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How's it going with you guys? Slow progress is being made around these parts. I spent the entire weekend knocking my head against a wall but I think I may have something to show for it soon. I have the hardest time getting a pattern just right. I sometimes feel like I've fallen into something that I have no natural talent for whatsoever. Did I ever write about how the first time Tim saw me sewing he'd never seen me so angry (up to that point) and told me very gently that he didn't think sewing was for me. I'm pretty sure I have. He likes to remind me of that often :)
In other news, we have a new friend in the house. Here's Phoebe inspecting her red shoe. More on her later.
And guess what?! It's going to snow tonight. 6 inches. We Chicagoans are so darn lucky this year. A quick peek out the window shows that the car is already nicely coated in white and the tiny bit of yard that had thawed is now covered in snow again. I don't think I've seen the lawn in 2 months. And now that I'm back at the computer to finish up and we've already got a good 3 of those 6. I think I'm sufficiently, officially, resolutely over the 'winter wonderland' bit.
February 25, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
I saw your blog on the home page and love it! Love your quilts! You are very inspiring...if only I could get myself off of the computer long enough to make something! Thanks for posting! Nan
Posted by: Nan Slaughter | Feb 25, 2008 8:34:37 PM
yeah, I'm so over winter, too. it's sad when 30 degrees above zero feels like a heat wave.
Posted by: amandajean | Feb 25, 2008 8:51:37 PM
I'm up on the north side of the city watching the tree brances get all white yet AGAIN! It was pretty the first time, maybe even the second...
We must have angered the weather Goddess this year.
Posted by: Sequana | Feb 25, 2008 9:00:00 PM
Yeah, I'm in Toronto, and I'm pretty much over winter, too. I looked at the forecast for the next week, and it seriously made me want to cry. Another 30-40cm!
Posted by: Tonya | Feb 25, 2008 9:03:58 PM
I so feel you on the snow. We haven't seen the ground since November. And it's snowing right now... or is it raining? Oh, lovely. It's both.
Posted by: sarah | Feb 25, 2008 9:13:12 PM
I think we will have a nice warm spring when it comes. It all has to average out somehow, right? Her concentration on that shoe is so sweet. Have a nice snow day!
Posted by: Jenna | Feb 25, 2008 9:39:18 PM
Your daughter has the most beautiful head of hair!
Posted by: Katya | Feb 25, 2008 9:41:33 PM
Oh the Chicago weather is nasty. But it's perfect for being stuck inside with two children who've just gotten their tonsils out! It makes having to stay inside a bit easier on them when the weather is so cold.
Posted by: Lotta | Feb 25, 2008 9:53:30 PM
Yeah, I just drove home in that 3 of the 6 inches. Not. Fun. Sometimes? I wonder why I stay in the midwest, specifically the Chicagoland area. But then, I know I would miss it if I left.
Also, I am so glad to hear that you have frustrating moments while sewing, too! Thank you for sharing that because it really does bring some encouragement to a wanna-be sempstress/dollymaker like me! :)
Posted by: odd dotty | Feb 25, 2008 10:18:28 PM
Phoebe is SO cute!!
I can totally relate. Sometimes I hate sewing. Especially the bobbin.
Posted by: lynne | Feb 25, 2008 11:13:06 PM
I know what you mean about the sewing. I love it, and I hate it. It consumes me and challenges me. I can be on top of the world over a project or ready to give it up forever.
I keep at it though, so even on the bad days I must love it more than hate it! (Not to mention, I have kept at it for about 45 years now . . . )
Posted by: Kathi D | Feb 25, 2008 11:45:52 PM
Is it MY FRIEND MANDY? The owner of the red shoe I mean.
We don't have snow, but weeks and weeks of hail and rain lately. I'm all about staying under the covers as long as possible these days.
Posted by: Lorien | Feb 25, 2008 11:59:21 PM
the little dimples on her hand are so sweet! i miss that on my (now 3) year old!
Posted by: liz | Feb 26, 2008 12:12:40 AM
I can't wait to see the owner of the red shoe!
Posted by: Yvonne | Feb 26, 2008 2:13:04 AM
Oh! That is too funny - I still have those sewing moments! DH just steps out of the way...Wishing you warm weather soon.
Posted by: Adrienne | Feb 26, 2008 6:22:26 AM
I'm really over this snow in Chicagoland, too. Ugh.
Posted by: Christina | Feb 26, 2008 6:33:15 AM
eek - look at those chubby wubby wittle cheeks! so cute!
and the dimpled fingers - is there anything cuter?
wishing you warm weather soon - here in NC we're having a warm winter thunderstorm (wierd)...
Posted by: liz | Feb 26, 2008 6:53:32 AM
phoebe is so dang cute i can't stand it.
Posted by: kat | Feb 26, 2008 8:21:43 AM
I'm agreeing with Lorien, that looks like a My Friend Mandy shoe! my favourite! I rescued a dirty My Friend Jenny with a bad haircut from the Salvation Army when my Luke was 3... he loved her. we made her some clothes and nursed her back to health.
Posted by: elise | Feb 26, 2008 8:48:18 AM
One of my first sewing experiences went about the same. My hubby said "Isn't that supposed to be fun?"
Do you spend all day pinching those adorable little cheeks?
