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And extra small makes five

Lined up like this, my “Hug Me! Slugs” remind me of the commercials where everything looked like those cell phone reception bars. I don’t even have a cell phone…

but, I do have an new extra-small slug. He’s pretty cute.

I don’t know that I will make any more slugs in his size though. I was already near sewing over my fingers with my machine, while trying to steer him under the presser foot.

My basic, mechanical Viking is great for being tough. It’s very reliable and sews through just about anything. But I could really use another sewing machine for the smaller details. I’d like some decorative stitches too. Mine doesn’t have any. I like the idea of staying with the same brand so I can use all my accessories, but I’m concerned that, I’ve heard, the Vikings are no longer being made in Sweden, like mine was. I haven’t revisited the dealer yet to ask her about this. Does anyone have any experience with the new models? I’m afraid to get a used machine, in particular an electronic/computerized one. One dealer told me you can’t tell how used they are and if the computer in them dies, they are very expensive to replace. I’ve never sewn on a computerized machine before, and the prices are scary. I don’t want to invest in anything that will give me headaches. Advice anyone?

By the way, the weather here is finally perfect! At least for today, and hopefully for some time to come. Oh, I forgot…I Skyped yesterday for the first time! I ended up eating a bowl of soup and a plate of penne with cheese, via webcam, in front of someone who was dieting, but the thing “rang” and there I was in the kitchen. It was kind of fun, for me anyway. I don’t know about my friend who was skipping lunch!
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Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max Bailey

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyJanie’s passion is playing ball.

When she isn’t playing ball, she’s thinking about it.

She imagines herself running as fast as the wind, her soft ears blowing backward, and her little legs just a blur.

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyToday she is all dressed up for company. She holds her bright green ball and looks hopefully from one face to another.

Maybe the company will leave soon so she can run outside and play.

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyJanie is a Dachshund with soft brown eyes. She wears a lovely yellow dress with a white collar and white cuffs. It has a scalloped orange hem and tiny blue flowers with orange centers.

At the back is a big orange sash tied in a bow. White petticoats can be seen below her dress, and her cute little tail emerges from the petticoats.

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyJanie is an original one-of-a-kind work of art, and is meant for display only. No molds are ever used in my work. She and her ball are hand sculpted from paperclay, and entirely hand painted using acrylic paints.

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyJanie is signed and dated, and sealed with matte varnish for protection and preservation. She rests firmly on a turned wooden base that is stained and sealed in golden oak. She stands 4 and 3/4 inches tall.

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max BaileyUpdate: Janie has already been adopted. Thank you!

Janie the Dachshund, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Dog Doll Figurine by Max Bailey Janie’s friend is Dinah the Dachshund (right). Update: Dinah has already been adopted as well. Thank you!

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I think the rain ate my brain

Just grasping for a title. It’s dark and rainy this afternoon. So, I have no decent photos of the dolls I finished yet, four “Gumdrop Babies” and one extra-small “Hug Me! Slug“. I think I will make a slug set with the tiny one and a medium-sized one because I don’t think I want to try to make a tiny one again! He’s cute, but he was challenging due to his smallness. I’m at work on some new doll/toy designs, and my Lucy dolls are still waiting to be sewn up. I’ll have to update my Etsy shop sometime soon.

Other than that, I vacuumed my workspace and put my dolls in a big box to keep them clean and nice. I spent some time this morning trying to set up a webcam that wouldn’t work, regardless of what software I tried installing, and then I tried to decide if I wanted to install Skype. A friend suggested I get it, but I don’t really have a great love of talking on the phone to begin with. Add sitting at the computer some more to that, and I’m not sure it appeals to me. I suppose being able to see a person, via webcam, while talking to them might might eradicate one complaint I have about talking on the phone, which is not being able to read a person’s expression, but considering what passes for the “casual wear” I wear to work here at home…I’m not sure I want to be seen! I’m not sure I like that little eyeball staring at me either. Maybe I’ll come around with encouragement. Maybe not!

Update: The third (or fourth?) time is a charm? The webcam came on. I still have no idea what to do with it, and it is only photographing the kitchen while leaving me in total darkness…but it did come on. Such excitement.