'Shake it Off' Tuesday
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "Aristocats", ancient Disney VHS, for Son. Again.
(sigh) Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement. I think I just twisted my thoughts around a jerk's words, and came to an incorrect conclusion. In a way, my site and even me, are very necessary ! In a world where it's actually cheaper and easier to buy everything than it is to think creatively, we both serve a need. Especially for those of us who'd rather think than spend ! In fact, when it came to the time I used to spend on Prego, I instead made Elphie something new :

 

You can see a photo of her wearing it standing up on her page, I just love it. This photo's exclusive to the Blog, just for you. Think I'll do things this way from now on.

 

Back to the dress... It's a free pattern, downloadable from Blitzen's Place. In the last column on the right, it's the Gene dress. There's also a free Barbie pattern there - actually several pieces, to mix and match ! - with directions. The Gene dress page doesn't have directions, but I wrote up the procedure on Elphie's page. If you've never done set-in sleeves, her explanation on the Barbie page is great. This one is actually a bit big in the waist. I did that, by not following the 1/4" seam allowance there. I thought she'd need more room in the waist than Gene did. Now it looks like it wasn't necessary, sewing it as it comes would have been fine.

 

I hope to sew another one tomorrow, correctly this time, and see how it goes. I also need to write up a page of 'doll sewing cheats'. While I can sew curved hems, it's kind of a PITA, and I wanted a lace edge on this one. I can write up how - actually did, on the Elphie page - but it doesn't make much sense without photos. There's all kinds of stuff like that, I take for granted doing it, but it may encourage someone else to try. It takes an additional step to do it this way, but gives a more finished appearance than simply zig-zagging the hem and sewing lace on top.

 

Gosh, there's so much for me to do ! Tomorrow, I'll include the 'to do doll list', it's getting longer by the day !

OK, I officially give the *&#@ up...
Mood:  incredulous
Now Playing: XM 80's - "Holiday", Madonna

Here it is then - the person I had so many problems with on Prego is back, and I give up. I try so hard to maintain that it's OK to have very few dolls, it's nothing to be ashamed about, that my dolls are special because there aren't hundreds of them with more arriving daily...that making unique creations for them with my own clumsy hands sort of 'bonds' us, if you can grant me the indulgence of writing something that sounds so weird out of context. I am happy with my Basic dolls, my playline ones, and the ones that aren't worth a d@mned dime to anybody but me.

But here's this jackalope, under the guise of sharing his expertise in how to keep big-ticket dolls clean (several hours of daily dusting, spending more for canned air in a month than I spend on dolls and sewing in a year), bragging about his 800 member pristine doll army, some of which wear custom designs sporting 600 Swarovski crystals ( I'm amazed the dolls don't fall apart from the sheer weight of their dresses !), and not being at all shy about letting us know that HIS collection is worth a quarter of a million dollars, and he also 'buys low and sells high'*, so the $12,000. in sales he did in March is merely 'a little extra spending money'.

D@mn. I just about feel insulted. His 'little pocket money' is close to what supports this entire home for a year. I know, I know, we all have choices and different ways of doing things. But that letter was far from explaining how to dust dolls and more about 'me and all I have that you don't'. He'll never understand that, to some people, it's getting your nose rubbed in your choices or cash situation every time he goes on one of his brag benders.

But, hell, he doesn't have to. He's got a loyal flotilla of barnacles that'll cling to his every word and support his grandiose gesturing. By now, everyone else knows to keep their mouths shut, or be branded a troll or heckler, and possibly get tossed off the board. One of the main reasons there's so much security on Prego now is that some of the favorites felt they were getting picked on when someone dared present a less than completely agreed-on opinion. What is this, the Prego-Borg collective ?

It's just sad that every brag has to be bigger than the last. It wasn't enough to say he paid $800. for a $250. doll, the next message had to post another overpriced acquisition and mention their crystal (more blasted Swarovski) collection. Now it's this. I give up.

I also take back every nice thing I said about him, I said most of it because I didn't want to believe that anyone could be such an arrogant azzhole. I thought I'd reached the summit of Conceit Mountain, I find I'm only halfway up a foothill at its base. And there's so much more rocky, inhospitable, uncaring territory ahead.

I don't need that. If I wanted aloof, imperious condescension, I'd call up my mother. I don't need that in my life, and I certainly don't need it in my hobby, something that's *supposed* to make me happy !

