Can you guess what we've been doing? It's involved the following:

mystery photo #1

- Kristen on 1.8.09 | 3 comments  
Labels: stupidly excited

That's right. That blog thing. Hmmm.

Things have been NUTS around here since Mia's Birthday, which I'll get to in another post. I do want to add a few more details from her party before I get swept away in chaos again. (Will blogger even permit me to post about something that happened more than two weeks ago? It may as well have happened two years ago!)

We had a birthday of Favorite Things. Nothing so classic as whiskers on kittens or cream colored ponies, but I tried to include some of a two-year-old's favorites in each element of our party:

• Sauce: Not a particular one, but sauce in general. . . Mia loves it, although she has yet to grasp the notion that sauces are a compliment to another food. Typically she dips something in sauce, sucks the sauce off, dips again, and repeats. So I made the sauciest main course I could think of: ribs. The American Idyll menu in the July Gourmet reminded me of home and included a ribs recipe, so I made several dishes from this. Beautiful food, but the only recipe I'll make (and have made) again was this one. Note that to date I have posted about peeps, chocolate ice cream, cracklings, ribs, and am about to post about peanut butter, but the preceding recipe is actually both delicious and very healthy.
• Peanut Butter: We had a small family party, so we took advantage of the opportunity to have peanut butter, because lord knows she won't be taking anything in this realm to school someday. I made the Cook's Illustrated Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Easy Peanut Butter Buttercream, and my heart is pounding at the memory of them. . . completely wonderful. CI recipes are usually subscriber only, but this one has been reprinted here.

  

• Ducks: Between the rubber duckies and the swarms of ducks on our bayou, Mia has loved them for a long time. I made her dress from some Lizzie House duck fabric I've been saving for a long time. I also thought I'd try a new pattern and, as is often the case, this was not a good time to try something new. I had heard it ran big, so I made something just larger than the 12 mos size, and it still seemed huge. If I do this again (use an untested pattern/size for an "occasion" dress), please scorn me publicly. I do think we'll have something darling that will fit on her third birthday, should she still be in to ducks.
  

Those were the big favorites for this past year. Of course, we also had favorites for decorations (lots and lots of balloons), favors (homemade suckers), and gifts (too many to mention), but I don't think these are particularly unique so I won't extend the verbosity. I will, however, add one more gratuitous cuteness photo:

- Kristen on 1.8.09 | 1 comments  
Labels: cooking, family, sewing

The number 2, that is. It was a big day in this household, and if I wasn't so exhausted from party prep I'd probably be well past sappy and into teary. Happy Birthday to my little girl. I love you more than you'll ever know.

(more party details to come, but sleep is going to win out over blogging. Fancy that.)

- Kristen on 14.7.09 | 1 comments  
Labels: family

That pretty much sums up how I feel when you email me with cute things you've made from one of my patterns! Erica was kind enough to send photos of her cutiepie Lauren modeling a 4T version of the Beach Party top. Her kid is so dang adorable you probably wouldn't even normally notice the top, but check it out! Yea!

I'm projectless this week at the beach, but another little dress is brewing in my mind. Something flouncy and flirty, I think :) Next week, perhaps.

- Kristen on 8.7.09 | 8 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting

Is how I feel this vacation week. I've crept out of bed and I am the only one awake to see this

and to work on this

before spending the rest of the day something like this:

Blessings to you all, too.

- Kristen on 8.7.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family

and some of this

and finally just some brute force "make them fit" work to get the Beach Party pattern graded. I could not for the life of me make it all work mathematically and it drove me bananas to the point of waking up at night. I take this as a good sign, that if these are the troubles waking me up, my life is pretty darn good. And in case it is not obvious, I am kind of a geeky math type person.

Anyway, the pattern is hosted here and in the DRAFT Patterns link to the right. I've made a few of the other sizes and the pattern hangs together, but until a bazillion of you have made them for your kiddos and tell me it's working well, I won't consider it final.

*Whew* cross that one off the pre-vacation list. Next up: mowing the lawn. In the heat. Pray for me.

