Princess Nimble-Thimble

Bendy dolls! Listed today with 10 minutes to spare!

2008-10-24T23:46:00.006-05:00

Well I just barely made good on that promise, but I did it! They're all finished and listed and ready to find new homes. :)

Guess what I'll be doing this weekend? More of the same! The holiday season has officially begun in my world. Has it hit your world yet?

I've been slacking on the blogging again, haven't I?

2008-10-24T12:53:00.003-05:00

I didn't mean to. Forgive me?

I've had a bit of tunnel vision going on here lately as I have been working on a big, huge order the past few weeks (mixed in with being sick). I'm finished now. Can I get a "Woo-hoo!"?!

Right now I'm busily working on getting some new bendy dolls finished so my shop isn't so empty. They'll be up sometime today (I'll update the blog!).

Crochet Pattern: My Favorite Cleaning Cloth

2008-10-11T11:08:00.004-05:00

Just in case you need a reason to spend the day curled up on the couch, here's my favorite scrubby cleaning cloth pattern.

It's similar to my favorite dishcloth, except it's smaller and thicker. I've actually taken to calling them "half-doubles" because they're half the size and double the thickness of the standard dishcloths we use. They're a bit too thick for washing dishes, I think. But they're perfect for cleaning the bathroom or washing the floor when it gets done the old fashioned way, with a bucket and on your hands and knees.

And, the beauty of it is, it works up super fast. As in, I could make several in an afternoon spent on the couch watching movies. :-)

It's a great pattern for using up those little bits of cotton yarn that are leftover from other projects.

Using kitchen cotton yarn, holding 2 strands together throughout, and a size J hook (feel free to size up or down to suit your needs)

The finished cleaning cloth is about 6" square.

Chain 18

Make 2 DC in 3rd ch from hook. Skip 2 ch, then SC in next ch. *Skip 2 ch, 4 DC in next ch, skip 2 ch, SC in next ch* Repeat ** until end of row. Ch2, turn.
2 DC in first st (last sc of the last row). SC in the center of the 4DC-cluster (insert hook between the 2nd and 3rd DC). *4DC in next SC. SC in center of the next 4DC-cluster* Repeat ** until end of row. Ch2, turn.

Continue in this pattern until you have completed 10 rows.

At the end of the 10th row, ch 1, turn.

next row: sc in each stitch to corner (14sc). Ch 1. Make 14 sc along each of the remaining 3 sides with one ch in each corner. Then connect to the first sc with a sl st. Ch1, turn.

NOTE: The bottom edge where the beginning foundation chain is contains a couple extra stitches. Just skip a few for a total of 14 sts.

Picot edge:

Sc in first st. Ch 3, sl st in the same sp as the sc you just made. *SC in the next 3 sts. Ch 3, sl st in the sam sp as the last sc.* Repeat ** until you've covered all 4 sides. Connect last st to first sc with a sl st. Bind off.

NOTE: You could skip the picot edge and just do a few rows of SC all the way around (remember to add one chain stitch in each corner).

Weave in loose ends.

It's going to be one of THOSE day!

2008-10-11T10:50:00.003-05:00

You know that kind of day where you know it's not worth even thinking about getting dressed? It's one of those days here.

The first big total-household round of sickness for the season has hit. Though I can't complain too much. I did sleep really well last night thanks to a combination of behind-the-counter NyQuil and Afrin nasal spray (I really hate that stuff but it works so well!).

While I was out picking up cold medicine I also bought the makings of a big pot of chicken noodle soup. I've also got some bananas that are begging to made into bread. Sounds like a plan. Good food for sickies.

So other than doing that bit of cooking, I can guarantee I'll be curled up on the couch, in my jammies, piled with quilts, watching movies and stitching and stuffing animals for the order I'm working on.

I really hope my new round of Netflix movies arrive today so I'm not stuck with whatever movies they have on tv. This is totally one of those times I wish we had cable tv!

Oh, and hey! Thanks to those who voted in the poll!!

I've had a few people tell me they voted for "no faces" but then found they liked the ones with faces once they saw them. You know what? The same happened to me!

Well, guess what?!

2008-10-06T14:49:00.005-05:00

The poll has convinced me to start offering bendy dolls with faces as well as faceless dolls. I've been crazy busy working on a super giant order but I manage to eek out a few new dolls to add to the shop ( http://www.Dannielle.Etsy.com ), including some cuties with faces. More (both sorts) will be trickling in over the next couple of weeks but the trickle will be slow until I finish this order.

I've been working on my photography a bit too. I've been doing that boring stuff like reading the manual that came with my camera and trying to get a little more creative with my pictures. Photography is not my strong suit and I'm totally willing to admit it. But I also know that shopping online is just not the same as shopping when you get to handle the items. So I'm working on it. Do you notice any difference? Improvement?

Do you make this big of a mess when crafting? I am still dreaming of a crafting studio. I think I've mentioned that we have one in the works for me. It's part of our basement finishing project. Which is the most slowly progressing home improvement project ever! So until the time comes that I have a dedicated space in which to work, I make messes like this. All over the ottoman in the living room.

Hey, see that thread rack with all the little bundles of thread? That is the best idea ever! I don't remember on which brilliant crafter's blog I gleaned that lovely idea, but it's truly inspired!

I almost always stitch with 2 strands of embroidery floss. For the longest time those remaining 4 strands got cast aside until they banded together and formed this massive thread tangle. It was such a mangled mess that it wasn't useable. But it was also such a big ball that it was obviously a huge waste to just toss it in the trash. And then I saw the idea to use a thread rack.

So any leftover threads get quickly wrapped around two fingers and placed on the rack. When I'm stitching I look there first for the color I need. So if you are dealing with a tangled thread ball, I highly reccommend using a thread rack to store leftovers.

So, what do you think?

2008-09-27T11:40:00.004-05:00

I've been asked to make bendy dolls with faces a few times recently. I've made them without faces for so long for the whole Waldorfy reason of leaving them open to the child's imagination. I really like that idea-that the child can imagine any sort of expression they'd like for the doll rather than the constant frozen smile.

But, the faces are growing on me. So much so that I'm thinking about offering dolls with faces in my shop along with their faceless counterparts. But I'm hesitant because I've only offered one option for so long. Maybe there isn't any interest in dolls with faces.

A poll seems like the way to go here. :) Thanks for your input!

PollPub.com VoteWould you like to see bendy dolls with painted faces in my shop?

Bendy Doll Bonanza

2008-09-23T14:18:00.003-05:00

I've been working, working, working! And the end result: bendy dolls galore.

I listed them late this morning and already about half have flown the coop. If you'd like to take a peek at what's left, click here. Surprisingly, some of my favorites remain.

My goodness!

2008-09-18T06:03:00.001-05:00

How flippin' cool is THIS?? I'm going to have to do this. Just an awesome, fun idea!!

I dare you... ;-)

It's been a busy week!

2008-09-17T16:22:00.002-05:00

It looks like I'm officially back to work. I'm thrilled to be back in full crafty mode. If you want to see what I've been up to the past week and a half just click here (it's too much to add to a single blog post!).

And for those who aren't interested in clicking links to look at pictures...you get a picture of my cutie dog taking full advantage of the softness of a basket of Annies.

On a roll...

2008-09-10T20:26:00.006-05:00

Yes, ME! I'm on a roll. Can you believe it?! It's been a long time coming but I'm fully back to crafting! Good thing because it's totally time to begin stocking for the holidays!

I've just added some new bendy dolls to my shop and, chances are, there will be even more trickling in over the next few days!

And, not to be a total downer, but there will be a small price increase on bendy dolls beginning Oct. 1st. I've been making them for oh...seven years now. They've evolved greatly in that time. They were originally very simple. But I get into details. And over seven years they've become MUCH more detailed. Which is fine, I love the details. But they do take much more time to make than they did back in the beginning.

It won't be a huge increase though. They'll definitely be worth it. ;-) But I did want to give fair warning and all.

Oh no! She didn't!

2008-09-03T15:25:00.002-05:00

Oh yes, I did. :-D

A.K.A- When crafty people get bored.

Isn't she cute though?

Guess who's been crafting?

2008-08-29T10:38:00.004-05:00

Me! A little...but some. :-)

Just popping in for a quickie post as I have a list of things I have to get done today and putzing on the computer isn't really on the list. But, it seems, I'm avoiding that bathe the dog thing.

Gotta say though, I'm feeling that crafting urge that comes with fallish weather. I'm starting to get Christmas on the brain. You, too?

More pictures here and here.

Have a great holiday weekend!!

Crafty book sale!

2008-06-29T20:16:00.006-05:00

But on to the fun stuff! I'm selling off some of my crafty books. Let me know if you're interested in any by posting a comment. If you don't have your email address enabled please include your email address or be sure to check back.

All prices are ppd, meaning they include media mail shipping charges.

Let me know if you have any questions at all. :)

Buy 3, take off $1
Buy 4, take off $2
Buy 5, take off $3
etc...

And if you're interested in a whole bunch lmk and we'll work a deal. I need to make some fast money to pay a bill by tomorrow so I'm open to working deals :)

1a- $10
1b- $10 SOLD
1c- $8 SOLD
1d- $15 SOLD

2a- $4
2b- $4
2c- $6
2d- $6

3a- $15
3b- $7
3c- $6
3d- $6

4a- $6 SOLD
4b- $6 SOLD
4c- $5
4c- $5

group 5- all $5 ea

group 6- all $5 ea

7a- $5
7b- $7
7c- $4
7d- $4

group 8- all $7 ea
a, c, d sold
b still available

9a- $7
9b- $5
9c- $5

10a- $7
10b- Minnow Knits HB $6 SOLD
10c- Minnow Knits, too PB $6 SOLD
10d- $7
10e- $7

group 11- $6 ea ALL SOLD

group 12- $7 ea ALL SOLD

Don't fall outta your chair!

2008-06-21T11:26:00.005-05:00

...because I have actually stocked some bendy dolls in my Etsy Shop. I know. It's been a long time coming!

See those BIG bendies? They're a new size...the largest yet. They're 5" tall. The standard size you see there with them are 2.5" tall.

My arm has been twisted

2008-06-09T13:29:00.006-05:00

So here I am. Posting.

To commemorate the occasion I actually did something crafty...but still related to my recent obsession (the one that has been keeping me from crafting like I used to).

As you can see I've made a liner for my bike's basket. Yes, I'm a total dork and I use a basket. It may be dorky but it's also very handy. So now my stuff will stay organized on long rides.

I even made a little pouch that just ties on. I figured it would be handy for holding my mp3 player or my snack. I bring almonds with my sometimes and it will definitely be easier to get them from the pouch rather than having to dig them out of the basket.

