tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63157118337694605522024-03-05T04:10:18.360-07:00Curry MadeCurry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-29853958914572755302012-05-18T07:36:00.001-06:002012-05-18T07:36:50.821-06:00New top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7221192038/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img alt="New top" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7221192038_f66fe68bf4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A lot has been happening around here. Unexpected (painful and expensive!) dental work, job interviews, warmer weather and several sewing projects have kept me away from this space for long enough that I don't recognise Blogger. It took me a few seconds to figure out how to publish a new post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7221192310/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img alt="New top" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7221192310_b1262976bb.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Anyway, after a frustrating morning of drafting a new sloper (more on that later) a few days ago, I was looking for an easy project. The fabric is from a thrift store that I've had in my stash for several years now. The colour is not especially an harbinger of spring but the fabric is soft and very thin; perfect for warmer days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7221192364/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img alt="New top" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7221192364_82f5d8d12c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I've made different versions of this top a <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/01/japanese-smock.html" target="_blank">couple</a> <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-top-with-peter-pan-collar.html" target="_blank">times</a> before. The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360242/" target="_blank">original pattern</a> is from this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360420/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Japanese book</a> but I've changed the pattern considerably. This time I made a short-sleeved version with cuffs and didn't sew down the inverted pleat. It made for a quick and easy project!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7221192114/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img alt="New top" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7221192114_6253807dd1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-37668959432739375512012-03-29T08:13:00.003-06:002012-03-29T08:45:43.484-06:00Negroni take two<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7026765627/" title="Negroni - take two by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7026765627_e551c87510.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni - take two" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I finished making a second Negroni muslin a while back and I almost can't recollect all the details. Let's see. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">I traced a medium but added length to the body and arms. I traced the largest sized cuffs and tapered the sleeves out to match. The biggest change I made from the original pattern was to change the collar from a camp style collar to a traditional collar and add plackets, which I did using <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/02/mens-shirt-sew-along-11-new-collar-for.html">Peter's instructions</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6880665812/" title="Negroni - take two by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/6880665812_7f85a3f280.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Negroni - take two" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The overall fit is much better in the shoulder and the neck fits perfectly. The shirt still creases near the armhole but it looks better than the <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2012/02/negroni-muslin.html">large muslin</a> in the front and back. I had to use a 3/8" seam allowance to sew the shirt front to the back and at the armhole, since it was a little too snug.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/7026765691/" title="Negroni - take two by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/7026765691_64dcea9839.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni - take two" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The fabric was labelled as a chambray but it really is an oxford. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6880665762/" title="Negroni - take two by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/6880665762_ab84647bf8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Negroni - take two" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Things to remember for the next time: the shoulder, collar, plackets, cuffs need no change. I need to shorten the collar stand I drafted by about 5/8". I need to sew and press the cuffs more carefully, so that the inside fabric doesn't show! I would add even more length in the body, maybe shorten the sleeves a little. Most importantly, I need to trace a larger armhole, with more room in the shirt body.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6880665852/" title="Negroni - take two by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6880665852_52d5e2c2b0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni - take two" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It isn't perfect yet but it's getting closer with each try! </div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-5690994802272561072012-03-12T16:44:00.003-06:002012-03-12T17:06:07.171-06:00Weekend gormandising<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6977508469/" title="Fried chicken by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6977508469_9fc9b089cf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Fried chicken" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Trying to fry chicken or</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6977508499/" title="Fried chicken by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6977508499_c9ec638156.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Fried chicken" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>how I will never again deep fry a piece of meat without having a thermometer (or two) at hand. Most of the pieces were done to my liking but some pieces were most definitely too rare. The oil was just too hot. What was I thinking?! Not the fault of the recipe, just user error.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6831380924/" title="Double chocolate layer cake by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6831380924_e1b57a3ed3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Double chocolate layer cake" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Double-Chocolate-Layer-Cake-101275">This</a> chocolate cake more than made up for it, though. Moist, tender, not-too-sweet. I used Callebaut dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. No special reason, I just felt like eating a slice of chocolate cake.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are off on a short backcountry ski trip tomorrow to enjoy the last of the snow, although it most certainly feels like spring around these parts. Happy Monday!</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-27395270483942521162012-02-29T06:08:00.004-07:002012-02-29T06:48:37.236-07:00Pattern making<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I first tried to </span></span><a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2009/06/plenty-of-fabric-but-pattern-less-in.html" style="font-size: 100%; ">draft</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> my own </span></span><a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2009/07/pattern-making.html" style="font-size: 100%; ">patterns</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> whilst we were living in India in part because I didn't have easy access to commercial patterns. I bought a </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Cutting-Made-Easy-Introduction/dp/0713480939/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330521429&sr=1-1" style="font-size: 100%; ">couple</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> of </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Metric-Pattern-Cutting-Womens-Wear/dp/1405175672/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330521470&sr=1-1" style="font-size: 100%; ">books</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">, scoured the internet for tutorials, and soon realised that I actually enjoyed the process. It took longer to make a finished piece from start to finish but I found it to be very fulfilling. Besides, I often have to </span>tweak<span style="font-size: 100%;"> commercial patterns to get a good fit anyway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6940968189/" title="Pattern making by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6940968189_04de78dd9f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pattern making" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Now that I am back in the U.S., I have all kinds of commercial patterns in my possession but I still find myself wanting to draft my own. I've borrowed several books from the library and have been playing around with miniature sized blocks. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6940968143/" title="Pattern making by Curry Made, on Flickr" style="font-size: 100%; "><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6940968143_facce067e5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Pattern making" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I'm not entirely sure where this process is going but I'd like to at least draft a basic pattern set for myself and see how that goes. So far I haven't spent as much time on it as I'd like but I'm going to try to work on it more.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">In other news, I've finished quite a few sewing projects that I hope to write about soon, so stay tuned. In the meanwhile, enjoy the leap day!</span></span></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-17101757452932017542012-02-09T08:12:00.004-07:002012-02-09T08:56:29.696-07:00Negroni muslin<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6846706755/" title="Negroni by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6846706755_ac72edf440.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Negroni " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been wanting to make a shirt for my husband ever since I learnt how to make buttonholes successfully. Our favourite tailor in India even made me a pattern but I just wasn't sure how to put it all together. Colette Patterns' <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/negroni">Negroni</a> shirt was all I needed to take the leap. With Peter's <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/02/mens-shirt-sew-along-1-lets-get-started.html">MPB Men's Shirt Sew-Along</a> as a resource and Sarai's very good pattern instructions, I decided to make a muslin.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6846707331/" title="Negroni muslin by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6846707331_a68867a85d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni muslin" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6846706975/" title="Negroni muslin by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6846706975_b75c26d502.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni muslin" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6846706915/" title="Negroni muslin by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6846706915_36ff821c17.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Negroni muslin" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6846707021/" title="Negroni muslin by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6846707021_db50d31075.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Negroni muslin" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to put all the pieces together! I traced and sewed the large size without any modifications. My feeling is that it is a tad too big. What do you think? Peter addresses a few fit issues on his blog, which is where I learnt about <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/02/mens-shirt-sew-along-14-addressing-fit.html">pivot points</a>. The shoulder seam extends beyond my husband's pivot point. The shirt seems too large across the back yoke and the fabric creases under the arm. The shirt length and sleeve length look good, though. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the next version of this shirt, I am going to trace a medium and make a few modifications. Mainly, I'll add length to the body and sleeves. I am also going to follow <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2011/02/mens-shirt-sew-along-11-new-collar-for.html">instructions</a> to convert the camp style collar to a traditional collar and draft a button placket and facing. Wish me luck!</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-54827336522391038882012-02-01T09:01:00.004-07:002012-02-01T09:33:28.073-07:00On the needles: Peabody<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6801825745/" title="Peabody by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6801825745_5484861400.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Peabody" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This pattern caught my eye when I was browsing the <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/">Jared Flood</a> pattern binder at the <a href="http://fancytiger.com/craftindex.html">local craft store</a>. It's a simple stockinette sweater with a lace panel that keeps it interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6801825789/" title="Peabody by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6801825789_09e9a3395b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Peabody" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm using the tweedy yarn I picked up on our trip to Ireland last year. I've knit past the armholes and have finished the back since taking these photos but I'm a little worried I might run out of yarn. I have three hanks in total so I should have enough but we'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6801825699/" title="Peabody by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6801825699_18b1bb322e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Peabody" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, if only it would get cold enough to wear a cozy wool sweater...</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-78663284257461815942012-01-25T10:18:00.002-07:002012-01-25T10:24:02.859-07:00Apple pie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6761089443/" title="Apple pie by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6761089443_89134bd21a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Apple pie" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">and tea for breakfast.</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-17339779688713594762012-01-07T11:46:00.004-07:002012-01-07T12:04:27.194-07:00Homemade vanilla extractTalking about Christmas presents,<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6653469191/" title="Homemade vanilla extract by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6653469191_39f7c06a16.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Homemade vanilla extract" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>no, no. Not the Polish vodka! I received a generous stash of vanilla beans from my sister-in-law and her fiancé. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6653469111/" title="Homemade vanilla extract by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6653469111_00ac0d36a9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Homemade vanilla extract" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure why I haven't thought to make vanilla extract at home before. It couldn't be simpler! Most sources online recommend a ratio of three beans per eight ounces of vodka (or rum). I sliced the beans down the centre, scraped the caviar and put all of it in sterilised bottles. Each bottle held a wee bit more than 16 ounces, so I used seven beans per bottle. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6653469289/" title="Homemade vanilla extract by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6653469289_9270bfa9de.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Homemade vanilla extract" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've squirrelled the bottles away in the darkest part of the cabinet. Now all I have to do is give the bottles a good shake once in a while and more importantly, be patient!</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-15198785642286705032012-01-04T09:51:00.007-07:002012-01-06T21:22:07.925-07:002012Things have been quiet here lately but I closed 2011 doing some of my favourite things. I had the opportunity to travel, celebrate holidays with family, try new recipes in the kitchen and finish a few sewing and knitting projects. Although I have been remiss in writing, I had to share one of my Christmas presents from my husband. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6635620331/" title="New serger by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6635620331_1f2412a775.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="New serger" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Voila! It was a complete surprise, too. He picked out this particular model based on reviews online, and so far so good. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6635620395/" title="Reading material by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6635620395_0655da7fc2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Reading material" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He also rather wisely gave me some reading material to go along with it! After perusing the book, the serger manual and other blogs, it seemed like threading the machine would likely be my biggest challenge. I was prepared! It must have been beginner's luck but I managed fairly easily. I tied on the new thread to the spool the machine came threaded with and just pulled it through. It worked for one out of three spools. For the rest, I just followed the manual. I've already started a project from the book and will write more about it soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2012!</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-14053762766607848112011-08-18T01:53:00.003-06:002011-08-18T03:15:24.343-06:00Another refashion<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6055526518/" title="Another refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6055526518_92175c1b38.jpg" alt="Another refashion" height="500" width="333" /></a>
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<br />I refashioned another of my husband's shirts recently. This one is from a store in India that mainly features cottons and linens in their collection. The fabric is very soft and summery, and I was quite excited to convert it into something to fit my wardrobe.
