A LOVELY GIFT

So, as I mentioned on yesterday’s post, Tuesday I packed up my embroidery machine and thread, fabric, stabilizers, etc., and headed to my friend Chris’ house. You may recall that we each bought a Brother PE-770 in September (here). For Chris, the new machine replaced a beloved favorite which was worn out, but I caught her enthusiasm and wanted one, too. She volunteered to provide training for me, but it took us a while to find a mutually satisfactory date. (You know how it is when you’re retired.) We finally settled on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

I left Clarkston in fog and halfway up the Lewiston Hill, it became so dense that I nearly panicked. But just beyond that point I drove right out of the fog and into a beautiful day. Chris was waiting for me when I arrived at her house. After a brief overview to be sure I understood the machine’s functions, we commenced to embroider. I stitched on a tea towel and she made the cutest gingerbread coaster, the first of a set she’s making. Besides operating our machines, we talked non-stop for four hours. I can’t tell you how many subjects we started and didn’t finish. When I left, Chris probably collapsed on her sofa for a nice nap before my tail lights disappeared around the corner.

And – she gave me the nicest gift: Ann Estelle from the Robert Tonner Doll Company, still new in the box. Chris had originally gifted this doll to someone else, but then she had the privilege of gifting her again so she entrusted her to me. I am so honored to have her. By mutual agreement between Ann Estelle and myself, she is now out of the box.

Ann Estelle comes from designer Mary Englebreit’s brightly colorful world, and I am in the process of determining Ann’s character in my world. She’s charming and whimsical. It’s clear that her family has wherewithal and her grandmother does heirloom sewing. No "make-do" in that family. She reminds me of pictures of my sister Harriet in the '30s, but I can’t quite bring myself to call her "Harriet." She IS like Harriet, though. Harriet was bright and imaginative, and so is Ann Estelle. I think she'll live in the china cabinet with the dishes and lovely things. Yes, I think that suits her personality. KW

HAPPY GIRLS

Allyn & Hazel

I’m not sure I ever explained what became of the Springfield doll I acquired last year (here). Springfield dolls are “knock-offs” of the much more expensive American Girl doll, and the one given to me had been used – and maybe somewhat abused. At any rate, I decided not to keep that doll and gave it to Allyn, my great-grandniece, along with a few outfits I had made. And as time went by I sent a few more outfits.

Hazel

Then Allyn’s grandmother, my niece Becky, said, “We have to talk about that doll. The clothes just don’t fit right.” It was clear that the doll was disappointing, and that was easy to understand because her flat pancake body has no structure. It also came out that Allyn was aware of American Girls and that she’d love to have one. So, as a collaborative effort, Becky and I got her one – Hazel. The collaborative effort as originally planned had included Harriet – my sister, Becky’s mother, Allyn’s great-grandmother. But Harriet left before we got to that point.

Allyn and Hazel

Hazel

Anyway, Allyn chose Hazel from the line-up of "Truly Me" AG dolls – apparently without hesitation – and Becky ordered her. I sent a few more new outfits, not knowing if those I sent earlier would transfer from the Springfield doll. Finally Allyn and Hazel are together, and the photos show that Hazel loves her inherited wardrobe. And that’s great!

I’m inspired by this story, and I’m just sorry I don’t live closer, but I suppose it's for the best. I’d probably wear out my welcome. Yes, it’s best that I play quietly by myself. KW

SAVING THE WORLD, ONE DOLL AT A TIME

This past weekend was the annual Chapter BL, P.E.O, rummage sale. Sisters worked hard and had a good time, returning to their respective homes Saturday afternoon to put their feet up.

I always come home with junk – er, stuff – er, wonderful finds! This year I just had to have this basket. If it wasn’t a sewing basket before, it is now. And I also “bought” a Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker, which son Milo deems the most superfluous appliance ever invented. Apparently a lot of folks agree with him because no one bought it, despite the fact it was new in the box. However, I’ve consistently used one for more than 20 years, and so when it was left over, it became mine.

And something at least mildly embarrassing happens to me every year. This time someone called my attention to a book of doll clothes patterns. “Oh!” I said, looking it over, “I have to have this.”

“But Kathy,” said my friend, “I thought this was in the stuff you brought.”

“Probably,” I said, trying to sound cool, “but I have to take it back. Things have changed.” And they have!

And then, “Mandy,” a Fisher Price “My Friend” doll from 1977, stood looking over the edge of a cardboard box full of old toys calling my name each time I passed by. “No,” I told her, “I just can’t take you home. I’m already sewing for American Girls and Toni, and I also have a ‘patient’ in my doll hospital.” Her smile never changed, but I knew she was crying.

Old dolls seem to come in three general categories:

·       Pristine, new in the box, never played with. Much sought after by collectors, they nevertheless lead dull lives, in my opinion.

·       Gently loved. These dolls have been carefully played with, like my “Shirley Anne, American Farm Girl,” aka AG Kit. (Shirley Anne is pictured here with another of my rummage sale finds, a ‘distressed’ wooden chair – just her style.)

·       Much loved. Into this broad category, my favorite, fall all dolls that have had really good lives as someone’s favorite companion.

