Hello Kitty ... Dress-Me

When I bought the original

Hello Kitty Dress-Me Plush (in October) ...

I swore I wouldn't do it.

Then, a $10 off coupon arrived in my

e-mail for their newsletter sign up.

(Yes, my plush needed winter gear)

Ordered a new outfit in December.

and ... I thought the Angel outfit

was perfect holiday gear

(bought in November .... ).

This is the original plush with summer pajamas.

I waited, and debated, and when the store

only had TWO left - I caved and purchased in October.

The brown plush is charming; as is the baby plush ... 

Maybe the next shopping trip, because I swear I won't be

the person who buys the entire wardrobe ....

Doll and Bear Show

Valparaiso Dolls & Friends Club
are sponsoring

Doll & Bear Show

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9am - 3pm


Porter County Expo Center
North East Corner of U.S. 49
and Division Road

Four miles South of U.WS. 30 on Rt. 49

Valparaiso, Indiana

Porter Co Fair (1 of 4)

Congratulations to my Mom my NANI + blogging GFs Debbie Elaine Karol Pat & Sue on their ribbons & awards at the Porter Co Fair: Pat & her Mom came to the Home Ec exhibit Sunday afternoon & took some pictures It is so much fun to put entries on display! And so kewl to see what others put on their blogs link here Sharing some of My Results: Section 110a -- Home Decorating Articles (sewn) This is one square of a 4-block I entered more pictures here Judge commented: "Great color choice. Well done--good craftsmanship. Nice pattern" Section 103c -- Dolls (Not Stuffed Animals), Other Inner Child Doll Judge commented "What fun. Good choice of color and materials. Good craftsmanship. Section 507b -- Miscellaneous Needlecraft -- Other (smocking, tatting, latch hook, etc) Punchneedle Fob Judge commented: "Nice scissors fob"

Misc ...

I finished my Inner Child Doll, and have plans to make more -- now that I know the basics! I pulled out my knitting spools & used up some crewl yarn left overs. More on spools HEREBefore I'm asked, no, I don't knit with real needles - or crochet. My Mother-in-Law gave me a container of crochet hooks & I use them once in awhile for needlework - - - - - - - This Crib Quilt was made by our friend Juanita H.My Mom bought it from her & gave it to DH & I for ChristmasI told my Mom that I would save it in the cedar chest until one of our children marries & starts a family of their own.It looks like a stamped design - Juanita did the cross stitch & then quilted the border. She added binding and a beautiful cotton back. Juanita is probably my Mom's age (in her 80's) and our families spent a lot of time together while I lived at home.

Live with a song ...

... in your heart. I think I have embellished enough. What do you think? Next, I'll roll the edges, stitch -- add the lavender & close. Last -- There is a flower & leaf to add near the top -- and, hands & feet to add ... We were happy that GF, Mel, visited the bead shop (during the doll class) over her lunch hour. So, Melody, what do you think? Improved since the last time you saw it? Did you see Karol's doll? She finished over the week-end. Thx in advance to GF, Debbie L, who phoned. She was organizing her stash and came accross a couple doll & toy making books. Wanted to know if I could use them. Who me? Of course!!! I appreciate you thinking of me!

