tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39451278444771913982024-03-16T16:58:45.458+00:00Tales from a ToymakerAuthentic miniature Victorian and Edwardian doll’s dolls, toys, games and playthings for the discerning doll’s house child.
Designed and handcrafted by professional artisan Sandra MorrisSandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04538875136752456633noreply@blogger.comBlogger1853125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-9479188193850672672024-03-16T16:58:00.000+00:002024-03-16T16:58:06.687+00:00Cutting it fine..... Part 7<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I expect you've all been on tenterhooks with regard to my trousers and I have been remiss in not providing an update.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The narrower elastic duly arrived last week, and I set about finishing the waistband. The instructions said to thread the two rows of elastic through the channels AT THE SAME TIME. If I hadn't read carefully I'd have blithely threaded them one at a time, which is surely what any sane person would do?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Apparently not, and I now know why. Threading the second row would have been nigh on impossible with all the bunched up fabric from the first. Although I have to say, threading through two at the same time was nigh on impossible too, as I kept inadvertently letting go of one of the safety pins inside one channel, while trying to level up the other. The whole exercise took well over an hour, with eleventy separate violations for unladylike language and various threats to throw the whole bally lot out the window.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When the final safety pin emerged through the gap in the end of the channels I was so exhausted and bedraggled that al I could manage was a feeble <span style="font-size: xx-small;">'whoop'</span>, rapidly followed by a 'Thank *expletive deleted* THAT's over!'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I still haven't worked up the enthusiasm to do the hems yet, but I did take the almost completed trousers to the dressmaking session on Wednesday, to finish hand-sewing the ends of the elastic together and closing the gaps in the channels. I tentatively held them up to show the tutor and I think she was genuinely impressed. Either that or she's a very good actress. The other class members made similarly encouraging noises, possibly to make up for their lack of support during the whole 'toile disaster'. So I was suitably mollified.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">That just leaves my top, and with the clock ticking, and mindful of how long it's taken me to almost finish the trousers, I need to get cracking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have three different patterns for three different tops. One is a square-necked, boxy top, one is a round-necked, slightly fitted top, and the other is a round-necked, swing top. The swing top is the easiest, but it has to be made in a 4-way stretch knit jersey fabric, and the material I already have is non-stretch woven, although it is very soft and drapey. I've looked for a 4-way stretch knit jersey fabric and because they're mostly for gymwear, and children's pyjamas, the colours/patterns are garish. I don't think neon space dinosaurs is quite the look I'm aiming for. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The problem with the round-necked, slightly fitted top</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">(apart from it having NINE pattern pieces)</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> is that according to the pattern,</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> if I choose the size which fits me round the hips, the bustline will be so big it will be slipping off my shoulders. Of course I now know that standard patterns have to be graded, and that my wonderful tutor will help me adjust it to fit. However, the square-necked, boxy top is within a gnat's whisker of fitting me without major alterations, so I might just go with that. Except square necklines are notoriously difficult to get the corners nice and crisp. Plus it's got an all-in-one facing which is made up using the burrito method. I've watched the video tutorial and my bamboozlement levels were stratospheric!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The lovely fabric I bought for the top was an end of roll sale remnant, so I can't get any more of it if I make a pig's ear of the whole thing, so I'm on the horns of a dilemma. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Which one should I go for..... if any! </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Answers on a postcard please.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Or should I just cut my losses and get one of these....</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM7oysIEbHjFe-bfXQ0bWs29UTksUNYIlK_yaCIelhc4KolJeT6F95uFLESqm8Gzydwkp4-GVJcywiodof7jrM3OP9lCA5HkrSXWvANBDSj-lBRHPkqxge7fc2XRO0AJBzYZ5hyphenhyphen0jtmAfm07WbbZkxh50LwieiGHBUfidBlw-4_AwWJ465u2DDlbNUek/s1000/bamboozled.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM7oysIEbHjFe-bfXQ0bWs29UTksUNYIlK_yaCIelhc4KolJeT6F95uFLESqm8Gzydwkp4-GVJcywiodof7jrM3OP9lCA5HkrSXWvANBDSj-lBRHPkqxge7fc2XRO0AJBzYZ5hyphenhyphen0jtmAfm07WbbZkxh50LwieiGHBUfidBlw-4_AwWJ465u2DDlbNUek/s320/bamboozled.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-67289631063133756662024-03-15T16:03:00.001+00:002024-03-15T16:37:04.685+00:00Holiday planning..... Part 1<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm having the whole weekend off from the ongoing holiday wardrobe debacle and am turning my attention to our forthcoming holiday. It's still a ways off but I do like to be prepared. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My focus this weekend is swimwear, my least favourite holiday wardrobe item. If I thought I could get away with it I'd go burkini or full body wetsuit, but the prospect of looking like a beached seal has put me off.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So I'm thinking maybe full-on retro 1950s swimsuit with built in buttressing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've also started to plan my extensive preparative deforestation and exfoliation programme, which will take some time, hampered by the fact I can't get to all the bits which need attention. No idea why it isn't possible to go to a human jet wash service, where all the hair and dead skin is blasted off in one session, leaving skin fresh and smooth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then there's the matter of my winter-grey pallor. Do I opt for a lick of colour from a light touch moisturiser with a hint of a tan, or go full on batshit crazy with a fake tan? Self applied obviously. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As a teenager in the 1970s, living in Scotland, I dallied with fake tan creams and lotions, because.... Scotland. Aside from the legendary long, hot summer of 1976, you could usually only rely on maybe 3 or 4 days of sunshine in which to attempt a tan. Of course every Scot would abandon all non-essential clothing and lay out in it, getting burnt to a crisp in the process. Being Scottish, a few days later everyone looked like snakes shedding skin left, and centre. If you were lucky, your crimson hue would mitigate into an approximation of a tan which would then wash off in the coming weeks of grey skies and rain. Skin cancer wasn't even a thing back then.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">These days, due to my MS, I avoid the sun, preferring to lounge in the shade so I rarely manage a tan. However, winter grey skin is very unappealing, when compared to a glowing sun-kissed look, so I will have to resort to artificial means in order to avoid the gothic vampire vibe. Thankfully, according to my research today, fake tan lotions and potions have come on in leaps and bounds since the 70s. I might give a 'hint of a tint' moisturiser a go, rather than a fake tan product. Last thing I want to do is end up looking Trumpian! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Finally, there's the thorny issue of 'shapewear. As in, should I or shouldn't I? Over the years I've dallied with shapewear in all its guises. I've even blogged about it. I did a quick search just now and was dismayed to discover I've written about it a total of six times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SIX TIMES!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you're interested, and have half an hour to spare, you can read all of them <a href="https://towerhousedolls.blogspot.com/search?q=shapewear" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Think of them as The Shapewear Chronicles. I can't guarantee you'll learn anything from my extensive research but it might make you think twice before entering the arena. Anyway, I was listening to Women's Hour on the radio in the car earlier, and there was a piece about a new craze in shapewear.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Wait for it.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Big bum knickers!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Honestly. Knickers that make your Bum. Look. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Bigger</span>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Big bums are in fashion. Who knew? Obviously, when I got home, I Googled it and they are, indeed, A Thing.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX4kYqhtrCCWIv0sWCJ-DdhPC8T1SqfoWPQz9lgSKJjeT8KnfNK6vPiYrPcksNC7yRX0dmVjFSTDfJwE8PbZFK-QH5j2BwOzVlgGbfdabDmkPz0dsp46CM5zhsgcCTyeeKxZ1xNrwRzzznO9k-TDqk_uL9oIrD5wjONrAS7eKNCUHE3DIwB1bXdiFfDs/s959/big%20butt1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="959" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX4kYqhtrCCWIv0sWCJ-DdhPC8T1SqfoWPQz9lgSKJjeT8KnfNK6vPiYrPcksNC7yRX0dmVjFSTDfJwE8PbZFK-QH5j2BwOzVlgGbfdabDmkPz0dsp46CM5zhsgcCTyeeKxZ1xNrwRzzznO9k-TDqk_uL9oIrD5wjONrAS7eKNCUHE3DIwB1bXdiFfDs/w640-h172/big%20butt1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But it doesn't stop there.... no by no nonny no. As if having a gargantuan bum isn't enough, you can also have 'enhanced' saddlebag thighs!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf-392UUGWz-Q66RL8VFj1a6wGYnq9lNrvnINx60SeZt1DGuoUWqHscKXpjfMRSdSqXDWe0q4buD0psqY-W7FISSNwFwystBwFEJhCWpnBqNTnacprZGgeaM51alFoZbc0br6ieUKnd6uYd00Hsi-HZMHkLVoYM0wvexoD4v6Z3UE55d63wAWJH1m3Vk/s948/big%20butt2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="948" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf-392UUGWz-Q66RL8VFj1a6wGYnq9lNrvnINx60SeZt1DGuoUWqHscKXpjfMRSdSqXDWe0q4buD0psqY-W7FISSNwFwystBwFEJhCWpnBqNTnacprZGgeaM51alFoZbc0br6ieUKnd6uYd00Hsi-HZMHkLVoYM0wvexoD4v6Z3UE55d63wAWJH1m3Vk/w640-h170/big%20butt2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p>Back in the day I believe these were called 'fat suits' and being swathed in pounds of padding doesn't sound like the most comfortable form of underwear but what do I know? </p><p>The current craze for a Brazilian Butt Lift obviously has a lot to answer for but it's gratifying to know that I don't need surgery or padded knickers to achieve 'The Look!'