- Kristen on 1.7.09 | 4 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting

What should you do? Go to a park and climb up and down stairs for 30 minutes, of course! At least, that's what my kid wanted to do. She chanted "BIG GURL SIDE! (slide) MIA, BIG GURL SIDE!" as we passed the park. How could I say no to that? The heat didn't seem to phase her in the least. Don't you wish you had the stamina of a toddler? Sometimes I wonder if it's not stamina so much as ignorance . . . they don't know it's hot hot. I, however, know I'm supposed to be suffering, therefore I do.



Can you imagine wearing a diaper while playing in 100 degree heat? Ugh. Those shorts (which are from the same pattern as the Girly Skort) have about a 1 inch inseam, but the crotch depth has to be pretty ridiculous to accomodate the Dora pullups. They're plenty full, though, and I put in "no-buttonhole" buttonhole elastic, so I'm hoping she can still wear them next year when we will be out of diapers.

When all that playing was through, I realized she finally knew something I've been working with her on for months. She knows she's supposed to say "cheese" for the camera. *Melt*.

- Kristen on 25.6.09 | 7 comments  
Labels: family, sewing

I need them, madly. I've been trying my hand at grading these patterns and the fact that I have super-beginner Photoshop skills is killing me. For all you gurus, a) I hate (read: am really envious of) you; and b) you would be roflol'ing all night to hear me. . . "Oh! I can put my layers in folders! Excellent!" "Oh, I can preview the curve before drawing it! Wow!"

That said, I'm finally at a pretty good place with the Gymboree-Style top. I've drafted sizes 12m - 6, and put them in a new section of the sidebar. I wanted "DRAFT" to actually be "DRAFT," but I couldn't figure out how to do that in the sidebar. (See paragraph above for the general state of my computer skills.)

Anway, enough caveating. I hope someone is brave enough to try and will please give me some feedback. I got a lovely photo via email last night of a beautiful Far Far Away version of the Beach Party top, and it made my night! What a brave soul to try this unheard-of lady's pattern on such pretty fabric, but it was darling (*whew*).

Happy Sewing!

- Kristen on 24.6.09 | 11 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

Just because she wants to be a little more practical for play?

I've been thinking about shorts and skirts and summer bottoms in general. It's so tempting to put her in skirts, because, well, little girls are so darling in them. But this is one busy girl, so shorts are way more fun. For some reason, though, I just don't really care for any of the shorts patterns in my stash. And bloomers? I loathe sewing bloomers. It takes me longer to sew bloomers than to sew whatever I'm covering them up with!

Enter, the girly skort:

I really think that if "skort" weren't such an ugly word, they'd be way more popular. And this one, if I can say so, is so much cuter than what you usually find in the store and in patterns. It's not a pair of boys' shorts with a little wrap skirt on top. It's fluttery and floaty and girly. Saying there's a twirl factor might be overstating things a bit, but there's definitely a swoosh factor.

We did a test run on the slide and it did its job perfectly. I'm dying to make another one - maybe a cotton/linen blend? Maybe a chambray? Hmmmm. Time for a trip to the store the closet, where I will pull something out of my stash.

A couple more gratuitous cuteness photos for you all. Happy Monday!

- Kristen on 22.6.09 | 8 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

A day late, but we ought to celebrate more than just one day, anyway! I went digging through my old photos for some of my Dad. Well, for one photo in particular, in which my sister and I are wearing my Dad's shoes, wishing with all our little girl might that we could be just like Daddy. I couldn't find it, but I did find this other photo with awesome footwear:

A collective "awww" is completely warranted, I think.

For my own little family, mr. fiddlehead received a surprise early present - a sprained ankle - on Saturday night, so things were a little low key. I did try to soothe things over with a favorite for brunch:

Our version of eggs benedict (with lots of cheese. anything for mr. f has lots of cheese), with a new recipe for the hollandaise. I was a little concerned about the lemon, but he actually a) noticed, and b) liked the brightness of it with the otherwise heavy breakfast. I think the next time I try it will be with asparagus, which should be wonderful.

And here's a shot from better, non-sprained days. She's crazy about her daddy, that's for sure. She'll be trying to wear his shoes in no time.

- Kristen on 22.6.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: cooking, family

I've called this pattern a draft because I like to print the whole thing out and sew it up once more before it's done done, and I haven't done that. But if you want to try making it I'd *love* any questions, feedback, etc! Happy Sewing :)

- Kristen on 18.6.09 | 29 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

Remember this, my first crack at copying those cute little Gymboree swing tops?

