Doll Clothes and other Thoughts and Doings ~

 

Hi everyone! I feel like this was another lost week, as I reeled with current events and endless cold weather. Sure it's winter but , well, sub zero windchills? Snow? Oh I was dismayed and boggled.

" I WILL sit out in the sun, mommy. 

10*? Not a problem, 

I am an ancient Tibetan dog breed with a dense double coat."

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Did you read there was an earthquake in New Jersey? Nope that was my one year old washer with the madly raucous violent spin. Glad the neighbors moved and new guy is renovating. I blame all the noise and vibration on him.

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Doll clothes! I dusted off my unused tiny clothes sewing skills and sewed the first tryout outfit for my little friend's doll.  Sooooo fun. But a very different skill set from quilt piecing. Everything is so small.

The doll is an American Girl Doll meant for younger children. She is 14" tall instead of 18'' like the more elaborate regular AG dolls. I think the smaller doll is harder for a 4 or 5 year old---those tiny shoes, itty bitty hair bows etc. And harder to sew.

This is the book I used. Usually I'd make my own patterns but since I didn't have the doll with me, I needed basic ''slopers''---a bodice, a sleeve, a skirt length, pants. 

This is what I made. Luckily I  have bits of trim etc but a trip to the craft store may be needed soon. Especially since my friend's taste runs to sparkly tulle and shiny stretchy fabric. The craft store is a big deal bec it's far away. 

Her Mom said No shoes or accessories but how is that an option? So what if they go lost, it's the idea that counts.

Outfit was a success and loved by the little recipient. It fit! It looked cute! It was easy on and off.

Yay! Next a sundress? and a Valentine dress.

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No quilting, just brainstorming about how to make the tiny squares for Whatnots quilt. Thanks everyone for ideas! I put it aside, discouraged, but now am feeling the challenge. We'll see.

And for those who asked me about the bright quilt used on last post's header, it's a Humble Quilts sewalong from 2018-19. Here is my blog post. Oh my, such happy times, pre-covid and other life challenges. So unaware and happily sewing away. Which I guess is/ was just fine. My brother loved vintage MAD magazine, the motto was: What, Me Worry? Quilt: La Grande Sajou"

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I haven't seen my best friend L in ages, we are both hibernating a bit. She and I texted about feeling so cold, even in a supposedly warm house. No pics but some of my suggestions  [let me know if you want actual links]:

-Old Navy makes [on sale] wonderful fleece lined and all fleece leggings.. Cheap! And an active wear thermal but thin [like Cuddleduds] tee shirt. So soft! Thumbholes!

-Invest in good wind block/ waterproof overpants, mine are hiking pants from REI. 15 years old, couldn't live without them. Wear over sweats or the above leggings when you go outside.

_Wear a down or thermal outerweight vest under your parka. Wear a warm scarf!

-Embrace leg warmers. No sense wearing warm layers if the wind howls up your pant legs. Mine are Under Armor and I think any ballet supply would have; also saw on Urban Outfitters and Amazon. OR: cut the arms off sweaters and hem the tops. Reuse instead of donating. Cashmere and thermal waffle sweaters are great, also for fun a bright pattern, look for fair isles. You're only gonna wear them outside unless like my house, your home is super drafty.

-I have sheepskin UGGS and also sherpa Allbird sneakers. So toasty and on sale now $60.oo.

-If like me you love fingerless gloves, think again or you'll end up with cracked finger tips. I know personally. Leather gloves lined in cashmere instead.

-Wear a headband ear warmer under your bobble beanie.

-Hot tea always. Good to hydrate and oh so warming. Doesn't have to be dark and strong, we want the warmth, the comfort. I like a fragrant Double Earl Grey from Stash. Maybe add a tiny bit of lemon or honey.

-AND: Warmies! These are microwaveable lavender and? flax? pillows. Mo and I each have a heart pillow. So comforting, my back relaxes as soon as I lie down to sleep w the warm pillow. Mo snuggles right up to his, which i wrap in an old sweater and tuck under the lining base of his bedtime bed. Mo doesn't scratch or chew or play with large toys so he is ok. The pillows are child safe but consider your dog's temperament before using. They also make adorable warmable stuffed animals but I can't bring my self to put a ''creature'' even if just cloth! in the MW. A lovely product, great value. WARMIES

What did I forget? Let me know. 

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And---did/ do you love making doll clothes? Have a special beloved doll? Blog friend Julierose and I had fun remembering ours, so please share your stories too.

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Now: Walkeroos for Mo. Snow still covers the ground here. The salt is hard on his little feet. [NO! he won't wear boots!]

Sunset is after 5 now. Good times ahead!6-ish months til summer.

PS Yes I got the stew going finally. So much chopping, I'm an idiot. Bet Lean Cuisine's is just as good.

Have a great week. Photo below just for pretty, a collection on Instagram. I love everything and how the items are displayed.

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

ribbon clouds.....tattered banners, glowing as the day ends.