Instagram vs. Blogging

For those of you that are active on Instagram and also have a blog, do you find that you spend more time on one than the other?

Since joining Instagram, my blogging has taken a serious nosedive.  Coupled with non-sewing things going on right now, I don't take the time to write blog posts as much as I used to.  However, I check and post to Instagram more often. 

What are your thoughts? Do you favor one over the other? 

L

Three Days in Vienna

And more trip recap...the next three days were spent in Vienna, Austria.  Unfortunately, I didn't bond to well with Vienna.  The city was nice, but it just didn't capture me the way I thought it would.  It is much larger than Munich and less walk-able.  Though we did walk a great deal, we mostly used the hop-on, hop-off feature of the Big Bus Tour to get around. I am sure there is much more to the city than what I saw.  Perhaps in a future visit I'll get to explore more.

Pics...

These pictures were taken from the train en route to Vienna from Munich. 

Salzburg was one of our train stops.  From the platform, the area looked very nice.  Maybe on a return trip I'll visit here.

Along the banks of the inner canal, there is tons of graffiti - a lot of it political commentary.  

K and I took a 2-hour river cruise along the inner canal and Danube.  It was very peaceful and scenic.

I've settled on climbing to the top of some tall structure as one of my things to do when I travel.  The Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, church bell towers - you name it.  If it's got stairs, I am there.  Of course, I 100% second-guess the decision as soon as I start.  Hah!

This is St. Stephen's Cathedral.  The tallest tower, accessed by 343 steps, stands 136 meters (around 400 feet) above ground.  From there, a nice view of the city can be seen.

Vienna has an area known as MuseumsQuartier.  This area houses several attractions including the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.  Timing wouldn't allow us to visit much, though we did go to the Butterfly Museum.  I mean come on...butterflies!

 

Near the end of the last day in Vienna, we went out to Schönbrunn Palace.  Again, timing did not allow us to tour the palace since we arrived to the site rather late.  Still, it was a nice walk around the grounds.

That's all for Vienna.  Out of the five cities I visited, this was my least favorite.  I don't think I had enough time to see all that it had to offer.  Next time...

***

Sewing news:  Sewing the coat tired me out, so my sewjo took a little break.  I got back into it yesterday and am almost finished with my second trench skirt.  I also cut out another skirt and a jacket.  Deets later.  Until next time, peace!

L

Three Days in Munich

Continuing with the trip recap...our next three days were spent in Munich. 

Munich by far was one of my two favorite cities. The scenery is simply beautiful and the people were very friendly. Though we didn't visit any museums, we walked around the city A LOT, took two bike tours and visited Neuschwanstein Castle using Mike's Bike Tours - a definite must-do if you're ever in the area.   We also took a trip to Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp to open in Germany.  I have no words and many words.

On with the pictures...

We found a pizza joint that sells gluten-free pizza.  Though it was jam-packed with people, the food was worth the wait.  Oh yeah, gluten now gives me problems. I really miss donuts!

 

On our second day, we took a bus out to Neuschwanstein castle.  The trip included a 2-hour bike ride, lunch at a local restaurant, and a tour of the castle.  To get to the castle, you can either take the bus or hike.   I chose to hike and man, let me tell you, that hike was NO JOKE.  The first few hundred feet were nothing.  But once you turn this "corner," it all goes downhill (or uphill?) from there.   We did this after lunch too!  Had I known what I was getting myself into, I would have had ALL the ice cream.

When we set out on the bike ride, I was cold and decked out in a hat and scarf.  I dropped that nonsense halfway up as the sweat was pouring down my face.  

More pictures from the top.

We couldn't take pictures inside the castle.  In fact, time inside the castle was strictly limited to 30 minutes.  Get in, admire, get out.  

After returning to Munich, we had dinner at Hofbräuhaus.  Hofbräuhaus is one of Munich's oldest brew halls and is owned by the government.  I can't speak on the beer quality because (a) I never liked beer and (b) wheat issues, but there were plenty of liters going around so I assume it is pretty good!  

 Translation:  "Work sets you free."

Main entry gate at Dachau concentration camp.

 Left:  one of the few remaining barracks preserved

Right:  crematorium

There were many other buildings and placards describing their purpose.  I chose not to photograph much more than what is seen here.  It didn't feel right.  The one thing I can say is that Germany does not hide from its past.  Our tour guide said that it is mandatory for every child to learn the country's history - unabridged and with acute honesty - so as to not  repeat history.

Our tour guide (from the second bike tour) said that government buildings are often constructed with glass façades as a show of transparency.  On this building, bullet holes are still visible on the columns.

On the second bike tour...

 New Town Hall at Marienplatz.
I missed getting pictures of the Glockenspiel.  D'oh.

 Left to right:  Bavarian flag, German flag, Eurozone flag.

At the garden, people can go 'river surfing.'

Very cool to watch.  I'd be terrified out of my mind!

That's it for Munich.  I would love to go back and visit more of the city.  It is really unique and rich with culture.

Up next in the trip recap:  Vienna, Austria.

***

On the sewing front, I finished one of my three works in progress:  the denim skirt.  I will take pictures today and write the blog post tomorrow.

Until next time, peace!

2016 Travels: Germany, Austria, & the Czech Republic (Part 1)

Y'all know I like to get my travel on.  So this year, my friend and I put together a trip to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.  Initially, we were thinking of doing a bike and barge tour similar to the one I did in The Netherlands in 2011.  This tour would have started in Passau, Germany and taken us along the Danube River to Vienna, Austria.  We attempted to contact the company to ask questions about booking and to clarify prices, but were unsuccessful.  So we decided to just go anyway and bike in each city.  Flexibility is awesome!