Well that bunched-up casing was just bugging the living daylights out of me every time I saw it. Wearable? Yes. Wearable without making mama crazy? Nope. Why can I not let things like this go? She's not even 2!

When I first set out to copy the Gymboree version I had been totally unsuccessful in finding delicate enough laces in the store. I found this beautiful ombre lace handerkerchief at an antique shop and I knew just what to do with it. Now I had the perfect reason to rip off and fix that casing while adding a cute little detail.

OK, now on to fix that second version, too. I give up. . . I'm anal about these things.

- Kristen on 17.6.09 | 6 comments  
Labels: sewing, thrifting

Two of them, to be exact. Meet ugly chairs numbers one and two. More specifically, meet ugly upholstery:

I found these chairs at a little country garage sale this weekend. Think of a gravel driveway and goats next door and you'll be in the right arena. The upholstery is in awful condition, but I loved that a chair with both an upholstered seat and back could look so modern and airy, and I'm always looking for things to balance all the heavy pieces we've inherited. I sat down and knew that with some new foam these chairs would also be really comfortable, so I asked the price and was told they were $3 for the pair. Wow.

I pulled them out of my car and noticed the label:

So of course I came in and googled and what do I see near the top of the results list?
". . . Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. . . ."
Huh.
No way.


Seriously?

Score! Now, one of mine is damaged, and I'd love to keep them (imagine a pretty, warm-colored bouclé with those legs), but man, I could use a few thousand extra shekels.

- Kristen on 14.6.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: thrifting

I must be excited for vacation, because when have I ever sewn anything this far in advance? We have so many July birthdays that the 4th becomes a huge party at the beach. I can't wait to see this dress all sandy, sea-salty, and rumpled on the floor after a day of playing.

- Kristen on 12.6.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: sewing

Don't you love it when you wait to use something you love, finally get around to it, and then it exceeds your expectations? That's how I feel about this fabric. I got it from Leslie's shop closing sale, and slowly, over the weeks, have grown more and more fond of it peeking out from my stacks of fabric.

I finally took the plunge and made another one of these tops. Hopefully I'll post a pattern soon because this one might be my favorite. This fabric sewed up beautifully, and I'm scratching my head to figure out what I can do with the last little smidgen. Maybe a pretty bow for her someday-maybe-hopefully-soon-long-enough-for-braids hair?

- Kristen on 10.6.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: sewing

- Kristen on 9.6.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family

To fit into this modish dress. I bought my first e-pattern off etsy and I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. The instructions were good, but the fit is way off. Mia is a tiny thing and somehow the chest on this dress is so snug that we nearly have to dislocate a shoulder to remove it. I'm still looking for the place where it indicated I needed to add seam allowances, but so far I'm not seeing it! Good thing I used a pillowcase and not a fabric I care about, although I did have the perfect button :(

- Kristen on 8.6.09 | 4 comments  
Labels: oops, sewing

Crawfish season is drawing to a close. 2 years ago I would not have been sad about this, but now I think I will miss the little buggers. I certainly will miss crawfish boils and the messy camaraderie that comes along with them. Tonight we tried to get Mia to partake since it will likely be her last shot until she finds herself back in Louisiana someday. I was hopeful she'd roll with it, because bugs and critters are probably the only area in which she is not a total girly girl, but they were too messy for her.









I'll also miss our favorite local crawfish place, which closes with the season, even though it sells all sorts of other Cajun deliciousness. I have to say my favorites are the cracklings. My arteries actually groan at the words, but they really are wonderful and there is absolutely no way to describe them that won't sound gross to the non-initiated. Here's what wikipedia says:

A cracklin is a fried piece of pork fat with a small amount of attached skin. Cracklins are generally considered to be part of Cajun cuisine, but can also be found in Soul food. Cracklins are not frequently served as part of a regular meal. . . . Rather, they are a snack item which would typically be served at times other than regular mealtimes, and are regarded as more of a delicacy or treat.

Cracklins are naturally very high in fat and cholesterol, which is to be expected considering what they are composed of and the fact that they are generally prepared by being deep- or skillet-fried in lard. Cracklins prepared by persons who conduct the home butchering of hogs, which is still occasionally conducted in the rural South although with decreasing frequency, have a decidedly different taste from those which are distributed nationally or internationally.

