Failing Brakes and Other Bits...

Did I mention that my brakes failed on my car?  It wasn't a huge deal when it happened, as I was on a street that isn't busy, I was close to home, and I was not going very fast (cuz there is often radar set up there).  My brake pedal went from normal to going all the way to the floor.  Oops!  I was able to stop, though, so I turned my car around and drove home.  I was without my car for 10 days, which was not fun at all.  Thank you to Kim and Maureen for helping me with necessary errands (grocery store and pharmacy).  Thankfully, that is now behind me and all is well with my car...and my world...once again.  Whew.   

  
I haven't been doing much since the weekend.  I want to, but the few things I have tried to do did not turn out the way I thought/wanted.  I hate when that happens!  I am going to give it a rest and do some knitting.  I am making a winter scarf for myself...simple and (hopefully) difficult to mess up. 

I made a linen napkin yesterday.  Just one.  For myself.  I am trying out an online linen fabric shop...linen to use for doll clothes, napkins and whatever else might strike my fancy.  It's been washed once and is very soft...so far, so good.  This color is 'ginger'...I like it a lot. 

The weather has been very cool this week.  I don't mind the cool temperatures, as long as the sun is out.  Great walking weather, for sure.  I do like Autumn..it's just that Winter follows it.

Tag has been doing his usual...laying around with his warthog.

This bottom photo makes my eyes fill with tears.  Classic Tag/warthog posture.  

My two sisters are coming to Wisconsin in 3 weeks...one from Maryland and the other from Colorado.  We will have time for a 'sister's night', which I am very much looking forward to.  Sitting around together is a time we all enjoy.  I am in the process of planning and making several gifts to take with me...for my sisters, and for a few others I will see.  I'll take photos, but won't be able to show the gifts until after I get home.  

Tomorrow is going to be a gorgeous day, weather-wise.  I have lots to do and it's always better when the sun is shining.  I hope you have a great day, too!



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Vintage Happy Pillows and More Zippers...

Wow.  Can you believe that it's almost the middle of September?  Already?  

The one good thing about that is...the new season of television shows is just a few days away!   YAY!  With my DVR, I do not miss any of them, either.  I catch up during the week while knitting or doing some type of hand work.  

I had a few days this week when I did absolutely nothing.  Yup.  Nothing.  At.  All.  

But, I did manage to do a few things on the other days.  I made two 12" pillow covers...with scraps/leftovers from my Vintage Happy quilts (scrap jar star and large granny square).  The back is an envelope closure made with Kona Cotton Solid in White.

They bring a smile to my face.  

I put together two more little zippered pouches.

And, I did work on another project...but I want to wait until it is completed before I show you.  Hopefully, that will be very soon.  

It is in the high 30's this morning.  Nice walking weather...but that's about all I can say about it.  Not looking forward to colder weather. 

Not sure what I'll be doing this weekend.  Any sewing I do will involve linen, though.

Here's a blurry photo of Tag and his shadow out for a morning walk.  Taken at 5:22 this a.m....hence the darkness.

 Have a wonderful weekend!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Friday Finishes...

Though it was a short week - haha...why do I say that?  I don't work, so this week was really no different than any other.  Yes, I know it was Labor Day on Monday, but I had no plans, so...

I have a couple of things to show off you.  

But, before I do that...take a look at Tag doing a stare down with his warthog!  I took this photo last night and it cracks me up as much this morning as it did when I took it!

When I am sitting in my big easy chair, Tag brings his warthog over for me to throw for him.  He puts it on the ottoman and then flips it with his nose and the warthog rolls toward me.  Well, last night, it rested in an upright position.  Tag backed up and there he sat...a stare down!!!  I hope you find this as humorous as I did (and do).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, so on with the finishes.  First of all, let me say that I have not been putting Serger Sue to good use.  But, that is only because Naomi Janome pointed out to me that she, herself, has an overlocking stitch in her bag of tricks.  I've been trying that out on doll clothes and I like it very much.  It is much easier to change threads on Naomi Janome than on Serger Sue and I only need the bobbin and spool...not 4 separate spools.  Ya know?  Serger Sue has been left to lanquish...and she doesn't like it one little bit.  So, to keep her quiet, I made a cover for her.  ha!  

Because sergers are oddly shaped, I decided that a simple throw it over the top and tie the sides was the best way to go.  I had some leftover HSTs from my last quilt, so I used them for the front of the cover.  I used white cotton for the back, as well as for the underside of the cover.  I did a minimum of quilting and I actually had matching green and orange threads!  I stitched a line on each side of the zigzag edges and I stitched random lines on the back.  I used some leftover strips to make the ties and to bind it with.  Easy Peasy!

front

back

  
The other finish I have to show is an outfit I made for 16" dolls...for Emma to model.  I modified a dress pattern in a few ways for the top...well, for the bottoms, too.  On the linen/cotton blend pants, I added a strip of fabric to match the top.  Nothing fancy, but I thought it added a little more to the cuteness factor...don't you think?  ~grin~  This will be listed in my Etsy shop. 

