Altered Christmas Doll Swap

I participated in the Altered Christmas Doll Swap and i loved it!! I thought-sure i have never done that before, why not give it a go?  I know she has arrived to her new home safely and wanted to share and couldn't wait anymore.
I looked and looked at the thrift stores for just the right gal. that was tough let me tell you. So many were calling from the shelves!
This is who i ended up buying:

She is an Avon Doll. {Didn't know there was such.}


The dress was in good shape and nothing broken on her. First i started with finding and trying out a few different things....pom poms, fuzzy thread, flowers, buttons...everything! It was actualy pretty fun to audition multiple things and see what she really wanted done to her. I didn't end up adding a whole bunch, but what i did - i love!

front

back.

I used some vintage clip on earings for the back of the bow center and her crown in her hair. I added a bit of pink ribbon on the bottom of her dress, a big ribbon-lace bow, a tiny doily butterfly on her front, and some flowers for her to hold. She had a blue ceramic headband that i covered with the sparkly white thread and put some more around her waist with a tiny button in the center. Not that you can't see all of that already. I should just be quiet so you can look for yourself. shhhh.

 Doesn't she seem happy now? Oh, i hope she is......

Mine have arrived!! They came yesterday!! They are so cute. I love them ---both, yes both!! 2

This is just like me, to get stuck in the 'doll' part and then get surpised by someone who thinks outside of the box! I am so lucky she does! Thanks a suber bunch Molly!!!

Thier feathers and extra little aprons are so cute! I saw a few of these in an old wire lampshade as their cage. I am on the lookout for one...... How did you know i needed birds? Thanks Molly!! They are perfect.

Wanna see the rest of the group? The whole swap? Click here!! There are some really goodies.

Starting the 26th of December I will have a

10 Day/10 Winners

for Patchwork Posse.

A lot will be going on and changing around here----

You don't want to miss out on the fun,

updates and all the new stuff!!!

I of course will be blogging normaly fun sewing stuff in between now and then. Don't you worry about that--

And Don't Forget-----

I am compiling a list of the best patterns so everyone can have a

"Make it yourself"

homemade Christmas!!

I have my own, but want to share what else is out there.....so

Do you have a

pattern/tutorial to share?

Is there a pattern/tutorial

that you found in the web world that you love?

Want to pass it along?

These can be either

patterns to buy,

or free tutorials.

Send me the link of the pattern and a link for you.

You can also write a quick summary of the pattern.

Feedback -don't we all love that?!

I would love to include them

and give you credit.

bekntab4{at}yahoo{dot}com

go on do it now! i want it all.

Random

Bunch of randomness today :

A quick peek at the doll refashion swap i just did....I love her....I will show all of her when she arrives at her new home.

See how she smiles now?

I'll show her before and after later.

Went to Joannes and found---buttonhole elastic

wooohoo!!!!  Now i can fix all the pants {already did a few for the winter coming for the kids}

and have them adjustable. yes.   click here for the end bum crack tutorial. Great stuff girls.

Speaking of tutorials. How about one tomorrow!

Vinyl Composition Book Covers

They are cute and e a s y    p e a s y

pudd'n pie.

+ how about another give away!

you're coming back now aren't you? that's what i thought.

I don't do monsters

I participated in this monster swap.. I am not one to make monsters. i thought it would be fun to go a bit beyond the normal around here. It is hard to make a monster girls! I have been  taught that this is not my area of expertise. i need some practice apparently, but not sure if that will be happening in the near future.    This is the little guy that i sent and i am waiting for my little one to show up. Here is a picture gallery of all the lovely  monstery monsters.

He wears his heart on his sleeve and has a crow as a companion. The one eyed cyclopse with a smile...i really can't make them mean looking! funny.

Tangled Floss

I have a few strands of embroidery floss for stitching- the thicker kind..that just don't stay straight.  Don't you hate it when you pull on the end and it all tangles up?

