Little Acorn

A Dolly

I had so much fun getting into my studio to make this custom doll in a so-Valentiney pink/red/green colour scheme. It was ordered for a little one who is currently in China and who will be joining her forever family soon. I just love all the amazing stories that my dolls would have to tell if we couId get them all together for a reunion someday. I really need to find more time. Okay. That's not true. There's no way to find more time...I just need to make better choices about how to use the little bit of free time I have in a week. But sometimes bad television, random web surfing, Pinterest, knitting and sitting on the sofa with the lights dimmed so I can't see the mess is just so tempting.

Bunny Hat

The world welcomed a brand new baby cousin for Adeline in January and of course what better excuse is there for me to knit my very favourite thing in the world - a super cute baby hat. Not just any hat, but a bunny hat, using the same pattern from "Itty Bitty Hats" that I used for Adeline's 2 years ago although this one I made with a much chunkier yarn, which made it a very fast project. It was about this time in 2010 that we were waiting anxiously to be invited back to Vietnam and my nerves were being (oh so slightly) calmed by knitting hat after hat for my baby girl. Adeline has outgrown all those baby hats now and certainly would have stretched this one all out of shape, so one of our balls had to model...

Adeline was excited that I was making a hat for "Baby Cousin Annie" and wanted to help. Every little while she would ask me if I needed any yarn unrolled and would take some off the ball for me. A few times Adeline stood in front of me and I put my hands over hers and talked her through making the stitches while she concentrated carefully on what she was doing. There were a lot of happy wishes knit into this wee hat.

Adeline wanted me to find her bunny hat when I told her that's what I was making for the baby, and she's been wearing it stretched tight over her ever growing head for the last few days. My sweet little bunny needs a bunny hat, so without even letting my needles get cold I've cast on for a "big girl" bunny hat.

In the shop...

Actually this lovely girl was a custom order, so she's already come and gone from my etsy shop, but her face was too sweet not to share and I just get all smooshy feeling when I look at that bluebird fabric.

 

 

 

 

The brown-eyed girl in her oh-so-seventies bold orange, yellow and teal floral dress has also just arrived in the shop. I don't do a lot of pre-planning when I start a doll, just grab a fabric I feel like working with and choose a skin colour and it all grows from there. I don't use a pattern or template for the faces and just draw them on freehand and then embroider them, which makes every expression unique. I think this little brown-pig-tailed dolly looks the most like I did as a girl of all the dolls I've ever made. 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday to Mylan

A lot of Adeline's little friends have either just turned two or will be two by the summer, and this week it was time for her friend Mylan to have her big day. Her Mom knows I'm handy with a sewing machine so she asked me to make a banner to celebrate the day and to be used for years to come. I can't say this was my favourite project (it was easy, but repetitive,and took way way longer than I thought it would, especially since I decided that the letters had to be hand sewn) but it was a labour of love, so I didn't mind.

I think the banner looks lovely in our side garden and I'm thinking I definitely have to make one for Adeline now. I should start soon though as with all the other things I've got going on in the next couple of months I know I'll be scrambling at the end to get things ready for my girls big birthday!

And doesn't my garden look good in this picture? It's cropped strategically so you can't see the really weedy patch to the left, and my prized peonies aren't blooming yet, but I'm really pleased that a full season of neglect last year hasn't seemed to have done any harm. This year much more is already being done in the garden as Adeline loves being out there and helping is her favourite thing. She's decided that when she helps outside she's a "Helper Robot" or a "Garden Robot" and it's sweet to hear her proclaim "Helper Robot did it!!!" every time she adds something to the compost bucket or pulls a weed.

A Couple of New Girls

...coming soon to my etsy shop...

I've had SUCH a good response to my handmade dolls. It's making me really squishy happy that people are appreciating the work I do and love my wee girls as much as I do. Now if only I could find more hours in the day, as I seem to be selling them as fast as I can make them - except for the lonely redheaded girl who just can't seem to find someone to love. I have a few requests for more Asian dolls and lots of interest in boy dolls, so that's what's up next!

 

 

Busy Busy

In my Etsy shop...

My photo-shoot assistant is in a lot of the pictures...mostly just as a blur as she grabs dollies and tries to run off with them. Adeline is always so excited when new dolls appear and then she absolutely doesn't get why I want the dolls to sit still and have their picture taken. Adeline knows that dolls are for PLAYING.

 

A Doll With a Cause

Right before the plague struck us all down (we're feeling a little better, thanks) I was contacted about donating a softie to be auctioned off at a fundraising gala in support of a project to help disadvantaged and disabled children in Vietnam. Of course I said yes, and I got straight to work on a sweet dolly, who will attend the gala and go home at the end of the night with the highest bidder. You can read all about the project here and there are links there to donate as well. Adeline has a couple of friends who were born in that province of Vietnam, so it's close to my heart, as are all the children of that amazing country.

