FO: McCalls 5250 High Waisted Slacks & Misc.

Stuff and Stuff and some more Stuff!

McCalls 5250 High-Waisted Slacks

Love them! Got lots of compliments on them. These slacks were soooo comfortable.

Pattern: McCall's 5250 High-Waisted Slacks
Material: Tartan Grey Metallic Suiting
Notions: 9" zipper, flat hook closure
Mods & Notes: I had planned to fully line with Posh polyester from JoAnns but while sewing I had a tearing mishap. I may go back later and add lining. I originally cut these out in muslin to get the proper fit. Which I now use as a sort of sloper. Added about 3" to the length. Have to learn how to do a better hidden zipper. Took a little extra time to match the pattern and lengthened the belt carriers by 1" each to accomodate wider belts.

Results: I really love these pants and got many many compliments on them today. Only drawback is the side seam pockets don't lay as flat as they could causing puckering. I may go back and stay stitch them to the outer seams. The pattern is easy and requires little to no guesswork. I highly recommend.

Pinstripes Swatch

Now if I could just sit down and finish the dang ole sweater AND write out the pattern. I dream big and in color. I seem to be slipping back into some habits I thought I had long left behind. Procrastination and not finishing. I'm going to hold myself accountable on this one. Hopefully I'll have a progress pic in my next post.

Tea, Cream & Red Velvet

With walnut icing. The redder the better. Jongewaards in Long Beach.



Kamika now if I go in here and eat this mint cheesecake I'll be stuffed!

Coffee Swap 2 Swag!

Who says only celebrities get swag? I got my Coffee Swap #2 package yesterday and I love it! I feel so special. This was my first swap and I got the best partner. Ann over at Yellow House Treasures really knows how to make you feel good. I absolutely love everything she put in my package. Take a look:

TEAS:

(from l to R)
Top: Green Tea Jasmine Tea Cookies, Octavia Tea (Ginger Peach), Botanicals Indulgence Tea (Sparkle Black)

Bottom: Harney & Sons Tea ( Bangkok: coconut, lemongrass, ginger; Paris: currants, caramel, citrus; Hot Cinnamon Spice: cinnamon,orange peel, clove

GOODIES:

(from l to R)
1st Column: Body Bar (Jasmine & Orange), Sea Spa (Shea Butter Soap)
2nd Column: Splendid Specialties Tea Infused Chocolates (Jasmine Green, Emperor's Ginger, Imperial Chai)
3rd Column: Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea

YARN!:

3 balls of Rowan Handknit Cotton (Buttercup), 2 hanks Tahki Stacy Charles Cotton Classic (Wine/Aubergine), Card

Well the tea cookies were gone about an hour after I received the package. So yummy! I now understand why Ann said that she had to hurry up and mail my package, before she ate them. I hear you! This morning I tried the Ginger Peach tea and it was a hit.

Thank you so much Ann!

Kamika

Coffee Swap 2

Hey Hey! Ho Ho! It's off to the tea shop I go!

I joined my first every swap on Tuesday and I'm so excited. It's the "Coffee Swap 2" organized by Knittymama. Although I don't drink coffee, she was generous enough to let a few of us tea drinkers (you know the other caffeine) in. I can't wait to go shopping for my partner and make a new friend. So here are the questions/answers for my partner. I've modified them to suit a tea drinker:

1. Whole loose leaf or bags? I prefer loose leaf tea. It usually has more flavor.

2. Fully-loaded (black) or herbal? No preference

3. Nutty or fruity flavored? No preference

4. How do you drink your tea? Blacks, usually with heavy cream and honey with an equal and or a syrup for added flavor. Herbals, usually just with honey or agave, an equal and maybe a splash of lemon juice.

5. Favorite tea ever? Almond Milk tea and Rose Tea from the ABC company.

6. Are you fussy about your tea or will any old leaf do? I'm not partial to assam, pekoe, rooibos, etc. I just like a good tasting tea.

7. Favorite treats to have with your tea? Shortbread cookies, chocolate or maple scones, english muffins, a good cake (no fruit), anything chocolate with nuts.

8. Anything else about your tea preferences? I prefer tea filters to infusers (probably because I've never had the chance to use an infuser).

9. Yarn/fiber you love? Alpaca or wool blended with silk (especially Rowan's Alpaca Silk), brightly colored mercerized cotton, other soft wools that can be felted. I also love the Amelie by GGH but surprise me!

10. Yarn/fiber you hate? ACKrylic (unless blending with another more dominant fiber), fun furs, anything splitty.

11. What's on your needles? Uhh, see 2 posts down. LOL

12. Favorite colors? Black, purples/lavenders, yellow yellow and more yellow, reds and greens.

13. Allergies? None that I know of.

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? I can't wait to get started!

Kamika