Weighted Dolls: Part Three

Once I had proof-of-concept for the body pattern for my weighted dolls, and (possibly even more importantly) proof-of concept (and proof of execution) for the faces, it was time to make the actual dolls.

The first step was to choose fleece for the external cover. This was more difficult than I expected.

Continue reading

Posted in 2021, Gifts | Leave a comment

Weighted Dolls: Part Two

The path to my doll’s faces was not a simple one, but in the end I found some kind of resolution.

The machine I intended to use to make them ended up in repair — specialist repair, far away — and, in any case, I hadn’t been very confident that I’d be able to produce anything acceptable without any previous experience with machine embroidery or a dedicated embroidery machine.

Continue reading

Posted in 2021, Gifts, Other | Leave a comment

Weighted Dolls: Part One

For the past few years, I’ve donated goods, of one kind or another, to a county nursing home. Last year I made tactile/fidget quilts, but this year decided to do something different.

Originally I thought I’d make bears, but soon realized that I didn’t have the wherewithal to manage anything quite that complex in this, Our Second Year of Covid. I decided that simple dolls made more sense, and started by drawing a face template.

Continue reading

Posted in 2021, Gifts, Other | Leave a comment

Nifty Threader

I ran across this little gadget at Red Stone Glen. Annie, who helpfully watches the shop, enthused about it.

Though Annie’s advice is always excellent, I had my doubts. My sewing room is littered with useless needle threaders. Continue reading

Posted in 2021, Tools | 2 Comments

More Masks

More masks, acknowledging the arrival of Covid Delta, and recognizing that we’ll be wearing them for quite a while yet.

Both of these masks are Mr. Noile’s, and both are the Marfy free pattern. Continue reading

Posted in 2021, Covid, DIY, Masks, Tools | 2 Comments

An Apron for Mr. Noile

Mr. Noile has been spending more and more time with his various outdoor cooking devices.

One of our ancient IKEA aprons.
Much nicer than the current version, BTW!

He wears our kitchen aprons when fiddling about in the open air. I am not a fan of this, as I’m fond of our indoor aprons, and they add a nice bit of color in our kitchen. Continue reading

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Gifts | Leave a comment

Magnetic Pin Catcher

A couple of years ago a new deodorant came on the market. It was fabulous! No chemicals, easy to apply, fresh, almost non-existent and natural scent, and it worked. Best of all, the container was refillable. Green all the way!

It was called Myro, and, despite being almost universally loved, it failed spectacularly, due to its propensity to leak all over itself, cabinets, shelves, and anywhere it was placed. Gel all over, ugh.

Continue reading

Posted in Misc, Tips, Tools | Leave a comment

DIY Shopper/Tote

. . . that’s Draft It Yourself!

This is an easy-to-design, easy-to-make, handy, tote anyone with a little sewing experience can make.

Continue reading

Posted in Accessories, Gifts | Leave a comment

An Easy, but Meh, Dress

This dress, sewn from Vogue 1250, started out as some kind of cycling garment — you know, bike-into-town with the idea of dressing “less cyclist” and more “townie”.

There’s a dime sewn into a tiny pocket
at the inner center front of the cowl —
a great trick that gives the cowl shape and form.

I guessed that I might not like it much, but thought that fabric was the questionable bit. That wasn’t quite right. Continue reading

Posted in Dresses | Leave a comment

Taylor Tailor Canvas Wine Tote

This was a quick little fun project: a tiny tote bag for . . . just about anything.

I whipped it up in a lightweight, canvas-like fabric that looks like a basketweave.

Continue reading

Posted in 2020, Bags, Covid, Gifts | Leave a comment