We are leaving for my brother-in-laws Memorial service and will be gone a few days. I thought about scheduling some posts, but decided I just needed to take a few days off and not think about my blog posts and concentrate on family that we haven’t seen for a while. I will also be helping my hubby with some home projects for his brother’s wife… so my time might be limited as it is. There isn’t any reason you all can’t carry on like you do so much of the time. Comment on what you see below, or someone pose a question and everyone chime in. I’ll be back in a few days. I will check in from time to time, but just to see if you all are behaving yourselves! :o)
A while back, Susette sent me an email with a video attached to it, showing how laces were made. It’s pretty interesting, so if you want to watch it, here is the link…
You’ll never wear lace the same way again
There’s a bit of the story before the 1 minute 55 second long video.
It truly makes me grateful for the laces I own… and I’ll pay attention to them more carefully now. It really is incredible how someone can do this and keep them in the right order… that is ONE thing I’ve never tried.. lace making…
Susette also sent me a picture of Max, a mini Golden Doodle, that is her son and daughter in laws dog… this was back when I showed you my sister, Deb’s new dog, Charlie… I’m a little behind. Doesn’t Max look like a big floppy stuffed animal? I bet he’s as soft as a kitten!
Joy has been involved in a Sew Along with Jennie Wren, and here are a couple of dresses she’s finished… Remember the bathing suit on Libby? This is the same Sew Along… Here is Samantha in a sweet white Patriotic dress…
Here’s Libby again in a sweet Nautical dress…
Now, how about something from me…
I thought I’d show you how the baby chicks have grown…
Remember Little Bit? Here she was on April 24th and on May 22nd.
…and here she is today…still the littlest one in the bunch, and living up to her name…
Remember Curly Belle…( I forgot who gave her that name…), well, she’s still as curly or “Frizzled” as ever. It looks like she has a fur coat on to me…
Here she was as a young chick on May 22nd…
…and here she is today…
I told you my hubby knew what he was doing when he trimmed back the Mulberry tree… even though I think every time he trims it, it’s never going to come out of it, but it did…
Before, on April 19th…
and today…
And we can’t forget the tomato plants… such wee plants on April 19th…
and today….
We’ve been getting tomatoes since the end of May.
Well, that’s enough for today… I think I’m caught up, and if I missed anyone’s pictures, it was purely by accident… I love to do show and tell with you…
See you in a few days…
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, good, I think you have earned a few days off, Jeanne!! If you don’t post while you’re gone, we know where you are, and that you’ll be back once you get home again!
Thanks for all the wonderful photos; I didn’t watch the video yet, but then I’ve seen someone make bobbin lace in person, and it’s pretty impressive to watch!!
It was fun to see Susette’s and Joy’s photos, as well as yours. I enjoyed seeing the before and after pictures of both the chickens and the garden. Thanks for posting those!
Hope you have a good family time this weekend, that happy-sad time of sharing memories and realizing you will not get to see your brother-in-law again until you are in heaven. I’ll be praying for comfort for you and your family. Hugs….
Charlotte’s right. Services like this are often good family times. You do get to see people that you haven’t, and then you and George will be working on some projects and making life better for your sister-in-law. The memories will start to bring the best of Larry back.
When we were cleaning house after Ricky died, we discovered that things that used to be kind of irritating, like her inability to throw things away or her decision to keep and use and not replace her really feeble vacuum cleaner had become charming and endearing instead of head-scratching and sometimes maddening. She loved her house, and being there, looking out of her windows and seeing the perfection and difference of every view reminded us of her daily appreciation of the world around her. Letters and even scribbled notes from friends reminded us of how much she appreciated her friends and all of us. The hard times start to go away, and the good ones come back.
Thanks for all the pictures and for getting us caught up. The mulberry tree was amazing, and the black chicken doesn’t know it’s smaller than the rest. You’ll be glad you stayed to help Larry’s wife, and you’ll be so glad to be home and back in your sewing room where you belong.
All the best. You deserve it. Lot’s of love and lots of blessings. We’ll see you soon.
Oh sure, Jeanne, we perfectly understand that you want a few days off! We all need that to recharge and do the things we need to do. We know that you will be back, good as ever, with a renewed energy to start up sewing again.
Loved the lace video! I really never thought how lace was made, and wonder who in the world was the first to think of it? That’s something to ponder! And too, the darling picture of Riya and Krish and the DOG! That is some dog, to be sure! What do they feed it, Susette? Dry or canned food?
Joy, how absolutely darling those two outfits turned out! I can’t say which I like more, because I can’t decide! You are an excellent seamstress!
I had to laugh at how Curly Belle and Little Bit turned out! Still curly and little! How is it the Little Bit is all black, but none of the others are? Aren’t they all related? And Curly Belle is just darling and, for sure, the Belle of the ball!!
