tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43411228322534777772024-03-13T18:08:46.485-04:00Jessika Creedon, a blog about photography, food and running. But not necessarily in that order.Photography, food and running. But not necessarily in that order.Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-81913927954514260962013-01-20T16:40:00.002-05:002013-01-23T09:21:05.893-05:00the geranium dressOne small dress, almost complete. The buttons are missing, but that will require a special trip so it's not happening anytime soon. I'm not sure where the dress fabric is from, but the bodice lining is from my Grandma's stash. It's the perfect shade of blue. The pattern, <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/12/geranium-dress-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">Made by Rae's Geranium Dress</a>. I took the easy way out and didn't notch the neckline. Next time. Maybe. With pockets and sized for Amelia.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNj0oc-BZtU/UPxivtJN4fI/AAAAAAAABV8/WaRDCv2k-0U/s1600/GeraniumDress1_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNj0oc-BZtU/UPxivtJN4fI/AAAAAAAABV8/WaRDCv2k-0U/s640/GeraniumDress1_02.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-58878007873076783292013-01-11T15:24:00.000-05:002013-01-11T15:24:28.716-05:00the last few monthsThis guy turned one and had no interest in his cupcake. He did however happily sample all of the gift wrap. Oh Baby Grey.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I spent time with the always amazing <a href="http://kitchentablescraps.com/category/gingerbread-block-project/" target="_blank">Renee, gingerbread extraordinaire</a>. She's a genius, that carved her own templates for the brownstone details.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">There was also Charlotte's 4th birthday (in October!).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">And a photoshoot with Lucia and her iPad loving baby sister Senia.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Sewing has been happening too. After the matching Christmas pajamas and Amelia's outfits, I did a 180 and made myself a shirt (Tova number 4,736). I used <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102207376/nani-iro-double-gauze-fabric-2012-melody" target="_blank">Nani Iro double gauze Melody Sketch in Faded Navy</a> and I love it so, so much. Almost to much because now I want to buy a whole lot more. I have more projects planned for myself and a few ideas for Amelia's May birthday.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">And things that didn't make it to instagram but have been sitting on my phone....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">An after Thanksgiving visit from my parents. We arrived at the Brooklyn Flea early and were sent away. So a quick detour to show them Barclays. (However Amy and Jamie are the only ones to have yet gone inside. They spent a whirlwind 24 hours with us. And the Nets.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Followed by <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/mickalene_thomas/" target="_blank">this amazing show</a> at the Brooklyn Museum.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">And some Christmas morning madness with Rire and scrub clad Amelia.</span></div>
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Last but not least, the winter wonderland that is my parents driveway. </div>
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Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-86441572113577018862013-01-08T11:47:00.001-05:002013-01-08T11:58:55.551-05:00Ann Hamilton at the Park Avenue ArmoryI'm not always patient (Rire is nodding vigorously right now), so when we approached the Armory and the line stretched not just down the block, but <i>around</i> the entire block, it crossed my mind to just kiss the $24 dollars in tickets goodbye and go right back home. I'm a homebody, I admit it. But I dutifully shuffled into the line and bit my tongue. Luckily, my savior soon appeared and said anyone with tickets could go right in. I hustled. Considering it was Saturday and the crazy line outside, it didn't feel crowed inside. Civilized clusters waited for their chance to swing and crowds sprawled willynilly on the ground under the billowing clouds. It was worth the trip.<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-68332114323634134882013-01-02T15:02:00.001-05:002013-01-02T15:02:35.469-05:002013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prospect Park did not disappoint. I'm not a resolution maker. I'd rather health, happiness and general goodwill should be the norm. Happy New Year!</div>
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Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-52307492739732369932012-12-31T11:25:00.000-05:002012-12-31T11:25:39.225-05:002012I made them matching pajamas. Luckily, they humor me. If I had more time I would have made some for everyone. But time, as they say, was not on my side.<br />
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Amelia, when not covering her brand new guitar with stickers, insisted on taking some Christmas morning photos. She has an eye no?<br />
