27 March 2005
Bloomers
I haven't been posting pictures of my sewing projects lately, but here's one I'm fairly psyched about: bloomers. Curvy chicks like me sometimes have a chafing problem when wearing skirts. Bike shorts are a popular solution, but I think those things are an intolerable vestige of 80s fashion.
My friend Kristie has been wearing adorable bloomers as pants for a few years now, from Bloomers4U.com. I was inspired, but like most of my projects, this one stewed for a while before I actually created a garment. In the course of my research, I learned some fun facts about bloomers:
- Western women historically have not worn bifurcated undergarments, for some anthropologically obvious reasons: easy access by men, and the fear of sexual stimulation by fabric (a hysterical "disorder"). Some even claimed that pants, when worn by a woman, had the power to make her gay.
- Bloomers are named after Amelia Bloomer, a women's rights advocate who was generally regarded as a weirdo, even by other feminists. She didn't invent them, however; she got the idea from Fanny Wright.
- Bifurcated undergarments, with ladies' pants hot on their heels, finally became acceptable with the invention of the bicycle. Unlike a horse, a bicycle cannot be ridden sidesaddle. But naturally there was also some worry that bicycles, too, might give women entirely too much enjoyment (i.e., more than none), Down There.
Finally, this weekend, I drafted a pattern and sewed two pairs. Mine are fitted around the hips and loose around the legs, following these instructions for drafting culottes from a straight skirt sloper. As it happens, I have a straight skirt sloper that I made for my pattern drafting class.
The first pair of bloomers was a proof out of muslin, short and plain. The second pair is knee-length, out of stretchy perforated fabric (the kind that used to be popular for muscle shirts), with reflective silver elastic gathered at the bottom. You can check them out here. They're super comfy and kinda sporty!
23 March 2005
Bucket of Updates
I haven't had enough time to blog lately. Mainly, my pattern drafting class is keeping me busy. The class itself occupies three hours per week, during which we draft about two patterns per class. Homework consists of cutting and sewing the drafted patterns in muslin, which takes twice as long as the pattern drafting does. But as I continue to furnish and equip my sewing room, I find that I'm becoming more productive.
Here's a sampling of recent events about which I meant to blog but didn't at the time:
- Well at the A.C.T Theater
Chief Suspect was nice enough to give me his ticket to attend this show with Floozy. I enjoy metadrama, plays in which the characters are aware that they're in a play. In this one, the dramatist's mother repeatedly interrupts the action and distracts the players, until they abandon the play altogether. "This isn't about my mother and me," insists the dramatist, as the play crumbles around her. But of course, it is about her mother and her, and about why her mother is still ill while she herself got well.
- Azalea Boutique "Spring Fling" fashion show
This is the first fashion show I've ever attended, and my expectations were vague. I certainly expected to be impressed, but ultimately I wasn't. The show was well-coordinated, the models were gorgeous, and the clothes showed good taste on the part of the designer. But they weren't particularly innovative, and I didn't feel inspired. Frankly, I was a little bored. But there was free wine and cake!
- Apocalyptica at The Independent
A band from Finland that plays covers of Metallica and other heavy metal bands (SLAYER!). "So what," you say? Well, this band consists of a drummer and three cellists, all tattooed, leather-pantsed, and growling in their Finnish accents. Classical instruments never rocked so hard! These guys are much more fun live than recorded: they jump around with their cellos, flinging their long hair and urging the audience to shout the lyrics louder. Naturally, "Master of Puppets" was a crowd favorite. Thanks to Lamont for organizing a posse to attend this show!
18 March 2005
Dead Phone
My color Sidekick is dead. Turns out, my old grayscale one is dead too. A replacement will be expensive, so I'm going to spend a few days searching for the cheapest route. Meanwhile, if you need to reach me, send me email or try my home phone.
Update: I managed to revive my old grayscale Sidekick. Crisis over!
17 March 2005
Los Compadres Burrito Truck
The Lower Haight still has a burrito problem. The nearest sources of good burritos are in the adjacent Church/Duboce neighborhood: El Castillito and Azteca Tacqueria. Both are staffed by highly efficient burrito-making droids who turn out hefty and consistently tasty burritos.