So screw Prego. I keep going back like an idiot, but I think they've finally gone to a place I'm unwilling to follow. I wouldn't like myself when I came back. If I even could.

It makes me wonder if I'm doing anybody a favor with this site. It can't be that everyone feels the way the Pregoites do. Surely somebody besides me goes to second-hand venues, not looking for antiques, but cheap doll props and fun things ! But when the 'look at me, I just bought another $$ Tonner doll and another $$$ Tonner outfit' gets 50 responses, and a 'Hey, look what I made for my doll' gets three, I can't help but wonder.

This isn't what I wanted to write tonight. I wanted to post a photo of the cheap jewelry I made Elphie, that I was so proud of. And post a link to a free Gene dress pattern I found, that I hoped to work tomorrow. Now I'm wondering what I'm doing.

Maybe tomorrow will look better, especially after I make the 'circle with a line through it' Prego poster.

*I've seen his Prego sales. Yes, he sells high ! But I guess his loyal band of buddies is buying the cachet and grandeur that comes with getting one of HIS dolls. Instead of, say, spending $50. to $100. less to get it off eBay. Phfah. I fear the day he decides to sell his used toilet tissue, these idiots'll buy it. Even if they have to go into debt to get some.

Limited edition, you know.

Snap sewing Sunday
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "Caddyshack" - from the family's DVD holdings.

Quiet day. Two loads of laundry's drying on the rack and from the backs of several chairs, Dearest Son is shaving chalk to make dust so his cars are 'dirty' and can be washed clean. Beloved Hubby's working his cute butt off, and I'm wondering what to do next.

I have snaps and finishing to sew on the green dress, the polka-dot capris, and the matching blouse... I've told myself I can't sew anything new until I finish what's waiting. Got a divided box - used them to hold embroidery floss back when I cross-stitched - for all the doll jewelry supplies. It's roughly twice the size of the box it was all crammed into, but it took every centimeter of new space available. Strongly considering making another necklace from what I've got, strung on elastic cord salvaged from Hubby's new wallet's packaging. Still need to photograph Elphie's latest jewelry.

While our camera's working fine with indoor shots, it over-exposes when taken outside. Snapped a few test shots last week, and Son's blue track pants showed up burgundy ! So, apologies, but you're gonna be seeing mostly indoor photos from now on.

At least I'll soon have a nice backdrop for 'em. Bella Productions has already sent me the tracking number for Room With A View, it'll go out Monday. I still feel vaguely guilty, but it's better than waiting six months while they get more in stock !

Not much else going on. Prego's doing a list of people who craft for dolls - sewing, knitting, crochet, etc. - and I'm not sure if I want to be included or not. I still feel excluded a lot of the time, but I figured it's because I don't post much. So I've posted a lot, and still get ignored. Maybe if I made stuff to sell that 90% of the group couldn't afford, I'd be one of the golden circle darlings, too. Thank Everything I don't want it.

Looked at picture frames during the grocery run. Found one I really like, and it's only $9. It's gonna be funny when I drag Room and Elphie into the store for a consult in a few weeks ! The walls are magnetic, but I think about frame weight, all the ones I really like are rather heavy. But if I put enough magnets on the thing, it should be fine no matter how heavy it is.

Well, Hubby's home and napping, and Son joined him. Think I'll get a start on those snaps. I don't know why I always put the 'finishing' part off. Of course, I've been known to make a near-flawless outfit, then screw up the closures...(sigh)

Well, no more kvetchin' about it...
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: "Aristocats", ancient Disney VHS, for Son

...Beloved Hubby ordered 'Room With A View' this morning for me. Bella Productions has 'em in stock, and it'll go out Monday morning. I'm gonna put it away until my birthday actually arrives - or until Hubby decides what he wants for his birthday, later this month. Not fair for me to get my gift when he doesn't have his yet.

I wanted to go to Hobby Lobby today, to price dollhouse windows for it. Instead, I figured out how to make a picture frame work as a bay window - and those are readily available, in many sizes, cheap ! It'll be easy to change the 'view', too. I'm scouting, but won't buy until I get the Room.

