Author Archives: mariko

berry fine

Posted on June 14, 2010 by mariko

I have a bit of a thing for the strawberry motif. Okay, that’s a bit of an understatement. Anyway, I had a couple of small pieces of this strawberry fabric in my stash. The pieces were really too small to … Continue reading →

Posted in sewing | 5 Comments

cookie cutter fun

Posted on June 10, 2010 by mariko

Cookie cutters are like shoes or books–you can never have too many of them! I was recently contacted by cookie cutter company Ann Clark. The Vermont-based company has been in the cookie cutter business for about two decades now, and … Continue reading →

Posted in baking | 2 Comments

rick rack tunic

Posted on June 4, 2010 by mariko

I have been somewhat obsessed with Japanese fabric and pattern manufacturer & shop Rick Rack for a few years now. Unfortunately, they do not ship to the United States (not as far as I can tell, that is). Fortunately, my … Continue reading →

Posted in sewing | 11 Comments

chocolate cobbler

Posted on June 1, 2010 by mariko

Oh, heyyyyy, what’s going on? I finished up my patternmaking classes, but I am hoping to continue with my education, since I really need it. I am starting a swimwear class this week, but don’t worry, I will not be … Continue reading →

Posted in baking | 6 Comments

So much for destashing

Posted on May 16, 2010 by mariko

So much for destashing, originally uploaded by super eggplant. A couple weeks ago I started reorganizing my sewing room and got rid of several large garbage bags full of fabric. I still need to weed through some more fabric plus … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

oatmeal raisin cookies

Posted on May 10, 2010 by mariko

Every Saturday morning I go for a longish run with my running buddies. This past Saturday we had blue skies and sun, something we haven’t seen here in Portland for quite some time, and we were even able to run … Continue reading →

Posted in baking | 13 Comments

instant gratification biscuits

Posted on April 30, 2010 by mariko

I had a recent craving for buttermilk biscuits, but alas, I didn’t have any buttermilk, and I wasn’t willing to put that much effort into the venture. Lucky for me that I just happened to have a package of Bob’s … Continue reading →

Posted in baking | 7 Comments

A peepin’ good brownie

Posted on April 26, 2010 by mariko

I like marshmallows. Many people, I think, like the idea of marshmallows, but they don’t actually like to eat them. “Too sweet” is the frequent complaint. But when you pair the marshmallow with graham crackers and chocolate, what’s not to … Continue reading →

Posted in baking | 9 Comments

join the pack

Posted on April 20, 2010 by mariko

It’s the return of the amineko! Actually, it’s a bit of a sad story. Thuy went on a bit of an amineko crocheting bender about, oh, 5 years ago, and she sent me a couple of unassembled amineko to animate. … Continue reading →

Posted in knitting | 6 Comments

mascara

Posted on April 16, 2010 by mariko

Once upon a time I promised to discuss my experience with Japanese mascaras. I am finally doing it. This post will most likely only interest those of you with short, straight, sparse eyelashes, or perhaps it will not interest anyone. … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 12 Comments