</p><p>Result! </p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-36477324968117915172024-03-07T17:08:00.003+00:002024-03-07T17:08:23.465+00:00Cutting it fine..... Part 6<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes I know. At this rate the tale of my trouser making journey alone will read like War and Peace and I haven't even got round to starting my holiday top yet. *sigh*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dispiritingly, my optimism about the elastic channels was completely unfounded. According to the instructions, BOTH lengths of elastic had to be fed through the channels at the same time otherwise it would be impossible. Turns out it was impossible anyway as the tiny tolerance in the channels was too small so I simply couldn't thread them through.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In a strop, I yanked out the few inches of elastic I had managed to wiggle inside then sat morosely, contemplating my diminishing options. Which were:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">1. Unpick ALL the waistband channeling seams and start again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">2. Throw the damned trousers in the bin and let's never speak of them again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">3. Buy slightly narrower elastic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Option one was never really a runner. It would have taken hours and I'd likely have poked my seam ripper thingy through the waistband in several places and completely ruined it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Option two, though tempting, just didn't sit right with me. At this point I'm six weeks into my trouser making 'journey' and have endured failure and mortification at every turn. Nevertheless, this close to the end I felt disinclined to throw in the towel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So option three it was and I have ordered some flat elastic which should arrive tomorrow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">During this enforced hiatus, I decided to start thinking about my holiday top, which is a very simple, straightforward sleeveless, boxy top with a round neckline. I bought the pattern online and had the PDF printed by a dressmaking pattern printing service.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've had the fabric for weeks now... a soft crinkle crepe viscose, in colours to complement my trousers. I didn't think about it at the time, but the fabric is directional, top to bottom AND side to side, which complicates things enormously, as </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll have to make sure that the front is perfectly centred and the back piece will have to run in the same direction from shoulders to hem, also centred.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rc58By6n6rT8zFv0EeKRhIIU1Z8w-GF5nT8g0i8ardcgNAahrciA48FKvwllo447Xf1v38EdczSwvmgG55eHHjcM_qnjE64FwNPKknzZsp8xQLE-7iAVNHiGrJ6g78Focm-tNTG99Rqk3Ao0Cz5IGVnxW1IsjyKo2caYOhhdTjp5GLoeGVeLcmtzUNY/s800/crinkle%20fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rc58By6n6rT8zFv0EeKRhIIU1Z8w-GF5nT8g0i8ardcgNAahrciA48FKvwllo447Xf1v38EdczSwvmgG55eHHjcM_qnjE64FwNPKknzZsp8xQLE-7iAVNHiGrJ6g78Focm-tNTG99Rqk3Ao0Cz5IGVnxW1IsjyKo2caYOhhdTjp5GLoeGVeLcmtzUNY/s320/crinkle%20fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purples in the fabric exactly match my trousers.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p>Then there's the small matter of double inside bind neck and armhole facings, neither of which I've done before.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is supposed to be a separate hem facing along the bottom edge too, but I'm going to dispense with that as it would be a nightmare trying to exactly match up the pattern, but I'll have to add extra length to compensate. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm also going to try to make side slits, because HIPS.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've laid the pattern sheets out on the dining room table prior to cutting out the bits I'm going to need and am devastated to discover that there are nine different pieces. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">NINE!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not as I fondly imagined, looking at the pattern illustration a mere two.... front and back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Four of the pieces will be cut from iron-on vilene to stabilise the neck and armholes. Then there are another three long strips which have to be cut on the bias to form the neck and armhole facings. I just hope that I have enough fabric as the bias strips will take up a lot of space, and I'm going to have to juggle the front and back pieces to be symmetrical and directional. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is no cutting layout diagram with the pattern, which is just as well, as it would be pointless. Looking at the front and back pattern pieces I'm inclined to make a basic toile with the remnants of the old dustsheet as they look a bit big, even allowing for seam allowances and bust darts. A toile will enable me to judge how much length to add. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It all seems to be one step forward, three steps back at the moment......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-14532424067121442242024-03-06T12:15:00.006+00:002024-03-06T12:15:58.854+00:00Cutting it fine.... Part 5<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've taken a run at my trousers over the past few days. The curved crutch seam was easier than I had anticipated and I was able to use my sewing machine to stitch the seam, then my new overlocker to seal the raw edges. The fabric is wonderfully soft and drapes beautifully but it frays like buggery, so I was keen to get all the raw edges overlocked as soon as possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As I predicted, the inseam pockets were an absolute nightmare. I pinned and basted them every which way, infuriatingly incapable of understanding the instructions no matter how many times I read them. But until the outside leg seams were sewn I just couldn't get my head around the method of construction, which seemed completely counter-intuitive. Eventually I just took the plunge and did what I thought seemed correct, even though it didn't seem to be exactly what the instructions described.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I then had to finaigle the pocket pieces into position and seam them, then overlock, which was just sooooo tricky with all the seams coming together at different points in a small area. However, once I'd turned them right way out, and fiddled further with the pockets, I could see that they were mostly correct, although the top edges would have to be sewn onto the waistband casing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The waistband casing was also bamboozling, even though I did sort of understand that it would have to be sewn on right sides out, upside down, on the outside of the trousers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Like..... really?!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I spent ages checking and double checking that I had it right, as I was going to use the overlocker to stitch the seam and overlock all the many raw edges at the same time, so a mistake at that point would have been catastrophic and the trousers would almost certainly have ended up in the bin!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Eventually I worked up the courage to do it... very slowly, inch by inch, checking all the layers were in the right place and the damned pockets weren't facing the wrong direction. The main issue with an overlocker I've discovered, is that unlike a sewing machine, you can't really see <b>exactly </b>where the needles or the edge of the fabric are as there's so much machinery in the way. I just had to ignore the needles, the long foot, cutters and loopers and concentrate on feeding the fabric through in as straight a line as possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Thankfully, having spent absolute ages double checking the overlocker settings on spare scraps of fabrics, the overlocked seam was perfect, and after carefully pressing all the remaining seams I found, to my surprise, that I'd made a pair of trousers, with inseam pockets both going the right direction!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The next step was to make two channels in the waistband for two rows of flat elastic. I measured the relevant distance from the top of the waistband and stitched as directed. Then I discovered that my overlocked seam took more of the fabric than a single stitched seam and that I had barely a millimetre of tolerance between each of the two channels.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My elastic was 3/4" wide and the space for the channels was exactly 1 1/2"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Buggrit. <span style="font-size: large;">Buggrit</span>. <span style="font-size: x-large;">BUGGRIT!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Annoyed that having second guessed myself since the start, I'd dropped the ball so close to the end, I thought momentarily of unpicking the top casing seam, but had a brainwave and set about pressing the trouser/waistband seam to within an inch of its life. Then I pinned the elastic onto the outside of the waistband, flush with the seam, and stitched right up against it. In theory this should give just enough room to insert two rows of the flat elastic, with the added advantage that it shouldn't be able to twist. I'd have to dispense with the other row of stitching between the bottom row of elastic and the waist seam, but I didn't think that would matter too much, as the overall width of the waistband was correct.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now to find a safety pin big enough to thread the elastic through the tight-fit channels! It will be touch and go I think.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-81796452385702374712024-03-05T20:35:00.001+00:002024-03-05T20:35:34.761+00:00Cutting it fine..... Part 4<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hmm... so, in retrospect, I should have started my resurgent dressmaking journey with something other than trousers. They look so easy don't they? Basically two tubes of fabric joined in the middle. We wear them every day and sort of assume we know how they work. I've been making them in miniature for more years than I care to remember, although, to be fair, the legs were always cut on the fold and they didn't have pockets or elasticated waistbands.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well, I now have a whole new respect for actual trouser makers. Trousers are tricksy buggers and devilishly difficult when dissected into their component parts which don't bear any resemblance to the finished item.