Went through our DVDs and selected a round dozen we don't like or watch anymore. Hopped 'em over to a local video store that buys 'em for either cash or store credit...and the Venture Brothers, Season One set cost us a big whoppin'...sixty cents. Whee ! Only bad thing was, one of the discs wasn't in the box, and I thought that one would bring us the most. Turned out we didn't need it, but I'll take it by later, next time we want a new DVD ! Stayed up late Friday, watching it all. Hope the second season is as good - the final episode was a definite cliff-hanger !

Hubby had to work today, but I got to run for supplies, so I spent some time with him. I worry about him working so hard in this heat, but he's actually bored and restless when he's not working. He's on it tomorrow, too, but I'm home with Dearest Son. Should be fun !

I did go back to Dollar Tree - son loves the Cars markers I got him, and he's having fun sorting papers in the Tow Mater folder. Took a better look at the other necklaces and decided against getting a second one. The green one was too 'neon', and the other colors I pretty much already have. Just need a bigger box for all these beads and findings. Maybe when I hit the store tomorrow for groceries, DTree didn't have a big enough one, and I don't want six smaller ones.

It's too bad I didn't get much done, but it was a really nice day. Hope you got to play !

Happy Friday !
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Launch.com - 'Too Sweet', Morello.

Got to go to Dollar Tree today. Dearest Son hit the jackpot ! For some reason, they had an entire endcap display of Cars stationery-type stuff. Pens, pencils, markers. He selected a Tow Mater-themed ink pen with a tiny Tow on top that pivoted on a ball joint. I snagged a pack of non-glittery pencils for his back-to-school days. There were mechanical pencils, regular pencils with huge character erasers, iridescent pencils, and the stuff we bought. Son had Tow opened and 'writing' in the car. He waited to open his second playset choice at home. So he was happy.

They also had a set of flip-flop shaped erasers that would probably work for Crissy. But I can make those myself, and these were rather heavy. So they stayed there.

I did score a three-strand necklace, from their 'Tropical Treasures' by Sassy and Chic (tm) line. The largest strand was plastic solid color beads, another was white with a bit of color glass 'straw' beads, and the third was pearl-like seed beads. It was topped by a clunky faceted 'gem' to match, but it was made of plastic. Of all the colors, I selected a pale lavender, but when I go back for more Cars school supplies, I'll probably snag the green one.

Once home, I had it stripped and ready for repurposing in minutes. Had to take 'em all apart, they were strung on thick fishing line, and I wanted a better 'flow'. Ordinarily, I would have used regular white thread, but I actually have stringing thread, part of a craft lot from a long-ago yard sale.

Made a three-strand 'waterfall' necklace from the white 'straw' beads, using the necklace's clasp. The pearl-like seed beads made a single long necklace that loops around four times and can be arranged into different shapes. The plastic beads just look too...big and plastic-y, if you know what I mean. They're saved into a baggie for later, in case I decide to use 'em later. Part of the 'chain' clasp and a jump ring I didn't use also got stored for future experiments.

While I used Elphie to model, the necklaces can fit any number of my dolls. The long strand can fit the sixth scale girls, Crissy, the Disney Princesses. The 'waterfall' one can fit Crissy and Barbie size dolls, too, but it's a snug fit on Crissy !

Now I know why there are so many doll jewelers around. It's lots of fun ! Both necklaces took less than an hour, and I love 'em. I know my simple efforts aren't as elaborate as what's for sale on eBay and nice websites, and I used second hand/Dollar Tree supplies, but if I have $10. to spend, I'd rather make my own doll stuff and save up for a lucky find at a yard sale or Hobby Lobby !

Since I had to drag out the 'jewelry kit' (a leftover plastic 'school box') and root around a bit. On second thought, I don't have to get a green set - I got acres of green already !

And Beloved Hubby's on his way home. What a nice day !

Happy surreal summer !
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: "Three Musketeers" - Disney DVD, played so frequently, it barely loads anymore.

Updated the home page a bit, added the photo of Elphie's car and, at the very bottom, a Random Surreal Generator. It's fun ! If you like, click on it to add to your own site.

Not much today. Rain and more rain. I'm thinking about finding the pattern for the Disney Princess doll shorts and making a blue pair. For one, I wanna practice more with inseams, and for two, I altered a teddy bear shirt last month to fit them, and it needs shorts to match. Can make a few dozen pairs of shorts and pants, but they look better in dresses.

I may have overcome the 'more' bug. I truly don't want anything, but I do enjoy looking. I just need to limit myself. Maybe to an hour or so. There's too much else I need to be doing to indulge for longer than that. I was worried that, once I felt a bit better about being in my own skin, I'd be more demanding, but the reverse is actually true. Happer I am with me, the less I want.