 

I need to practice sewing with knit fabric, so I may work on that this weekend.  Otherwise, nothing much is going on. 

Have a great weekend!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Where Does It Go?

Time.  It seems to flit by so quickly.  And, even more so since I retired!  The days do NOT linger on...they are gone in a flash.  I must remember to count every day as special.

So, here it is Friday already!  I worked on patterns this week, but don't have much to show you for my efforts.  

Sister Jill mentioned that she would like to have a little pouch that is large enough for her cell phone.  That was my goal...a zippered pouch that was large enough for cash, credit cards, license and cell phone.  

I used fusible fleece to give a bit of sturdiness and some padding.  And, I added a tab with a little d-ring.  A little pouch to grab when you're just running to the store...instead of taking your purse.  

Here's the first one I made...

The tab is a bit too long, but I left it that way.

 

See the lining?  Those little clocks are too cute!

 

 Second one...

I really like this one.

Again...the lining with clocks.

oh look!  A (crooked) label!

Third one...

Shorter tab...much better.

Numbers fabric as lining on this one.

And, the label...not so crooked this time. 

Apparently, I couldn't make up my mind which side to put the key tab...or the zipper pull!

These took no time at all to put together.  Once the pieces were cut and the fusible fleece was ironed to the lining, it took maybe 15 minutes to put each one together.  Zipper and top-stitching and side seams.  Easy peasy.

Remember the story about Tag and the dropped knitting needle from the previous post?  If you didn't read it, I'll give you time now to go check it out.  

Well, the reason my knitting needles were out is that I was knitting sock booties for Emma, my Waldorf model.  The pattern is by Fabs.  Here is the link to the Etsy shop listing.   And, here is the sock bootie on Emma...

I also made some pantaloons to match a dress previously made and relisted it as an outfit in my Etsy shop.  I think that Emma is enjoying her modeling job here with me...

That's all I have for this week.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Zippers, Pouch, Coats, Knitting Needle and Tag...

I have managed to get a few things done in this past week.  

I finished these kleenex tissue cozies for my niece/godchild, Jody.  I couldn't get over the feeling, though, that I was preparing something for Easter.  Ya know?  

But, that's okay...whatever Jody wants.  

That's a total of 15...with no two the same.

I made a list of things I need to do...those that I have already committed to doing, those that I would like to do...and those items needed to do for Christmas/birthday gifts.  Please remind me to never do that again!  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. 


You think?

Anyway, here is what else is going on here...

I got some zippers.  Finally!  Every time I think of making a zippered pouch, I realize that I have no zippers.  I refuse to pay the store prices when I can get these fine zippers online.  Even paying shipping, they're much less expensive than purchasing at any of the stores.  I get mine from zipit.

I made a little pouch...will likely make more, it was so quick and easy to make!  This one will be used to contain Kaylynn's hair clips and bands, etc.  The tutorial can be found here...

I finished a hooded coat for an 18" doll...worn here by Emma, a 16" doll.  LOVE this fabric!  I will take better photos when I am ready to list it in my etsy shop...but if you click on the photo, you will see some of the detail.

 Another coat...gray wool with pink floral lining.  No hood on this one. 

I will be working on patterns this next week or so.  I need to alter a few to fit different sizes, and I need to develop a few.  Could be interesting!  

So.  That's what I've been doing.

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Here's a story about Tag.  As most of you know, Tag should really be someone's companion/service dog.  He picks up and retrieves anything I ask him to.  I guess that means he is MY companion/service dog, hey?  Seriously, he does pick up anything I ask him to pick up...phone, remote, pen, paper, fabric, food bowl...anything and almost everything without destroying it or getting it wet.

Well, the other day, my knitting needle dropped behind the side table.  Without moving said side table and my big easy chair, I was unable to reach it.  So, I asked Tag to pick it up for me.  Which, he did.  It was a size 5 knitting needle, so not very big around.  Here are a few photos...

size comparison with a regular pen

carrying it to me

Oh, and to help you get the picture in your head...the side table and my big easy chair are kind of in one corner...angled away from the wall.  Tag routinely walks under the table and lays in the corner behind the table/chair.  I knew he wouldn't have a problem getting to the knitting needle.  Still...what a good boy!

Here's a photo you may find humorous.  When ya gotta go, ya gotta go, ya know?  And, Tag had to go.  Indeed.  Right smack in the middle of the deluge...

if you click on this photo, you will see how hard it is raining!

Have a great weekend!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

A Dog Bed and A Tote and ...

