Celebrating with Frida…

We celebrated our 35th anniversary today (a couple of days late) by having a nice lunch at the Olive Garden and then seeing the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It has been years since we visited the museum – so long, in fact, that we couldn’t remember ever getting so winded climbing those steps up to the entrance. By the way, everyone still raises their hands in triumph (a tribute to the movie, "Rocky") when they reach the top! It was a treat to see Kahlo’s work up close – and since it was the exhibition’s only east coast venue, we thought we’d better take advantage of it. Here is a great link with biographical information and many images of Frida’s work.

A Dress for Gene...

I tried out one of my purchased dress patterns for Gene. This darted dress was a little challenging, but I love the fit and how it emphasizes her tiny waist.

Sewing for Ann Estelle...

I haven’t purchased any patterns, yet, for my Ann Estelle doll, but I wanted to try making her a little skirt gathered to a waistband. I mean, how difficult could that be? I measured carefully (or so I thought) and the skirt ended up just a little too big (but perfect for one of my other dolls). I adjusted my pattern and made another skirt and, not only does it fit Ann Estelle perfectly, it also makes a sassy little skirt for Ellowyne. I also created a matching vest for Ann Estelle using a pattern made from a paper towel that was fitted to her. Now she needs a little top or T-shirt and she’ll be all ready for St. Patrick’s Day…

Nature Journal: Pepper Study

Nature Journal: Laurel?

The temperature rose into the low 60s today. Tomorrow it’s supposed to plunge down into the 30s... But I enjoyed the spring preview while it lasted...

I’m not sure what this plant is, possibly laurel? Just longing for a little color – even if it’s tinged with brown…

Ann Estelle

Here is my little Ann Estelle doll. I received her for Christmas. She’s patiently waiting for some new clothes, too...



Just look at that sweet expression…

Sewing for Gene...

Awhile back, I mentioned that I had started collecting Gene dolls, based upon the film stars of the thirties and forties I found a seller on EBAY who was liquidating some old store stock for a friend and I got brand new dolls, never removed from their boxes, for $25.00 each! I bought four different ones (I could kick myself for not buying more, but I was exercising restraint!). I also bought some clothing patterns and finally carved out some time to start sewing for them. This is a simple leotard made from a cheetah print knit (with an Angora fur texture). My “American Countess” Gene is modeling. The original pattern is meant to be the basis of a skating or dance outfit – but I think it might be a nice layering piece under a suit.

Remembering Dolls…

It seems as though February’s TIF challenge has sent everyone strolling down memory lane. Me, too. Does anyone remember the Uneeda Doll Company’s “Purty” doll? Here is mine (circa 1958?). Is she not the ugliest doll you’ve ever seen? And if you squeeze her tummy, her face scrunches up even more and she’s even uglier. Looking at her now, it’s no wonder I never had children – she probably put me right off! Hehe! I did have some other beautiful dolls that, sadly, are gone forever. One of my favorites was Pollyanna, based upon the likeness of actress, Hayley Mills. And I had a Miss Revlon doll that I adored. After that, I had two Barbies, one with a long blonde ponytail, and one with a red bubble cut. I also had Barbie’s friend, Midge – and boyfriend, Ken. The last doll of my childhood was Tressy. Her hair “grew” by turning a key in her torso… And then, all of a sudden, at the ripe old age of eleven, I was no longer interested in dolls – because the Beatles appeared on the scene! I wanted to buy records, not dolls! And it wasn’t too much longer before I became very interested in Mary Quant fashions and Yardley make-up - and boys! English boys! Sigh...

FLU & ATC...

For the first time since we were married (in 1973), DH and I were sick at the same time. We had that flu thingy that’s going around (although, at the time, DH swore it was the bubonic plague or some rare disease we picked up from the cats!). Whatever it was, I don’t remember ever feeling quite that run-down before in my life! It felt like the entire dance troupe from Riverdance was stomping through some of their more energetic routines in my head. I’m happy to say that the tour has finally moved on to another city. I am unscathed, too, except that I can’t smell anything. But that may be a blessing in a house full of cats. While we were ill, we had to take turns feeding them and scooping the litter boxes, as well as bringing in the firewood. It was awful. Then, to add insult to injury, Trixie (the littlest kitten), went into heat. Ironically, we had just called the vet a few days before we became ill to arrange for her to be spayed and her brothers to be neutered. We knew we had to separate her from her curious (but clueless!) brothers, so we brought her into our bedroom, and she thanked us by peeing all over the comforter… and emitting the loudest yowls you ever heard! The whole experience was like a nightmare. In one fevered conversation, DH and I talked about what would happen if we died – and wondered who would be the first person to discover our partially eaten remains… Thankfully, we had plenty of supplies in the house for ourselves and the cats so I guess it could have been a whole lot worse…

Trying to get back into the swing of things, I stitched a little ATC in honor of the inkberry holly. I used the embellisher to create the background from scraps of cotton fabric and wool roving.