Back to work! The kids went back to work on Monday which was also my birthday and that was a great present, just getting back to a normal routine and starting to dig into some new projects. I spent the first half of the day writing out a bunch of ideas and plans in my bullet journal (I’m using that term very loosely – more just like a book of lists)
So the first thing on my list for 2020 is to do a stop motion video of a bunch of Make-along dolls and outfits. So I’ve been trying to finish up a few dolls and outfits and I’m almost ready to go. I made the top above from the “Spring it On” pattern. I need to make the jacket to go with it. I need an outfit for the fellow below and I made a “Holiday Sparkle” dress for blondie (below). Her hair is Cascade 128 Superwash yarn in lemon and I’m loving this yarn for doll hair, so soft! People on IG were asking me about the felted kitty that I’m using as a pincushion. She’s from a Japanese felt kit. I have another two Make-Along dolls ready for hair and face and outfits and I’ll be ready to go. Then I just need to figure out how to do a stop motion video! 😂 I know how to take photos but I’m not sure how to string it together.
I made this little guy below from my favorite brown linen that I get at Joanns and some fuzzy soft alpaca boucle yarn (Drops Alpaca). I need to make a few more boy dolls so that I can get pictures out there to show the Make-Along Sewing pattern can be used for boy and girl dolls.
The other project that I started over Christmas and am working on in the background is reviving some of my cross stitch patterns. I really like my patterns that I have in the shop, the little sets of girls, but they’re very basic so I’m redesigning them to go into larger scenes. I’m very excited about this project. I’m working on a cuckoo clock design for the Storybook girls and then I’m going to do a barn for the Farm Folk girls. I made a Christmas cross stitch for my mom for Christmas and that really sent me down the rabbit hole of cross stitch. And then my friends told me about floss tube and oh dear. I will have lots to say on that soon (with lots of links to share!). I’m happy to be spending time over there. It’s just a really calming creative space to be living in and I’m really enjoying it right now.
Here are some of the supplies I’ve got going for the cuckoo clock design.
One thing that I’ve been wanting to do and working towards since the kids went back in the school in September was to get my blog updated and running well so that I can use it again. I’m not gonna say that I don’t like Instagram but I kind of don’t love it. And I miss having a community and talking to people and having a space that is mine not owned by Mark Zuckerberg. So I’m going to try to do more blogging. And I’m hoping that by being in this space that I can drag people over here with me and we can hang out.
I can’t wait to see the updated cross-stitch patterns! 😍 How is the vintage kids book collection coming along?
boo😑bad! I remembered on Christmas morning that I was going to buy myself some to open. I have not been on the hunt at all. No used booksales, nothing. Maybe I’ll swing by the library and see what they’ve got in their used section.
No need for dragging…I’ll happily come along!!! 😁 I miss blogs, too (sadly, my own is in shambles)! Yours was one of the very first blogs I discovered during the Flickr days so long ago! You are always such an inspiration, Hillary, and your aesthetic feels like home. I adore your brown linen boy and look forward to seeing the Make-Along crew grow. Happy New Year, Wee Wonderfuls!!!! ❤️
thanks Cathy! I was in shambles too. We had to migrate to a new server and it was quite a kerfuffle!
I love your dolls and their outfits
You are such an inspiration
I make rag dolls also. Thank you for sharing
ALOMA OSGOOD
africanviolet46@gmail.com
I bought my grandson a kit at Target 2 years ago that was a stop motion kit. I wish I could remember the app that he uploaded, it was very easy.
Thanks, I’m using iMovie and having some luck.
Your dolls are so adorable! And I am so glad you desire to come back to blogging more – I don’t use other social media platforms and I’ve missed your content! 🙂
thanks!
I’m all for more blogging! Had to google flosstube. Is it just people posting their WIPs?
yeah, WIPs and finished projects and different ways they finished them.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSB1Sf0Sgye-sU64HDSkZkQ
Please do keep up the blogging. I just bought a bunch of your doll patterns and I’m going to be working my way through tiny shoes and little coats; it’s the best. Maybe (in my wildest dreams) there will be a craft blogging renaissance and all of us moms that were raising toddlers 10 years ago can relive the glory days of the mid 2000’s craft blogosphere 😆. Love your patterns!