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I made her scrubs, among other things which I never managed to photograph. It was a whirlwind holiday, not many photos taken. But there was tons of family, lots of food and snow. Also early bed times and sleeping late. Oh vacation...<br />
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And Vlad. Waiting, watching. <i>Barking</i>. He means well.<br />
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I told her to freeze and she threw her arms up like a criminal.<br />
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Happy New Year!</div>
<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-56035797227391051582012-11-14T14:45:00.000-05:002012-11-14T14:49:39.133-05:00Sandy<i>(All of these photos are from my instagram feed, normally I wouldn't cross post, but I never say much on instagram and more did need to be said about these.)</i><br />
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I'm not sure what the news outside of NYC is saying. Any day now they'll show the tree being raised in Rockefeller Center and to those watching on TV, NYC is fine. Completely a-okay. But two weeks later, this storm is hardly over. Red Cross and FEMA are the names people know and recognize. I sent my $10 via text, just like everyone else. But that's just not enough. Each day that passed, it became clearer and clearer that things were getting worse not better. No power, heat or hot water in many communities. Complete loss of homes in others. Cold weather and unshakable dampness with mold starting to grow.<br />
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Oddly, or perhaps not, Occupy Wall Street stepped in, and maneuvered
around, all the red tape that hinders traditional relief efforts. Their
<a href="http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/" target="_blank">Occupy Sandy</a> hub at <a href="http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/locations/clintonhill/" target="_blank">520 Clinton</a> is a block from my house. </div>
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I pass this church daily, but Friday was the first time I went
inside. Hard to imagine but all these supplies were gone by the end of
the day. It fills and empties daily. Rinse, repeat. Daily. There's an over abundance of clothes, never enough batteries, toiletries, food or tools. UPS stepped up in a major way,
donating trucks to help deliver the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/registry/wedding/32TAA123PJR42" target="_blank">Amazon Registry Donations</a> that have been rolling in. (That registry by the way, is genius.) They are harnessing every social media outlet available to meet the exact needs of the those effected - in real time. <br />
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Beyond donating money or goods, it can be hard to know just how to volunteer. How will my time and skills be of most use? When I walked in on Friday I didn't care how I was utilized, I just wanted to be put to work as quickly as possible. I ended up in the basement kitchen chopping vegetables from 9 to 4. Carrots, garlic, cauliflower, apples, potatoes. They feed thousands from that church basement. Hot food, sandwiches, apple pie. I feel like food prep and cooking might be slightly overlooked in the grand scheme of volunteering - I guess because people want to see things first hand and interact directly with those that need help. It feels more tangible I guess. But it's really worthwhile and I have to say, the kitchen camaraderie is pretty great.</div>
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Saturday Rire joined me. And UPS was back.</div>
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We lucked out and managed to get a full tank of gas in under 10 minutes, so we ended up at Driver Dispatch. Ferrying car loads of supplies to Coney Island. We pulled up to the YMCA and in front of us people were lined up outside, waiting to receive a hot meal and basic supplies. Sobering. The atmosphere at 520 Clinton is one of gusto. <i>Things are getting done. Stuff is moving. Things are happening.</i> <i>We got this</i>. At the YMCA it was somber. <i>Wait in line, get your food, walk home to a powerless apartment building before it gets dark</i>. I walked out to the boardwalk to take it all in and collect myself. Looking to volunteer? You could simply help the elderly carry their food and supplies home from distribution sites. Or a parent trying to juggle a baby and bag of supplies up 12 flights of stairs. In the dark.</div>
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Our second stop was at the Coney Island Gospel Assembly. More supplies distributed, more feelings of just not being able to do enough, no matter how many supplies you filled your car with. I didn't take photos at either location out of respect for those there. It felt intrusive to those that are living it. </div>
