Thanks, for everything, always.
Now Playing: me snoring on the sofa...
 

Current Mood : Overstuffed

Current image notes : Stolen from Michaels.com. One day, though, I will buy or make a doll cake. I've always wanted one - with a whole doll, not a pick. 

 

We had a nice, quiet holiday. Even when ya can sleep ‘til noon, if you're normally up at 5am, yer bladder ensures that you maintain schedule. So we had quite some time before we had to get ready for the big feast at DGMil's - by showering and boiling eggs.

 

So I began work on the ‘Han Project'. Of the three prototype Kenner outfits pictured on The Star Wars Collector's Archive (http://theswca.com/collectors.html)'s pages for the Han and Luke dolls - or Large Size Action Figures, if you prefer - two are jumpsuits/flight suits/speedsuits. I really didn't want to start with one of those. Luke's "Ceremonial Outfit" was more my speed. V-neck black shirt, black pants, beige jacket, all versatile and fairly simple to sew.

 

But I could tell from first glance that this would present a bit more of a challenge than Leia's flight suit, even if both originated on the same site. Leia's pattern I could read. This one was much pictured much smaller, so I'd have to figure out which piece went to which garment on my own. Luckily, it was pretty much common sense - and I kinda figured that, like Ken ‘suit' garments by Mattel, these Kenner shirts were sleeveless. It helps the jacket go on easier, and is cheaper to produce. Of course, it could be that the solo set of sleeves pictured on SWCA went to both shirt and jacket, but that'd be kind of a pain when one goes over top of the other.

 

So I proceeded to the PaintShopPro part of the plan, and bleached the image to black and white. Can't drain the color cartridge printing prototypes, ya know ! Then I outlined it and color-filled until I had the exact same pieces as black lines on white screen. I'd to a website tutorial on how to do that, but I can't imagine anyone but cheap ole me wanting to know how !

 

Once it was down to outline, I increased it 200% and ran a draft-quality printout. Nope. Much too small. Might work for a small-body Barbie, but the back piece didn't come close to Luke or Han's neck or back. Took it back to original size and increased it by 205%. Better - a taped-together quick print was nearly there, but too short in the sleeves and too tight all around.

 

Again. Back to original, then up 300%. I could tell without a printout it was too large. Original to 275% ? Hmmm...another quick print, cut, and tape, and it looked about right. Sleeves were the right length, but underarms are always hard to tell with paper, and these 1978 dolls don't have pivoting ball-joint arms. It's straight up and down with all of ‘em.  Still, 275% looked pretty good, so I printed out and cut a fresh set.

 

Unfortunately, there wasn't time for a quick trial. We had to get the Wii ready for transport, boil a dozen eggs and assemble devilled egg ingredients, and find a good bowl for the salad. Plus showers. But a grand and glorious gourmet meal was worth it, and visiting family made it wonderful. By the time we got home, I wanted a nap !

 

Which is what I'm on my way to. Hope your day was full of things to give thanks for.

Black Friday Humbuggery
Now Playing: quiet of an 11pm home...
 

Current Mood : Sarcastic and bitter, like a good coffee.

Current Pattern Notes : I'm not sure exactly what the name of this one is. It was sent to me from the pattern group - and I love it ! It made Shinobu and Janice's clothes. Yup, whole thing's in Japanese, but the line drawings make the language unnecessary. Lots more I want to make from this !  

 

Getting better by increments. Sorry to have neglected the site and blog so much, I really had to budget my energy for a few days. There's still not much going on, but at least I got to write something !

 

Perused Black Friday ads. If you're not in the US, you may be unfamiliar with this charming tradition. Basically, large-ish stores like anything ending in Mart dump merchandise they've struggled all year to sell the day after Thanksgiving. It sells on that particular Friday - even if it didn't sell all year - because it's been discounted.

 

Now, anyone who's worked in sales can tell you  that you can easily discount something 50% if there's a 600% markup on it in the first place, and the buyer has no idea what the wholesale price is. Just that it's been on the floor gathering dust for $1000. for six months. Offer it for $750. for three hours - say, from 5am to 8am on just one day of the year - and folks will literally trample children and sacrifice family time to get it. Never mind the fact that the store only paid $500. for it to begin with...and you have a deal with Big TV Manufacturer to ‘let' these go, since the New and Improved will be hitting your store in February...