You have the same issue? I could roll them onto the paper or plastic cards, but to tell you the truth i think they are all used up, or they are hiding from me. Any whosies...I saw the little pile of wood spools and thought. why don't i just load them onto the spool?

All nice and tidy like....go on give it a try or a roll, or a wrap. Whatever you would like.

What -you ask am i doing with that embroidery floss?

This of course is part of the Secret......ah. man girls- i am mean......like a monster----arrr.

Raggedy Ann Swap

Raggedy Ann Halloween Swap

She is ready to go for the night treating!

Her kitty kat is her best friend, and is always by her side.

She has a fluffy orange under skirt to poof out her evening dress.

Her little bag is empty are ready for some filing.

Of course, she has her fairy wings and her mask to keep her not too recognizable.

She has scrappy raggy hair {my way of doing annie hair- a bit different, but love it}

She landed at AwtemNymf's home.

Reminding you of what i recieved---

Swappity News

I am behind in swap reporting! ugh. with costumes, life, my own sewing fun stuff.....i haven't bragged about all the wonderful goodies I have made...I mean, that i have recieved....hee hee. no really. I got some good stuff. 

Annie is first! Isn't she just the sweetest? I sure thinks so. and she even smells yummy!!!  She came with a few nice tissues and a box of dots-candy corn. mmmm. + some candy corn buttons. if you didn't notice she has a candy corn wand and dress, and a wonderful tutu! I am in love with her. she is just perfect from her candy corn varigated hair to her tassled shoes. Thank You!!! Done with the wonderful Aunt PittyPat Swap. She is the queen of Swaps.....wanna do a christmas block? go on over and sign up. I am doing the brights--out of the normal.

Got this great little batch of goodies.......from Tracy {no blog}. Great fabric, reading, eating, and smelling.  Perfect for a night all by myself.

I attended the last meeting for Utah quilt Guild!!! yay for me!!! new adventures are in the mix.....This was my year end goodie bag. Useful everything. Just in time for cleaning, and note taking, and of course Yummies!!

This little bag is from Marilyn and Cindy. I lended space in my freezer for their frozen turkeys.  They will chat it up with the other turkey ----don't go there.

The cutest chocolate package ever!!! and yummy.

Lastly- here is my block for  Amy month.  My block for the Stash Busting Bee

It got dropped on her doorstep, hope she likes it!!!

I have a bit more sewing to do....and finishing up the Swappers Angel Projects....I am a few days late on that one.

Pinkie Goodness

I got some quilting done last week....this is for my favorite aunt. Can i have one? is it fair? well, it doesn't matter because she is....and not just because i told her to look at the blog to see the quilt {she dropped it off and took a plane to Virginia}. She really is my favorite.  really. ok. enough already. isn't it cute and pink?

The backside is a pink and check yummy flannel. so nice and soft. I did a different quilt design on each row. Can you tell? It's kind of busy isn't it?  The quilt is an extra long twin i think. this cute stuff went on forever!

I even did a real binding on it too!!!! i heard that gasp....you are surprised, i know i was.

 hey jana? you like? :)

This here is the last pair of christmas blocks from the swap. They are from chelsye. She even sent a mini box of chocolate. ...hmmmmm not sure where those went. hee hee

I also got one package from the shop swap. This here is from Arti. She sent baby booties, a soap saver, some fabric {love it}, a pair of earings, and some tatting flowers. I love them all and they be very useful.

Here is the second mini charm quilt that i didn't show yesterday.

ooooo. i can't remember who it was. i totally wanted to give them the inspirational credit for this one. I CLEANED!!! i know. miracle of miracles. I did the boys room. I even wiped the baseboards, windowsil, and shelves. We got rid of 1 big bag of clothes{donate}, 1 piece of furniture, 1 big bag of garbage, swapped the clothes for the winter, 1 fish tank- gone, and hand vacumed the corners and edges. It feels so nice. took 2 hours to feel that way, but i am thinking it was so worth it. 

little steps girls. that's all it takes.