I ride my bike on the Katy Trail, which is absolutely gorgeous. My sister-in-law and I are planning a trail-trip this fall. A 3-day, 2-night trip. We're planning to take the train from St. Louis to Jefferson City. Then we'll hop off the train and onto the trail (supposedly the train station is only a mile from the trail). Then we'll ride to Hermann (just across the river from McKittrick (the bridge has a bike lane) and stay in a bed and breakfast in Hermann (a wine town). The next day we'll ride to Augusta (another wine town) and stay in a B&B there. The next day we'll ride home to St. Charles.

I'm so totally psyched about this trip and am officially "in training" for the event. I want to be in good enough shape that it's a fun adventure rather than a torturous ordeal.

Oh! And while I've been off playing I reached my big weight loss goal of losing 100lbs. I could still stand to lose a bit more so I'm not finished yet. In celebration of reaching the big goal I went out and got my nose pierced (be warned...if you click for a closer look, the picture is huge!). It's something I've always wanted to do. And something my husband has always been against.

But a little over a year ago I asked him, "if I lose 100lbs can I get my nose pierced?". He snorted, rolled his eyes, and said, "yeah, sure, like that will happen". Now that the time has come he totally supports my doing it. :-)

So that's what I've been up to.

It's official

2008-04-11T08:52:00.002-05:00

Not only am I as boring as can be, I'm a bad blogger to boot.

I know, I can't bring myself to post lately. Why? Because there isn't much of anything to post about.

I haven't done anything crafty in over a month it seems due to a carpal tunnel flare-up. Instead I've been cooking, cleaning, making a valiant attempt to exercise regularly, homeschooling, keeping up with laundry, and thinking about making an effort on the yard this year.

That's it in a teeny tiny boring nutshell.

Shop update!

2008-03-11T19:14:00.004-05:00

Here I am again...later than I expected I'd be. Seems to be the story of my life lately. I blame it on my friends though. They keep stopping by to visit (which I greatly encourage!) and have been keeping me from my work.

So this is about half of this batch. All the boys are in the second half of the batch and will be finished and listed soon. The dolls that are available now can be seen here.

The Beatrix Potter quilt and painting set's auction ends tomorrow at noon eastern!

Well I'm off to watch American Idol. :)

Today's the day!!

2008-03-10T11:17:00.006-05:00

It's Beatrix Potter Day at Collage!
Erin of Eye Candy Designs and I have worked together on this set.

Aren't her paintings marvelous?! I love them!

Be sure to check out the offerings of the other Collage artisans as well. Lots of lovely stuff!

As for what I'm up to right now...bendies, bendies, and more bendies. They should be finished an listed in The Princess Nimble-Thimble Shop in a couple days. Or maybe I'll finish half and get them listed, then finish the other half. Yeah, that sounds more like me.

And, who knows, if I can manage to not be in the kitchen all day maybe I can even get some listed tonight. Hmmmm.... I don't know though. I seem to always be in the kitchen these days. And I need to restart my kombucha brew today as it's on its way to becoming vinegar. I'll do what I can to be speedy in the kitchen though. Maybe I'll skip cleaning up. ;-)

One of these days I'm going to snag a block of time and catch up with all my blogging friends. Bloglines is giving me stress. I have nearly 2000 blog posts to read to catch up. Part of my says "just click *mark as read* and consider yourself caught up!". But then I'm afraid I'll miss something important. Well, I already am missing something important...all my marvelous blogging friends! I will be visiting soon!

Shop Update

2008-03-05T14:19:00.004-06:00

Many people have been asking about them so I'm happy to say Bendy dolls have begun trickling back into my shop. They sometimes fly out the door so if you find them all gone, don't worry. There will be more soon. :-)

That's all for now. But I'll be back soon as I've been tagged for one of those thingies. And I want to tell you about all the ~~creepy~~ fun stuff I've been up to in the kitchen.

Blog Break Over

2008-03-01T16:20:00.006-06:00

I know I never officially announced a "blog break" (I never officially planned one, to be honest) but it seems one has occurred. And it's over. Officially.

It's just been so very "February" here lately. Projects that I meant to complete quickly were dragging on. I have been very stuck in the kitchen. We've been eating well but I'm so very over dishes. Cleaning the kitchen just isn't fun anymore (Was it ever?).

This, my friends, is the "dragging on project" I spoke of. Well, one of a few. But certainly the worst offender.

It will be available soon at Collage. It's part of a collaboration I've done with a marvelous painter. And there will be other Peter Rabbit themed items too. I'll let you know when it's happening when I know.

I used two layers of cotton batting inside the quilt and I love how squishy it turned out. Check out the back-

Oh! Any ya know what's really exciting? My new labels!!!

I promise to not be such a stranger. I know I've said that before...but I really mean it this time. Really. :-)

Sassy picks a winner!

2008-02-08T22:09:00.000-06:00

Congratulations, Tiarnna! Email me with your mailing address, please (PrincessNimbleThimble AT gmail DOT com).

Did you think I had forgotten?

2008-02-07T13:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm referring to this. I haven't forgotten. I'm just still in *catch up* mode.

The prize is finished finally. In case you can't tell, it's a tablerunner (12.5" x 41").

I figured there was no sense in officially cutting off eligibility until the prize was finished, right? So, what's today? Thursday. I'll draw a name tomorrow evening (just in case there are some last minute Lucys who can sneak in under the wire). :-)

I also finished a couple small quilts for swaps. This one was for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap. The other- well, I forgot to take a picture in my hurry to get it in the mail. It's similar to the table runner though.

I have several sewing/craft projects in the works at the moment. There will be pictures soon, as I finish each project. Which will, hopefully, be very soon!

Shop Talk as well as misc chatter

2008-01-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

We have Valentine's Day on the brain over at Collage. We'd love for you to check out our newest offerings and see if you don't just fall in love! (New items are available for preview until they're released for sale at noon eastern today!)

Speaking of love, we just celebrated the 7th birthday of my son, Mason, last Thursday. He's such a sweet, little guy! Can you believe that his requested birthday presents were a super soft blanket, a gameboy game, and candy. Those things together are his idea of a good time.

Oh...also! Book love! I have been coveting this book for the longest time. I finally got my hands on it and I adore it! I'm totally jonesin' for some spare time so I can play!!

I also read this book recently and it, too, was wonderful. I just love Louisa May Alcott's stories. I don't know how this one managed to evade me until now!

And another little something I'm completely in love with is the quilt I received in the Four Seasons' Quilt Swap. Look how absolutely at home it looks on my wall! Thank you, so much, Courtney!! (you can click on the picture for a larger version)

I'll try to not be so scare this week! :-)

Crossing things off the list!

2008-01-21T14:53:00.000-06:00

Whew! That overwhelmed feeling is passing. Things are getting crossed off the list one by one. And I'm feeling much better. :-)

I've been working like a busy bee and it's paying off. Don't you just love the way it feels when you can cross things off the list?

The only thing that would make me happier is if the post office were open today so I could get these guys outta here!

As you can see, I've been in Bendy-land lately. Lots and lots of bendy dolls. You'd think I'd be sick of them by now, huh? But, while I do appreciate the fact that the next few things on my list are not bendy dolls, I still love them.

This last order included some bigger bendy dolls. They're all about 4.5" tall. Usually when I make dolls this size they're the adults in bendy families. I had a hard time envisioning them as requested: fairies and princesses and such, similar to the smaller dolls. My mind kept saying, "No! Bigger dolls are moms and dads!". I am so pleased with how they turned out though.

Sorry for the packaging. I had already packaged them before I remembered I hadn't taken a picture yet.

There are a couple bendies that have made their way to the shop. And before long I'll have a new sock dolls to add to stock as well. I've had several requests for more and promised I'd put them on the list. And, well, I am making progress on that list!!! I am so excited by this! I really hate feeling behind. Catching up is a good thing!

Overwhelmed

2008-01-17T07:14:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel just totally overwhelmed? I do. And I am right now.

We've had a horrible sickness invade our household. A yucky sort of sickness with fevers that make you want to sleep 18 hours a day and chest congestion that leaves you feeling weak due to lack of oxygen and all that effort spent on coughing. It's finally on its way out the door now. But if you've been wondering where I've been, I've been in bed, sleeping and coughing.

During the holiday season I take a break from many of my responsibilities as I just get too busy with business crafting. My husband helps out more around the house and we take a break from homeschooling. This frees up time so I can do crafties as a full time job.

Right now my to do list is long and I'm wishing I could just have two more weeks of full time crafting so I could knock out the list. But school has resumed and my husband has returned the apron and laundry basket to me. Health is returning (yahoo!). And I have managed to cross a few things off the to do list, as evidenced by the pictures in this post. Progress is being made. It really does help to see it in pictures.

Back in the Saddle

2008-01-07T14:44:00.000-06:00

Life seems to have transitioned back to normal. The house is back in order. My back has mostly healed (I didn't mention it but I pulled something in my back and it's taken a good 2 weeks to recover). We're very close to resuming our homeschooling schedule. And I'm getting back to crafting.

I don't have much to show for my return to crafting just yet. I dyed 5 yards of felt over the weekend though. And I have a pile of wrapped bendy doll bodies whom I will be working on finishing over the next few days.

I've also been on a mission to shrink up any of the new felt yardage that's made it way into my stash recently. And then I did something stupid. I forgot what led to the last time I had to make a new cover for my ironing board. Red felt. And since I forgot, I did it again.

You see, when I shrink felt (which makes it much thicker and nicer!) I wet it and toss it into the dryer. I don't dry it all the way. I take it out when it's still damp and then iron it smooth again, which dries it almost completely. Wet red felt = a big red stain on the pretty ironing board cover. As soon as I did it I remembered that I had done this before!

On another note, I think I've mentioned my odd little book collection here before. I love books that have dolls who are alive as the main characters. Not creepy, spooky dolls-more along the lines of Raggedy Ann, Hitty, etc.

About a week ago Isabelle and I went to the bookstore. We were browsing the children's books and this book caught my attention. It was on the shelf with its cover facing out and I suspected it might just be my kind of book. Well I read it last night and absolutely loved it!! So much that I actually cried more than once while reading it. If you get a chance, I highly recommend The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I plan to start reading it to the children tonight.

Happy New Year's Eve!

2007-12-31T08:37:00.000-06:00

The quilt is all finished and is available for preview at Collage. It will be available for purchase at noon eastern time.

I received a new camera for Christmas and was really looking forward to a lot less struggle. So far it hasn't proven to be any easier, though it is a much nicer camera than I had previously (7.2 mega pixels vs 2 mega pixels). It has *so many* settings it makes my head spin. It has settings for splashing water, candlelight, text, faces, etc. Unfortunately it doesn't have a setting labeled "baby quilt" or "fabric".

I've been taking pictures for the past two and a half hours and have finally decided that those I've taken are good enough. There are many more pictures shown in the listing. Do they look ok to you?

It seems the camera has focussed well at the center but it gets sort of blurry toward the edges. Or have I been staring so long I can't see straight anymore?

