Monday, I received a call for an order for doll clothes. This woman ordered 8 items and also wants to just see what stuff I have on hand. One of the items she ordered is a fur trimmed coat. I asked her what color she wanted and she told me purple. So, I went and bought purple. Being the smart person I am, I also purchased blue and pink. She called me Tuesday morning at 7 am and asked if I had already purchased the fabric. I told her yes but no problem, (Here I am thinking she is going to cancel the order)Instead, she changed her mind and wants red. I wasn't sure if they had red so I told her I would call that night to confirm. I found the red, purchased it and cut it out. Wednesday morning I was at my sewing machine at 5:30 am working on the list of items I had to make for her. At 7 am, she called again! "Oh, I really want pink" was her request. I told her that since I was already half way through making it, my deadline of Thursday would have to be delayed another day. She agreed to come on Tuesday 9/1 instead because of out of town guests. Yippeeee, I have the entire weekend to work on her items as well as make a few extra's just in case! Always please the customer!
Di, I have managed to sneak in one little outfit for one of your dolls too! I will have the other two outfits made up shortly and will send them to you soon.
Today, Brent had surgery to repair a couple of hernias. It's strange to me that when he is not under doctors' orders to rest, I can't get him off the couch. Now that he is under orders, I can't get him to sit still! What is is with men? BTW,he's doing just fine but I dread the next 10 days that he has taken off from work to recouperate. He cannot drive and that's what his job entails. It's going to be a very long 10 days!
Oh, and since my oldest daughter is lazy and doesn't post on her blog, I have been given permission to announce, she is pregnant. She's due in January and she just told us. She has been keeping it a secret, shame on her but it's a BOY. That will make two boys and two girls for her. Now we just have to figure out how she is going to go anywhere with 4 kids. I guess they will have to take two seperate cars every where they go. And, she is now working with me and my other daughter, working from home. No nepotism in this company!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Foot rest
I love my foot rest. Really, I couldn't work at my desk all day without it. Now, I have a little extra cushion under my feet!
Circa 1910
Here are the newest additions to my line of doll clothes. These two beautiful dresses are from the era of 1910. Thanks to my treasure trove of patterns I recently acquired, I was able to come up with these two dresses by combining and altering a couple different patterns.
Monday, August 17, 2009
My newest treasure
Last week I received an email from a woman that had seen my ad for doll clothes on a local news channel's website. She told me that she had just placed her mother in an assisted living facility and her mother used to own a porcelain doll store. She asked if I would be interest in seeing her supplies and maybe purchasing some of them. She had placed an ad on the same site for the entire lot for a price of $150. I replied back and we made arrangements for me to go see the items. When I arrived, I found a treasure trove of patterns and supplies. Rather than pick through and decide, I paid her the $150 and loaded the truck. I've been going through the three boxes, 9 storage bins and a 4 drawer file cabinet. This woman was very creative. She made her own patterns for modern, antique and antique style dolls and clothes of all sizes. She also has many, many purchased patterns as well. Some of these I can use to make period style clothes for the American Girl doll as well. I don't quite know what I am gong to do with the body patterns since I don't make porcelain dolls anymore (my tremors are too bad for me to paint the detail on the face). I am going to check with some of the local doll shops to see if they want to buy any of them or I may sell them on ebay. I don't know yet. Most likely, I will just store them. Here's a picture of what I haven't incorporated into my own supplies yet. This and the file cabinet that is out in the garage because there's no room in here.
So, if you or you know anyone that is in need of patterns for clothes or doll bodies, I have them. Contact me and I will see if I can accommodate your needs.
Di, If you can, send me a picture of your little dollies. If you can't get the pic to upload, then give me measurements. I am sure I have several choices now that will fit.
So, if you or you know anyone that is in need of patterns for clothes or doll bodies, I have them. Contact me and I will see if I can accommodate your needs.
Di, If you can, send me a picture of your little dollies. If you can't get the pic to upload, then give me measurements. I am sure I have several choices now that will fit.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Surprise
In a few of my postings, I mentioned that I was working on a special project for my dear sister, Linda. A week ago, she was in town and I was able to give her my surprise.
