Tiny Dachsund

Everyone loves the Tiny Dachsund (TD).  She is always a hit around town.  Yesterday she went to Pet Smart and to Armstrong Nursery.

She weighs in at 10 pounds!  Here she is all fancy courtesy of a fun app on my Iphone.

Dressmaking

I discovered a gem of a book at my public library about a year ago. It is by Helen Tanous.  It was first written in the fifties, and it gives step by step instructions on how to draft a simple pattern and then how to alter the pattern to get the design that you want. If you can't find it at your library, it is available used on Amazon.

It is aimed at fifties fashions but still relevant.

I have made several of these simple dresses from the pattern that I drafted.  The fabric is organic cotton purchased at Momen+ in Torrance - probably the best fabric store for cottons in Los Angeles.  Look it up if you are in the area.  It is also by a great bakery. Fabric and cupcakes just go together!

Now if I could just conquer pants!

The Gladys Handbag

See link for sewing pattern.  The pattern is for a small duffel bag - approximately 7 inches long and about five inches in diameter. Strap can be long or short - fabric or chain.

I have made many of these to get it just right.  The pattern has a lot of detailed photographs and instructions.

The top is zippered close and the bag has a side pocket on each end. It is fully lined.  It only takes about a 1/2 yard of fabric and truthfully the more different fabrics there are (scraps) the more fun it is.

Gladys Handbag Pattern

President's Day

I took the day off today for no other reason than to enjoy the day off.

I have been drinking peppermint tea with my little Dachsund.  She is sitting in my lap helping me compose what is my very first post.

Plain White Cake comes from my very favorite cake recipe handed down from my Grandmother Ethel. She was very spunky and loved fashion.  I am pretty sure that she passed away wearing her girdle.


This is the recipe:

2 1/4 cup flour (cake flour recommended but not required)
3 1/2 t baking power
1/2 t salt
1/1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening (can be butter or oil)
1 cup milk
1 t vanilla
2 eggs

Bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees F.

This is extremely uncomplicated. You can dump all of your ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with a mixer or by hand.  You can split the batter in order to make a layer cake if desired or put it in a sheet pan.  It smells great in the oven and can be dressed up with strawberries or chocolate sauce.  Whatever you would like.