Christmas 2012--More Photos

Well, blogger has been unwilling to let me add images for a few days, so finally here's a few more photos from this Christmas....

We made gingerbread cookies this year, but we don't stand on tradition.

We make regular gingerbread girls and boys...

Yum! Cinnamon candies and icing make for a nice simple gingerbread man.

 ...and not so regular.

Zombies and vampires, oh my!

Our favorite recipe is an old pioneer one, only we substitute Crisco vegetable shortening for the lard.  I like how mild it is which goes perfectly with cocoa or cider.

Mom piping out the requests.

Lots of presents all around.  We had a really great year and everyone was very generous and thoughtful.


Everyone got presents this year...

...a new outfit for Kara,

This adorable Supergirl outfit was handmade and purchased on Etsy.  That's Krypto in the wagon, he's Kara's best friend!

 and one for Adyn too.

A retired AG outfit with a cute button down flannel shirt and corduroy pants.  That's  me right behind her in my new flannel shirt.  And of course, Stars the Little had to sneak in for the photo!

Hug Monkey

A month and a half ago, my sister asked me to create a monkey toy for a baby shower she was attending (for her boss).  She wanted something infant safe, easy to clean, bright boy-appropriate colors and, of course, adorable.  I decided to add a bit of quirky in as well when I was sketching him up.

Presenting, the hug monkey...

Hug Monkey says "hi".

I know, totally fun and adorable.  It's the fabric, stripes make the monkey. 

Weird how the stripes underneath show up in photos but not when you're right there looking at it.  Hmm...

Because this is going to a new baby, I didn't want any possible choking hazards, so no buttons or attachments or any kind.  I also used a narrow zigzag (almost a satin stitch) around all the face parts which were also fused down.  Probably overkill, but I didn't want it to have any possibility of falling apart with (I hope) the constant handling of a baby and small child.  If this toy becomes the favorite, which would be totally awesome, then it'll get gooed and drooled on, taken everywhere, the occasional bath, pulled and squeezed, and somewhat dirty.  This monkey is prepared.

Talk to the tail.  LOL

Hug Monkey's tail is a lovely coordinating green that's been fused and stitched down.  I thought about making it a free hanging tail, but decided against it as this one will be starting life with a baby and I wasn't sure a long tail would make it through childhood (and the more paranoid side of me thought it could become a choking hazard...you never know with little boys).  Arms and legs are made from some PUL fabric.  I figured those would be the most handled parts (and infants often stuff things in their mouth when teething) so the choice of PUL was for easier cleaning.  If a fabric can hold up for diapers, then it should work for a toy just fine!  And that beautiful stripey fabric?  I found a fabulous set of infant/toddler sheets (with plenty of fabric for future hug monkeys).

Quirky face and a little heart makes him super lovable!

The fabric face and heart are made from quilting cotton.  The mouth was hand embroidered.  Deliberately different sizes and set at different levels, the appendages help add to the overall whimsy of this goofy fellow.  Hug Monkey is stuffed heavily in the body for years of hugging and has a little bit in the appendages for a nice squishy feel and easy grabbing for little hands.

Overall, I think this hug monkey fits the bill.  At the baby shower, the mom-to-be had to keep taking Hug Monkey away from the toddler sibling, so he'll definitely do as this new baby comes and grows.

Hug Monkey loves you!

Update:  Mom-to-be went into the hospital with labor Wednesday.  Future hug-monkey-lover is on the way!  Congratulations to the entire family!

February: One Doll/Softie A Month Challenge

Well, I had grand plans of photographing my jewelry to list on Etsy today.  The weather was great--bright and sunny--a beautiful day.  Oh, except for the biting cold wind blowing through the area.  By the time I finished cleaning and setting up the spot I wanted to use I was freezing!  Now, before you think I spent hours on this, we're talking ten minutes, 15 tops.  Even Stars didn't protest too much about coming in early, and he's the king of stalling when it comes to going inside on a sunny day.  Yes, its true, I totally wimped out in the cold.

So, no photos of jewelry, but I finished up the Edith Ackley Flack baby for the doll house family--she's more like a little toddler.  She is February's challenge doll, but it took me a bit to find the "rouge" stick I use for creating rosy cheeks on my dolls.  Isn't she a cutie pie? 

And at only 4.5 inches tall, she is adorable--although quite tricky to turn and stuff.

She is completely handsewn with handpainted undies, socks and shoes.

She as a salmon pink floral cotton dress and a coordinating baby ribbon bow in her beautiful auburn hair.

Now how can you resist such a doll?  (On after thought, she kind of looks like my little cousin Paige!)  And finally my sister can stop calling her creepy because "she's faceless"--I think she heard you!

2009 Dolls

Before I begin showing my creations from the sew along challenges, I thought I'd really quick show some dolls I made last year--you know you want to see them!

Here is my very first Edith Ackley Flack style doll--Angel (because she's so lovely).  This is from the To Greet a Little Girl doll pattern designed by Edith Ackley Flack.  I made her almost completely from my stash--I did have to buy yarn for hair (around $4) and some faux leather for the shoes (around $3).  All her clothes are removable (hook and eye) and she has a little slip, chemise and pantaloons with lace and pintucks.  Hand embroidered face too.  Isn't she lovely.  If you haven't made one of these heirloom style dolls, you really should.  They're a bit of work, but oh so wonderful when finished.  I'm working on a second one for the February month of the challenge. 

Here are two of the little Raggedy Ann style dolls I made from patterns designed by Dee over at Oh Sew Dollin.  They are made with tea-dyed muslin, hand painted eyes and legs, hand embroidered face (and heart on the body).  Aren't they just adorable--love their hair!  I did purchase the 2 fat quarters for each of the dresses ($5 per doll), the hair ($5.99 per skein), the tea bags ($1.99), giant rickrack trim ($1.50) and the buttons ($1.50 each).  I don't normally go buy everything to try out a new doll pattern, but these were so cute that I just couldn't resist.

This one was made with the My Annie pattern.  (This one became part of my mom's Christmas presents and is now carefully guarded in her room.)

This one was made with the Long-legged Annie pattern.

Rain Rain Go Away

Nothing like a few days of downpour.  Oh, and that occasional rumble of thunder--adds that extra special something, don't you think.

I'd feel bad for Stars (the world's most awesome border collie) because, well, having to go potty outside can't be that great, but he also uses most trips as an opportunity to check on all 20 balls and the garden and his pool and the bush over there, oh and that one too, oh and that one...  There is now an umbrella hanging by the door--at least I'll stay sort of dry. 

In the mean time, I'm catching up on lots of work (oh joy) and my crafts that got put off all summer long.  My two latest dolls are finished (pics coming soon) and I've almost got some more softies done.  Designed a softie pattern and a quilt pattern.  Just got to finish the samples.  Digital scrapbook designs and templates too.  Let's just say, my Etsy store will soon be stocked up.