Friday, December 23, 2011

Eggless Nog

This recipe is easy, eggless, creamy,  and coconutty.  What's not to love?!


14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
14-ounce can coconut cream
2 ounces rum

Cook ingredients in a saucepan until heated through.  Serve in glasses with grated nutmeg and cinnamon.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Dartless Skirt


Vogue 9012
 
Pattern Description:  Skirt , A-line or slightly flared, above mid-knee or lower calf with waistband and side zipper. 

Pattern Sizing:  6-16.  I made size 6. 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  I didn't refer to them, as it's a basic skirt, with one pattern piece for the front and the same pattern piece for the back. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like that the skirt has no darts in the front or back.  It looks like a bias skirt but is actually cut on the straight grain.  The waist fullness is eased into the waistband.  

Fabric Used:  Vera Wang lambswool flannel in fuchsia, lined with Vera Wang emerald silk satin.  This is the matching skirt to my chiffon collar jacket.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I shortened it by about 6 inches.  I actually  used the waistband pattern from an older Threads pattern, Simplicity 4368. 

The waistband is much narrower and has ⅜” seam allowances which are left untrimmed to serve as a stabilizer.  I just love not having to trim seam allowances and not having to cut and apply interfacing.


Would you sew it again?  Yes.  Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, although it is out of print. 

Conclusion:  This is a unique pattern that is super simple to sew.

Friday, December 9, 2011

High Tea at Amelia's


My friend Cori is dealing with breast cancer, chemo, and radiation, among other hardships.  I wanted to do something nice for her and it just so happens that a new shop has opened up nearby, called Amelia's Tea and Bakery.  The place is amazing, with green walls (my favorite color) and filled with eclectic tea sets collected from garage sales.  It was like eye candy for my soul.

High tea consisted of six courses of dainty edibles served with rose hip tea. 

Oatmeal mini muffins with honey butter


Fresh fruit with yogurt dip
Assorted cheeses and crackers

Cucumber, pimiento, tuna salad, and chicken salad sandwiches

Frozen fruit salad
Assorted cookies
We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of cozy ambiance, good food, and great friends.