Since I am in the business of making doll clothes, she and I talked a bit about the different types of dolls that have come and gone. She mentioned to me (I could swear this is what she said but later learned I was wrong)that she always wanted a Revlon Doll. {History lesson: This doll was very popular in the mid to late 50's. The came in 10" and 22" sizes then later on, a smaller version called the "Little Miss Revlon" doll came out in a 10" size.} I decided that I love my sister so much that I wanted to surprise her with one of these Revlon Dolls. I searched on eBay and to my luck. found one that I could afford. I placed my bid and a day later, won the doll. She came, not in as good of shape as I had viewed on the site but with a little tlc, she'd be in great shape. I gave her a real good bath and washed and conditioned her hair. The biggest problem I had was that her face was very sticky. I did some research online and found that this can happen with the vinyl dolls of that era depending on how they are stored. I also found a solution for that stickiness. I purchased the magic solution and a few days later after receiving it in the mail, I was able to restore her face to almost new. The magic solution had slightly removed some of the coloring in her face but with a little artist chalk, the non smearing, acid free kind, I was able to put a little color into that beautiful lady's cheeks. She came with earings, panties and a dress that was rather ugly (not original to the doll) but I liked the style so I took it apart and used it as a pattern to make something in a more suitable fabric. I also purchased more patterns and was able to make three dresses, a slip and bra, and a teddy. I also purchased a couple extra pair of shoes. Since the earings that she came with were tarnished, I carefully removed those and packaged them for Linda and replaced them with beautiful pearl like earings and made a matching necklace to go with them. I didn't remember to get a photo of one of the dresses and didn't take photos of the under clothes but I did buy myself a doll as well and when I make the clothes for my doll, will post those. Linda, I hope you enjoy your doll as much as I enjoyed giving her to you. I love you lots!
Since I am in the business of making doll clothes, she and I talked a bit about the different types of dolls that have come and gone. She mentioned to me (I could swear this is what she said but later learned I was wrong)that she always wanted a Revlon Doll. {History lesson: This doll was very popular in the mid to late 50's. The came in 10" and 22" sizes then later on, a smaller version called the "Little Miss Revlon" doll came out in a 10" size.} I decided that I love my sister so much that I wanted to surprise her with one of these Revlon Dolls. I searched on eBay and to my luck. found one that I could afford. I placed my bid and a day later, won the doll. She came, not in as good of shape as I had viewed on the site but with a little tlc, she'd be in great shape. I gave her a real good bath and washed and conditioned her hair. The biggest problem I had was that her face was very sticky. I did some research online and found that this can happen with the vinyl dolls of that era depending on how they are stored. I also found a solution for that stickiness. I purchased the magic solution and a few days later after receiving it in the mail, I was able to restore her face to almost new. The magic solution had slightly removed some of the coloring in her face but with a little artist chalk, the non smearing, acid free kind, I was able to put a little color into that beautiful lady's cheeks. She came with earings, panties and a dress that was rather ugly (not original to the doll) but I liked the style so I took it apart and used it as a pattern to make something in a more suitable fabric. I also purchased more patterns and was able to make three dresses, a slip and bra, and a teddy. I also purchased a couple extra pair of shoes. Since the earings that she came with were tarnished, I carefully removed those and packaged them for Linda and replaced them with beautiful pearl like earings and made a matching necklace to go with them. I didn't remember to get a photo of one of the dresses and didn't take photos of the under clothes but I did buy myself a doll as well and when I make the clothes for my doll, will post those. Linda, I hope you enjoy your doll as much as I enjoyed giving her to you. I love you lots!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
More All Dolled Up Doll Clothes
Click on the link at the left to be directed to my website: AllDolledUp-DollClothes.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
I've been tagged
Thanks Diana, for tagging me. I would never have asked my children this question had it not been for the "tag".
This tag, we are supposed to reveal 7 things our children like about us so I sent a text message to all three of my kids at once. The question was posed like this:
"Don't bother asking why but I need you to tell me two or three things you like about me, love mom."
My daughter Kim who is 31 said:
"You are extremely talented (remember; Oma knows everything {that was a comment my grandkids said to her once})"
"You help me with everything in more ways than one and more than anyone else"
"You are very pretty"
This tag, we are supposed to reveal 7 things our children like about us so I sent a text message to all three of my kids at once. The question was posed like this:
"Don't bother asking why but I need you to tell me two or three things you like about me, love mom."