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<br />I had less fabric to work with this time around - an Indian extra-large is a lot smaller than an Eddie Bauer large-tall.
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<br />I followed the same steps as I did for my <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/06/refashion.html">last refashion</a>. The part I found tricky was trying to incorporate the shirt's shoulder/back detail, since I didn't want the cut-out to appear misplaced on my shirt, but I think it turned out well.
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<br />Like the last time, the sleeves are my favourite part! I used the original cuff to make tabs so that I can wear the sleeves rolled up or down.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6054977563/" title="Another refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6054977563_7ce4c662bf.jpg" alt="Another refashion" height="333" width="500" /></a>
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<br />Like my previous refashion, I didn't shorten the shirt at all, and used the original hem. I left the back longer, used French seams, and finished the neck with bias tape made with left over bits of the sleeves. All-in-all, a refashion success, me thinks!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6054977735/" title="Another refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6054977735_351129bd4e.jpg" alt="Another refashion" height="500" width="333" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to my husband for helping me with the photos.
<br /></div></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-52636179120911836142011-08-12T09:11:00.003-06:002011-08-12T10:03:43.172-06:00Another Sorbetto top<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6035106121/" title="Another Sorbetto top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6035106121_001a86c8a0.jpg" alt="Another Sorbetto top" height="333" width="500" /></a>
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<br />After I made my <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/07/sorbetto-top.html">first Sorbetto top</a>, I had planned other versions but we haven't had much sun in Paris this summer. So by the time I got down to making a second one, I had all but forgotten the design elements I had wanted to incorporate.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6035660236/" title="Another Sorbetto top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/6035660236_acf9fa466d.jpg" alt="Another Sorbetto top" height="333" width="500" /></a>
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<br />I had envisioned converting the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/colette-patterns-news/free-pattern-to-download-the-sorbetto-top">original pattern</a> to a racer back, but the only thing I did differently was curve the armholes in a little bit, add length in the body, and leave out the front pleat. I cut out a small pocket for the front but ultimately decided to leave it out since it was lost in the floral pattern of the fabric. I had wanted to make a curved hem but by the time I got to it, I forgot and cut a regular hem! I guess I was in a hurry to wear my new shirt before the sun disappeared!
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/6035106221/" title="Another Sorbetto top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6035106221_807ee90e8f.jpg" alt="Another Sorbetto top" height="500" width="333" /></a>
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<br /> Thanks to my husband for taking the photos.
