Butterflies

I was hoping to maybe show something crafty this week, but I just haven't gotten to my sewing machine at all. My sister has been visiting this week and we've been playing outside almost everyday. Yesterday my mother-in-law and I took Isaiah over to this beautiful park. They have a carousel and a small train for kids to ride on. There is also a very beautiful botanical garden. We were very lucky to happen on the best butterfly exhibit. It was so much fun and Isaiah really enjoyed himself.

I must have taken at least 50 pictures and probably could have taken more had my camera not died. If you are in the area, you should really check it out at Wheaton Regional Park/Brookside Gardens. I promise you won't be disappointed! There are more pictures on my flickr if you're interested. Have a good weekend everyone.

Beet-astic

Since there's been virtually no crafting of any sort around here lately, I thought I'd share my new favorite salad. I've been jonesing for some roasted beets ever since I read this post over at Finny Knits. So when I was at the organic market the other day, I saw a beautiful bunch and picked them up. We had a little BBQ here on Saturday night and I made my new favorite salad. Roasted Beets with Greens, Goat Cheese and Red Wine Vinaigrette. Finny was spot on with the husband making a face. It must be a boy thing, right? John just does not share my love of veggies. Anyway, I think about half of us really loved the salad. Me, I can't get enough. In fact, I just had a huge bowl for dinner. If you like beets, try it. I promise you'll like it. It will probably serve about 6, but you could adjust the quantities if you'd like.

2 medium-large beets plus greens
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup arugula
2 oz of goat cheese
1/4-1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For vinaigrette:
1/4 red wine vinegar
1 T of Dijon mustard
1 T of honey
1/2 cup of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Remove beet greens and reserve for salad. Scrub beets and dry. Wrap loosely in tin foil after sprinkling with olive oil, salt & pepper. Place directly on oven rack and roast for 40-60 minutes until beets are tender when pierced with a knife. Remover from oven and let cool. In the meantime, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together all ingredients, slowing whisking in the olive oil. You can just do this in the bottom of your serving bowl. Chop the beets greens and add the remaining greens to the bowl. Toss with the vinaigrette then crumble in the goat cheese and nuts. When the beets are cool enough to handle, cut into cubes and add to the salad. Lightly toss to coat. Enjoy!

patterns

Monday's rainy day activity: "Basketball" for Isaiah and knitting for mommy



Today: Baseball for Isaiah, and knitting for mommy (again).

See a pattern??

I love this time of year and I'm so happy for it to be nice out again. This is the blooming dogwood in our front yard. Isn't it gorgeous? I hope you're all enjoying a beautiful day too.

making room for "friends"

I haven't really been sewing much lately, due to the organized state of my sewing room and my recent obsession with knitting. But yesterday during Isaiah's nap, I got the urge, and I made all the adjustments for the dress and finished sewing the muslin. I tried taking pictures of it on, and believe me when I say this was the least scary one of the bunch. Doing a full bust adjustment has really changed my life. A couple of lovely ladies came to my rescue the other day and sent me some fabulous links on how to do so. I never really knew about making adjustments to patterns, but I can say for sure, that now that I know how to do it, I'll probably be making some more clothes for myself.

I had originally intended to do view B because I loved this dress so much. After making the muslin though, I've realized the neckline is not going to work for me. Aside from that, the dress is really flattering. So I'll be going with view A and make the proper adjustments so that I don't pull a Janet on the dance floor. I wouldn't want to upstage the bride :)

Oh, and go check out Beki's post on Sew, Mama, Sew! today. She has done a really great job showing how to do a FBA. And, stop by her blog and wish her Happy Birthday too!

rainy days and knitting

I have to admit, I'm a little obsessed with knitting right now. After I finished knitting the Juliet, I had to start another project. Never mind the fact that I'm in the middle of trying to sew a dress for a wedding in a month. Last week Isaiah and I ran over to the local yarn store and I picked up the yarn for the Rusted Root sweater. I've been knitting every chance I get, and it's so exciting to see how the lace pattern is coming out. I did mess up a few times in the beginning, but luckily I figured it out, and things are going smoothly.

Thanks for all the helpful comments the other day. I'm glad I'm not the only one with boob issues. I'm happy to say, that it seems (being the operative word), like it may work out. I haven't gotten to the band part yet, and I think that may be the true test of how it's going to turn out.

Our computer decided to quit on us for a few days, so I'm behind in my e-mails. I'll be catching up with you guys soon, I hope. It's been raining for about 24 hours straight and we're under a flood watch. We do live near a river, but luckily they've built a large levy that will contain it. My only issue is, I'm going stir crazy. Isaiah and I are stuck without a car today, and I need some ideas to entertain a 2 year old inside. Poor thing, all he wants to do is go outside and play baseball. Help please!?!! I know you mama's out there have some creative things to do on rainy days!

here goes nothing...

Keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully with a few minor adjustments, this pattern will be able to accommodate some large friends of mine. I don't want to put on a show at John's cousin's wedding. Anyone have any experience adjusted for a larger bust? I am trying it out on an old sheet first.

Done!

Howdy! I didn't mean to disappear like that last week, I just didn't have much to show. I was trying to catch up on my Dear Baby Jane blocks (I'm almost there) and working hard to finish up my Juliet. I'm proud to say that it is finally finished and it feels so good to have it done! This pattern was a pretty easy knit for a beginner like me.

what's with the look on my face??

Although, I did have to frog back one part, before realizing that I had only missed a yarn over. Grr. It came out well, even though I think that it's probably not all that flattering for my body type. If I did it over again, and I was a more experienced knitter, I'd probably start the lace repeats a little lower, and maybe (somehow) make it a little more form fitting in the back.

I think it's too flow-y, but John says that I'm being too critical of myself. I keep wanting to sing "Baby Got Back" everytime I look at this picture.

Here are the details:

Pattern: Juliet by Zephyr Style
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, 6 skeins, held doubly (with some leftover)
Color: Raging Purple (which I think is a funny name)
Needles: Size 10.5 32" circular
Size: Medium

Notes:
I decided to knit a medium based on other reviews that I read, stating that this pattern ran big. This ended up being the perfect size, and normally I wear size XL in shirts. The yarn that I used is also very stretchy and I think that this is probably a big factor in the sizing, although I do think the pattern probably just runs big in general.

I also got to hang out with my friend Stephanie yesterday. I hope she shows you her Juliet soon. It's mighty pretty! We went to the local yarn shop yesterday and I managed to walk out of there with nothing. Now that I'm finished with the Juliet though, I'm itching to start something else. Anyone have a good, easy summer shirt to knit up? I was thinking this, although I'm not sure. What do you think?