Cotton Cheongsam

Cotton Cheongsam #1
Overall difficulty: medium
Techniques used: French seams, pinked edges, blind hem, invisible zipper installation, bias tape

Lessons learned for next time: I should definitely leave more seam allowance as this dress barely fits around my hips.  When I know I plan to use French seams, I would cut it more generously because I'm rather bad about making sure that seam stays at its proper size and it's good for me to have extra. Also, blind hem stitch sure took a lot of finagling from me to get the right stitch width to make it work.
Would I make it again? Totally! With a few alterations I mention below.  And it'd be fun to try this in a fabric with some stretch to it.

A short while ago I was obsessed with border prints.  I ordered this butterfly one off of fabric.com, but when it arrived I discovered the pattern tiles vertically, not along the border.  I was at a loss of what to do with this fabric until I read an article showing borders used as a wonderful accent on necklines and waistlines.  Brilliant!   After that I just had to hunt down a dress pattern made of long, thin panels and I remembered that I had also been interesting in trying my hand at making a cotton cheongsam - such as the ones pictured in vintage Shanghai posters.   

I found this cheongsam pattern off a site FULL OF FREE PATTERNS  You download and print out a pdf file which tiles out the pattern pieces, and you tape them all together.  I wasn't expecting that much from this pattern because 1) I just found it randomly on the internet, 2) it was free, 3) there's no reviews or anything to let you know how well put together the pattern is.  But, it's free so it wasn't like I was risking much!  

With this dress I really tried to apply myself and work on some better construction techniques, particularly on all the seams.  I don't have a serger, but there's ways of finishing seams so they don't all fray away into nothing when you wash it.  So overall for me this dress was a level up even as I see many things to correct for the NEXT one I make.  Yup, I liked this so much I created a more durable pattern for myself even though already I know there's alterations for that next one - I'd really make this a few inches longer, make it less of a racerback cut around the arms, and remember that I DO know how to put in a lining or construct an armhole with facing for a much more attractive opening.

The internet was a wonderful resource for all the techniques I wanted to learn and us e this time.  The following list has the particularly helpful tutorials I used.  There's lots of them out there for each technique, but I found the pictures for these the best.

How to Make French Seams
Blind Hem - what that heck is it and how does it work?
How to Make Your Own Bias Tape
Invisible Zippers - YOU Can Install One Too, Today!

And to finish off the post, another dance inspired photo.  Till next time!

Space Cat Mural

A few weeks ago a girl I knew from high school contacted me about doing a mural for a children's clinic, Valley Medical Center.  Her service organization was arranging to have volunteers come paint murals in the exam rooms, to make them more cheerful for the kids coming through.  I've never actually painted a mural before - I mean, I've painted my house walls a single, flat color, and a long time ago I did some paintings on bigger canvases for school.  Since them though it's mostly been just a few watercolors here and there.  I was a little bit intimidated at the thought of designing a whole mural, but I guess this was the perfect opportunity to go big or go home.  And, when faced with an army of volunteers to lead, random paint, and brushes there really is nothing to but just to go at it.

Of course, this was another opportunity to have Space Cat appear.  (And other animals that kids would normally have as pets.  Gotta say the kitties are the easiest to draw.)  I am always a sucker for retro-futurism and cute animals. After doing this, I really think I need to write a story or two about my little Space Cat and his adventures!

Here's what the mural looked like in the end; one shorter wall panel and one long one. It's a bit cropped down but amazingly, taking 3 shots with my iphone (too lazy right now to take it off the memory card of my other camera) and photomerged in Photoshop worked quite well for a panorama!

Backyard Progress Report #1

It's February and thanks to our gorgeous California climate gardening season is getting underway. I had plans to get my backyard ready for bare root trees back in December; but between the holidays and not having any time or the money to drop on tons of materials this didn't get going until January through now.  I wasn't too sure about how to go about what I wanted to do either; essentially, to build up a retaining wall big enough for dwarf fruit trees along my back wall.  After some thought I decided - I REALLY don't want to haul that much dirt to make this idea feasible!  It would probably take me a whole year, at the rate I was going.  Planters seemed like a much better idea.  Just build up enough dirt around the tree to get the necessary depth...and I could make it all modular! 

no fancy construction here!

Modular also seemed like a good idea because I really had no idea what I was doing.  If I messed up, it wouldn't ruin everything.  :)  I decided to make the planters open at the bottom and line them with landscaping fabric so they would drain freely and to construct these as simply as possible because I'm not so sure about my carpentry skills.

structure and order starting to appear

I went with 4 planks on each side, held together by brackets and nails.  Wood was bought and cut at Home Depot, common redwood.  Cost for each planter is coming to about $60, $40 for the wood and $20 for the brackets.