My daughter Kim who is 31 said:
"You are extremely talented (remember; Oma knows everything {that was a comment my grandkids said to her once})"
"You help me with everything in more ways than one and more than anyone else"
"You are very pretty"
My son Jeff who is 29 said:
"Everything" Then he asked what the girls had said and I told him that Jenny was going to email me and Kim hadn't responded yet to which he replied; "Well, I bet they can't top that, cause it's the truth, I like everything about you"
"Everything" Then he asked what the girls had said and I told him that Jenny was going to email me and Kim hadn't responded yet to which he replied; "Well, I bet they can't top that, cause it's the truth, I like everything about you"
The youngest Jenny who will be 26 on the 12th said:
"You are my best friend"
"You are always there when I need you"
"You're creative and talented and make me great stuff" (I made her a purse recently and I guess this is a hint for me to hurry and make her apron, computer bag and jammies that she's been asking about)
"You're beautiful"
Thank you kids. I love you too. Your comments mean more to me than you realize.
So now, I have to tag 7 people. Since I only have about that many who read my blog anyway, your're all tagged. And for those of you whose children are too young to tell you, have your husband or friend tell you what they like about you.
"You are my best friend"
"You are always there when I need you"
"You're creative and talented and make me great stuff" (I made her a purse recently and I guess this is a hint for me to hurry and make her apron, computer bag and jammies that she's been asking about)
"You're beautiful"
Thank you kids. I love you too. Your comments mean more to me than you realize.
So now, I have to tag 7 people. Since I only have about that many who read my blog anyway, your're all tagged. And for those of you whose children are too young to tell you, have your husband or friend tell you what they like about you.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Discount Puppy
She was the last one unpicked from a litter of 8. The owner said that he would give us a discount on her because of her white paws. Truth be told, we would have bought her anyway, whether she was the last one or full price. She was the one that came to us first and kept coming back to us. Yes, she was THE ONE!
The first name that came to my mind when I saw her was "Lacy" so here she is, the newest member of our family, Lacy.
For those of you that can't tell, she is a golden retriever. Very spoiled and Luke doesn't care much for her yet.
The first name that came to my mind when I saw her was "Lacy" so here she is, the newest member of our family, Lacy.
For those of you that can't tell, she is a golden retriever. Very spoiled and Luke doesn't care much for her yet.Wednesday, August 5, 2009
COWABUNGA!!!!
No, that's not my new catch phrase, it's the new water park that opened a few weeks ago close to my house. Cowabunga Bay that is. It's not a real big water park but there sure are plenty of slides and fun for everyone. Brent and I and our kids (sorry Jeff, we missed you)and their families as well as Brent's neices all put on our swim suits (OK, I didn't, I wouldn't be caught dead in a swim suit and I am scared of the water because yes, I almost drowned in 2 feet of water coming off a slide once)and headed on down to the park. We got there shortly after it opened in the morning so it wasn't too crowded. I do believe that everyone had a great time!
Kim and Mollie
Emily in the black bikini and Sarah (standing just behind Matt), lovingly known as "the girls". They love their uncle Matt!
Mollie Macaroni
He's still so handsome and look at that bod!
Me
Aubrey Girl. She just got her hair cut a couple weeks ago. Isn't she cute?
Kim and Mollie coming down the kiddie slide
No fear for Jase. Luckily they have the jackets on site to use
And Jenny was never far from his side
Zach and Aubrey getting ready to go around the lazy river
Kim and Mollie again.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Any Harry Potter Fans?
If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you might like this new outfit. I tried to make it as close to the outfit that Hermoine wears. Of course, since I don't knit, the sweater became a vest and made from fleece. This will be posted on my website in the next few days.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ode to Charlie
Our sweet Charlie, aka Sir Charles Benjamin III took his last breath this morning at 5:53. He hadn't shown any signs of being sick and even yesterday, acted as he always did. This morning when Brent was getting ready for work, he woke me up and told me to come watch Charlie. Charlie didn't want to move and he was outside on the deck. Brent wanted him to come in so he helped him up. That was the first indication that something was wrong. After about 10 minutes, Brent carried Charlie into the bedroom and laid him by my side of the bed. His breathing was very labored. Brent told me he was going to take him down to the emergency vet and I told him NO. I told him it was time for Charlie to go and I didn't want him lying on a cold vet's table. So, we sat with him and petted him and told him how much we love him. After about 45 minutes, our boy Charlie went to Heaven.