I finally felt well enough yesterday to put the finishing touches on the doll and will pack her up for mailing tomorrow. I'll have to do it while Adeline is sleeping though. As soon as she saw it she said "Mama, please. My doll. My TWO doll. Yay." and then went and got her dolly and made it and the new doll hug. I tried to get Adeline to pose with the new doll, but she'd have none of it - she just wanted to play!

My plan is to make some dolly friends for my etsy shop in the next couple of weeks. We'll see. Plans are pretty hard to make these days when you just don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Presents bought and wrapped?  YES!

Went a wee bit overboard after promising to make it a modest haul for our small person's first Christmas? YES!

All presents needing assembling have been assembled, including Adeline's wee trampoline which only went together with the awesome power of cursing and brute force?  YES!

Tree purchased from the boy scouts in a west coast winter storm of gale force winds and driving rain? YES!

Tree trimmed all around the bottom by a small and very dedicated helper? YES!

 

Toddler pulling all the ornaments off the tree? NO! Adeline gently touches each ornament and says "wow" or "'mazing" (amazing) but doesn't try and take them off

Crazy cat pulling all the ornaments off the tree? YES!

 

 

Adeline having a bad hair day every single day with a combination of desperately needing a haircut, crazy wispy winter flyaways, constant snot and a bad habit of running her fingers through her hair while eating? YES!

Picture taken with Santa? YES! And it's a classic screaming baby Santa photo (but our scanner is a pain)

Outside lights up? YES!

Adeline's stocking made and ready for Santa to fill? YES! (this is what I really thought I'd be doing on Christmas Eve)

 

 

Nana arrived and making life SUPER FUN for Adeline? YES

Adeline super super snotty and cutting all 4 eye teeth and a molar? YES!

David still getting over a bad case of bronchitis? YES!

Christmas baking done? MOSTLY!

Christmas food prepared?  NOT QUITE!

Do I have to go to the stores again? NO! NO! NO!

House clean? NOT EVEN CLOSE! (that's tomorrow morning's job while Adeline and her Nana go out for breakfast)

Only one pocket left on the advent calendar? YES!

Dreaming of a white Christmas? NO! Why set myself up for disappointment.

Dreaming about Santa? YES! At least I am...

 

 

 

Four Friends

I've been as busy as an elf down in my studio lately, making some new dolls. I had a request from two of my friends to make soft dolls with asian features for their lovely daughters, and I was really happy for the inspiration. I decided to make four dolls this time - two to send to their new homes with Adeline's friends, one for Adeline to keep, and one which will make her way out into the world via etsy. The pattern is my own and like most of my projects the materials are a mix of recycled/upcycled vintage linens, clothing, fabric and trim from the thrift stores and new materials when necessary.

We don't know which friend will be going home with which little girl yet, but I think they're all sweet and have a lot of personality.

Adeline LOVES the dolls and every time she spots them she begs to hold them. I know she thinks that they are ALL for her and she can't understand why I don't just give them to her. It is very sweet to watch her hug all four of the friends, but they are destined for the arms of others.

We do know that this strawberry-frocked dolly will be going to live with Adeline's friend Mylan. I know she'll have a LOT of fun at Mylan's house.

I wanted to make dolls with asian features, without using the stereotypical closed or slanting eyes that you see on many dolls, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge. I wanted them to be classic ragdolls, but to match the little girls they would be loved by, and after some experimenting I'm pleased with their simple faces. I definitely will be making more in the new year for my etsy shop...after a search for simple soft dolls of various ethnic backgrounds, I realized that there really is a need out there that my dollies can fill. And I must admit that I've REALLY enjoyed having some creative time - I've missed it. Now I have a few Christmas projects on my list, starting with a stocking for Adeline's first Christmas at home!

Happy

Today when we put Adeline's coat on for a very uneventful trip to the grocery store she got VERY excited and kept saying "Happy!" "Happy!". Yesterday she went to an awesomely fun birthday party (a "happy" in Adelinese) and she was sure that putting on our coats today meant that she was off to another party. Adeline's small friend Jenna turned two last week and Saturday was her day to celebrate with a big party. We were supposed to be out of town this weekend but a last minute change of plans meant that we could attend Jenna's big bash. Adeline always takes a little time to warm up, but once she was ready to party she enjoyed playing with Jenna's toys, having her first bites of chocolate cake and even trying out the bouncy castle once the big kids took a break. After the party she was in a super giddy and fun mood right until bedtime and she kept yelling out "Happy!" which was our cue to sing the Happy Birthday song one more time. 

I managed to find time last week to make a little present for the birthday girl. Since Adeline was busy napping, here is her baby and Zephyr posing with the gift I made for Jenna - a patchwork baby blanket with an ultra soft fake shearling on the back. I've been in my studio quite a bit lately, but this wee blankie is the first project I've finished, but I'll have more to show soon. I've got a crazy huge challenging list of Christmas projects lined up and so far I'm really enjoying working on them.

