Doll was a success

Our granddaughter LOVED the new doll!

Dora's sister Noora has arrived

Finally, after such a long trip, Noora is here.

She was fun to make, and an experience in a way, in trying to match the original doll, and failing somewhat. Therefore this one is a sister for Dora.

If I am truthful, I really wasn't too worried of the look, just the eyes, and when I had made about 5 pairs I finally said that's it, these eyes must go on the face. Krazy Klue is wicked, if you are not careful, you might not get things straight. I still have some glue on my fingers.

Noora is very soft and huggable. She stands 18" tall. I am pretty pleased with the end result. I used Acrylic yarn and washable stuffing. The whole doll is washable. The bracelet is the only thing that comes out. Oh, and the pant/dress and jacket, of course.

Update number 2 or 3 on Dora Doll

There are so many updates now that I get confused.

Crappy thing happened yesterday. I was happily knitting the shorts for the doll and was elated when I did the last cast off. This doll's feet are so big that I had to put the pants on before I sewed (?) the in-seams. Guess what, the pants are TOO small. crappety crippety crapppp crappp. Start again, and I didn't even have too much of that light lavender left. I added a lot of stitches and then knitted and knitted, and got bored, nothing new there. I decided to add some stitches, and went double on the whole thing, then knitted two or three rows and finished off.
I sewed (again the spelling?) the middle part to make the "skirt" - now look like pants.

Boy, the skirt/pant is CUTE, of course, in my humble opinion.

Has any of you ever tried to get worsted weight yarn thru a button hole that is meant for sewing thread? I tried, and broke a piece of the side of the hole, but it was still good. So, I took a
piece of thread, fed it thru the hole and then fed the yarn thro the loop of the sewing thread.

I now have WW yarn thru the button hole that is meant for sewing thread.

Have you noticed how many friggiiingg times I have used the word "sew..."In one form or other?
I hate sewing, and seeing that word so many times here, gives me chills.

You will get the picture of the doll later this afternoon, I hope. I am working on the hair now, and ... Oh, I created the eyes yesterday, and they are too small.

too small too big, that is the problem when one does not have a pattern, and has to invent one.

I decided to take a picture now, don't forget that I am still working on the hair, and then she needs a button on the jacket, and a bracelet, and of course the face.

Update on Dora doll

she is not talking much yet, but she is walking around.

I should be done by tomorrow.

One Foot done

Dora is able to hop and hop now

She is not skinny, but very soft.

Her other foot is on the development belt, as well as the sweater.

Dora Doll development

I was knitting happily, most of last night. Ignoring good programming on TV. We watched something, but don't remember what. Hubby made hamburgers and mashed potatoes, and I was very happy. I have leftovers for lunch, and can't wait for my lunch hour.

Dora doll is progressing nicely. The body is done, arms are done, except the finger parts, which might cause a miniscule problem, unless I just do something. The other problem is the eyes.
I have a feeling I have to make them with felt fabric. I might have some somewhere.

Doll times ahead

Our granddaughter LOVES Dora, the Explorer. We watched two episodes with her yesterday.
Her enthusiasm and interest on the show was amazing. She knew how to say "abri" and some other main words, which she would remember, but I forgot already.

She has a Dora doll, but this grandma decided that the girl needs a handmade, knitted Dora doll.
Guess what, there is no pattern in the internet for a Dora doll. I should have known it. I had to find a good picture of Dora to model for me.

Hubby and I were looking for yarn in my stash for the doll. We found a few suitable yarns, and I started with one, but then hubby came to me with two skeins, and asked "what about this?" and I screeched, "that's it". The yarn is good old Phentex Merit yarn in true gold. So far I have
knitted the head and half of the body part.

I am very excited about this challenge, and hope from the bottom of my heart that the doll turns out believable enough. If not, then I can say, I tried, and hope that somebody somewhere gets the rights to make a pattern for Dora doll. I am not talking about the charts that one uses to knit a picture on a sweater, I am talking about a DOLL.


