THE EGG APRON AND I

Several months ago Momma Cat got a request from her friend, Amanda Cat, to crochet her an egg apron.  What the heck is an egg apron, you might ask?  It is an apron, in this case, crocheted, with a lot of little pockets for egg gathering.  It looks like this.

Egg Apron Pattern

It seems that Amanda Cat has a few chickens now, and she thought it would make her life a little easier if she had something to put her eggs in that would also allow her to have both hands free.  

Momma Cat had several projects to finish before she was able to start on the apron.  But she finally went to JoAnn's and bought some sugar and cream crochet cotton and got busy!

Things were going along swimmingly, as Momma Cat worked on the apron while she watched football with Daddy Cat.  She got to the point where she was almost finished when she notice something odd........

What's wrong with this picture???

 If anyone were to gather eggs wearing this apron, the eggs would all end up on the ground!!!  Momma Cat screamed when she first noticed her mistake, but then she started laughing!  It was too funny, even if it meant undoing many hours of work!  Momma cat had crocheted the waistband and ties to the wrong end of the apron!  Now, that's what she gets for crocheting when she's tired, and also trying to watch several football games! GO DUCKS! GO SEAHAWKS! GO PACKERS!!!

Anyway, Momma pulled out all of those stitches, then started over on the opposite side of the apron.  It took her a couple of days to redo it, but she finished the apron yesterday!  

The Egg Apron and I

To give it a more personal touch, and because it was just soooooooo cute, Momma Cat added this little duck applique to the large pocket.

 

 Momma hopes Amanda Cat likes her new apron.  You know, it could come in handy for Easter egg hunting too!

 PS  If you've never read a book called, "The Egg And I", by Betty MacDonald, you should!  It's a very funny story about a man and his wife who start an egg farm up on the Olympic Peninsula after World War II.  There's a movie by the same title too, starring Claudette Colbert, and  Fred MacMurry.  Momma Cat much prefers the book, but the movie is also very entertaining!!!


- Momma Cat

ROBERT TONNER "PATSY" DOLL

Momma Cat saw a Robert Tonner "Patsy" doll modelling clothes for a doll clothes maker on eBay and Etsy.  She'd never seen one before, and she thought Patsy was adorable!  That doll didn't look anything like the original Patsy dolls (photo below) created by Effanbee way back when. 
But, they share the Effanbee name.  Robert Tonner did produce some dolls that looked more like the one pictured below.  But, then he branched out and created the new version..........

Original Effanbee Patsy doll

Momma Cat's Patsy has black hair and big, dark blue eyes! Her arms are jointed at the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.  Her legs have a knee joint, but Momma Cat doesn't think it looks as nice as the other joints.  What do you think?

Robert Tonner/Effanbee 10 inch "Patsy" doll

  Momma Cat wanted to buy her little Patsy a completly new outfit, but was appalled by the prices of the original Tonner doll clothes.  They are so freakin' expensive!  Sometimes the clothes are more than the dolls themselves! So, Momma Cat looked on Etsy and eBay for alternatives!

First she went to Etsy, Doll Secrets for Patsy's undies and tights. Momma Cat has bought clothing from Doll Secrets before, so she knew she could get nice things at reasonable prices.

Cute undies! What a great fit!

White tights are very nice!

 Then, Momma Cat went on Etsy and found this adorable black and white, cat dress from a shop called  Judy's Doll Boutique.

Patsy's new look!

Patsy's shoes came from an eBay shop called Debs Adorables.  Deb has lots of cute shoes to choose from, but Momma Cat wanted black Mary Janes to go with the cat dress. Doesn't Patsy look adorable in all her new things!

Now, all Patsy needs is a new sweater, so she won't be cold when the weather turns in the fall! 

- Momma Cat

EDGAR ALLAN CROW

Momma Cat is sorry for that title, but she really couldn't help it!  

Edgar Allan Crow

Edgar's backside

Momma Cat recently met Edgar at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts.  He was just sitting there on a shelf, and she fell for him immediately!  There were a lot of other Halloween creatures there too, but Momma thought Edgar was the best.  So she brought him home.

If you'll notice, Edgar's cage opens, and he can be removed, say, if he needs a little exercise.  Baby Cat thinks Momma didn't feed him enough, but she swears that he came that way!

If you need some new creatures, decorations, or Halloween costume ideas, head for JoAnn's soon, before it's toooooooo late!!!!!

- Momma Cat

CROSSROADS DOLL AND TEDDY BEAR SHOW

The Crossroads Doll And Teddy Bear Show was today in Clackamas, Oregon, at the Monarch Hotel. The hotel is in a nice spot because it's not in an overly crowded area.  There is easy access, and plenty of parking.  