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I should have started with a top. Front. Back. Simple. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Having prevaricated and procrastinated for the past week, I finally bit the bullet today and set about cutting out my trousers, according to my revised toile pattern. It took several hours before I so much as put scissors to fabric. I must have checked my pattern layout eleventy times, heeding the old adage about measuring once, cutting twice as I only had enough fabric for no mistakes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I can't say my cuts were smooth and straight. The drapey fabric was slippery and kept moving around on the table, despite my weighting it down with a few strategically placed plant pots. However, I did eventually end up with two trouser fronts, two trouser backs, two pairs of pockets and one waistband casing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Despite being advertised as an 'easy' pattern, the instructions bamboozled me. I must have pinned and re-pinned each front and back a dozen times, constantly checking if I had the correct front/back and if the right/wrong side was facing the right/wrong way. If second guessing oneself was an Olympic sport I'd have won several gold medals today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Counter-intuitively, I had to pin a front and back together, rather than the two centre fronts. I suspect that's due to the inseam pockets in the sides, which are a problem for another day. Thus far I've sewn exactly two seams and overlocked the raw edges, which was a mission in itself. Now I'll carefully press my not exactly straight inside leg seams before moving onto the far trickier crotch seam, which is all on a curve. Not unlike my own learning curve which is currently vertical!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sheesh! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-42875615984419389022024-02-21T20:27:00.000+00:002024-02-21T20:27:39.448+00:00Cutting it fine....Part 3<p> <span style="font-family: georgia;">So.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I had my third dressmaking and tailoring session today. I took my huge nappy and waited patiently while the tutor got everyone else underway with their sewing projects. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I explained about my first toile, and her eyebrows lifted. I showed her my revised toile and her eyebrows shot off the top of her head and are probably in orbit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Tutor's lovely seafront flat with a commanding view of huge waves breaking onto the beach.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*tentatively* So this is my second toile. I had to make another as the first didn't fit all...... *trailing off*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tutor:*incredulously* And THIS one does?!?!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*quietly* <span style="font-size: xx-small;">yes</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tutor:*appraisingly* Hmmm.... you ARE quite an odd shape, aren't you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tittering from the other students.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*stolidly* Obviously. Sort of Weeble-shaped.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">More tittering from the other students. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tutor : *disbelievingly, holding up the big nappy for everyone to see* And THIS fits?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*downcast but rallying" Yes. Yes it does.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tutor: *warmly* Well done! To make a new toile absolutely from scratch.... that's brilliant! Well done.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other students:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*cautiously* Sooooo.. it's alright then? I can carry on....?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tutor:*reassuringly* Yes. Just carry on with preparing the pattern, pin the toile to the.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">At this point I was so relieved I stopped listening. I'd been dreading it being all wrong and having to start again. I felt quietly pleased with myself. Despite being an odd shape I had triumphed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-3125740691790415212024-02-17T14:32:00.002+00:002024-02-17T14:32:41.903+00:00Cutting it fine.... Part 2<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">After breakfast this morning, I set about making a second toile for my trousers, using the new pattern I created yesterday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Following one false start when I inadvertently sewed the two fronts together instead of a front and back, which necessitated unpicking the machine sewn seams, I finally achieved a toile which looked how it should. Essentially another big nappy but with a higher rise. After pressing all the seams and turning it right side out, I snuck quietly into the bedroom to try it on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">For lo... instead of the waistline coming up to my armpits, which looked completely feasible due to the size of it, my new toile did actually fit. The top of the centre front seam came up to my waist, and the top of the centre back seam also came up to my waist. I was unable to repress a little squeal of excitement, then PP appeared in the doorway.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, I'll admit I must have looked a sight. Standing there in my grey socks, winter white legs poking out of a huge nappy, but her rolling around on the bed laughing her head off wasn't quite the reaction I'd been hoping for. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">She laughed uproariously, subsided into fits of giggles, then just as she was getting a grip, I turned round so she could have a rear view and she laughed so hard I thought she'd need oxygen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Bedroom. Sandra stands disconsolately in front of the mirror, clutching the waistline of her huge nappy. Stumpy legs ending in a pair of grey woolly socks. On the bed, PP is gasping for breath, unable to suppress gales of laughter at the sight in front of her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me: *shortly* Yeah, yeah... all right. I know you think it's funny. But I've spent nearly two days on this so a bit of encouragement wouldn't go amiss.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">PP:*gurgling in an attempt to stem the rising tide of giggles* Turn round so I can see the back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*dubiously* There... see? It comes up to my waist at the back and....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">PP:*incapable of movement, tears running down her face* Well, yes. But the legs.... *she dissolves into laughter again*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*indignantly* The legs don't matter for this. Just the trousers from the crotch up to the waist. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">PP:*struggling for control* I know that, but the legs will be ENORMOUS!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*curtly* They're WIDE LEG evening trousers. And the fabric I've chosen will drape and flow, as opposed to this paint spattered dust sheet fabric. Plus, without the waistband in place, you're not getting an accurate impression of how they will look when they're finished.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">PP:*gasping* Alright. But you know I asked you to make me some? Well I've changed my mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me: *sharply* Good. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sandra struggles out of the huge nappy, trying to rescue what remains of her dignity. She carefully folds the toile, after marking it as the corrected size. She'll take it, and the first toile to the next dressmaking session, along with her revised pattern piece for the top of the trousers. A determined look settles on her face as she squares her shoulders and makes a solemn vow...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me: *resolutely* I'm going to make these damned trousers if it bloody well kills me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To be continued.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-83371023774205912232024-02-16T16:48:00.006+00:002024-02-16T16:58:12.175+00:00Cutting it fine.....<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was going to start going to dressmaking classes, run by a lovely lady from U3A. I had my first session this week and went along full of enthusiasm, clutching patterns and fabric for the first two pieces of my summer holiday wardrobe. I've decided to start off with very straightforward, flowing, wide leg trousers, and a simple sleeveless top. No zips, buttons or fastenings of any kind to bamboozle and flummox me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The tutor explained that she'd have to take extensive measurements firsts, as I'd be adjusting the pattern to my size before I even thought about cutting out my fabrics. Fair enough, I thought.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now I probably should explain at this point, that I do have a definite shape. And that shape is Weeble.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfwMHd_jLA35nGOykXE7fqKiixFD34Be_KKu3JuGuvKN1FdJ0V0sKnoiOnzWUlrO8aW6SsO_Zjn4MvjV8neVZD2Joa7b2HWn1QgMBFfGVJGy6cOS3Uk2W3OC9GvFlLv-EGYtYhOb5abmW6V3PClVfnUSqDgwROhRdXvVvNDE8H6ThgcLAmUGCsx2DiuY/s1600/weeble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfwMHd_jLA35nGOykXE7fqKiixFD34Be_KKu3JuGuvKN1FdJ0V0sKnoiOnzWUlrO8aW6SsO_Zjn4MvjV8neVZD2Joa7b2HWn1QgMBFfGVJGy6cOS3Uk2W3OC9GvFlLv-EGYtYhOb5abmW6V3PClVfnUSqDgwROhRdXvVvNDE8H6ThgcLAmUGCsx2DiuY/s320/weeble.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Or, in fashion parlance, I'm pear shaped. Although to be fair, I do have a bit of what I laughingly call my waist, somewhere in the middle, but it's all downhill from there. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyway, the measuring process took up most of the session. Apparently trousers, even ones with elasticated waists are quite tricky. Who knew? After comparing my measurements with the actual paper pattern, the tutor declared that she'd have to add 3 inches to the 'rise', front and back. I do prefer high rise trousers, but while they're often ok at the front, they usually gape at the back. If I was shaped like a washboard they'd have been fine, but to accommodate my womanly curves *cough* the pattern would have to be adjusted. The rest of the session was taken up with making a new paper pattern, from which I was to make a 'toile'.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">A toile is</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202124;"> </span><span style="color: #040c28;">a prototype or fitting version of a garment that's made up in an inexpensive fabric so that the design can be tested and perfected</span><span style="color: #202124;">. The name comes from the fabric of the same name tha</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">t was originally used in their construction – a translucent linen or cotton fabric.