 

Yeah, I'm leaving out many important details. But here Stateside, it's less about being happy with what you have on Thanksgiving and increasingly about the hunger and hunt for more, better, and latest. And most of this stuff's not 'gifts', unless you count that big-azz TV as a 'family' one. Why else would someone start queuing for electronics as soon as they've pushed away from the bounty of treats on the table ? And it gets more ridiculous every year.

 

I've bowed out. It's not any noble sacrifice or anything, it's self-preservation. Last Black Friday I dared to venture out, I darn near got mowed down by some huge black compensation vehicle, piloted by a woman talking on a cell phone, McBreakfast in the other hand, ruckus of kids or other shopping adults audible in the back. With all that going on, she didn't have time to pilot her ‘safety' vehicle, and I doubt she ever saw me. Also got to witness a screaming match that probably came to blows over a disputed parking space, and a fender bender. All in the same parking lot. I vowed ‘never again', and that was three years ago. Plus there aren't any good doll sales this year. (giggle)

 

Now, I may bend my own rules a bit. Kohl's has these sweater ornaments that look fantastic on Tonner dolls like Elphie and Fiyero. And Friday, they're 60% off before 1pm. So I may go out about noon, since nearly all the ‘big' sales are over by then. If I don't get ‘em, that's fine. I've come to the point where I don't want much, and even the stuff I do want isn't a big crave. Plus, of the great folks who took photos of their dolls I the sweaters, no one says how much they are ! Even the Kohl's website doesn't have ‘em. So they may be too expensive even with the discount. I'm not too upset either way.

 

Guess a good lung-rattling cold will do that to ya !   

Weird dolls and ad criticism
Now Playing: "Smokey and the Bandit 3" - of the DVD three-movie set bought cheap
 Current Mood : A bit ticked, a bit sick.

 

Current Displayed Pattern : I've actually used this one - View D is the 'racing dress' Miyako is wearing, and View C is the set Joy models. Both are on the Barbie page. Still wanna make View B's blouse and the cape from E - so 80s ! 

 

Feelin' a little better, but not much. At least I got the groceries shopped. And I don't have a big meal to cook Thursday - Thanksgiving's at DearGrandmother's (my DMil's mom's) house this year. I make my usual devilled eggs and bring a salad and some sodas. I should be able to manage that !

 

Got to play with a Blythe-like doll for a few minutes. I'm tempted - she's only $10., and really does have fantastic eyes. But they're more novelty than anything else, and I clearly remember thinking the Blythe doll I held so briefly back in the 70s was weird and putting her back on a shelf in favor of another Barbie. Anyway, they're Mattel's ‘Beauty Cuties', available at TRU and better Dollar General stores in the US. Huge head, big eyes, Bratz-like body. If I had long hair, I'd probably want one just to store hair barrettes and such on my dresser. Otherwise...naaah. More gimmick to me than potential fun play.

 

Plus, I get a bad Bratz-type vibe from any product that has 'Beauty is our Duty !' as a tag-line. Um...my 'duty' is to care for the ones I love, act in a way that is the best for all parties while maintaining my own goals and ideals, and protecting what is special and sacred to me and mine. 'Beauty' doesn't even enter the equation as an abstract idea ! How is 'beauty' a duty, anyway ? And shouldn't girls - and everybody - be encouraged to aim higher than physical attractiveness ?

 

The curious who wish visual reference can visit these Blythe/Bratz hybrids at http://beautycuties.everythinggirl.com/ . And if that is 'everything girl', may the Deity of your choice save us all.

 

Sorry I'm not more fun and stuff. I'm still really tired, and haven't even begun to work on the Han outfit yet. Had to put the ‘big girl' undies on yet again for stuff I'd really rather not do, but I handled it to the best of my abilities. I then got two more bills and a note from the other Homeroom Mom, saying we need to get started on the Christmas party at our kids' school. (sigh) Felt so overwhelmed, I haven't written her back yet, just went back to bed with a blanket over my head.

