Goodwill Hunting

My mom took me to Goodwill today and bought me a dress, a pair of shoes, and a new bag. I really love everything, and I am happy it all fits. The dress looks sort of vintage, and the bag is awesome. It isn't real leather, but it still looks cool. The shoes are made by Sketchers. They look dressy, but they are also comfortable and easy to walk in.

Teddy Bear Sweater Redeux

I am knitting a sweater for a very special little Teddy Bear. The last sweater I started wasn't turning out too good, so I started another one. This one looks a lot better; it has a tighter weave because I used smaller needles, and I really like the angel hair yarn I used and the color pattern. The only thing I am worried about is the size. This sweater is a bit smaller, so I hope it fits him. I know I should, but I never make swatches. If this sweater doesn't turn out, I'll just make another one. Practice makes perfect♡

My Lalaloopsy Collection

I collect a lot of dolls. Disney Princess, Blythe, Monster High, La Dee Da and Lalaloopsy. This is my Lalaloopsy collection. I have a total of five, including a boy. I don't think they have made very many boy Lalaloopsys, so I think he is kind of rare.

I have been spending the last three days playing with my new tablet. It is a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) with Android Jellybean. I have been having a lot of fun with it, but I haven't been feeling very good today. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

Do you collect anything? Please share!

Apatosaurus Part 2

I have been working on my plush dinosaur project this afternoon. I finished cutting all of the pieces out, and I sewed part of it together. My husband is sick today, and I wanted to finish it today so I could give it to him, but I can only work on sewing projects for about 1-2 hours per day. Sewing is hard for me, and I get confused easily, so I need to take frequent brakes.

Hopefully I will have more time to work on it tomorrow because I want to finish it soon. I also hope Jimmy feels better. I worry about him when he is sick.

Trashion

My stepmother bought me this really cool scrapbook called a SMASH book. I can't tell you how fun it is. I made this page yesterday. I just cut out some magazine clippings, used some stick on letters, and wrote in it a little. I just love doing this. The possibilities are endless!

Do you like to make scrapbooks or art journals? Do you have any techniques you would like to share? Please do!

I Love You Mom

My husband and I took my mom out to breakfast this morning. She had an apple German pancake, I had blueberry pancakes, and my husband had a turkey dinner. After we were done eating, the restaurant gave my mother a fresh rose. Sweet!

My mom is really important to me, and I love her very much. She is always there for me, and goes out of her way to help. We have had some tough times, but we always stick together and work things out.

I just want to say to my mom, and to moms everywhere HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Summertime

Today is a lovely day to sit outside with a book, and soak up the sun. I set up our little red patio table, and I am looking forward to a wonderful, lazy summer afternoon. I have some work I need to do, but I can't bear to stay inside, so it will have to wait.

Are you out catching some rays? Don't forget the sunscreen!

My Cat

Here are a couple of pictures of my adorable cat Amber. I bought her at Petco about three years ago when she was a kitten. She loves to climb around in boxes and on tables, and she growls at strangers just like a dog!

I have been feeding her several different brands of cat food, but I have recently settled on my favorite brand; Meow Mix. My cat likes the taste of this brand, it isn't expensive, and it is really good for controlling hair balls. Hair balls are a major problem for my cat because she is a domestic long hair.

Do you have a cat? What brand of cat food is your favorite?

Teddy Bear Sweater

I am knitting a little cardigan for my Teddy Bear. The pattern is from Vogue Knitting: Beginner Basics. This is a fairly easy pattern because it is knitted on straight needles, and doesn't require DPNs.

I just finished knitting the back pannel, and I still have to knit the two front pannels, the sleeves, and the collar. This will probably take awhile because I am kind of a slow knitter. I realize the pannel I just finished looks a little wonky, but after I block it, it should look better. I used cotton yarn and size 10 needles. If I were to make it over again, I would use the same yarn, but slightly smaller needles.

Do you knit? If so, what are you knitting right now? Anyone who wishes to share any knitting tips is welcome to do so.

Apatosaurus

My husband loves dinosaurs so I am making him a plush apatosaurus, or brontosaurus as they are more commonly known. The pattern called for velour fabric, but I didn't have any so I repurposed an old pair of velour pants.

So far everything has been going smoothly, and velour doesn't fray, so it is relatively easy to cut. I have three more pieces to cut out, then I will sew it together with my sewing machine, add the stuffing, and stitch it shut by hand. I imagine it will turn out nice, and velour is the perfect fabric to use for this because it is so soft and fuzzy. My husband even said he will sleep with it when it is done!

Does anyone else have experience making plush? Please feel free to share, and add pictures if you'd like.

My First Blog Post

Welcome readers. This post is about me so we can get to know each other. My name is Alison, and I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband Jim. I am a stay at home wife, and an artist and crafter. I especially enjoy sewing and knitting, and I am currently working on two projects that I hope to share with you soon. I have one cat named Amber. She is quite mischievous and is always getting in to things.

I like anything art and craft related, and I also like to collect Blythe dolls and Teddy Bears. I love fashion, esp. vintage, and I read a lot of magazines and books. I started this blog for more than one reason. I want to share my craft projects with others, receive feedback, and exchange crafting tips and ideas. I am also looking forward to hearing from other women who also enjoy these pursuits, and hopefully developing some online friendships as I am home a lot, and often find myself craving some female companionship.

I love to read, and I am always on the lookout for new sewing and craft books. I like reading Mollie Makes, and Threads Magazine. What magazines or books are you reading right now? Do you recommend anything? Feel free to leave a comment, and I will most likely respond!