a coordinating stripe fabric from the stash and we actually like the contrast look better! The center front is also stitched 4" closed 1" above the waist, leaving the top and bottom open. It's hard to tell that from the photo and the drawing. (However, per Dad not Burda, she will wear a tank or pretty camisole underneath!) There are also two darts, not just the one shown in the sketch. She is still surprised at how clothes are really supposed to fit. Burda is going to spoil her. The underarm seams come up higher than what she's used to, eliminating all the bunching she gets in RTW. She loves the ties untied or loosely twisted once - they stay put with this slightly rough cotton print. The ties would also be pretty with bead accents both where they are attached and at the ends. Next time!

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Ace of Base, "The Sign" 3:08

Happy Easter

A cookie well hidden...

Updated: Times 68! (Ah, that's the trouble of something turning out cute..."Can you make some more?"! I was able to squeeze out 12 more with just 3" left over. Was that a lucky purchase yardage guess or what?) Girl Scout cookie goodie bags to give to presenters at an upcoming event. The ribbon is from Costco, the 50 yard, lifetime-sized roll...I still have almost half a roll left! Fortunately Jo-Ann's had their Symphony broadcloth on sale this week for $1.29/yard, cheaper and prettier than the originally-planned muslin. In case you want to cover your cookies, the dimensions are 10" x 29" with the fold at the bottom.