Charlie was born Sept 28th, 1998 and came to live with us in Nov of that year. I remember the night we went and picked him out. He immediately went for Brent and has been Brent's buddy ever since. When we brought him home, he got his first taste of people food; bean and bacon soup and ever since then, he has been the biggest beggar you could imagine. Every morning it was his ritual for me to give him a cookie biscuit so he could go out to go potty. He'd eat that, go down, come back up and sit at the door and stare at me until I came and brought him and Luke another one. He'd eat that and then by the time I was done with my breakfast, he'd be ready to come in for yet one more. Then he'd head downstairs with it and be happy for a while. Yes, three cookie biscuits for breakfast and that doesn't count the one(s) Brent would give him before he went to work. Surprisingly, Charlie was not that much overweight and Luke is not at all.
So, nearly 11 years old, Charlie has gone on to be with his friends Addy and Spooky. We will miss you dearly sweet Charlie. We love you!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Today, I am...
HAPPY. 
I woke up today feeling very tired and not wanting to get out of bed but I did anyway at 5:45 and got in the shower. As I was dressing, it suddenly hit me; I am happy. My little business is going well. My "real job" is going well. I love working from home. I love my life.
Today, I want to tell my husband of 31+ years how much I love him. Actually, it's impossible for me to put into words just how much so, I love him beyond words.
Today, I want to tell each of my children how proud I am of each of them. They have grown into such awesome people. Thank you for loving me anyway, even after I was screaming and yelling at you (it seemed like I was always yelling). Thank you for taking my advice (after you grew up) even though I may not have always been the example when you were in the process. Thank you for allowing me to be your mom.
Today, I want to tell each of my grandbabies how much I love them. Having grandchildren is probably the most rewarding, fulfilling dream anyone could ever have and I think I have been blessed with 4 of the best!
Today, I want to tell each of my siblings how much I love them. I don't tell you that often enough. Thank you for being my big brother or big sister. Each of you have taught me something, whether it was how to tie my shoes or how to fight for myself. Regardless, I am who I am because of your influance.
Today, I want to tell my Mom and Dad how much I love them and miss them. I know you're spirits are with me everyday. Thank you for all the support and love you have given me everyday of my life. Thank you for allowing me to make my own decisions and thank you for sharing your wisdom so that I would always know the right decisions to make to help get me to this point in my life.
Today, I want to thank everyone who reads my blog. In a way, you are the reason I blog. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts and dreams. Thanks for letting me read about your thoughts and dreams. Thank you for helping me to remember each and every day that the little things are the most important things.
I love my life and everything in it!
I woke up today feeling very tired and not wanting to get out of bed but I did anyway at 5:45 and got in the shower. As I was dressing, it suddenly hit me; I am happy. My little business is going well. My "real job" is going well. I love working from home. I love my life.
Today, I want to tell my husband of 31+ years how much I love him. Actually, it's impossible for me to put into words just how much so, I love him beyond words.
Today, I want to tell each of my children how proud I am of each of them. They have grown into such awesome people. Thank you for loving me anyway, even after I was screaming and yelling at you (it seemed like I was always yelling). Thank you for taking my advice (after you grew up) even though I may not have always been the example when you were in the process. Thank you for allowing me to be your mom.
Today, I want to tell each of my grandbabies how much I love them. Having grandchildren is probably the most rewarding, fulfilling dream anyone could ever have and I think I have been blessed with 4 of the best!
Today, I want to tell each of my siblings how much I love them. I don't tell you that often enough. Thank you for being my big brother or big sister. Each of you have taught me something, whether it was how to tie my shoes or how to fight for myself. Regardless, I am who I am because of your influance.
Today, I want to tell my Mom and Dad how much I love them and miss them. I know you're spirits are with me everyday. Thank you for all the support and love you have given me everyday of my life. Thank you for allowing me to make my own decisions and thank you for sharing your wisdom so that I would always know the right decisions to make to help get me to this point in my life.
Today, I want to thank everyone who reads my blog. In a way, you are the reason I blog. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts and dreams. Thanks for letting me read about your thoughts and dreams. Thank you for helping me to remember each and every day that the little things are the most important things.
I love my life and everything in it!
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