Progress!  Three planters made and housing a peach, orange (or maybe lemon which is in the foreground), and avocado tree, and loose planks to mark where the rest of the planter boxes will go. Trees will stay in the pots for this year to see how they'll do in the part-sun location. Next year or the year after when they're big enough I'll put them into the planters directly.

The longer planks are only laying out the probably position so far, and are not set in place yet.

Don't quite know what I'll do with the corners of the yard after that!  On the right side there's my compost heap (and a big pot of blueberry plants) - and not sure how to make a graceful end to the row I have going on here.  Maybe just low beds to complete the retaining wall?  I do need a good spot for herbs!

Into the wild green limes

I'm testing out the blogger app while I'm in Key Largo! instead of sleeping like I should...

After a whirlwind of activity for this very brief Florida trip I will be concluding my adventures with a day in the Florida Keys before heading back tomorrow night. I feel like I've really accomplished something by eating key lime pie from where key limes actually come from.

See you on the flip side!!

Is there a level zero?

 Huh.  I signed up for an aerial fabrics class a few weeks back and at the time I'd had some thought that I'd be kind of, you know, a natural. All that dance experience and flexibility should count for something, right?  Turns out I'm having a bit of a humbling experience.  I look a lot like that cat, except uh...more on the ground.  What's going on?  This isn't like snowboarding where I can accept I'll always suck.  I should be better?

See, I am having trouble with the MOST BASIC move...climbing up the fabric!   And then the second basic move, how to keep yourself stationary on the fabric while you do tricks.  We've now had two classes and I've only just learned the trick of how to get a couple of climbs up the fabric while everyone else has advanced to hm, 5 tricks?  That fabric just had a horrible way of sliding through my hands and feet! (I partially blame my very dry skin, most people say their hands get slippery when they start to sweat, I need that vital moisture to get a grip.  As an aside, I'm 90% sure this is why I've never been able to nail doing hand fart noises.) 

As it became more apparent that I'm on the slow track in this class, (I'm left all alone on the "beginner" fabric...on the upside, I don't have to wait as long before I struggle again) I started having some serious flashbacks to grade school when I'd be the last person picked for basketball or whichever horrible sport we were forced to do.  (yeah yeah...I'm not "sporty"  At least not with anything that needs hand-eye coordination.)  Serious flashbacks and some anxiety...because I'm learning about 50% slower than everyone else in the class.  Gah. So much anxiety about sucking that I kind of wanted to quit. =p

But hey, maybe I'm moving past all the insecurity because I later thought...well, who CARES if I'm the slow one (uh...aside from me.  I can admit I care.)  But no one else does!  So I can always just take the beginner class again! :)  With my work discount it's really cheap anyway.  This session is only 10 classes long being on the quarter system...that's hard enough sessions anyway. :)  At least, hopefully long enough for me to get this climbing thing down.  I still have some hope that when I get UP high enough on the fabric the flexibility and dance experience will kick in so that I can look pretty in the poses. ;)

Gingerbread house time lapse

Am I obsessed with making time lapses or what?  This is my brother and I (me baking, him constructing) our annual gingerbread house.  Normally our sister is in town to make this thing (I always say I'll help but will wander off to take a nap), so normally it does look a little better; don't know why all those candy decorations kept sliding off!  We were a bit rushed this year because we like to make the house a little something different each year.  We'll have to wait till next year to make it a package delivery company!

The music is set to Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Muffin Man" in honor of my nephew Wiggly, who listened to it endlessly the Christmas before.  We also decided to make the street sign say "Drury Lane" (my brother wanted to write "Forclosed" but I nixed that idea.)

Awkwaaaaard....

No really, this happened.  In every small group or duet dance, there seems to be a ton of awkward moments. during rehearsal that makes us all glad we're very good friends!  I guess it says something that Wei-Ling, AJ, and I pick dances, somehow we always end up either rolling around on the ground together (Green Snake/White Snake), groping each other a WHOLE lot (Vine - Branch - Leaf), or climbing onto each other (Cow Dance.)  This last week, my butt was perilously close to Wei-Ling's face; granted, it lasts for like a second in the actual dance, but in practice we just kinda stopped there.  And were told to go lower. =p

We started  learning our new trio choreography this week!  The dance is really funny, it took a lot of time to grow on me, but the title translates to "Frolicking" or "Playing", but what I think of as "The Powerpuff Girls Dance"; basically, three little kids are playing and goofing around.  The movements are very caricatured and almost doll-like, and at first I couldn't get into being so cutesy!  They also each have a different color costume which I adore; makes me think of superheros.  The cuteness did win me over, especially when contrasted with a more modern, angst-ridden piece I'll be dancing with Cyrus.  The major winning aspect, this dance will be the most technically demanding piece I've ever tried!  

