cardigan update

I need to update my cardigans. I'm a cardigan sort of gal, and I have about four of them that are in need of a little somethin'. I have three more that are good to go. Two more long ones that I also like to dress Fiona in from time to time. Oh and one cute cropped frilly cardigan. Like I said, I love the cardigans. I even used to have a cardigan that was made to look like a blazer so I could get away with it in business meetings.

But these old ones are... losing their mojo. I already put elbow patches on one. Last night I tackled another. I made these tiny covered buttons using some stash fabric (remind me to post about the kimono-style bathrobe that I made about 1.5 years ago and NEVER photographed despite the robe being the single most useful and used creation I've ever sewn) and sewed 'em on.

These ought to inject at least a few more months of life into 'er.

sweatpants, or are they pantaloons?

I had some bright blue fleece-y material laying around and a few episodes left on Season 1, Disc 1 of West Wing so this happened. I made sweatpants/golf knickers/pantaloons.

I used the "Pajamas for Everyone" pattern from Weekend Sewing, modifying the length and adding elastic at the bottom hems. I've been seeing this capri sort of style around recently and thought it was pretty cool, but now I'm not totally sure. I think I still like them. I definitely love the pattern I used, the fit is perfect and it was super super easy. The sort of sweatpants you can whip up before lunch.

Pattern review: Weekend Sewing is one of those books where all of the patterns are printed on just two sheets of paper, so you need a roll of tracing paper to copy the correct pattern and size. Just account for that time, because it can be kind of a bummer when you want to get started on a project right away but you need an extra 15 minutes or so to trace out the pattern pieces. Other than that, it was great. Clear directions, simple sewing, good fit. It called for a woven cotton, but I lived dangerously and used a thick knit. And even though I suck a little at knits, and I don't have a serger, it went totally fine as long as I used ballpoint needles and the awesome stretch stitch settings on my machine. Which are so sweet, I may have to dedicate a separate post to them.

bbq pulled pork for my valentine

I present to you a photo essay that is both graphic & heartwarming, disgusting & tantalizing, ridiculous yet poignant. It's the Power of Love, as demonstrated by the preparation of BBQ Pulled Pork. By a girl who hates, nay loathes, the handling of raw & intimidating cuts of meat.

This is the pork shoulder, bought at the farmer's market from a stand promising "all natural lean pork product" and under the recommendation of a very knowledgeable man who guaranteed that this particular pig was happy in its life, because ya know, it was allowed to do pig things and wasn't all cooped up and sickly. So that's a plus. Although I'm guessing the pig was less-than-thrilled when he donated his shoulder to my Valentine's Day dinner.

Meat. Can. Be. SO. Disgusting. SO DISGUSTING. I made myself a drink to help with this stage of preparation.

Our BBQ dry rub spices. Approx 1-2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp allspice, 2 tsp garlic, 1 tbsp coarse sea salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar.


And now it sits overnight in the fridge.


And then it sits ALL DAY LONG in the crockpot (with 1/4 cup water).


And then we eat it prematurely, thus explaining why it isn't really shredded here. But two hours later, it was perfect for some more nibbling. For those keeping count, it took 12-13 hours for this to actually become shreddable in the crockpot, not the 8 hours recommended by most recipes.

And that, plus a pint of Ben & Jerry's, was Valentine's Day!

i'm a sailor, i sail ahoy!

We have a winner! Thanks everyone, for chiming in and entering my Rockport Apron giveaway. This nautical little number now has a new home with the Lavender Dreamer!

(Post title inspired, of course, by the cinematic masterpiece, What About Bob?)

happy valentine's day

PS- Last appearance of the season at the Troy Farmers Market tomorrow. Perfect time for anyone looking for thoughtful & handmade v-day gifts. Or pick up a bottle of local wine and some fresh baked goods for dessert :) Sister & I will be relaxing at the table from 9-1!

for my own noggin'

This is NOT a shop update.

I finally made a hat for myself! I should say, I finally made like 7-8 hats for myself. I kept making this hat and rippin' it out, looking for the perfect amount of floppiness. Not beret-floppy or graduation hat floppy, but just a little slouch. By the time I finished this version, I was so tired of looking at that ball of yarn that I think I would have kept it even if it didn't have la perfect slouch.

But fortunately, it did.

Makeshifted the pattern, using a very excessive increase at the crown... to encourage slouch, you know. Then brought it back in to normal hat proportions and finished the brim with a subtle ribbing pattern. So subtle, apparently, that you can't see it in these photos at all.

what a (soup) crock

Sweet second-hand find by the boy awhile ago. We have since been really enjoying soup time.

bagel love

So it's not exactly a divine intervention but that, my friends, is a heart-shaped bagel. How fun & corny & Valentine's Day-appropriate. Will keep you posted if the Virgin Mary or Conan O'Brien appear on my english muffin.

dharma this, dharma that

A little late in the day, but just in case anyone else out there will be geeking out to the LOST premiere tonight & wants to go full-force dweeb on it...
Click on the image to download, print & party on the island. Dorkalicious.

on accepting the ascot

The other day I caught a reflection in the mirror though to myself, "Who is that handsome gent in the ascot?"

It was me.

That being said, and with our prior conversation about dickies & neckies in mind, I do believe I'm going to start wearing ascots

.(Update: I've been informed by Wikipedia that the fashionable accessory I am sporting along with the incomparable Billy Nighy is a "day cravat" version of the ascot. Not to be confused with the formal-wear version.)