What are your New Year's Eve plans? We'll be heading over the the in-law's like we do most years. They just live a couple blocks away...very convenient. I'll indulge in my yearly shrimp-fest. Though this year I'll be creating my own low-carb cocktail sauce so I can eat shrimp til I burst with little guilt attached. And, of course, we'll be banging pots and pans outside at midnight. I think I still love doing that as much as the children do!

Giveaway reminder!!

2007-12-30T21:47:00.000-06:00

Just a little reminder about the big giveaway! If you're not in the know (or have forgotten) take a peek at this post!

I'm going to extend the deadline because I know of at least one person who has something in the works. And, well, I hadn't expected to be as busy as I was during the holiday season. And I still need to make the prize. So you've still got time to play!!

Let's extend it until Jan 10th. Plenty of time for all of us. :-)

A Sneak Peek!

2007-12-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

We are stocking new items tomorrow at Collage!! Everything will be available for sale at noon (eastern) on New Year's Eve.

I'm not quite finished with my big project so it's not up for preview just yet. But I'll give you a little sneak peek. :-) I just need to stitch the back side of the binding and wash out the markings from quilting. So it'll be up for preview before long.

I've also snuck a few new things into the shop.

I hope you have all had a magical holiday!! I sure did!!

I'm still in awe!

2007-12-24T22:42:00.000-06:00

Wishing all a Merry Christmas!!

Carol of the Bells - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Miracle from 34th Street - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Music Box Dancer - Holdman Christmas Display 2007 from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Let's take a drive...

2007-12-22T17:45:00.000-06:00

...and look at Christmas lights.

(click below to see what I'm talking about)

OOOH! So pretty!

I laughed so hard I snorted.

Whoa!

The cutest EVER!

2007-12-21T15:01:00.001-06:00

I admit, I have a bit of a *thing* for packaging. And I got something in the mail today that has me absolutely giddy!

Check out my new hand-carved rubber stamps from CraftPudding!! Aren't the great? I'm over-the-moon in love!

As you can tell, I haven't figured out what my standard layout will be. I'm having a blast playing though!

I'm also super impressed because the very thought of hand carving a stamp brings back traumatic memories of carving linoleum blocks with scary sharp gouging thingies in school.

And those necklace/earrings sets are all newly listed in the shop. I'm feeling much better today and had to play in some beads!

A new doll

2007-12-19T18:40:00.000-06:00

I finished a doll today. Out of all the bazillion doll patterns I've made I didn't have one that was the proper size so I made a new one. I'm *loving* this pattern! The size (11.5" tall) and proportions just look so cute to me. Expect to see more made from this pattern in the future.

I'm *still* sick. Bleck! But I think today was the worst of it. I'm feeling better now than I did this afternoon. I'm giving myself tonight to finish wallowing in it.

Tomorrow I've got some Christmas decorating to do! Time to tranform the living room from a makeshift sewing studio into a Christmas wonderland!

And then, one of these days, I need to do some Christmas shopping! I am SO behind!!

Coming up for air

2007-12-17T14:34:00.000-06:00

I've been wonderfully busy the past week. I wish I could keep my business going like this all year long!

Pictured is the order I got out today. I started working on it Thursday night. I got sick Friday. I am amazed at how slow-pokey I am when trying to create while sick.

All worked out great in the end though. I finished today (when I said I would ship) and even managed to get the package out to the mailbox before the mail carrier came by. That is *huge*! I saw on the news this morning that today is the busiest shipping day at the post office and the mere thought of having to stand in an insanely long line certainly got my sick self moving!

I've been asked if I'll have more items stocked in time for Christmas. No, I don't think so. I have one more order to complete (not a holiday order though). And then I really need to devote some time to my family's Christmas.

I'm severely behind on that front. My husband has picked up a lot of my slack around here lately. He's done dishes and laundry. But *holiday merriment* is totally my job and I need to get to it! I haven't bought one present yet. We don't have a Christmas tree yet. And there are a few things I'd like to make for my children.

I do, however, have a plan to make a certain number of bendy dolls every week this year. I should have a grand stockpile by next Christmas. They've always been popular. But this is the first year I really felt like I just wasn't keeping up with the demand. So I am taking steps to be better prepared next year.

Shop Talk

2007-12-11T23:24:00.000-06:00

Even. More. Bendies. Added. Here.

I know I said I'm feeling twitchy to move beyond bendies. But people keep asking for more. And I can't say no. :-) So it's likely I'll keep making them until people stop buying them or it gets too late to mail them in time for Christmas. Whichever comes first.

I promise to better prepare for next Christmas. Had I known the whole China/recall toy thing was going to happen I would have started preparing Dec. 26th last year. I may just do that this year in preparation for next Christmas.

That is, actually, the plan. Seriously. :-)

Shop Talk

2007-12-10T21:51:00.001-06:00

Just added a few more bendies to the shop.

I think I see the end of the bendy doll creating binge on the horizon. Well, except that I think my children will be receiving some this Christmas. But, other than that, I think it's nearly time for a quilty break.

My quilty fingers are feeling twitchy!

Shop Talk

2007-12-10T09:01:00.000-06:00

New stock is available atCollage today. New items become available at noon (eastern time) but many are up for preview now.

All of my *Princess Nimble-Thimble* items can be seen *here*.

Yes, I did it. I made some needlebooks. I've been asked repeatedly to make some needlebooks for sale. I've been hesitant though. To be honest, they take so long to make that I've been concerned they'd end up being priced too high. Keeping my pricing reasonable is always a concern of mine. But then so is attention to detail. Finding balance between the two can be a challenge to say the least!

Since I've been asked about them so much recently I decided to make a couple and see how it goes. Perhaps there will be more in the future. I hope so. I just love making them!

Another quick shop update

2007-12-09T09:31:00.000-06:00

I just stocked the shop with several bendy dolls (7, to be exact).

And I also added this picture to the Fairy Mail stationery sets because a friend of mine said that the picture online had her thinking they were much bigger than they are. They're pretty darn tiny. Small enough for oooh's and aaaah's and little squeals of delight. Yet, just barely big enough to actually write on. These sets are a bit tedious to make but so cute it had to be done. :-)

Today I'm working on something special to stock at Collage tomorrow. New items will be available at noon (eastern time, I think). Hint: working on un-twisting my arm. ;-)

Shop update

2007-12-06T22:45:00.001-06:00

~~Just a quickie post before I hit the hay to say I *just* slipped a few bendy dolls onto the store shelves.~~

Edited at 6am because, well, that didn't last long. No worries. I'll be making more over the next few days. I probably won't be listing any today though as we're having friends over and I'll likely just be wrapping bodies in any spare time I find today. Watch for them over the weekend though. Or let me know if you'd like anything specific.

I also made up some Winter Holiday Fairy Mail stationery sets. I haven't put together these little sets in a while. I don't know why I've waited so long as they're so unbelievably sweet. (Well, maybe the fact that all those itty-bitty envelopes are a bit tedious to make had something to do with it!)

This is tiny stationery, intended for the correspondence of fairies and dolls. I can't even begin to tell you how fun this can be!

Isabelle's dolls are forever writing letters and sending cards. I've even found several fonts on the computer that will print really teensy so we can print out a lengthy letter and fit it inside a tiny (1" x 1.5") envelope.

Perhaps you know some dolls or fairies in need of some lovely winter holiday stationery?

Well I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams...

2007-12-06T11:13:00.000-06:00

It's supposed to snow today. Maybe sleet mixed with now. We're hoping for all snow. I love how bright the light that comes in through the windows is so bright when there's a layer of snow on the ground. We can't count on a good snow every year here in St. Louis. We're often right on that dividing line between snow and rain, which usually results in sleet and ice. And while we do see our share of flurries, it's a big deal if we get enough snow to fully cover the grass. This little snow will almost certainly leave blades of grass still peeking through. But the kids will still have their faces pressed up to the windows, nonetheless.

I had a basket of oranges here that were rejected as snacks due to their sour taste. Hey, they were on sale! I had been planning to slice them and dry them but have taken my time getting around to it. Simmy's productivity has me inspired and I'm happy to say they're in the oven.

I finished this dollhouse family (adults are 4.5", children are 2.5") for an order. And I was going to say that I had just finished listing some bendy dolls in the shop but they've been swooped up as I've been typing this post. I do have a few more to finish up that I'll be listing sometime today so there will be more.

2007-12-05T12:04:00.000-06:00

Now that I've slept enough to feel normal again, I'll explain a bit about what the whole Collage thing is all about.

I'll start off by saying I'll still have my etsy shop. The two shops serve different purposes and so I think there's a place for both.

To put it simply, the purpose of my etsy shop is to bring is a little extra to supplement my husband's income. While I enjoy creating things for that shop, I do aim for making things I that I think will sell. There are things I don't make because I fear they'd end up being priced beyond what someone would be willing to pay due to the time it would take to make that item. There are things I don't make because I think they'd only appeal to a select audience. And I don't think I have put the effort into finding that audience.

Collage is an interesting opportunity for me. By joining with other creative souls I'll be increasing the exposure of my offerings greatly. We all plan to offer *special* things at Collage. And I plan to offer things that I might normal not make with the intent to sell.

I'm going to allow myself to get as creative as I want. Oftentimes I hold back on some of the detail I'd like to put into something because I want to keep it's price down. I'm not going to worry about that sort of thing here.

Rather I'm going to create what I feel inspired to create. I'm going to work on things until I feel they're perfectly finished. And I'm going to create them as I see them in my mind's eye, without concern over whether something may seem odd or weird to some. Hopefully I'll find an audience that appreciates my ~~art~~ odd, weird stuff.

This angel, the "Angel of Virtue", is my first offering at Collage. When my husband first saw her he sighed and rolled his eyes a teensy bit. He does not appreciate the aged/stained look. He could not understand why I ruined what could have been a pretty doll with stains. He thinks I am insane to spend hours embroidering her dress only to scorch it in the oven. I know that many reading this are agreeing with him. That's ok.

I can't explain why she needs to be this way, but to me this is how she had to be. To me, she is perfect this way. I see personality is her that would not be there had she been all bright and pristine. The stains give her a sense of wisdom and a gentleness that would not be there otherwise.

I know this doesn't make sense to a lot of people. The upside is that I'm ok with knowing there's a chance that she may never sell. She's perfectly welcome to live here forever because I love her. To me, she's perfect.

And I'll pretend it doesn't bother me in the least if everyone doesn't see what I see. In truth, I do feel a little vunerable about this. But I know that it's my own insecurity showing and I'm trying hard to not let it factor in.

On another note, I've completely recovered from my night of no sleep and my house has recovered from my crazy weekend of crafting. So now I'm back to it. I am working on bendy dolls at the moment. Some for an order, some for the shop. So look for them soon, probably tomorrow.

And then I'm actually thinking of making some needlebooks to sell. I've been planning to create a tutorial but I've been asked about them so much lately that I think I may just make a few to sell as well. My arm has been sufficiently twisted. :-)

Today's the day!