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;">So, this morning I decided to set about it, and spent a while up the shed, dodging spiders and trying to find an old bed sheet which I'd used when decorating. Ok, so it has a few paint spatters on it, but I didn't think that would matter. After several hours, some of which were spent trying to identify a problem with my admittedly ancient sewing machine, I managed to construct a toile of the top section of the trousers, which looked disconcertingly like a huge nappy. Of course the waist was too big, as it was missing its elasticated waistband, and there were no legs as they were irrelevant because it was the waist to crutch area which needed adjusting.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;">I duly pressed the big nappy and tried it on. If I pulled it up to my waist at the front, the centre back was more than halfway down my bum. And vice versa. I felt crushed.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;">After a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a good moan to PP about how rubbish I was at dressmaking and why on earth hadn't she advised me not to, and she said she had, but of course I'd got a bee in my bonnet about making clothes and had disregarded both her and <a href="https://towerhousedolls.blogspot.com/2024/01/turravee-taken.html" target="_blank">Small Dog's admonishments</a> to completely abandon the whole idea.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #202124;">Unburdened and refreshed, I decided to make a completely new toile so watched eleventy different You Tube videos which all suggested slightly different methods. Luckily I'd bought some pattern paper so it was the work of a mere 3 hours to produce new pattern pieces, which look a bit odd so I'm not convinced they're going to work properly either. I haven't enough life in me to attempt another toile today so tomorrow I'll get back to it and see how the next disaster pans out. <br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">At this rate I'll still be making them while on the beach on holiday... *sigh*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To be continued.....</span></p></div>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-38962255209002922402024-02-11T14:22:00.002+00:002024-02-11T14:22:39.007+00:00Kits & More....!<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Following on from the recent reveal of my 2023 Advent Box, I've been sorting through the aftermath and have been able to complete extras of a few of the kits. I always end up with some extras, especially on the trickier precision cut ones. So, I've been able to make up a few boxes with a selection of the spare kits and have listed them for sale on a UK craft sellers website called Aviarto.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8pRmovhaC3S762Vzsul4HPK0mCtLowyaBu4Oq0mLDbK5uFX-5NkNc-LljIXfF_uB-6nFncUvFe7VNv4_mmE2G_xyZtyfwPK-h2cUnoIa2140SYsPL6g4BkeeRW4EbcuOBctNwscUhfb7setjTD6FMPOzUIwI2DMhBghRpH3qE2Ay9AN1dzyvRpNvKL4/s600/kits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8pRmovhaC3S762Vzsul4HPK0mCtLowyaBu4Oq0mLDbK5uFX-5NkNc-LljIXfF_uB-6nFncUvFe7VNv4_mmE2G_xyZtyfwPK-h2cUnoIa2140SYsPL6g4BkeeRW4EbcuOBctNwscUhfb7setjTD6FMPOzUIwI2DMhBghRpH3qE2Ay9AN1dzyvRpNvKL4/w400-h300/kits.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The boxes only contain the kits shown above and <u>do not </u>include the kits for the illuminated circus shop booth, or the toy dolls or several of the other toy kits which made up the whole.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, when made up, the kits selection will look like this....</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOPaC6C7LAAkrlmGqOZW1rWZeeptuzRQGbJXWgtI_7TdpfcBiDklKlKhNDp9p2jV-EO9pqC-cmLWN3pL6QG_8I_8cRMLXe727lNkRgGE5pSwkoWx2w7EhXUBPv9yFbFjzFI20csjgd83WN08DXtRRyFU_JsJdSOZHrf3cTbGg77K_4Wrz45Y88tvJqlc/s2115/finished%20kits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2115" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOPaC6C7LAAkrlmGqOZW1rWZeeptuzRQGbJXWgtI_7TdpfcBiDklKlKhNDp9p2jV-EO9pqC-cmLWN3pL6QG_8I_8cRMLXe727lNkRgGE5pSwkoWx2w7EhXUBPv9yFbFjzFI20csjgd83WN08DXtRRyFU_JsJdSOZHrf3cTbGg77K_4Wrz45Y88tvJqlc/s320/finished%20kits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Perfect for display in a children's nursery or toy shop setting!</span></p>You can find the assorted kits boxes <a href="https://aviarto.com/workshop/sandra-morris-dolls" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In addition to the circus/animal kits, I've also listed a few of my remaining kits, including the wonderful Fairy Tales Toy Theatre... a miniature wooden theatre with changeable scenery and a cast of cleverly magnetised character from well-loved fairy tales. Also available are two of my mignonette toy dolls, Primrose and Bella. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Last but not least, I still have just a few copies of my book, Making Miniature Mignonette Dolls available. I will not be having another reprint, so these final copies will be the last. I'm bundling them with a free kit to make a little litho printed Jumeau doll on a wooden block... perfect for a nursery or toy shop display.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm gradually working through more minis and kits which I'll list on my Aviarto page in due course, so do bookmark it and check back regularly for any new additions. <span style="font-size: large;">😊</span><br /><br /></span></div>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-66301743815412370252024-02-02T12:43:00.000+00:002024-02-02T12:43:08.893+00:00Projects Central....<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I retired last year, I worried about what I was going to do to fill my time. I've always worked and the prospect of days filled with no purpose filled me with dread. Of course I usually have several craft projects on the go at any one time, but even when I was working full-time they didn't take all of my spare attention and energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So I joined my local U3A. For those unfamiliar, the University of the Third Age is an international movement aimed at encouraging retired people to share their knowledge, skills and interests in a friendly environment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">At the last count, my local U3A has over 60 different interest groups, ranging from analytical philosophy to current affairs, birdwatching to gardening, Qigong to Mahjong... as well as dozens of others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I gravitated towards the various craft groups, but found that the ones I wanted to join were full, with lengthy waiting lists. Undeterred I contacted the groups convenor who provided me with all the information needed to start my own. My Creative Crafts group will be one year old this May and has coalesced into a lovely little group of like-minded ladies. We meet once a month and tackle a different craft each time. They've mostly been successful, with the exception of the needle felted mouse. I don't think I've ever laughed so much as we ended up with a whole menagerie, none of which looked remotely mouselike! I think first prize went to the duck-billed platypus. 😄</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've also recently started another group, Short Form Fiction where we concentrate on one form each month, discussing examples at the session, then writing our own pieces in the same style over the following month, to read and discuss at the next. It's going well so far and the group is gelling nicely. I might, at some point drop my own efforts here...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, since deciding to take up dressmaking again, I've been scouring the interweb for useful YouTube videos (spoiler - there are eleventy million related to all aspects of making clothes), downloading tutorials etc, in the possibly vain hope that I don't end up with a one-size-fits-nobody 'shaipless sak'! I'd already perused the U3A groups list, but the Dressmaking & Tailoring group was full. More in hope than expectation I contacted the lady who runs it and asked to be put on her waiting list. A few day later I received a reply saying she'd had a place unexpectedly come up and would I like to join!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So in the next week or so, I will be making a supervised start on my summer wardrobe, beginning with some simple tops and trousers, then possibly, more ambitiously, a jumpsuit. I've already bought some super easy patterns, and some lovely fabrics. Of course I also need coordinating accessories so I'm also going to have a go at making some jewellery, from both polymer clay and wet felted beads. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Again, I will post the results of my efforts in due course if they're suitable for public exhibition. The thing about trying new crafts is that it's impossible to turn out anything half decent on the first few attempts, so I will have to work through the initial dispiriting trials and failures before I resolve all the problems which I'm certain to encounter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I now have NO IDEA why I thought I'd be stuck for stuff to do....!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoJZquhIRXcr-lXj8-_ja0wQ0lr4q6GF-I5qwGRrvThh5zGY6x04trB2CKnpCQ78j5qI6k5rUOkgc7HOB7u_Mfcrt41i5gRL6sAfa1jjh-pRPsIkgFSeIpWeaG3-qBTBDWpLQ78LVho6anpw07uz_FIJlPeEof_e4up8DqMT1TVo2zIYX7b5FlOazSdc/s900/desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoJZquhIRXcr-lXj8-_ja0wQ0lr4q6GF-I5qwGRrvThh5zGY6x04trB2CKnpCQ78j5qI6k5rUOkgc7HOB7u_Mfcrt41i5gRL6sAfa1jjh-pRPsIkgFSeIpWeaG3-qBTBDWpLQ78LVho6anpw07uz_FIJlPeEof_e4up8DqMT1TVo2zIYX7b5FlOazSdc/w300-h400/desktop.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-42934029755229494842024-01-18T17:01:00.002+00:002024-01-18T20:17:26.432+00:00Turravee taken.....<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Scots vernacular - Turravee</span><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">; </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span>a wild, extravagant mood, a strange turn, an odd notion or fancy</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The other day I took a turravee and decided to re-organise my <strike>workroom</strike> craft room.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Again.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've lost count of how many times I've done this over the 20 years we've lived in this house, but each time I do, I'm convinced that it will be the last one and that the room will be absolutely perfect. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">An oasis of creative calm, with a place for everything and everything in its place. Will I NEVER learn?