What do you know, the picture showed up.

Shawl done

After my great experience at the CGOA Chain Link event and all the freeform stuff, I have recovered, to my humble knowledge. I needed to make a gift for my sis, who has a birthday next Thursday. Well, it's done, with fringes and all. Now, the only thing is that I truly and honestly tried to follow the pattern, and once I knew how the system went, I didn't need the pattern again, just my attention. I could have done it with my eyes closed, but when I did, something happened:

Needless to say, the shawl had the very first row incorrectly done, but I only noticed on the next row, and if any of you have ever tried to frog mohair yarn, you know why I left the design a'la Pirk there. (It's not really noticeable, maybe only by my sister, or her sharp eyed friends), but
believe me, that first row isn't the only one with design cramps. There are more "mistakes" than I want to admit. The shawl is as if swarming with wild cats in a barn.

Well, when I am looking at it from the distance, the flaws, or design cramps, are invisible, so what do I worry. Just put it in an envelope and send it to my sis. and hope she will receive it on her birthday, or at least the next day.

I went, by bus, subway and streetcar, to Romni Wools today. Boy that place is warm. They had two big floor fans going, but that was not enough. I was standing in the middle of an aisle, and the leaking started. I could feel the little stream going down my spine area, I could feel the faucet in my forehead turned wide open. Hey, I stood in front of the fan for a little while, but I had gone to the store to buy yarn, not to stand in front of an inefficient fan. I managed to buy
some Bernats Cool Crochet, HAHAH, even the yarn name was mocking me.

I had no energy, or better yet, inspiration to even pay more careful attention to other yarns. The prices alone wiped the inspiration slate clean. Instead of looking at the yarns, after a few yarn slots, I started staring at the prices, and got totally disgusted and headed to the cashier. I must say that the young ladies, three of them, were great, I just was surprised that the older lady had not learned to treat customers politely. Maybe she was just as warm as I was, or she didn't have her morning coffee yet, it was around noon. Or maybe it was her nose bothering her, it was attached to a string hanging from the ceiling. Kind of difficult not to look down your nose. Well, what do I know, I am just a simple customer.

Well, here is the picture of the shawl. Had to put it in my yahoo pictures, since blogger is having a major tantrum with picture posting.

Just everyday stuff

There are three lanes on one of the roads that lead to my work. There are no "right" turning signs anywhere. Sometimes when I am on my lane, ready to turn to our little street, there is usually some dingaling who is going straight and I have to wait for the lights to change so we can proceed. GGGRRRRR.

This morning, I sort of cut in front of another car, not really, she was "nearly" parked about 200 yards away from the lights. This is one intersection before mine. She wanted to turn right. Heheh, I could see that she was shaking her head in disgust. Oops, I am in the way, and she has to wait for the light to change. For a miniscule second I was annoyed, and told her under my breath that there is no right-turn-only - lanes here, but then remembered my own reaction to the same phenomenon. Then I giggled and I was in a good mood. Yes, I do the same thing, I shake my head in disgust! I was smiling, how silly is that?

One thought came to my mind this morning, on my travels to work. I don't hear too many stories about violence against Tim Hortons coffee place. There are no robberies, no break-ins, etc, and I just wondered about that a little bit. This thought came to my mind when I saw a
police cruiser driving along the road towards Tim's. I see those cars quite often on my way to work. I am just wondering if that has anything to do with anything.

I have recuperated from my trip to Philly, or Valley Forge in King of Prussia. BTW, I should have known at the Toronto Airport that something was going wrong when the officer at the A/C counter was giggling because of the name or the place where I was going. Doesn't everyone know every place in the world? Well, I don't, but I don't work for the Airlines.

I think this is going to be an interesting day. I am full of sarcasm and plausible wit.