2007-12-03T06:57:00.000-06:00

In just a few hours Collage opens!!!

I've been up all night finishing that doll. I couldn't stop until she was *perfect*. So now that the sun is up, I'm off to bed.

But I wanted to remind you before I turn in!

The big announcement

2007-12-02T19:43:00.001-06:00

Well, here's the big announcement. See that blue banner over to the left? Tomorrow at noon the new wahm-congo, Collage, kicks off. And I'm a part of it! I'm so excited to work as part of a group!!

This time of year gets crazy hectic for me so I haven't been able to do all that I would have liked for the launch, but I will have one special doll I've been working on. Here's a sneak peek. I've still got a bit of work to do on her before I can get her listed (though she has progressed quite a bit since I snapped that picture) so it's likely to be a late, late night around here.

(pssst...she's an angel and there's redwork involved....shhhh!)

On a roll

2007-12-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

This was the state of my kitchen table over the past few days. My much anticipated bead order finally arrived and I got busy making earrings galore! My shop is now *fully* stocked with earrings. Seventy pairs to be exact.

I don't think I intended to make that many when I started but I tend to get lost in a pile of sparkly beads. Especially the Swarovski crystals. I could just twirl those fancy beads in front of a lamp and watch rainbows shoot out of them all day.

I was also on a bit of a roll with bendy dolls. I had an emergency order for twenty that had to get on their way to their destination as soon as possible. I had seven ready to go. And the other thirteen I made in one huge marathon session. Phew! I was so happy to get that box in the mail the next day. I didn't know I had it in me (though I hoped I did!).

And now, with that box on its way and my kitchen table (almost!) clear once again, I've got one last project to work on before a little break. Do you remember when I said I had a business announcement to make soon? I'll be back tonight with that announcement and a little sneak peek.

Bribery

2007-11-28T18:01:00.001-06:00

I've got a scathingly brilliant idea! (Can anyone guess which of my favorite movies that line is from? Hint: It's from 1966.)

Ok, I'll start at the beginning. It's a little pouty and pathetic at the beginning but it get's better. So stick with me.

Remember this flickr group I began way back when I first started putting patterns and tutorials on my blog? Well, only dear dear Bettsi came to play with me. And I get a little sad about it every once in a while because there's nothing I love more than a crafty party. And if it weren't for Bettsi it would be my 14th birthday party all over again (that's the one that no one showed up for).

Do you hear the violins playing their melancholy tune? Good. Then the stage is set for the good part.

A giveaway!!! (I just sort of blurted that out, huh? Perhaps I didn't need so much build up if I was going to do that!)

The rules: If you use one of those patterns or tutorials over there in the left sidebar between now and Christmas and share a picture at the flickr group, you're name will go in the hat. Don't forget the .pdf patterns. They count too! And feel free to modify them to your needs. It's all good!

I don't know what the prize will be, but it'll be good. OOOH!!!! (yes, I stopped typing to flap my hands in that happy-excited sort of way!) I do know what it will be!!! And it is good!!! But let me make it first, then I'll show you. I'll give a hint though: it's quilty!

I'll be completely honest, too. Pouting about how no one (except for Bettsi!) would come play with me wasn't really what inspired this idea. Actually it came to mind because Christmas is on a strict budget here this year. And I know it is for lots of other people too. We're planning lots of handmade gifts. And I was thinking that perhaps those patterns and tutorials might prove handy for the holidays. Especially since I'm always happy to help if you get a little stuck along the way!

So get to crafting! And then come show me!!!! The drawing will be on New Year's Day (since that's always such a boring, do-nothing day.)

Oh, and if you have already made something and would like to share a picture that counts too. Everyone's invited to the party.

Just another Tuesday

2007-11-28T15:30:00.000-06:00

"Another Tuesday" as in I'm finally getting to the stuff I'd planned to start on yesterday! But somebody had to do some housework around here. Turns out my middle name is Somebody.

Gearing up for a change of pace around here...new projects ready to go!

Thought I'd share a few things I'm loving these days:

1. This sweet gingerbread house to decorate online. (Thanks, Jenny!!)

2. This amazingly beautiful dress makes my heart all fluttery! And, yes, I need the pantaloons too! I wish she had the pattern available NOW. But it's definitely good motivation for the diet as I'm not so sure it would be quite as adorable on my body as it is on her body.

3. New, blue glasses that are fun and were very, very affordable. Please pardon the bizarre expression on my face. Self portraiture is not one of my talents.

a busy, busy day

2007-11-26T17:51:00.000-06:00

(It's definitely worth the effort to click that picture and make it bigger. The sparkle shows up much better)

The Annie twins now have finished Christmas outfits. Well, all except my Annie needs her wings still. I ran out of pre-stained fabric.

And speaking of pre-stained fabric...

I was asked for a tutorial on how I stain fabric for that "prim" (aka primitive, but cuter) look. Ask and you shall receive!

Another question I was recently asked (but I couldn't reply via email so everyone gets the answer) was if I am taking orders for next Christmas.

And then I realized I wasn't very clear when I posted this.

Because, really, I'm pretty caught up right now. Unbelievable, but true. I'm busy for the next 5-7 days. But then I'm done. At the end of my list.

Now if I were to begin something big, like a nativity set, it would be 10-ish days before I finished. And then by the time it got to wherever it was going, it would almost be Christmas.

So it seems sort of late to me for something like that. Because I know *I* would want something like that by the day after Thanksgiving at the latest. Maybe I'm a spaz about stuff like that though. I'm willing to admit. A little.

Bottom line is that I am still accepting orders. Most orders I can guarantee in time for Christmas. And if I were at the point where I had reached my limit, I'd say. But we're not there yet.

However, something big, like a complete nativity set, I'm not sure I can have finished in time for Christmas. I'd try (hard!). But I can't promise. But if that's ok, I'd happily accept your order.

Click to download my Doll/Animal price list (opens in Adobe Acrobat). (There is no charge for baby Jesus with a nativity set).

Oh, I was also asked about a back view of this quilt. You know I love those backs! But I didn't take a picture of this one because I used a small floral print with a green backround. And I can't get my camera to show the stitching. If you really want to see you'll just have to come by for a peek (and tea and snackies, of course!).

And did you see who left a comment on that quilt's post? The lady who designed the fabric! ACK! Do you think she noticed how badly I messed up the layout of those squares? I managed a couple big mistakes in laying out 16 whole squares. Yes, I did.

I was in such a hurry to get to the quilting that I did a very poor job laying them out. I assumed no one would look that closely. I could be wrong though. I'm so embarrassed!

WIP: Angel outfits

2007-11-24T19:39:00.000-06:00

They're coming along nicely. Two dresses finished (one without mistakes...guess which I'm keeping!). One set of angel wings sewn and awaiting quilting. Everything has been coffee-stained and baked. And two stuffed stars to embroidery and sew. I'm working on the embroidery right now.

I did have some boy bendies for the shop but a spill left them all damp and root beer-scented. Maybe this is how my children tell me they'd like some bendies to keep.

My bead order STILL has not come. It's making me crazy as that package is full of Swarovski crystal love!

In a nutshell...

2007-11-23T15:27:00.000-06:00

Finished a Peter Pan bendy set for an order.

Caught a cold (bleck!).

Gotta go to the grocery store (bleck again!).

Working on Christmas Annie outfits.

Added more bendies (girls)to the shop.

Making some boys tonight.

Bead order has NOT arrived YET (grrrr!).

That is all.

Bendy Heaven

2007-11-20T18:37:00.000-06:00

The Hittys are finished! I think I may have to make some more of these at some point. I just love them. Even if no one was ever interested in purchasing one I'd be perfectly happy keeping them all for myself. However these girlies were a special request by someone who has 4 daughter who each needed their very own mini-Hitty.

If you're not familiar with bendy dolls they might seem a little too plain...too simple. Let me tell you, in real life they're magical. At least I think so (and have since the very first time I laid eyes on one!). You just can't truly appreciate the scale of them until you've held one (or four!) in the palm of your hand. I've probably made near 1000 of these little dolls over the years and they still delight me.

I also made a few non-Hitty bendies today for the shop.

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with pictures of the Annie twins Christmas outfits. And hopefully my bead order will arrive so I can make all sorts of new sparkly earrings and such over the holiday weekend!

Answering a question

2007-11-19T18:56:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to answer a question left as a comment to my last post as I couldn't reply via email. I shouldn't have been so vague and I don't want to leave anyone wondering.

So the question was if I would be offering the nativity (or another) for sale in my shop.

My answer:

The nativity was a special order for a friend. At this time I don't have plans to make any for my store.

If I were to put it on my list, I'm afraid it would be mid-December by the time I got to it. Probably too late for this season.

I got a very late start on holiday business sewing this year. I will definitely do better next year. :)

And, just for fun...Are you a child of the 80's? I am!

You Are 92% A Child of the 80s

There's hardly a moment of the 80s that you missed out on.
Was there ever a better decade? As if!

Are You a Child of an 80s?

Nativity finished. Baking not finished.

2007-11-19T13:36:00.001-06:00

Yesterday's baking day was going along fine and dandy until I ran out of eggs. Uh-oh. Someone dropped the ball on that. Yes, me.

Oh well, we got 5 loaves of bread, 2 pans of pumpkin bread, and the cranberry and banana bread I had already mentioned. Check the recipe category in my sidebar for those recipes. I followed the pumpkin bread recipe for the cranberry bread. I just substituted a can of whole berry cranberry sauce for the pumpkin.

We'll be doing some baking tonight too. Only this time it's going to be cheesecake and pumpkin pies. Mason is thrilled. Those are his two favorites. And they're soft e that his hanging-on-by-a-thread tooth won't even interfere with his enjoyment.

And I have plans to concoct a diet-friendly dessert for myself. I have some fat-free cream cheese, a package of sugar-free cheesecake-flavored pudding, and pumpkin. Hopefully it works. Because cheesecake and pumpkin pie are my favorites too.

The nativity set is finished and will be off in the mail today. If you're interested, there are more detailed pictures here.

Up next on the crafting agenda: mini bendy Hitty dolls and Christmas ensembles for the Annie twins.

A day of baking and stitching

2007-11-18T13:50:00.001-06:00

Today is going to be a *big* baking day. I did this two weeks ago (spent about 5 hours baking) and it worked really well. Everything lasted just about 2 weeks. And it was so handy to just keep pulling stuff out of the freezer. So I'm doing it again.

I just pulled 2 loaves of banana bread and 2 loaves of cranberry bread from the oven. I've got about 5-6 loaves of whole grain bread rising. And I plan to make pumpkin bread, granola, and possibly cookies but the time the day's through.

Today's stitching project is to finish the nativity set...or come as close to it as humanly possible. The angel is finished. And all the other bodies are ready to be dressed and finished. So it could happen.

