Five Days in Melbourne

My trip to Melbourne started off kinda rocky.  The flight I booked through Expedia (bad idea) apparently didn't exist.  I only found out about it when I got to the airport.  Fortunately, I was booked on a flight that left two hours later than the original one.  

Then on top of that, the mystery flight didn't include any checked bags.  So I had to pay $70 on the spot because my bag was not going to fit in the overhead compartment.  Grrrr.

Initially, I booked a reservation at another hostel.  Upon arrival at the hostel, I did not like it as much.  The people were very nice and friendly, but I just didn't bond with the environment.  The bathroom was down the hall and the rooms were very dark.  Besides, I just spent the last ten days in a hostel and could use some alone time.

Fort the first two days, I walked around the city looking for another place to stay.  I ended up staying at Batman's Hill on Collins - a really nice hotel that is centrally located and reasonably priced.   The receptionist even upgraded my room to a king suite for the price of a double.  Things were looking up!

Then I caught a cold.  The weather was much cooler and wetter and my body didn't respond like that. Despite having a cold, I still ventured out to visit some sights, but I didn't take as many pictures.  I also didn't stay out too much for fear that I'd get sicker. 

I walked mostly everywhere and took the free City Circle Tram as needed.  I meant to take pictures of the tram.

Both pictures were taken from in front of the Shrine of Remembrance at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The domed building on the left is the Flinders Street train station.  The pictures are taken from Federation Square.

I've never seen black swans before.  The birds are traversing the Yarra River.  I know I took more pictures of the river, but they no longer appear on my memory card.  =(

I went to a few museums/galleries during my visit:  Immigration Museum, National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Museum.

In front of the Royal Exhibition Building

 

 

 Gotta love the beautiful bird of paradise flower!

I also spent some time at Queen Victoria's Market.  This is an outdoor market, much like Paddy's Market in Sydney, that is host to pretty much anything you want to find.  There are food and clothing vendors, as well as electronics, souvenir, and accessory booths.  If I were visiting longer, I would have perused the shops a little more.

Despite being under the weather, I enjoyed visiting Melbourne.  I didn't get to spend as much time there and definitely have to come back.  I don't think I got to see as much as the city has to offer.  I would have liked to take a river cruise down the Yarra River and visit some of the older neighborhoods like South Yarra.

In all, I had a wonderful time visiting Australia.  I put off planning this trip for years for reasons that I won't get into.  With the encouragement and support of those closest to me, I am so glad that I did it. This has had a profound affect on me with experiences that I will never forget.

Up next:  When you can't sleep, sew!  So far this month, I finished my floral print jacket, sewed two skirts, and am about 75% done with another coat.  I also cut out a muslin for a button-front blouse and knit dress AND cut the fabric for another version of McCall's 6654 (knit skirt). 

See that roll?  I am so on it.

L

Jeans #9 (Part 3 - back)

Before I get into part 3 (which is pretty short), I'd like to answer Natalea's question about the weight of my denim.  I like to use denim that weighs at least 12 ounces with no more than 25% stretch across the grain.  My second pair of jeans are made out of thin, lightweight denim and they don't have enough heft for my taste.  If you are purchasing denim online, definitely order a swatch first and make sure the fabric is heavy enough!

Back (30 minutes)

This part is really quick and simple.  The directions say to press the seam toward the back, but I pressed and serged mine toward the yoke.  I wanted the bulk of the seam to lay on the left of the flange on my blindhem foot so that I can topstitch first line.

As mentioned before, the seam allowances in this pattern are 3/8", so I don't cut off any fabric when serging.  If I did, I wouldn't have much on which to topstitch.

When topstitching this part, the garment is to the right of the needle.  I don't find it too much of a problem to handle.

This is all I have for now.  Next up is the construction of the front pockets.  There's a slight delay with proceeding, though.  I forgot to wash the pocket lining fabric with the last load of laundry and the water heater issue has not been resolved.  I might just wash it by hand so that I can keep going. I am really, REALLY trying to be Zen about this, though my patience is wearing thin...kinda like my second pair of jeans.

L