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Sandra's craft room. I've pulled everything out of all the miscellaneous boxes and drawers and am standing on the only free 30cm square of space, looking around disconsolately. A small furry presence gradually materialises in the doorway....</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Small Dog (for it is she): Bluddy hell murm.... whott is itt ThISs tyme? Ai karnt evin gett inn and aim nonkorpawreal!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*quickly clearing a space on the chair* Oh SD. Am I glad to see you! Well, as you can see I'm...</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD: *interrupting* Ai kan sea whott yure doen. Maken a unnholey mes as</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">s yewsule. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me:*dispiritedly* Well, yes. I started to tidy up and it got out of hand. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD: *sceptically* Fourgiv me... aim kno eckspert on tydien upp butt shudent the rume luke bettr aftur?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me: *</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">quietly</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">* Yes. Yes it should. And it will. I'm in that no woman's land between making the mess and resolving it.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD: *quizzically* Hmm... and houws thatt goen?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me: *resignedly* Badly. I need more storage and...</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD:*implacably* KNO! Yue du knott nead moar stoarij. Yue nead less StUF! Ai thott yue wer dounsighsen?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me:*warily* I am. But I now run a craft group, plus I'm going to take up dressmaking again and I DO NEED STUFF!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD: *astonishedly* DrESMaKeN?!?! Yure goen to maik kloaths?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me: *assertively* Yes. I used to make my own clothes when I was in my teens and now that I'm retired I'd like to take it up again. It's so much easier now... lots of YouTube videos and tutorials, many more shortcuts, sewing aids and gadgets.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD *carefully* Hmm... ar yue shure? Ai meen... yure a odd shaip. Sortt of rownd with bitts sticken owt. Ar shaipliss saks in fashun att the momint?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me: *huffily* Right, that's enough. I'll admit that haute couture tailoring is beyond my skillset, but I'm sure I can knock up a flattering jumpsuit, or flowing trousers and tops. Shorts even. I'm going to make some for my holiday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD: *sniggering* Okai.... butt doant sai ai dident worrn yue. Inn the meentym, yude bettr starrt kleerin up thiss mes. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me:*crestfallen* A little bit of encouragement wouldn't go amiss SD. I know I'm always coming up with madcap ideas and hairbrained schemes, but I will keep it simple and I'm sure I can manage to make a few nice outfits in my newly re-organised sewing room.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD: *gently* Yess aim shure yue wil. Ai wos onlie pullen yure legg. Yue ar alwais veri kreativ and when yue starrt sumthen yue alwais see it thrue. Ai luke forwerd to seein yore knue owtfitts.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Me: *resolvedly* Thank you SD. I will take all you've said on board and look forward to revealing my holiday wardrobe in due course. In the meantime I need to order some pretty storage boxes for all my sewing stuff. So lovely to see you....</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">SD gradually fades away, and Sandra quietly closes the door on the mess and sets about some online retail therapy.....</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-71851274855413970442024-01-18T16:16:00.001+00:002024-01-18T16:16:24.785+00:00Lions and tigers and bears....Oh My!<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />With Christmas now a fast receding memory, I can now reveal the contents of my 2023 Advent Box.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXwhThPi4EwgUan1BdCVE45MfZTsnMQ0Pc-2Gz5oMa85oCJN-0cdo3ixiSNLKGUTUqlW_g9SI8rv_3Go0ml4n2ulPqBFY7THHYeKy7ntXyB3Egu3Z_zBnn4OtRz2myU96M_b5Oayjf2DnDlsMe1U8bKw4Swp3U3mmX5FFSrmqUIIxxM34BrjFDNE5_uU/s800/finished.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="800" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXwhThPi4EwgUan1BdCVE45MfZTsnMQ0Pc-2Gz5oMa85oCJN-0cdo3ixiSNLKGUTUqlW_g9SI8rv_3Go0ml4n2ulPqBFY7THHYeKy7ntXyB3Egu3Z_zBnn4OtRz2myU96M_b5Oayjf2DnDlsMe1U8bKw4Swp3U3mmX5FFSrmqUIIxxM34BrjFDNE5_uU/w400-h379/finished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is finished piece, made up from the 25 kits, a colourful illuminated circus booth stall filled to bursting with lots of circus and animal themed kits, plus two new doll kits which I designed specially for the box.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have a few additional individual kits left over so I'm going to make up some mixed packs and offer them for sale later this month. I've also been rooting through more of my boxes and will have more things to sell which I've been hanging onto but will likely never use so I'll add them to the list too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">So.... watch this space! </span></div>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-80432853738355711772023-12-13T12:14:00.001+00:002023-12-13T12:14:19.786+00:00Overdue update.....<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I inadvertently forgot to wish my blog Happy Birthday on 4 December. It's now 17 years old!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Over the years I've written a grand total of 1840 posts, which yields an average of 108 a year. Of course that isn't a true reflection of how regularly I posted. The zenith was in 2009 when I penned 284. The nadir was last year, when I managed a paltry 21, although I can most definitely plead mitigating circumstances. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's fascinating to do a 'lucky dip' and choose a post at random to re-visit. Many of them involved Small Dog in some way, and those were the ones I had most fun with. Way back in 2006 I was just about to embark on the build of a wonderful toy shop, and in the intervening years I've documented lots of different projects.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've been remodelling La Mignonette over the past 6 months, and haven't posted about that at all, which is an omission I should correct. I will have to search out the before, during and after photos and write a proper update.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also have a lovely little 1/24th scale shop, which has been in kit form since it was gifted to me more years ago than I care to admit, which I fully intend to get to grips with over the winter months, as it's been languishing for far too long. So watch this space!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think I can feel some planning lists coming on..... <span style="font-size: x-large;">😉</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-56882435668428740632023-11-09T16:24:00.002+00:002023-11-21T20:02:36.360+00:00Toy Dolls for Sale....<p>D<span style="font-family: georgia;">uring summer, before the Advent Box madness began, I made some little toy dolls which are now available to buy. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqyd5Mu74DNaoFBgPCptXxiX-Xu4aCErGeJNLMqKTnalTrcccopFSy2vPJsrG-4h-ag2zs6I6oeuF1aujJy6Jho_L0N-LMxZlUy0msRZH8K5e4vfMEP5MFljaY9dXawgWnbT59LBRnuRzUFG7vopKNu5eya_Ivx5EsSLGjqLhxne-2MIttDIaT4n5cM/s800/Amelia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hqyd5Mu74DNaoFBgPCptXxiX-Xu4aCErGeJNLMqKTnalTrcccopFSy2vPJsrG-4h-ag2zs6I6oeuF1aujJy6Jho_L0N-LMxZlUy0msRZH8K5e4vfMEP5MFljaY9dXawgWnbT59LBRnuRzUFG7vopKNu5eya_Ivx5EsSLGjqLhxne-2MIttDIaT4n5cM/s320/Amelia.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOLD</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;">Amelia is dressed in soft shades of dusky pink and green. Her jacket is sprigged with rosebuds over a tiered pleated silk dress. She wears a matching silk bonnet, trimmed with feathers and silk buds & bows and stands unsupported. She comes in a bespoke tissue-lined box with illustrated lid.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJaNUhULlRWyEwo4Pd-bJtnOXkww_2COksYO8pVDsRTRXim_Sog-WtQIWarnhHVcPdZUWyZV06y7Mz1tk_qqqpKFE9ZcJ8EPsTYz94Wfj0lFBY-JYqWIX3KDqvtrfluVthMZmQIs7_jBEq-aLrv0T1466tMjl98yYMsT-DHIv754OTX_Dm2J2X6mq86c/s2026/Bella.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="1227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJaNUhULlRWyEwo4Pd-bJtnOXkww_2COksYO8pVDsRTRXim_Sog-WtQIWarnhHVcPdZUWyZV06y7Mz1tk_qqqpKFE9ZcJ8EPsTYz94Wfj0lFBY-JYqWIX3KDqvtrfluVthMZmQIs7_jBEq-aLrv0T1466tMjl98yYMsT-DHIv754OTX_Dm2J2X6mq86c/s320/Bella.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella £60</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bella wears a pale blue and green patterned silk jacket over a pleated silk and lace dress. Her jaunty hat is trimmed with braid and silk buds and bows. She stands unsupported and comes in a bespoke tissue-lined box with illustrated lid.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrgUgoxt51Nz7LTEHG25bCAElwBSdpLeXw1E4xj2xe9wa0CaP5Ar01O4ydOEN0tqXH9BmlL6sj4Howu55u2xk5p_dTv6Vfk14qC_7f2904Y4OaQwTJoLECDExU_u6mIj2M2CRmBtk2bCx6Q22EVh_YYqep2OXnSGxFWcB2214sdZ8ZCE5XUMqaLG75eM/s1708/Primrose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="1301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrgUgoxt51Nz7LTEHG25bCAElwBSdpLeXw1E4xj2xe9wa0CaP5Ar01O4ydOEN0tqXH9BmlL6sj4Howu55u2xk5p_dTv6Vfk14qC_7f2904Y4OaQwTJoLECDExU_u6mIj2M2CRmBtk2bCx6Q22EVh_YYqep2OXnSGxFWcB2214sdZ8ZCE5XUMqaLG75eM/s320/Primrose.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primrose £60</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Primrose wears a primrose yellow silk dress, trimmed with lace and silk bows. She has a pretty tipped hat decorated with braid and silk buds and bows trim. She stands unsupported and comes in a bespoke tissue-lined box with illustrated lid.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKZjZTDnaIwwGjHAXuI5zVCswNIrPu1BtyBwf6lgqiXhI3NVP8r3HOgjQzKMW0n6LhE0Nc09DcuXzKhfL8A_hqMCVydQgTQnYF7IPdhAbIFSlger9FRwWpkGz12B75DA6tVgPEcrdqc2pko0XmBCYFCXjJ0PAv8c_zW0YrzPfRGVuVhS2R80WkRZnk_U/s800/Rosalie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKZjZTDnaIwwGjHAXuI5zVCswNIrPu1BtyBwf6lgqiXhI3NVP8r3HOgjQzKMW0n6LhE0Nc09DcuXzKhfL8A_hqMCVydQgTQnYF7IPdhAbIFSlger9FRwWpkGz12B75DA6tVgPEcrdqc2pko0XmBCYFCXjJ0PAv8c_zW0YrzPfRGVuVhS2R80WkRZnk_U/s320/Rosalie.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOLD<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rosalie wears a rosebud sprigged dress in shades of pink, over a tiered pleated silk dress decorated with silk bows. She has a dainty hat trimmed with braid and silk buds and bows. Standing unsupported she comes in a bespoke, tissue-lined box with illustrated lid.