At the Beach

Linus, holding mom Calliope's hand

No reason for this post other than excessive cuteness on the part of Linus. And the fact that I can't stop thinking about our beach outing since I am in pain from sunburning the tops of my feet. Yes, the tops.

Some Like it Hot: An Ode to the Jalapeno

Summer makes me crave spicy food. However, I don't like my food too hot or merely hot for hot's sake. Its gotta have a nice balance of flavors and an acceptable amount of heat. This zippy dip is one of my favorite recipes for the balance between hot and cool. It originally came from Cooks Illustrated magazine and is one of my most requested recipes. It has really good flavor; the chipotles in adobo (aka: smoked jalapeno peppers) add heat, the sour cream cools the dip down and the lime adds tang. Perfect with crudites.

Chipotle-Lime Dip with Scallions
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
3 scallions, sliced thin
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
3 chipotles in adobo, minced to paste, plus 1/2 tsp adobo sauce
1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 Tablespoon lime juice

Add all ingredients except the scallions into a food processor and pulse until smooth and combined. Empty into a bowl. Stir in scallions. Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 3 hours so the flavors meld. Serve with veggies, chips, etc.

Not in the Kitchen with Phineas

You probably think that the hiatus from my kitchen exploits is on account of the hot weather we've been having. But it isn't. A few weeks ago Phineas informed me that the oven was broken. (Broken? How on earth do you break and oven!?!?)

A part has been ordered and so I am waiting.... impatiently. With a new baking cookbook. Waiting. Blueberries are ripening. Peaches are starting to come in. And here I am with no hope of a blueberry peach pie. Strawberries and raspberries are almost done for the year. And here I am with no chance of a tart. Waiting. Impatient.

I'm official! I'm official!!

My very own labels arrived!

Why I began sewing...

Because pants don't fit. Ever.

I've been doing better now that a few mainstream retailers offer a "curvy" fit which has a smaller waist and larger hips than the standard cuts. But still, last week I returned a pair of pants which were simultaneously too big and too small (waist and hips, respectively). They were also too long in the crotch and too short in the inseam. I don't think I am mutant-shaped, but pants really just never fit. Ever.

So yesterday, I impulsively registered for the following new class at my local sewing shop:

Basic Pattern Drafting - Pants
4 session class.
In this new class you will learn how to draft your own basic pants pattern. Using square and curved rulers along with your measurements you will draft a pattern on paper then construct in muslin to fit and adjust if necessary. You can then use this pattern to design other styles of your choice. Prerequisites: Absolute Beginners, Sewing 101 or other intermediate pattern class. Must know how to use classroom machine. Supply list will be given upon registration. Intermediate Level.

I'm not sure I am intermediate level (I think of myself as novice). And I think I ought to do some serious homework on waistbands, zippers and button holes before the class begins next month. But what the heck. This is the class I have been waiting for!

Repurposing

A few weeks ago, as the youngest muse, Erato, was packing to move to a new apartment, she gave me some clothing that no longer fit (she has gotten quite svelt), but that were favorites and she couldn't bear to get rid of. However, this dress just didn't work out for me either.

BUT I have a secret plan. So, I ripped out most of the seams. Erato would be horrified at this point, but I am willing to bet that her school and work schedules keep her too busy to read my blog. And in the end, she is going to have a fabulous new..... mystery gift. (You didn't really think I would tell you what it is going to be, Erato, did you? heh heh heh).

Sewing Impossible: Mission 2

I think that everyone who sews must sooner or later get a call from a desperate friend or family member who needs a quick alteration. This was my other sewing challenge for the weekend.

The Mission: alter a sundress Polyhymnia will wear to a tropical destination wedding

Deadline: Yesterday - she is on a plane to Punta Cana right now!

The Challenges: (In her own words.)

"1) I will probably need a dart put in the cups towards the side of the cup near to my underarm. There is extra material there.

"2) If we could sew the V in the front closed just about one inch more, it will help hide my cleavage better and my bra, too.

"3) The empire waist is created from a piece of stretchy elastic that runs through it, but the extra material is all in the back, causing the back to hang down too far. It's so loose, I don't even need to use the zipper - I can just pull it over my head. Here's the problem - if you try to pull the back tighter to take measurements, the elastic around the front springs into action.

"THANKS FOR TAKING THIS ON!!"

When I surveyed the scene, she was exactly on target - the underarms gaped, the back was too loose and the neckline was too plunging for my sister. But 4 darts and some hand stitching later, the dress fit. This all sounds very anti climactic, but it was actually very exciting that I made something fit, and without any kind of instructions. It was a small victory for a new sewist!

Have fun in Costa Rica, Poly!!