I love this recipe originally from Ina Garten. My husband and I crave Chinese food and flavors, particularly this time of year. In the winter, I tend to stick to the old standbys: vegetable soup, chili, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings. All great stuff, but during the seasonal transition from winter to spring, I thought it was time to challenge our taste buds – what about something Asian? This dish came readily to mind believe it or not, because I had almost all the ingredients on hand. This is not a light dish, and not something that leaps to the fore when it’s cold. The noodles are served at room temperature, but I warmed up dinner with a couple of baked chicken breasts. There are lots of vegetables, is it healthy, well you be the judge. However, Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad is very satisfying.
I can’t believe it! I finished Jessica’s first apron today! It took me about three hours this morning, but so worth the effort. If I’d put my mind to it, I could have finished this in two days, tops. This is an easy pattern anyone could put together in no time at all. And the apron is nicely constructed. There’s a lining for the bodice and waistband. The waistband ties are long and wide. I strayed from the pattern instructions just a bit and lined the pockets.
The first thing I did was stitch the pockets to the front and then sewed the waistband and ties.
Then, I attached the bodice to the waistband, and voila! It was finished. Well, I still have to whipstitch the waistband lining, but that won’t take long.
I really like the fabric not only because of the color combinations but because of the quality. We chose quilting fabric from JoAnn’s. I washed and ironed the fabric before I started cutting out pattern pieces – a lesson I learned when I took quilting classes. I was afraid the fabric would become limp and lose its body, but the weight and feel pretty much stayed the same, especially after it was ironed.
I’m off to Pennsylvania Thursday, so I’ll take a project rest for a couple of weeks. I’m sure my sister and I will come up with several ideas. After all, we’ll be in Pennsylvania Dutch country, quilting capital of the world!
When I asked my daughter what she wanted for Christmas, one of the first things on her list was: “I want you to make me an apron.” No problem. I selected a couple of patterns in Billings as her gift, and told her that we would go out shopping so she could select the fabric. My sister was in Indy for the holidays, so the three of us had a great afternoon. We ended up picking fabric for two different aprons. The fabric for Apron Two is so cute – I’m eager to show you my progress for it, too.
It’s now almost Valentine’s Day, and Jess asked that I have her apron ready by then. I’m posting these photos as validation that I am working on Apron One. I’m intent on having it in the mail on Monday. Here are a few pictures of the project in progress:
Isn’t this pattern sweet? It gave the inspiration to use coordinating fabrics. I wish I could have found the chicken and egg fabric.
Here’s the bodice:
Here’s the skirt and pockets:
This is a very simple sewing project. I don’t know why I’m dragging my feet . . . An apron would make a good Easter or Mother’s Day gift, too.