 Momma Cat got up early and went to the show at 8:30am!  This is unusual, because Momma Cat would normally try to still be sleeping at that time on a Saturday morning!!!
But, Momma Cat has been getting up early to go to work several days this week, so her internal clock wakes her up at ungodly times in the a.m., so today she took advantage of it!  She got up, bathed, ate breakfast, then went off to the doll show!

The advantage of getting to the show at 8:30am is that there are hardly any other people there at that time!  The traffic was very light too, so travel time was minimal!  It costs a couple of extra dollars to get in at 8:30, but Crossroads always offer a $1.00 off coupon with their announcements, so it works out pretty well.  Momma Cat felt that it was worth a little extra money to have the run of the place and not have to worry about having her toes trod upon!  She also got a free copy of a new doll magazine because she got there early!

Momma Cat looked all around the doll show several times, and saw a lot of really cute things.  But, she only came away with one prize this time.  

Here she is.

 

Ann Estelle, by the Robert Tonner Doll Company

One of the vendors at the show had three little Ann Estelle dolls.  They were all in great condition, but none of them had their original tags or boxes.  Momma Cat was able to buy this little cutie for only $50, which is a real bargain! Her little jacket and hat are made out of felt, and she has an adorable pleated skirt.  Not to mention her gloves, and some little yellow shoes!

Beside her is the Doll magazine Momma Cat got for free!

Back of dress

Side view

Momma Cat went to the doll show looking for a Robert Tonner "Patsy" doll, but she didn't see even one there!  Oh well, there's always eBay, and there's always another doll show!!

- Momma Cat

LIZETTE'S NEW DRESS BY AMY'S DOLL CLOTHES

Momma Cat dearly loves her Tonner "Lizette" doll.  She showed her doll to Baby Cat, and Baby Cat liked it a lot, so Momma Cat sent her a Lizette, so she could have a beautiful ball jointed doll too!

Momma Cat wishes she had time to make things for her Lizette.  But, currently she has so many projects going on, poor Lizette isn't getting any clothes from her any time soon!

But, never fear!  There are many talented people out there who make beautiful handmade doll clothes!  You saw the sweet little outfit Momma Cat got from Jodie Creations in her last blog post.  

Momma Cat recently found another doll clothes maker on eBay.  She is Amy of Amy Doll Clothes, based in Thailand.  Momma Cat and Baby Cat each bought a dress from Amy, because they were so impressed by their beauty! 

Here's Baby Cat's doll in her new dress.

Stunning Gray and White gown by Amy Doll Clothes

 Momma Cat loves the dress Baby Cat picked out.  Baby Cat bought her doll a pair of silver boots on eBay to go with this dress.  

They work beautifully together!

This is the dress Momma Cat bought for her Lizette doll.

Beautiful Purple Gown from Amy Doll Clothes

 Momma Cat bought her Lizette's gown first, then she went on eBay and found the shoes.  What a perfect match! Now Lizette can go out dancing and look gorgeous doing it!

Amy Doll Clothes are beautifully handcrafted, and are not expensive at all!  The Tonner factory made clothes are nice too, but Momma Cat thinks they're way too expensive, and she would rather support an independent seamstress! Especially one as talented as Amy!

Sooner or later Momma's Lizette will need some more practical clothes.  But, Momma and Baby Cat are already collaborating on a handmade sweaters (Baby Cat), and matching skirts (Momma Cat), in which they'll each make something for both dolls!  Won't that be fun?  

If you're into making your own doll clothes, there are many patterns available on eBay.  Momma Cat recently found one for a Regency gown that she's dying to make!

At any rate, Momma Cat and Baby Cat will make sure to post their creations as soon as they're finished!! 

- Momma Cat

LIZETTE'S ONE OF A KIND HANDMADE OUTFIT, BY JODIE CREATIONS

Lizette just got a brand new, handmade outfit!  It was made by Jodie Joseph of  Jodie Creations.  See how beautifully it compliments Lizette's coloring?  It's a peach lace overlay on white fabric.

Lizette's new outfit, by Jodie Creations

Here's a close-up of the beautiful fabric that Jodie used.

The leggings  are so cute on her!

It has snap closures in the back.

This outfit is beautifully made, and the top is fully lined.  It fits Lizette perfectly too! Momma Cat was so happy that she found Jodie's shop!  

By the way, Jodie makes clothes for other dolls too!  If you don't sew, or just don't have the time, you should check her out!  Her prices are very reasonable, as well!  