Our trip started in Frankfurt, Germany and continued by train to Munich, Vienna, Prague, and Berlin.  I'll spread these posts over each city and share some of my favorite photos/highlights.

Frankfurt (17 May - 19 May)

We left Detroit late Monday evening and arrived on Tuesday, 17 May at around 9a.  Our hotel was conveniently located directly across the street from the main train station as well as a city tram stop.  Getting around Frankfurt was very easy; it is very walkable with lots to see and do near the city center.  We only had two days here - one of which included an jet lag and no sleep.  Needless to say, we didn't do much. =)

Hauptbahnhof - main train station

 The international bird.  Pigeons are everywhere.  EVERYWHERE.

 Interesting trees.  They looked like life-size Bonsai trees.

 Classic-styled buildings at the center square.

 

 Pictures of the city skyline from our river cruise on the Main River.

 

Edited to add humble thanks to Rory Fanklin who explained the meaning of this mural.

While I read stories of the Syrian child who washed ashore, I was not aware that this was a painting of him.  As expressed by Rory, the red eyes and horns are likely political commentary against Germany's welcoming of many refugees.  Thank you Rory for correcting me.  Here is a link to the story shared in the comments by Rory:  http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/09/im-sure-this-little-boy-brought-only-joy-look-at-how-the-world-repaid-him-warning-distressing-image/

I am sorry for any hurt I may have caused.

 I have an irrational fear of heights, but I like climbing tall structures.

On short flights, I also always get a window seat.  Weird, right?

Don't look down.

 

 Views of the city from atop the cathedral.

 Frankfurt's Love Lock bridge.

That's all I have for Frankfurt.  We didn't visit any museums or special sites.  We were all tired from the flight and mostly wanted to get settled in.

Up next:  3 days in Munich.  

Until next time, peace!

L

Catching Up

Well now.  Long time, no post!  I only started sewing again in the last week of February.  Life stuff tanked my mojo and sewjo and I didn't have the energy to do much of anything.  Even my sleep was off.  I'm back now...maybe...hopefully...and have some stuff to share.

What's up with that 6PAC?

I had these grand plans to sew a small six-piece wardrobe.  It started out great, but was quickly sidelined by this Simplicity hybrid:

I had problems with sewing the collar stand and setting the sleeve.  I don't know why I continue to torture myself with stretch cotton poplin.  This shit just does not want to play nicely.  I might just skip the sleeves and bind the armholes.

I also cut out another version of Simplicity 1945.  The status?

I actually need to finish this top because I want another black layering option. 

Not doing the PR wardrobe contest.

And I couldn't be happier.  In an effort to try and reclaim my sewjo, I started pulling patterns and fabric to use for the contest.  I got sooooooo overwhelmed that I couldn't settle on a single plan and became completely disinterested.  The pressure of having to compete made me not want to sew.  I was already not sewing and the idea of joining the contest made it worse.  Since scrapping the idea of participating, I've actually sewn two garments and am working on a third.

Another pair of jeans (Jalie 2908).

The first of three new garments is another pair of jeans.  I wasn't even excited about making another pair, but figured since it's quick and easy (for me), why not do it?

Pardon the wrinkles; they're freshly washed and not ironed.

I needed another pair because I gained weight and my other pairs are too tight.  Oops.  The verdict?  Love!  These are comfortable and actually a little too big.  The denim I used has more stretch than I typically like, but that's okay.  These jeans fit and don't cut off my circulation. =)

Another skirt (New Look 6274).

I watched as Kyle (Vacuuming the Lawn) sewed and lined her wool skirt.  For some reason, following her journey inspired me to sew a skirt as well.  Granted mine doesn't have a back vent, but I had to start somewhere.

All I need to do is face the waist.  

Another jacket (Simplicity 2284)

I got this fabric in October on a shopping trip with Anne (Sewing to Soothe My Soul) from a local non-profit art studio.  I never blogged about my haul, but let me tell you I got some GOOD stuff:  several pieces of wool, rayon bemberg lining, silk, and cotton.  I would snap photos, but I've catalogued and stored everything already.  This wool piece was just long enough to cut out the jacket and is sewing up quite nicely.

I need to cut and sew the lining (waaah).

No sewing doesn't mean no stashing.

So far this year I've made two fabric purchases:  one small, one large.  Joann Fabrics had some nice rayon/nylon stretch bottomweight that I thought would be good for these Vogue pants:

I love everything about the seaming and really, really want to make these pants.

As far as the large purchase...

polyester bouclé

polyester bottomweight and suiting

polyester ITY

cotton shirtings

cotton suiting

I bought a lot of polyester this time because I need more washable clothes.  I love wool, but it's not practical to have a whole wardrobe that needs dry cleaning.   

I'm thinking of using the houndstooth to make a motorcycle jacket or lightweight coat.

 photo credits:  Already Pretty (left); Polyvore (right)

photo credit:  baublestobubbles

 photo credits:  pinqueblog (left); thisnext (right)

The scale on my houndstooth isn't as large, but I think it'll still look okay.

Starting from Scratch?  Yep, I still am.

I haven't abandoned this idea totally.  I realized that my sewing attention span is shorter than that of a gnat and I have to go with what moves me.  I am slowly, but surely, adding pieces to the plan and following Vivienne's (The Vivienne Files) suggestions.  I'm just doing so when I feel like it.

Non-sewing stuff.

Google is ending Picasa Web Albums.  Whyyyyyyyyyy???  Ugh.  I can't stand Flickr and don't know what I'm going to do.  Google, you suck.

I am Feeling the Bern.  I am more terrified of Rubio or Cruz becoming president than Trump.  Aaaand now I need to shower.   

So that's it for now.  The sewjo is back and I hope to posting more often.

L