Now You See Me, Now You…

So I disappeared for like a week for finals, returned only to disappear again.  The reasons?  Holiday traditions, mainly that one about getting sick amidst all the good cheer along with other obligations. 

Anyway, the good news is that I finished my project list, without staying up all night sewing.



I have a certain little niece who’s under a year old, so I had to make something as cute as she is without anything she could choke on.  So I made this cute baby bear out of off-white fleece.  The eyes are embroidered and the diaper is sewn securely on, so hopefully this little guy won’t be hazardous to her health.



I somehow got the idea to decorate plain paper lunch bags to make gift bags.  I used a glue gun to glue on lace for handles.  Then glued two rows of lace along the edge of the bags to reinforce the handles and make the bags cute.  Simple, sweet and costs less than $2 to make about 40 of them.  Considering that even at a dollar store $2 would buy only about 4 gift bags, that is a bargain.



My brother tends to run errands a lot for himself and other people, and when he does he makes use of some old reusable shopping bags we have lying around the house.  These bags are starting to wear out on him, so I thought he might like a nice new one of his very own.  It’s a very simple, roomy bag with an outside pocket for convenience.  The color is a reddish brown color which I was hoping wouldn’t look too feminine.  Actually my brother couldn’t care less about that sort of thing, so no worries. 



My niece has mentioned a few times that she doesn't have enough clothes for her Barbie dolls.  I thought why not whip up a couple of pretty skirts to stuff in her stocking this year.  These are similar to the skirts I make for myself only doll-size and the waist bands and bottom hems are different. 

For the hems, I used that one stitch on my sewing machine that’s intended for button holes.  Sorry I don’t know what it’s called.  It leaves an edge that’s not as bulky as a regular hem and easier to do on such a small sized skirt.  Then I just added lace on top.  Voila, two finished skirts and hopefully a happy little girl. 



Now we need a happy little boy.  My nephew’s Cabbage Patch doll has be laying around his room with no clothes.  Me and my sister used to make clothes for our Cabbage Patch dolls out of our outgrown clothes.  Time to revive the tradition.  This was an old t-shirt from one of my nieces,  I thought it would be perfect to make a cute doll dress.



With a few cuts and stitches here and there, here is the new dress.  It looks cute and is easy for a small child to pull on and off.  You can’t tell very well, but I made a stretchy headband with some of the scraps. 

Want to know how I did it?  Don’t worry, I’m going to show how later.  Possibly after Christmas.  Look forward to that.

Update: I made the tutorial and you can find it here. enjoy!



Now the last ones.  I had plenty of scraps of fleece cut into squares lying around the place and I finally came up with an idea to use them all up.  Patchwork plush toys. 

From right to left there’s a dog, a cat, a bunny, and a lizard.  The lizard is for my nephew, the one that doesn’t like dolls and such.  What could possibly be more perfect than soft and cuddly fleece animals?



Animals with sleeping bags.  I had enough fleece squares to make a simple little sleep pouch for each of them. 

Here’s the updated list:

• Mittens
• Wildlife
• Baby bear
• Ornaments
• Gift bags
• Bows
• Doll makeover
• Bags
• Collars
• Barbie clothes
• Doll clothes
• Animals
• Sleeping bags

Twelve down and out.  All that’s left to do now is to finish wrapping, as in cramming stuff into the gift bags.

Read More »

Catching Up Again

I’m back.  Final exams went great and I passed all my classes with A’s and B's.  Still got more stuff to do for work before the end of the year, but it’s mostly taken care of so I had some time this weekend to actually do some crafts.

While browsing the holiday section at Dollar Tree, I got a great idea for making glittery ornaments with the plain glass ornaments they sell.  Here’s the trick, you stick foam holiday stickers on the ornaments before spreading on the glue and rolling the ornament in glitter.  When it dries, you carefully peel off the sticker.  That’s what I did with the ornaments on the left.  It kind of looks like little mirrors on the ornaments.  I used squeezed tube fabric paint on the edge of the “mirror” areas.  For the ornaments on the right I just added dots using the same color of fabric paint.  They were quicker to make and I think they mix and match well with the glittered ornaments.  I now have a bunch of pretty ornaments to give as gifts.  Hope everyone likes them.

