New top - - - for ME!

I haven't sewn anything in months. Boys went to a gun show and the girl is sick, so I took advantage of some ME time!

This is Simplicity "It's So Easy" number 2962, and man, was it easy! I used a combo of view A and B - I didn't want sleeves, but the pockets were ADORABLE! Plus, I liked the longer length.

Really, there were no alterations. I used cheapo fabric since this was my first go with this pattern. Under the arms needed to be pulled in, and if/when I use this pattern again, I'll pull in the shoulder seams about an inch on each side. AND, the next time, I want to add some jewels to the collar. This top is dying for some BLING!



ACK... and without the glare!

Cake for a dinner party

Learnt how to fan strawberries... thank you YOUTUBE! Simply slice the strawberries, but leave the top and stem intact. The thinner the slices, the better. Then just push down on the stem and fan the strawberry out. So simple and so elegant.

Cake Practice

Wow! It's been a while!! We moved across the country - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

The kids' birthdays are right around the corner. I let the kids pick out the cakes they wanted from the local grocery store. $40 a piece! Yeah, so I'm making their cakes this year. (Unless Super Cyndi wants to fly out and be on cake duty.)

I've always wanted to be a great cake decorator, but I must give props to those that can do it. It's HARD! Steady hand is necessary, and I just don't have it.

This is my first attempt with rolled fondant. I've played with marshmallow fondant. It's fun, but not quite as classy (looks powdery).

This cake is just a yellow cake mix with the Wilton buttercream icing recipe on top. Rolled fondant on top of buttercream icing. I also added a few drops of almond extract to the fondant, since fondant is actually pretty gross.

The key is to stick the cake in the freezer for about 45 minutes between each step. (bake, freeze cooled cake, apply icing, freeze, smooth icing with hot knife, freeze, apply fondant, freeze, apply decorations, done!)