Unfortunately, I've left a sink fulla dishes go for too long, and the kitchen's beyond wrecked. So hopefully tomorrow, there'll be something new to write about. In the meanwhile, enjoy the surreal on the home page ! It's at the very bottom here.

Capri fun...and one more 'I hate DSD !' rant.
Mood:  d'oh
Now Playing: "Lion King 2" again - don't kids ever get bored with the same movie ?

Not much going on - Elphie has two new pictures on her page. I still love her lingerie chest. Posted the same image on Prego, and got the usual shrug. But I'm not doing it for that anymore. I just want to show others that they don't need to feel bad for not having the latest and greatest. That not buying custom-made stuff that has to be pre-ordered and secured with a three-figure deposit. There's lots of stuff all around to enhance doll play. And gosh it all, you can make some of it yerself !

Sorted through the Ken doll clothes and selected apparel for the 'My Scene' guys who are going to new homes whenever the next charity calls. I already have a drawer full of Dearest Son's outgrowns and some redressed dolls I forgot about for the last pick-up. I don't like to donate nude dolls. They don't sell as well, and it's bad enough I bought a doll just to strip him. Least I can do is let him or her salvage some pride and find a new home dressed.

Made the capris I wanted from the green-dot fabric. And a simple pair of pants took over two hours. I could *not* get the crotch to match. Now, I understand that it's common in garment construction to shape the crotch curve by cutting the front differently from the back. But this was just beyond. By the time I got them to mostly match, I was sick of the whole thing, convinced I couldn't sew inseams, and the crotch in question bagged like it was made for a much larger doll. If the capri crotch matched Elphie's, she'd have a green dotted bra ! The fabric was worn from sew, rip, sew, rip, repeat, and I just wanted it done. To say it's half-azzed is overstating matters.

So, for giggles and worries, I printed out the 'Pantalettes' pattern from the Traveler in Thyme pattern CD Beloved Hubby and Dearest Son got me for Mother's Day. Boom ! Less than an hour, start to finish. Fits great, looks great, easy and fast, and the inseam wasn't a big pain.

I want to sew more of her stuff before I write a review, but if you're curious, here's her site, with photos - Traveler in Thyme patterns. Elphie's Christmas Candy swimsuit and the white capris came from her patterns.

In other news, I'm still wrestling with the 'more' bug. Having Son home for the Summer has helped, but I think I need to turn off the computer during the day. Too much eBay, too many things for sale on Prego.

And there's too much for me to sew and write without looking to buy more doll stuff ! Darn it, why can't I get that through my head ?! Garrrrghh !

Rethink...
Mood:  quizzical
Now Playing: XM 150 - Uncensored Comedy

Looks like Leia-chan's gonna hang in there. She's misfiring due to an oil leak somewhere, and Beloved Hubby has a theory or three. He cleaned her up last night, and she ran like a dream. Poor Leia-chan, hardly anyone takes care of her at any stage of her vehicular life.

I have a theory that states, 'Things that are cherished, even though they're just things, show it.' Leia-chan tries so hard, and has not once left me stranded. I may not take the best care of her, but she is cherished.

Told Beloved Hubby that I was having a serious rethink about 'Room With a View' - it's so expensive, and darn it, I have enough. I can always just buy a blank foamcore triptych...they sell 'em at Hobby Lobby for school science project displays. Paint or decorate it myself, have him find me a nice wood floor. But he won't hear of it. He said that he'd like me to have the best available, without settling or going for the cheapest option. Said he was proud of how I always managed to find a different way to get what I want as creatively (and cheaply !) as possible, but just once, he'd like for me to not shift and make do.

It's very sweet of him, but I still feel vaguely guilty, although I should just relax and let it go, since it's something he truly wants to do for me.

It just reminds me of my life, you know ? When I was a teenager, my folks went on a tropical week's vacation without me one winter. When they returned, they presented me with a very tight choker necklace boasting a large stone. I admired it, asked if the glittery piece was a real diamond, was told, "It had better be." That's all that was ever said about it.

