Louie Louie Bebe

Yes, well. A photo blog, again, just because I can.

 

Let's begin with the legendary Scout.  I love everything about this doll. Some dolls are just like that- they seem to have a unique personality from the very first second.

           

 

 

And here is one of my Willa dolls. I think I name them Willa, because they remind me of 'My Antonia," by Willa Cather. Have you read it? It is a wonderful novel, about a Bohemian immigrant family, trying to settle in Nebraska, way back in 1918, if my memory serves me right. It is so beautufully written. I carry the Shimerda family in my heart as if they were long lost friends, just like the protagonist in the novel. But really, don't get me started.

This little girl is Miss Pixie. Say hello.

And wave goodbye.

xox

My oh my. It has been a while, hasn't it.
Time does fly, when you're having fun. Or so they say.

I have been quite productive whilst away from this here blog. Tweaked my patterns, finished a whole lot of customs, burnt the midnight oil sewing clothes, sharpened my knitting needles by knitting endless hats, scarves, leg warmers. I love that Winter is here because it is a lot more inspiring, wardrobe wise.
It's hard to think of layered clothes for dolls when the temperature outside is hellish.

Now, when it's the weather is nice and crisp, even rainy some days, the fire is burning, and there's a proper ambiance, knitting seems appropriate.

I've been meaning to take pics of all the dolls we've made these last couple of months, truly I have. Unfortunately, when the light is not just right, the pics are dull and I take them just for reference - they're just not good enough to post.

However, some pics did come out nicely. Sarah's pic, for instance.

A for Apple

First week at school. A lot of tears are shed, but I can spot the hope, the excitement, the curiousity, under the tears.

A for Apple,B for Be strong, son.

 

 

 

It has been longer than I care to admit. Shameful, I know. I had all these wonderful ideas for blog posts, and they all dwindled away when facing the harsh reality: I don't have enough time to write.

So, instead of going through the motions just for the sake of blogging and easing my conscience, I will do the honorable thing.

No, not that honorable thing. The other honorable thing: A picture post.
Ready?

This is a little display of the chaos in the studio right now.

I really love this doll. She's ready for the Upload.

 

Almost done...

 

 

I planned a RTG doll Upload for this weekend, but I doubt that I'll be able to make it. It has been rough here this past week.

The dolls are nearly ready, but their clothes aren't, so I will have to postpone the Upload for next week.

Sorry!

 

Alone again, naturally

Anne's doll

 

 

It has been a while since I took the time to post here.

The last few months have been unbelievably busy and productive. I found an assistant, lost an assistant (to a long trip to Australia!) and now I'm searching again.

Having an assistant was wonderful and now I really dread the thought of having to do everything myself again.

The studio is a jolly mess again. Undressed dolls stare at me in dismay; Piles of fabric to fold, ribbons to roll back and tuck away, patterns lurking in the shadows of the heaps of 'stuff' on my cutting table.

Meanwhile, the weather has changed and harsh, cold winds are blowing.                                                      I sit here, wrapped in an old cashmere shawl, stitching dolls, knitting wigs, embroidering shoes, doll faces, embelishments, while the radio plays softly and my dog lightly snores.

Bliss.

   

 
    

We have a winner, believe it or not.
Jen A. Johnson, you win the 12" Waldorf redhead !
Congratulations!
Let me know if you would like a boy doll or a girl doll.

Thank you all for participating. I am slowly catching up on your blogs and websites. This is a time consuming task, since I stop and 'awwww' and 'ahhhh' and gasp quite often. You guys have beautiful kids!!
It is incredibly inspiring.

In other news, my last shipment encountered some customs problems, which explains the delay. Apparently, packages were too pretty and gained unnecessary attention. I just hope they didn't ruin the packaging and that all dolls arrive safely.

It is time for the July Giveaway !

So.

Are you here, yet?

Good.

Would you like to participate in the Giveaway extravaganza?

Yes?

Good.

Giveaway will be a 12" Organic doll. I will start working on her this weekend.

In order to apply, ( I love using grown up language.) you have to be a fan,

and follow this blog. Just write down your fan name and blog following name.

What else?

If you have any special requests for this doll, write them down here, and I may use them in making the

doll.

Giveaway line up will close on  July 14th, and the winner will be picked randomly.

Good Luck!

What I really have to do, one of these days, is take a few photographs of my studio.

Just, not today.

 

 

 

 

It is a lovely, spacious room, with 5 french doors overlooking our huge, old blackberry tree.

The branches and leavs of the Apricot tree, brush against the windows when the wind blows.

Just,

not today.

 

 I have imported the lovely pink wallpaper from the UK.

It was incredibly expensive but I love it. It has a calming effect.

The white net curtains are very plain, in contrast with the beautiful curtain poles, curtesy of

Restoration Hardware.

The shabby armchairs are the result of one hectic afternoon, years ago, in a flea market, on a very, very hot day.

Much like today.

 

 I need three tables. Four, even.

One for my sewing machines,

One for the computer and for when I sew by hand,

One for cutting and packing.

That one, leaning against the wall, was my husband's desk, way back when,

and when I finally find the time to restore it, it will be my son's desk. It has 9 drawers. Perfect for keeping treasures.

 

 

 

What I really need to do, is be more organized. Put things back in place. Fold fabrics when I am done cutting them. Hide the patterns so that my son does not feel the urge  to demonstrate his newly found cutting techniques.

I have to roll the silk ribbons, return the wool to its box, organize the wool in the drawers, so it does not get dusty.

And tangled.

I have to do that.

Just,

not today.

 

Lack of sleep, and its side effects: A true story

Took kids to 'work.' (my son's perception of kindergarten.)
Managed to part from girl kid without tears (hers) and sense of parental failure. (mine)
Drove to post office.
Found parking space. Wooo hoo! I'm amzing! I'm queen of everything!
Dragged parcels to Post office. Stood in line for half an hour.
My turn! Yay! I rule!

"You cannot pay for this with a credit card, I'm afraid. It's either cash, or personal cheque.
Next!"
Dragged all parcels back to car. Closed door. Groaned.Rang Mr. Louie Louie for support.
Found none.
Back home. Seems like I may be queen of everyting, but this everything does not involve:
1. motherhood
2. husbands
3. Post office clerks

Cha-cha-changes...cha-cha-changes

It has been awhile. You may think I am lazy and undiciplined, (who, me?!), or you may think I do not care about this here blog, or you may think all sort of wild and crazy things about me. But you'd be wrong.

I have been stitching myself to oblivion. I have been up all night, and busy at work all day. My kids are fed up with the 'doll business,' my husband started making all these hmmmpsss and grunting voices, my sister called and said she may need to interview new sisters, and all because I have been good and working in my pink studio on new dolls.

 

But first of all, I owe you all a big, big thank you.

I took your comments on Agnes to heart, and styled her hair, and she is so pretty now, that I am tempted to take her off the listings and keep her.

What? you think I don't need a doll ? If poked, will I not shutter? If tickled, will I not squeek?

(I will not, mind you. I do not squeek.)

So, without further ado, here's Agnes:

Bangs and all.

 

 

I loved the way she looked before, but I love her even more, now.

The bangs were indeed a great improvement.

 

Thank you!