Posted by: mary | Feb 26, 2008 8:56:29 AM
Phoebe has the sweetest face... she would make a beautiful painting! I am sooo with you on the weather too. And I had to laugh about your frustration with sewing. I know I that my talent is drawing but nothing gets me more hot-headed than when I'm frustrated with a drawing!! When I worked in advertising and would bring my illustrations home, Craig knew to stay clear! And I didn't want to be like that. I think when you're so into something, it feels more important than maybe it really is.
Posted by: Bethany | Feb 26, 2008 9:51:02 AM
I'm sick of winter this year, too. I'm ready for the flowers to start blooming.
Posted by: Mellissa - wondermommy | Feb 26, 2008 10:01:30 AM
p.s. Have you noticed that Phoebe is starting to look like your little girl on your banner?? Too cute!!!
Posted by: Bethany | Feb 26, 2008 10:05:43 AM
I'm with you on the snow...I live in central Illinois and it snowed just enough to get my hopes up for a snow day but not enough to bring it to fruition. pooie.
Posted by: Aunt Shell | Feb 26, 2008 10:14:10 AM
Oh the snow. It's getting pretty old. It's melting over here, but it's sooo dirty that I don't know what I like better.
Adorable little Phoebe. I just love her dark, thick hair!
Posted by: Meg | Feb 26, 2008 10:28:13 AM
Ummm, I guess I shouldn't say it was 90 yesterday in Austin and I ate lunch outside? I have a kid who would kill for some snow fun though.
My husband says when there is somthing new I want to sew or cook I sound the same way he does when he fixes cars--lots of threats and expletives!
Posted by: Jennifer | Feb 26, 2008 10:43:43 AM
Don't feel bad - slow progress is a million times better than no progress. At least that's what I'm telling myself these days, too. :)
Besides, it's always worth it in the end. Can't wait to see what you're working on.
And Phoebe is such a cutie!
Posted by: Maritza | Feb 26, 2008 11:10:47 AM
thanks for sharing the story about your first sewing experience.
my husband was just commenting on my mistakes and frustration yesterday when I was sitting using my seam ripper and complaining.
the end result makes it so worth it even if the getting there is a pain.
love the phoebe photo.
Posted by: Nancy Cook | Feb 26, 2008 12:22:38 PM
I never would have known that YOU would have trouble sewing! I recently received my latest purchases from you - and once again - professional and wonderful - wee wonderful, in fact.
Thanks for everything you do.
Posted by: Allison | Feb 26, 2008 2:03:18 PM
I don't think I knew you were a fellow Chicagoan! You and me, both. I am so over this winter. can't stand the snow and cold for one day more!
Posted by: Kristin | Feb 26, 2008 2:15:12 PM
Those look like the shoes to the Jenny doll I had when I was little. Here in DC we've had very little snow. What ice we've had has wrecked havoc. Right now it's grey and rainy, very bleak.
Posted by: Jennifer | Feb 26, 2008 2:33:04 PM
yeah...enough of winter all right!!
so where can i get some Phoebe-length eyelashes?
Posted by: kristin | Feb 26, 2008 3:19:37 PM
Phoebe is adorable and you may have a little shoe fashionista on your hands.
Aargh, it sounds cold there! I think I shall be grateful for my warm environs. The thought of your weather makes me shiver.
Posted by: June | Feb 26, 2008 3:22:37 PM
I know you don't know me, but I wanted to ask what kind of camera you use. Your pics turn out stunning and we are in the market for getting a good one. We'd love to know, if you don't mind e-mailing me or commenting on our family blog. Thanks for the beautiful pics!, Amy
Posted by: Amy | Feb 26, 2008 3:37:22 PM
hey there... i can't believe phoebe is that big already. i love that red shoe....
good luck w/ the snow....
Posted by: lisa s | Feb 26, 2008 4:48:35 PM
Little Phoebeis sooo beautiful! Just a little doll :0) Hugs!
Posted by: lulu | Feb 26, 2008 6:00:45 PM
That's a Mandy Shoe!!!
Posted by: Rae | Feb 26, 2008 6:48:53 PM
i wish it would get warmer over here also...
i'm sure you're so talented! i am poor at sewing, especially when i am too desperate to make a certain thing. =)
Posted by: joanna | Feb 26, 2008 10:08:18 PM
The sun is shining today in the western suburbs, hooray!! Someone's calling it "Crap-uary" for a good reason. I can't wait to get to March.
I love your site and your attention to detail and aesthetics. Thanks for sharing your craft and creativity.
Posted by: Mary Kate | Feb 27, 2008 11:06:31 AM
I am the same way! Everything I have enjoyed the most- sewing, baking, knitting- took me twice as long as anyone I know to get a hang of.
But your creations are lovely! I think boundless 'natural' talent is usually wasted.
Posted by: Mary | Feb 27, 2008 1:51:19 PM
It's been 20+ years since I've seen a Mandy doll and the second I saw that shoe I went, "OOOOOOH!" Good times.
Posted by: Abigail | Feb 27, 2008 7:18:54 PM
your three new dolls are very cute (i vote for straight hair...and brunette, of course!) but i think that the prettiest doll you ever made is named...PHOEBE!!! What a beautiful little girl! can't wait to find out more about this new little friend who wears red shoes.
Posted by: nathalie | Feb 28, 2008 10:29:20 PM
ditto here, i promised i wasnt going to complain about the snow, but i am so over it now. please let spring come!!!!
Posted by: susan | Mar 4, 2008 9:19:08 PM
omg.. good work, man
Posted by: Elsiegf | Mar 19, 2008 12:51:25 AM