Inner Child Doll Class

Here is the progress on my doll from yesterday's class. (Details about the class in yesterday's blog post ).Alert -- this may be the longest post I've ever made on this blog!I was really at ease during this class. I enjoyed being with the group and didn't feel any pressure to rush. Our instructor was friendly, didn't hover, gave us clear step-by-step directions. She gave us loads of time & brought excellent examples to inspire us to create our own dolls.Such a treat to have in-hand dolls, pins, and Pat's beautiful book -- stunning textile projects and loaded with embellishments When Karol & I sat down at the table, we had a tray -- bag w/class supplies -- and a gift! When we opened our kits & gift, we found cheerful & colorful doll supplies AND candy to celebrate our "play time". Pat selected top notch supplies & got us started on the faces. They were ironed on -- and then encircled with beads. We cut out the words & ironed them on, too. I embellished with metallic fiber lazy daisy stitches & beads. This doll will be stuffed with lavender buds. Pat demonstrated clipping the fabric, rolling it, and securing with a buttonhole stitch edge. We used perle cotton for that -- and I did ok ... for a first attempt. (first photo in this post) This is my corner desk at home. I was tempted to clear it off (again) and give me more room for the doll body embellishing - I think I just might set up the ironing board next to my corner & shift stuff around. With this kind of doll, I think the more stuff at your fingertips, the better! I took my buttonhole edge out this a.m. and plan to embellish the doll body some more with charms, beads, etc. Then, will roll & stitch it closed with the buttonhole edge -- maybe smaller and tighter! I forgot we were supposed to make a few stitches & pull them tight every 3 or 4 ...I am going to move the heart charm, too. It needs to be on the other side of the doll This is a close-up photo showing some of the suppliesEverything out & ready to sew on. This is a photo of an Inner Child Doll. It came w/kit - and was our needle holder.I felt so special because of all the small details. Pat has a gift for 'presentation' & with all the embellishments at hand -- they are screaming to be added to the doll. Not put back into a plastic ziplock & stored in a cupboard Did I mention the class was held at a beading store? What a special woman to have us in as guests. She had two tables set up for us & bottled water available. Even offered discount for beads in the store that day. In addition, Myra - owner of LaBeadaLoca gave each student a pkg w/beautiful ribbon. She had a bowl of misc beads on the table & encouraged us to use anything. I pulled out smoky color beads - a tad larger than the seed beads I brought from home. Myra called the bowl "class supplies". I liked them so much Myra said I could have the rest of the container for a $1.00 Is that kewl or what?There are photographs on Pat's blog of the entire class in progress. Dolls created by the other students. I'm looking forward to finishing this doll & figuring how to make my own face & lettering transfers. The possibilities are endless!!!

Susan G. Komen

The Pink Artists have raised so far for Susan G Komen for the cure Foundation:
$2,004.13 (As of September 24, 2008)
If you are considering a donation this month, please visit The Pink Artists Project, collecting money orders (or paypal) made payable to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Pink Artist Drawing is accepting donations from August 1 - October 15, 2008. In addition to the opportunity drawing for Love Squared, there are several prizes being awarded. (Did you see the Gingher Scissors & Fobs?, Original bags, jewelry, tags, journals, and MORE!!!)

Doll Show Finds:

I attended the Valparaiso Doll & Bear Show yesterday morningWhat a fantastic display of dolls from all eras and all price ranges. The antique dolls were beautiful. Among all the clothing, dolls, + accessories ... I found these dresses made from antique handkerchiefs. And, they are a perfect fit for my Penny Wooden Doll
Other than the doll dresses, I didn't find much in the way of doll making supplies -- just a snipet of lace
I did stitch up a quick fob (on the left) side of the doll. I have stitched this motif once before. I used the over-dye fibers I had after stitching Free, Shep Bush Freebie design.I have not decided on finishing for the S.Bush design - probably a small pillow.

Lake County Fair: Sewing & Collectibles

Home Decorating (1376) Living/Family Room ItemFirst PlaceMore pictures & information HERE.

Home Decorating (1378) Home Decorating PillowSecond PlaceMore Information & pictures HERE

CollectiblesI thought it would be fun to try this section. Only one ribbon awarded. Maybe I'll do better next year!
(221) Doll/StandClothespin Dolls, made by my Mom

(243) Buttons 9x12 displayThird Place!

(244) Cookie Cutters (6)These were used by my Brothers & Sister while we were growing up

(263) Not Specified AboveThread winders

Meet "Love Squared" - The Pink Artist Project

ONE step closer to helping raise $$$ for Susan G. Komen for the CureLove Squared is being packaged up & will be sent to Art Doll QuarteryOver 175+ artists sent in 2" x 2" squares for this project.

Per Monica's blog: "the pink artist" is a community of artists joining together to create one joint art doll to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When doll has been completed, it will be mailed in to Art Doll Quarterly™ before finally being auctioned off on eBay at a later date. ALL PROCEEDS WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT CHARITY. Remaining squares have made our wall art piece a reality! BRAVO!

I thought the visitors to my stitching blog would enjoy close-up photos of the many squares submitted. LINK HERE.

Gifts from Myrna!

Imagine my surprise! Myrna sent me an envelope of goodies : ) I love the fob (w/special charm), knitted dishcloth (which I don't want to actually USE in the kitchen), and a beautiful marking pin made by Ann Marie, Myrna's sister.
I found this pair of scissors which is a perfect match!!

Not wanting to take the dishcloth into the kitchen, I placed it under the clothespin dolls on my desk.

As you can see, I've been enjoying my sampler patterns & cheating a bit. Instead of working on a large sampler, I've been selecting basket motifs from patterns in my stash and stitching them ... Funness. More about this in my next post.

