2nd Cloth Doll

Working on my 2nd cloth doll, and things are getting better. She is actually looking put together. I'm trying new patters for the clothes from other books and patters. I'm finding out how to alter larger patterns to smaller patterns from this project. The shoes were a challange, had to make a couple of phone calls to my instructor for translations of pattern lingo, but I got thru it and I'm happy with the result of the first shoe, now I hope to get the 2nd shoe at least to match. I even added some embellisments to here beret with green beads. I'll share with you when she is completed. Wow, sewing is so much more then I thought, I'm really enjoying this new craft. >>>><<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<>>>><><><>>><><><><>>>>><<<<<><><><><>>>>>

The best way out is always through. Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Pasadena Flea Market

Attended the Pasadena Flea Market a couple of wks ago, how fun was this outdoor market. Great people watching as well as fun times meeting the artists the various vendors, and seeing lots of old stuff that I grew up with. Got to share with my kids things they haven't seen before because in these modern times don't use anymore. Like a rotary telephone stand/phone book holder, that was fun to explain to them. Anyhow, I was happy that the kids enjoyed it, and found lots of fun things to start collecting again. I recommend an outdoor Antique Flea Market to all!

Bernina Artista Instructional Class

Last week I completed the Sewing Machine Mastery Workbook which covers the instruction manual for my Bernina 730 sewing computer machine. It brought me up to speed on what the sewing world has been doing before I joined this wonderful art form. The first part of the class was to learn the terminology, features, functions, navigating the touch screen, sewing basics, buttons, tools, accessory options, how to use the walking foot, free motion options ect. The second part of the class was a whole new level of sewing decoratively using the special features on the Artista 730 model. By the end of the workbook we got to pick out any patten within the machines software program and embroidered it. I choose a Cong shell with six different color thread, I always wondered how those hand towels looked so custom and expensive, now I know! Enough of the "techie" talk.... the class was really fun and informative, our instructor Carol Hatton is a blast. She is the spokes model for BERNINA, she even has tons of red accessories with each outfit she wears to class. I would recommend the Bernina sewing machine to anyone who wants to have a tool that is a true workhorse, starting with any entry model.

Some pursue happiness; you create it!!!!

Cloth Doll Status

Want to share my progress with you and to my cloth doll that she is indeed getting clothed. I would still like to give her a blouse and shoes, but that will come shortly. I did have a great time creating her hair out of "twine", I wrapped the twine around a pencil and used craft glue and tacked down the ends and press on a clamp for about 30min. to ensure the form and poof she had curls in her hair, and I also added a piece of scrap fabric that was laying round. Now that I pinned her together I now will take her apart and glue permanently the up due today. Buy the way, during the Seaside Doll class that I took at the end of May, one of the members painted each students doll face for added uniqueness, she's pretty talented!

Quote from Hafiz:

"Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth "you owe me"".

Transplanting Orchid(s)

After 2yrs. of successfully Orchid raising it came time to transplant my Orchid. I was told most Orchid died after transplanting :-( However, I located a wonderful nursery here in Upland, Ca. called Mt. Fuji Garden Center. This staff of well informed "certified nurseryman" are wonderful, everything from Mums, Camellias & Azaleas, Fuchsias, to promoting Tomato Contest, vegetable gardening in containers, 9 ways to save drought-stricken gardens, Bonsai Classes and so much more. Anyhow, Mr. Frank Fuji ensure me that transplanting my Orchid would not fail with Premium Organic Orchid Bark so I transplanted them today. Here is the finished results....

Cloth Doll Making

I had the opportunity of attending the "Seaside Dolls Club" in Long Beach, Ca. on Sunday, May 31, 2009. I got the chance to make a cloth doll. The class started out by introductions of each new student and then the Seaside Dolls Club members. Most of the students had some type of sewing experience for several years, however all participants were encouraged to forge forward with this unique craft. We started out by picking out a bag with a pre-cut fabric doll pattern, that contained one body & head, two arms, two legs. Then we stuff them, (there is a specific way of stuffing dolls, who knew?) After stuffing, we had to hand sew the limbs together, as you can see, I got to get her put together, which I was so happy about! I still get to give her a name, put hair on, and clothes her, which I will be getting to this week. I had a great time doing this project and have already ordered some cloth doll books and beginner patters! Yupiee!!!

I was excited that I was around such artistic ladies, amazing work these gals have harness over the years. These gals are a hoot, not to mention that the Chair person and member is my old LKWD HS, home economics teacher Polly Frank-Womack. As well as being the Chair person for the LB Chamber of Embroidery organization. These ladies shared wonderful stories with us all, and after a day with them I decided to join "Seaside Dolls Club", can't wait to share more with you all.

Don't forget every one is creative, just give it a try!