That Mulberry tree is really something else—-the tree that will never die! I guess it knows that it lives in a very special place owned by two very special people! Take all the time you need Jeanne, my consolations to you and George. Family is important. Much love and hugs to you both!
So glad you’ll take some time off to recharge. So sorry about George’s brother. Also glad to share the lace video. Scroll down to the fifth picture and click on it for easy access to the video.
Max is a Mini Golden Doodle, billed as a hypoallergenic dog as he doesn’t shed, does have to be kept trimmed on a regular basis and doesn’t have any odor whatsoever, neither breath nor doggie smell. He eats regular dry dog food and has a wonderful disposition, although he did chew the arm off my Ten Ping doll (totally my fault for leaving it out for him) when he was a puppy. I can’t imagine what a full-size Golden Doodle must be like! Lovely soft curly fur.
Love seeing Joy’s beautiful dolls and dresses. How about that little boat! I hope to see other people’s creations and dolls when Jeanne can use our contributions. Love the pictures of the chickens. Can’t believe the curly one! I actually had a big “Ohhh” when I saw the beautiful expanse of lawn and garden. I have such a small patio but it is totally green, filled up with orchids, Japanese maple trees and fairy gardens. Thanks for sharing all the pictures with us. Happy Fourth of July to everyone.
Safe travels — I hope the memorial brings comfort to all.
The lace video is amazing. You’re right, you can’t view lace without thinking of it.
Max is darling.
Joy, your dresses are so pretty. Your girls have such sweet little faces.
So much growth at your house. The chickens are getting so big! And the garden is just beautiful. I don’t think I have ever seen such big tomato plants!
Hope you have a good day.
Take care.
Oh what a sweet doodle. Great photo Susette. I’m going to watch the lace making soon. Such an art.
Those sweet chicks are growing wildly! Eggs? What age? Looking forward to the fair here, to see my favorite, the chicken show!
Love the shades of green in your Mulberry garden. So lush.
And you’ve been getting tomatoes since May? You lucky ducks. or should I say chicks?
Didn’t expect the show of my outfits. Wren feathers has had great patterns this year. Lots of fun. My LD’s have been very happy to have something to wear other than their undies.
Please don’t worry about your readers, knowing we’ll be here upon your return. Drive safe and take some Missouri photos. (Not while your driving of course.) Be thinking of you and family.
Thinking of you and George as you travel to George’s brother’s memorial. The time spent with his family will be comforting to all of you.
What fun to see all the pictures. Suzette, your grandchildren are just adorable and so is their doggie. What a cute picture of them all together.
Joy, what adorable outfits for your LD girls. The red tennis shoes are cute and perfect for their 4th of July outfits. The boat with the sailor outfit – such a neat picture.
I love the chickie pictures. Little Bit is so cute and I agree that she fits right in despite her size. I can’t believe how big they’ve all gotten. With George’s expertise, I’m sure these girls/guys? are quite content with their home and chick family group. Happy birds !!
It’s amazing to see the growth of the mulberry tree ! All our bushes and grasses have grown so well too, especially with the rain we’ve had. Our birds enjoy the shelter these trees and tall grasses provide when they come to the feeders, including bunnies and chipmunks.
Everyone, have a wonderful weekend !!
So glad to hear you will be taking the time you need to focus on family, Jeanne. Though we will miss you, you’ve left us with much to discuss, not that we need any prompting!
Susette’s video on lace making brings to life the exquisite craftsmanship involved in this lovely textile, and viewing it has given me a newfound appreciation for garments embellished with it. Max the dog is a beautiful creature and seems to have a wonderful temperament for children along with being hypoallergenic. What a wonderful family pet. Thank you for sharing your photos, Susette. Your grandchildren are sweet as can be!
Joy, your girls look adorable in their new summer outfits! Samantha seems crisp and cool and ready for the parade in her lovely white patriotic dress with festive waist appliqué, and Libby looks equally smart in her traditional navy-and-white nautical outfit with the sweet Peter Pan collar and red sailor tie. You also seem to have Jeanne’s knack of displaying your dolls with the perfect accessories, Joy. Samantha looks very “Proud to be an American” with her perfectly sized flag waving in the wind. She could even be Grand Marshal, and Libby will surely win any sailboat race with her beautiful red ship. Thanks for showing us your pretty dolls in their charming new attire, Joy!
Viewing pictures of your expansive property is like a trip to the Botanical Garden, Jeanne–green and lush and oh-so-pretty! The “before and after” pictures of your Mulberry tree and tomato plants are remarkable. I’m jealous of all the Panzanella Salad and BLT’s you must be enjoying! I’m so glad for the update on the chickens, too. They have grown so fast and are so cute! How many do you have in total? Perhaps we should have a naming contest for the rest of them, as we wouldn’t want Curly Belle and Little Bit to gain diva status! Maybe that baby name book can help do double duty!
