Do I need a dress form?

Well I know I don't need one but I certainly do want one?

Do they make sewing patterns easier? Even slightly?

How about repairs?

Does experiments in draping become fun? (That question probably comes from too much 'Project Runway')

I snagged a dress form off of Craigslist once and as most deals go it was ok. It was old... very old but adjustable... though larger than my size but it still was a great deal. I figured experimenting with a cheap version would make spending the big money for a nice new one really worth it. With the adjustable dials not working and the size being too big to really 'make' anything I ended up junking it but now I'm hankering for the real deal...

Is it worth it?

Image courtesy of thesewingoutlet.com

French Macarons on the 1st Try

I am a huge macaron fan but I've been afraid to take the big step and try my hand at making these delicious wondefuls.

I am an avid baker but macarons, or rather the recipes I've seen have always seemed to make the process seem extremely daunting but I was willing to give it a try. I used Martha Stewart's Parisian Macaron recipe and I am delighted with the results.

I made a few tweaks, such as taking out the salt and replacing with cream of tartar. Also, I made the filling with almond extract and added almond meal (I like almonds). And I added some crushed almonds to the outside on some.... Yes I love almonds

When I was done I placed them all in my deviled egg carrier for easy transport.

YUM!!