Pork fat deep fried in lard! Can you imagine?! Who comes up with these things? There were also some wonderfully descriptive comments about them being greasy and occasionally still having the hair attached, but I didn't really think they would help my pro-crackling cause. I went in search of photo evidence, and this came up:



Since the Internet is not backing me up, I guess you'll just have to take my word for it. All that said, I will still miss them. Maybe there's a new haunt we aren't aware of that will stay open past June.

- Kristen on 6.6.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: family, indulge me

would be the understatement of the year. We had a blast that can be summed up neither in words nor pictures. Many thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for being so full of love and energy. So much for slowing down in their (almost) retirement.

I'm forcing myself to seriously edit on the photos, so these are my four favorites. Miss y'all already.

- Kristen on 2.6.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: family

I was so disappointed because I loved the project, but now I can finally show you! They turned out cute, didn't they? Happy Mother's Day again, Mom.

- Kristen on 30.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family, misc. craftiness, sewing

Otherwise known as: I want to post this before it's June, but have no time for commentary. We had a great time in San Antonio! Memorial Day last year involved sweating our way around New Orleans all day with a compliant, happy camper in the stroller. Today the notion of keeping Mia in the stroller for more than 45 minutes makes us all laugh. A great time in a different, more active, and still sweaty way. When will we learn and head North for this holiday?

We stayed here, and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the city. . . I mean, you really can't go wrong with a free happy hour. It's a renovated bank building and the lobby is gorgeous. And when I hit the elevators, it even smelled like a bank. You know what I mean, Dad?

On to the part Grandma cares about:

- Kristen on 27.5.09 | 1 comments  
Labels: family

Well, a marginally good cause. I have been hitting a lot of garage sales and scoring great deals. Unfortunately, most of my great deals are now in unused piles in my guest bedroom. So the cause du jour is reducing my stash of "bargains."

(Do you ever say something and think to yourself, "Wow, I am spoiled"? Yes, I have given brain space to a worrisome pile of garage sale purchases. Ugh.)

This top started life as a cotton voile scarf, sold with two others for $1.00. It begged to be a top for the Louisiana "hot hot," as I call it, both because it was so lightweight but also because it's the only garment I could pull out of a 26" square. Mia loves it and figured out how to untie it in ten seconds. This was another attempt at my own patterns and I'm definitely getting better. . . I love this, which is good news because I have two more scarves left.

- Kristen on 26.5.09 | 3 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

Her first real ponytail, which lasted about 40 minutes. That doesn't sound like long but I was totally amazed. My heart just aches when things like this happen. How can I slow her down?

These photos were supposed to be of the new top, but she's just so much cuter.

- Kristen on 19.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family

Here's my second attempt at a Gymboree-Style top. I love the ruffle along the neckline, particularly since that's one of the entire reasons for putting together the top this way. However, I made it 2.5x fullness, which gave me a nice, thick seam allowance and, you guessed it, more stiffness along the neckline. This was kind of a bonehead mistake, so of course I blame it on trying to sew while Mia was awake. It turned out better than last night's dinner, though (also done with a lot of "helping.")

I posted the patterns pieces for this top and the "Bayou Summer Jumper" to the right. Eventually I'll add the assembly instructions, but if you're surfing sewing blogs you can probably figure it out without my help! note: Full patterns are up! They're not perfect but I'm proud of them as first attempts. Use them for whatever you like, but please link me since, as of now, I think about 4 people read this blog. Next up: step by step photos, but that will have to wait a bit because I'm dying to make, well, anything else.

- Kristen on 18.5.09 | 3 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

We took our new top on a test run to the zoo. Of course, it was all about anything that quacked for her:

The top was pretty cute. The casing is too narrow, causing some stiffness/lumpiness, but that's an easy fix. This practice run counts as wearable in my book.

Joy upon learning there were baby monkeys. Of course, they weren't monkeys but some fancy and exotic sounding sort of primate that I don't remember. I'm sure, given time, she'll remind me of the proper name.

Too busy to wait for Mom!