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Sunday, we went back to Gospel Assembly with Rire, Chloe and two additional volunteers. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PeoplesRelief" target="_blank">People's Relief</a> was coordinating volunteers and we headed to Sea Breezy Avenue tasked with building reports. Rire pointed out that we were standing right where the Brooklyn half marathon course passes. You turn off Ocean Parkway and head towards the boardwalk. I've done that 3 times and I couldn't even recognize the area. Sand. And more sand. Bulldozer required levels of sand.</div>
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Walking building to building, checking and noting it's condition. Feeling helpless when occupants asked us where we were from and how we could help them. Knowing that what they needed was power and we couldn't provide that. But we listened, because sometimes that is what's needed. The building themselves (large block apartment buildings) had flooded basements, knocking out the mechanical for who knows how long. The buildings were cold, freezing cold. And dark. We shivered in lobbies, rubbing our arms and stepping back outside, into daylight. A military truck and personal were nearby, trying to figure out what to do next. </div>
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-24223647360944981132012-10-30T15:22:00.002-04:002012-10-30T15:32:55.852-04:00Hurricane SandyWe are fine, completely 100% fine. Our power stayed on. The car, parked on the street, was fine and our cable/internet held till around 9:30. A small miracle since it normally drops if someone sneezes next door. Even our windows were open for the majority of the day. We were lucky. The photo I posted the other day, of my bag sitting on a bench? That Dumbo bench was underwater last night. My office building suffered some flooding from the <a href="http://observer.com/2012/10/photos-of-the-gowanus-canal-flooding-in-brooklyn/" target="_blank">horribly toxic Gowanus Canal</a>, but our space, on the second floor had no damage. I normally walk to work and will do so tomorrow, not sure when the subways will be fully operational. The marathon is this weekend, a very small problem compared to the devastation that effects NJ and the 5 boroughs, but I can't help but feel for those coming (or trying to come) to NYC right now.<br />
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We stayed in yesterday, Rire trying to work from home as one by one his coworkers dropped out as their power went. I started sewing assuming the power would go at any minute. Just hoping it wouldn't be mid seam. I roasted a chicken, still assuming the power would go and our last meal should be a good one.<br />
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I had no sewing plan, but the longer the power stayed on, the more focused I became on finishing this in one go. The <a href="http://oliverands.com/dresses-p/OLV-OS016IC.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S Ice Cream Blouse</a>. I used bits and pieces leftover from other things. It looks like an unintentional homage to my alma mater, which incidentally <a href="http://dailyorange.com/2012/10/students-faculty-reflect-on-cancellation-of-classes-for-1998-storm/" target="_blank">canceled classes for today</a> for weather related reasons for the first time since I was a student there in 1998. And considering the pummeling Syracuse gets from snow, that's saying a lot.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8knC04qXJg/UJAivhF8z4I/AAAAAAAABFo/HWOHOD1k88U/s1600/IceCreamBlouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8knC04qXJg/UJAivhF8z4I/AAAAAAAABFo/HWOHOD1k88U/s640/IceCreamBlouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The front. With stubborn wrinkle that wouldn't iron out. And polka dot lining<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBQBshKMxig/UJAjoAzYGBI/AAAAAAAABF4/PpxVWMxuU0I/s1600/OliverS_IceCream_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBQBshKMxig/UJAjoAzYGBI/AAAAAAAABF4/PpxVWMxuU0I/s640/OliverS_IceCream_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The back. With button loop. I like this pattern and think the dress version will need to be made. My intention is to set what I've been making lately aside for Christmas. But I think I need a mini fit model...<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-63718213151985420762012-10-29T14:05:00.001-04:002012-10-29T14:05:41.914-04:00tova top, version 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tova-sewing-pattern-downloadable-pdf" target="_blank">Tova Top</a>, number two. Wrinkled from wear. And made from remnant fabric found in the depths of <a href="http://houseofjem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jem's</a> basement. I'm happy with an $8 shirt. I cut the fabric for this on Friday and managed to finish Saturday night. All I had to do was stay up till nearly midnight! That said, it came together quickly (for me) without any major missteps. The small fits me well, the shoulders hitting in exactly the right place. I'm pretty sure my hem is straighter than it looks - no promises though. I took care to finish the interior seams neatly and am rather proud of that. I may fiddle with the collar on a future version. I can't leave well enough alone. </div>