 

I mean, really. If the Halloween party taught me anything, it's to not overdo stuff with themes and such. Party's a big 30 minutes long (actually less, due to bus schedules and such), any competition-type game's not gonna end well, and even if only three parents offer snacks, we'll be fine. It's a first-grade kids' party, so we don't need Martha Stewart to cater and organize. Nice touches are great, but we don't need to shellac pecans here. Now, how do I communicate that to another Mom who clearly wants to be Ms. Stewart...?

 

Aw, heck, let her do her thing. Anybody else is gonna do what they do, and that's one thing even the real Martha can't change. I refuse to chase around and spend $20. on this party all by myself. And next year...I'll send a bag of Doritos and a tray of celery and be done with it !

Aw, crud...I AM still sick !
Now Playing: the soft and warm rumbling of chest fluid...

 Current Mode : tired of being sick. Also just all-over tired. 

Sorry - I'm about as sick as I get without another hospitalization. The gunk I'm horking up is green, too. Ick. Not much going on today but sleep.

 

Hope to catch up with you later. In the meanwhile, here's a pattern I bought for 10c at a Boy Scout flea market three years ago, that I'll hopefully get to use soon. While evening gowns and party dresses aren't my usual projects, I'm curious about the tulle overlay on that black gown Teresa is modelling. Never sewed anything like it before. Just gotta figure out the Han/Luke outfits first !

 

Hope your day's goin' better...urgh.

Looking for where today went...
Now Playing: "Star Wars Lego : The Complete Saga" for the Wii. Dearest Son saved over Beloved Hubby's game, so...

Current Mood : Relaxed

Current Pattern Note : I've had this one a while - was available for years - but never did anything with it. It seems so 'blah'. Maybe someday...

 

I have no idea where today got off to. I didn't do much with it but finally get View 2 up on the main site. For some reason, that photo took *forever*, about 16 tries. It looks like I just shoved Chel up against a fabric-covered piece of foamcore, and that's about what I did, but the eye-decal flash was something fierce ! Then I remembered to use the ‘macro' feature on the camera - the little ‘tulip' flower icon. I have no idea why that works, but it does. There's still some eye-reflection, but the close-up selection limits it somehow. Guess I really should go back and read the manual !

 

You'd have thought I'd have hit yard sales yesterday, the '07 season's soon ending, and it's not like Molly's wheel would have flown off...but I just couldn't seem to get it in gear. Even with Beloved Hubby's encouragement to go have some fun, I just wanted to be home.

 

Viewed Black Friday ad sites, and it's a good thing they're not very good sales, ‘cause I certainly ain't leavin' the house unless I absolutely *have* to. Every time I go out, even for a bag of chips from the quickie mart, on the Friday after US Thanksgiving, I nearly get creamed by somebody tryin' to read ads and brag on buys via cell phone, while coordinating with the folks in the backseat and having a quick snack, well, with all that going on, who has time to watch where they're driving ? Not even free dolls could lure me from my nest ! Nope, gonna buy a ton of junk food during the Monday grocery run and sit on my happy assets. Maybe sew something, and send good wishes and sympathy to the retail folks who are probably really bustin' humps to serve all the nutballs who've staked out line spaces since they wolfed down a turkey dinner at Gramma's, and are currently plotting their next retail conquest. Yikes.

 

In the meanwhile, I've a whole house to clean and Han clothes to plot, but I'm still reading Fark.com and trollin' for YouTube videos. I must still be sick or somethin'...

The wealth of silence and gifts of a printer...
Now Playing: "Shrek the Third" - forgot to return it to the RedBox.

Current Mood : Overjoyed and recovering

At least the gunk in my lungs is moving. It's darn disgusting, but better out than in, right ?

 

After putting in a full day at work, Beloved Hubby came home, took off Molly's passenger rear tire, and in about a minute, found the problem. Her rotor's out of true. It's scraping the arm that holds the brake pads on and compresses them, resulting in the horrible noise problem. Why the mechanic, the expert, couldn't figure that out, neither of us had a clue. Further examination showed a seal had been broken, and just pushed back together tightly, which also caused major damage to the supposedly brand-new bearings mechanic had just replaced. Um, no. Not one word was said to us about this, ever. It's not life-threatening or anything, but even if his ‘repair' hadn't gone belly-up twenty minutes after we paid him, it would have within a week or two. And it would have taken other parts with it.  