Thank you Jodie!  You made my day, and Lizette's day too!

- Momma Cat

LIZETTE'S NEW LOOK!

Momma Cat got Lizette's new wig and shoes in the mail this week!  Lizette tried them on in front of Baby Cat and the rest of our cat family, and we all agreed that we like this look the best!  

Lizette in her "Paris" wig.

 Lizette's new wig was ordered from Monique Trading Corporation.  Momma Cat thinks it goes much better with her coloring than the previous wig.  Although, now she can change looks whenever she wants to!

Lizette's new shoes.

Momma Cat found these adorable shoe/boots on eBay and ordered them from a private seller in China.  They don't work too well with the outfit she's currently wearing, but Momma Cat thinks they're adorable and has already found a new outfit she thinks will look great with the shoes.  How's that for doing things backward!!!

Let me know what you think of her new look, would you?  Feedback is always good!

- Momma Cat

PICCOLINA AND HER NEW CROCHETED OUTFIT

A long while ago Momma Cat purchase a cute, little 12-inch toddler doll, by Corolle.  She is exactly like one Baby Cat got when she was little.  Here's a photo to remind you.  

Baby Cat's doll, Puku

Momma Cat's Doll, Piccolina

Momma Cat cleaned her up, fixed her hair, and crocheted her a new outfit.  She used Bio Bimbo cotton yarn from Northwest Wools, in Multnomah Village.  She created the clothes as she went, so there are no written instructions. Sorry!

Front of panties

Back of panties

Dress front

Dress back

Faux leather shoe soles

This last picture is of the bottom of Piccolina's  shoes.  Momma Cat likes to put faux suede, or faux leathers soles on the bottoms, to give the shoes a more finished look.  The faux leather in this case was repurposed from an old purse that Momma Cat had.  

That's all for now.  Momma Cat has some more projects to finish before she can devote any more time to doll clothes! But, don't worry, she'll blog about those too!

- Momma 

MOMMA CAT'S NEW BALL-JOINTED DOLL (LIZETTE)

Momma Cat wants to introduce everyone to her new doll, Lizette.  She is made by the Tonner company.  She is part of the Ellowyne Wilde doll collection.  

Lizette

Don't you just love those big brown eyes?!

 Lizette is 16 inches tall, she is jointed right above her rib cage, her shoulders, elbows, wrists and knees.  This particular doll came without hair or clothing, so Momma Cat was able to buy her for less than $80 on eBay! 

Lizette sans hair and clothing

 Lizette, Ellowyne, and the other dolls in that collection all have beautiful faces, but Momma Cat loved this one the best.  

Momma Cat bought Lizette two new wigs from Monique Trading Corporation
The second wig was just ordered, so it hasn't arrived yet. Monique sells high quality doll wigs, shoes, and other items for dolls of all sizes.  Since Lizette came naked, Momma Cat bought her a bra and panty set, hosiery, a pair of leggings, and a little cropped t-shirt from Doll Secrets
Doll Secrets sells doll underwear, tights, and various other items for dolls of all sizes.  The products are very high quality, at reasonable prices.  Momma has purchased many items for her dolls over the last two years, and has never been disappointed! 

Lizette with wig, underclothes, leggings, and t-shirt

  Momma Cat intends to make, or buy Lizette a complete outfit, plus shoes.  But, clothing and shoes for these dolls are fairly expensive.  The shoes alone can cost $25 a pair! So it may be awhile before Lizette gets an entire outfit.  At least for now she's not naked anymore! 

- Momma Cat

NEW GRAY CAT PURSE

As you all know,  Momma Cat has been making Cat purses.  The first two were almost identical.  They were made out of black upholstery velvet.  The only difference between them was their linings.  One was red with white polka dots, the other, black with white polka dots.  

Well, Momma Cat found some interesting gray vinyl at JoAnn's, and decided to give it a try.  It was a lot harder to work with than the velvet, but the result was rather pleasing.  This cat looks just like Momma Cat's next door neighbor's little cat, Yuki!

Here she is.  What do you think?

Yuki, gray cat purse

 Momma Cat has found some gorgeous purple upholstery velvet at the Mill End Store , and a beautiful batik fabric to go with it.  Now she is going to make a different kind of bag!  So stay tuned!  She will show it to you as soon as she finishes it!

Making bags is a lot of fun, and Momma Cat has found that people like to buy them!  So, she is trying to make different types using new and interesting fabrics.  Wish her luck!