I could never wear it, it was too tight. Even with a bracelet spacing it, it itched after five minutes, so it resided in the jewelry box, where I told myself that it was proof they loved me. Years later, I had reason to have it appraised. Not even a zirconia. Glass. And it was a child's necklace, not a choker, on electroplated base metal. If it had been worn for more than ten minutes, the 'gold' would have worn away, and at least it explained why it itched. Jeweler looked at me with pity, said if anyone paid more than $10. for it, they got rooked, and whoever told me it was real was either beyond stupid or viciously malicious.

I could have been more understanding about the whole thing if it wasn't just one more example of my younger years. Trying so hard to believe that pig iron is gold, because I want so much to believe that I'm worth it...

Whoo. Sorry. Got a bit personal there. Maybe I should delete it, but I'm not going to. It happened. Worse things happen every day. But we go on.

Because we want to believe, so much...

Remembering day...
Mood:  quizzical
Now Playing: MP3 player - 'Calling America', Electric Light Orchestra

While it's now more of a 'here's the 'official' start of summer' day, Memorial Day started out as something greater. If you haven't already, consider taking a moment to remember those who have already gone, especially the veterans, and those who are going through h#ll, like survivors of New Orleans and Java, Indonesia. Sometimes I think about relationships that have died in my life, too.

But the moment passes, and I'm back to my selfish self. Why does a minor car repair never end that way ? Three hours and too many bucks later, it's done, and may we never have to do that again. Grrrr...

Dearest Son wasn't nearly as entranced with the repair bays as he was the last time he went with his Granddad for his vehicle service. He was bored, and wasn't even interested in the book he brought. While I made sure everyone else ate this morning, I didn't, so I was roaringly tired and very hungry.

Afterwards, we got his much-needed and great-lookin' Cars shoes, and even a 'slammer' Tow Mater. Even I like that toy. It's soft, and when ya hit it, it yells 'Ow ! Dad Gum ! That wuddn't very nice !' in the character's voice. Tow is currently garaged in the colorfully decorated box Son's shoes came in...which is nice, since the sides feature Tow, too. He has the cereal-box premium cars in there, too - we got Luigi this week !

Grabbed a soda for Beloved Hubby - he worked today, and we were going from Target to his work site - and a cherry Icee for Son. I was holding off in favor of the great iced tea from that chicken place down the street. Hubby came home for lunch and took Connie-truck back with him. I'll whine about the repair cost, but I do have to say this much, she's smooth as oiled silk now !

Poor Leia-chan may be on her last set of tires. Radiator leak has slowed, but it's still there, and she's misfiring, even though we replaced the plugs less than a year ago. Urgh. I do not want to look at cars again !

Haven't had much time for dolls yet today. Didn't get time yesterday, either, so I think I'll break out some of that fuzzy-dot fabric I got from Saturday's yard sale and make something sleek, cool, and elegant. Maybe some kicky capri pants and a loose shirt...

Sunday, Sunday...
Mood:  chatty
Now Playing: Can you believe we're watching "Lion King 2" again ?

Quiet day. Haven't done much but clean house some. Dearest Son's train tracks were everywhere ! It's amazing how elaborate he makes those. And how much it hurts when I stumble over 'em. Darn sharp Tidmouth Station !

So much to do, and I can't seem to get started. Beloved Hubby's been bugging me for birthday ideas, but what do you get the woman who has everything ? Well, he saw me looking at 'Room With A View', a Clea Bella set that I've loved for a while. It's lovely, but rather expensive, that's why I just look.

Guess what I'm getting for my birthday ? I can't believe it, but he says it's worth it, and he knows I'll love it. Here's the specs : Room With A View. Hope they'll have it in stock when we order it in a few weeks !

Got to do the grocery shopping early. Dearest Son's now sporting a new Cars t-shirt, the only one I could find with Tow Mater, his favorite character, on it. We'll also get shoes to match this week - his poor, but beloved, Thomas light-up ones have about had it. He even said they were too tight and weren't fun anymore. Yeah, I think the lights bought it about two weeks ago. Just about when he outgrew them. Amazing how stuff like that works out.

Tomorrow's gonna be busy. Connie-truck needs a minor repair, so Hubby and I are gonna switch vehicles so I can get it done. But you know how repairs go on holiday weekends - we've gotta be there early. Wish us luck ! Son is gonna be thrilled if the service bay is visible from the waiting area, but I need to take something to do. Maybe get that Leia reroot started...

Maybe I'll have time to sew tonight - or clean the kitchen. Hopefully sew !