A New Era. In a Couple of Ways...

With this little guy I've turned a corner in my creations. Mickey Moose is the first to have an accessory ~ if that's what you want to call his little red scarf. It's a small thing, but it's new. It sets him apart from the freckles pack. He has me thinking of new directions and new accessories. It's stretching my boundaries a bit and I'm dreaming up small little things that could add personality to my animals.

In retrospect, it is a natural progression. I'm quite comfortable creating my animals now; so the next step would be to add a little something ~ make it new again. Just one more way to set my little guys apart and make them unique.

Well, that and the fact that today I embark on a totally new adventure. My beloved tank of a Singer sewing machine - which I purchased in 1974 for about $100 - has died. So after agonizing hours of Googling and jumping on forums last night, I will be sewing machine shopping today. It was interesting to learn that in the 35 years since I last looked at sewing machines, they, too, have leapt into the 21st Century. Sadly I also learned that Singer sewing machines (which my Mom's family has always sworn by) just aren't the quality product they used to be. Seems the ancient vintage one I own (yes, it's referred to as vintage - oh, man...) still ranks as a reliable beast; but the ones made by Singer in the last 20 years are put in the crap category.

Which complicates my search a lot ~ not only am I looking at new technology, I'm seeking out the best brand. Everyone has their favorite ~ their own stories and their own experiences. I've got it narrowed down to two brands, two models and from there it's just a crap shoot. I'll be visiting two sewing centers today and making a hopeful, shot-in-the-dark decision.

That being said, yes, of course I'm excited about getting a new sewing machine that can bust a few fancy moves. I just wish it had been my choice (more time to research and "try on for size") and less a necessity. And the learning curve has to be short because there are many bunnies and puppies and mooses and penguins to bring to life. Like now.

So off to the sewing centers I go. Although there will be a learning curve (and it had better be fast one!), the timing is right, I think. I see some fun and exciting possibilities opening up for me and my friends. I think I'll look back and see all this happened for a reason. :)

M & M's and Puppy Dogs for Breakfast

That's what went thru my head as I unconsciously reached for an M & M (or should that be M singular?) this morning around 4:00 am. I'd already been up for 45 minutes. I had caught up on a couple of emails; checked into my morning websites and started sewing. Don't ask me why I've developed this habit for extremely early morning hours. All I know is I love what I'm doing; I have a lot to do; my interests are wide and varied (I just sent another photo/essay/quote book off to print on Saturday); and I'm getting a lot done.

When I spoke with my 91 year old Mom the other day she laughed at how I seem to be morphing into her. She, too, has always had many interests and has never spent a bored day in her life. She, too, got by on just a few hours of sleep a day ~ she raised 5 kids and worked full-time as a nurse on the night shift at our local hospital. I told her I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather be. :)

So with one dog down this morning, I've five more to make to complete the special order of nine Christmas dogs. They will come to life in a bit. First a walk in the park with my real live dog and my camera are in order ~ one last day of Indian Summer left and I don't want to miss it!!

Thinking Holiday...

And the holiday frenzy begins... Even though it's a bit of a challenge to picture snow falling, candles glowing, family gathering today as the window above my desk is blowing a warm 80 degree breeze into my studio. *wink*

Yet I am filling a special order for 9 dogs in various holiday-themed fabrics. One down, eight to go... This is the first little guy ~ Nicholas.

Too much fun. :) Puts me in the mood to get my own holiday critters ready for the shop in a couple of weeks!

For A Cure...

My little family of Breast Cancer Comfort Friends is growing! (These are only a few in the group.) I'm doing a big push in the next couple of weeks to get these guys out in the community ~ actually across the country ~ and literally into the hands of people I know are committed to Breast Cancer Awareness and finding a cure. It means quite a few "freebies" but if it can help anyone in anyway, it's worth it!

Coming up soon ~ why the issue of Breast Cancer Awareness is important to me personally.

Some of Them are Just a Little More Special...

One of my favorite things about sewing is finding awesome fabrics. I know some of the designs and patterns I choose one would not look at and instantly think, "OMG that will make the cutest dog!" But I absolutely love thinking outside the box when it comes to fabrics. The stranger they are - the cuter I think the animal will be. :)

So Buzz (above) the "Coffee Mate" dog turned out so darned cute I can't stop smiling. And Ruby (made of multi-colored autumn leaves fleece) is (if I do say so myself) adorable! Go figure...

Wait till you see what I've got in store for Christmas... :)

SSSSSSSSteve

I don't know why I associated a snake with Halloween, but originally I did. But now that Steve exists he doesn't look all that scary to me. He more just reminds me of a snake (stuffed, not real) I had as a little girl. I know, weird toy for a girly girl. But it was a gift and who was I to turn down a gift?

So Steve lives in the shop now and he's kind of lonely as he's the only reptile there. (Freddie is an amphiban, so that's close. They hang.)

But if anyone is looking for a not-so-scary snake, Steve's your guy.

Weeeeeeee!!

This adorable little one was my first baby-tester for freckles and friends (she still sleeps with Dotty - the first teddy bear). I don’t see her often enough; so when I knew I would be seeing her last weekend, I made sure to tuck a Wee One in my bag just for her. I think she liked it. *wink*

I was so pleased to see that “Poppy” was just the right size for her little hands – perfect for walking around and handy for that spontaneous hug whenever she needed it (or vice versus).

But most of all, seeing her so happy made me so happy I smiled all day. In fact I’m still smiling. It is absolutely why I do what I do.