Sending love and blessings to you and George, and Happy Independence Day to all!
We will all understand your time away….you need it and so does George and his SIL will so appreciate what you will do for her.
OMG those chickens are so interesting…did you specifically order the black and brown curly ones or was it just a mix of baby chicks?
We have a Labradoodle in the family too Suzette…my son and his family…my DIL researched a non allergenic dog and that is what they decided on…he is absolutely the sweetest,smartest dog I’ve ever been around. So soft and the non shedding thing is such a plus. They sure make great pets.
Honestly I don’t think you can kill a mulberry tree :)…it looks so good now too!
Have a great 4th of July everyone!
Of course you need some time off to focus on family, Jeanne. I’m sure your sister in love will appreciate the help. Take care and safe travels. Don’t worry about us, we’ll hold down the fort. LOL
The lace making is exquisite. I remember seeing some articles about it in old issues of Victoria.
Max is adorable, Susette. I bet he loves to snuggle with your grandchildren and is a fun playmate. I bet your grandkids are best friends as well as siblings. My daughter and I both had Yorkshire Terriers when we were children and the dogs ha to submit to being dressed in doll dresses and participate in all sorts of activities. My daughter’s Yorkie was even “required” to plow the field of carpet with the tinkertoy plow so that the pattern block garden could be planted. She was heavily into Little House.
What sweet outfit you’ve made for your LD, Joy. They both look perfectly dolled up to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Little Bit is so cute. I wonder if she is some sort of miniature variety. Curly Belle has even more ruffly feathers than she had. She looks extra fluffy.
Lucky you, that your tomatoes are already bearing. Our aren’t quite there yet. Nothing beats homegrown ones.
Hi Jeanne,
Ohhhh pictures! I love when you share, it just makes me smile and makes me feel like I’m part of the “family”! Again I’m so very sorry about George’s brothers passing, memorials are bitter sweet. There will be tears but also laughter, both needed to start the healing process. It’s so kind of you to help with things your sister in law needs. Please don’t worry about us Jeanne. We will get to chatting about all kinds of things I’m sure. Joy your dresses are adorable and your girls look so sweet in them. Susette your photo’s are always a joy. Thank you for sharing, your son’s family pic. Max does look like a soft stuffed puppy and your grands are adorable as always. Jeanne, wow on the growth of the Mulberry tree. It’s a good thing George trims it or it would a monster of a tree by summers end. Look at those baby ckicks wow they sure do grow fast! God speed Jeanne and safe travels home.
hugs
Ingrid
Hi everyone,
I wanted to just sneak in here for a moment and say hi to everyone.
Thank you for all your wonderful comments and questions…maybe I can answer them on the way home…
There is a group of 33 of us, so we have lots of chattering going on all the time.
See you soon,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne! So glad to hear you got there safely! The weather has been just great, couldn’t be better for the 4th here in Missouri! Of course the real 4th isn;t here yet, but a lot of people have started celebrating early. Lots of fireworks going off at all hours, and the big 4th of July parade in downtown St. Louis was today.
I can’t imagine how in the world you have been eating your own tomatoes since May! Are you kidding me? What kind are they anyway? Funny story, my girlfriend’s parents had a veggie garden, and were out of town when the tomatoes became ripe, so told her to give them away to anybody who wanted them. I was pregnant with Brian at that time, but loved tomatoes, so she brought me 3 big grocery bags full of juicy tomatoes. I must have had cravings for tomatoes, because I ate just about all of them. Guess who cant stand tomatoes—–Brian! To this day he won’t eat them!
Thanks, Jeanne, for letting us know you are safe and surrounded by 33 good people. Funerals would be so awful without the friends and relations that are there.
I had an uncle by marriage — it ended in divorce — but everyone who knew Steve loved him. He was funny and generous — I’m not at all sure that everything he gave away was his to give, but he was Steve and no one held anything he did against him. We visited once and he put some boxes in the car — we had pickles for the next 5 years. When he died, of course there was a big dinner after the funeral and everyone began telling stories about him. Before long everyone was laughing. Finally someone said, “I suppose we’re not supposed to be sitting here laughing, but Steve would have loved this.” It’s good to be together with good people remembering good times and other good people.
Stay well and try to stay cool.
Thinking of you, Jeanne. Glad you and George are safe and surrounded by the comfort of loved ones from near and far. Hope there are lots of “smiles through the tears” as you all share good memories of Larry and celebrate his life. Know all those home projects are a special way to honor him, too. Blessings to you, and may the fireworks of The Fourth be a reminder of the light Larry brought to all your lives. Love and hugs!