Aside from the fact, these three kids are goofing off, falling, and laughing...that's just like us in reality? :D

Wei-ling made ups matching hoodies as a Christmas gift, I love them!  Not only are the drawings SOOOOO cute, it's like having a team jacket!

P.S. I'm blue!  Just like Bubbles of the Powerpuff Girls, who happens to be my favorite!

ISO - Spa Addicts Anonymous

lisadaiye-17, originally uploaded by dorisaurus.

I have decided that spas are one of the greatest inventions of mankind, right in front of USB ports and slightly behind the chocolate chip cookie. If I ever had so much money I didn't know what to do with it, I'd hire a personal masseuse every week and outfit my palatial bathroom with a full hot soaking hot tub complete with a servant to throw rose petals in it for me. It's not just the pure, delicious luxury of a spa, though. It's the joy of sharing such an experience with your girlfriends (one day I'll convince my guy friends to give it a try. They'll pretend not to like it, but I know they would secretly enjoy the experience.)

I have a bit of a massage and spa addict support group with my friends, but we didn't get the support group part quite right. We really just encourage each other to go. Our wallets are pretty much only saved by the fact that we're all so busy it's hard to schedule a time for us all to go together.

This last weekend we inducted a new member - Lisa! The bride-to-be got her first massage EVER and was suitably glowing and ridiculously relaxed. The rest of us just did a little mani/pedi pampering to brighten up for spring. Afterwards, Lisa finally understood why we all like massages so much and said we must go again.

Yes we will, Lisa. Yes we will. :)

Palo Alto Caltrain Station

Palo Alto Caltrain Station, originally uploaded by dorisaurus.

I think it is interesting to note that on my first day riding Caltrain, I witnessed a fatality on the tracks. Like, the clean up crew and CSI type people and a leg..I think...and organs...and things. It's true what they say about a car wreck, you just can't look away no matter how grossed out you may be! And since this happens about once a month, the rest of May should be smooth sailing, right?

That aside, I'm enjoying the new commute method two weeks into it. I calculated that it's saving me 190 miles of driving a week! Holy crap, that is a lot of miles.

Third note, this photo combines my love of two things - train station interiors and fun iPhone photography apps. choo choo!

Bubbling Kimchi

Bubbling Kimchi, originally uploaded by dorisaurus.

Oh kimchi, why do I love you so? I'm a total spice wimp so I can only eat the milder forms, and yet I'll eat so much that my lips will feel burned the next day.

Plus, I can't get over the awesomeness of having THIS happen every time I open up a fresh jar. Nothing says AWESOME like some insane bubbling followed by the spicy fermented vegetable goodness. I'm happily stinking up the office with some now...although, my co-worker's eyes just started watering and he just had to leave. Eeeeep...sorry!! O_o I'm THAT annoying coworker.

peanut butter jelly time

peanut butter jelly time, originally uploaded by dorisaurus.

Does anyone else still enjoy seeing how long they can preserve part of the smooth surface of a peanut butter jar? I've done it since I was about five years old and I'll do it when I'm 95. As you can see, 3/4 of the jar has been excavated to the bottom. I'm going to have to start scooping up from the bottom up and that last ledge of smoothness is going to collapse soon.

This is one thing you can't do with those all-natural nut butters!

Coffee. Colorful. Hot.

Wed, 24 Feb, originally uploaded by dorisaurus.

Two posts in one day? Un-possible! That's what happens when lazy blogging is made even easier by being able upload things straight from my iphone and blogging straight from flickr without having to cut and paste links and resizing.

If it was a secret before, it's not now that I'm highly attracted to colorful glowing things. Wave them front of me and I'm like ooooh, shiny. This coffee dispenser was recently put into the building across the way as a way of apologizing for the closure of the coffee kiosk outside our building since last summer. Poor substitute, but I'm highly amused by the futuristic lights/shiny/steam as if my coffee is being beamed in from a faraway (and mediocre) cafe.

Yes, I am easily amused. :D

Is it vacation time yet?

I'll have an update and pics from the dance showcase soon! It was a great night.

The busy-ness keeps on coming.  This week is filled with packing up my apartment and moving to the new one this weekend.  But I have to repaint my bedroom first...right now it looks like something Eeyore would live in.  Whoever thought a navy blue room wouldn't be depressing?

I feel like I have to put my head down and get this done as soon as possible.  I need time to plan said vacation!

Public places, lonely spaces

Last weekend I took a crack-of-dawn flight up to Canada to visit some family. In a favor that trumps all favors, my lovely roommate dropped me off at the airport about 4:45 am (meaning we got up at 3:30 after staying up really late watching Bring It On – probably a foolish idea). 4:45 am is an interesting time to see an airport.