The animals, however, are finshed. The camel and donkey are both 4" tall. The cow is 3.25" tall. And the sheep is 2.5" tall. I'm in the midst of embroidering a blanket for the camel's back.

Hopefully I'll be back to post tonight about successes in both baking and stitching.

Dragons!

2007-11-16T11:58:00.000-06:00

Dragons have arrived in my shop. They're made of wool felt, some of which I've dyed myself, and stuffed with wool. They're 6" tall.

I haven't made dragons in a while. Unfortunately they just take too long to make and making them isn't as profitable as it should be. They are one of my more requested items at holiday time though so I made a few assembly-line style to shave off a little construction time.

I have to admit, this dragon is one design that came out exactly as I intended. And I love that!

When I was first asked to create a dragon I was a little torn. I have issues with fierce/mean/fighting toys and I wasn't so sure I wanted to create a fire-breathing killer. But then I thought of all the sweet, not-so-fierce dragons in storybooks and decided that I would make a dragon if I could manage one that looked kind and playful...like a puppy ready to pounce. And, somehow, I think I actually managed to do just that. At least that's what I see when I look at them.

Over the next few days I'll be finishing a nativity set I'm making with large-sized bendy dolls and felt animals. And then I plan to spend a little time on restocking my shop with new earrings and perhaps a few necklaces. I'm just waiting for my bead order to arrive! It's shipped so I know it will be here soon. And then it will be time to work on some surprises for the new business secret I'll soon be revealing.

Busy, busy!! And I totally *love* it!

little quilt

2007-11-14T12:15:00.000-06:00

The last time I placed an order with the Fat Quarter Shop I picked up the charm pack of this collection since it was on sale. I like this collection because it's Christmasy yet not only good for Christmas, if you know what I mean.

I finished this a couple weeks ago but just now got around to taking a picture. The charm pack only consisted of these 16 squares so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do a simple patchwork and play with freehand fans a la Tonya. I loved it! I just pulled out one of my handy-dandy double-ended water/air soluble markers (I used the purple air soluble end) and drew a couple arches at a time and stitched them. Right up my alley.

I'll definitely be doing this sort of quilting again. I love how it looked after being washed. I have a feeling it might be a bit labor intensive on a quilt larger than 17" square (which this little quilt is) but it was totally fun.

On another note, I've been having such a hard time keeping up with all the blogs I love to visit. I took the plunge and signed up with Bloglines. Wow! What a huge help that is!! Wish I had done that sooner!

Also, thank you, all, so much for all your support regarding my book dream. One day...

Weekend plans and secrets revealed

2007-11-10T13:35:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend so far! We're having gorgeous autumn weather with temperatures in the low 60s. It's that kind of weather that makes you want to open the windows and scrub the house shiny.

There won't be too much scrubbing going on here this weekend. The bare minimum, actually. Instead there will be lots and lots of stitching. I've got some orders to work on (I just sent off the order pictured) and a few more things to finish up for my etsy shop.

Also, weekends have become baking time around here. Last Sunday I baked myself silly: 3 loaves of whole grain bread, 3 loaves of pumpkin bread, 5 dozen muffins, 3 dozen mini muffins, and a pan of weird brownies that ended up crumbled in some banana muffins. The freezer is still well stocked except for bread. I'll need to make more tomorrow.

Speaking of bread, I finally found (thanks to a net-friend's recommendation) the *perfect* whole grain bread recipe. It's the best ever, I think. Soft and spongy. Totally worth the little bit of extra work.

On another note, I'd like to chat a bit about my patterns. I'm often asked about my patterns for things you may see throughout my blog that I don't have listed over there in my free patterns and tutorials. Please know if the rambling I'm about to do doesn't answer a question you may have, just ask. I'm not bringing it up because I don't want to be asked. Rather I'm bringing it up because I'm asked so much that I can only assume there are many people who are wondering but haven't asked.

So here's the deal- Some patterns are pretty easy for my to create and explain. I love sharing and these patterns are the perfect thing for me to share.

But I haven't shared them all. And the biggest reason for that is that I have this (silly?) dream of one day writing a crafty book. Or at the very least making some patterns available for sale. Also, many of my patterns are in a very rough state. Some are literally cut up sketches and nothing more. There's a lot of work that would need to go into some before they were presentable.

The book thing is the big dream though. Unfortunately I haven't the slightest clue how to go about pursuing this dream.

I'd also have to figure out how to present them more professionally first. Handwritten, hand-drawn scans are fine for here (though I'd like nicer here too), but not good enough for *the big dream*.

So, anyway, that's why I have a stash of patterns that I haven't shared. I want to be prepared just in case my ~~secret~~ big dream should ever have the chance to become a reality.

New goodies!

2007-11-09T17:42:00.000-06:00

Available at my etsy shop

Just a fly-by post :)

More finishes

2007-11-08T11:46:00.000-06:00

I finished this little quilt (15" square) the other day. The last of the autumn themed projects. Which makes me a little sad. Autumn is my favorite, you know.

I also whipped up this redwork heart using a free pattern from Angela at The Country Cellar. Thanks, Angela!!

Finally, I need to answer a couple questions left in the comments of my "Socks are not for feet" post (some people do not have "show my email" checked in their blogger profile...hint, hint...and cannot be replied to through email)

Yes, I have more sock dolls coming. :) I only have supplies enough for around 15 more dolls...one or two of most sock options. So if you are hoping for something specific, please email me ( PrincessNimbleThimble AT gmail DOT com ) and let me know. I'll happily make what you need as long as I still have the supplies on hand.

As for bendy dolls: I'm working on some right now. So, same thing. Email me if you would like something specific. Or, if you prefer to choose from an assortment, there will be some available very soon. It will be in the next day or so. I'll definitely be posting here when they're available.

I've also got some business news beans to spill soon! Something exciting is brewing!!

Book Review!

2007-11-08T11:28:00.000-06:00

It's been another busy week with not enough blog posting. But, again, so much has been accomplished around here. Including a bit of sickness. Which has, thankfully, passed.

I'd like to start by talking a little about a book we were invited to review, I Love You More by Laura Duksta.

I have to admit, I was hesitant that it would go over well with my almost 7 year old son, Mason. He's at that age, you know, where hugs and kisses are the ickiest things ever. A "snuggle up with momma" book...I wasn't sure it would be a hit.

However, he really liked it.

What's neat about this book is it's a flip book. One side is from the mother to her son. I read that side first and perhaps saw the slightest of eye rolls (combined with some snuggling though!) from my son.

Then I flipped it and read the side from the boy to his mother. This side was filled with boy-friendly imagery (caterpillars, rocket ships, frogs) and seemed to hit a soft spot in the heart of my little guy. He voluntarily hugged me when we finished. For a few moments I got my little snuggle-bug back.

Such a sweet book!

Socks are not for feet!

2007-11-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

Socks are for dolls! These are definitely addictive. I've got a few more that need to be finished so they can be added to my etsy shop along with this batch.

I also have a little quilt in the works (quilting it now) and plans to create some bendy dolls now that people are looking ahead to the holidays. My earring stock is getting low too! So much to do!!

While I'm at it...

2007-10-29T13:15:00.001-05:00

Since I just shared my pattern for the little dolls I used to make garlands (though they'd be cute just as a doll...or as an ornament), I thought I'd also share my templates for hearts and stars. They too would make great Christmas ornaments as well as garlands. Click here to download the patterns.

Enjoy!

(By the way, I have plans to write up and share the pattern and instructions for house needlebooks soon!)

Dolls galore

2007-10-28T21:01:00.001-05:00

The twin Annies are finished. One is on my front door and the other will be on her way to her new home tomorrow.

I can't wait to get started on their Christmas outfits!

I just recently added some cutie little sock dolls to my etsy shop. They are so much fun to make!

Speaking of fun to make... I drew up the pattern for the little 4.5" doll bodies (and clothing) that I used to make the doll garlands that I have in my etsy shop. Just click here to download the pattern as a pdf, which opens in adobe acrobat.

Hope ya had a great weekend!!

A sneak peek!

2007-10-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

Two Annies, nearly finished. I'm working on their clothing and finishing touches (leg stripes, shoes) today.

One is for a trade. The other is for me. They are for hanging on the front door...a seasonal decoration. Their clothing will be removable so it can be changed for different seasons and holidays. Their first outfits will be Pilgrim-inspired.

And since they're twins I can easily make new outfits for the doll who will be living in Virginia. Her sister can try them all on to make sure they'll fit.

They're going to be angels for Christmas. :-)

My crafting time has felt limited, again, lately. I've been spending so much time in the kitchen. Of course, that feels *right* this time of year.

Bread. Bread. Bread. Lots of bread. I don't think I've bought a loaf of bread in over a month. I've been enjoying it so much that I may never buy bread again!

I've also been making a LOT of soups. And the other night I made this (successful) pizza experiment. It has a whole wheat crust with some flax meal added. The "sauce" is butternut squash, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. It's topped with sauteed onion, turnip greens, and mustard greens. And then there's (not enough, according to my children) mozzarella cheese.

Amazingly, no one complained. I thought for sure it looked too healthy. And too *different*. But they all loved it.

Oh my stars!

2007-10-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

I just finished this star garland. It's 6ft. long and each star is a little over 4 inches. This one is for a trade but I'll definitely be making another one of these for my home!

I'm working on finishing up some Annies (one for a trade, one for me!) this weekend. They're turning out really neat. I can't wait to finish them and show them to you!

Answering some questions

2007-10-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd answer some of questions left in yesterday's comments here since I was unable to reply via email.

Is it hand quilted?

Yes. I only hand quilt.

The first quilt I made (completed, that is. I had a couple of starts before that which are still unfinished) was a gift. I was pleased with the top and was worried about messing up the whole thing with machine quilting. I was afraid I'd end up with a mess of puckers all over the back. Since it wasn't that big, I decided to quilt by hand.

I had been reading Tonya's blog (Leah introduced me to it) and was inspired to try hand quilting without a hoop or frame. I tried it and was instantly hooked. My stitches were more even and smaller and I actually felt in control. And the speed! Oh the speed! I was five times faster without a hoop/frame.

My stitches aren't tiny. But they aren't huge either. I don't even try for tiny, I aim for even and consistent. If they were expertly tiny I wouldn't be able to see them. I like being able to see the stitches. And Tonya really opened my eyes to the fact that I can do whatever I like on my quilts. :-)

And I found that I really, really like the look of hand quilting. So I've never looked back. I hand quilt everything. And I have no desire to even try to get past my machine quilting fears.

Did you actually piece triangles or did you use the method where you sew squares together diagonally and then cut them apart into two triangles that are already sewn together?

I actually pieced triangles.

I've seen the method you're describing in books, but I've never tried it.

I did it the way I did because I had discovered that if you take a 3" square and slice it into 2 triangles, then sew them back into squares, you end up with (almost) a 2.5" square. And I like 2.5" squares. It's weird, but I do. I really like them. That size just seems "right" to me. And I knew I wanted to use 2.5" squares for the centers of the stars.

