Sams Christmas

I was able to test this pattern for Genine, it is called Lucy and honestly my version does not do the pattern justice.  There is a smocked version of the dress and I can hardly wait to get started on it.  I used the plain version, so I could quickly test the pattern and used a Valentine fabric which actually ended up being a good fabric for a Christmas dress.

Sam is also ready for Valentines day.   What is strange at least to me is, Sam was a pretty neglected little dolly.  When the girls came over they would play with her a little but not much.  Now, that Sam is all dressed and has many clothes, the girls come in, say hello to her but never touch her.  I don't want her to seem off bounds, I do tell them it's fine that they play with her.  I am going to investigate further.

I do not want to forget to add Genine's link so you can find these wonderful patterns and also many more of the snowflakes Genine designed.  I had forgotten to do that on my last post.
Visit Genine 
More of the Lucy pattern

This is the smocked version that Genine made.

My snowflake

Genine (the doll lady) also digitizes machine embroidery, she is a very talented lady.  On Everythingsewing  forum, Genine shared with us a design we could use. It is a FSL- fleur de lis snowflake.  I have never done FSL before. I am new to machine embroidery but with Genine's excellent instructions I was able to make one. In fact I made a few, tied them on gifts as a little decoration and an extra present.

I think I am going to like machine embroidery now that I am learning a bit more about it.

New Year-New Start

I am behind in everything, blogging, sewing, decorating, well you name it and I am behind in getting it done or even in some cases I have not even started.   I will put all of that behind me and start fresh.
 The item that really put me way, way behind with any Christmas preparations this year was this stocking.  I bought the kit 10 years ago when I found out we were going to be blessed with a Granddaughter. I never got around to getting the stocking done.  This was the year it was finally going to be ready for Christmas and join the one I had made her brother.  After all how many times can you say, "next year"?

I have this little problem called procrastination.  As Christmas grew closer I realized I could no longer let the stocking go undone.  With only a few weeks left, I set up camp at the dining room table, and set about sewing on sequins and beads.   I took this picture before I was all done, knowing it would go down to the wire and I probably would not get a picture of it all done before it flew out the door.   I did get it finished but with a lesson learned.  So, my goal for the New Year, will be to --Do It Now!!

Meet Genine

Doll clothes designer extraordinaire.  Genine resides in England and adds a European flair to many of her designs,  she also has a knack for translating the fashions we sew for our little girls into one for dolly too, so they can have matching outfits.
Genine designs for 18" dolls and gives excellent instructions to compensate for variations of different doll body measurements as not all 18" dolls have the same body size.

Each pattern comes with several variations as you can see here with the Katya  pattern.

 I am honored to be a tester for Genine's patterns and Sam thanks her for letting her get off the shelf and being able to play again.

I have a special little girl that will be getting a new special friend for Christmas and she will come with lots of new clothes.
You can purchase Genine's patterns through her Etsy shop. new patterns are added often so keep checking back.

Something for fall

Sam wanted to show you the outfit she wore to the quilt show.  Our smocking group has a raffle each year for doll clothes and Sam did some modeling.  If you think I am having way to much fun sewing doll clothes you are right!!  

This top has a touch of smocking.  The perfect amount for leaning to smock.  The version can also be made without smocking.

Well, Hello Dolly

Hello, my name is Samantha, my friends call me Sam.  I used to have a little girl to play with but, as with all little girls she grew up.  I went to the shelf at grandma's house.  I have some stuffed animal friends that also got left behind, it's just not the same as having a little girl friend to play with.  I was pretty darn sad for awhile.
One day, grandma came and took me off the shelf. Where was I going?  What was going to happen to me?  I must confess I was pretty scared.
Grandma took me to her sewing room and gave me a new outfit.  Then she let me go outside and play.

I was so excited and happy.   It seems grandma, has found a designer of doll clothes and is enjoying playing with me.   I have been very busy modeling new clothes and playing with grandma.
She even took me to a quilt show, so I could model a new outfit.

Now, I know you will want to make new clothes for your dolly and I don't think you could find cuter clothes for doll's with a custom touch.  Oh, you don't have a doll?  Well, I bet your daughter or granddaughter does and what better way to share then making some doll clothes.  

You can find the patterns here  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Genniewren

Missing

I realize I have been missing from the blogging scene and I am sorry about that.
Summer has just been so darn busy that writing just was not on my list of things to do.  We had two weddings within weeks of each other.   
I was able to visit Ohme garden again, a place I love but don't get to very often so I would love to share some of it's beauty with you.

I am also launching off on a new venture of sorts with my sewing so will be sharing that with you.  I hope it inspires you.

Take a walk with me along the path.  The perfect place to feel peace to renew your strengh and have a whole new outlook.