 

Well, to make an odyssey short, $82. at AutoZone (new rotor, new seal, new bearings) and two hours later, I have an almost silent Molly. It's simply incredible how quiet she really is. So I'm happy. Awesomely happy.

 

Unfortunately, about all I did today was experiment with the printer and mess around. I've been wanting a nice ‘night' backdrop for a while, but my options were limited. Nice night images are expensive ! And our printer does a good job - see the above photo - but the images tend to be a bit small. The one above is fine if I just want to showcase a blouse, but what if I want more in the photo ? Not that Shinobu isn't doing complete justice to a photo of downtown Chicago...

 

It's kind of silly for me not to know this already, but our printer can handle single image over multiple page jobs. And with the lightbox Beloved salvaged/made for me, I can get it to synch up really closely ! Add a coat of Krylon Matte finish ($3. at Mal-Wart) or two, and the ‘seam' will barely show. And it'll be just what I need ! So I don't have to buy expensive prints or anything. Just a can of Krylon.

 

With that solved, I sewed the pants to View 2. Peachskin fabric. It's gorgeous, but it really attracts dirt and lint. Once that image is posted - probably tomorrow - I get to start on the Han Solo project. Tuesday or so. I got a lot of work to catch up on Monday !

A quick study of why I *&^%ing hate mechanics...
Now Playing: "Mail Call" - History Channel signature show, on DVD for Beloved

Current Mood/Mode : Still sick and incredibly angry 

Current Displayed Pattern : The last of the 9c pattern haul, this robe package isn't doll-scale either.  And while it says it fits 'everybody', it won't fit me. My chest is too big for it. How things have changed since the 70s...where would you even *find* the odd fabric that one guy's wearing, anyway ?

Spent on dolls today : $10.74

 

As soon as Dearest Son got on the bus this morning, my sick butt got back to bed. And I stayed there, more or less - except for the three phonecalls and a mystery malady the computer UPS experiences every so annoyingly often that requires the computer to get turned off and on about four times before the &^%$ UPS starts working without that alarm beeping again - until lunchtime. A quick bowl of soup, and I was back there, but I felt a bit better.

 

It was a sort of up-and-down day from there - we had a bit of extra cash, but I wasn't in much of a mood to eat out or even shop much. But my car was ready, so we went to get her. I was so happy. That screechy noise was *finally* going to be gone !

 

And it was. Molly was blissfully, beautifully silent. For about 15 minutes. Then it started up again, gradually at first, but by the time we got home,  I swear, it was actually louder than before. The mechanic says to bring it back next week - we've already paid the *&^% - but Beloved Hubby wants to look at it first. Mostly because said mechanic is about a 45 minute drive each way. I'm actually rather scared to drive her, and the noise gave me a headache. Or I was that (*^^ed off, because there was that going on, too. So I'm not going anywhere I don't have to for a while. (sigh) And I was so happy, too - it was like getting a Christmas present, having her fixed...

 

Beloved felt bad that I was so upset, so we went to Hastings - I'd planned on going tomorrow, to look for new doll magazines. They had a new Barbie Collector that even had a pattern, but not much else of interest to me. The pattern wasn't anything very special either, and was sized to SilkStones. I have no idea how that fits a standard 1966-type body, so that was two strikes against it. I have almost nothing in common with FDQ, since 90% of their pages are ball-jointed dolls in gothwear or Lolita apparel, and paper dolls of ball-jointed dolls (dressed in goth or lolicon). Just not my bag of plastic. Haute Doll is fast becoming an FDQ clone, and it was the same issue as last month, so feh. Doll Reader is still on a Shirley Temple bender - they can barely publish an article lacking some reference to those dolls.

 

Found a used copy of A Decade of Barbie Dolls and Collectables, 1981-1991, and just leafing through ID'd two mystery outfits, so I snagged it. Also a copy of Thank God It's Friday to watch while rerooting. I now have my two guilty pleasure movies - that and Xanadu - on DVD. Doesn't fix Molly's squeak, but I was happier than I was going in. We found a DVD copy of History Channel's first season of Mail Call for Beloved - he's a real R. Lee Ermey fan.