<br />Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-43180544742383421272011-07-21T00:21:00.003-06:002011-07-21T01:04:59.774-06:00Eats<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834935/" title="Coffee and Pain au Chocolat by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5959834935_2efa1d5c61.jpg" alt="Coffee and Pain au Chocolat" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coffee and <span style="font-style: italic;">pain au chocolat</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5960393722/" title="Dill ricotta sandwich by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5960393722_f949628e10.jpg" alt="Dill ricotta sandwich" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dill ricotta topped with cucumbers and tomatoes and <span style="font-style: italic;">fleur de sel</span> from Guérande spooned over a piece of fresh baguette.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834867/" title="Leek and garlic pesto pasta by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5959834867_de4d78e180.jpg" alt="Leek and garlic pesto pasta" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pasta with creamy leek and garlic pesto from <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/the-minimalist-pasta-with-creamy-leek-and-garlic-pesto/">Bittman</a>, and <a href="http://doriegreenspan.com/">Dorie Greenspan's</a> garlicky crumb coated broccoli.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834305/" title="Gateau au Citron by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5959834305_e2a8c5d0ae.jpg" alt="Gateau au Citron" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2010/09/gateau-au-citron.html">Gâteau au Citron</a>, an absolute favourite chez nous.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834563/" title="Breakfast museli by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5959834563_be300de6e3.jpg" alt="Breakfast museli" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Breakfast on most days. The yogurt is not homemade but one of my favourites, Malo <span style="font-style: italic;">nature</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5960393768/" title="Caprese sandwich by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5960393768_58b1c92fb3.jpg" alt="Caprese sandwich" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil, pepper and <span style="font-style: italic;">fleur de sel</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5960394038/" title="White beans and spinach by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5960394038_269d2c3468.jpg" alt="White beans and spinach" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">White beans, spinach and potato in a creamy coconut curry over couscous.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834249/" title="Weekly pizza by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5959834249_5ebf32a27c.jpg" alt="Weekly pizza" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weekly homemade pizza.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834499/" title="Chausson aux pommes by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5959834499_018c5475ab.jpg" alt="Chausson aux pommes" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Breakfast on the weekends after a trip to the <span style="font-style: italic;">boulangerie</span>: <span style="font-style: italic;">chausson aux pommes</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5960393972/" title="Leek, potato and zucchini pancakes by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5960393972_de5a6549bd.jpg" alt="Leek, potato and zucchini pancakes" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not photogenic but very tasty. Leek, potato and zucchini pancakes from NYT's <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/the-temporary-vegetarian-leek-potato-and-zucchini-pancakes-with-baby-lettuces/">Diners Journal</a>. I always add garlic.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5959834799/" title="Chocolate chip cookies by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5959834799_6010ed9d19.jpg" alt="Chocolate chip cookies" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate chip cookies from <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com">David Lebovitz's</a> Ready for Dessert.<br /></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-31372934733153847382011-07-18T07:23:00.004-06:002011-07-18T08:30:46.905-06:00New top with Peter Pan collar<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5950620656/" title="Drafting Peter Pan collar by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5950620656_5f45a49624.jpg" alt="Drafting Peter Pan collar" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I finally drafted a Peter Pan collar using <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/">Gertie</a>'s three-part video <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/02/drafting-peter-pan-collar-part-one.html">tutorial</a> that I've had bookmarked for a few months now. Gertie's tutorial is very detailed, and overall, I found the collar quite easy to draft, as I followed her directions exactly. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360242/" title="Adult Couture Dress & Smock Blouse by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5395360242_759f036d2c.jpg" alt="Adult Couture Dress & Smock Blouse" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I drafted the collar for a smock pattern I've <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/01/japanese-smock.html">made before</a> from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360420/in/photostream/">this</a> Japanese book. Once I sewed the collar pieces together, I wasn't quite sure how to attach the collar to the top but it worked out rather well in the end. I used a 2" bias strip folded in half as a facing, and again, followed Gertie's directions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5950061853/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5950061853_09f41d66a9.jpg" alt="New top" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br />As for the smock pattern itself, I changed quite a bit. I obviously left out the ties and slit down the front. I also reduced the front piece by about 1" on the fold for a better fit, and converted the gathers of the original pattern to an inverted pleat in the center. I added gathers to the sleeves by extending the original sleeve about 1" on either side at the cuff end, and finished the sleeves with bias tape.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5950061925/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5950061925_8d7d2147a8.jpg" alt="New top" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Even after having washed it once, the fabric is a little stiff owing to the sizing but I'm hoping it will soften with use. It was a cut-piece of about 1.5 meters that I picked up months ago for five euros, so I can't complain. It was perfect to practice new drafting techniques!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5950620240/" title="New top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5950620240_c73a41b43b.jpg" alt="New top" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br />I'm most chuffed about having drafted a Peter Pan collar, and about manipulating the smock pattern to make something different. I love this top! Despite the sleeves, it feels summery, and since Paris has remained rather cool this month, I really appreciate having sleeves.<br /><br />Thanks to my husband for taking all the photos!Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-51971158606500442202011-07-17T01:29:00.004-06:002011-07-18T02:19:59.497-06:00Le quatorze juillet<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5945166751/" title="Lac d'Annecy by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5945166751_c31b037b8c.jpg" alt="Lac d'Annecy" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I didn't take a single photo on France's independence day but I did enjoy being in Paris for the holiday. We started the day with a run along the Seine, looking up at the sky to watch the flypast of helicopters and jets accompanying the parade down Champs Élysées. After brunch, as we watched cyclists climb the Pyrenees on le Tour de France, I made another <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-bake-chocolate-cake.html">chocolate cake</a> to bring to a potluck dinner.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5945747932/" title="Sunset_La Tour by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5945747932_1bb3eb9a22.jpg" alt="Sunset_La Tour" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />This photo is months old but we enjoyed a similarly spectacular sunset with the same vantage, from a friend's apartment with a fantastic view over the city. We nibbled on delicious food and sipped on wine as we waited patiently for the fireworks. The theme this year was <span style="font-style: italic;">From Broadway to Paris</span>, and the show didn't disappoint. <span style="font-style: italic;">La Tour Eiffel</span> made for a grand backdrop, and it was probably <span style="font-style: italic;">the </span>most <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjxfvm_feu-d-artifice-du-14-juillet-2011-de-paris-en-photos-animees-son-remixe_creation">extravagant fireworks</a> show I have ever seen.<br /><br />All in all, a splendid day in the City of Light.Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-29250923254080005452011-07-11T00:39:00.003-06:002011-07-11T01:48:25.682-06:00Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5924953645/" title="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5924953645_ae41cf1fd5.jpg" alt="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />In India, dill is often prepared like spinach or any other green leafy vegetable. It isn't simply reserved for garnishes or used in small doses like other herbs but rather cooked up as a side dish to be eaten with <span style="font-style: italic;">chapatis</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">dal</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5924953799/" title="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5924953799_9063a79697.jpg" alt="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />When I was younger, it definitely wasn't my favourite option for dinner but as an adult, I have grown to love the flavourful 'vegetable', often prepared with roasted, crushed peanuts or roasted <span style="font-style: italic;">mung</span> dal.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5925515738/" title="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5925515738_a3723f0f61.jpg" alt="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I had a small bunch of dill left over from <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2011/07/salmon-cakes.html">this</a> dinner but not enough to make a stand alone vegetable side. I though it might pair well with peas and tomatoes, and it does! The dill definitely takes center stage but is not overly powerful. If you aren't a big fan of dill, leave it out all together; the peas and tomato combination is wonderful by itself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5924953873/" title="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5924953873_4e6d6c89df.jpg" alt="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I realise too, that cooking Indian recipes often involve a long ingredients list which can seem intimidating if you are not accustomed to cooking Indian food regularly. So I've decided to post simple Indian recipes as and when I cook them. I can also post a few tips for cooking Indian food, if that seems useful to anyone.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5924953947/" title="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5924953947_8ac6dc41e2.jpg" alt="Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indian spiced peas with tomatoes and dill</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Makes 2 servings</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><br />sunflower or vegetable oil<br />1 small onion<br />2 cloves garlic minced<br />2 medium tomatoes (not too ripe) cut in large cubes<br />2 cups fresh (or frozen) peas<br />1 tsp corriander powder<br />1/2 tsp cumin powder<br />red chilli powder (to taste)<br />2 fistfuls roughly chopped dill<br />salt<br /><br /><ol><li>Add oil to a hot frying pan. Add onions and cook till translucent. Add garlic, and cook for a minute.</li><li>Add corriander, cumin and chilli powder. Be careful not to burn the spices. Keep stirring and add water, a teaspoon at a time, if needed, to avoid burning the spices. Cook till 'raw' smell of spices disappears, about 1 minute<br /></li><li> Add tomatoes. Cook for a minute or two, till tomatoes still hold their shape but skin starts to pull away.</li><li>Add peas, stir, and cook till peas are almost done. Add dill, stir, cook for a minute. Turn heat off, cover pan for five minutes.<br /></li><li>Serve with rice or <span style="font-style: italic;">chapatis </span>and yogurt. Enjoy!<br /></li></ol>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-89622603611402042302011-07-07T02:11:00.003-06:002011-07-07T03:11:49.478-06:00No bake chocolate cakeWe had a friend over for dinner last night; instead of cooking up several courses, I served a number of small plates. The spread included roasted red peppers with garlic and basil; a mozzarella, tomato, and strawberry salad (from Dorie Greenspan's <span style="font-style: italic;">Around my French Table)</span>; tomato-chèvre tartlets with homemade pesto (also from Dorie Greenspan's <span style="font-style: italic;">Around my French Table)</span>; a simple lettuce salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and plenty of crusty baguette to mop up the juices.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5911208965/" title="No bake chocolate cake by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/5911208965_659db6235f.jpg" alt="No bake chocolate cake" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Heidi's <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/no-bake-chocolate-cake-recipe.html">No Bake Chocolate Cake</a> made for a wonderful close to the meal. I kept it simple, and left out the allspice and espresso. I also replaced the heavy cream with crème fraiche, and was tempted to arrange some sliced strawberries on the top but ultimately went with some chocolate curls instead.<br /><br />It was a simple and delicious meal, focused on fresh, quality ingredients. I will definitely be making all of these dishes again!Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-30047184822971258202011-07-05T07:29:00.003-06:002011-07-05T08:32:48.768-06:00Sorbetto top<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5905078784/" title="Sorbetto top by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5905078784_8974a4d682.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Sorbetto top" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/blog/colette-patterns-news/free-pattern-to-download-the-sorbetto-top">Sorbetto top</a> from Colette Patterns was perfect for the one-meter piece of cotton fabric that a friend gave me. I cut out the smallest size and lengthened the blouse by several inches so that I could finish it with a wide hem. It is loose and comfortable, and it made for a quick and easy addition to my wardrobe. As for the black linen skirt, I made it using the pattern I drafted last year to make <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2010/10/steve-alan-knock-off.html">this</a> skirt. </div><div><br /></div><div>I made this top a couple of weeks ago but today is the first day I was able to wear it without a cardigan. I wore it to the park for a picnic lunch date with my husband, who kindly took this photo! </div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-76576005443669965832011-07-01T04:40:00.003-06:002011-07-01T05:05:03.626-06:00Salmon cakes<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5890656862/" title="Salmon cakes by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5890656862_d0c00265c8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Salmon cakes" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salmon cakes with a yogurt-mayo-dill sauce, lemony spinach and pan-fried garlic potatoes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I forget, here's what I did: </div><div><ul><li>Mix cooked salmon, minced onion, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, mayo, fresh dill and ground pepper together in a bowl. I also happened to have some sweet relish in the fridge so I put some in but capers or minced pickles with a pinch of sugar would taste equally good. </li><li>Add a lightly beaten egg. Mix.