Yes, I am back from the trip. I have tons of pictures, and I am truly happy that I went. I really didn't need my suitcase, did I? I managed. It was just so funny to claim my suitcase at Philly airport, WHEN I WAS LEAVING. Hello, there you are, did you miss me?

I think I should do some office work, what do you think?

I started crocheting a Blue Jeans shawl for my sister, who has a birthday next week. Fortunately she knows that her gift is going to be late. It takes at least 5 days to go to her by AIR mail. AIR!!!! aaarrrrggghhh. Will it get there? I should be finished with the shawl by Sunday, unless something more interesting comes up. This shawl gets its boring moments, but I have to do it. It's a pretty shawl, don't get me wrong, but there is nothing freeformish in it. I have found two mistakes already, mistakes, no, design changes. Not going to frog, because the yarn is mohair, Angora Alize Special in deep purple, and frogging aint going to happen.

I was going to post some pictures here, but the blogger isn't in a good mood today.

CGOA Summer 2006

The 60 Odd booth, with Margaret Hubert,

Crochet Dude and Moi, and

Meatloaf Sandwich at the Cheescake Factory.

What a DAY

The day started early around six am, after a three hour sleep. I got ready and happy that I had my suitcase done and all I needed was my morning coffee, shower and get dressed and go to the airport.

We got there quite early. The Air Canada lady was very friendly and there my trip started with a smile. Hubby left for home and I headed for the US customs with my luggage. All went well and I was happy I had kept all the e-mails for the ticket, hotel and the show, to show the customs officer. My next step was the luggage belt. There was a man busy at the belt, telling everyone how to put the luggage with wheel side up etc. He was talking awfully fast, and people were putting the luggage on the belt, just like I did. Except! I also put my carry-on on the belt, without any check- in paper. Oh, I thought the belt was for security check only. It was not. The luggage was on its way to the plane. (I have traveled millions of times, and I just cannot understand how I could have done that kind of a stupid mistake)

Of course I panicked and the man at the belt had to call somewhere to send bag the carry-on that was without the check-in tape. He told me that it might take a while before I get my bag back. I still had lots of time left before my flight. (boy, did I ever). Finally, after about 25 min. Wait, he took me to a baggage place, where I had to wait for mine to show up. I waited and waited, and finally after almost crying, mine appeared on the belt. I screamed in delight "I got it, I got it", Back to the customs with a new paper, and then to find the gate for my flight. Oh, first I had to take a shuttle bus to another terminal.

There was my flight, in time, wait, it was delayed. Oh, well, just twenty minutes or so. I called my friend Carol, who was coming to pick me up from Philly airport, that the flight was going to be late.

Do you still want to hear about this?

Well, up to you.

Then a little while later, after browsing at a little magazine/candy/whatever store, Carol called and told me that the flight was cancelled. I had not checked the board for a while, and sure, CANCELLED. In panic, many of us were standing at the AC desk, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. There was another flight shortly after, and a computer picked up names randomly, for that flight, because there were a few seats available.
Needless to say, my name was not called. I called AC, and got another flight for the same night.
At 9:25 pm, arriving here at 11 pm. Well, I had no choice, if I wanted to be here for the show, so I said yes.

HOWEVER, another passenger and I stood at the counter, like lost puppies, and it paid the price, we were put on a stand-by list. Life looked a little better. All I needed now, was to hear my name, when they were ready to start the procedures. It was a long wait, from 2 pm to 4 pm, I think, if not longer, it felt like trillion minutes. YESSSS, they called my name. I got in on an earlier flight, and life was better, once again.

I have quite a few long distance cellphone calls, I don't want to see my next invoice.

Yes, I arrived at Philly and walked to baggage place, and waited for the turning belt to bring my luggage to my arms. Hah, nada, my luggage was not there. I had to fill in a form, and now wait.

I have no change clothes, nothing, only one pair of rubber sandals (they have a name, but who remembers it now?) It's 12:15 am, and I don;t have my stuff.

