More zebras and some cake progress

The wife’s gone off to London to do some family stuff.  I couldn’t go because I had a tuition appointment this morning.

I’ve done three loads of washing, played stupid games on FB a lot…and some slightly more interesting stuff.

First, I got busy with the cake.  I made up a whole LOAD of butter icing.    Like nearly three POUNDS of icing sugar’s worth.  It wasn’t very arduous, as I used my uber sexy mixer, but it’s sticky and icing sugar gets everywhere.  I’m a cheapskate, and only use marge for ‘ordinary’ baking- and also for most ‘special’ baking if I’m honest!

I watched a few Youtube videos to remind me of the whole crumb coat/real coat/fondant layer palaver.  It’s been a while since I last did one of these babies, and a refresher never hurts.  Unless it’s stuck in your ear or something I suppose. [I can’t help it, my dad makes a lot of puns and awful jokes, I developed the habit in self defence]

I split both cakes into three layers, and sandwiched them with plenty of butter icing, which also does a good job of filling any little gaps or dents where bits have fallen off…

They’re now chilling in the fridge.

While the cakes do their thing, man, I finally dragged myself into the sewing pit room and did my thing.  I’d already got my Katharine Tilton t shirt done apart from the interesting double collar.  I’ve used another bit of my favourite digital zebra jersey from MyFabrics [AND THERE’S STILL A BIT LEFT!], the sleeves are mesh from Barry’s, cuffs are also zebra.  I cut the 2 collars with one side zebra and the other in my textured white jersey.  It’s a very very easy sew, and there’s a lot of potential for messing with it and getting creative.  [Hence the fact that it’s used in the Craftsy class…which I still haven’t finished watching]

It’s a straight up size L, but I shaved a tad off the sides from bust to hem to allow for my non-hips.  I also did what I’m always intending to do, and always forget- make the hem a bit shorter in the CB to balance the lift my boobs and belly give the front.  Sort of a reverse FBA cheat!

I like it- it hasn’t quite got the punk vibe I’d hoped for with the mesh sleeves, but it’ll get a lot of wear. Maybe a punk vicar? I like that it’s covered up, but will still be cool for the hotter weather.  The young master [Zimba] decided to join me for the photos, and lay on my feet demanding attention, so he’s here too.

I need to go to do more icing now, so I’ll put the zebras to bed, pour another vodka, and get back to my audiobook.  Meanwhile, here’s the blog equivalent of a test card to look at while I’m gone:  2 snaps from my garden, azaleas, acer, and magnolia all doing their do.