First Window

We're in the process of replacing some (most? all?) of the windows in our house. When I say "we" I mean my husband. Any help I might be giving is limited to fetching, holding, and refraining from asking questions or making any annoying comments while he is actually scowling.

The first step took all day. It was the building of the extra sturdy, and hopefully movable, scaffolding.



With that in place he was able to get up close to the second story kitchen window and start cutting away at the stucco. No, he didn't use a craft knife, there was a cement blade on a grinder involved.





When the old window was lifted out I was amazed at how large the hole seemed! If only there was room for a window that large. Unfortunately the window frame takes up a lot of space.





After getting the window out.....he put it back in for the night. Admittedly there were good reasons for that.

First, more stucco had to be cut away and that was a dusty procedure. Second, wasps were being attracted by the smell of dinner cooking. Third, it was almost time for company to arrive for a 30th birthday celebration. (Not mine.....I passed that milestone a couple of decades ago!).

Anyway, after an evening of visiting with "children" and grandchildren he was back at work today.



The new window is securely installed, but needs trim work inside and out.




Any questions? Well...don't ask ME! Like I said, I was just the hold this, fetch that, keep quiet and outta the way, kinda gal.

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Barbie, Barbie, and Barbie

Today the blog post is all Barbie dresses. It's even the same dress, just in different colours.







These are being knit for my grandnieces. Four down (I have another striped one done) and 2 more to go. The final two, yet to be knit, will be for my granddaughters next Christmas. Shhhhhhh! Don't tell!

She's Lovely!

Ms Muffet has had her day at the spa!



And I must say she's looking marvellous, even if she had to borrow a wig and a body for her photo-shoot.



And with a beautiful face like that.....



I don't think she has anything to fear from Mr Magoo's squealing "groupies".



They plan to stay another week at Ban Sidhe's resort before returning home by.....um.....mail? I guess it's more affordable than a airline flight for two? I hope they have a safe "landing" and don't suffer too many delays along the way.

Magoo's Custom Faceup!

I considered waiting until he was back in my hands again before I posted pictures, but I just couldn't wait to show you the wonderful job that Ban Sidhe (on Den of Angels) did on Mr Magoo's faceup.



I had decided on facial hair because I want him to be an "adult" elf, not as childish as most RealPukies are styled. She did an amazing job! Much better than I dared dream!





It's even more incredible when you realize that this wee fella is only about 4" tall!

Prototype Hooded Cardigan

The past couple of days I've been working on writing up a pattern for a Pukipuki sized, hooded, cardigan.




This is just a prototype. I knit it in cobweb weight, Colourmart 2/28 cashmere with 1.5mm (US 000) needles. I will be sending it away in a swap package. The next one will be one Petunia can keep. I'll try it with the more commonly available Knitpicks laceweight.





The crease down the centre back of the hood is just from pressing it. I haven't yet washed and blocked it. I'm really happy with the way the decreases in the back of the hood turned out. I remembered another doll knitter complaining about the central decreases in a hooded sweater pattern she followed, so I took extra care to find a solution that was nice and smooth.

Have a Nice Spa-cation

Ms Muffet and Mr Magoo are enjoying a moment together before the rush of packing for their vacation. Today's the day that they are scheduled to leave for a spa vacation at Ban's Boutique, where they will be receiving custom faceups.



Peanut and Pumpkin are feeling a bit sad. They'll really miss their new little friends.



Actually, I think all the kids wish that they could go along!



Ms Muffet says a final goodbye before storing her cute little body in the Fairyland box and nestling her faceplate in one of the protective pods I bought to keep them safe as they travel.



Mr Magoo is thrilled and can't wait to get going! He's heard that Ban's agreed to work some of her extra special magic on him.



Here they are, nestled into their little pod cases*, supported by clouds of fluffy merino wool. And they are off!



Hurry home you two, you'll be missed!

Summer Swing Dresses

Pardon the poor photo quality here, I was rushing to get a few photos before the mosquitoes chewed me to pieces.

With the arrival first of Petunia, the Pukipuki, and then the RealPukies, Ms Muffet and Mr Magoo, the LittleFee girls, Peanut and Pumpkin had been feeling a bit neglected and overlooked. I have been busy the past few months making all kinds of teeny, tiny clothes for the littlest dolls, but the Fees have had nothing new for ages.

Yesterday I spent much of the day sewing these two dresses for Peanut and Pumpkin.



They are from an Adam-Harris pattern called "Summer Swing". They are completely lined with an underdress that has an attached ruffle.

Tweaking the Fit

I wasn't all that happy with the bloomers of the little set I made for my RealPuki, Ms Muffet. They were too baggy and .... well .... bloomerish! So I gave that first set to the Pukipuki, Petunia because she's a bit bigger and fills them out more. So now while she rides off into the sunset on her trusty steed, "Lambie" wearing the first set......



...let's take a look at the revised set. On this purple set I did a small style revision on the bodice, and a complete overhaul on the bottoms, which are now more fitted and shorter, like panties.



Mr Magoo was not left out either. For him I took a basic Kelly doll pattern and through a long process of trial and error and some pattern manipulation I came up with a nicely fitting pair of basic pants and a t-shirt.



He's feeling so dashing in his new threads that it gave him the confidence to make his move on his mighty fine lady friend, Ms Muffet.

Keeping Busy

These two recent additions are keeping me busier than a mother of twins!

I found a bit of an online tutorial on how to make dresses from lace. Using the idea I improvised and came up with this little sunset. 



Ms Muffet wanted to show you the matching bloomers underneath.



Mr Magoo wasn't left out either. He got this snug fitting little beanie.



It even has slots so the tips of his ears have room to breathe.



This is how they travel when I have to carry them about with me to try things like lace on for size. I've found it's also useful to have them on hand when I get asked the inevitable question, "What are you making?", when I ask for the salesperson to cut a piece of lace that is only .2 of a metre long.



Closed up it looks fairly innocent and I don't look like some adult dork that .... um.... carries her dolls around with her.

All Part of the Fun

Although these sweet dolls are enjoyable to have around, part of the fun for me is in creating things for them.

Here's Mr Magoo in a new pair of shorts I made him. He had been sitting around in a sweater and wool hat when our first hot summer day finally hit. I had to take pity on him!



I used a basic Kelly doll pattern for the shorts, taking wider seam allowance so they would fit a little smaller. I think for the next pair I'll use a different construction method allowing more of it to be done on the sewing machine, and I'll lower the waistline

Ms Muffet's outfit was made a while back, before she arrived. I'm glad it actually fits! The weather turned a bit cool again today so she threw her new, cashmere cardigan on over the sundress.



I've also been working on Ms Muffet's cottage/studio. The stucco has now been done and painted. Next step is shingling the roof, I think.

Find Time

Find time to follow your bliss.

The loose weave scarves are now finished. I love how they turned out.

Elfish Game? Hmmmm.

Mr Magoo claims that this is some sort of Elfish game played by Wee Folk back in his home country.



I have my doubts though. Shortly afterwards I found him giggling in the back room with Ms Muffet.

Mr. Magoo

Final installation of the 5 part box opening story.....

Mr. Magoo! That's enough! It's time to get some clothes on.



Too much of a good thing, my dears? All right. Happy to oblige.



Ahh, a sweater. Aren't I the lucky fellow?



How do I look?



We'll be getting fancy new face paint some time in August. You think we're cute now? Just you wait! Come back for a nice long visit now, ya hear?