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And now it's time to figure out what to make next while we still have power.</div>
<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-76824505584666684032012-10-28T17:14:00.000-04:002012-10-29T09:29:49.694-04:00Friday Saturday SundayAmelia is now under the impression I make all of her clothes. While this is widely inaccurate, I hope no one corrects her. Friday I finished the <a href="http://oliverands.com/digital/OLV-OS011SA.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S Sailboat Top</a> with fabric from my Gramma's stash. This top was my first time making button holes. Not perfect, but not terrible. Attaching the inside hem piece stumped me for ages. I read, reread, read again. And then finally it makes perfect sense and you feel mighty dumb. The arms seem long and wide at the wrists, so I rolled them for the photo. This is when it would be handy to have the niece living locally, so I could figure out if things fit or not.<br />
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This I finished awhile ago, intending to add sleeves. Which I did. But they restricted movement so off they came. I'll make adjustments and try sleeves again another time. It was also crammed in my dresser drawer, excuse the wrinkles. This top sews up so beautifully.<br />
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To briefly recap the weekend... Friday morning at <a href="http://www.61local.com/" target="_blank">Local 61</a> with <a href="http://kitchentablescraps.com/" target="_blank">Renee</a>. Brainstorming and taking a few photos for an upcoming project. Very excited. Saturday Rire and I headed to Dumbo, lunch at Superfine and then walking around the waterfront. And the photo I have to show for it? My bag on a bench. I also managed to sew a second <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tova-sewing-pattern-downloadable-pdf" target="_blank">Tova</a>, photos coming.<br />
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This morning uptown, celebrating Charlotte's 4th birthday. Now home, wondering if Sandy will pack the punch the news promising.Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-46221677477743096492012-10-23T14:12:00.001-04:002012-10-23T14:12:29.920-04:00fall colors<div class="mobile-photo">
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A rat darted out from under a garbage can, directly to my left while I waited to cross the street this morning, in broad daylight. Unacceptable. It ran right into the street and proceeded, Frogger style, to stop and start it way through two lanes of traffic. Somehow it made it and disappeared into the garbage can on the far corner. I hate rats. The rank marginally higher than mice, only because mice want to live in your house. They want to settle in and have their names added to your mailbox. While rats, for the most part are fine living outside in the secrets <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Frisby_and_the_Rats_of_NIMH" target="_blank">Nymh</a> tunnels.<br />
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In other news, I watched Julie and Julia and realized I still have no idea how to chop onions.<br />
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I've also started hoarding fabric. I finally understand my grandmother. Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-72260184399412748162012-10-18T10:41:00.000-04:002012-10-18T10:41:02.320-04:00big love sewingSwitching gears and back to sewing something for myself. While watching Big Love. They go surprisingly well together. I'm on season 1. Only 6 years late. <br />
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So, the <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tank-top-sewing-pattern-downloadable-pdf" target="_blank">Wiksten tank</a>. This was the first pattern I tackled after taking my brand new sewing machine out of the box. 2 pieces (plus binding) and beautiful French Seams that have forever ruined me because pinked or zig zagged edges now look messy. I raised the neckline slightly for this one, I don't like wearing tank tops <i>under</i> tank tops and the first two flash more bra than I generally like to show anyone that's not my husband.<br />
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It's current state is hemmed with a finished neckline. This <a href="http://tidytipsy.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/wiksten-tank-with-sleeves/" target="_blank">capped sleeve version</a> has been on my mind since the first time I Google image searched the tank top and I love it...so I'm going to roll the dice and attempt sleeves without a pattern. This could go either way. It's also why I yanked the bolt off the rack and clutched it tightly at P&S Fabrics last weekend. Plaid!<br />
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On a side note, I talked Rire into going to a Relaxation &
Meditation yoga class last night. We walked in
and someone was already standing on their head. What I had I gotten us
