These kids will be up in the shop within the next day or so hopefully. I haven't finished the whole lot of them but I figured I would try to get these up. Things have been a little crazy around here and I don't know when I'll actually finish the rest.

I have also finished the Fritter that will be swapped with a fellow Etsian. I'll share more about that when the swap is complete...I want it to be a surprise for the recipient. I'll only say that the Fritter is named Maya and she is adorable. Walter wanted me to keep her! I'm sure she will have a fun time in her new plush loving household, but like I said, more about that later!

Happy weekend everyone!

spontaneous love

Apparently Estella has a lot of love to give. She likes to randomly throw herself, and I mean throw herself, onto whatever she is feeling overwhelming love for at the moment. The other night it was this pile of laundry. She also seems to feel very strongly towards random pillows, balloons, toys, boxes of records, and yes, sometimes even us. Imagine how great your life would be if you still felt the love that a child must have for all new things. My days would be a lot better if I could look at a pile of laundry and want to throw myself on it, nuzzle my face in it and give it some love. Most days I like to pretend that if I ignore it, it will eventually go away!

I don't have any photos, but I've been working on the most recent batch of Fritters. Five of the seven are now clothed! There are looking mighty cute if I don't say so myself...

I just have to say that I got the greatest ReadyMade Magazine yesterday. I've had a subscription for a couple of years and always enjoy it. I was, however, particularly happy with this issue. I won't go into why I liked it so much (you can check it out for yourselves) but let's just say I want disposable money so I can build a little outdoor studio...and so many other cool things in this issue too!

today has been the longest day

I've shown about a thousand people our house today. It really is a horrible process. It's odd to have strangers in your home and to know that one of them will be living in it. I can't wait until it's all over and hopefully we get great renters so I don't have to go through this again too soon.

I've actually managed to get a bit more work done in between showings. Two little Fritters are now clothed. Two down, five to go...I need one of those "works in progress" gauges that I've seen on other blogs. I can't seem to find where to download one though.

I have also joined the Made In Vemont Etsy Street Team. Our blog is up and running, though I have not posted yet, or participated in any other team related doings for that matter. It really is all I can do to deal with myself, and manage to post on my own blog every now and again. Maybe some day I'll have the time and energy to join in some of the team related activities. It would be nice to network with some other local crafters. Maybe have a crafting night/social thing with some of them like I've seen on Meet Me at Mike's.

Who am I kidding? I don't do "social things", that would imply that I have a social life, and that would be a lie!

this is what happens...

...when I have a migraine. While I lay on the floor holding my head, Estella figured out how much fun aluminum foil is to crinkle! It is so hard to be a mom when you want to rip your own eye out just to stop the pain. I know the only people who truly understand the pain and whining will be other migraine sufferers...I know you other sufferers feel sorry for me and know I can't just "take some Tylenol" and get on with my day...
Fortunately, it has gone away and I managed to get a bit further on the most recent batch of Fritters. The are looking cute, but naked. Unfortunately, the clothing takes the longest, but I'm looking forward to seeing them all take shape. I think they all look so cute with their professional tags!

chunk-a-chunk-a-chunk-a

in case you can't tell, that's (the title's) me as a train chugging along on my projects. I would have written "chug-a-chug-a..." but in the book I'm reading right now, it's written "chunk-a-chunk-a-chunk-a." My whole idea of the sound a train makes has been completely blown away.

I'm moving along on my Fritters. The body materials have been sewn (sewed?) together and the faces are on. I tried some new face shapes, and some old ones too. Moving along...

We went to a little cutie's 1st Birthday party today. It was nice to socialize a little. Unfortunately we had to leave before present time so I didn't get to see how my gift was received...boohoo. Walter did receive a call from the dad saying that they were all thrilled with it! I guess all of my work was appreciated...that makes me feel good. It's so hard to know how people are going to respond to home made gifts...I've had mixed responses. I think every crafter has had mixed reviews when giving homemade gifts. Everyone in my life better get used to it because I would really like to take the Buy Handmade Pledge next holiday season.

Other than that, I'm dealing with trying to rent out the house...let's just say, AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! It is so much more of a pain in the butt than I had anticipated...at least it should all be over soon! And, Walter's car broke down on the highway on Friday. It literally turned off while he was driving, and he had to be towed to the dealership, who can't look at it until Monday. So, again, let's just say, AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!

Oh well, I'm just going to stick with the idea that IT'S ALL GOING TO BE OKAY...right?

[insert clever title here]

Just had to start with a picture of the cutie...

And, the project/gift is done! I managed to do the border/binding thing. Considering I had no idea what I was doing, it came out really well...hopefully the little guy will like it.

A detail of the mat with a little wooden car. I didn't make that of course, I bought it from a Vermont woodworker. I have some others and they're too cute! I wish I remembered who the maker was...I would love to get some more. Maybe he'll be at the same craft fair this year...now I have a valid reason for going!And, our little Peanut. I love how she blends in with her fuzzy dog bed! I think she's having some emotional problems lately, she's been so naughty... maybe she knows we're moving. Oh well, she's a chihuahua...she's neurotic by nature.

I've done a bunch of packing and organizing and am currently in the process of trying to rent the house..busy, busy. I am looking forward to it all slowing down soon so I can focus on some Fritters. It drives me nuts to have all of the fabric picked out and the process started and not get to work on them. It makes me feel like I have all of this unfinished business...I know, neurotic - maybe I'm part chihuahua!

And finally, a shot from Estella's new room. I love the orange and white contrast...so bright and cheery!

head, shoulders, knees and

Oh never mind...

A quick post today, the hubby needs the computer to look up a million school related things...
I had to grab a quick photo before all the daylight disappeared...some ears, arms and faces in the works. The sewing has taken a back burner the last few days so this is the furthest I've gotten...

I'll post again soon and will hopefully have more progress to share...aren't I doing a good job at being a better post-er? (self patting-on-the-back over here...)