Wee Wonderfuls

when does this stagecoach arrive in san francisco?

when does this stagecoach arrive in san francisco?, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

I have some serious haberdashering to do.

pictures of my kids

So I was asking for post topic suggestions with that giveaway and I jotted down some of your ideas before I started having a panic attack at the deluge and edited the post to not ask for suggestions. But I will check everything off that list eventually. Someone asked about pictures of my kids didn't they? That's easy enough....

Here are a few more suggestions I thought it'd be quick and easy enough to knock out....

Rah Rah Monsters - that I did my best to explain over in the comments of the post. It's not so much a game with rules as it is a, I don't know, sport?

A few of you asked about my craft room, it's here. It's been rearranged since then and not for the better so it's in hiding these days. It's sort of a giant pile of crazy.

And I think people were asking about my fabric? It's here and conveniently, there's a stash interview that just went up a bit ago here on Sew Mama Sew. Where do I get it? New stuff, mostly online and vintage stuff, mostly left over from my thrifting days. I'm going to work on an updated fabric shopping list for my FAQ. That ought to be fun, and expensive!

Yarn hair - here's the story on yarn hair, to me there are two types of yarn hair. One is the easy to understand, straight forward and very successful way of sewing yarn into wigs and then sewing to the dolls and this is the method that is explained in the Kit, Chloe and Louise pattern. I use this method most often and with great success. I believe this is how Waldorf dolls hair is done. (right?) I'm amazed there's not a tutorial out there for it online somewhere. If anyone knows of one please let me know!

The other type of yarn hair is what I'm going to call from now on my "wow hair", thanks to a comment Abby left, "Everytime I see one of the dolls you make, the hair is always one of the best 'Wow' factors of the entire thing!' Thanks man! This type hair is different every time, complicated, time-consuming, instinctive, organic and sort of the magic of dollmaking for me. It's not something I could or would want to try to step out in a how-to. There's no great secret to it, it's just sewing yarn to a stuffed head, but the joy of it is starting out without a plan and not knowing where you'll end up. I love experimenting with yarn hair and have so so many sketches of designs I can't wait to have the time to try out.

Oh, and how I find the time... babysitter! I know I've mentioned this before and I try to mention it as often as possible. Babysitter, babysitter, babysitter! I'm a working mom and after Phoebe was born my days of working while simultaneously parenting were over. I'm no super woman, actually I'm a pretty big wimp when it comes to multi-tasking like that. I get so worried that I'm a crap mom or very cranky that I can't complete a thought or a task so I gave up and got help. I work while Oscar's at school and Phoebe's napping and then I have a babysitter come play with them a few times a week while I work.

Okay, that crosses a few things off the list! I'll work on some more tomorrow. Thanks everyone for all your help, I'm always better with a list :)

doll giveaway - Maria

and the winner is.... Rhonda J. Thanks everyone for playing! I know giveaways are fun (especially when we're all broke!) so I'll dig around in some more piles and see what I can find.

Maria, doll giveaway over on the blog, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

Okay, how about instead of I try to write an interesting post I just give stuff away. Found this gal under a pile today. She was the first try at the Folkster design. She's sort of a toddler folkster. Her name is Maria, she's 10" tall and the random number generator will send her off to some kind new home. Just leave us a comment and you'll be added to the pot. Thanks for playing!

Viola

viola, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

Viola, the last member of the new Patchwork Set, seen here last Spring sunning herself and jotting down dreams and ideas in her composition book. I'm gathering up supplies for a new photo shoot with these gals. I was thinking little sets of prints of these gals would be a fun addition to my etsy shop. Got a few more things (stuffed things) brewing for etsy as well.

I'm so scattered these days but I really want to try to post something here every day this week. I'm going to try make a list of some interesting somethings this evening. I'm just so boring these days. February, the most boring of months. We're almost through it though. And I'm sure March will be thrilling.

and the oscar goes to

the oscar, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

sorry, this one's ours. do you think they'll be handing out swaddled 5 year olds to the winners?

sewing + snowing

hattie, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

Same old, same old around here. I'm working on two bears, a giraffe and a bonneted baby this weekend while the snow piles up. Hattie here seems to be getting a jump on her easter projects.

wallpaper

It's sunny today. Hotdog! So much easier to stay positive when the sun's shining in. Yesterday's mail brought me this vintage wallpaper I'd ordered ages ago and forgotten about. I was going to use it for a background for photo shoots but after seeing it in person I love it so much I might need to wallpaper our small bathroom in it. Wonder if there's enough. Or maybe a wall in Phoebe's room when we transition to big girl room. I just love it's sunny brightness, so good.

Gretchen

Gretchen, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.

The third member of the new Patchwork Set, Gretchen is more of a stay under the covers girl. I wish I could do the same. It's cold, cloudy and dreary today. I need the sun, my on switch.

Handmade Originals on Etsy

The Folksters are now up on Etsy in my new section, Handmade Originals. I'm so nervous for them. I don't know why selling dolls is so tough for me. I have the hardest time letting go, sending my work out in to the world. Patterns are so much easier! Well, thanks for looking, and listening :)

Barbie, old school.

It's only February but I'm using Junebaby's birthday as an excuse for my vintage toys on ebay habit. Have to do my part for the economy right? So, I'm obsessed with vintage doll clothes and having no luck. It is almost impossible to get a good deal on on ebay. It's crazy. I'm just looking for some sweet handmade hippie or mod handmade outfits for our Tammy and Barbie dolls so they don't have to dress like the real housewives of orange county or whatever the hell those outfits in the store are supposed to be. Every time I find a lot on ebay with decent photos it sells for $50-$100. Collectors? Or maybe everyone else is as put off by the idea of sewing teeny tiny waistbands and collars as much as I am. Wait til you see what I did ebay though, ha! It's awesome and on its way.

So this is my friend's mom's old Barbie. 1958 I'm guessing. And I'm guessing that because I saw this "Your Favorite Barbie" series of reissued dolls at the store and this gal was one of them. I had the Jackie O Barbie in my cart for a good 30 minutes until I snapped out of it. Definitely for Phoebe's birthday though.

Here's my photo for doll a week. I think I'm behind? Is this only the 6th week of 09?