Stuffy nose season

Oh, the misery of allergies!

I only suffer through this time of year. Mid March through the end of April mostly. When the juniper trees start doing their thing. We enjoy calling them the poofing trees. I had one teacher down at the school tell me that I am suffering from poofing tree syndrome.

I looked at her with raised eyebrows. Poofy trees, you say? Yes indeed. So naturally curiosity got the better of me. One nice April morning in 2004, I set my lawn chair in the yard near a juniper. Not too close, but close enough to be able to see these so called "poofs".

Lo and behold. A small breeze picked up. Then a small gust and magic happens! Those silly trees really do poof. A cloud of white appears off the branches! And every year in early Spring, my eyes swell up and the beezer stuffs up and I try claritin (or the generic) assisted by benadryl to combat the symptoms.

I'll try to find a photo with a juniper somewhere that I can crop and add to the post.

I had so much fun making a video yesterday, that I thought about doing a real time audio video about granny squares for YouTube. 51,000+ views and so many complaining that I need to do this real time. Well, not right now with my nose so stuffed.

Not even going to go out and work on the garden. Instead I plan to do some sewing.

I did a tight fitting gown for Barbie, but it ended up a tad too tight fitting. So I think I will give it another go with a bit more fabric. I suspect the zigzag stitch I did took up more of the seam allowance than I thought it would. I might try putting some no sew on the edges. Or do the zigzagging afterwards. 

2013 off to a hectic, stressful start

What a whirlwind the first three months of 2013 has been for us.

On January 28th, we were headed down to Phoenix for a doctor's appointment. Got 9 miles out of town and hit a slick, icy spot in the highway and slid off the road. The car rolled 2.25 times. No broken bones, not a lot of blood. We were all three alright. Minor aches and pains. Two ambulance rides.

Naturally we had the wrong insurance coverage, so were stuck with having to get a small personal loan to buy another car. Craigs list sucks big time. 4 times we make arrangements to go down to Phoenix to look at cars through private sellers. All 4 times, either wrong directions and they won't answer to give correct directions, or no answer period.

Finally found a car, but finding different things wrong or needing repairs. Not a real big deal, we'll just do one repair at a time.

In the mean time, neither insurance (medical or auto) are wanting to pay the bills. They point at each other, and we're getting threatening letters from hospital, ambulance, radiologist, who knows who else.

It's been difficult to concentrate on getting any crafting done. Then I started too soon after the accident, and my hand wasn't healing well. Doctor put me on a mandatory 1 week vacation from any sewing, knitting and crocheting (and horse hoof trimming, too). That vacation about drove me insane.

Once vacation was over, I promptly crocheted a little sunsuit for the 5 inch Berenguer Doll. And then needed to create a bassinet for her. Hubby is disgusted that this baby needs to model both boy and girl clothing, so has granted me permission to shop for another!

Feeling better and ready to get back to crafting! I think sewing will help with relaxing and not stressing over this stuff. Today I am working on getting the studio straightened up. It is a fun chore for me. It's exciting when I can begin making my room a mess again!

We bought two geckos last weekend. They are a lot of fun. Had a wild caught one while living in the Phoenix area. This time we decided on leopard geckos from a pet shop. The male is named Boss Hog and the female is Lulu.

Ruby Queen Crochet Barbie Dress

Just finished writing up a post about the newest completion! With the various blogs focusing on niche topics, I feel it is easier for my readers to follow links to the posts they're most interested in reading.

This particular gown proved to be a wonderful challenge, right from the beginning! One week after our rollover car accident, I got busy and finished with the crochet work and began gluing the rhinestones on the underskirt, overskirt and cape. The instant stitch glue on hand did not work at all. The rhinestone fell right off!

Went to town and picked up some 527 glue and got busy re-gluing. They stuck! Everywhere! Unknowingly, I glued one small ruby rhinestone to my left eyelid!

Anywho, here is a link to the gown's post on MomLovesCrochet blog.

Hand knit Baby Set Finished

I am so pleased with how the set turned out! The kimono, hat and booties were knit using Caron Simply Soft in Sunshine and the blanket was knit using Caron Simply Soft in off white.

Patterns used are Berroco's "Pie" and "Ruffles for Kate", both of which are free patterns.

The kimono sweater was a lot of fun to do. Here's a post with assembly photos: Kimono Progress

The blanket is a simple but not plain looking design. I didn't measure it but I think it is about 36x32 and drapes so nicely. Definitely snuggle quality!

Save up to 31% on all items in ArtFire

Here is your chance to get up to 31% savings on all items in my ArtFire Shop.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend - save 25% on all items in my ArtFire Shop! ArtFire Patrons save an additional 5% and anyone leaving a comment receives an additional 1% discount. No coupons or codes needed! New items will be listed throughout the weekend.
http://HollysDollies.ArtFire.com
Sale ends Tuesday morning when I remove the sale module.Custom orders can be placed and receive discounts!

My verification code

ZSGHQCQFG3EJ

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all those celebrating today, I hope it is filled with loved ones and lots of yummies!

Being as it is only the 3 of us (all our family is in the midwest), we like to do off the wall non-traditional things on holidays. We swim against the flow and teach our son that being a little different is totally fine.

This year we voted on having Sweet And Sour Pork Chops, baked potatoes, apple pie and pumpkin pie.

R, C and I did a little day out in the forest tradition that we normally do on T-Giving Day, but I need to catch up on hoof trimming today, and trim one hoof. This morning, C, Sis and I will go for quick 1 hour hike in the forest.

Then I want to get some doll dresses sewn this afternoon. Got the fabrics and patterns selected. And there's the giveaway project I am working on. Would love to get the giveaway started this coming weekend!

Wishing everyone a safe drive to and from wherever you go.