Help! I have a question for you ladies with Little Darlings, please. I am a new LD owner, and I did not realize that my doll’s hair would be a wig with a silicone cap (even though I have seen the LD wigs online). The cap slips around fairly easily, which I did not expect. Since my LD’s hair is quite long and wavy, it can get a little tangled and messy in the dressing process. So hear is my question: What is the best way to dress your doll to preserve her hairstyle? As LD owners, do you typically remove the wig to dress your doll, and then replace it afterward? Will the silicone wear out over time and not stick to the doll’s head? Perhaps you have some other tips for me for easy dressing and hair styling. I have a wire brush for dolls, but I do not have the skills for hairstyling that Jeanne does! Thank you for any replies, and sorry I am such a fledgling!
I haven’t had much wig slipping with my LD’s. The silicone cap is supposed to help the wig stay on so I’m not sure as I don’t have any caps or at least I don’t think I do. Haven’t looked as I haven’t changed a wig. Rather like my group as they are. Guess I’m not too adventurous. As to dressing, I leave wigs on. My outfits open down the back with snaps so no need to mess with the hair. I’m not a particularly good stylist either. Maybe someone else has some ideas.
Thanks for your reply, Joy. I guess I’ll have to look more carefully at the back closure when considering outfits. Like you, I tend to like the original look of my dolls, and the LDs are so expensive that I don’t really want to try hair styling with my lack of skill! The short hair on my 10ers is easy to manage. Happy Fourth!
Hi Anne,
I have removed all of my girls wigs…. it’s rather like a mother with a newborn checking out fingers and toes ect. My 2 girls from Magalie have very snug fitting silicone caps (which by the way can be washed, risnsed and left to dry and are as good as new) The wigs they came with have Monique tags in them. I’m guessing Magalie probably buys them in bulk.
I’m with Joy on Monique Gold being the best option out there for LD’s. I’ve bought a few off ebay and the sizes differ to much and the quality wasn’t there. I’ll stick with Monique Tradeing Corpration (http://www.monique.com/) Little Darlings have a 7.5-inch head circumference and wear size 7/8. And Yes I do take off the wig when dressing my girls, more because I have so many wigs to pick from now and I like changing their looks.
In regrades to styling I’m no stylist but can comb dolls hair pretty well. I don’t have a wire brush so I just use a small tooth comb I have. I’m always careful and comb very small sections at a time.
In the shoe department the nicest shoes I’ve found are from a store in Germany.
( http://www.boneka-dollfashion.de/Shoes-Socks/Doll-shoes ) They carry lots of different sizes for all kinds of dolls I like them because they are leather and are made really well. I can’t recall of the top of my head what they size was I bought for my girls 45 sticks in my head but I’m not completely certain.
Good luck playing with your new little girl.
Hugs
Ingrid
*HERE is my question, not HEAR
The wigs on the two LDs I have from Dianna were glued on. I have heard that she uses a minimum of glue in case you want to change the wig later. The doll I have from Lana is a real beauty but I asked for two wigs, not glued on, so I could switch them. One doesn’t work at all — it’s too heavy and just falls off — and the other is too large. One of the Dianna ones doesn’t look good either, so I need advice on wig sizing and where to get good wigs. I’ve trimmed the Dianna wig and it’s kind of cute, but I’d like something nicer and I’ve worked on the Lana wig and it looks ok, but the dolls are so pretty that they deserve good hair. The third doll has a Samantha wig and after several years it looks quite good. I am very careful with it and all her clothes snap closed in back — nothing goes on over her head.
By the way, the Effner sized boots from Debs fit very well and look nice, and I’ve had good luck with the shoes from there as well.
I did ask Magalie where she got her wigs and got no reply, so I don’t think that’s going to be a profitable source of information. I can see that she probably thought that was tacky of me, but I have bought some of her outfits, so it’s not like the question came from a non-customer. I’d love some advice, so if you have a source you like, let me know.
Many thanks.
A lot of the wigs from artists appear to be Monique. Although I’ve heard mention that they do have their own sources for some. The photos on the Monique site do not always show the wig in the best light, so I just search for the wig by name on ebay and usually can find several on different dolls to get an idea of how they look. The size of the wigs vary, I know, depending on the cap type. I haven’t changed my LD’s but did change a Boneka. The one I purchased for her is difficult to get on, but the next size up would be overwhelming. So I guess it is trial and error. There are other wig companies, but I’ve found Monique Gold are nice. Another idea is to look at LD’s. Either google or view on various sites. If you can find a style that looks nice, compare it to those on the Monique site or others. I think color is important too. I really like the wigs with more than one color. But, it all depends on the doll, her coloring, and taste. I know Jeanne has lots of wigs and her dolls always look lovely. I’m sure she will help us out.
P.S. Good to know my Effner Samantha’s hair will still look nice in the future. 🙂