A trip to the sewing supply store

This is my friendly neighborhood sewing supply store. Well, except that it isn't any where close to where I live. It's located in the heart of the city - the old part of the city - and is my one-stop shop for sewing-related supplies. They don't carry fabric, but have everything else a budding seamstress might need.

The sales people behind the counter are always men. Very helpful men, I might add. Browsing is not an option, so I end up asking them several questions. It can become interesting, since I don't necessarily have the vocabulary to buy sewing supplies in India. For instance, interfacing is called canvas, zippers are called chains, and pins...well, I'm still not sure what they are called. So I explain what I need, the nice man goes to the back of the store, and usually returns with exactly what I want.

I think they are mildly amused by me, since almost all of their customers are men that buy supplies for their tailoring shops, and know exactly what they need.

This is what I bought on my last trip. I didn't want such a large hank of elastic thread, but that's the smallest they had. I plan to join the shirring madness that is taking over the internet, and maybe make Heather Ross' Mendocino Dress (if I can get it to print right).

I hope to wipe the dust off my sewing machine today.

Look what came in the mail yesterday

Kayla had a giveaway for her 200th blog post. I was one of the lucky winners. Thanks so much!

Monkeys in Maharashtra

Langurs on a temple roof

I had to make an unexpected trip to Aurangabad for work last week. Since my husband hadn't been to this part of Maharashtra before, he decided to come along. We were able to take in quite a few of the sights around town. The weather was perfect for the most part, cool enough to knit, and I was able to finish my Monkey socks.

I used size 0 needles and followed the pattern as written with the exception of adding a picot edge. I enjoyed knitting this pattern, and look forward to using it again.

I have a big report due this month end, and as usual, I'll have to scramble to get it done. So no sewing till I finish work, but I hope to upload some photos from our trip soon. Stay tuned.

Diana messenger bag

Last year, I made three bags using Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern. I gave two away as presents, and kept one for myself. It is the perfect size for me (80% of the original pattern), and very sturdy, so I brought mine with me to India.

I have been using it almost every day since I got here, but as you can see, it shows dirt very easily. I figure India is a *touch* dustier than the U.S., because I can swear it never got so dirty there! Although the bag washes well, I have to wash it quite frequently to keep it clean. I decided to make a new one, using a darker fabric. Besides, I wanted to test my newly repaired sewing machine.

I used the Burdastyle Diana bag tutorial, and added a few features - a zippered pocket at the back, and a simple slip pocket and another zippered pocket on the inside. I used two layers of interfacing on the strap to make it sturdy, and used a magnetic clasp to keep the flap closed.

Photo taken by my husband.

It easily holds an umbrella, a book or two, my wallet, my water bottle, and a snack. I think it'll see a lot of use, and also keep my other bag looking clean, longer. I really like it! So do my husband and sister, who have both put in a request for a bag of their own!

Happy Monday.

Sewing machine update

I have never seen anyone repair a sewing machine before, so naturally I was a little anxious when the repair man brought out a hammer from his tool bag. He also used a spanner (wrench) and a screw driver. It took him about 25 minutes to giver her a tune up, and now she sews like a dream. I feel a little silly for not having done this earlier. I just assumed that it was user error and not the sewing machine, since I have never used a non-motorized sewing machine before.

I plan to sew a bit today, cook lunch, do some report writing for work, and depending on what the Rain Gods have in store for us, maybe go for a nice walk. Enjoy your weekend!

When it rains, it pours

Figuratively speaking. And literally, I suppose.

1. My sewing machine has a mind of her own. The tension is off, but I'm not quite sure what to do about it. I have tried all I can. I plan to call the repair man today. It should be an easy fix.
2. I had a bad bout of hives. I'm feeling much better now, but it was not fun. Probably something I ate.
3. Our wireless router died. Just like that. We are still figuring out what to do with it. I'll have to call the service center in Bangalore (I think).
4. Everything happened all at once.

Oof.

In other news,

1. It has been raining almost without break for the last three days. I *love* it. It smells wonderful, the temperature is perfect, everything is green.
2. I even pulled out my abandoned project and knit a few rows.
3. I went to yoga yesterday after a week-long break.
4. We baked chocolate chip cookies. I couldn't find brown sugar in any of the grocery stores here, so we used jaggery instead. They were delicious!

I'll leave you with some shots I took at the Sunday market.

Replacing Summer with Monsoon

A summer time favorite: nariyal pani. Drinking coconut water and then scooping up the tender coconut inside.

My favourite monsoon snack: bhutta. Roasted corn on the cob, with red pepper powder, salt, and lemon.