01::Iceland once again (aug 2014)

(Finally, the long promised posts about our trip to Iceland last year... I haven't been having much time for the blog, which is why it took me so long to post these, but I'll try to write about as many details as I can remember)

I can't believe it took us 6 years to go back to Iceland. We were completely blown away by it the first time we visited, and drove all around the Ring Road. It is one of the most amazing places we've been to, and doesn't compare to anywhere else when it comes to nature and beautiful landscapes.

Last year we finally decided to go back and visit the Westfjords, the one place we didn't have time to explore on our first trip. It's not on the Ring Road, so fewer tourists visit this area, but we had read that it was definitely worth a visit, and it surpassed our wildest expectations.

We stayed in the area for a week, and I'd definitely recommend staying more than just a couple of days since there's so much to see, especially if you're into hiking. Also, we were incredibly lucky with the weather - it only rained a couple of days - but as they say in Iceland, if you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes ...

Day 1

We arrived in Reykjavik on a rainy day, and waited a couple of hours at the airport for one piece of luggage that never arrived. We think it was Gatwick Connect's fault, since another passenger also had the same problem with them. Luckily all our clothes came, and also our hiking poles, but not our backpack carrier for S. We did eventually received it in Isafjordur 5 days later, but by then we had purchased another one or we wouldn't have been able to take S. hiking as we had planned. 

So when we arrived at the city center we were not so happy, but our mood brightened considerably after a walk around downtown Reykjavik - even in the rain I was reminded of how much I enjoyed this quirky city. I love that main street, very nice shops, cafés and restaurants everywhere. Also, our apartment at Rey Apartments (conveniently located at Grettisgata 2) was as nice as expected. We walked all the way to the harbour where we found the popular Icelandic Fish and Chips restaurant and had the best fish and chips in a long time. There's a choice of 2 or 3 different fresh fish everyday, and their batter is made of spelt. Also, the sauces/dips are excellent as well as their desserts (I had the chocolate cake and A. had the skyr, both very good) and the price is also quite affordable for Reykjavik (around 50 EUR for 2 adults and a child's menu)

 

Restaurants: Icelandic Fish & Chips



Accomodation: Rey Apartments

washi dress #1

My first Washi dress ! I have a thing for dresses with pockets, and this one is just so easy to make. The hem and sleeve facings were hand sewn so it took me a bit longer, but I just like it better this way. And next time I'll have to make the top part an inch or so longer, but other than that I'm really happy with the pattern.

I actually made a Washi top at the end of last summer which I never posted about, but it's one of my current favourites - I'll try to take some photos soon.

Bianca top #5

My fifth Bianca, and probably not my last. Last year I made 4 of them, and wore them so much that I had to mend one of them by the end of the summer. It is now my go pattern for making garments out of a small piece of fabric - I probably had 1 meter of this one on my stash.

Obviously I didn't have enough for the front collar facing, so I used the remnants of my Sailor top fabric for that. I also decided to add facings to hem the sleeves, to make them more stable. Now if the weather would turn warmer so I can use it ...

works * in * progress

sailor top

Spring is here, and I've been thinking of summer already.
Last weekend I decided to sew this short sleeved top, using a lightweight striped cotton I've had on my stash forever.

The pattern is the Sailor Top, by Fancy Tiger Crafts, which I can easily see becoming one of my favourites this summer.
I followed the pattern for the XS size without any changes, but the next time I sew this I'll have to change the back neckline because it ended up a bit large and gaping (see last photo). Other than that I'm really pleased with how it turned out .. so much that I'm already choosing the fabric for my next one :)