I’m running a bit late this morning! No specific reason – I’m just rather lazy this morning.
I’ve been working on this:
Another New Yorker puzzle, this time with a cat.
My anxiety has come roaring back, after relatively few problems when I was working in the city. I had a few minor bouts, but I was so busy and focused that it stayed away. But it’s back now, so these puzzles have become even more important to me. Working on one is meditative and that helps to drive the demons away. Thank goodness for jigsaw puzzles. My sister finds that elusive peace through knitting. I did too, when I was crocheting and knitting.
I don’t know if you remember this, but years ago, when I was working for several weeks in Hartford, I bought an inexpensive Loft dollhouse (basically made of heavy paper board) from Target. I never ended up doing anything with it and I almost donated it to the Salvation Army last year, but ended up keeping it. It’s been in our bedroom in a corner hidden by the door. I usually stash my handbag in top of it.
I got to thinking about it the other day. Since the big room is so tall compared to my other dollhouses – I think it’s 1:6 scale rather than the 1:12 scale of my miniatures – would it work as a sort of photo staging area for my Blythes? I grabbed Imogen, went upstairs and pulled it out of the corner.
While Imogen watched from her perch in the English Cottage – clearly not the right size for her – I dusted the interior and exterior of the Loft. Then, Miss Imogen consented to go inside so I could see if she fit.
She does!
I might remove the stairs because they take up valuable space. I can always put them back if I need to. I’m rather jazzed about this idea. I might add wallpaper. We’ll see.
And I’ll need a couple of pieces of 1:6 furniture, like a sofa and a bed.
It’s all in the service of pretty photos, my friends!
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
What a great idea! The girls will be happy in their new place. I admire your puzzle work. I don’t have the patience for them. Today I’m going to attempt to make sidewalk chalk with my grandson. He is more than excited to say the least. Happy Sunday!
And I wouldn’t have the patience for making sidewalk chalk – it all evens out in the end.
Stay safe, April.
What a wonderful serendipitous thought popped into your head! You found a way to display your girls.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thanks so much, Kaye.
Stay safe.
How clever; I usually think of a use for something shortly after donating it, so your timing is great.
ceci
For once!
Stay safe, Ceci.
Great idea getting the loft dollhouse out. Sounds like fun. Also, even though she’s too big for it, Imogen looked pretty darn cute in the English cottage, too! I just love your doll posts!!!
She did look cute sitting there on the edge of the room!
Stay safe, Jenny.
Oh she looks great in that doll house. What fun for you and the girls!!!
I may take down the loft, as well. I’ll think about it. They need more head room!
Stay safe, Linda.
I did that jigsaw last winter. I began tearing my hair out when I got to the green foliage on the right! The rest seemed relatively easy. But that foliage nearly did me in! You’ll have it in a heartbeat, I’ve no doubt!
Love the new space for the girls. A great idea to add a little wallpaper or paint to the walls. A really good fit. Very fun and very happy!
I’m already tearing my hair out. The pinks are tricky, as well. I had to stop for the day.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Oh, what fun!! The girls must be excited about their impending “shoots” in their futures!! What a lovely backdrop!
So very very cold again today. ugh. But the sun is shining, so that is nice. Hope the puzzle is going well. It is so interesting ~~ because attempting a puzzle would do me in with anxiety. As it is said…whatever works!! Take care.
Very, very cold here – and the ground is a sheet of ice, so there’s that. It’s dangerous out there.
Stay safe, Chris.
Your efforts are appreciated as we all do so enjoy the lovely photos. :-)
I rediscovered cross stitching at the beginning of the pandemic. It helped keep me sane. There is something very calming and meditative about cross stitch. Nothing serious for me; I only work on pieces that make me smile.
I think any kind of needlework is soothing and calming. I should pull out my quilt project and do some stitching!
Stay safe, Janice.
That’s a great idea! The girls need a place to call their own.
They have to hang out somewhere!
Stay safe, Ann.
That’s been my mantra for a long time now. Getting tired of the routine but even with the booster you still have to watch out. Staying home as much as possible and only going out when absolutely necessary.
I guess I’m on point since I just put down my cross-stitch gingerbread cottage ornament that I’m making. January is a good month for creativity of any sort to ward off the dark winter blues.
I’d wondered what scale the Blythe dolls were. I’m used to the 1:3 scale of AG dolls which makes it challenging enough to sew or craft those little pieces. That probably sounds incredibly large to anyone who works with 1:12 miniatures though!
I’ve admired your girls’ clothes and I began browsing to see what sewing patterns were available. Alas, none as cute as the ones you’ve found. But I did find quite a few crochet items. I’m not great at following crochet instructions though. Too many mistakes along the way! I have so much respect for and admiration at the detail and craftsmanship that go into doll clothes. Like anyone, I’d love a similar wardrobe to theirs!
I hope your puzzles continue to be calming and centering. My favorite is Jane Austen’s world. There is a holiday puzzle laid out now that can only be worked in good lighting. Dark colors, ack!!
Keep warm and safe and enjoy each minute of lengthening daylight!
I am amazed by the work done by these artisans, Roxie. Incredible.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Stay safe.
I love your doll posts! So adorable and brilliant idea!
Thank you so much, Betsy!
Stay safe.
looks great!
all your photos are pretty, though. :)
and i appreciate your efforts, time and all you share.
sorry about that anxiety. hope today was better. glad that you have jigsaw puzzles and meredith has knitting to help. praying for you all.
might do a bit of reading here, after washing the dishes. my family gave me the complete set of “little house on the prairie” books for Christmas, something i’d wanted for a long time. :)
have a good night and week ahead and stay safe!
kathy in iowa
I loved those books when I was a kid. Read them all!
Stay safe, Kathy!