Carol and her hubby took me for dinner to the Cheesefactory. I had a meatloaf sandwich, with fries and cole-slaw. I ate half the sandwiches, three or four french fries, and some salad.
The meatloaf sandwich was from heaven. I cannot make it that tasty.

We also had apple dumpling for dessert, but could only eat a little bit.

That's it, and now I am going to sleep. Good Night!

Oh, I missed the sneak peak at the market place, missed all. Tomorrow is another day.

Big Event coming up

I am getting way too excited about going to the CGOA Knit and Crochet Show, in King of Prussia, PA.

Instead of finishing a freeform vest to wear at the show, I made a little purse for my cellphone. Now I have two of them. One with beads, which I will use when I go for dinner, and the one I made last night, I will use on casual events. The beaded one was a gift from a friend.

Here is the one I made last night. I already added a little butterfly on it, but no picture of that.
It's a tiny pouch, fits the phone and there is a little pocket inside for the business cards, I am planning to take with me.

I don't have a business, but hubby made some nice cards for me.

Ok, have to go and make some lists for the trip.

Pet talk

I don't think I ever mentioned that I too have a cat. His name is Oliver. He is now 12 years old. He's an only "child", and he behaves like a spoiled brat. Just this morning he was playing with my knee, and then decided that I wasn't paying too much attention, so he hit me with one of the sharpest nails he has. I knew he wanted me to go to the kitchen with him, so he could had a snack from his dish. But I was busy minding my own business.
He does not care for my knitting stuff. He totally ignores the yarns, hooks that fall on the floor, the lazy bum. He is supposed to chase after the rolling ball of yarn, but no, he just looks. These pictures were taken when he was napping, and he was not too amused to be disturbed. Can't you tell?






Oliver sleeps most of the day, unless he decides to be a pest in the kitchen when I'm cooking.




Like all cats, Oliver loves boxes and here he is

World Cup Knitting Project update 2

It's done!!!! I did it! I am so proud of myself.

After the "I'll give up" episode yesterday, I told myself to just get going, and I did.

I had to add to the sides, since something happened with the measurements after the initial start, the vest was too small. I had to do the neckband twice, or three times, I forgot, because for some reason the band was too loose. It's not perfect now, but it will do. I also had to do the armhole bands twice, because I didn't pick as many stitches as in the pattern. Oh, who cares, it's done, right. The cables are perfect and the colors are perfect, and the vest is done, fits hubby and he likes it. I cannot always be perfect. Once in a blue moon I can make something that isn't quite to my own expectations. There, I said it.

World Cup Knitting Project update

Yes, some update. I was happily knitting all last night. First at a knitting meet-up with some members from our T-Rocks group (it's one of the knitting groups in Toronto). Anyhoo, I knitted quite a bit at the meeting, and believe or not, continued knitting when I arrived home around 9 (pm). I knitted until 1 a.m., was happy that the vest was almost done. Then the reality hit me, the neckband was loose, I had used needles that were too big for ribbing around the neck.

I went to bed and hoped that when I wake up, the neckband would be ok. I tried the dang vest
on hubby in the morning, and it was TOO SMALLLLLL. Either he had gained weight during these weeks (he doesn't look it), or the knitting shrunk. Which I believe is more realistic than the weight gain. Well, hubby was great, he told me to add on the sides. I said it will not look right, he told me to use the other color, and told me that it doesn't matter, because it is something I made for him in the colors he chose. Must love that guy.

So, I frogged the neckband, changed to smaller needles, knitted a few rows, which looks much better now. I started making the side pieces. I left the neckband for now, because I am not sure if I want the stripes on it or not. I have to think about it while making the side pieces. I am angry with myself that I was working on other things when I could have finished the vest a long time ago.

What does all this mean? I am not going to be done by the 9th, because I want to work on my freeform vest, too. I don't have too many days left before my trip to Valley Forge.

Another bookmark

The pattern came from another blogger's site. I had to make it.

