Another Wiksten Tank

After I made this Wiksten tank for Made by Rae's spring sewalong, I thought I'd make a ton of them. But summer went by so fast and by the end of August, I only had 1 still! So, here's my second attempt at the Wiksten.

This time I used a much lighter fabric (stole the idea of using Ikea fabric from another spring sewalong participant). Rae had a great idea of modifying the pattern to minimize any gaps along the back (click here to see what she did) and it worked really great for me! I ended up going up a size to size small and then using her recommendations. This made the armhole area a bit roomier.

I wasn't paying attention to the directions so I ended up putting the armhole/neck facings backwards.  Oops... good thing it still looks ok this way.

The second time around, it was so much easier.  I only needed 1M of fabric to make this shirt so for $3.99, I'd say that wasn't too bad!

Here's a pic of me wearing this at the Art Gallery.

Happy Sewing!

Shark Toddler Backpack

I just finished making this shark toddler backpack for little A.

Originally, we had discussed making an Owl backpack in blue.  However when A and his mom saw a picture of Joshie's Dino Toddler Backpack, he asked if he could have a dinosaur or a shark.  Of course!  His Mom was so nice and it's really cool that she let him pick his own colours.

He wanted everything blue but the stylist in me kept thinking... "get some brown in there!"  But he stuck to his guns and I have to admit, I really like the way the navy piping coordinates with the indigo blue denim. 

Here's the obligatory side shot that I always include with every posting.  Again it's very blue but I like it!

From the back, it's quite unassuming

But the front pops since everything else is quite neutral.  Hmm... maybe this kid is onto something!

Here's the bottom

He wanted the owl lining and I finished the seams with navy bias tape.

While I was waiting for the right lighting to take some pics, the backpack sat on top of our piano (I keep custom orders up high now because of what happened here).  The kids didn't notice it at first but before bedtime, Joshie said "I want a shark backpack!".   *Sigh... so many requests, so little time. 

For those new to the blog, all backpack orders are custom built orders purchased through my ETSY shop.  

All this talk about sharks has me wanting to see Jaws again!

Recipe: Pickled Radishes

Pickled radishes are so easy to make and if you get a chance to visit a Farmer's market, it's a nice recipe to make. I'm the only person who eats radishes in my house and so I decided to make some pickled radishes.

All you need are 4 ingredients:  Radishes, Sugar, Salt, and Vinegar.  Easy easy easy!

How to:

1. Use a bunch of radishes (about 9-10 in a bunch).  Slice the radishes and set aside
2. Whisk together 1 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/4 cup vinegar (you can add more or less of the salt or sugar depending on how much "bite" you want it to have).
3. Add the radishes and mix
4. Refrigerate for about an hour.  Serve within 24 hours.

Warning: These can get pretty stinky so if you make it, try to finish it the same day or else your kids will be complaining every time you open the jar.

Let little fingers help out

And don't forget to check up on it by eating one or two

Happy Eating!