Crazy Pants: fruit print

I know it's been a trend for a year, but I didn't want to buy any print pants. My closet is absolutely busting at the seams. No purchases for a while. BUT... I can't help sewing new things. I use reclaimed fabrics and patterns to make something new and unique. All part of the NO WASTE rule at my house. Next time you are gonna toss something, think about how you can re-purpose it in some way. Clothes that I can't re-cut into something new, I donate to Goodwill and when I do buy from thrift stores, I see it as a trade for what I was able to donate. Anyway... back to the pants. I was gifted this fabric, so I decided to make some simple pants. I love polka dots, so I figure I'd wear these, and could pair them with a variety of solid T's and sweaters. They are fun and funny. I love them.

Silly fruit print pants.

Here the pattern. 60's separates set - love it.

Have a happy day. <3

High Tea at Rose Tree Cottage

I treated myself to lovely afternoon tea at Pasadena's Rose Tree Cottage. It is a ladies' must-do in LA. Delightful ambiance, delicious tea (have it with milk, the English way), and delectable sandwiches, scones, and petits fours. Once I went to high tea at the Four Seasons in Boston. That was a very different experience. Posh, but not "English." Since an older retired English couple run this place, it has some authenticity about it. Don't miss the elderberry wine (non-alcoholic). It was a lovely day.

God Save the Queen.

Strapless Summer Dress

It's a hot summer day (yes, it's still summer in LA in October!) and I decided to wear this bright strapless dress (plain ol' cotton). How to make it less revelaing for the office? A loose knit sweater over the top. Gold belt, large charm necklace. Viola! It's very "spring" with bright pink and green floral pattern, but it is fun and necessary to get out of my style rut. Gotta break up the routine. Adventures in fashion...

After the workday is through, that sweater becomes a shrug, showing off just a little skin. :)

Be adventurous today, even in a small way.

Veggie Tempura

Really, folks -- It's easy! Choose your veggies, and get tempura flour from the Asian market. Most large grocery stores have it now in the Asian food section too. But be patient - it takes time to prep and time to fry all this up. Mix the flour with water till you get the thin batter consistency you like, fry it in hot veggie oil till the batter is done/crispy. Drain on paper towels. To get the most authentic batter, add 2 cups tempura flour with 1 cup rice flour (but i don't often have it on hand so I skip it). I love all veggies and recommend you use whatever you have on hand. Today I've got potato and sweet potato (both steamed) and freshly sliced eggplant, mushroom, and zucchini.

Fry it up then serve over rice, or over noodles. We have soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles - YUM!!!!) Serve the noodles warm in some of the water from boiling and add in some Memmi (Japanese noodle soup base). You can also use Memmi + soba water for your tempura dipping sauce (or buy a tempura sauce at the market). Tanoshinde ne!

Givenchy Vintage: Made by Me Rose Dress

The famed Givenchy 1956 evening dress pattern (my most coveted vintage pattern and a valuable antique). Finally done. OMG! I love this pattern. It calls for a long bow tail in the back which I skipped this time around. I just figured I wouldn't really wear that. This silk (a gift from Nancy) was perfect for this dress. The back is airy and open, the bodice has a comfortable fit (a bit loose, but room to stretch my shoulders). And I love the rhinestone buttons down the back. Happy day. Dress fabulous, feel fabulous.

Korean Tofu Salad with Citrus Dressing

When I was in Korea, I had this amazing salad at the Hancook Restaurant at Seoul Tower. So I tried to recreate it. Thinly sliced firm tofu, fried in a bit of oil, then cut in triangles. Very thinly sliced green peppers (and red and yellow and orange if you like) and red onion sauteed for just a few minutes to soften them just a bit. The dressing was veggie oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar and lemon juice. Toss it all together and let it sit in the fridge to marinate as long as you want. I served it over a green salad.
Mine wasn't as good as the one I had in Korea. Their dressing was a bit sweet. Maybe I'll add agave or brown sugar next time I try to make it. I've also read about some soy+sesame+orange juice dressings -- that sounds good too. Happy cooking.... <3

Made by me: 1940's Blouse

Oops, I did it again.

I disappeared for 2 weeks. Life is busy. It happens.

I finally finished this great blouse. The 70 year old pattern (!!!) was very delicate and I was a bit scared I'd rip it to pieces but I think it's gonna survive, and I hope to make at least one more top from it. I just love the style. It's well fitted, has pretty details (like gathering at the neck, a nice square shoulder, and buttons down the back). I'm sure I'll be able to pair it with other items. But when I was sewing it, I had this teal skirt in mind. I'll have to let my imagination roam wild...
:)

Have a great weekend. I'm trying some new recipes this weekend. I'll have a report for you next week.
xoxoxoxo