 

 

Adeline really does know when she's dressed up and you can tell she loves it. I picked out a couple of party outfits and let Adeline choose what she wanted to wear, and of course she picked the brightest, boldest one. I think if I want her to wear the classic black dress I'm going to have to make that choice, as on her own our girl will always pick something more colourful. Adeline even agreed to a jaunty side ponytail and a big pink bow and kept both of them in for many hours. It's so sweet to see Adeline checking herself out in the mirror when she's looking fancy. You can just tell that she feels good.

 

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin carving - Adeline was amazed when we took the top off the pumpkin and she saw what was inside. She seemed surprised that a pumpkin was more than what it seemed and she said "hiding!" and spent a long time taking the pumpkin guts out and then putting them back and putting the top back on over and over.

David's soon to be traditional Halloween Bark (it gets its own post later this week)

Getting dressed up - Adeline's kitty collar says "Jinx" because when we were discussing baby names last year David lobbied hard for Jinx and a lot of other names more suited to pets or old west ladies of ill-repute. I hope he was messing with me.

Partying with her friend Natalie at Tai's house. Potato chips were declared DELICIOUS.

On our walk home from the party we stopped to trick-or-treat at our neighbour's house - luckily Adeline is willing to share with her family! Adeline really had a fun day and I've already been thinking about costume ideas for next year! Hope everyone's day was spooktacular!

And now on to Christmas! Yaaaaaaaayyyyy!

Green Vest

I was right - the green vest is WAY cuter on a live human baby. You can see the post here from last August where I blogged about making this vest. At the time the newel post did a fine job standing in for our small person while I was attempting to knit away my anxiousness as we waited to find out who our little one was (or indeed if there was even a little one out there for us) but it's just so much better now that I've got Adeline to model! David thinks sweater vests are dorky, even on children, but I think they're totally awesome, and will be knitting more. This one is already a wee bit tight, but it's so cozy and Adeline likes to pat herself when she's wearing it, so she must like it!

I made something!

And Adeline wore it!

 

Isn't it sweet on my girl? The fabric is from the gigantic linen skirt (GIGANTIC) I thrifted a few years ago. That skirt was a very large size, nearly floor length and had a million gathers, so it's the skirt that keeps on giving. I have projects all over the house in this flower sprigged red linen, now including a sweet little dress for my girl.

In fact, "Sweet Little Dress" is the name of the pattern I used and it can be purchased on Etsy. Honestly though, I really didn't need this pattern as I was planning to use a similar style from-the-store top to draft my own, but it was nice to have everything already done for me so that it was a non-thinking, mindless, absolutely satisfying project. And the pocket? That was my creative addition to the dress. Everything is better with a cute pocket. It took me three evenings of David putting Adeline to bed, so maybe an hour and a half to two hours altogether. Adeline isn't walking yet so dresses aren't that practical, so I think I'm going to shorten the pattern and make a few blouses next. I think if I make them tunic length now they will fit for a very long time.

 

And are you Wolfgang's Mom who sent Adeline these amazing, beautiful hangers and the other presents including a needlebook for me all made with impossibly tiny and precise stitches and a ton of charm? If you are, then I am SO SORRY that I lost your email and haven't thanked you for your generosity. We really did love receiving the gifts and I save the hangers for only Adeline's most special clothing. Once again - so sorry and THANK YOU!

The Cutest Little Jailbird!

Now that the weather is cooling off Adeline is getting to wear some of her Mama's hand knits. This is probably the sweater I love the most - I loved every minute of making it and I love how cute it is on my sweet and sassy girl. I knit it last summer, before I knew who our Small Person was going to be or even if our Small Person was a boy or a girl. I certainly had no idea then that the World's Cutest Baby was going to be coming into our lives, but I knew that whoever he or she was, we would need to keep the chill off with some handmade sweaters!

I blogged about making the sweater here and the free pattern can be found here. It's the "Little Coffee Bean Sweater" from The Brown Stitch and this is a seriously awesome and well written pattern. No seaming! Stripes without a million ends to weave in! Cuteness for miles! I'm going to have to make Adeline a bigger version as she's likely to be out of this one before the winter is through.

A Blanket for Adeline's New Friend

As we all know Motherhood = Very Little Crafting Time, but when I found out that our friends would be heading to China in September to adopt their beautiful daughter, I knew that I just had to make something special to welcome her home. We finally met up for Dim Sum today and they got their present, so now I can post the pictures of what I was working on. I decided on a cotton and minky blanket which I hope will keep Adeline's soon-to-be New Friend warm and cozy as she snuggles with her Mom and Dad. When I gave this blanket to Adeline to take the picture her face lit up with huge grins and she kept signing "please please please" over and over again. She rubbed the soft pink side against her face, pointed out the birds and the flowers in the pattern and then decided that it was just right for a rousing game of peek-a-boo. It was very hard to take the blanket away from Adeline as she was really loving it. I've made her some flannel and cotton blankets, a quilt and a duvet cover, but nothing as soft and squishy as minky, so I think I need to remedy that and make a cozy blanket for Adeline as well. Autumn is nearly here and a blanket for cuddling is a necessity!