- Momma Cat

BEDROOM CHANGEOVER

Not too long after graduating from college, Baby Brother Cat decided he did not want to come back home to live with Momma and Daddy Cat (big surprise). Baby Brother Cat has taken a lot of his things to live with him, but his room stayed pretty much the same until recently.  

Momma Cat put new Cat curtains in the room. 

Cat Curtains for the spare room.

Then, Momma Cat gave the twin bed, and the desk to a woman that she works with.  Now her grandchildren are using it!

Momma and Daddy Cat bought a sofa bed from IKEA, and Daddy Cat put it together. 

Putting the sofa bed together.

Here's the completed frame of the sofa bed.

Sofa bed with cat pillow, Avalon (the black kitty), and Russell Wilson (the bear).

Even though there is still a lot to do to make this room really nice, it is already able to accomodate two guests, which Momma and Daddy are expecting next weekend!  They are so excited!  Baby Brother Cat and his girlfriend are coming home for a short visit.  They'll be the first ones to stay in the new guest room!

Their plan is to paint the room,add a rug, and some more lights.  There are bookcases with lots of books in the room already, so it will look sort of like a little library!

Hopefully Momma and Daddy Cat will have the time and money to make these changes  happen over the next few months!  Momma Cat will keep you updated on their progress!

- Momma Cat

AFTER THE FAIR! MULTNOMAH COUNTY FAIR 2017.

Momma and Daddy Cat just got back from the Multnomah County Fair.  They met up with Big Sister Cat, and Brother-in-law-Cat.  They all went into the exhibit hall to see the exhibits, and to see if their entries won any prizes.

Big Sister Cat won two ribbons!  She won a First Premium blue ribbon for her beautiful bath mat made out of river rocks.  The stones are so smooth and cool, they feel wonderful on your feet on a hot day!

River Rock Bath Mat

 Big Sister Cat also won a Second Premium Ribbon for her Scarab Beetle metal art yard decorations.  Momma Cat thinks they should've won a Best Of Show rosette!  They are worth a Blue Ribbon, at least! They are, in fact, her own original design.  But, what can you do?

Metal Art and Stained Glass Scarab Beetles

Momma Cat's doll, Misumi, is shown here with her First Premium ribbon, and her Best Of Show rosette! In this photo her hair decoration has fallen behind her back, so you can't see it.  Too bad!  But, she still looks very pretty!

Misumi and her outfit take Best Of Show in the sewing/needle-craft department!

Last, but not least, is Momma Cat's newest sewing project, her "Cat" purse.  Momma's Cat purse is the proud winner of a Second Premium ribbon! You can see her with it in the photo below.
 

Momma Cat's "Cat Purse".

 There are always lots of things to see, and eat at the fair.  We had Gyros, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Hawaiian Shave Ice, with a snow cap!  The only thing missing was the 80+degree weather we were supposed to get!  

Momma Cat is already starting to plan her fair entry for next year!  It's so much fun to enter, and even more fun to win!  Momma Cat highly recommends it!  You should try it!

- Momma Cat

MULTNOMAH COUNTY FAIR THIS WEEKEND!!!!!

For all of you cats that are looking for fun in the sun, the Multnomah County Fair is this Memorial Day Weekend!

Daddy Cat and Momma Cat just went down there a few hours ago to turn in Momma's Fair entries.  

Momma's big sister cat is entering a couple of items in the fair too!  Wish them both luck!

Here's a link to the fair's web page, so you can check it out! Multnomah County Fair 

We will update you on the outcome next week!

- Momma Cat 

NEW 100% COTTON KNITS FROM DOODLES

Today Momma Cat discovered a bunch of new 100% cotton knits at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts!  They are from ajuvenline apparel fabric line called "Doodles".  There were at least  20 or 30 new fabrics at the store where Momma was.  She took pictures of a few of them to give you some idea.

Momma's favorite! (duh)

Who wouldn't love these sweet little birds!

Swimming sea creatures!

For all you lizard lovers!

There ain't nobody don't like no dinosaurs!

Who ever heard of owls dressed as cowboys!

Pretty little cherry blossoms!

 

Fun Motor Scooters to get around on!

 
Too bad Momma Cat doesn't have enough room to show you all the new fabrics! Doodles has a lot of other fabrics in their line that aren't new, but are very cute too!  

All of the Doodles fabrics are 100% cotton, and even though they're in the juvenile apparel fabric section, Big Cats can wear them too!!!  They are perfect for making children's clothing, but are great for those that are still young at heart!  The fabrics are soft, and they're a very nice quality.

Momma Cat thinks you should go to JoAnn and check them out. You won't regret it!!!

- Momma Cat  😸