This is great fabric, don't you think?  It is a canvas duck print fabric purchased at Hobby Lobby for Kim's dog bed.  It washed and dried beautifully and was great to work with.  I made the dog bed cover yesterday...it went together quite easily.  I double-stitched the seam and inserted a zipper along one side.  I also made a new muslin cover for the foam stuffing.  

I think it measures about 28 x 38 inches.

Kim sent photos of two (of her three) dogs testing the new bed.  They look like they are finding it comfy, don't you think?

Tahoe

Richard

Early Friday morning found me cleaning off the workspace in order to make room for my next project.  I was folding the remnants of the dog bed fabric, thinking about different uses for them...and decided to make a tote bag.  For Kim.   I am not sure what she is going to use it for, but Kim loves it.  ~grin~

It measures about 14.5 x 10 x 2 and is lined with Kona Cotton Solid in Ash.

 

  

So, here's something to boggle your mind.  When our thoughts are turning to schools starting, Fall arriving, pumpkins and Halloween and all of that, I am asked (by my beautiful and super wonderful godchild) to make Kleenex Tissue cozies.  Okay, nothing to boggle anything with that sentence.  I am not sure what I was expecting, but it surely was NOT pastel fabrics!  But, that's what caught Jody's eye and so that is what I will make 15 Kleenex Tissue cozies for her with.  

I made 7 of them yesterday morning.  Shaking my head the entire time at the so-very-Easter colors I was working with.

They look great, though, don't they?
I am happy to do whatever Jody wants.  

So, that's about all I have for today.  

Don't work too hard...take time to enjoy yourself this weekend.




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Another Bright and White...

I am so happy with this just completed quilt top!  Totally in love with these Vintage Happy fabrics by Lori Holt.  I have most of the collection...for this quilt, I added in some Bake Sale by Lori Holt and a few Riley Blake basics.  You can find the tutorial for the scrap jar star blocks right here.

If you will please notice - in the sidebar - I now have 18 flimsies.  (What is a flimsy?  It is a quilt top.  Just a quilt top...no batting or backing.)  Eighteen is a really big number.  I mean, really?  18?  That is just downright shameful. 

But, good news...it's that time of the year when my thoughts turn to Christmas gift-making.  I think I've decided what I'll be making/giving this year.  And, I should be busy with other sewing...doll clothes and such.  Which, of course, means that I more than likely will not be making quilts for a good long while.  At least, not until after the holidays...and shouldn't even then...until I get most of that pile of flimsies quilted!

Except, there is that one more quilt that is already (mostly) planned.  To be made with the fat quarter bundle of Hoffman Bali Handpainted Batiks in Coconut.  In case you missed it a few weeks

ago, here it is... 

The last 5 quilts (well, okay...flimsies) I have completed were made with bright fabrics with Kona Cotton Solid in White.  That is since May 17, less than 3 months ago.  WOW...5 quilts with brights and white!  I love all of the fabrics I used, but it is definitely time to switch it up...to use something softer and more dull and not at all bright!

Before that, though, I have much more important things to do.  Dog bed covers and kleenex cozies to make.  Doll clothes to design and sew.  Linen to use!        

Do you have your Christmas gift-making list made?  
 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Linen, oh Linen!

How I do love thee!

Look at what arrived at my doorstep today.  Well, I don't actually have a doorstep, that is, a step outside my door.  Just a hallway.  No step.  But, you know what I mean.  Right?  Just look at all of the scrumptiousness!

l to r:  Natural, Ginger, Buckthorn Brown, Chocolate

l to r:  Sphinx, Mixed Natural, Lima Bean, Translucent Yellow

Linen!  OH!  Linen!  I love linen.  It is all about linen!  I think I mentioned this before.  Why yes, I did...right here under Random Thought #6.  This box of linen totally made my week.  Which, by the way, was going very well.  Yeah, yeah...I know you're wondering what I am going to use this linen for.  Admit it, you are at least a little bit curious.  Or, if not, it's because you think you already know the answer!  Well, I have some marvelous ideas.  Yup, for doll clothes.  All involving linen.  Cuz, you know.  I love linen.  We shall see how it works out.  That, by the way, is only part of the answer.  Secrets are at work! 

I've been working on a quilt all week.  There are several components to the blocks...so I've been cutting and sewing and pressing and trimming.  Here are a few peeks...

 

 

 
Because I have nothing to do (she said tongue-in-cheek), I picked up 2 more projects this week.  They both sound like they'll be fairly simple to do.  One is due now and the other can wait a bit.  So, that's all good. 

I know what I'm doing this weekend.  Do you?  Have a great one!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Random Thoughts On a Saturday Afternoon...