into? The instructor glided (seriously, he didn't walk, he glided) over
to us and asked in a whisper chant if he had been before? <br />
No.<br />
But you have yoga experience? <br />
No.<br />
Just watch closely, only one part moves swiftly, watch me and others around you.<br />
OK. (Copy off the people next to me? Done.)<br />
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It was all going fine, but every time he reminded us to have "no
thoughts" I realized my teeth were clenched and I had so many thoughts
ping ponging around I didn't know which one to clear first. I don't think that is how it is supposed to work... <br />
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After all that wholesome yoga we got takeout and poured ourselves some wine - to clear our heads.<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-53584102028525688272012-10-15T10:20:00.003-04:002012-10-15T10:20:58.018-04:00the good stuffThis was waiting for me when I arrived at work. A splurge for sure. My
fabric budget is still decidedly $6/yard and under. Here is the
exception. And it's so pretty I'm afraid to actually make anything. Knits and I finally started seeing eye to eye over the weekend. <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">Made by Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee</a> pattern is everything and more. There is a reason it's so popular. Aside from the farmers market we stayed in, lazy like, all weekend.<br /><div class="mobile-photo">
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Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-65750083982367354912012-10-12T17:13:00.001-04:002012-10-12T17:13:23.248-04:00a workweek's worth of sewing<a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kcwc-fall-2012-day-five.html" target="_blank">Elsie Marley's kcwc</a> inspired me to focus just on kids clothing this week. Which by default means clothing for the niece. The fabric requirements are small and the fabric I have on hands lends itself to girly pieces. Not so much for the 11 year old nephew. I'm recapping my first 5 days now, while I'm home during daylight hours and can use a proper camera and natural light. Instagram can only do so much.<br />
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I finished the long sleeve <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/ayashe-blouse-e-pattern/" target="_blank">Ayashe</a>. I really like this pattern. I really wish I had enough of the yellow fabric to make longer ties. Moving on...<br />
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Next up a simple elastic waist skirt. Which is simple unless you are me. I wanted pockets, mainly because I thought it would be cute to line them with <a href="http://birchfabrics.com/mod_basics2.html" target="_blank">Birch Organic orange polka dots</a>. Right? That would be so cute! And while I loved the idea, I didn't like my execution. The pockets had to go because now I wanted French Seams on the inside. While the Ayashe looks nice on the outside, I think it's a little messy on the inside (my own doing, not the fault of the pattern). I could avoid all that with the skirt. So I cut off the seams I had sewn and redid it pocketless with tidy little French Seams (not thrilled I lost skirt volume by doing that). The elastic waist does not have enough give, I was oddly stubborn about using the fat quarter width and not adding extra fabric. I have Amelia's waist measurement and this should fit her for about 5 minutes. There was also that time I sewed the waist band in facing the wrong side, but let's not talk about that.<br />
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And that brings me to knit fabric. I tried earlier this week and it wasn't pretty. I promptly ordered a walking foot and that was a game changer. Finally! A use for my countless boxy mens fit cotton race shirts. I turned the Al Gordon Snowflake 5K and Staten Island Half Marathon into a 3T pajama top. I used <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/" target="_blank">Made By Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee</a>. Great, great pattern. I used the existing shirt hem and managed to not sew anything backwards or inside out. It was a good Friday.<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-74686915056993850762012-10-08T07:15:00.001-04:002012-10-08T07:15:39.108-04:00KCWC day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x00bbmzpUIE/UHI17uVfLOI/AAAAAAAAA8U/1krxS8f3ur8/s1600/KCWC_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x00bbmzpUIE/UHI17uVfLOI/AAAAAAAAA8U/1krxS8f3ur8/s640/KCWC_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kcwc-is-only-a-week-away.html" target="_blank">day 1 of KCWC</a> plan is to finish my second <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/ayashe/" target="_blank">Ayashe</a>. Things of note, the top stitching on the cuff shouldn't slice straight through the middle. I know this. And the too short bias stings. Sure to do nothing but annoy the wearer. But I had the worlds smallest piece of fabric (from my Grandma's stash) and I was determined to use it. Amelia may never get to meet her GG, but she will be wearing clothing made of cloth she picked out. I'm even toying with quilting (my Grandma's passion). I'll need a tutorial from my Auntie Karen for that.<br />
