a dog for bunny

Had fun with the sewing machine at the kitchen table yesterday. Lucy sat with me while I made "Roger" the dog. She likes the sewing machine. Going to start showing her how to use it. Oh - couldn't stop - so Roger got some pants. haha The girls love these little sock animals!

OX and bunny

Busy day finishing up Mabel's OX costume and Lucy's ghost costume. Needed a break from Halloween stuff and the computer - so I finally made something from the Sock and Glove book. I found the gloves at the Dollar Store... what a deal! I added a little heart in red thread and made her a skirt and matching yoyo for her hair. sweet.

Halloween: OX night

Had a big night of sewing tonight. OX is nearly done - not sure Mabel is going to be able to wear it, though -- it's pretty hefty.

I ended up making a sort of shirt-like insert so that the costume can rest on her shoulders. Hoping I got the positioning right so that her eyes meet up with the mouth opening. She's long gone to sleep for the night, so I'll have to try it on her in the morning.

Part way through, I decided to cut the arms off and stuff them and make them unusable. They're still there, but Mabel's hands will just come out of a hole in front for Trick-or-Treating.

I'll start the black stitchwork now - around the eye and mouth and tongue.. then put on the "X" eye.

nitey!

Halloween: Ox costume update

I've got the pieces for OX all cut out and was waiting to get some interfacing to help stiffen it up and help it stand up. Got the interfacing today - so it's time to get sewing. I really hope this turns out and that Mabel will actually wear it! Wish me luck...

Another crochet roll

I made another crochet hook roll last night for my sister, Erin. She has more needles and tools, so this one is bigger than the one i made for myself. (maybe i'll send her mine instead and keep this one!??!) ;-) I picked up the fabric yesterday - a couple fatquarters. I really like them together.

These rolls have been great practice with my machine. I'm a bit more confident in my stitching and even managed to make the ties myself this time. Still much to learn.

Here's to stitching, Erin!
xo
a

granny square blanket started

I think this is going to be a fun one! I'm using 10 different colors of yarn and the "Willow" pattern from the 200 Crochet Blocks book.

Each square will be a different color combination - no two alike.

5 down - 49 to go!

a dress for Lucy

Lucy saw this dress in Crochet Today and really liked it. Have started it in different colors and yarn - will be a cozy jumper for sure... will post progress... hmmm how many projects do I have started now? ;-) cheers!

Halloween: The Making of OX

Mabel is frightened of almost anything halloweeny but we managed to get her to stray away from the princess costume and go for one a bit more scary. My friend Robin gave the girls Ugly Dolls one year and Mabel LOVES her "OX" (the OX stands for kisses and hugs - as he displays with his eyes). So - Mabel will be OX this year. I'm really hoping I can pull this off - I really haven't sewn much. Still figuring out how she's going to see out of this thing -- probably thru the mouth opening. hmmm :-)
Will post progress...

BOO!

Mabel's sweater progress

Well - Mabel's Sweet Pea Cardigan is almost done... I need to embroider in the ribbon flowers. I'll post a photo of her wearing it when done!

Chinese Propaganda Poster: Auntie, please use this umbrella

Auntie, please use this umbrella. 1964
Ayi qing yong san

---

Another poster from my collection.

In China, the nannies in the orphanages are called Ayi (pronounced: eye-yee) or Auntie. When we met Lucy, she would say "Ayi ayi ayi..." so this is a special one for me.

happy birthday, mama

1937 had its share of milestones... Disney premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Hindenberg crashed in a fiery blaze, Amelia Earhart was lost at sea... but the greatest was the birth of Nancy Mable Reeside.
Nancy is out and about traveling the U.S. with dad. Last report was from the Grand Canyon and they were heading to the Petrified Forest. Have a blast! xoxo

frogs for Mabel and Lucy

The kids enjoyed the bullfrog that daddy found so much, that I just had to make them each a "purl frog." I used an old pair of jeans and shirt that the girls can't wear anymore for the material.
Lucy and Mabel adore them. They each have one tucked into bed with them tonight.

sweet dreams.ribbit.

crochet hook roll

Finally brought the sewing machine back out and made myself a roll for my crochet hooks. came out alright for my first one! I'm glad to have all of my hooks, needles and scissors in one place. Was great to sew again, too! I've got to do some more sewing... :-) very fun.