- Kristen on 15.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family, sewing

OK, so pattern copying would be more appropriate. I've taken a shot at copying-without-destroying-the-original again. This was a much simpler target:

I think I have several patterns which are already pretty close to this shirt, and likely could have used any of them. But the shirt had a few details I really liked: the elastic in the casing allows for a flexible fit while also stabilizing the gathers, so no more fiddling with pillowcase dress-style straps. Also, the casing is a separate piece, so a cute lace or piping can easily be inserted along the neckline.

Small details, but then I remember the crazy-popular Oliver + S Lazy Days Skirt pattern. That ribbon hem makes all the difference between an adorable skirt and a beginner 4-H project.

Here's the outcome of my first attempt. I need to change a few small things, but overall I'm happy and a lot better at drafting armholes.

It's nap time, so I'll have to get a modelled shot later, but I'll leave you with one from the first project I sewed with this fabric. Boy, they change fast, don't they? Can't say I miss the drool.

- Kristen on 15.5.09 | 3 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

My favorite Bach piece, transcribed for piano. I love the purity of the original, but this is something different entirely, wonderful in its own way. I need a soundproof room or a toddler who can sleep or sit through this while I play (i.e. practice a LOT).

There is a legend associated with this piece - that Bach wrote it upon the death of his beloved and in it captured his grief, if not a statement on life in general. It's probably untrue, but even an image so romantic and dramatic is entirely insufficient to describe the range of emotions captured in this one section, of one piece, for one instrument.

Part 2 below. Part 1 here: Hélène Grimaud, Busoni transcription of Bach's Chaconne from the D Minor Partita.

- Kristen on 14.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: inspiration

That's how I feel about my own sewing after seeing Katie's adorable summer wardrobe she's putting together for her girls. And my clingy toddler excuse doesn't hold because she has THREE children. As Mia would say, "oh maaaaaaaaahn."

- Kristen on 13.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: inspiration, sewing

A day late, but I'm all for extending these celebrations. Mr. fiddlehead gave me a GREAT gift that he's been hiding since January, and we were blessed with beautiful (hot) weather.

Here are some photos of Miss M. in action in her new jumper. The flowers in our yard right now are out of control. I thought I'd try to bring some of the gorgeous display here.

My little sweet pea. The flowers pale, don't they?

- Kristen on 11.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family, sewing

I'm sad to announce the addition of one green jumper to the "only wear when desperate for clean clothes" pile. The fit was actually pretty good, but between the drafting mistakes and a few construction "learnings," I just wasn't happy with it. And then there was this:

See the difference in color on either side of the seam? (OK, subtle, but STILL!) Well, when you hear warnings about using different cuts of the same fabric due to possible changes in the dyelot, take heed. This was the last straw. It just mocked me every time she turned around.

So I made a new version, incorporating all that, and I LOVE IT. The pintucks, the contrast binding, the seersucker. It's all gorgeous, summery, adorable, and a pretty great copy of the original, if I do say so. It's also more "baby" than "little girl," which is probably my wishful thinking that I could keep her forever at this age. Mom and Dad are superheroes, everything is a new source of joy and learning, and she doesn't know enough words and phrases to talk back :)

Photos of her in action in it to come. I hope you all had wonderful Mother's Days!

- Kristen on 11.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: pattern drafting, sewing

I'm trying something new, sewing-wise. Mia has a jumper that I love, but I bought it secondhand and therefore probably won't find another. With our daily highs already near 90 degrees F, though, we need as many staying cool outfits as we can get. So I'm trying to make a pattern without destroying the original. It's involved lots of Glad Press 'n Seal and many, many mistakes.

Notice that I'm cutting bias strips from something that looks suspiciously like a front bodice piece. Oops #2, I think.

So far I'm pretty happy, save the enormous tuck in the crotch, which resulted from adding the pintuck fullness to the CF *after* drafting the curve. Le sigh. I'm hoping it won't give the whole thing a humpty-dumpty effect when she tries it on. This is cheap fabric with a heavier hand than the original, so if I'm happy enough with the end result, I'll buy something lighter and of better quality for a second run.

Of course I have about 30 minutes of work left (I've made a little more progress since the above) but no more time today. Hopefully tomorrow.

- Kristen on 7.5.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: oops, pattern drafting, sewing

Not because I'm coy, but because I am a rookie blogger and forgot to take photos of the finished project.