</li><li>Shape cakes with hands, coat with bread crumbs (I was out of panko), and fry in batches till golden brown on both sides.</li><li>For the sauce, mix yogurt, mayo, fresh dill, a wee bit of relish and harissa. Season with salt.</li></ul><div>Enjoy with a nice glass of white wine from the Loire Valley!</div></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-62985827583850006572011-06-29T22:56:00.003-06:002011-06-30T07:47:00.096-06:00Eats<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886938018/" title="Pea-Mint pesto with spagetti by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5159/5886938018_b8b4739015.jpg" alt="Pea-Mint pesto with spagetti" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pea-mint pesto with spaghetti.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371599/" title="Chana masala by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5886371599_019dabd5c4.jpg" alt="Chana masala" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Channa masala and chapattis.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371431/" title="Alphonso mangos by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5886371431_a9cbec42e9.jpg" alt="Alphonso mangos" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alphonso mangoes. Although we didn't make it in time to buy a box from one of the grocery stores near Gare du Nord, a friend from India was kind enough to share a few that were <span style="font-style: italic;">shipped</span> to her from Bombay! Yes, these mangoes are that good.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886937458/" title="Picnic sandwiches by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5191/5886937458_e2780a595b.jpg" alt="Picnic sandwiches" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last-minute picnic. We didn't have much at home that day but enough for a few sandwiches. <span style="font-style: italic;">Jambon</span>, cheese, lettuce, tomato, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886937362/" title="Ricotta gnocchi by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5886937362_522a42e4ea.jpg" alt="Ricotta gnocchi" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Homemade ricotta gnocchi using the <a href="http://currymade.blogspot.com/2010/11/ricotta-gnocchi.html">same recipe</a> I used before.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886937954/" title="Masala omlete by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5886937954_8d5336a5b7.jpg" alt="Masala omlete" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Masala omlette with onions, red and green peppers, tomatoes, chillies, and fresh corriander. With crusty baguette and Bordier butter, naturally.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371657/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5155/5886371657_2539eff2aa.jpg" alt="Dinner" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parsley pesto rice pilaf with peas, sardines, and sauteed veggies.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371815/" title="Lemon Bars by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5886371815_545db2fbf2.jpg" alt="Lemon Bars" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lemon bars using <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/01/lemon-bars/">this</a> recipe. Very, very good but not the best.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371489/" title="Roasted red peppers by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5886371489_009fd21b86.jpg" alt="Roasted red peppers " height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roasted peppers with capers and mozzarella also from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/06/roasted-peppers-with-capers-and-mozzarella/">Smitten Kitchen</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886937762/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5886937762_262ea30e54.jpg" alt="Dinner" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Almond flounder meunière (except it wasn't flounder; the fish monger recommended something else) with a side of braised fennel; from Dorie Greenspan's <span style="font-style: italic;">Around My French Table.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5886371379/" title="Treats from Aux Merveilleux de Fred by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5886371379_ea79695fae.jpg" alt="Treats from Aux Merveilleux de Fred" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Treats from Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Check out David's review <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/05/aux-merveilleux-de-fred/">here</a>.<br /></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-58472046508060179052011-06-27T03:36:00.004-06:002011-06-27T04:53:17.462-06:00Refashion<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876053375/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5876053375_67146088ec.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />For several years now, I have been wanting to refashion one of my husband's shirts into a dress for me. I have a small pile of his shirts that have either shrunk in the wash or that never fit him well to begin with, slowly accumulating in India and the US. Since storage space is notably scarce in our rented Parisian apartment, there really is no room for piles of anything. So I finally gave it a go, taking inspiration from <a href="http://www.clevergirl.org/">Antoinette</a> and her <a href="http://www.clevergirl.org/search/label/mens%20shirt%20refashion">clever refashions</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876613872/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5876613872_c854e8ebb8.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I was working with a large-tall Eddie Bauer shirt, so I had quite a bit of fabric to work with. I started with ripping out the collar and the shirt pocket. I initially wanted to keep the collar stand but it was much too large, and it had to go. After I cut along the side seams on the body and sleeves, I converted the box pleat on the shirt back to gathers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876613702/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5876613702_59ed57587f.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I used a self-drafted pattern to cut out the shirt fronts and back, and the sleeves. The sleeves are my favourite part!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876052979/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5876052979_6733171986.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br />I also sewed the original pocket back on the right front of the dress.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876613338/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5876613338_c5ee0b1568.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /></div><br />I added small gathers to the shoulders, which you can't see very well in these photos, and I left the back of the dress longer than the front (inspired by Wiksten's <a href="http://wikstenmade.blogspot.com/2011/05/lissa-dress.html">Lissa dress</a>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876613208/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5232/5876613208_5aa8da2b55.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="500" width="332" /></a><br /></div><br />I finished the entire dress with french seams, and I had enough fabric left over to make bias tape, which I used to finish the sleeves and neck. I wore it the day to wander around Paris!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5876052647/" title="Men's shirt refashion by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5876052647_c77738f210.jpg" alt="Men's shirt refashion" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Thanks to my husband for taking all the photos of me in my new, refashioned dress.Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-81241022238167811962011-06-22T05:53:00.003-06:002011-06-22T06:19:52.707-06:00Fête de la Musique<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5859386991/" title="Summer solstice by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5859386991_d77bd88395.jpg" alt="Summer solstice" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The first official day of summer started off rather gray and cloudy but the sun made a brief appearance before the day was up. We spent the evening wandering about the city and listening to music. Without a <span style="font-style: italic;">pucca</span> plan, we were able to stop at street corners, in front of <span style="font-style: italic;">cafés</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">mairies</span>, and at various parks to listen to whatever caught our fancy. We returned home with exhausted feet, tired and weary but we had a good time! Here are a few photos from the evening:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5859940458/" title="Fête de la Musique by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5238/5859940458_f32bc873df.jpg" alt="Fête de la Musique" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5859387179/" title="Fête de la Musique by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/5859387179_6800069f47.jpg" alt="Fête de la Musique" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5859940522/" title="Fête de la Musique by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5036/5859940522_63f0cc556d.jpg" alt="Fête de la Musique" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5859387229/" title="Fête de la Musique by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5859387229_94880c17a0.jpg" alt="Fête de la Musique" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-30449476724441869712011-02-23T06:59:00.003-07:002011-02-23T08:15:11.269-07:00World Wednesdays: Vientiane food edition<div>We enjoyed our first meal in Laos on the outskirts of Vientiane. It was a Sunday and most of the preferred noodle shops were closed, but we eventually found a bowl of steaming hot noodle soup. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471195986/" title="Vientiane by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5471195986_afeba8d05f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471195986/" title="Vientiane by Curry Made, on Flickr"></a>This photo takes me right back - I remember perspiring from eating too many chilies, and worrying about the water used to wash the fresh herbs. I remember chasing away flies with a flick of my wrist and trying not to step on the matted dog under our table. I remember children lazing in hammocks and chicken scratching the dry dirt. I remember vividly, the excitement from being in a new place.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5470617489/" title="DSC_0353 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5470617489_aafc54dfc9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0353" /></a><br /></div><div><i>Thum muk hoong</i>, Lao papaya salad. Bursting with flavour and fiery hot (by far the spiciest thing I ate on that trip). The Thai version, <i>som tam</i>, is much sweeter than the Lao version.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471196580/" title="DSC_0483 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5471196580_b4b90bc0f9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0483" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first taste of dragon fruit, a perfect respite to all the spice.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471197054/" title="DSC_0556 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5471197054_f8daa59c9b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0556" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grilled fish along the banks of the Mekong.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were also lucky to be part of a <a href="http://www.laoheritagefoundation.org/ceremonies/baci.jsp">baci ceremony</a>, where we got to try some expertly prepared traditional Lao dishes by our friend's family. A few food photos from the ceremony:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471209402/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5471209402_a0c45f9a30.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The spread included,</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471197690/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5471197690_a26ee27615.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">beef <i>laap</i>,</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5470623423/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5470623423_4939e7bf22.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">a delicious soup (that I can't remember the name of),</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471211338/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5471211338_19516bc971.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">fresh vegetables and herbs, and sticky rice (that I don't have a picture of). </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471198384/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5471198384_b432593088.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, there were crates of warm Beerlao to wash down all of this delicious food. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5471209840/" title="Vientiane: baci ceremony by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5471209840_5a3d8ecdfd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Vientiane: baci ceremony" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The aftermath.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for indulging me as I reminisce on this especially grey day in Paris.</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-41956851576408563132011-02-21T06:38:00.003-07:002011-02-21T07:30:14.005-07:00Eats<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464420377/" title="Lunch by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5464420377_a3ab8d056f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lunch" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Croissant sandwich with comté and thyme roasted mushrooms and shallots, with a small salad.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465016282/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5465016282_4b6fc67761.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sautéed onions, mushrooms and broccoli with lots of garlic. I can't remember what I did with them once cooked!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465013678/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5465013678_d962db57d0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465013678/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"></a>Homemade roasted pumpkin gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce, with a side of caramelised leeks.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464416159/" title="Okra for dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5464416159_7b4870b2e7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Okra for dinner" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We bought okra from one of the Indian grocery stores near Gare du Nord to make a delicious <i>bhendi masala</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464416901/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5464416901_594d8c155d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Masoor dal </i>to go with the <i>bhendi masala</i>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465012472/" title="Homemade glazed doughnuts by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5465012472_23753408a2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Homemade glazed doughnuts" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at homemade yeasted doughnuts turned out rather well. Except our apartment smelt a little like a diner after all the frying, and I cut the holes a little too large! I used <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/homemade-glazed-doughnuts/">this</a> recipe.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464419245/" title="Arnaud Larher chocolates by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5464419245_e78d403b4f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Arnaud Larher chocolates" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A box of Arnaud Larher chocolates to nibble on.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465017270/" title="Lunch by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5465017270_98cc8a2016.