This next project also stemmed from an idea I got while shopping.  I was at SAS and saw some small bows that I thought would look cute in my hair.  They were next to some jingle bells which I thought would look cute too.  Next thing you know, I ended up with these.  I started with a couple of pieces of felt, and glued on the bells, roses and bows.  The bows I made myself.  I recently realized how easy it is to make those tiny premade bows you can buy at many craft stores.  Anyway, I just had to glue on the combs and stick them on my head.  I guess they are made sort of the same way as the barrettes I made previously (See Hair Accessories Again?) except no lace.

Next up, remember this doll?  The lovely Cinderella doll I got at Goodwill on sale for 50 cents (see Finally Remembered).  I knew she would be prefect for one of my nieces, the one who loves Disney Princesses especially Cinderella.  But this Cinderella doll clearly didn’t look ready to go the ball, so I got to play fairy godmother.

Here’s the after shot.  First I washed the dress and the doll.  Wasn’t easy, she had pen marks in odd spots which are a pain to remove.  I comb through her rat’s nest hair and restyled it.  I made her a new pair of slippers from felt (not glass) and blue ribbon.   The ribbons lace up like ballet slippers.  I used the same ribbon on the edge of the dress because I thought it needed a little something.  I also made a quick headband with the ribbon and some more felt.  Cinderella did wear a headband in the movie, at least I think she did.  Anyway, she looks pretty good for a doll I bought for less than a dollar.  And my niece will definitely love her.

I have been experimenting with my Knifty Knitter loom again and came up with these collars for the cats.  They’re soft, stretchy and warm.  Plus, if they don’t like them they would make interesting bangle bracelets.  I’ve tried them on, they actually look cute that way.
Here’s the updated list:

• Mittens
• Wildlife
• Baby bear
• Ornaments
• Gift bags
• Bows
• Doll makeover
• Bags
• Collars
• Barbie clothes
• Doll clothes
• Animals
• Sleeping bags

Six down, seven to go.  I should have a few more projects done by Tuesday.

Read More »

Mittens and Camping

Well yesterday I had a report due first thing in the morning.  And of course, I got right to work on it as soon as I heard about it (not!) which is why I managed to finish it early.  Early being 4:00 am the day it was due.  Basically what I am saying is that it was because of this and other issues that I didn’t blog yesterday.  Oops.

Anyway,  I had plenty of fleece leftover from the coat I made (see Fluffy Fleece) and I think I mentioned that it would be good to make mittens and stuff.  They aren’t the most complicated mittens in the world.  I traced my hand to make the pattern, cut two and sew.  Nothing hard about that.  Of course I just had to add a small amount of lace along the edge, the same lace as the coat to match.  Now my hands will be nice and warm.

Next project.  Some time ago I went to Goodwill and got among other things this Little People camper (see Finally Remembered).  I thought it would be perfect for my nephew who loves Little People and virtually anything with wheels.  I thought that a camping trip is never complete without animals though, so I made these.  They were suppose to be little bears.  My nephew saw me making one (he doesn’t know it’s for him) and asked what it was, so I asked him what he thought.  He insisted that it was a cat, no doubt about it.  So now I’ve got a brown and white “cat” and a purple and white bear.  It works.
Here’s the updated list:

• Mittens
• Wildlife
• Baby bear
• Ornaments
• Gift bags
• Bows
• Doll makeover
• Bags
• Collars
• Barbie clothes
• Doll clothes
• Animals
• Sleeping bags

Three down, ten to go.  Just a heads up, I have a quiz tomorrow, multiple projects for work and school, and finals next week.  That probably means I might be scarce for a few days.  Or it means I will procrastinate the heck out of them and actually spend more time here.  Which is more likely?

Read More »

Duct Tape Does it All

How to describe this one?  So sometimes when I sew dresses or tops it does get difficult to make sure they fit right around that area.  That’s where a dress form or dummy comes in, or it would if I could a afford one.  Enter the duct tape.  Yep, I’ve seen tons of tutorials over the web about making a custom one using duct tape (Here’s a good one).  So with the help of about three rolls of tape and my sister (who had to be bribed), this is what I got.  It’s not very tall (neither am I) and the proportions are weird (ditto for me too), but I think it will work.  Now hopefully I won’t have anymore problems with bodice patterns that are designed for “curvier” woman.
Here’s the updated list:

• Dummy
• Mittens
• Wildlife
• Baby bear
• Ornaments
• Gift bags
• Bows
• Doll makeover
• Bags
• Collars
• Barbie clothes
• Doll clothes
• Animals
• Sleeping bags

One down, thirteen to go.  The next couple of projects should be up by Wednesday.

Read More »

Look to the Left

<----

See that, it’s another poll.  This time to see if I should get rid of the monkey widget.  I know Momo is cute and entertaining, but I think he’s causing problems.  The blog has been loading up more slowly since I installed that widget, and it kind of looks a little cluttered.  But what do you all think?  Please vote on it, and maybe leave a comment if you have other opinions along the same matter.

On another note, ever heard of the Random Tutorial Generator?  I found it through Twitter and it’s pretty cool, you click the button and a random craft tutorial pops up from blogs all over the web.  You can search their database if you want something specific.  You can also submit your own tutorials or your favorite ones to them by emailing the links.  I just hope nobody tries to spam them or something like that. 

Read More »

Rev Up the Sleigh

Time to get cracking on the holiday crafts and Christmas presents.  Finished making my list and it’s a long one this year.  Good thing I wrote it out earlier.
Holiday Craft List #3

• Dummy
• Mittens
• Wildlife
• Baby bear
• Ornaments
• Gift bags
• Bows
• Doll makeover
• Bags
• Collars
• Barbie clothes
• Doll clothes
• Animals
• Sleeping bags

I plan to have them all done by the 21st.  That leaves time before Christmas to relax, or franticly wrap presents.  Which ever is more likely.

Read More »

Finished At Last

A few days late but here they are, the last couple of projects for my list. 

I had a pile of fleece squares and needed something quick to do with them.  Actually, I still have a pile of fleece squares, it’s just smaller now.  Since the Holidays are upon us (already!) I thought to make a bunch of mittens and stockings out of them. 

Simply cut two of each shape and use a blanket stitch around each.   Easy enough for a child.  Now what to do with them?  I could hang them on the tree as soon as I drag it out of storage.  I could also make pins out of them for quick gifts, or possibly stick them in my hair.  That is actually very tempting.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Ten down and out.  Just in time.  I have to get started on my actual holiday crafts.

Read More »

Fluffy Fleece

So I do love, love, looove making my pretty dresses with big poufy skirts.  The problem is that when it gets cold it’s hard to wear a jacket over those skirts.  The solution?  A dress coat or jacket.



Like this one.  I used off-white fleece and a basic jacket pattern with a few tweaks.  Basically I made it about waist long, added a skirt, and added a panel in front to make the neckline higher.  I had intended to make it collar-less that is until I saw what the neckline looked like without one.  It wasn’t pretty. 

The final results are something I can be mostly proud of to say the least.  The buttonholes I’m not too proud of, but at least they show improvement.  Also, the lining gave me some problems here and there especially in the skirt. 

Otherwise I am happy with the results.  Plus now I have plenty of leftover fleece to make accessories like mittens and stuff.  I already started with the bow pin on the collar.  I'm not sure if I should leave it there or wear it somewhere else.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Six down, just two more to go.  The last two should be done by Wednesday at the latest.

Read More »

Bags Again

I’ve done some work on my Knifty Knitter again.  I think I’ve really gotten the hang of it and I may be ready for more difficult stuff.  For now it’s easy peasy projects like these simple bags.  They are a little different than the last ones I made (see Back From the Chaos with Something Pink).  The one on right is a simple rectangle shape, made purposely wider than what I’ve previously done, and with a zipper to close it.  I had intended to make it with a flap to close, but that didn’t work out.  The one on the left is a simple drawstring bag.  I didn’t plan the drawstring part it just happened that way.  It is made in a similar matter to a knit hat, at least I think it is.  I haven’t tried making hats yet so I’m not sure, but that would be a neat project to try next.
Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Seven down, just three more to go.  I should have the next one up this weekend.

Read More »

Blue Bells and Achy Throats

If you follow me on twitter, you probably already know that I have been sick the past few days. I probably shouldn’t say “have” since I am still coughing like crazy.

Anyway, being sick has slowed my pace a little so I have gotten slightly behind schedule in a lot of things. Crafts included, but what else is new?



I manage to finish my new dress just in time to wear it Sunday, and without sneezing or coughing on it which was a miracle. It didn’t come out quite like I wanted it. It was supposed to have long puffed sleeves, but they came out “funny”. And despite being the third time using this pattern for the bodice, I still haven’t gotten the fit right.

Beyond that everything's perfectly swell. I love the blue trimming. If you look closely, you can see that it’s ribbon with embroidered blue flowers. I got a fantastic deal on it at SAS, 25 cents a roll and buy 2 get 1 free. Needless to say I stocked up on it. You will probably see it again soon along with this blue fabric. I promised my niece that I’d make her a skirt like this if she got a flu shot. She did.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Six down, four to go. The next one should be up before Thanksgiving. If not, Happy Thanksgiving y’all.

Read More »

Pouches and a Cat Inspection

First up, last December I made some cute tissue pouches (see Pretty Pins and Pouches).  Now those I made for gifts, not for me.  But now I need some too. 

So I made these ones. They look a lot like the other pouches until you open them.  These ones have a flap to make it easier to put tissues or handkerchiefs in them.  It also makes handy for other things or it would if I could think of another use for them.

I did say there would be two projects today, and the second is this cat bed.  The design is based on one I saw in a store years ago.  It’s basically a soft mat with some sides, I guess sort of like a plush tray.  The only difference it this one isn’t made from foam or tacky looking like the one I saw in the store.  There’s one problem.  When I showed to my cat, Midnight she walked away…

…Then he showed up.  Angel had to give his two cents.

Looks good to him.

But I made it for Midnight.

Don’t go Angel, you can have it.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Five down, five to go.  Yay, half way through!

Read More »

Birdy Birdy Birdy

I was sitting on a bench on campus working on the computer and noticed a bunch of little birds around me.  These birds definitely weren’t shy, too use to messy students leaving food scraps.  I thought how cute they looked and it gave me the intense urge to make cute plush birds. 

I use pink felt for the bodies and white felt for the wings.  The eyes are small faux pearls.  I’m not sure what to do with them yet.  I might possibly sew some ribbons on them and make ornaments.  I also thought I could stick combs on them and wear them in my hair, but maybe that might be too much.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Three down, seven to go.  The next project will be up by Wednesday, or should I say projects, there should be two.

Read More »

Give Me a Doll with Hair

Ready for my excuse?  It’s a good one.  I didn’t post this yesterday like I said I would because I was sick, again.  Something is going around over here and it finally came around to whack me in the face.  Moving on.


I think a few of you should recognize this doll that I bought at Goodwill (see Finally Remembered).  Only a buck but she needed a bit of work.  Her hair was almost hopelessly tangled and frazzled, someone must have really “loved” doing hair.  She was also dirty and still wearing her original lame horrible plain dress.  I couldn’t let her stay like that. 

So before…

…And after.  

I gave her a good scrubbing and wash and conditioned her hair which made it so much easier to tackle her rat’s nest of hair.  Of course I gave her a hair cut, I do enjoy cutting doll hair and there’s nothing else that can be done for damaged hair. 

The dress I made for her is a simple pillow-case dress style, if you look you can find tutorials everywhere online.  I added some elastic to the waist because I thought it looked better that way.  With some matching ribbon tied in her hair, the look is complete. 

She’s a much cuter doll now.  The only thing is that I have no clue what to do with her now.  Do I keep her or give her away, and away to whom?  I have too many nieces and a nephew who would all love her.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Two down, eight to go.  Sick or not the next one will be up by Monday.

Read More »

Sewing a Car?

So one fine day, while I was busy sewing I asked my nephew if he would like me to sew him something.  His response?  A car.  How do you sew a car?  I thought about it and came up with this…

…Felt cars.

They are made from two layers of felt.  The top layer has details cut from scraps and sewn on.  The bottom layer is made of two over-lapping parts, this make a small opening that allows for something small to be hidden inside such as a note or key or something.  I’m not sure what to call them yet, but I know my nephew will love them.
Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

One down, nine to go.  The next project should be up this Friday.

Read More »

Up to Twenty-Three

I literally just finish drafting up the new project list.  Nothing spectacular about this one, but some of the projects I should be needing fairly quickly at least judging by the current weather here.  It’s cloudy and the temperature is expected to drop about 20 degrees tomorrow with a chance for rain.  If it does rain at least I’ll have plenty to do.
Project List #23

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

I should have them all done before the 30th.  Then I’ll need to start the Christmas list.

Read More »

Happy Halloween

What a Treat

Halloween is here with trick-or-treating tonight.
So I’ll tell you the story of a man named Dwight.

Dwight’s fondest wish was to give out some treats
that would be the best most brilliant on his street.

He would fill his bowl with all sorts of goodies galore
that would leave the children begging for more.

He went in search for them, the best he could find.
With the sweetest and sugary-est, surely he’d shine.

And with his bowl full of crunchies, he set his place near the door,
Set ready to welcome the trick-or-treating hoard.

First came one ghost, then a princess and such.
Seeing the bowl, they made such a fuss.

Until a vampire shouted from up the way
which made the children scurry away.

Apparently Mrs. Johnson from up the street
was giving out apples and Oh! what a treat!

Read More »

Birthday Again

Well another year has gone by, tomorrow is my birthday.  That yearly event always brings with it a yearly problem.  What do I give my twin sister for our birthday?

This year it’s handkerchiefs.  I do enjoy making them and it’s one of the few things that I can make that she actually likes.  Despite being twins we have very little in common.  Anyway, these are just plain square handkerchiefs made from a small print cotton fabric.  They are intended to actually be used which is why it probably isn’t a problem that I used a one way print.  I not sure but it kind of looks funny to have the flowers on a printed handkerchief facing up.  Hope my sister doesn’t think so too.
Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Ten down and out.  And just in time for the holidays. 

Read More »

Posted to Do

Lately I have gotten in to the habit of whipping out my camera whenever I see an interesting flyer/banner/poster for events and stuff.  It’s quicker and easier than writing the info down and a lot more interesting.  I decided to show off some of the ones I found this week for those of you in the area who need something to do this weekend.

This is a flyer for Lotus Flower studio, they seem to have a lot yoga classes and other sorts of fitness classes.  For classes, you can pay $75 for a month and take an unlimited number of classes for that month.  Seems like a good deal.  Plus for “drop-ins” on individual classes, it’s only $12 or $10 with a canned food donation.  They are located in downtown Mesa, AZ on the North West corner of Main St. & Robson.  Their website is at FloatingLotusStudio.com.

This is a separate flyer I saw at the same studio.  It’s for Zumba classes, I guess it’s a new thing for them.  The classes are $5 each and are held from 8:00pm – 9:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:00am – 11:00am Saturday.

I just happen to look up and see this banner.  The Mesa Arts Center is having their Dia De Los Muertos festival again this year.  It’s this Saturday and Sunday and as always it’s free.  See more about it at their website at MesaArtsCenter.com.

Of course I noticed this banner.  It’s for my church’s Community Trunk-o-Treat.  Saturday the 29th from 6-8pm several of our members will be parking their hopefully well-decorated cars in the lot and passing out candy.  Prizes go to the best decorated cars.  There will also be games, food, craft activities, a costume contest, and a haunted house later in the evening.  It’s on the South East corner of Center & 1st Ave. in Mesa and I hope to see you all there.

This one I saw on campus.  It’s an event sponsored by Karma Salon, Swap 4 a Cause.  You bring old clothes to swap and it benefits Breast Cancer and local women’s shelters.  It will be held on Saturday and Sunday next to the salon which is at 929 N. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, AZ. and the admission is $10.

Read More »

All Ears

Less than a week until Halloween, so I made animal ears.  Now why in the world would I want to make these when I already have a costume?

First, they are so darn cute, especially the cat ears.  I didn’t put much effort in the bunny ears because I was just trying them out, they’re just scraps of white and pink felt glued on with a glue gun.  With the cat ears, I added some black lace to dress them up and a matching little black bow.  Super cute now.

Second, they are for backup.  It usually happens every year.  Some “accident” occurs leaving someone’s costume un-wearable, or my niece decides in the last minute that she wants to be something else for Halloween, or somebody insists that they aren’t going to dress up and then changes their mind.  For the most part, I’m prepared.

Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Nine down, just one more to go.  The next one will definitely be up by Friday, for a very good reason.

Read More »

Old and New Dolls

In case it isn’t totally obvious from the numerous posts on dolls and doll clothes, I love dolls and sort of collect them.  I recently added two new “friends” to my collection that I have yet to mention until now.

I was very excited about this one.  It’s an American Girl doll, Kirsten to be exact.  I found her at Goodwill last week for only 3 dollars.  Score!  I mean they are sold for like 100 dollars new, I don’t know about you but I prefer 3 dollars to 100.  Plus since I was little I kind of wanted one, but yeah, really expensive for a play doll.  I can sort of see the point of the price though, her hair is a wig instead of rooted hair like on most dolls and it’s really nice.  Her body feels surprisingly heavy and is very pose-able.  There are signs that she has been played with, (smudges on the limbs, stain on her dress which is hand wash only) but she still looks really good.   Basically she’s the kind of doll you could give to a small child without fear of her breaking it in a week.  She just needs a little cleaning and a new pair of shoes. 