YOU are cordially invited to join!

Want to become a Pink Artist? For Charity?

If you are a quilter, mixed-media artist, polymer clay artist, painter, doodler, felting guru, pastel artist, doll artist, beader, collage artist, abstract artist,stitching queen, yarn goddess, paper artist, rubber stamper, photographer, digital junky, rusted ART connoisseur, crayon/marker enthusiast, journal-ER, poet... you get the idea, We need YOUR participation!
More Information at Monica's Blog.
Project Due: March 1, 2008

Hip Hop & Magnetic Needle Case

Hip HopMore progress on my pillow case edge. I think it is easier stitching the center section. : )
What a MESS!I don't have a spot for my teacup. I need to clear off some of this mess. But, I don't want to put anything away!!! I feel like I need some more space for my stuff on my desk. Actually, I wish I had a craft table to spread out my junk doll & stitching supplies. I pulled out a couple clothespin dolls & soft dolls (getting ready to create some comfort dolls) ... it is quite freaky having all these extra eyes on me ... LOL

Heirloom Quality Magnetic NeedlecaseDJV Designs c 1993 If any stitcher reading this, has one of these ... has stitched & got the top glued on the wood ... could you share with me the type of glue you used to get the board to stick to the wood?? If I can find some linen in my stash, I'd like to get this one finished up - and use the box for intended needles : )

progress pics

I finished the alphabet & added more flowers+vines on the Soweth Sampler. I would like to finish this!
I completed another square of this tabletopper. I have two more squares to stitch + pulled eyelets in the intersections. Will have a nun edge.


You can see more of the pattern in this smaller photo; however, the camera flash distorted the colors [sigh]

I checked out an interesting DVD from the library called Paradise Found. It follows the story of Paul Gauguin. I saw a very large exhibit of Paul Gauguin's paintings several years ago. I still remember the vivid colors & unique painting style. Kiefer Sutherland played the role of the painter.

No new bunnies [yet]

I pulled out some of my favourite bunny projects. Seems I didn't create a new Spring project, yet!! I had a couple small things planned & opted to continue working on some larger WIPs.


This is "Rabbit Forest" by The Workbasket. I goofed with the spacing on the pattern & had to move things around a bit -- and add a couple little things : ) Hard to resist those darling rabbits.

This is "The Bunny Hop" designed by Judy Whitman, JBW Designs c.1999. I made a few changes with the floss colors.

I've made a few sewing smalls with rabbit motifs, too. They are delightful to stitch : ) Enjoy the day. Stitch well.

Corner Square - WIP

I am stitching another corner block on my afghan. Not much progress to report!




I was asked about laying tools. In December, I bought a bone needle from House of Stitches. I really like it! It is light & the perfect length for bossing around these floss strands. I use a laying tool for canvas stitches, satin stitching on linen, and on afghans [when I'm using several strands of floss].

I own a different LT's. I use metal LT w/metallic threads - nice b/c they will stick to a magnet & not roll around on the project. I have a BLT by Shay Pendray. The wooden one I own, is Rosewood (I think) similar to the one pictured on the Lacis web site. I have used a perfect stitch Laying Tool, which is similar to a trolly needle. In a pinch, I've used a yarn needle!!

Response to other Questions: Tori is home this week for Spring Break from Indiana University. Nick leaves in a week for Virginia Beach - his Band Trip. Alex had 3 performances last weekend & has 3 performances this week-end in High School Musical. (he is a skater dude & basketball player).

"Right Bird" Block finished

This is "Right Bird" 35x36. I want to stitch "Left Bird" 35x36 next! LOL. There are 18 block to stitch & I have stitched five.

NEW LIST: I'm considering a new list for my stitching hobby. No, it isn't the oldest WIP in the closet ... I'm thinking to look at WHICH kits + projects cost me the most $$$ and focus on those.

It is three degrees with wind chills ... the boys have early dismissal at school. Then, we run errands. How boring!! DH is planning some days off work, too. Not sure if I'll get any stitching accomplished.


Judy asked me about my doll, Sarah [in the picture]. It is made by Merry Makers, Inc.. I have had Sara several years. Sarah was gift from my SIL, purchased during her trip to Williamsburg, VA.

A year later, My MIL bought me a Betsey doll from Colonial Williamsburg Marketplace mail order catalog, and web site. After a few years, my MIL saw to it that I had them all : )

The collection of dolls are still available. Margaret; Eve; William; Betsey; and Sarah
Picture from web site: