the panda sews: another a-line skirt

making a second skirt has been on my to-do list for awhile now (ever since i made the first one, in fact). but then i started my quilting 101 class and all other projects fell by the wayside.  i even had the fabric (one of the denyse schmidt joann prints) pre-washed & cut & ready-to-sew for several weeks. 

 fabric close-up (ds quilts collection in "picnic")

last weekend i finished up my quilt top (one big round-up post documenting the whole process will follow in a few weeks, although i've excitedly shown a few people a sneak-peak picture i snapped on my iphone).  i had some free time last night so i finally got around to making the skirt. enough time has passed that i barely remembered what we did in class, so i was glad i ordered the official amy butler pattern & had the instructions to guide me. i installed the invistible zipper on the outer fabric without a hitch, but my trouble came when i had to attach this whole part to the lining.  but, it's done.  because of the length (a few inches longer than the first one i did) & the weight of the fabric & lining, it almost feels more like a fall skirt - almost a bit too heavy for these near-100-degree days.

mango salsa black beans with quinoa

mango salsa black beans with quinoa

(2 servings)

ingredients:

1 15-oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup of "refrigerator"/ fresh salsa of your choice (i used chachi's mango salsa & some Mrs Renfro's Hot Habanero salsa)

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (i used 1/4 cup red, 1/4 cup regular)

directions:

1) place your black beans in a small sauce pan. add your salsa.  cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.

2) meanwhile, cook your quinoa: in a small saucepan,  add 1 cup water, 1/2 cup quinoa and a dash of salt. bring to a boil. lower heat & cover. simmer for 15 minutes.  when all the water has been absorbed, fluff with a fork.

3) to serve: put quinoa in a bowl. top with black beans.  

topping ideas: tortilla chips, avocado, cheddar cheese, sour cream, etc.