Oh, and Mom? Consider yourself officially and publicly warned that the gift, while creatively wrapped, will be revealed if you open the Priority Mail envelope. Assuming it doesn't get Louisiana'ed and arrives by the weekend. No opening until Sunday!

- Kristen on 6.5.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family, misc. craftiness

I was a little stuck with these birdies. They are so pretty, and my bathroom was so blaaaah. Tall ceilings + small rooms + brown paint (which I love and loathe at once. Loave, perhaps.) = a bit of a cave, and what kind of joyful, pretty bird wants to live in a cave? And for that matter, what kind of toddler wants to take a bath in a cave?

Then I saw Darby's awesome orange bathroom makeover, and realized I had that same line of fabrics in my stash, from the same sale at Hancock's. So I made a new shower curtain, and voila! A bit lipstick-on-a-pig, but it's so much better. A new, (straightened) hand towel and we should be good to go, at least until we move out of the cave.

- Kristen on 6.5.09 | 3 comments  
Labels: sewing

I did something today that gave me hope for eventually becoming a Southerner. Actually, who am I kidding. . . perhaps it's just hope for being able to pretend to be a Southerner, as I think there might be some different DNA involved. Anyway, I found myself in line at the KFC drive through. At 10:04 am.

KFC is big time down here. And I don't say that as some sort of flip, cheap stereotype. I say that as someone who has been stuck more than a few times on North Blvd, waiting for the line from the drive through, which has snaked around the building and spilled onto the road, to clear. And it's not because this is the only location in town, not even close.

Anyway, I found myself there because of their free Kentucky Grilled Chicken promotion. And even before my order was taken, I was a little cranky. Why were there four cars already in line? Why did the car two in front drive off without anything? Was the promotion sold out already? Even if it wasn't, would I end up with two tiny drumsticks reminiscent of the Cratchit Christmas bird? Would it be good? Fresh? Or trucked in in the massive quantities that would surely be required, grilled three weeks ago, shot with Liquid Smoke to summon the Kentucky barbecue, and MSG to preserve the artificial flavors?

And then, after my order was taken, it got even worse. The former-life me took over, pondering the promotion planning and market research. How good could it possibly be if it was free? Surely it would be *just* good enough, the portions *just* large enough, to satisfy the average KFC customer. Or the average not-normally-a-KFC-but-not-necessarily-opposed customer. Something sufficient to generate enough future business to recoup their costs, but barely above the line. Surely not something appetizing. What did it say about me to be taking part in such a thing? What kind of consumer was I? What kind of person was I?

At this point, I almost drove off like the lady two in front of me. I mean, who wants free food, anyway?

And then I realized that I've become an ungrateful, marginally paranoid old lady. Maybe I'm turning into my grumpy, suspicious grandfather (or so he's been described). No matter the quality, the consumer research & psyche-manipulation involved, I'm happy to have a free lunch, especially today. I'm grateful. The man who handed me my lunch-at-breakfast-time said, "Thank you, ma'am. Have a great day!" and smiled. And Mia got a spork, which is a great little tool for toddlers. Although I love great food I'm not a picky eater. I'm thankful.

- Kristen on 6.5.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: indulge me

Please remind me, when she paints my walls with eyeshadow and lipstick, that I allowed this. As a way to buy mama time to get ready, we always pretend to put makeup on, but this time I left her to her own devices to see what would happen:

I find a couple of things interesting, here. One is that (obviously) everything became lipgloss. I'm wondering if this is due to my chapstick problem, or because she's smart enough to realize her lack of coordination and probable eye-pokage if she tried to put the shadow where it belongs.

More glaring is just how ugly and garish this looks against her delicate baby skin. It makes me wonder if it can possibly help me all that much! It also highlights that somewhere along the line, I have grown old up. I always wondered why my own mom would talk about how beautiful and soft my skin was, and now I know.

PS - This last one is after the first of four cleanups. Don't you all get strong Nelson vibes? All she needs are the pigtails.

- Kristen on 27.4.09 | 2 comments  
Labels: family

from the chocolate ice cream I made yesterday. We had some after we had dessert last night, although I won't take full credit blame as it was at the request of our guests. And now I've eaten it for breakfast, which just cannot become a new thing. Shorts season (it's simply too hot here to avoid them) is upon us and I've started in on ice cream for breakfast. What is wrong with me?