I have thoughts that I often think of sharing, but somehow I never get around to it.  And, it seems I have gotten so that I don't post anything unless I have something to show you.  This blog was named 'doodles of my mind' and those doodles were intended to be whatever comes to mind regarding family, friends, brown dog, God, sewing, quilting...well, you get the point.  

So, today, in this post, I am going to share with you some random thoughts I've had lately...those that I think you might need to know.

Random thought #1:
I wait for the mailman.  Every.  Single.  Day.  Always have.  Course, back in the day before computers, letters and bills filled my mailbox six days a week.  Now, of course, I pay most of my bills online, and letters are a thing of the past...emails and instagram and facebook and blogs have taken their place.  Sometimes, I am expecting a package, but with tracking information, I always know when it is going to arrive.  Unless, of course, I receive a surprise package.  Which doesn't happen nearly enough, in my opinion.  All of this to say that (at least) 5 of the 6 mail delivery days will find me disappointed at the mailbox.  Yet, the next day finds me waiting.  

Random thought #2:
I think I've said this before.  I am so happy to be retired!  I love the freedom.  Each day could be a new adventure.  Course, I am almost always here sewing and chatting on the phone.  Partly because most of my friends are still not retired.   But.  The fact that I can do whatever I want whenever I want gives a great sense of freedom in and of itself.

Random thought #3:
I think I've also mentioned this before.  I love to sew.  However, I do not like to do alterations.  And, I don't necessarily like to make something because someone wants me to (like the last two sweatshirt jackets I made for my Aunt).  Those things tend to sit for a long time before I get at them.  Something about stifling my creativity, I suppose.  (Or, that could just be an excuse.)

Random thought #4:
I love music.  I have music on most of the time...unless, of course, I am watching tv.  For one thing, I love it (I know I just said that), and for another thing, it helps to distract me from my tinnitus.  Or, at least, helps to make it less noticeable.  Because, frankly, there are days that the constant ringing in my head about drives me crazy! 

Random thought #5:
I know my limitations.  My sister and I were talking about this one day.  She thinks I can do everything and that I can do everything perfectly.  I know that I cannot do everything...and that I cannot do everything perfectly.  When I am complimented on something I've done, I know that much of the time, it's because the person who is complimenting me would not be able to do it.  When I said that to Jill, she  thought I was downplaying my work.  That's not it.  I am well aware of the fact that there are those out there who do much better than I at specific things.  That's not downplaying my work...that's being realistic.  I do the best I can.  A lot of the time, it is more than adequate.  We all have our strengths and weaknesses and I do not pretend to be the best (or even adequate) at all things. As I said, I know my limitations.      

Random thought #6:
I love linen!  I want to sew with linen.  I intend to do something about that.  Perhaps someday.  Though, not to the exclusion of sewing doll clothes. 

Random thought #7:
I joined Mandisa's Word Warriors...we memorize a new scripture each month.  July was 2 Peter 3-9..."The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance."  

Well, those are all the random thoughts I have for now.  We should do this again, hey?

I am keeping busy this weekend with much cutting and sewing and pressing and trimming.  

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Well, okay!  I guess I cannot leave without posting a photo.  Here is one that I shared the other day on Facebook.  Not sure what to call it?   It measures 6 inches square and is made of linen.  It took a very short amount of time to make...and is just the perfect thing for the two little tealight holders to sit on...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Calling All Models...

When I asked Cathy if she had any dolls that she wasn't using that could be used as models for my doll clothes, she answered as the wonderful and gracious person that she is.   

Emma, made by Barrie over at Moonchild Dolls, arrived yesterday.  I could not be more delighted!  Emma is a 15/16 inch Waldorf-inspired doll with brown curly hair and green eyes...and look at her feet!  It will be so much easier...and certainly more fun!...to have a model to work with. 

Emma

Because she had been placed on the wrong postal truck, Emma arrived very late in the day.  I am thankful that the carrier made a special stop to drop her off, though, instead of taking her back to the substation where she would have had to sleep overnight.

Emma was very worn out from the long trip from Virginia...

She promptly laid down on a pile of quilts with a little brown dog, who certainly seemed to welcome the company.  

I think I'll give her a few days to acclimate herself to this household and then we'll start in.  In those few days, I need to work on this next quilt I started...and I definitely need to think seriously about what I want to make for Emma to model.  Not that there is any shortage of ideas running around in my head...it comes down to which of those I can actually bring to fruition.

Cathy is sending two more dolls who are apparently very excited to be used as models.  All I know about them is that one is a girl and one is a boy...and that they are smaller.  I will let you know when they arrive (was there any doubt about that?).  Those two will remain with me.  Thank you, Cathy!  Emma is on loan, only.   Someday, she will be returned to Cathy.  Someday.  

And, in the meantime, there is some very exciting (almost beside myself) news in the making!  No details have been worked out, so I don't want to jinx it by saying anything.  Stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!
  



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11