This one I had been looking forward to for a while.  She’s a Monster High doll.  Draculaura from the Dead Sleep line, hence the pajamas.  Basically she’s a cute vampire who likes pink.  I got her from Wal-Mart.com for about 10 dollars, Wal-Mart does have some of the best prices on these dolls especially compared to eBay.  These dolls are incredibly detailed from their interestingly designed heads down to their lovely fingers and toes.  Plus they are the most pose-able fashion dolls I have ever seen.  She can bend and turn in her knees, rotate her wrists, flex her arms, etc.  They have very fine joints, this is also part of the problem with these dolls.  The joints are also sort of delicate, not so much that they break if you so much as look at them, but they may not be suitable for younger children.  The age on the box says 6 and up and I think that might be too low, but then again it probably depends on the child.  Actually another problem is with how some people view this, I have seen reviews on Monster high dolls where people claim that the dolls are cheap, low-quality, and even over-priced due to the fact that their kids broke them so quickly.  Being fragile and being cheap are two different things.  I’ve seen porcelain dolls in stores labeled as being for children, if one of these got broken by a child who played with it would it be considered a “cheap” doll?  I guess it’s really a matter of whether or not you child knows how to take care of their dolls and behaves accordingly.  A child who throws toys should not have a porcelain doll, and a child who’s Barbie dolls are missing parts and have frazzled hair should not get a Monster High doll.  Maybe try one of those pricey American Girl dolls.  But maybe I’m overthinking all of this, what do you think?

Read More »

Fairy?

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I found this doll at a Goodwill that was closing last summer.  She was interesting and only about 99 cents so I took a chance on her.  She kind of looked like she was suppose to be some sort of fairy doll, but I’m not sure which.  It says “Disney” on her back and head.  Anyway, she definitely needed some work, but that’s part of the fun of getting old dolls.



Before, her hair was matted and tangled with frazzled bits.  She was a little dirty with a bad hip.  And of course she had no clothes, do thrift stores purposely sell fashion dolls without their clothes or do people really donate them all like this?



After, I cleaned her up and trimmed and styled her hair.  I made her this lovely dress though it came out differently than I planned.  No worries, I like it better this way.  It’s trimmed with ribbon that has embroidered blue flowers on it.



Going along with the blue theme, I added some small blue flowers to her hair.  Now she looks like a pretty elf or something along those lines.
Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Eight down, just two more to go.  The next project should be up by Wednesday or Thursday.

Read More »

Oops, I forgot.

I forgot to mention this here, but I signed up for a pinterest account.  Just what I need right?  Another account that needs to be “maintained” regularly.  I just wanted to try it out, so many people I know have been raving about.  However, most people seem to think of Pinterest as a way to promote oneself.  I guess it sort of works for that, but I'm using it more as an organization tool.  That is was it was created for, I think.  For example, let’s say I wanted to get a jump on my project list for Christmas.  I just set up a board for it and pin all the cute Christmassy tutorials I find everywhere.  I’ll have them all conveniently in one spot.  Works pretty well that way for me, how about you?  What do you use Pinterest for?

Read More »

Plaid and Crochet for Dummies

I found some red plaid fabric at a thrift store a while back, I can’t remember which one.  Anyway, I thought it would be perfect for a skirt even if it is sort of a cliché, the plaid skirt.



I tried the same pattern as the skirt I made for class (see It's So Huge).  I think it came out better this time, however the picture came out worse.  Yep, I have some skills with a camera.



Here’s a closer look at the matching accessories.  I thought of adding pockets to the skirt, but changed my mind while cutting the fabric for them.  I made them into a tiny bag instead.  My bags seem to be getting smaller and smaller for good reason.  As I mentioned before, smaller bags are better for choir since they fit under the robe.



And here’s the hair bow.  I realized that it’s been so long since I’ve made bows for my hair and the plaid looks good as a bow, so obviously I just had to make one.  I glued it to a hair comb since they seem to be more versatile than clips.



As a bonus, I also finished the wristbands on my list.  I realized it’s been quite some time since I crocheted anything, so I thought I should try to make something. Wristbands were perfect because they don’t require quite much skill, which I lack, or a pattern which I can’t read anyway.  That’s right, I can’t read crochet patterns.  Anyway, they simply tie on my wrist and have pink ribbon to make them cuter.  I just threaded the ribbon on a large needle and sort of weaved it on the wristbands after finishing them.  Adds a nice touch, right?

Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Seven down, just three more to go.  The next one should be up by Monday.

Read More »