The recipe is from Caroline Liddell and Robin Weir's Frozen Desserts, which is an amazing book. There are plenty of delicious, non-traditional flavors just begging to be made, but the Ultimate Choclate Ice Cream recipe on page 72 is just that. Ultimate. I do make a couple of changes: I use a 2:1 ratio of bittersweet to semisweet chocolate, and I use an espresso syrup (5 parts sugar to 4 parts espresso) instead of plain sugar syrup. The espresso just rounds out the flavor and deepens the color to a dark chocolate lover's dream. Just looking at this ice cream you'll know there's nothing cloying or Hershey's about it.

I would post a photo but I am afraid to open the container again. Here is the cover of the book, which you should buy immediately if you enjoy making ice cream:

If you have never made ice cream, you should buy both the book and an ice cream maker immediately. . . it is that delicious. Next up? Chinese Walnut Brittle Ice Cream, p155.

- Kristen on 21.4.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: cooking

My mother taught me how to sew when I was pretty small. She made clothes for my dolls, which to me was grounds for hero worship, so I couldn't wait to learn.

So I have to confess, I've felt a little puffed up when seeing some of the sewing that gets posted online. . . unfinished, wonky seams. . . you know. Stuff that to me seems so basic, so "I learned that 20 years ago."

Which brings me to this week. I've been having some problems with the tension on my 10 year old machine, so I got out the manual to see if I could figure it out, and I did. Yeah, I've been threading my machine incorrectly. Oops. Probably should have been something "so ten years ago."

- Kristen on 18.4.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: confessions

Having our first child on moving day impacted a lot of important things for us, but also little things, like Mia's crib bedding. I found myself trying to finish it in a new-mother-to-a-preemie stupor, and it didn't turn out well. I was so afraid to suffocate my tiny darling with the bumpers that I made them very thin. What I found, however, was that very thin = very sad and droopy looking.

When her teeth came in, Mia took out her own frustrations over the droopy, sad bedding on the crib rail.

So last week I finally got on the ball and made my third attempt at fixing the bumpers, this time using 1" Nu Foam and tufting it. Nu Foam says it will hold its shape without quilting, but the first wash resulted in the inserts twisting themselves into a big mess, so I would highly recommend at least tacking it down! Here is the fluffy, tufty, result! I love them.

My favorite part of the project, however, is the crib rail cover I made. I have loved these quilts for a long time, and decided I would take a deep breath and quilt a rail cover without drawing the quilting pattern. Gulp. This was tough on the engineer in me, but it is without a doubt my favorite quilted thing I have ever made. A patchwork of nursery fabrics (shown above) on one side, white on the other to "disappear," if I want. Yea for the blog-spiration!

- Kristen on 18.4.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: sewing

I am not a peeps fan. I know I'm in the minority, but I can't get past the raging, neon FD&C Yellow #5. And when I do, I get to a dry, stale-even-when-fresh, too-sweet "marshmallow." It's hard to imagine that the Peeps-makers found a way to make theirs even sweeter, since marshmallows are just sugar cooked with a different kind of sugar, but they did.

When this month's Gourmet came out, I saw a recipe for Lillet marshmallows. Now THAT sounded interesting. Not only would I make my own marshmallows, but they would be fancy-pants, French aperitif marshmallows. Then I saw Twig & Thistle 's beautiful Peeps, so I set out to make my own, thinking maybe this would make me a believer.

The good news? I now, after 3 very sticky tries, can make respectable marshmallows. The bad news? Well, my attempt at an alcoholic version was the stickiest, goopiest, non-fluffiest concoction you can imagine. The "ffffwhunk" it made when the whole batch hit the garbage bin is probably the best descriptor. On my last batch, when I finally produced something with the right texture, it required so much food coloring just to get a pastel yellow I swear I could taste that FD&C #5.

And oh yeah, I still don't like Peeps, even the homemade version. But it was a fun cooking adventure, and isn't that the point?

- Kristen on 13.4.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: cooking, oops

The gifts and dress and candy and egg hunting were all fantastic, but I find myself feeling very blessed for simpler things. I hope Easter brought you all the same.

- Kristen on 13.4.09 | 0 comments  
Labels: family