 

On the way home, we snagged some dinner - and I astonished us both by putting all of mine away, and part of his ! Guess I was finally hungry again. And believe it or not, even after sleepin' all day, I'm tired again. I just have to take the spoonfuls of yuck first...

Generic Robitussin and View 2...
Now Playing: my bed, calling to me...
 

Current Mood :  Well, maybe more mode than mood - I'm sick as a dog - ugh.

 

Sorry to be so late updating this. I'm not feeling terribly well tonight, so I'm probably gonna sleep in a few minutes and as much as I can tomorrow. Ugh. I have so much gunk in my chest, it hurts to breathe. And the pressure is giving me a headache. Don't know if it's excess humidity from the clothes dryer yesterday, or I've caught a whopper cold. Time to chug on the nasty generic Robitussin bottle. Bleah ! I don't know if that stuff works because I expect it to, with that horrible taste, or if it tastes so bad because it works. (shudder)

 

At least I wasn't totally miserable earlier. Got the blouse to View 2 sewn, and attaching the lace was far easier than I thought. It looks pretty darn good ! Here's a quick photo - I'll post to the main site when I get the pants sewn. Just too stripped to sew now, even though that pants pattern's super easy. It's the same as the sweatpants Leia's wearing ! But I'll probably forego the ribbon stripe on them, too. Gathered the sleeves as the directions said, but I can't really tell much of a difference. So I'll go back to tuck-and-fold. Although, looking at the picture again, that one sleeve isn't that flat - I just forgot to poof it up for the image.

 

And I skipped the elastic thread for the cuffs -  after that first fiasco, it'll probably be a while before I experiment with it again. I just added two more  embroidery floss ties instead, to go with the one on the jabot. BTW, all three black ties are removeable, for greater versatility. I'm gonna sew black pants next, but if she wants to wear the blouse  with a red skirt, all I need to do is dig in the floss stash.

 

I can easily give Simplicity 6097 a thumbs-up, as everything's gone together well, directions were clear and easy, and while the shapes are a bit blocky, they still look great and fit well. And to think, I didn't even *want* that pattern !

 

Sorry, ya'll, but I'm about done for the day. Hope yours is well - and you don't have to guzzle anything nasty from a spoon anytime soon !

Happy Birthday, Dear MIL !!
Now Playing: "Shrek the Third" - RedBox rental. It's pretty cute !

 Current Mood : a bit hopped up on birthday cake !

 

Current Displayed Pattern : While not a doll pattern, I couldn't resist the funky coolness of this envelope ! There's only six pieces to the whole thing. It's funny to note that this particular one is for one specific size and gender. Today, all the sizes and sexes it was made for would probably be in the same only-one-available envelope. There's a 1970 copyright on the instructions, and it's complete and uncut. Another 9c wonder.

 

Well, I finally got View 2 cut out and Fray-Checked, and I'll hopefully get it sewn up tomorrow. Today's my DMIL's birthday - we had her gifts ready, but forgot the day ! - and with Dearest Son in school and Beloved Hubby at work, I'm the only one who could go to the family party this afternoon. Hope she likes what we got her - the slippers and aloe-treated socks were Beloved's idea, but the massive Hershey's chocolate bar was mine !

 

Before that, it's laundry day, and there's two loads on the line, one in the dryer, and one in the wash. Only three more to do ! How our itty-bitty family goes through so many clothes in a week and a half astounds me !

 

I also located the lace for the View 2 blouse. Between the collar and the jabot, it'll about use all of it. I've come to the long-overdue conclusion that I pretty much have everything, and it's past time for me to use it all, stop looking for more. I'm leaving the wooden spools in the half-cookie-tin I bought ‘em in - no rust or anything, so if they've been fine this long, they should be fine for the next ten or twenty years ! - and stacked the tin on top of the big thread box. Cleaned up the Lab, too, so I'm really looking forward to sewing tomorrow ! I'm gonna follow the directions exactly this time, too.