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6tDvunO4XgTetbZCu4g5lEYussFKN9Ix2Ks5RLXEYo2ilDA7nhWCA-p6g0htXXGobqn69W4vLgsLdF_I-bOf2ydmBkSVcSFbD_8IsieQQkzZL0_Eus81_ISPWQNqQjC1CURlWdgqMM74ZsigDR6pb5NU2vx2HdEFK0YMC4oO51x7SQJf_ERqMBDjp8U/s800/Xmas%20box.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="800" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6tDvunO4XgTetbZCu4g5lEYussFKN9Ix2Ks5RLXEYo2ilDA7nhWCA-p6g0htXXGobqn69W4vLgsLdF_I-bOf2ydmBkSVcSFbD_8IsieQQkzZL0_Eus81_ISPWQNqQjC1CURlWdgqMM74ZsigDR6pb5NU2vx2HdEFK0YMC4oO51x7SQJf_ERqMBDjp8U/s320/Xmas%20box.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Minis Box £12</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also have a few pot luck Christmas minis boxes. Each contains a porcelain toy, a set of 3 vintage Christmas wooden picture blocks, a set of 3 vintage litho-style rocking toys and a Christmas book. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To reserve any of these, use the contact form on the right. P&P will be charged at cost. <br /><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-48234786643904622652023-11-05T18:45:00.002+00:002023-11-05T18:45:38.831+00:00Advent Box....SOLD OUT!!!!<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Whoa!!! That was intense!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">All of my 2023 Advent Boxes are now sold out. Thanks to you all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now comes the job of packaging and starting to get them into the post..... later this week.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Meanwhile.... my mood in a Small Dog picture.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86QAgVIpkQjtVK16ZDXoTL2H5VE7qsKC3e9dGS6mVkNM20MGPvePgqS0PormJR-F9QCRZeupyz1U-kCStb3A1dLWLOICK4zWvHDidL_zXQ4UWDLVTSCnGpiXPo2cTTj37LEPvHM2XQW8eNJnU3w0Dd_ssAwWAnlPm2ZKwHCTsY1Pr87XJ802aAcK302Q/s2560/birthday%20dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86QAgVIpkQjtVK16ZDXoTL2H5VE7qsKC3e9dGS6mVkNM20MGPvePgqS0PormJR-F9QCRZeupyz1U-kCStb3A1dLWLOICK4zWvHDidL_zXQ4UWDLVTSCnGpiXPo2cTTj37LEPvHM2XQW8eNJnU3w0Dd_ssAwWAnlPm2ZKwHCTsY1Pr87XJ802aAcK302Q/s320/birthday%20dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-46806025324349545832023-11-04T16:41:00.000+00:002023-11-04T16:41:20.206+00:00It's almost time...!!! 2023 Advent Box ...#8<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkO82mZ2VxSBN34AOAieXc4MYR2T6kJyDSzW-LVH-UiffZ1ThCTOc5ExBUKG_bV3SHyz8hRJliaCxqiX3HItd90faM-Xfffxp1p59rGul3AgtV6ARod-XPxhmu3OccSGfyfk8qn4pXfHo6ref91FqNJgg9pM7Bx_U3e0eB5R2BOxBXFJGJnWHUt1trMo/s263/good%20luck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkO82mZ2VxSBN34AOAieXc4MYR2T6kJyDSzW-LVH-UiffZ1ThCTOc5ExBUKG_bV3SHyz8hRJliaCxqiX3HItd90faM-Xfffxp1p59rGul3AgtV6ARod-XPxhmu3OccSGfyfk8qn4pXfHo6ref91FqNJgg9pM7Bx_U3e0eB5R2BOxBXFJGJnWHUt1trMo/w400-h292/good%20luck.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">After almost 3 months, my Advent Box is now ready and the first few are packaged and ready to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will be sending out an email tomorrow afternoon, <b><u>Sunday 5 November) at 4pm BST</u></b>, with details. PLEASE read the email before clicking 'reply' as it will contain details of cost, P&P and payment methods. As I no longer have a business PayPal account I have a <u>preferred </u>method of payment so do make sure you read through before requesting a box.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year demand totally outstripped supply and I know many people were disappointed, however, once again my boxes will be offered on a 'first come, first served' basis, this time with advance warning of the email.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also have four little dressed toy dolls available, which I will list here early next week, as well as just a few little Christmas boxes with a selection of tiny toys. Again, I will list them here next week when the dust has settled. I am happy to combine postage on any of these with an Advent Box. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you are hoping to reserve an Advent Box tomorrow, GOOD LUCK! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-37861395891899724302023-11-02T20:13:00.000+00:002023-11-02T20:13:11.444+00:002023 Advent Box ...#7<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCzHaRkb6h_grtCAuUIq4OLppoRT5c2mktgEw3tjcPen2UTyHYebSzloQCmQG1APKOFdBmebYhoDNIwF0lIsLeO2brNI8xV2jHQOB31m78wMbmymQKQQPst0mc4RvOxV0t_y9gbI944j3eAtPR8pkohI7Nk6Z23mkM4XYOghz4lmuzjUYulNy91JoDcI/s1075/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="1075" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCzHaRkb6h_grtCAuUIq4OLppoRT5c2mktgEw3tjcPen2UTyHYebSzloQCmQG1APKOFdBmebYhoDNIwF0lIsLeO2brNI8xV2jHQOB31m78wMbmymQKQQPst0mc4RvOxV0t_y9gbI944j3eAtPR8pkohI7Nk6Z23mkM4XYOghz4lmuzjUYulNy91JoDcI/w400-h150/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Eeeek.... the countdown timer ran down yesterday while I was in a mad flurry of activity<b>. </b>At times recently I've wondered if I'd ever be able to get my Advent Box finished, particularly as I've been in and out of hospital over the past 6 weeks for an existing condition which flares up from time to time, especially when I'm under stress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Go figure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, today, I finally completed the last few kits. Granted my workroom looks like a small thermonuclear device has detonated, and I have absolutely NO CLUE where anything is, BUT...... they're all done.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now I have to package them all into their little Christmassy bags, and affix their Advent numbers, which will take another few days. I've ordered the postal boxes which should arrive by Monday but, unbelievably, I'm on the home straight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I showed PP the results of my labours earlier and she made me promise, on pain of imminent death, that I will never, ever, do this again. And I gave my solemn promise. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So.... stand by for the release of my final Advent Box.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Further details will follow this weekend......</span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-78912920151699786442023-10-22T10:23:00.002+00:002023-10-22T10:23:27.549+00:002023 Advent Box ...#6<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom2ORUwRQnyM5y_4DJg60piSy2H8vtkN2_gCGlM8kgR-8IhoM2sKtgfghLAIHZ5QGiVT9dy9tdxehUvr9gk6afsvbesfOXnV8UfjjloILCnYstFWssHmRhEBk2Y1HJycQVRgwTxNAlIvUvatiuis4_2j6_qF80H7K0bU3oeV1kIs-yHQf7Mhs6DsUYDY/s981/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="981" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom2ORUwRQnyM5y_4DJg60piSy2H8vtkN2_gCGlM8kgR-8IhoM2sKtgfghLAIHZ5QGiVT9dy9tdxehUvr9gk6afsvbesfOXnV8UfjjloILCnYstFWssHmRhEBk2Y1HJycQVRgwTxNAlIvUvatiuis4_2j6_qF80H7K0bU3oeV1kIs-yHQf7Mhs6DsUYDY/s320/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Currently multitasking like a mad woman. I know I won't be able to get everything done and ready to despatch in the next 10 days but I'm tentatively hopeful that by the end of the first week in November I'll be good to go. All the remaining kits are under construction and I want this final Advent Box to be the best so I'm definitely going the extra mile.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It hasn't helped that one of the items just wasn't working so I've changed tack completely and started again from scratch on that kit, which has definitely put me back a few days, especially as there will be more elements in the kit which I'm going to have to make but it was definitely the right decision as the replacement is going to be far better and I'm much happier with it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Right.... best go and get on then! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">. </span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-38742528943676780152023-10-09T19:14:00.001+00:002023-10-09T19:14:23.605+00:002023 Advent Box ...#5<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tOLad9rxUkfZN1Wz56A9LWJZ2FTS0urG_SB18vUegvXQWB2vtX0w78zFkh9aBcD6hW1p7mq0X5zrEiR3J8g6PmVkNidA1pQIrMEkohvdIoxTB-imL2lc6TG28DZJad9j8wSAOFtYQz9TDbkdtQcRKoWgdSx0woeXMVY3b8Xys_kMSF8ipUV8GJlT2A8/s1006/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="1006" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tOLad9rxUkfZN1Wz56A9LWJZ2FTS0urG_SB18vUegvXQWB2vtX0w78zFkh9aBcD6hW1p7mq0X5zrEiR3J8g6PmVkNidA1pQIrMEkohvdIoxTB-imL2lc6TG28DZJad9j8wSAOFtYQz9TDbkdtQcRKoWgdSx0woeXMVY3b8Xys_kMSF8ipUV8GJlT2A8/w400-h158/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've been a bit lax with Advent Box updates lately, but in my defence I've been quite poorly and juggling multiple hospital visits for scans and tests. As a result, my deadline of having all the boxes ready to despatch by 1st November is definitely going to slip, possibly by up to 2 weeks. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">That said, so far, I've managed to design, make and package 17 sets of kits, and the remaining 8 are all in progress, although I've left the hardest ones till last so they will take longer than most of the others. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year's theme was Fairy Tales. This year's theme is, of course, a closely guarded secret. Well, to be fair, there are two closely linked themes, with a few tangential kits thrown in. It will include a 'structure.' Also, this year I'm including 2 doll projects, neither of which have ever been available as kits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The growing collection of completed kits is pleasing, and knowing I have just 8 sets to complete is satisfying. Of course it doesn't stop there. I'll have to decide on the daily sequence of kits, conceal them in their stealth packaging, and number each one. It's only then I'll be able to finalise what size mailing box I'll need and order them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I now have 78 people on my 'interested' list, which is brilliant. However, I will have a grand total of 25 Advent Boxes available, so unfortunately, not everyone will be successful. Last year I produced 20 full scale 25-day boxes, which was a major undertaking. The additional 5 this year may not sound like much, but it's an extra 125 kits, on top of the existing 500. A total of 625 kits, and I've designed and made every single one of them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">One thing I can say for absolutely certain sure. This is <span style="font-size: large;"><b>definitely </b></span>my final Advent Box ever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm all boxed out. But I'm finally on the home straight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So when I package the final kit, you'll likely hear a whoop of victory, closely followed by the sound of a bottle of something cold and fizzy being popped. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Can't wait.