It did occur to me (after it was too late to turn back) that I could have used triangles for the center squares (2 pieced red triangles for each square) and then I would have had less problems with the triangles matching the squares. And I could have used a shortcut method. But it was too late. Maybe next time ;-)

Triangles

2007-10-17T13:16:00.000-05:00

Triangles are harder than squares. Much harder. But, I suppose, one never get good at piecing triangles unless they've first muddled through being stinky at piecing triangles.

I used lots of different fabrics to distract the eye from the not so perfectly matched points. Hopefully my evil plan worked as this is a gift.

This little quiltie is 23.5" square. I just need to stitch the back of the binding and quilt the outermost border.

I've got a couple other things in the works that will be finished soon!

I know, I know...

2007-10-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in almost a week. But I've been so productive.

First of all, the quilt is finished. It's 46.5" x 54". Machine pieced and hand quilted.

(If you don't remember, this was a group project. Some of my friends who I met through the Amitymama message board worked together with me to make it. It's for one of the children of a beautiful mama whose life was taken by lung cancer. All total there are 8 quilts being made...one for each of her seven children and one for her husband...by volunteers from all over the country. The fabrics for all of the quilts were sent in by members of the message board to one mama who coordinated the whole thing.)

Secondly, my laundry is caught up. Totally. Caught up.

Third, I've been doing soooo much in the kitchen. Baking bread, making granola and a couple batches of apple butter (Although with far less sugar than the recipe called for. Batch #1 got 1.5 cups for a 5qt crock pot full of apples. Batch #2 has no added sugar and is plenty sweet.)

Most of that stuff was either eaten or frozen before a picture could be snapped. So I had to wait until I had something to show, right? Posting without pictures just isn't any fun.

The good news is I'm about to start several small projects: a mini quilt, 2 Annies, and a homespun star garland. So I'll have more fun pictures soon...very soon!

A "ta-da!" from this Rockin' Girl

2007-10-05T06:36:00.001-05:00

I usually feel like I'm flying under the radar. So I can't tell ya how excited I am that Hunny Bunny singled me out as a "Rockin' Girl Blogger". I don't know how "Rockin'" I really am (my friends who tease me for my appreciation of Yanni's music would probably find me being described as such quite amusing!), but this is my very first blog-award-thingie (what ARE these things called?) so I'm very honored.

The crocheted granny-square baby blanket it finished. And it's already found its new home. A friend stopped by as I was finishing it. She just happens to be expecting a baby girl (her third child) and she didn't think the blanket is as unpretty as I do. And it really is quite soft. So I'm glad I finished the squares up as a blanket. It feels good to cross a UFO off the list.

Now to completely change the subject...

Will you do me a little favor, please? It'll just take a second, I promise.

Go to your blogger dashboard. Click "edit profile". See the third item down? Please check that box next to "Show my email".

This will make it so that when you leave comments on blogs, the blogger can respond to you via email.

I know, I know. Not everyone wants their email address "out there". That's fine. But it's so easy to set up an email address at yahoo.com or gmail.com to use for things where you want to keep your main email address private.

If you aren't aware of how it works, when you leave a comment on a blog the blog's owner is sent an email containing your comment. This is how I read them. I don't go to my blog to read them.

I don't reply to every comment left, but I do answer all questions posed to me.

It is frustrating though to read the comment-email, type out a heartfelt reply, only to have the reply returned as undeliverable. If you check the "Show my email" box you will receive your replies.

So that's my psa for the day. :)

Chipping away at the UFO pile

2007-10-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

I've been working on my "finish what you have" basket. I'm happy to say that I'm making progress!

I've been working on quilting this quilt. My friend, Gwen, had started the quilting but was having a hard time making progress with a 5 month old baby and a house in the middle of a remodeling project (imagine that?! LOL!). So I got it back and have been busily stitching on it.

It's hard to see the quilting on the front, so here's a picture of the back.

I've just got that little bit on the left to go and then I can bind it. What color binding would you suggest? I'm thinking either a kelly green or khaki/tan. I'd love ideas/opinions! I'm going shopping for binding fabric either tomorrow or Friday night.

I've also put my "intended for nothing" granny squares together. I'm in the midst of weaving in the loose ends. Then it needs some edging and it's done.

I'm not all that thrilled with it. I don't love all those colors together. I could have done a better job arranging them (that dark green at the bottom should be switched with the light green on the bottom corner, yes?). Not what I would have done if it were a project I had thought through from the beginning.

I just had an urge to make a few grannies when everything else started making them. I never really had a plan for them. Silly, yes?

But it is made with a really soft yarn. I have no idea what to do with it though. Anyone need a somewhat ugly, yet soft, baby blanket?

Isn't Mr. Squirrel cute!? I saw him yesterday (at Target) when I was out doing a bit of shopping. He had to come home with me!

Autumn is here (in case you didn't know)

2007-09-27T23:04:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned that I've been busy decluttering, deep cleaning, rearranging, and bringing out the fall decor. Autumn is my very favorite season and it brings out the homemaker in me like nothing else. And, luckily for my family, it brings out the urge to bake like nothing else as well.

Anyway, I've just about finished. The main areas are done. I had taken some pictures to share on a message board (or two) and I thought I'd share them here too. Click Here.

Wanna laugh?

2007-09-26T18:46:00.000-05:00

If you have an odd sense of humor (like me!) you might find this incredibly amusing. I don't think it's right for a person to laugh this hard alone so I'm sharing with all of you.

Be sure to click on each album. And there are 3 pages of albums.

Sue is such a bad girl! Hilarious!

Another little quilt and Hitty says "Hi!"

2007-09-26T11:59:00.001-05:00

I've finally exhausted my supply of this fabric line so go ahead and sigh in relief. :-)

This little quilt is 23"x23" and is made up of 2" squares.

And now that that's done, I've decided to join Vicki in her quest to Finish What You Have

I've been doing some autumn deep cleaning and rearranging. I've overtaken another hall closet and filled it with sewing stuff (when, oh when, will my sewing room be completed?!?) and I've put away my sewing machine. No more permanent sewing nook in the living room. It just got messy too fast and stayed messy too easily.

While cleaning and putting all that stuff away in its new home I collected all the unfinished projects and corralled them all into my biggest basket. The plan is to devote my efforts to that basket. In it we have:

3 half-finished quilts (at the quilting stage) ONE FINISHED

fabrics set aside for a quilt for Mason (robots and space fabrics!)

a blank EFA doll (body sewn and stuffed)

a collection of granny squares (might just make it a baby blanket and call it done)FINISHED

2 Hitty Club shipments (the dressform kit, dress with bonnet pattern, and her ladderback chair)

a knitted wrap

several tea cozies

3 mini quilts that need embroidery and/or quilting

a crocheted dishcloth FINISHED

and somewhere around here there's a half-finished Annie embroidery that will make it into the basket when I find her.

So that's what I'll be up to in the near future!

My favorite recipes

2007-09-25T07:40:00.000-05:00

My favorite cookbook fell to pieces. It had that plastic comb binding and it just totally broke apart. All of the pages are loose.

So, I'm posting my favorite recipes from it so I can throw it away. I really only kept the book because of these recipes anyway. And my computer is in the kitchen so it's very handy to have the recipes online.

PUMPKIN BREAD

3 1/2 cups flour
3 cups sugar
2tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 15/16oz can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup oil
2/3 cup water (or milk)
1 tsp vanilla

I dump in the wet stuff. Then add the dry stuff. Mix until just moistened through. Bake 350. I bake in (1) 13x9 glass casserole dish. Makes 2 loaves as well. Or about 30 muffins. But it bakes more evenly in a casserole dish. Loaves take about an hour. Casserole dish takes 30-ish minutes. I never time it. I just do the toothpick test once I start smelling the bread.

Can add nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, dates, craisins, etc.

CHEESECAKE

2 pkgs cream cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix together. Pour into graham cracker crust. Bake 350 for 40-ish minutes.

COFFEE CAKE

cream together:

2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
3 eggs
3 1/2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
13 oz can evaporated milk

***********************
Spice mixture:

3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
3-4 tablespoons cinnamon

Cream sugar, butter, eggs. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Alternately add milk and flour mixture to creamed ingredients. Layer in a round tube pan: 1/3 batter, 1/2 spice mix, etc....ending with batter. Bake 350 for 1 hour.

BANANA BREAD

1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 mashed, ripe bananas
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Mix everything til just blended. Wet stuff first, then add dry stuff. Bake 325 for 1 hour. Less time if using a glass casserole dish.

Four Seasons Quilt Swap

2007-09-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

My package came the other day. :-) I love getting swap mail.

This beauty was made for me by Sheila. And she was so incredibly generous and sent me some extra goodies. I will definitely be using that pattern. And the magazine is wonderful. It's all very much appreciated. Thank you, Sheila!!

I haven't had much time lately for perusing blogs. I miss reading what everyone's up to. But right now I'm in the midst of a big deep cleaning around the house. I'm packing up all the summery stuff and pulling out the autumn decor.

When fall was over last year I packed all my autumn potpourri away in an empty coffee can. I wasn't sure if it would last til this fall but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. Well I was pleasantly surprised to find that it not only looks fine, but it also still smells wonderful.

On today's agenda is cleaning up the little sewing area I've squeezed into the living room. It's gotten a bit out of hand and needs to be reeled in a bit.

I'm on a roll...

2007-09-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I finished it already. I've been working on this quilt like a woman possessed, but still...

After laundering (because a quilt isn't finished 'til it's washed and fluffy!) it's 29"x29".

And a close-up because I'm very excited about having used (for the first time) a stencil. There's a feather medallion on the larger gold/floral bits.

I still have a bit of this fabric left. It had already been cut up into 2.5" squares so I've stitched up the leftovers into 4-patch blocks to make a little table-topper quilt.

And you know how I love the backs of quilts? Well this one is *the best*! I used linen for the backing fabric and with as densely quilted as it is (and probably the cotton batting helped too) it came out super quilty-puffy after laundering. I'm giddy over it.

My Four Seasons Swap quilt came!!! I love it! I'll have pictures tomorrow. :-D

I think I'll be deep cleaning and bringing out the fall decor tomorrow. Can't wait!

One project finished, another begun

2007-09-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

I know, I just showed this the other day. And it was finished then. But I added a little to it and now it's really finished. Notice that little quilty swirl just above Annie's head. That spot was bothering me. It just needed *something*. NOW it's finished.

The back is completely finished now as well. Label added. Hanging sleeve stitched on. Totally done. It'll be in the mail tomorrow.

Onto the next project...

My plan was to work on quilting the scrappy memorial quilt I'm working on with friends. But my friend, Gwen, was over the other day and took it home with her so she could stitch on it some more. (I think she's hooked on quilting!)

