The cactus are starting to bloom at Huntington Library and Gardens. During lunch, I walked over with my camera and took photos.  Then noticed my battery was weak .... and need to go back to get more.... but that's ok, because I suspect next week will be even more spectacular!

Enjob

Posted by sue at 2:34 PM PDT

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The last day of our trip  we went to the Hotel's Luau.  We had a great time, especially Gali who had fun getting up in front doing the hula! 

 As you walk into the area, they take your photo....  well, we grabbed a drink, and then had our photo....

While in Waikiki I did stop at a fabric store... well actually 2!  The first was Hawaiian Fabric Mart... it was so-so.  What I really wanted was some nice bark/lava cloth.  They had none.  They had a lot of fabric, but it was mostly cheap, gaudy tropical printed fabrics.  Then I went to Kaimuki Dry Goods... they had some nice fabrics, but it was expensive compared to the prices I can get online or in Los Angeles.  So, I didn't buy any fabric....  

But, here's a sneak peak at the fabric for the project I'm working on now!  This fabric has a nice retro vibe.  I think I got it from my aunt when she was cleaning out her fabrics.   It's a really nice soft cotton or rayon.  I should have this sewn up by the weekend!

Posted by sue at 2:39 PM PDT

Updated: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:30 AM PDT

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the first full day in Oahu we went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay (well, others went snorkeling, I sat on the beach (I have this thing about fish (similar to the one I have of birds)... but that's another story).
When I was in Oahu about 15 years ago, Hanauma Bay was free and there were lots and lots of fish. This time, it costs $1 to park and $7 per person to go to the beach.  It was also $2 to take the tram down the trail to the beach... it's a short walk, but I suppose if you had a lot of gear, the $2 would be worth it.  We walked.   There weren't as many fish as the last time either but that's because you are no longer allowed to feed them.  Last time, people would bring frozen peas to feed the fish. 

http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/index.htm

Last visit, I was with my friend Shirlene.  We walked around the bay, to the east to the area known as the "toilet bowl"... because water rushes into a bowl that you can swim in.  I don't recall if we went swimmin in the "bowl", but it was a nice walk!   This time I lounged and no one seemed interested in any hike or walk, but that's ok... I was on vacation!
Here's the view of the bay as we walk down the trail and some other photos of swimmers and sun bathers.  Also, a a "towel view"  (the palm trees)

Posted by sue at 2:55 PM PDT

Updated: Friday, April 9, 2010 3:15 PM PDT

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DH, family, and I just returned from Hawaii.  Waikiki to be exact.  Ah, what a way to start off spring, sitting on the sands of Waikiki....

This is the view from our hotel in the morning

and this was our evening view -  just to the west.... 

Waikiki is very crowded.  The buildings are right next to each other and most do not have any beach. However, the hotel we stayed in, the Hale Koa, had lots of beachfront acerage.  It was wonderful.  The colors were spectacular.  The food, the sky, the water, the trees, flowers, everything was so colorful.

Over the next few postings, I will post different aspects of our trip.  

Today I'll post photos of our visit to Pearl Harbor.

Posted by sue at 3:25 PM PDT

Updated: Friday, April 9, 2010 3:19 PM PDT

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Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS AND SLIP: Dress, above mid-knee (front), mid-knee (back), has fitted bodice, front pleats, midriff, flared skirt with side front and side back seams, side zipper and short, two-piece sleeves with mock bands. Bias, flared, pullover slip, above mid-knee, has shoulder straps, front darts and raised waist.

Pattern Sizing: Misses 6-20. I made my usual 12 and it was perfect in length, bust, and sleeves. (generally the bust is too loose and the sleeves too tight.)

Were the instructions easy to follow? The only confusing part was the sleeves. The pattern did not have a good visual of what was going on and I had a heck of a time visualizing it. Basically, there's a sleeve band that twists.  The sleeve is 2 parts: front and back, and the band on the front is sewn to the band on the back and vis versa.  It doesn't show it on the line drawing on the pattern and the instructions are not very clear. But its a really really cute technique and I really really like the sleeves.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm really into dresses this year and I have always liked the DKNY pattern styles. I liked the fun, flirty look of this dress.

Fabric Used: I purchased this Anna Sui silk and cotton semi sheer fabric at the ASG convention last year, about 2.5 yards, then when I got home I saw the same fabric at Fabric Mart for half the price, so I bought 2.5 more yards. It's a really soft, finely woven fabric.
I need to make the slip in the pattern to wear under. I have some white batiste that I will dye black.   Update: I did dye some of the batiste black, but it didn't come out black enough!  argh... it's more plum.  So, I can either re-dye, buy a slip, or buy some black fabric.  I really like batiste for summer slips.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: This fabric was only 45" wide and the dress side panels are wider than that, BUT, I didn't want to refold and shift my fabric around for a few inches in width, so I narrowed the skirt width a few inches... I don't feel as if this ruined the look. I also raised the neckline "V" about 2" because it was pretty low. Oh, and since I hate fiddling with pleats, I just gather the lower bodice from but where it called for pleats.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. This is a really cute dress. I can't wait for it to warm up a bit, and to get some color in my legs so I can wear it! (I'm heading to Hawaii for a vacation in a few weeks, so it won't be long!)

Conclusion: Like dresses? Need a dress? This pattern is really really cute!
 

Posted by sue at 2:05 PM PDT

Updated: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 2:15 PM PDT

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