All I Want for Christmas --my list

So I will be the first to add my name to the list. I have given this some thought......but really had a hard time figuring out 'what'. I am hoping the swapping list will grow so i can go shopping. Sometimes you just need to see it to like it...you know?  The list might give me some more ideas and see some great stuff out there.  I am thinking that because it is still October too......but, better sooner than later :)

I am thinking of these things for the kids:
- nice drawing journal
- portable drawing kit
- doll accessories
- hair accessories
- jewelry- neclaces, bracelet, rings
- barbie home accessories

of course this list will grow. But I am trying really hard not to overdue it. :) whatever.
ok. now for what you get......

Here is the list up for swaps:
* patterns- quilt, dolls, bags, misc
* hand made dolls, bunnies, doll quilts,
* pin cushions--doily walnut stuffed
* pin cushions--rolled wool
* quick stitch- kits or patterns alone
* kit for in the leafy treetops quilt
* hand made bags, messenger bags
* pocket people + carriers

Check out the SHOP for more goodies. Anything in there is up for swaps!


Now, do you see how it's done? Go do it yourself....and then share it with the rest of us. Hurry up would ya...i got a bunch of swap stuff burning a hole in the pocket.

All I want for Christmas

I have been thinking about this Christmas thing for a few days or so. I loved last years---mostly handmade items. I would love to have a repeat again this year. It is a little more thought involved and sometimes can be a bit costly......so I have come up with a solution.  How about a

'All I want for Christmas Swap Listing'

 Did i peek your curiosity? Are you wondering what all that is about? Let me explain....you'll get it and then you'll love it and then you'll want to play along. I promise....wanna bet? ok. your on.

Let me tell you first.......this is a open swap area. This will be just a listing area....for bloggers and store owners.  You are in charge of making contact on YOUR OWN. Now, don't start complaining because you have to do a bit of work. Keep reading.

If you have something---stuff, goods, supplies, patterns, jewelry, toys, games, clothing, hats, socks, ...that you are willing to swap you will post it here. Do you have a store or blog and are willing to swap items in it?
Do you want/need/desire something? Are you willing to make a swap with someone for it?
Do you kind of get it? Good. You know how swaps work...you see it and like it, they see something of yours and they like it...you swap.  right........u huh. I am just breaking the ice.....no need to be shy or afraid of approaching. It's been done...they are ready for offers.

ok- here are the rules:
STEP 1:
1) you MUST have a blog and or store online- no if's, ands, or buts about it. If we can't see it, we can't swap it.

2) MAKE A POST on your own blog --describing what you would like. Make a list girls! No one knows until you say it. I am not making promises that you will get what you want...but you never know.  

3) ON THE SAME POST--- say what you have up for offerings. What you are willing to swap.  What goods do you have? You never know what others might want. Give them some links, flickr, other blog posts, stores...ect. to go and look at. show it, flaunt it.

4) Come on back here and Sign Up on the linkie at the bottom. Make sure you are linking to the post about the christmas swap, not to your main page! We are lazy and don't want to go on a hunting expedition looking for the goods.

5) Copy and Paste the button and post it on your blog---you want others to trade with you don't you? This is how they will find all the good stuff. {i am still working on this}

There is NO deadline.  This list will be up F O R E V E R.....good for reference later when you need birthday presents....hmmmm.

Now you can--go to the post {use link button} and find all the swapper goods. You go on a little town tour and ----oh, look at that.......find something you like? Contact them. See if they are willing to make a trade.  Now, i am kind of figuring that if you are on the list you are willing to play along. We are all doing this is good faith of one another...and it is for Christmas goods.....so NO FLAKES!!! you will be in big doodoo if you are one. So just don't be. ok? In my minds eye- I am thinking this is for ready made goods....so really you don't have to do any work for it...just swap what you have or are willing to do/make if you need.