 

When I first started sewing, I couldn't quite get the hang of gathering on sleeves for Barbie-scale clothes. The 1/8" allowed was simply too narrow. So I'd sort of pinch-pleat sleeves instead. A tuck here, a fold there, and the sleeve looked fine. But the more I look at the pattern envelope cover, those big sleeves really look poofy. I'll try gathering them this time, but I swear, if they look the same, I'm goin' back to hand-tucking ‘em. It's fast and easy, something I don't know if I can say about machine-gathering yet.

 

I'll have plenty of time to figure it out - my car's now in the shop, so I ain't goin' nowhere tomorrow. Or Friday, probably. Sewin' time !

 

PS to Michelle - I wanna see your website ! Mine's such a mess, I know anybody could do it better ! :) Lotsa dolls, I hope !

Volunteering - is sometimes like a charity you donated to that won't go the *&^% away...
Now Playing: washing machine jeans load
 

Current Mood : Slightly cheezed off.

Current Displayed Pattern - complete, right down to the slightly creepy 'disembodied head in an omnivorous plant' embroidery transfers. I'm hoping the sweatsuit fits Timey and Dottie !  Another not-yet-scaned 9c special from last Friday.

 

I've gotta quit answering my phone during the day. Seems no one volunteered to help the Safe Kids ID vendor visiting Dearest Son's school. And they needed someone. (sigh) I stupidly said I'd do it, so there went my morning. I shouldn't whine, because I said I would, but...most of my ‘job' was walking the hallways, gathering and escorting students whose parents ponied up the cash for these optional ( read : useless in my opinion) ID cards. Um, why didn't they use the intercom to call the kids as the vendor was ready for ‘em ? That's how they did it back in my day ! (hunts for rocking chair, settles in for a good rant)

 

From there, I measured height and weight of the kids. Again, why am I doing this ? Isn't that the vendor's job ? We were done for the day by noon, but still, it was three plus hours of no-break actual work. I don't mind painting the playground equipment, or helping the librarians with Book Fair, or counting out weekly folder inserts, or helping with the class holiday parties. That's fun, and directly helps the staff, teachers, and students. But this is the second time I've done grunt work for someone making money off the school, someone who has no ties to it or even lives around here, and it's kind of getting on my bad side.

 

My time is limited, same as anybody else's. So I'd rather spend my volunteer hours doing what benefits the kids and the school - not help line someone's wallet for free. If the vendor needs someone to do the heavy lifting equivalent, let ‘em hire somebody. It's not like I had an awful time or anything, but I got tired fast of doing all the scut work while the vendor sat in her chair to take photos, and didn't have to do much else. If it's sooo difficult to find volunteers, then why squander what you get on crap ‘opportunities' like this one ? School asks for all parents to do three volunteer activities. I've already done eight, and we've just now passed the first quarter of the year. I'm kind of tapped out, ya'll.

 

Anyway. I got even less done today than I'd hoped. Didn't get near the Lab, but I did get the Ken pattern scanned. I'm really looking forward to using it. Reason I did that instead of sewing is because I wanna put the ironing board away. It takes up half the Lab when I have to use it, and that pattern was so wrinkled, I had to, or the scanning would have been waaay off. I also use the iron to flatten it a bit before it gets stored. Plus I was in a rather cheesed-off mood anyway, might as well do something with the energy of it. So I at least got that done. I had time to read the directions for View 2, and the hardest part of it will be finding the right size lace for the collar and jabot. Hopefully, I'll have time to cut it out tomorrow, maybe even sew. But the housework I should have done got delayed, so I'll be lucky to cut.

 

Heck, I should be grateful for that and knock off the whining. My car Molly goes in the shop tomorrow, I got *more* fabric to wash, and I still haven't put away the stuff I got on sale Sunday. Man, I'm bein' a whiner baby today ! Sorry about that !

 

Ps to Michelle - next time I find a Leia doll, I'm gonna snatch her up and mail her to you ! She's lovely, and her not-Barbie figure is a challenge, but a fun one. Here's one of my fave Leia doll sites, I just wish it'd get updated soon...but since the last update mentions ‘November 2005", I guess we shouldn't hold our breath !

https://www.angelfire.com/theforce/leiaasylum/

 

And Ps to Manda - thanks ! Frankly, finding, editing, and finishing the coloring book pages was fun, but it took longer to do that than write the day's entry ! Sorry today's is kind of blah, but I promise something cool and vintage tomorrow !