rag dolls

At the last minute are plans changed for Christmas.  My Beloved's grandmother is not doing well so we traveled to his parents' home.  She does not live far from them.  But this meant we had to reconsider gifts, especially for his sister's children.  I truly feel if gifts are to be given it is all about the short people.  

The youngest is very into Disney's Cars.  Months ago I had found panels that would make him a small quilt in that theme.  I had everything else around the house so it was a fast stitching.

I decided on rag dolls for the two middles.  I used a very old eight inch doll pattern that I had from years ago.  

I have always had issues with faces and hair but I think the faces are improving.

I have to admit that I would use a larger doll pattern next time.  Getting my fingers in some spots was difficult:  turning arms for stuffing and getting the legs on.  These two babies actually stitched up quite quickly.  Twelve or eighteen inch would take more fabric for both the dolls and the clothes but they would be easier to make.   My Beloved thought it was scandalous to put a picture of them here naked!

Now the hair.  I am still not happy with it.  I used old cashmere sweater pieces that I was going to card into fiber to respin.  One short and one long haired because that is who they are.  

I made pillowcase dresses for them.  I think they were rather strange looking baby dolls so I am not going to be offended if they are never played with.  Just not my fortier but they keep getting better!

I did make bags for each of the babies and put a purple ribbon shoulder strap on each.  I find bags appeal to all people and they just may get used.

More Christmas

I am still stitching presents.  I will be honest and admit to always having presents and projects in my list for my loved ones.  The Christmas season is nothing new.  It is a constant (please read this with laughter because I am writing it while laughing!)

I try to make at least two nightgowns for my best friend every year.  I think I got one made last year.  She likes plain white and too the floor, just like I do.  I have been making her nightgowns for years.  

But they are plain and it is Christmas!

I had found some crazy sheets at the thrift store to make pajama bottoms for my tall short person (translation:  daughter).  I have always wondered if she wears what I make her.  Today I had proof.  She rescued my bicycle and myself from work after the heavens opened up and dumped water in buckets.  She was wearing the pink skeleton pajama bottoms I had made her last year.  So the crazy sheets should be good.

I had the thought that they might just brighten up my best friend's gift.

I made a bag for her nightgown.

All these patterns are from the same sheet.

The bag definitely brightens up the gift.  And I know she will reuse the wrapping!  Maybe as a lunch bag or something else on set.

Caramel Corn

It was an interesting holiday.  I am always a bit frantic getting ready for it.  I do say I have to enjoy it but this year being anemic really did not help!  I did finally get to my Beloved's request for caramel corn.  It sounded yummy to me as well.  I use Molly's recipe for Orangette:

http://orangette.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-ever-and-ever.html

We do not have a microwave so I pop my popcorn on top of the stove.  I add a pinch of salt to this large bowl of popcorn.

The one tool that makes all the difference for this is a good candy thermometer.  They are not very expensive but priceless.

I leave out the peanuts.  I do not particularly care for them in any caramel corn I ever tried so I just ditched them.  

This is so yummy that it gets eaten much too fast!  I have not made it more recently for my Beloved because it does get into our tummies much too quickly.  

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas to All!

boxes are away

The baking is all done for my family.

Which means I had a few items to finish.  Like embroidering a nightgown and finishing making it.

I find this extremely relaxing and try to think of other things to make.  I really like pillowcases and I have ideas for more.  Embroidery cottons and silks are inexpensive and the projects have a tendency to be very portable.

This nightgown got finished and wrapped as well as everything else to be posted.

My beloved was most helpful putting cookies and scones into packages.  Packages into boxes.  And lots of tape!  We got it all mailed just not early enough.  A bit of anemia was a road block on this end.  I still have bunches for the home folks.