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lunch" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crusty baguette with ripe camembert, tart apples, and a grainy mustard-balsamic spread.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464418741/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5464418741_ec5a9d314b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our weekly homemade pizza in the oven. My preference is for a slow-rise pizza dough but this time I tried Jamie Oliver's <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pizza-recipes/pizza-dough">recipe</a>. Tasty but a little bread-like. Also, I miss my pizza stone.</div><div> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5464418003/" title="Dinner by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5464418003_6231a74360.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dinner" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spagetti with roasted eggplant and mushrooms in a basil and tomato sauce with buffalo mozzarella.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465015198/" title="Chocolate Ganache Custard Tart by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5465015198_b8a10218e6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Chocolate Ganache Custard Tart" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate ganache custard tart from David Lebovitz's <i>Ready for Dessert</i>. Easy and fantastic!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5465018470/" title="Lemon looking Clementine by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5465018470_0b45f1f8a0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lemon looking Clementine" /></a></div><div>A lemon-looking clementine that we found lurking in the piles of clementines at the market this weekend.</div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-89836002978176083622011-02-09T02:32:00.003-07:002011-02-09T03:21:50.639-07:00World Wednesdays: Vientiane, LaosLast year at this time we were in Laos. Vientiane, the capital city felt miles away from the crowds of India. We rode bicycles in the cool of the mornings, sought shelter in the shaded temples as the day warmed, and watched the sun set over the Mekong while sipping on Beerlao. I took several hundred photos on our trip as we travelled north through the country, and then beyond. Here are a few pictures from Vientiane:<div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430651048/" title="DSC_0396 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5430651048_5bda1e489f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0396" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430650322/" title="DSC_0367 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5430650322_2ddb92821d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0367" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430644692/" title="DSC_0381 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5430644692_fdd6f94501.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0381" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430038791/" title="DSC_0399 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5430038791_e0d0dbec73.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0399" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430044993/" title="DSC_0406 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5430044993_d4a41557ab.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0406" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430041435/" title="DSC_0410 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5430041435_11b5f27325.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0410" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430041807/" title="DSC_0520 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5430041807_45851e94e8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0520" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430038347/" title="DSC_0383 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430038347/" title="DSC_0383 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5430038347_c8641742bd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0383" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5430038347/" title="DSC_0383 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are interested, I'll be adding more photos <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/sets/72157625884690085/">here</a> as I edit them. </div><div></div></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6315711833769460552.post-48997127029912703132011-01-28T02:33:00.004-07:002011-01-28T03:29:18.607-07:00Japanese smock<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395375962/" title="Browsing book shops in Japan by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5395375962_dd0033edcd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Browsing book shops in Japan" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395375962/" title="Browsing book shops in Japan by Curry Made, on Flickr"></a>I bought a couple of sewing books on my quick trip to Japan last month. It was difficult to decide which ones to buy, there were several shelves of books to pick from! </div><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5394780007/" title="Japanese sewing books by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5394780007_940919ede6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Japanese sewing books" /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395375962/" title="Browsing book shops in Japan by Curry Made, on Flickr"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360420/" title="Adult Couture Dress & Smock Blouse by Curry Made, on Flickr"></a>My decision to buy the ones I finally chose was influenced by the <a href="http://makesomething.ca/japanese-dress-books/">many</a> <a href="http://japancouture.canalblog.com/">lovely</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/real_people_in_patterns/pool/">creations</a> I have come across online. Most of the patterns in these books have clean lines and are minimalist, which I find very appealing.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360242/" title="Adult Couture Dress & Smock Blouse by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5395360242_759f036d2c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Adult Couture Dress & Smock Blouse" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I picked Smock no. 21 from the Adult Couture Dress and Smock Blouse book (yes, it translates to a rather odd title in English) as my first project. I don't read Japanese but the drawings provided sufficient direction. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395360768/" title="Japanese smock: #21 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5395360768_3d950d41fc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Japanese smock: #21" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I traced out a size 7 but took in an inch or so at the sides, and left out the ties in the front. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5394763747/" title="Japanese smock: #21 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5394763747_0d20905748.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Japanese smock: #21" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I've never sewed with any material other than cotton and (occasionally) silk, so my fabric selection stays pretty limited in the winter months. I used a lovely cotton <i>kalamkari</i> from in India, not at all suitable for winter, but I wear it over a wool turtle neck top, which works pretty well. I'm hoping to try my hand at sewing with other materials soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>One last photograph of me taken by <i>mon marie</i> at the <i>Musée de la chasse et de la Nature </i>in front of a forest made out of corrugated board!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/currymade/5395359702/" title="Japanese smock: #21 by Curry Made, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5395359702_3fb2cceefb.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Japanese smock: #21" /></a></div>Curry Madehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15245613005259296048noreply@blogger.com2