Are you in? Would you like to give it a try? Let's see if this works---shall we?
I will be posting my list soon.....so watch for it!




pst--does anyone want to help me out here? I have tried and tried and i can't seem to get the button maker to work! ugh.! Here is the picture:

I have this posted in my flickr and photobucket, but nothing will work! It keeps adding little symbols on the side and then can't find my page. Can someone make me one? I should have put that on my list......email me if you can help me. thanks :)

Swappy Stuff

Since my space is clear I started on my Raggedy Anne Halloween Swap!!! i was excited for this one. Here is just a peek.....can't show too much. Still have bit to go, but great start.

I recieved my tin from Lyn. She did a wonderful job don't ya think?

Love the fairy on the top. Reminds me of Water Babies stories. Little Tom tormenting the big fish. Check out the stitches and the ribbon flowers! Love them!

A look inside. Full of goodies.

OOOOOOOO........buttons.

She also included a few vintage cards. Thanks a bunch Lyn.

Well, the goal is to finish the swaps before i move onto something else. So you will be getting a few more updates that way. Today i am off to Layton for Quilt Fest. {big conference building next to Target} There is a quilt show and a vendors mall--weeee

I will share my illigal photos {apparently i shouldn't take pictures of others quilts and then put them on the blog- but then Molly wouldn't have ever known that her quilt was in the show--she quilted it--what to do, what to do} and any little goody that i just couldn't pass up.

Postings of Postcards

I am sorry this took me so long to show off. I have been 'trying on' those caps and getting things rebalanced here.


I really do have a love for postcards. Short, sweet, and oh so pretty. Especially if they are made by other hobby-ests and crafters. Mini work of arts. Really you could frame some of these.

Oh, i just wanted to share before i forget. You know those wires that have little suction cups on each end? Then they have little pinchers that are on the wire so you can pinch things in them? Duh. anyways. I have used those in the past to showcase the postcards. Pin one in each pin and voila- showcase. I had mine in the window in my sewing room {when it wants to stay suctioned}
ok. on to showing them off.

This cutie is from Little T jane don't you just love the chic? She is sooo up my alley. She makes way cute stamps and little wood books in her store.

This cute sewing one is from Tye. She had a wonderful back of the postcard with her blog on it and everything printed. Fancy that. She added some REAL pins on the tomatoe and REAL gold thread on the sewing machine {looks like my featherweight hee hee} and some cute little buttons to boot. Wonderful Job!!!

I also got a surprise one! i love that! from Marilyn. She lives just up the street, but still sent it snail mail. How cute is that gal with the cat? She added some beads and a bit of glitter. Fab.

Karen- one of the other swappers- posted her arrivals. Go and check them out. Cute stuff, huh?

Thanks for swapping and if anyone else posts their gettings, give me a yell {email me really} and i'll share it for everyone to see + me to.

Sell +Sell = sell

We have the same agenda:

Mine- to sell things

Theirs/boutiques- to sell things.

Doesn't this make you think that they would add up to sells?

sell + sell = sell

I am no math wiz, but this adds up! Apparently though, real life dictates a totally different answer.

That is the front and back. I picked up that art board and then added a blue burlap backing to make things 'pop'. Well. The before and after pic would be exactly the same -except after is a bit messier. So people looked, and then loved, and then ......put it back.

Not sure how to take it. Give up? That is 2 flops --sorry, 3-- in a row. I even tried mixing it up and added a few new and different items. Well. I am looking into getting some sell tags and some decent cards and some 'branding' of the whole store. Maybe if i didn't have 5 different hang tags, and whatever else adding to the confusion i will sell something. Maybe

{I can't blame it on the show either---they had sold more in one day than a WHOLE show last spring! SO things were hopping, just not over on my station.}

I of course had a bit of trading pleasure at the end though. Can't complain about that. Got me a new headband. Love it. And some way cute fabric. Love them. So it can turn out Sell