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-35729048401264605472023-10-09T16:43:00.001+00:002023-10-09T16:43:44.819+00:002023 Advent Box ...#4<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Sandra's craft room. Every flat surface is covered in boxes of kit components. The table is piled high with assorted prototype 'structures' in various shapes and sizes. A second folding table has been drafted in to help with the overflow of kits already packaged and those in production.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sandra is struggling with a recalcitrant structure, trying to hold four different pieces together while glue dries.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">A small furry presence wavers into view.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sandra:*frantically* Ah, Small Dog. Just the dog I'm looking for. Could you put your paw here please and hold this bit in place?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*incredulously* Whott?!?!? Ar yue kwite mad?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD waves a paw over the bit in question, passing right through it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*apologetically* Ah. Sorry SD. Didn't think....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD settles down on the only clear space on the floor and looks expectantly at Sandra.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*questioningly* So. This is another fine mess you've got yourself into.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*belligerently* Yes. Yes I know. Bite me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD: *raised eyebrow* Yue kno veri wel ai kant. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*smiling* Hmm... bet you wish you could though. Might jolt some sense into me. Anyhow, it's too late now. The die is cast and there's no way but to go through it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*looking around the room* Itts goen wel then?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*exasperatedly* No. Of course it's not. What on earth was I thinking? I swore up, down and sideways last year, that I would never, ever, under any circumstances, EVER do another Advent Box. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*opening her mouth*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*interrupting* DON'T SAY ANYTHING! I know you told me not to. I know you said it was madness. I know all that. If only I'd listened.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD*smugly* Aim knott goen to sai itt. But I did yue kno.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">She fades away, her smirking smile hovering in the air like a small dog version of the Cheshire Cat. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-45827939446080632272023-09-10T13:42:00.000+00:002023-09-10T13:42:23.349+00:002023 Advent Box ...#3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtTOitarRrAf3jCf9pB1PXA94lan54aAlyPmt_WcqWKHzR_Etx94E_RuqVUibwbARMK_evWyQETNHFnADij7XoBolxdNTAWnK58iYfH6MkvK-ASvZSmirH5RjuPr2ocMrkvAY3SBxsany8OYnaSqTNoeUJ_ZmKYxeM0fXEnvC27Lm2LFBYc3JOS3mfSQ/s1147/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="1147" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtTOitarRrAf3jCf9pB1PXA94lan54aAlyPmt_WcqWKHzR_Etx94E_RuqVUibwbARMK_evWyQETNHFnADij7XoBolxdNTAWnK58iYfH6MkvK-ASvZSmirH5RjuPr2ocMrkvAY3SBxsany8OYnaSqTNoeUJ_ZmKYxeM0fXEnvC27Lm2LFBYc3JOS3mfSQ/w400-h143/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">Eeeek! According to my 'friendly' countdown timer, which is becoming less and less friendly by the day, there's just over 7 weeks to go to complete my Advent Boxes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Progress update you say? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Wellllll.... so far I've completed 7 kits, and am well underway with another 3. I'm also currently working on the designs of a further 5 kits and waiting for supplies for several more, so I think I'm more or less on schedule.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, a problem has arisen which might put the kibosh on the whole enterprise. Not to give anything away, but I had planned to include a 'structure' in this year's Advent Box, and spent ages over the summer sourcing exactly the right thing and placing an order. Unfortunately it was out of stock, but I was assured that it would be available by the end of September. Fast forward to now, and on Friday I requested an update on a potential delivery date to discover that it had been pushed back by well over a month, which would take me into November. And even then the delivery couldn't be guaranteed before Christmas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cue much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Should I press on with my current plan or completely reconsider that element? It's really integral to the theme of the entire thing though, and I've already put together several elements of the kit to accompany it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Could I design something similar and produce it myself? Possibly... although I'm already going to be pushed for time and having to design and produce the structural element is a whole different proposition. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, I've spent the weekend trying to think of ways to achieve something similar, without having to spend a fortune on materials and I think I might have found a way to do it. I'm going to have to massively simplify the construction but I think it just might work. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Nothing is ever straightforward and I may have gone a step too far, but by the end of this week, I'm tentatively hopeful that I may have a working prototype. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, watch this space..... <span style="font-size: large;">😉 </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-25924345764049761592023-08-18T09:38:00.000+00:002023-08-18T09:38:03.947+00:002023 Advent Box ...#2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJyVv2chLA7FBmPbXgxnk62jWi2F52H7HxTpDR3k7UcMhoZL6u9zXX6Y9etrir_EJcpXOLysTb6eu_2WIsvojtVFna34WGSaOCEI_etNad6pm4z0MA6d-b57oe4Bv6TxNXQ3qQbsmt1qW4g0lNldZqu2PerYEKS_a3B2XlDBSxwKdawNaFVk39Q41UwA/s997/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="997" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJyVv2chLA7FBmPbXgxnk62jWi2F52H7HxTpDR3k7UcMhoZL6u9zXX6Y9etrir_EJcpXOLysTb6eu_2WIsvojtVFna34WGSaOCEI_etNad6pm4z0MA6d-b57oe4Bv6TxNXQ3qQbsmt1qW4g0lNldZqu2PerYEKS_a3B2XlDBSxwKdawNaFVk39Q41UwA/w400-h146/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today is all about lists. I have so many lists I'm </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">going to need another list to keep track of all the lists. I also to draft a realistic schedule to keep to. I have a long, distinguished history of making a brilliant, early start on projects then resting on my laurels until a deadline approaches and panicking like crazy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, if there's one thing I learnt from doing this last year (and trust me, there's MANY) it's to keep track of stuff. It was all a bit chaotic back then, and although I'm relatively good at multitasking I ended up spinning so many metaphorical plates that inevitably several of them ended up in pieces.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So... this time. Lists.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mailing list of people who want details. If that's you, HELLO! *waving*</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">List of individual kit ideas (this is constantly changing at the moment)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">List of components I already have, or can make myself</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">List of components I'll have to source or buy</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">List of packaging... bags and boxes </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">That last list is a doozer. Last year I miscalculated and ending up having to order additional paper bags several times. And yes, it has to be paper bags in order to conceal the contents of each one so that there's a surprise every day. I made all the number stickers last time and will do so again, not least because most sets of advent stickers are numbered 1-24 but as I include a special kit for Christmas Day itself, I need 1-25.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Also, this year, I'm going to need a bigger box! I managed to fit last year's 25 kits in a standard A5 mailing box, but I'll definitely have to find something bigger and deeper this time. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">😉</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-69405060537447719762023-08-16T14:27:00.005+00:002023-08-17T12:23:05.889+00:002023 Advent Box...#1<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well..... that escalated quickly! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I sent out an email on Monday afternoon, to gauge interest in the idea of a 2023 Advent Box, and within a few minutes my laptop was pinging fit to bust with messages coming in requesting to go on my list for further details. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To say I'm flabbergasted is an understatement, and to be honest the response has been overwhelming. So many lovely messages, some from people who have been customers since I first started my miniature doll business, over 35 years ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've decided to hit the ground running, and have therefore put a countdown timer on my computer desktop. The boxes all need to be completed and ready to go on sale by 1 November to allow for delivery by 1 December, especially for international mailings so I need to run to a fairly strict timetable, given the breadth and scope of the boxes. So here I am, on a hot August day, working towards an Advent box for December and yes, it does feel weird.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year's box was largely based on a Fairy Tale theme. This year's will also have a theme, but as it's a closely guarded secret I can't divulge any details. However, I can reveal that today I have completed packaging the first kit... EEEEK!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is both A Good Thing, and A Bad Thing. It's good because I've actually started, and as an ace procrastinator that's a major achievement. It's bad because this will likely lull me into a false sense of security, thinking I have loads of time and how difficult can it be to get all the individual kits ready on time. However, last year, it all went right to the line and afterwards I had to lie down in a darkened room for a fortnight. That was a cautionary experience, and I'm determined to pace myself this time. I have to admit that I'm having enormous fun planning and designing everything, and new ideas keep cropping up all the time, so I may be in the fortunate position of being able to pick and choose, rather than worrying about not having enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll post regularly about progress over the coming months, and might even drop the odd teaser/hint/clue along the way, so if you've expressed an interest, please drop your email address in the 'Get New Posts By Email' box and hit the Subscribe button, (it's at the top of the column on the right hand side) so you don't miss anything. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And in the meantime......</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnqP9HBefiu51Ve3YLgKzacLAEX-mE3-Kx7EFXxmqW5-W4BbJgNsXu1VbHTAEBaTHaIN76l6Awe35XLuZrk3pnHwsiXJIKCH6FH_l10KsQ3euEA5bmyTMTFd06-gN3Zoy4QVpSsAwAkGA30kaWiu9UdVsxtoPj0TOtO-TgdurhorgZ2BibkSH8HH90cU/s1146/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="1146" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnqP9HBefiu51Ve3YLgKzacLAEX-mE3-Kx7EFXxmqW5-W4BbJgNsXu1VbHTAEBaTHaIN76l6Awe35XLuZrk3pnHwsiXJIKCH6FH_l10KsQ3euEA5bmyTMTFd06-gN3Zoy4QVpSsAwAkGA30kaWiu9UdVsxtoPj0TOtO-TgdurhorgZ2BibkSH8HH90cU/w640-h208/advent%20box%20timer%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-25521135242981460752023-08-10T13:24:00.001+00:002023-08-10T13:24:11.851+00:00The die is cast....<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As you know, I've been <a href="http://towerhousedolls.blogspot.com/2023/07/thinking-aloud.html" target="_blank">musing on the idea</a> of designing an Advent Box for this Christmas. Since I posted about it last month, I've been vacillating all over the show.... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Sandra's craft room. She is surrounded by notebooks and scraps of paper, littered with jottings and is deep in thought at her laptop. A small furry presence materialises on her lap, and settles down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*distractedly* Oh, hello SD. I was hoping you'd appear. I could do with a bit of advice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*pointedly* Wel yes. Ai eckspeckt yue do. Whott is itt this tym?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*carefully* Well..... I'm wondering whether or not to do another Advent Box type thing for this Christmas and I...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*interrupting* THISS KRISMUS??? Muurm, ar yue kompleetlie madd? Thatts onlie aitey three dais!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*defensively* Yes. Yes, I know. But....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*emphatically* Thatts undr twelv weaks. Yule nevir doo itt!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*deflatedly* I'm sure I could. Just wondering if I should though..... *tailing off*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*patiently* Aim lissening....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*deliberately* Ok. So there are pros and cons. On one hand, it's a LOT of work, but it's really fun to plan. Also I'm sure I've slipped off people's radar, so there might not be any interest. However last year's box was a rip-roaring success and sold out in less than an hour. I'm supposed to be retired but I do miss work and more than that, I miss coming up with an idea and figuring out how to make it work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*interestedly* Hmmm..... and du yue hav an ideer?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*warily* Well yes... as a matter of fact I do have an idea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*probingly* And wil itt wurk?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*hesitantly* I think so. I have a vision of how it will all look when it's finished and it's completely amazing. It's a vignette.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD*bamboozledly* A veengnett??? Whott on erth is thatt?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*gingerly* It's sort of a small scene, made up of different components but complete in itself. The Advent Box would contain all the kits necessary to make the finished vignette.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*thoughfully* Ai suppoas thatt wude wurk. Kan yue tel me whott itt iss?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me*confidentially* Well it's a secret... like last year's box contents, but I could whisper it to you...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">*whisper whisper whisper*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*astonishedly* WOW! Thatt sownds amaizen! Espeshullie the bitt with.... yue kno.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me*happily* Thank you SD. Yes I thought you'd like that bit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD*gently* Itt duz sownd liek an owful lott of wurk tho. Ar yue shure yue kan manij itt in the tyme?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*warily* I think so. I've started making lists and planning stuff for it. Just need to send out an email to gauge the level of interest. There might be no replies though.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*emphatically* Onlie wun wai to fined owt. Ai thinc yue shude go fore itt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me*appreciatively* Oh, thank you SD. Ok then.... I will. You are such wise little dog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD, smiling all over her furry little face, slowly fades away, and Sandra returns to her research and list-making....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">To be continued.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945127844477191398.post-67596348785316585302023-07-16T15:57:00.001+00:002023-07-16T15:57:56.625+00:00The hoarder next door....<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">For the past few days, all of my makeover projects have been in abeyance as we have friends coming over for dinner and a sleepover therefore the state of the house has become an urgent priority.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The main issue is the dining room, which, as always, has performed the function of storage unit for the past few months, containing...</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Spare stuff from when we sold our little caravan.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Spare stuff from when we bought the campervan.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Spare stuff from when I sold my workroom storage units.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">All the stuff needed for the downstairs cloakroom makeover.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">All the stuff we can't usually find a place for but which can't be got rid of.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">Literally, the new kitchen sink which arrived in a massive, hulking, great box.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don't know if you ever watch The Hoarder Next Door on TV. Any time I've seen it I've smugly thought to myself that at least we don't have any rooms in the house which are THAT bad. However, to my endless mortification, I have to admit, that recently, the dining room has reached those proportions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know I'm prone to exaggeration for comic effect but honestly, I couldn't even bear to look at it. Admittedly I did go in there a few times (well, just inside the door) to assess the scale of the project, and moved a few things around in a desultory fashion.... a bit like stirring a very chunky soup.... but within a short time I simply lost the will to live and beat a hasty retreat, closing the door firmly behind me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, with guests coming, I had no choice. If we were to dine in the actual dining room then I had to just knuckle down and get on with it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Scene: Door of the dining room. Sandra is preparing to attempt an assault on the South Col of the dining room, a risky and dangerous mission to reach the summit via the glacial tabletop and treacherous north face of the Box Mountain. As she fastens her crampons, adjusts her goggles and tests her safety rope, as small furry presence materialises at her feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*briskly* Oh, hello SD. I was hoping you'd appear!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD: *incredulously* MUMMMM.... whot AR yue doen?!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*limbering up* I have to tidy the dining room. We've got friends coming to dinner.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*disbelievingly* Kant yue eet owtside? Ai meen.... just LUKE att it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*stretching hamstrings* 'Fraid not... weather forecast isn't good so we need the dining room.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD: *splutteringly* Butt.... itts goen too taik yue aijes. Posiblie munths. Ther kude be ENITHING hiden in thair.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me: *stretching triceps* Well, yes. I expect there'll be spiders. There are always spiders. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD: *forcefully* Spydurs ar the veri leest of itt. Aim thinken tygrs! Lyons! Woolvs!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me: *hesitantly* Oh don't exaggerate SD. There's no way there could be anything like that in there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*raised eyebrow*</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*falteringly* That's just silly. Isn't it? I mean, there couldn't be anything really dangerous, could there?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*placatingly* Probablie knott. Orl aim sayen is a elifant kude hyde in thair and yude nevir kno.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*appraisingly* Well.... yes, now that you mention it. There is an awful lot of stuff. Perhaps I'm not adequately prepared for such an undertaking. Maybe I'll have a think about it and make a start tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD:*encouragingly* Ecksillint eyedeer. Ai thinc yue shude go and hav a larj geeantee and relacks. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Me:*gratefully* What a good plan SD. I honestly don't know what I'd do without your support and sage counsel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">SD smiles and gradually fades away....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1IL0ItLirn-YRezVghUQom_1d1PGo0PfhGiKPAAGNGivWJ6oxiwhktETZEkZX2xqFBG17WozPwtCP93koD3deTikgwTDEWS19PZiDJnpjvMgBxN_bc-ojFTU_3wS2LfP38xkLGANylJ8VK9V53v8qByxON8kHXzljL4EIkRHYWVub0TAGTDY5pJJ2Vo/s420/clean.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="420" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1IL0ItLirn-YRezVghUQom_1d1PGo0PfhGiKPAAGNGivWJ6oxiwhktETZEkZX2xqFBG17WozPwtCP93koD3deTikgwTDEWS19PZiDJnpjvMgBxN_bc-ojFTU_3wS2LfP38xkLGANylJ8VK9V53v8qByxON8kHXzljL4EIkRHYWVub0TAGTDY5pJJ2Vo/s320/clean.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Sandra Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01607303994667115600noreply@blogger.com0