Packing

Yesterday I started packing for my trip to Key West, and I think I'm nearly done. I always pack too much, so I'm going to rethink my clothing choices and eliminate a few things. After all, I have to have space to bring souvenirs home.

I'll be taking my laptop and digital camera. If I have easy Internet access, I'll try to post now and then. Unless I can't tear myself away from the fun (I've promised not to post any incriminating photos.)

We'll be getting around on scooters, and I'm a little nervous about it. I think I'd be a lot more comfortable on a regular bicycle. I will wear a helmet, even though they're not required in Florida. Here's a link to an article about scooter accidents - I'm an ER nurse, so naturally the safety of this activity is what I think about (not that I want to cause you any worry, Mom - and remember, I'll be with another ER nurse and an ER doc).

I also stopped by the ER yesterday and picked up a couple N95 masks. Don't know if we'll need them, but we certainly can't afford to get the H1N1 virus (popularly known as the Swine Flu) that's going around. Who knows how the span of one week will affect the prevalence of the disease. I've got antimicrobial hand cleanser in every bag, as well. I'm really not a hypochondriac, just cautious...

Verity Class in Auburn Washington

I taught a doll class this weekend, at the Calico Cat in Auburn. It was good to see some old friends and make a couple new ones, too. I've posted some photos to my Picturetrail album. This particular doll (Verity) takes a long time to make, so I don't have photos of finished dolls yet but will add them as they come in.

Doin' the Happy Dance!

Ahhh, I'm home from work and officially on vacation. Tomorrow morning I leave for Auburn, Washington, where I'll be teaching a weekend class at the Calico Cat quilt shop. It'll be good to see my friends from Up North. I'm packing tonight, and assembling kits for the class.

Then next Thursday, I'll be leaving for Key West with girlfriends from work. We'll be staying at Pearl's Rainbow, and NO MEN ARE ALLOWED. Poor Hubby will have to fend for himself here at home, but he'll probably relish the quiet solitude.

We've got all sorts of excursions planned. I've never been to Florida before, and am really excited. I've got my Kindle loaded with some great books. I'll take my little laptop with me, too, and hope for an Internet connection (no, I am not taking a vacation from the Web - do you think I'm crazy??)

Art Dolls Only (ADO)

I'm a member of the ADO Team. Check out these dolls by some team members, slideshow by Ayala Art:

Renee Award

I'm honored to have received this award from Denise. It's my FIRST award, so I'm a little unsure of the protocol.

I think Renee sounds like the type of person I'd enjoy knowing - you should really check out her blog. Her posts are so eloquent. So in her honor: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…

And I will pass this on...

to my friend Patti LaValley

Call for Hoffman Challenge Dolls

It's that time of year again, for the annual Hoffman Challenge. I've had my Hoffman fabric for months, but have just started thinking about the doll I'll make.

You may not be aware that I've been featuring Hoffman dolls on my website for several years. The official Hoffman site only features the winners, and I think ALL the dolls deserve to be seen. So please send your photos to me.

The deadline for this challenge is July 24. Visit my website to see

Past Hoffman Challenge Dolls. My email address is there, too.

When it comes time to photograph your doll, think about visiting my tutorial for tips to getting the best photos.

Under the Harvest Moon

She's finally done, and I've settled on her name ~ "Under the Harvest Moon," or Harvest Moon for short. I finished her shoes today, and am really pleased with how they turned out (got them right on the second try, too!). Harvest Moon is just over 22 inches tall. Her clothing is removable. Her hair is fringed upholstery trim. She's supposed to be in the September issue of Doll Crafter & Costuming magazine.

The shoes are made from woven fabric. I thought I'd have to sew snaps, or make a tiny buttonholes, but they slip on easily (thank goodness!) without all that nonsense. Be careful if you click on this photo - I forgot to resize the image.

I really want to make another of these dolls, but need to get ready for my class in Auburn in a little over a week. Crunch time!

I Love Fabric

I really love fabric. It's a sickness. Every year I resolve to NOT buy more, and use what I have in my embarrassingly large stash. But I've done it again.

Patti LaValley and I stopped at Callapooya Quilts in Brownsville, Oregon, en route to our annual Eugene Luncheon. You could say it's a tradition. And right around the corner is a quaint little yarn shop, Brownsville Stitching, where we find fibers suitable for doll hair.

I found all sorts of lovely fabric, and with the design of my newest doll in my head, loaded up on Fat Quarters. Here's a combination I think would look nice, and I just happened to have this upholstery trim (for hair) that coordinates pretty well.

The new design is nearly complete (she just needs her shoes), and then I can get her and the pattern/instructions sent to Doll Crafter & Costuming magazine. Skirt and bodice fabrics are from Callapooya, sleeves and collar are from Lisa Shafer's shop. Striped stockings are from my stash (Yay!).

Lucky Me!

The annual gathering Eugene area doll clubs was April 2. I don't know how long the luncheon has been held, but this one was my third or fourth.

Many raffle items, as well as door prizes are offered to attendees. I was lucky enough to win this wonderful "Basket of Spring," assembled by the Stitchin' Time Cloth Doll Club. It's absolutely filled with goodies, which include pretty fabrics, buttons, lace, vintage rick-rack, hand-dyed silk fabric and ribbons, a felt doll hat, doll shoes, and a bottle of Claret with two glasses. It also contained Lindt chocolates, which I have been enjoying (and sharing just a little).