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Siamese mom and kitten, and signs of spring

Loretta and Lulu are all dressed now. I have to admit, I had one heck of a time making this little apron! That apron bib was something else, all edged with lace and lined. I had to turn it right side out at one point, and I wasn’t sure I could do it because it was so small. In fact, I was just about sure I couldn’t. But I persevered and did.

Doesn’t Lulu look just right in that pocket? So cute.

We aren’t officially listing our dolls yet because we have some we are still working on and we want to photograph them together. So, it’s going to be a while before they are over on the Ruffing’s site. I’ll be sure to post here and on the Ruffing’s blog when they are ready to be adopted.

Our breakfast guest came for an early dinner today. I had to stick around to make sure there wasn’t any food sharing going on. My guy didn’t understand that, but he graciously put up with it. They made some cheerful chirping conversation after dinner.

Our guest was very happy with his full tummy.

Our duck friends made an appearance today too, for breakfast time and dinner time. They haven’t ventured up from the pond for months. Spring must make them want to go visiting. You’d think you were the Beatles the way they run after you when you have a cup of corn. They’re like hysterical quacking fans.

I was eating a muffin this morning, when I saw a whole lot of white out the back door. They bob around, trying to get a look at you through the windows, to see if you’re in there. They’ve been back several times today. When they catch sight of you, they come closer to the door. That gray duck was odd man out. I tried to put some cracked corn apart from the rest for him.

The Bradford Pear trees are all in bloom. This one has sprouted from a tree that split, along with so many other Bradford Pears, in an ice storm several years ago. They are very susceptible to storm damage, but they are so pretty people plant them anyway. This one looks like a giant flowering bush.

We’ve been having some lovely sunsets too. I tried to capture all the pinks and lavenders in this one, but by the time I figured out the controls on my camera, the sky had completely changed color.

I had it set and ready for this one though, the following night. So nice and peaceful here.

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Itty bitty pocket kitty

Sunny, warm weather is here, and I did some sewing outside, bare feet and all. I’ve also been urged by some to change my mind and take the advice of Naughty Kitty! Ha. I will have to think that over as I sew. For now, I’ve got kitties to clothe, like this one…

This is Lulu. She fits in the pocket Loretta the Siamese. I hand appliquéd a heart onto this pocket and added a machine-embroidered stitch along the bottom. I used some of the rayon lace I picked up yesterday to edge the apron. Next up is a skirt and an apron bib.

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Angel or Devil?

Naughty Kitty: “Psst! Listen…I’ve got a plan for world domination!

ER: “Given the current economic crisis, is world domination even feasible right now?”

ER: “Wait, why are you girls even talking to me?

Good Kitty: “Don’t listen to her, Elizabeth…follow your heart, follow the good…

Naughty Kitty: “You’d get to be 50 feet tall and wreak havoc.”

ER: “World domination does sound kind of fun.”

Good Kitty: “No! Elizabeth, no! Spread love and understanding. Think of your family, your friends.

Naughty Kitty: “No, Elizabeth…think of your ex-boyfriends!”

ER: “Hm…

ER: “Yeah, that might be kind of fun.”

Good Kitty: “Elizabeth, please, we need you on our side. Someone’s got to look after the bunny…”

ER: “Oh, you’re right. Beulah Bunny, new this week. World domination will have to wait.”

Beulah is by Max Bailey and is a companion for Beatrice Bunny.

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Cats without clothes

Well, Heidi, the tabby cat folk art doll, does have clothes, as you’ve already seen. Loretta, the Siamese is still in need. These are the first two folk art cat doll collaborations between myself and Max Bailey. We did a sunflower fairy way back when. That was our first joint art doll venture, aside from the trading of tips, and my sculpting lessons. We have a bunny and a Maine Coon cat in the works next.

Max gave Loretta and Heidi amazing painted eyes.

I knitted Loretta a sweater and planned to sew a skirt to match. I adapted a Fuzzy Mitten knitting pattern, and it came out really cute. I’m learning as I go with the knitting and crocheting. So, I guess I shouldn’t be too upset that my sweater came out to be too large! I thought I had it right, but it was too bulky for poor Loretta, who looked like she was swimming in it. It wasn’t a happy moment 🙁

But…I did manage to knit a sweater. I’d only ever made a scarf before. It does fit a larger doll I never finished. I have a small pile of those. Sometimes I want to make all the things I started and am not sure how to finish disappear, because I hate to let anything go to waste and the clutter starts to annoy me. There are times when you just have to move on though, or you spend more time, get more frustrated, and never end up with something you are satisfied with.

I am rethinking Loretta’s outfit now. I’m not even sure of my fabric choice anymore, since the sweater isn’t involved. Could it be an excuse to visit a quilting shop? Maybe it’s better not to add to the clutter!