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As for the rest of the week. Knits. I shall tackle knits. Which thus far has done nothing more than waste a whole lot of thread. Tension? I think? I called my mom for advice. I went to <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/12-sewing-patchwork-fabric" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a> yesterday. To touch the Liberty of London prints in person. So pretty! So not going home with me at this point. I did buy a tiny bundle of <a href="http://www.birchfabrics.com/mod_basics1.html" target="_blank">Birch Fabrics</a>. Who doesn't love elephants?<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-77175919958480923772012-09-30T20:34:00.003-04:002012-10-07T21:15:24.828-04:00the wiksten tova top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coasting on my <a href="http://jessikacreedon.blogspot.com/2012/09/sewing-above-my-skill-level.html" target="_blank">Ayashe</a> sewing high, I cut the <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tova-sewing-pattern-downloadable-pdf" target="_blank">Tova</a> fabric on Friday and had it sewn by Saturday evening. I didn't even have to take out any seams! Which is good, this fabric is on the lighter side and wouldn't have withstood that kind of abuse. In general I'm still learning the ins and outs of proper sewing, but even given that, this was quick and straight forward. Very, very happy. </div>
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Placket, inset and collar all sewn properly! No alterations (not that I would know how to anyway), the small fit perfectly. I did forego the temporary gathering stitches on the sleeves, ample pinning worked fine. But on a sturdier fabric it would be worth the extra time. I don't have a serger and this fabric was quick to fray, so I finished all the edges with a zigzag, I'm hoping that does the trick. Now to pick the fabric for version 2...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yK6F35QLFSg/UGjf2DP8B4I/AAAAAAAAA7g/n0j_j2l5Vyc/s1600/TovaTop_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yK6F35QLFSg/UGjf2DP8B4I/AAAAAAAAA7g/n0j_j2l5Vyc/s640/TovaTop_14.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-20115145737278863582012-09-29T22:20:00.003-04:002012-10-07T21:15:04.526-04:00sewing above my skill level<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzOCnCVNxfM/UGekXqEgNVI/AAAAAAAAA6I/GrLFfACzwj4/s1600/FiggyAyashe_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SzOCnCVNxfM/UGekXqEgNVI/AAAAAAAAA6I/GrLFfACzwj4/s640/FiggyAyashe_06.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to say it can be done. I can follow a pattern and end up with a wearable thing, as long as I have the patience to remove stitches over and over again AND OVER again. It's embarrassing. Anyway, as long as Amelia's head can fit through the opening, success!<br />
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The collar tried to break me. The nice inside yoke did not trip me up at all, but the collar became my nemesis. See, that's just ugly. I can't topstitch, that's obvious. But even if you ignore that, it's all wonky.<br />
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At this point my stitch remover grew red hot from use and I eventually had to walk away.</div>
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I picked it back up on Friday, finally relenting and cutting new fabric entirely. And why not go contrasting for the inside? Nothing to lose at this point (maybe my sanity?). It's still not perfect, but it is so much better and I am more than OK with that.</div>
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The <a href="http://figgyspatterns.com/patterns/ayashe/" target="_blank">Figgy Ayashe Blouse</a>, complete!Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-57975928834979780942012-09-26T09:19:00.000-04:002012-09-26T09:19:06.979-04:00wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I walk to work, but most days a Vespa looks way more appealing.<br /><br />Pumpkin muffins were in the oven by 6AM and spilled all over the oven bottom by 6:17 when I tried taking them out. Of course this happened. Things only go wrong when you plan to give bake goods to someone else. Let me tell you, a piping hot mini muffin looks pretty pitiful slumped on the oven bottom, slowly scorching a burn mark into it's side.<br /><br />I haven't made lasagna in years because lasagna means glorious ricotta and mozzarella to me. Lots of it. Rire doesn't do dairy, so there's that. I caved and finally made a vegetarian version last night, <a href="http://mygreendiet.com/green-diet-plan-recipes/finally-lasagna-that-rocks/" target="_blank">My Green Diet's</a> version. I added spinach, parsley and basil. It was good. Really good. But I still miss the cheese. I compensated with too many slices of buttered French bread. <br /><br />I need to take the collar off the Ayashe blouse one last time and just cut new fabric. I will fix this. <br /><br />Up until today, the weather has been good. The kind of good that tricks you into thinking long marathon training runs are perfectly reasonable. Not that I'm running a fall marathon, but it's makes me nostalgic. I won't be doing another for a while, but I think Portland OR would be a nice welcome back when I do. Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-82369299444003394482012-09-24T08:21:00.004-04:002012-10-01T13:10:06.806-04:00the weekendSewing continues with the completion of an actual, official shirt for Amelia. In between the endless loop of removing seams and redoing them (I lost count but it's a wonder the fabric hasn't disintegrated), we went to watch the <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/nyrr-fifth-avenue-mile/race-story/centrowitz-martinez-triumph-on-fifth-avenue" target="_blank">5th Avenue Mile</a>. Usually we run it as well but this year is not panning out as we had thought it would. Rire has a boot on his foot!<br />
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Brenda Martinez, Anna Pierce and Hannah England. We absolutely act like crazed Bieber fans with the cheering, shouting and high fiving. They are our rock stars.<br />
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Olympians Matt Centrowitz, Bernard Lagat and Leo Manzano.<br />
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They treat their fans well.</div>
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-23704460329593259602012-09-17T20:49:00.000-04:002012-10-01T09:21:02.368-04:00so, sewingPeople sew in my family. My Grandma was a quilter and my mom made us clothing. Bravely letting Amy and I pick any fabric we wanted at Joann's for our <a href="http://www.liketotally80s.com/stirrup-pants.html" target="_blank">stirrup pants</a> and <a href="http://www.jamsworldshop.com/browse.cfm/original-jams-shorts/2,234.html" target="_blank">jams</a>. I can only hope I'm as open minded someday. The 80's were not kind to apparel fabric.<br />
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I came to sewing late, but I have not been deterred. First up. The internet famous <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/category/sewing-patterns" target="_blank">Wiksten Tank</a> for myself and the <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2012/05/emerson-tunic-dress-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Emerson Tunic Dress</a> for Amelia. At this stage in the game it's safe to say I do more things wrong than right. Like running out of scotch tape and switching to a decorative blue.<br />
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And using every trick in the box to try and center the pleat.<br />
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Box pleat! I have no idea what the proper way to go about this was. But the pins helped me.<br />
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(Fabric from my Grandma's legendary stash.)<br />
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I may have sewn the entire thing only to decide it wasn't quite right. I may have ripped out every stitch and started over. And because I can't leave well enough alone. Let's appliqué a bird on it.<br />
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The Wiksten came together beautifully - curved hem, French Seams and all. French seams! <br />
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Pictures of the actual finished pieces coming up next...Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-51045478706470499562012-09-11T14:12:00.001-04:002012-09-11T14:12:49.918-04:00september 11thI'm always a little thrown when the weather is exactly like it was 11 years ago. The weather from that day has locked in my memory like no other day ever has.Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-80981315678513328432012-09-07T18:04:00.000-04:002012-10-01T13:10:41.394-04:00tea cakeIt feels like soup outside. Humidhumidhumid. So of course I suggested inviting people over for homemade pizza. Because I like turning my oven to 500 degrees and sticking my head in it every 12 minutes? More like I love baking and having company for dinner justifies large quantities of butter, sugar and fruit. The peaches were rock solid, but had flavor. The raspberries were added just incase the baseball-esque peaches let me down. Fingers crossed.<br />
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Before and after, the Stone Fruit Tea Cake in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rustic-Fruit-Desserts-Crumbles-Pandowdies/dp/1580089763" target="_blank">Rustic Fruit Desserts</a>. <br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-62848662740160104922012-09-07T15:01:00.000-04:002012-09-07T15:01:33.888-04:00up hill in the snow, both waysWithout shoes.<br />
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In my day we had to wait for a classmate's Chuckie Cheese birthday party to have this much fun. Now you can set everything up in your own backyard! Kids these days don't know how good they have it.<br />
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(Had this been just a bit bigger I totally would have shooed the kids out and had a turn myself!)<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-80933192259393600062012-09-06T17:43:00.000-04:002012-09-06T17:43:21.389-04:00shelter island, ny<i>(Will return to the Labor Day weekend photos shortly. Getting these up before they're lost in the shuffle. This happens more often than I'd like to admit.)</i> <br />
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We spent a weekend on Shelter Island, where ferries take you to to screened porches. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxeYqTYBv1Y/UEiF-Vfhw8I/AAAAAAAAAuU/3CCTayAS3dE/s1600/ferryporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxeYqTYBv1Y/UEiF-Vfhw8I/AAAAAAAAAuU/3CCTayAS3dE/s640/ferryporch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And I can continue to drink my morning coffee outside. Just like nature intended.<br />
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And you can eat and eat and eat at adorable places like <a href="http://www.reddingsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Reddings Gourmet Market</a>.<br />
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Things like this.<br />
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And this and this.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_XS6JrZJjg/UEiI-s8NthI/AAAAAAAAAus/j7x-CDh_RPw/s1600/coffeecookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_XS6JrZJjg/UEiI-s8NthI/AAAAAAAAAus/j7x-CDh_RPw/s640/coffeecookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And you do it all while surrounded by water.</div>
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And then Sunday rolls arounds and its back to the ferry and back to reality.<br />
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This view of the city from the BQE always so impressive in person, but I've yet to get a picture the fully captures it. I imagine being in a moving vehicle has something to do with that. I'll keep trying.<br />
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-41805209031958842502012-09-05T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-05T10:06:24.423-04:00labor day weekend - sundayAgain with the pajamas and coffee outside. And basketball. <br />
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(Rocketship pajamas purchased ages ago, they finally fit her!)<br />
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Carrot cake muffins, they're absolutely a breakfast food.</div>
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The middle of the day involved a 4 mile run (my first in a month, ouch) and a 4 mile bike ride. There are no pictures. So let's just skip ahead to dinner. And the delicious rose.</div>
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Post nap fog.</div>
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And the Boilermaker, it's tradition.</div>
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<br />Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341122832253477777.post-90091438475362670782012-09-04T20:12:00.000-04:002012-09-04T20:12:42.547-04:00labor day weekend - saturdayWe both had Friday off, which made for one of the best drives we've had in ages. We stopped in New Hartford so I could spend to my hearts desire at Joann Fabrics and he could shop for a new bike at Schuss and Dick Sonnes. I scored at Joann's. It takes time to paw through the bolts and bolts (and bolts...) of themed fabric, but patience pays off. Decent stuff for $3/yard. Now I must sew.<br />
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Saturday morning. Coffee in pajamas, outside. Because we can.<br />
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These two need to slow it down. The growing up is out of hand. <br />
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He's as sweet and polite as can be. She is fond of the word NO and her "brudder". <br />
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And then there was fishing. <br />
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Once properly caffeinated, we set off for Mt. Hope Reservoir. This kid is mad about fishing and has no shortage of people to take him, but it was high time his aunt and uncle stepped up. Eli even taught us a thing or two, showing R how to cast.<br />
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It's really quite pretty. <br />
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Saturday night (after R bought his bike and we killed some time at the never ever changing Sangertown Mall) we headed to my parents. Where I channeled my inner Katniss and perfected my archery skills. I'm not half bad, if only my parents had forced me to practice as a child... I could have been an Olympian!<br />
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On the way back to Amy's we stopped at Walmart to sell small bits of our souls to the devil in exchange for things like deodorant and laundry soap at prices that do not make us weep. I always feel guilty shopping there, but is Duane Reade really any better?Jessikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03577526619852937047noreply@blogger.com2