Thank you, dear heart ~ until we meet again.

(images shot with Lensbaby 2.0 plus telephoto adapter - which explains the slight fuzziness.)

Did Someone Say Halloween?

I know. Before I woke up the other day and realized I'm in the retail world, I hadn't given Halloween much thought. Or Thanksgiving. Or Christmas. But now that I realized I am in the retail world, I also realize all of the above are like... tomorrow.

So I'm already behind, but I'll catch up. I've got two black Halloween cats in my shop - Pumpkin here is a "Wee One" - all of 5 inches tall. She has a cousin, "Mystic" who is 10" tall. Lots of other creatures - both cuddly and... not... will be joining them soon.

After a quick 4 day trip to Vegas to celebrate a special someone's 30th birthday, I will be back in the studio pretty much 24/7 stocking up for the holidays and working on a snail mail "holiday preview" catalog and an online newsletter.

Whew. But a very excited and fun-filled and happy "whew." :)

(Oh, and I'm playing with a new look for my blog - something a little cleaner, better organized with more info and links, so bare with me!) :)

The Bunnies are Multiplying!

Last week was a busy and fun week as the “Wee Ones” line seems to have found an audience. So since I’ve been so busy I thought I deserved a treat. I found this cute little vintage bunny pincushion in "that is charming's" shop (my link kept breaking :( sorry!)

And since bunnies seem to be the order of the day(s), it was perfect. I also picked up a darling ceramic planter in the shape of a treadle sewing machine for my Mom’s 91st birthday next month; and received a lovely little thank you gift as well.

Also realized it’s dangerous to go perusing the shops on Etsy too often… Lots of uber cool stuff out there.

Have a fantastic week – half way thru August already. Incredible.

Little Monsters

What began as a group of odd little creatures I dubbed "fuzzy wuzzables" has now morphed into "little monsters" ~ because that's what they're being called. And I like that. They do remind me of days gone by when I read "Where the Wild Things Are" about a kazillion times to two sleepy little boys.

But I'm finding myself creatively challenged in shooting the little monsters, 0r any of my creations in general. (With my cameras, of course!) I'm thinking I need to take them on little outings and shoot them in not so common places. I guess I'm just bored with simple backdrops. And then there's the whole time factor and only 24 hours in a day thing...

See? There went another 5 minutes... *wink*

Each One Unique...

Well, the wedding dogs are done. Today I add their "collars;" sew a little traveling/sleeping bag for each; make a hang tag "information/introduction" label about each one and they will be ready to meet their delivery man this week. He will hand-carry them to Canada for me.

As I lined them up this morning for a group shot I realized even though they are very, very similar, each one has their own unique look and personality already! The two in the middle are for 2 year olds, so their eyes and noses are made of felt ~ safer for little hands and mouths. The ones on the outer edges will go home with a couple of 8 year olds and a couple of 4 year olds (I think). I hope they enjoy their homes in the Great White North!

I'll miss them... As with any of my little guys, I get attached as they come to life. This group, especially, because as they have grown in number I've spent more time with them than any other special request. I feel as though I'm saying goodbye to sextuplets! :)

In the Workshop...

Petunia is the newest little piglet in the shop. She's very sweet and very petite. I heart her.

And then there's "black dog" - who shall remain nameless until he reaches his owner on the east coast. (When somone special orders they get to name it.) He's pretty darned cute, too.

And I finished the special order for the twins - the dog, the teddy bear, the pink baby beanie hat, the blue/white baby beanie hat and they will be delivered to the customer tomorrow. It's really been fun creating something special for a little guy and girl yet to be born. I like to think of their little nursery (it too somewhere on the east coast) and as mama and papa rock them to sleep, the last thing they see before their little eyes close are a pink polka dot teddy bear and a blue polka dot smiling dog.

It makes me smile, too.

Two Down; Seven To Go :)

No, the hats aren't really for them; I just decided to get everything in one shot. My friend ordered a pink hat, a "blue/white" hat - for the actual babies, a pink polka dot bear and a blue polka dot dog for twin babies in their family who will be making their appearance soon.

So now before moving on to the rest of the special orders, I think I'll experiment with something I've been thinking about. If it turns out, pix to follow. And it may even end up in the shop. ;-)

In the Works

My good friend and neighbor has a niece expecting twins - a boy and a girl - at the end of August. She commissioned me to knit two little beanies (done - must remember to post) and two stuffed animals, a bear and a dog.

This is the little pink polka dot bear for the little girl - both in progress. ;-) I'll post a pic of the finished product later.

Hope it's a beautiful Sunday in your part of the world! Sunny and summery out west. After a short walk with Boo, I'm settling into my little sewing studio to crank out a few critters. I played yesterday, so today it's a work day - albeit casual work day - but a work day nonetheless.

Cheers (she says toasting you with a chai tea latte)!

I Heart Special Requests

So those quotes that inspired me to open my shop and have one focus and one focus only? Prophetic.

"Take up one idea. Make that idea your life.Think of it, dream of it, live one idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea,and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success."

*Swami Vivekananda*

[For our economy to survive]

"We have to start making stuff again."

*Peter Schiff, American Economist*

I have found something to do that fulfills my creative spirit and makes me smile every day. Not to mention in some small way I think I'm bringing smiles and just a bit of whimsical happiness to others as well...

Good karma. I have three special orders to fill. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! And thank you, thank you, thank you!