Counted cross-stitch raccoon progress (or lack thereof)

Feeling a little frustrated with the raccoon project. I've chosen yet another one that is above my experience level. Will I ever learn??

So, I sat down this morning and did a quick thread graph to use as a guide. And have hopes of maybe getting the lower right quarter finished tonight. It surely isn't that much to do, I just feel lost in the pattern. Quiet time in the studio to get my bearings and it will work out.

I did select another project (much to a friend's chagrin - she INSISTS that there never be two of the same type of project going at once). I happily and whole-heartedly disagree!!! The more projects of ANY type, the merrier!

I will take a pic or two of the raccoon progress tomorrow. Here is the snowman and bunny project.

White and Pink Crocheted Barbie Bed Doll completed

This was a custom order from a really sweet gal who purchased the lavender Barbie Bed Doll gown. She selected Miss March of the Centennial Collection as a white gown with pink accent. Unfortunately with all of the doctors appointments and hospital visits between hubby and myself, this gown took a lot longer than anticipated to complete.

I am so grateful for April's patience. I am certain she will feel the wait was worth it. She has also commissioned me to do two additional gowns that shouldn't take 2 months to finish!

Barbie Doll Diorama Box

Started to create a new room for Barbie and Fashion Doll Photo shoots. The idea for this is to use a foldable cardboard box for easy storage but provide an interesting background for taking photos of Barbie and her friends.

Here are photos of the progress. Items used printable dollhouse wallpapers, calender photos for outside window scene (interchangeable!).

 

This is planned out to be a living room setting. Furniture coming soon! Printing out wood flooring on cardstock. If I can hide this in the closet to prevent hubby from crabbing about more "stuff" in the studio, I would like to make this a little more permanent.

Drop Spindle Spinning - Success at Last!

Success at last! 
For about 2 years I have been trying to learn how to do hand spinning on a drop spindle. A lady gave me a bottom whorl version and it just would not talk to me. No matter how many videos I watched or how many people tried to help me learn, it would not click.

I watched a video or two or three of folks using a top whorl drop spindle and decided to order one. While waiting for that one to arrive, I converted my bottom whorl to a top whorl and gave it another go. Ta-Da! Success. Not professional quality to be sure, but it is a start!

This is a portion of 4oz colonial roving that I pre-drafted and the spindle with my new handspun yarn! The plan is to finish this roving up, set the twist, and either ply silk yarn or purchase some roving that will blend and add a nice contrast when plied. 

I received my new spindle and love it! I even started spinning silk hankies.

Dress Pattern Design for 8 inch Berenguer Baby

After some trial and error, I have designed a dress pattern for the 8 inch Berenguer Baby doll. The first one was too big. No biggie since it fits the Toddler Baby.
This one fits a bit tightly on the shoulders. The arm holes are tight. Will tweak the pattern pieces just a little. Then it is on to working out a panties pattern for a set.

I think I might offer the pattern, after tweaking. If I do offer the pattern, would I need to write out step by step directions?

Very first homemade apple pie (crust too!)

This has been put off way too long. I have always been so afraid of trying to bake a pie from scratch. We've been working hard on changing what we eat and how it's prepared.
Today, I baked my very first homemade apple pie crust and all. We haven't sampled it yet, but it sure looks pretty!
It wasn't nearly as hard as I had convinced myself it was. This fantastic website,"My Home Cooking" helped me step-by-step from beginning to baking.

Round Ripple Baby Blanket

This Round Ripple Baby Afghan was created using Red Heart Super Saver worsted weight yarn in Turqua, Yellow and White. Finished size is 36" across.

It was fun and fairly fast to work up. So many color ideas. I'd love to do one queen size in turquoise, white and tan for our bed.

This blanket is available at ArtFire. Custom color requests are always welcome.

Pattern is a free pattern available here. Permission to sell finished items from this pattern must be requested.