In the Lower Haight proper, we have two options:
- Las Mesas, Haight near Pierce
After giving this place several chances, I finally have to accept that it sucks. First, their process is flawed. You don't get to view the construction of your burrito and point at your ingredients. Instead, you speak your order to an apathetic cashier, then wait in the dining room while your burrito is constructed behind closed doors. By the time you're presented with a relatively small, bland burrito, it's too late to fix it and you've already paid almost $6.
- Taco Loco, Divisadero near Haight
I've heard mixed reviews of this place. The other day I went there hoping to obtain a burrito. There were three people ahead of me in line; however, the line was Not Moving. I stood there for about five minutes with no progress and no indication of the cause of the delay. Eventually I gave up. Anyone have a better experience here?
Now, at my office we're much more fortunate. Right across the street, at Folsom and Spear, is the glorious Los Compadres burrito truck. Their super burrito with meat is substantial and loaded with plenty of spices and cilantro, for a mere $4.50. This more than makes up for the lack of customer access to the burrito construction process; you can always trust these guys to make you a kickass burrito that will take you all afternoon to consume.
Oh yeah, and they have tacos and quesadillas and such too. But everyone knows that the burrito is nature's perfect food.
If you live or work in the area, please go to the burrito truck and sign their statement of support. Apparently the South of Market permit officer is hassling them somehow, despite their compliance with all applicable regulations. Believe me, you want to help keep this burrito truck around! Otherwise we'll be stuck with runny burritos from the Chinese deli or that wacky "Bur-Eat-Os" place.
13 March 2005
Wild Parrots
Last weekend, my parents and I saw the documentary film The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and subsequently tried and failed to find the flock on and around Telegraph Hill. They do, after all, have the power of flight, so they roam around a fair bit. In general, I'm not optimistic about being able to locate specific creatures at specific locations in space/time.
Today I set out on my bicycle, first hitting the St Patrick's Day parade and enjoying those festivities. I was reminded that kilts are not just for Scots; the Irish wear them too. Hooray for boys in skirts!
Then I rode to the bottom of the Greenwich steps, locked up my bike, and began to climb toward Coit Tower, an invigorating and scenic urban hike. I had only climbed about 1/3 of the way up when I found the parrots! They were all settled into one tree close to the steps, murmuring gently. As I continued to climb, they began circulating among the nearby trees, chattering.
Sooner than I expected, I popped up in the Coit Tower parking lot, where I could still hear the birds below. On a lark, I bought a ticket and went to the top of the tower, something I haven't done in many years. The weather was spectacular and the bay was sparkling and studded with lots of little sailboats. I'm pretty sure I was the only local there; everyone else was trying to guess what the various visible features were.
When I descended the Greenwich steps again, the parrots had all invaded a large cypress tree and were now raising a huge ruckus that had attracted a small crowd. Now they were jostling, nuzzling, bickering, swinging upside down, squawking, fluttering all over the tree, and generally monkeying around.
So there! Finally I've seen the locally-famous flock of wild parrots in person. They're now mildly famous nation-wide as well, thanks to the movie.
4 March 2005
City CarShare
I finally got around to joining City CarShare, and already I love it! There's a car pod just two blocks from my house, with two shiny, new, super compact Scions. I used one yesterday, just to try it out while catching up on errands.
It's actually complicated enough to require an orientation session before they let you begin. You get an electronic key fob. You make reservations on the Web site or through the automatic phone system. Your reservation information gets transmitted to little computers inside the cars. The cars are expecting you when you get there! If it's time for your reservation, your key fob opens one of the cars (it doesn't matter very much which one). The ignition key is already inside, on a cord attached to the dashboard. There's also a gas card in the glove compartment; gas and insurance are included with your membership.
In the orientation, they tell you that people will often ask you about City CarShare while you are driving around, and there's a supply of brochures in the door pocket for this purpose. Less than five minutes into my first trip, somebody darted off the sidewalk, knocked on the passenger window, and asked about the service. He looked pleased when I was able to give him a handy brochure.
I spent about two hours tooling around town, picking up groceries and whatnot. The best part was that, when I was finished, there was none of the usual struggling to find a parking space in the crowded Lower Haight. I simply deposited the car in its reserved City CarShare spot and strolled home. I estimate that this trip cost me about $10, on top of the $10 monthly membership fee. Not bad! And certainly much cheaper and easier than owning my own car.
What I'm looking forward to the most is driving up to Marin on weekends for little day hikes. I haven't been on a hike in a very long time now. Sigh.