Hump Day, Feb 17, 2016

The first Hump Day in February, due to bronchitis.

I was sick for nearly 3 weeks. The Dr. said it was bronchitis but I have my doubts as I've never had anything that took this long to get over! He prescribed Erythromisin, an antibiotic, and it seemed to help the first few days, but the chest congestion just wouldn't go away, until I hastened to a pharmacist and asked for a cough decongestant which I found out was only made in the USA. (cannot remember the name of it) But she recommended Robitusin Cough and Phlegm Extra Strength and that worked like a charm in 2 days flat. It was absolutely amazing. Then my poor plugged sinuses began to pour forth and after 11 days of having plugged ears I could hear again.

I never get that sick, so hopefully I'll stay well until I'm 65!

I've slowly been able to go out on the Skytrain again, so today it wasn't raining and I headed out to get some groceries, and visited a local $ store. I keep my eyes open for dolly stuff, even though I do not NEED any more! But it's such fun to find things for such low prices! I just can't resist. This year I'm playing more with my mini AG dolls, and I found these 2 pieces of furniture for only $1.25 each. I already had the aquarium. 

I got the cute puzzle mat too, for $1.25 which can be used for a floor in a school room.

The cutest thing of all were these darling spring flowers, which wave in bright light! I just love them. Best of all, they snap together to make a very cute fence! I think Lea and Grace would like a few more.

There are the cutest things out there, if you keep your eyes open.

By Loretta Houben

My latest crafting project

Ah...now don't you wish you were here, in a jungle hut?

I had such fun creating this today!

I woke with a migraine at 4 am so I had to take it easy today.

Yes, crafting is taking it easy! It's such fun and so relaxing.

I got this idea from Doll Diaries online. Karen Owen came up with the idea of using a Dollarama store basket.

I found the same basket and so I started with the same idea, but added different things.

I made the loft using bamboo skewers, and added a felt layer and made felt pillows sewed together and stuffed with cotton puffs. I cut out felt flowers without using a pattern and used quick drying glue to attach them.

The hammock was made with a piece of burlap tied with string to two posts which I wedged underneath the skewers. I think it turned out really cute.

The rug is also felt.

The table and stool are simply a paper towel roll covered in felt. I added the tops using a piece of cut out cardboard.

Lea fits nicely in the loft or the hammock. With frogs and fresh fruit at hand, she will have lots of fun in the jungle. She just has to watch out for snakes!

By Loretta Houben

First doll dress of 2016

I did it!

I sewed a doll dress.

However I made it all by hand. I enjoy sewing by hand a lot.

I used fabric from my stash, which I had bought a long time ago in the early 1990's. I used a small lace at the neck, sleeve edges and hem. I really like how it turned out.

It was easy to make, except the set in sleeves were awful! I hate set in sleeves in something so small. I used a purchased pattern from a seller online:
All Dolled Up

The pattern was very easy to follow and I was pleased with the results.

I will be sewing for Lea again!

By Loretta Houben