And, well, you know I can't be without a project. So yesterday I whipped up a quilt top from the rest of the charm pack (and a bit of yardage). It's 30"x30". I started quilting last night. And this morning, when I would normally have gone back to bed (after my husband leaves for work), I picked it up and stitched some more.

I think I might be needing a little nap today.

I haven't decided what will become of this little quilt once it's finished. My first thought was to put it up in my Etsy shop. But then I wouldn't be sure that no one wants it (if no one wants it) until fall is about passed. And then it would be too late for me to enjoy it (this year, at least) if I decide to keep it. So I'm thoroughly confused about what to do with it.

Plus I doubt it's possible to price something like that competitively yet fairly for the time it takes to hand-quilt. Hmmmm...it would look lovely on the table I have where the entry and hallway meet.

Hmmm...it's 9:45 and already that nap is looking like a good idea.

My swap quilt

2007-09-18T13:32:00.001-05:00

I finished the quilt for the Four Season's Quilt Swap. It's 15" square. I promise, it really is square despite the wonkiness of the picture. Bad camera angle, lazy photographer. You know how it goes. :-)

The quilting proved to be a bit of a challenge. I quilted in the ditch. And it turned out to be a little difficult at the intersection of 8 points. I had to abandon my plan of even, tiny stitches early on as I encountered a bunch of bulk ever inch and a half.

Other than that, I'm pleased with the outcome.

I just have to make the label, which will go in the big blank spot in the center of the back. Then it'll be ready to mail off to its new home.

(See, it really is square)

Autumn Annie Embroidery Pattern

2007-09-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

Here ya go. Just right-click to save and then print and trace onto your fabric.

It's also available as a .pdf over there on my sidebar.

Enjoy!

2007-09-15T11:48:00.001-05:00

Goodness! A whole week?!

Will you forgive me if I tell you it's because homeschooling is kicking my butt this year? I had forgotten how labor intensive first grade can be for the person teaching. And I've found keeping two children on task is quite the challenge.

It seems that by the time we've finished schoolwork and I've gotten a bit of housework done, it's already time to make dinner.

And then there isn't much time left for crafting. I have managed to complete two doll garlands this week.

This one was a custom order. It represents a friend's daughters.

And this one is mine, mine, all MINE!

I've finished piecing the top for my Four Seasons Quilt Swap quilt. I drew what I'm going to embroider on it today. Embroidering is this weekend's task. I'll have pictures soon. And a fall embroidery pattern to share, too!

Have a great weekend! (It's cool and fallish here...heaven!)

Finished!

2007-09-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

Just popping in to say (phew!) all the little doll garlands are finally finished and listed in my Etsy shop. Well, they're almost all listed. There's one that's mine, mine, all mine! No pictures of that one yet, though.

Next on the agenda is some more work on the mini-quilt I'm making for the Four Seasons quilt swap. But first I'm going to try to get to bed early and sleep off some of this head cold that's been hanging on all week.

And more playing with dolls

2007-09-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

And now you get to see what I've been planning to do with these little people. Cute, huh?

I admit I've gotten carried away. I was originally intending to make just one little Annie garland for myself. But when cute happens it's hard to stop! Ah well, the Etsy shop could use some variety!

I've also finished a couple Andys (with itty-bitty newspaper hats!) to go with Raggedy Ann. And a few Garden Gnomes. They just need their red hats and I get to make more Gnome-kabobs.

Playing with dolls

2007-09-05T08:50:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I came across a box filled with little 4.5" blank doll bodies. It was a sad sight and I decided it was time these little people get a chance to be. They had been in that box a while. More than a year. I stuck them in there after my failed attempt.

It seems all they needed to attain cuteness was a neck and some wrists. I have some fun ideas for these girlies!

And, as you can see, there are a few more left to finish. I have the perfect plan for them!

Still, the next time I get the urge to make some itty-bitty dolls I won't be taking any "shortcuts". I'll just make the bodies myself. It would be much less work.

These bodies were too pale. So I dyed them. They're stuffing holes were closed up with glue. Non-waterproof glue, apparently. So I had to stitch 5 holes on each (each limb and one on the body). I know I could make some wee little bodies much more efficiently, and glue-less-ly, than that!

I can't wait to get them all finished!!

Hitty and Yo-yos

2007-08-31T12:16:00.000-05:00

I know. I know. You think I fell off the face of the earth again, right?

I haven't. Still here. I just had to get some new batteries for my camera. Posts about sewing and craft projects are wholly unsatisfying without pictures. So I just waited until I had batteries.

First up: Hitty (finished!) and her yo-yo quilt.

This is the practice dress. I wanted to sew her clothing by hand and I wasn't feeling fully confident about sewing on this scale (Hitty is 6.5" tall). Now I'm feeling brave enough to cut into the fabric she came with.

Her clothing is all removable so I'm sure she'll end up with a sizable wardrobe before it's all said and done.

Here's the back view. I need to scoot the button over on her belt so there isn't a gap. Oops! It appears her slip is showing!

I'm still learning how to make needle-lace to trim her outfit. So there will be an update at some point.

Oh, and the kit for her ladderback chair has arrived. Can't wait!

My yo-yo obsession continues. These aren't up in my Etsy shop just yet (Etsy is being persnickety at the moment) but will be soon!

a quickie progress report

2007-08-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

Just passing through to say I'm 2/3 of the way done with this top. Saving the other third for Tara, who likes piecing. Piecing isn't my favorite part so I tend to try to finish it up quickly so I can get to quilting. But I'm restraining myself for Tara's sake. I don't want to hog up every group project. :-)

New Projects

2007-08-19T14:20:00.001-05:00

Some new projects have been started in the past few days. The first is a quilt. It's another group project of the local mamas who frequent the message boards at Amitymama. A woman named Patsy who we knew through the boards passed away recently. People sent in fabric squares and others volunteered to make quilts...8 total...one for each of her 7 children and one for her husband. We volunteered to make one of them.

I'm also beginning work on my birthday present, Gail Wilson's Hitty. I'm a bit paranoid starting work on her. I want her to be perfect.

I'd been coveting Hitty for a while now. You know I have a soft spot for dolls who are alive. ;-) I had to get her book to add to my little collection of books about dolls who are alive. An old copy from ebay. A new copy just didn't seem right.

And, finally, I have succumbed to the allure of the Clover Yo-yo Maker. What did me in was the fact that they make one in the size "extra small"!! Oh my gosh, it's the cutest thing ever. The finished yo-yos are just over 1/2" wide. They are totally doll sized. Irresistibly tiny!

Strawberry Quilt Pattern is up!

2007-08-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

Click here for the tutorial as .jpg files on Flickr.

Also, take a peek over there on my sidebar. See that? You can now download .pdf files of my patterns directly from my blog. How cool is that!

Oh, I didn't go into detail on how to bind the quilt because there's no way I could improve upon Heather's tutorial.

Enjoy!

Flickr group PSA

2007-08-16T12:58:00.000-05:00

I was browsing Flickr in search of photo pools of baby quilts and appliqued quilts. I couldn't find any. So, I created 2 new groups. Please join in if you have photos you can contribute. Nothing better than Flickr for inspiration, I tell ya!

Here they are: Baby Quilts and Applique Quilts.

I also have a group set up for sharing photos of things made using any of the free patterns and tutorials I have over there in my sidebar. Share your creations here.

All finished!!

2007-08-16T10:25:00.000-05:00

The Wild Things quilt is all finished and washed and is on its way to its new home.

Here's the picture from the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak that inspired it all.

Today will be a day of rest and recovery! :-)

Stitched With Love

2007-08-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my friends, Tara (holding baby) and Gwen (with a pacifier in her mouth), came over to help with the quilting. Doesn't matter to me that they have little babies to tend to. I still put them to work. ;-)

Gwen has no previous quiltmaking experience, but I think she may have caught the bug. Too bad her first quilting experience had to be introduced by such a rule breaker...she's ruined from the start! Tara has worked on quilt tops/blocks (gorgeous work, I might add!!) but hasn't gotten to the quilting phase on them yet. They both did a great job! :-D

The strawberry quilt is finished. Once we get the Wild Things quilt finished (we're getting together with the family whose baby is the intended recipient on Wednesday so we're on a mission to get it finished by then!) I'll draw up the pattern and write up the instructions for everyone.

Here's the back. Because you know I love the backs of quilts. The quilting lines are 1" apart. And I stitched a rod pocket along the top edge so it can be hung as well as used on a table.

This is Isabelle's guinea pig, Cookie. She had a rough morning. Her heart was beating erratically over a couple hour's time. But it seems to have normalized. She's one of our older pigs. Isabelle is such a good piggie-momma and she's been so upset. This side of having pets never gets any easier, does it?

Quilty things

2007-08-07T22:24:00.001-05:00

The Wild Things quilt top is finished! My friend, Gwen, came over today and we got the border put together. UPS should be delivering the batting tomorrow. And the first of the quilting helpers will be coming on Friday.

I don't know if I had mentioned this here, but this quilt is for an adorable 12 month old, the son of a local mama-friend, who has recently been diagnosed with a condition that will have him spending way more than his fair share of time at hospitals throughout his childhood. Hopefully having something familiar to cart along will bring him comfort.

It's a group project even though I sort of commandeered the applique section. It wasn't intentional though. We had brainstormed such an awesome idea that I could totally see it in my head. But since I had never done any applique work before I was sort of figuring it out as I went along. I couldn't think of a way to show others how to do what I wasn't sure I could do. I'm so grateful my friends were patient with me while I figured it out.

I'm excited at the very thought of having a series of old-fashioned quilting bees! That way everyone will get a chance to stitch a little love into it.

I also started a smaller quilt (21.5" square) yesterday. It went together super fast. I have already started quilting it, if you can believe that! This one is a prize donation for July's weight loss challenge at Amitymama.

I've had this in my head for a while and feel such relief that it's finally out of my brain! Am I the only one who gets bogged down by all the ideas cluttering the mind?

Oh, by the way, I intend to write up the pattern for this one to share very soon!

It's like it was my birthday or something!!

2007-08-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

I got an AMAZING gift in the mail yesterday! I'm not usually one to get all teary-eyed, but this did it! Everybody, meet Rose. She was created by my dear friend, Bettsi and is an EFA (Edith Flack Ackley) style doll. Bettsi's blog is where I first learned of and fell in love with this style of doll. I absolutely adore Rose!! Thank you doesn't seem adequate. I really did just have a birthday (last Friday)so her arrival was quite timely.

Rose seems happier in the chair, don't ya think? I think she'd really appreciate a doll stand. I need to pick up a few as the one I had broke.

I'm pleased to hear that the Giveaway packages are making it to their destinations and are bringing smiles to the faces of their recipients!! Enjoy, ladies!!

(Mrs. Royer, I wish I knew where that soap came from and what scent it is, but I don't have a clue. It is yummy though, I agree!)