I might make more, later, but right now I think I have had enough of making bookmarks. Thankyouverymuch.

Knitted pants

I was not going to post anything today, since my mind is totally resting. I changed my mind, when this picture appeared in my view. This is in "Knit 1" summer 2006 issue. Perfect for the summer wear.

Makes me remember the days when my mom knitted wool pants for us kids to wear in winter. They were GREY, and
they were warm, but oh, so ugly. These ones have some sort of pattern design, at least, and suspenders. We had only elastic waist band, to hold the pants.

Oh, and another thing, too. We would have NEVER worn the pants if any of our friends knew we had them (most of us did). And outside, yet. wooohooo.

Nice vest.

If you have the magazine, check the shawl on page 43, design by Noreen Crone-Findlay.

Something that I need to make one of these days.

Bookmarks

This is the picture I tried posting the other day. I have no idea what happened. Our granddaughter is eating stuffed mini pita. She loved them.

I have bravely joined a bookmark exchange in one of my crochet groups. I have made three so far, although I only need one to send out. Somehow I felt I needed to make more. Now I have to choose the one to send out.

It's been a lazy day, except grocery shopping earlier in the day. I think I better finish the World Cup Knitting project. I still have at least four hours to work on it. Cables are not too quick to make, when there are so many, but I like making them.

The two bookmarks are from Hooked on Crochet, the latest issue, which I have mentioned already. One with the ribbon is Brenda Stratton's pattern. The one in the middle is from the web, and is here. The design is by Priscilla Hewitt.

Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!

We went to our friends for a BBQ. We were to go there around 4-5 pm, but no specific time was really given. Usually we arrive first to these parties. Needless to say, we had to watch Brazil and France play. After the game we left for the party. I had made some mini stuffed pitas. I used tuna and ham for stuffing. I decorated the dish with toothpicks that had a tiny Canada flag on them.

My hamburger was delicious. I should have eaten only that one, but no, I had to take a piece of chicken and a small pork chop, which I didn't eat, because it was flavored with something sweet, and I didn't expect that flavor on my pork chop. I like them with white pepper and salt, nothing else. Of course I had to taste the chicken, which wasn't bad, but not nearly as good as the hamburger. The chicken was cold, but was not bad, really!

For some reason, it started raining, and we had to run inside. I thought that all Canada Days were sunny, warm and no rain nowhere. This is what I remember from previous celebrations.
Some of the most memorable Canada Days were in small towns, out from our big city. Don't ask me why, but I miss driving around the countryside. We have not done that for a while.

For dessert we had fresh fruit and cake, layered with whipping cream, strawberries and blueberries. Oh, I should have left that on the plate. Should have, should have....mango should have been enough for dessert. ACK.

Ok, I am full and not too happy with myself.

Aside from eating, I was crocheting all day before the party. I have not finished my World Cup Knitting project yet. I have the front done, except the ribbing in the neck and arm holes. I think I have about one night work to do with the back piece, but I am determined to finish all before the games are finished.

My crochet work is aimless stuff. I think I am going to be able to make a freeform vest before the CGOA Chain Link Show, but I will take a day off from work, if I need it. The problem I have with the vest is that I have two different color themes. One is with turquoise and the other yellow shades. I really don't want to mix those two together at this point. I might get nothing finished before the show, and it's not going to upset me too much. My heart isn't on those projects. My heart isn't on anything right now, really. I just work on stuff, for no apparent goal in mind. Well, yes, I have a goal, but it's too much to reach at this point.

Here is how I made the stuffing for mini pitas:

Two cans of flaked tuna in water,
mix with:
no fat mayo
white pepper
chopped onion
oregano

Two cans of ham
mix with
white pepper
chopped onion
Dijon mustard
horseradish
some grated Parmesan cheese
no fat mayo

of course you can use your imagination to mix the tuna and ham with anything you want.

I made about 40 of these little pitas, and all was eaten. Our granddaughter helped in the eating process.