January 31, 2010

capelet

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I just started another patternmaking class, this one through Portland Sewing, so I really shouldn't be sewing anything until I have a better grip on fit and all, but I am a daredevil, one accustomed to decades of sewing misjudgments!

So anyway, I decided to make this little capelet from the Korean sewing book I completely adore (read about it here). I have no idea about the sizes in this thing, so I just kind of guess. I wanted to line the capelet, but if I had, the armholes wouldn't have fit. I think this will be handy in the summer for when I need a little somethin' somethin' to throw on, but we'll see how much use I actually get out of it. It was a quick and easy little sewing project.

Posted by mariko at 11:34 AM | Comments (9)

January 25, 2010

run away






Be afraid, originally uploaded by super eggplant.


Whenever I go to Rose City Textiles, I get into trouble. Even if I intend to buy NOTHING, I inevitably walk out with about a hundred bucks' worth of fabric. I cannot help myself, and the store manager, Annette, knows it. She hypnotizes me and leads me around the store like a marionette. It is very effective.



So, since I already have a stash of activewear fabric, I decided I should jump in and make something. This stripey fabric I actually got from the Fabric Depot outdoor sale. They had an impressive and enticing selection of activewear fabric over the summer.



Now, I had decided that making my own running tights might not be the best decision, since the industrial machines sew such superior seams, and hey, if I dole out about $50 I can even get a zippered pocket! But, what the heck, I have the fabric, so why not make some shorts-tights (that's what I call these shorts that fit like tights. Duh). They actually turned out quite well in that they are comfortable, and I can run in them and all. Now, I fully realize that the horizontal stripes aren't doing my butt or my big ol' thighs any favors, but perhaps I will be encouraged to run a little faster so I will be more of a blur than an eyesore? Yeah, probably not, but too bad, cuz I'm wearing them!

Posted by mariko at 06:28 PM | Comments (11)

January 24, 2010

Mojo Crepes






My crepe from Mojo Crepes, originally uploaded by super eggplant.


Hey, it's been quite some time, so I figured I should just blog about something. I do have a finished capelet thing I will blog about, but it is the dark and gloomy season in Portland, and the window for taking photos is very slim.



Anyway, there is a new Japanese crepe shop in town: Mojo Crepes. It has been open since October, but I only learned of its existence the other day. I was so excited I could barely contain myself. It's a cute little place, and the crepes are quite delicious (I think you really have to get the ice cream in there for maximum deliciousness). So, locals, go check it out!

Posted by mariko at 06:47 PM | Comments (5)

January 05, 2010

Hello, 2010






Walking on the beach, originally uploaded by super eggplant.


Oh, hey, so it's a new year yet again. I am not really one to look back upon the decade or year and, you know, assess stuff. I also am not much of a resolution maker, though this year I am going to try to eat more fruit. Oh, and I am going to say "two thousand ten" rather than "twenty ten," or at least that is my decision for today.

Posted by mariko at 08:19 AM | Comments (8)

December 23, 2009

hey hay

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I have long been fascinated with these so-called haystack cookies that incorporate crunchy chow mein noodles. This was my first attempt at making them. I was going to use only semisweet chocolate, but I was told by several people that butterscotch chips are NOT optional, so I went half butterscotch chips and half semisweet chips. I think the butterscotch chips are a bit too sweet, really, so next time I think I will go 70/30 or use all semisweet. I also threw in some roasted peanuts, which holy crap are so delicious straight out of the can, but in the haystacks you can't really even taste them. Maybe I will go with a different type of peanut next time? Anyway, still a crowd pleaser and still delicious, and still super easy peasy.

Hey HAY Haystack Cookies

3 cups crunchy chow mein noodles (do they even HAVE these in China?)
1 cup peanuts (optional)
1 bag semisweet chips
1 bag butterscotch chips (you know I consider these optional. If you skip these, use two bags of semisweet chips total)

In a heavy, large saucepan, slowly and gently melt the chips over low heat, stirring frequently so you don't burn the chocolate. When it's melted, remove the pan from the heat and toss in the noodles and peanuts. Mix together then spoon little clumps onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool or throw in the fridge to speed the process along.

Posted by mariko at 05:37 PM | Comments (10)

Don't encourage my insane brother.

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Click on his head at your own peril.

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