I’ve always had a fascination with being at a place normally bustling with people during the deserted off hours. I think it started with school playgrounds during the middle of summer, my parents’ ice cream store after closing, even your own home in the wee hours of the night. It’s like seeing someone you know only from work on the weekends in a T shirt and shorts playing football in the park with their kids (or your teacher at the grocery store – what, you have a LIFE outside of how I know you? What is this third dimension you have?)

The airport is particularly interesting to me since it for the sole purpose of moving people from one place to another. When I think of an airport I think about excitement, joy - because I'm always trave

ling on vacation or really happy to be home. When it's empty you realize that all the feelings you have associated with a place were brought there only by you to fill that space. What does it do when no one is around?

For me it's somewhere between beautiful, sad, and eerie - seeing a secret face. When you're the only other person there it's rather intimate.

There’s another Doris Cheung out there from Vancouver who already did a whole series of photographers about places like airports with know people so I’ll refrain from making a dramatic, symbolic statement with an art exhibit and just leave you with these. I think 3 am would be an even better time, and if I only had a tripod…

This one is my favorite...taken when rushing to my proper terminal! It seems awfully symbolic to me but I will leave it to you all to find whatever meaning you like. :) I think the lighting could go moodier, but that's just me - although there's something about the slow shutter speed-drenched with light look that draws me too since I know it's pitch black outside!

For a full album view of the pictures I took, the link is here.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cheungd/SFO2009#

And in a case of life imitating art, I found out that the West End of Vancouver (Stanley Park, I think?) looks just like that famous Seurat painting that is always getting parodied, Un dimanche après-midi à l'Île de la Grande Jatte:

I just need a few people with umbrellas and that's it!

Indian Springs Spa

I have not-too-surprising confession: I love being pampered.

I used to think that spas were waste of money. A frugal Asian upbringing combined with equal parts being a tomboy and being plain poor influenced me growing up. Then I went for my first massage, courtesy of a gift certificate. Wow. From then on it was downhill for me; body scrubs, deep tissue massages, pedicures, manicures, actual salon haircuts instead of Supercuts...things that would horrify my mother with how much they cost and level of decadence.

Let me tell you though, massages and pampering are nice. Being good to yourself really makes you feel…good. It isn’t all about looking better although a pedicure will bring my toes from ugly straight to cute; it’s about taking care of yourself and liking yourself enough to know that you deserve it. And if you can get a lot of girlfriends to go with you to a spa day, so much the better.

Which leads me to the most perfect day in recent memory. – a trip to Indian Springs Spa in Calistoga to celebrate DJ’s recent graduation from Berkeley with Masters in Public Policy. (We wouldn’t be good friends if we let her go alone!) Calistoga is renowned for mud baths, mineral baths, and hot springs; Indian Springs features lovely spa treatments in addition to an Olympic sized swimming pool fed by said hot springs.

Maybe it was overeagerness on our part, but my roommates and I arrived in Napa about two hours early. But happily that meant we had plenty of time to load up on goodies from Bouchon Bakery. (Speaking of decadent. Thomas Keller decides he needs bread for French Laundry and just opens a bakery?) A beautiful bakery has the effect of reducing me to near tears, and my brain to quivering mush because it’s just so pretty and I want to eat everything. And the early hour (arriving at 8 am at Bouchon!) with insufficient coffee perhaps confused us further resulting in our buying enough pastries to feed our friends x3. But who could say no to glazed fruit tarts, pecan sticky buns, and éclairs? Stronger women than us have tried and failed. (That’s a lie. No one truly tries to resist!)

Once at Indian Springs, we settled in by the pool to snack (gorge) on baked goods, relax, and await our mud baths.

About those mud baths. There’s nothing like unexpected communal nudity to bring you and your friends closer together. I had been expecting a private or semi-private room with slate tile floors, candles, and darkness. But of course, this is mud we’re talking about. The attendants led pairs of us in turn to a white industrial shower room and proceeded to:

1. strip us of our bathrobes
2. rinse us
3. help us into the mud baths and cover us with mud
4. help us out
5. rinse us again
6. drop us into mineral baths
7. and then herd us to the steam room.

If it sounds a little disconcerting, it was – especially in not knowing what to expect and having a friend pop her head out of the shower to giggle “You’re naked!” (Thanks, DJ. You gave me a heart attack.)

Mud also gets…in places. It was a sticky, gooey experience, but really quite fun! I went off on a teeny fantasy about being a dinosaur in the La Brea tar pits after, but basically stopped thinking after being soaked and steamed to emerge wobbly legged and very VERY relaxed. Nothing going on in my brain after that! Just in time for soaking up some sun by the pool.

All in all, a perfect day. Spas might be an occasional splurge but all I can say is – decadence, come on over.

Here’s a link to pics from day:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cheungd/IndianSprings2009#