The little jute basket is finished. It's about 5" tall and 7" in diameter. I'm not sure what it will be used for just yet. But I'm sure it's purpose will present itself soon enough.

And, I'm back to making good progress on the Wild Things quilt. I've got four movies to watch this weekend so ample opportunity to stitch down all the greenery. Then the borders. Then the big quilting bee style parties can begin!

Also, I want to spread the word about a new swap for which I just signed up, the Four Seasons Quilt Swap Check it out and sign up if you like!!

Have a great weekend!!

Making progress

2007-07-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

Progress is being made around here-both on the crafty front and on the recovery front. I'm just about all better (YAY!).

I finished this little quilt over the weekend. It's a Bare Roots pattern. I just love those patterns! Thank you, so much, Jenny, for sharing it with me!! (Jenny keeps hers on her kitchen table and you can catch glimpses of it in the backround of many of her pictures)

I wanted to make progress on the Wild Things quilt but we were out and about most of the weekend and I needed something portable. The Wild Things quilt is at a stage where it isn't portable. It's on the agenda for this week though.

I also started on this Annie embroidery (from a free pattern) in the interest of portability. It's for a future project-a quilted wallhanging for my bathroom, which is decorated in Annies and quilts. I don't usually embroider before putting the quilt top together. But I had to grab something fast and it was all I could think to pack. I can't leave the house without a project, you know!

I've also started on a little jute basket. I usually have a simple crochet project in the works. They get worked on when I'm sitting on the deck drip-drying after swimming or when I'm sneaking in a few minutes of crafting in bed by very dim light (so as to not wake the husband).

Giveaway packages are on their way!

2007-07-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

It took me a bit longer than it should have, but the giveaway packages are on their way! I hope the recipients enjoy their goodies!!!

Not much going on here. Still feeling poopy. I'm headed back to the doctor tonight since I have one more dose of antibiotics to take and the sore throat, fever, and fatigue have returned. The rash from Hades has just started to take leave, so there's no way I'm going to take a "wait and see" approach. This has, by far, been the worst rash I've ever experienced in my life. I'll be shocked if I don't end up with permanent scars.

Oh well, I'm sure no one wants to hear me whine. I have no cheese to go with the whine (wine) anyway. :-) I hope y'all are having a great Wednesday!!

Edited to add an update: I just got back from the Dr. and the strep is gone!! YAY!! I just have a secondary yeast infection on the insane rash and where the throat spots were. I've got cream and pills and should be back to normal soon!! :-)

Harry Potter Day

2007-07-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

We don't expect to see much of Isabelle today. The UPS truck came by with the final book in the series about 9am this morning.

Last night we all went to see the latest movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. Or, as Mason calls it, Harry Potter and the Order of the Felix.

Other than that, not much has gone on here the past week. I've been sick and have tried to stay dosed up on as much benadryl as a human body can handle to take the edge off the scarlet fever rash that accompanied the strep throat. Antibiotics took care of the throat issue but, apparently, the rash has to run its course. Bleck.

I wasn't getting much sympathy at home until I pointed out that scarlet fever is what led to Beth's demise (in Little Women). Even Isabelle was able to deduce that with antibiotics, it wasn't nearly so dangerous. Her sympathy waned a bit when she figured that out. ;-)

The Wild Things quilt and I have plans to watch some movies in a bit though. I can't stay away from crafting for too long!

Just for fun I'll share some of the hilarious pictures I found on my camera just now.

Time for the drawing!!!

2007-07-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

I went the lazy route this time with picking names. Rather than writing them all out, I was instant messaging with a friend and I said to her, "Pick three numbers between one and twenty.". And I only told her why after she had given me her picks. Which were 2, 5, and 17.

So Lisa, Leah, and Mrs. Royer...please send me an email ( PrincessNimbleThimble @ gmail.com -without the spaces, of course) with your mailing address!!

Crochet Pattern: My Favorite Dish/Washcloth

2007-07-14T15:47:00.000-05:00

I'm not much for following patterns for things such as this, but my favorite way of working up a dishcloth has pretty much become a formal pattern. I tend to make them this way because they work up super fast, have a good "scrubby" texture, and are kind of pretty while still being completely utilitarian. So here goes...

A size H crochet hook

worsted weight cotton yarn (one small ball is exactly enough)

Ch 36.

Make 2 DC in 3rd ch from hook. Skip 2 ch, then SC in next ch. *skip 2 ch, 4 DC in next ch, skip 2 ch, SC in next ch.* Repeat ** until end of row. Ch 2, turn.

2 DC in first st (last sc of the last row). SC in the center of the 4DC-cluster (insert hook between the 2nd and 3rd DC). *4DC in next SC. SC in center of the next 4DC-cluster* Repeat ** until end of row. Ch2, turn.

Continue in this pattern until you have completed 20 rows.

At the end of the 20th row, ch 1, turn.

next row: sc in each stitch to corner (29sc). Ch 1. Make 29 sc along each of the remaining 3 sides with one ch in each corner. Then connect to the first sc with a sl st. Ch1, turn.

NOTE: The bottom edge where the beginning foundation chain is contains 33 sts. Just skip a few for a total of 29 sts.

Picot edge:

Sc in first st. Ch 3, sl st in the same sp as the sc you just made. *SC in the next 3 sts. Ch 3, sl st in the sam sp as the last sc.* Repeat ** until you've covered all 4 sides. Connect last st to first sc with a sl st. Bind off.

Weave in loose ends.

Now go clean something :-D

GiveAway Time...times three!

2007-07-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

I'm still blown away that people actually take the time to read my blabbering and look at my projects. Seriously. One of the reasons I started blogging was that I was sure my message board friends were bored to death with me and my never-ending string of projects. So I figured I'd go off to some quiet corner of the internet and play quietly. Not bothering anyone. It amazes me that so many stop by on purpose! And so I'd like to offer another Thank you! for your friendship in the form of a giveaway.

If you've been reading here any length of time I'm sure you've noticed I usually have multiple projects going simultaneously. This is especially true when I have something in the works that it's a bit of a stretch for me. Like now. Often these little, easy-peasy projects are a sort of palate cleanser for me. Relaxing and soothing, they leave me mentally refreshed enough to deal with the projects that are mentally taxing.

Recently I've been on a roll with crocheting dishcloths. I'll have three separate packages to send off to three different people. And each will include:

*One crocheted washcloth

*Some lovely handmade soaps (not made by me...I'm still too afraid of lye!)

*A pair of earrings

*A crafty book from my stash, which desperately needs culling.

All you need to do to have your name added to the hat is reply to this thread. When replying, please mention where your crafty interests lie currently, so I can pick a book you'll hopefully enjoy! And if you have a color preference for earrings, mention that too!

I'll draw three names next Friday, July 20th!

Thank you, all, for stopping by!!

Finished!

2007-07-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

Christiana's christening gown is all finished. The bonnet was an afterthought but it really seems to finish it off nicely, don'tcha think?

I ended up hemming it all by hand because a line of machine stitching just seemed wrong. And I don't know how to do a blind hem on the machine.

Oh! And there was a buttonhole emergency. I couldn't find the buttonhole foot to my machine that has one-step buttonhole capabilities. My other machine does horrid 4-step buttonholes that always look awful.

So I pulled out my handy-dandy embroidery book and followed the directions for making buttonholes by hand. And I thanked God that I'm the type who learns best from books. The buttonholes had to be done today. And you know what? In my opinion, it looked perfect. Not that my buttonhole making is flawless, but rather that the handmade buttonholes really suited the old-fashionedness of the dress.

All the leftover linen gets to stay here, too! I've been eyeing the instructions for cutwork in the embroidery book!

One big project finished...just one more to go (the Wild Things quilt!).

Checking in!

2007-07-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

I've been crafting!!

Jewelry:

Embroidery for a friend's daughter's christening gown:

Working on sewing the gown itself is on today's agenda. And my friend is coming over tomorrow so we can finish up. The christening is this weekend!

And progress on the "Wild Things" quilt:

Don't mind the dampness on the monster's face. I had just "erased" the water soluble ink. All of the applique pieces that have been made so far are stitched down. The embroidery is almost finished. This monster needs some claws oh his feet and he'll be done. The other monster needs all of his embroidery. Then I just need to add all the greenery and stitch it down. Then piece the border. Then my favorite part...the quilting!

And just for fun I'll share what happens when a person stacks all of the beads they were playing with on top of the cart used to store the beads. And then moves the cart. As the wheel falls out. Tragedy. This happened more than a week ago and I still need to resort everything. I just scooped it up into one container and there it all still sits.

We're also experiencing pool tragedy here. Saturday I awoke to find the water had turned green. So I added a shock treatment. The green instantly disappeared but was immediately replaced with milky, cloudy water. I tried adding clarifier yesterday but messed up by adding way too much. Apparently I'm quite bad at guessing how many gallons of water the pool holds!

So the water is cloudy and over-chlorinated. I have no idea if it's ok to use or not. Which is a bummer as the pool is where I've been doing my exercise. (I'm still working on losing weight...down 44lbs so far!). I suppose I'll give it a few days and see if the cloudy goes away on it's own. All of the other water levels show to be perfect when I test them so maybe I just need to be patient. And do icky exercise in the meantime. Bleck!

Oh! Netflix finally decided it was my turn to see Miss Potter. I loved it!! Watched it twice this weekend.

And then, this morning, I received an email from The Fat Quarter Shop with their sales and new additions. I could not resist the Beatrix Potter Victorian Nursery line. So a "jolly pack" and half a yard of the green pansies fabric are on their way to me. YAY! I have this book of embroidery transfers that will go nicely!

Well I've got a bit of housework calling my name. Then it's on to sewing the christening gown. I should have more pictures very soon!

Still here

2007-07-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all the commiseration regarding summer stealing all the crafty time. Of course, now that I know I'm not the only one, it's starting to feel like it's ok. Only it's not ok. I miss my crafty time.

I've been in serious deep-clean and declutter mode the past few days. That can't be a bad thing, even if it does infringe on potential crafty time.

I did, however, eek in a little. I had to finish this apron that was languishing as a UFO (unfinished object) so I could be cute while cleaning.

In the backround, off to the left, you can see some of the banana bread I made today. Somehow the 24 muffins have disappeared (I didn't even have one, I swear!) since this afternoon. But I also made 2 13x9 pans so there's plenty left.

Banana Bread

1 3/4 cups flour (2 cups if I use 3 bananas)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda (I use 1 1/2 tsp if I use 3 bananas)
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs (3 if I use 3 bananas)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cups + 1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Mush bananas. Add wet ingredients. Mix. Then add dry ingredients (stir, shallowly, to disperse the baking soda within the dry ingredients) and mix together until just combined. Don't overmix. Bake at 325 degrees until it passes the toothpick test. Makes 18 muffins or one 13"x9" casserole pan (spray pan with oil spray before pouring batter in). Recipe does not double well so make one batch at a time.