  

So, at the end of the sale, Mandy was in my car with my other treasured finds. I figured if nothing else, she would provide an opportunity to practice doll cleaning skills. These dolls were designed to be washed in the washing machine, and while some might not have chanced it due to her age, I had nothing to lose. I sprayed her with Oxy, wrapped her in a laundry bag, and put her in the washing machine with a few towels. Mandy is/was in bad shape, her fabric body stained by liquid, her vinyl parts showing “ground in” dirt, her facial features faded.

Still dingy

After Zout treatment

Well, she was still smiling bravely – and still stained – when she came out of the washing machine, so my next step was to massage “Zout,” an enzyme cleaner, into her body and then let her soak in a solution of hot water, dish detergent, and white vinegar. With that we made progress! Then she went outside to sun herself. She’s looking better all the time. KW

STAYCATION DAYS 6 & 7 -- FINAL

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Thursday was another hot night. I got up around midnight when it was still 80 outside and turned off the AC. I know -- some people leave the AC on 24/7, but it’s a noisy unit and I like to be able to hear. At 5:30 Friday morning, it was 65 and 80 in the house. At 6:30 I turned on the AC and we left for the walk.

Nellie was having an energetic day and I let her have some freedom. She climbed the bank and disappeared over the top, but soon I could see her again. Bess found an old tennis ball and wanted me to toss it for her. I had to convince her that we should focus on walking.

I boxed the Cinderella dress for mailing  – and I mean boxed. I wish I could create a better presentation, but presentation probably matters more to me than Emmy. By 8:15, I was on my way to town. It didn’t seem like there were so many shoppers, but when I checked out, I noticed that they were in earnest – stocking up early before it was really hot. Large orders were ahead of me and cashiers were limited. I was home by 10:30 and the thermometer hit 100 at 11:15. (I see by the local paper that the official high does not register as hot as the thermometer at my house. Never mind – it’s hot.)

Then I admit it. I took the rest of the day off. This is the last staycation day. Tomorrow afternoon Mike will arrive, so I’ll spend the morning doing things I should have done before. But today I made granny squares while I sipped my Diet Coke. I also checked out another old buffalo, determined next steps, and decided to finish it at the farm where I have a large embroidery frame.

Tonight Mike called from Burns, Oregon. He hurt his back on Monday – which I knew – and says he won’t be good for much for a while. (I certainly don’t want him to be in pain, but you know – he hasn’t been here all week. . .) He’s 350 miles from home and we both know it’s going to be a long, hot trip across barren central Oregon tomorrow.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

It was 65 when I got up and 79 in the house. As the sun rose, so did the outside temp. Last night I turned the AC off when I went to bed. It was still 83 outside.We had the usual morning walk and then two of us napped while the other one worked.

And then there was a tapping at the door, and I knew what that meant. The mailman had delivered my last – and most important – staycation gift. And here she is! -- the "My Imagination" doll by Tonner Dolls. Her very presence lends an air of the magical. Yes, she’d love a Halloween costume, she said. Could she have a fancy witch’s outfit? While this doll has a hard vinyl body, she isn’t mid-century slim. She looks like a little girl – and that’s as it should be.

 

Mike arrived at 1:45. Bess and Nellie were so happy to see him. Well, I was, too. Now for those “end of trip” tasks – unpacking, cleaning the motorcycle and equipment, putting things away, doing the laundry, etc. But Bess and Nellie think we should go to the beach. KW

STAYCATION DAY 5 -- THURSDAY, JULY 28

I had to push myself to get dressed and walk the dogs this morning, and I realized that I really deserve those staycation rewards, by gum! It was 67 outside and 78 in the house at 5:30. By 6:15 I was walking the dogs. We were home by 7:00. I closed the house and turned on the AC.

Then, without further ado, I ordered the redheaded “My Imagination” doll by Robert Tonner. Tonner Dolls makes beautiful collector dolls, but this doll is supposed to be a play doll. She has an all-vinyl body (as opposed to the stuffed cloth body of the American Girl). I ordered her through PixieFaire, a website specializing in doll clothes patterns. They offered an additional incentive of three free patterns. In the back of my mind, I’m wondering if this doll might wear those mid-century “slim doll” patterns. (I tried to copy and paste a picture of the doll, but Blogger didn't like it.)

Oh! And let’s have more rewards. My friend Chris recommended the most recent issue of BHG’s American Patchwork and Quilting, which is evidently focused on old quilts, so I subscribed. I have an antique quilt at the farm that is very heavy, undoubtedly carrying a century’s worth of dust, and taking up too much space. Since it’s tied, I’m thinking of removing the top, which would make it more practical for storage. Disposing of it another way is not out of the question, since I don’t even know who made it.

Pretend glass slippers

Finished dress

Amongst the cooking and cleaning (not much of either), I finished the Cinderella dress for Emmy’s doll. My latest AG doll, Maryellen, was pleased to model the dress. After struggling to sew hooks and eyes on the back closure, I didn’t like the way it looked, so I removed them and used Velcro (no easy feat). With attachment of the collar, the dress was finished. It was a fun and rewarding project.

Back view

Mike called late afternoon from Truckee, I think. He sounded better. The day had been less strenuous and he arrived at his motel, a nice place with amenities, at 3:30.

Tomorrow – shopping. (And it will be a Diet Coke day!) KW