New American Girl Simplicity Patterns!

I was so excited when the first official modern patterns from the American Girl Company were released by Simplicity!

And American Girl has NOT stopped spoiling us. They are putting out more official patterns!

It's about time that they took notice of those of us who sew for our dolls!

The new patterns are:

Simplicity Pattern 8190

This is my favorite new pattern. It shows swimwear and beachwear! Perfect for this time of year. The patterns look different from any currently being offered by online pattern designers.

Simplicity Pattern 8191

This pattern shows pantsuits and a maxi dress. It's not my favorite, but I will be sure to get it.

Simplicity Pattern 8192

This pattern shows pretty party dresses! The patterns seem basic, but I'll be sure to get it anyway!

I am very pleased that the first four patterns did well enough that American Girl continues to release them. Maybe some day we will get new historical patterns!

I am also hoping that there might be a fourth new pattern, since they released four patterns the first time. If so, the pattern number does not seem to be continuous with these three. Trust me, I checked.

Pirate Ai Doll Visit!

Coincidentally, at the same time I had a visit from my friend, the Ai dolls had a visit from their favorite pirate friend!

Okay, it's not a coincidence at all. :)

These aren't the best pictures, but I was trying not to wake a sick person in the next room while I took them, ha ha.

Mini Lea visits Chicago again

Mini Lea is always up for a trip, and this time she is visiting Chicago again!

Mini Lea went to the Field Museum for the second time! How lucky is she?

A Tale of Two Kayas

I already had a Kaya before finding future custom Kaya at a garage sale.

My visiting friend knows Kaya- Kaya is her favorite AG.

When she got up off her sick bed, she saw Future Custom Kaya, and , not realizing it was a different doll, wondered WHAT in the world I had done to Kaya's hair.

I thought it was hilarious.

A Lucky and Unlucky Day

I have a friend visiting for a week from across the country. We have been so excited and looking forward to this forever. 

We went to Chicago for two days and had an awesome time.

However, since we got back, she has been SO sick and has to spend her time in bed sleeping.

She urged me to go canoeing without her today. I was walking to the library to get the Freebie Friday pattern, when I saw a garage sale- with Steps High in the front yard.

I RAN back home, grabbed all the cash I had, and ran back. 

Guys, I got Julie, Kaya, Steps High and the tipi for $60.

Pattern Review: Eden Ava's 1950s Silhouette Dress

One pattern that I have coveted for a long time is Eden Ava's 1950s Silhouette Dress, available from Pixie Faire. Since I am on a roll with sewing, and with the release of Maryellen, I finally splurged and bought it.

Anne visits Yerkes Observatory

Are you interested in astronomy? Do you like to look at the stars?

Yerkes Observatory is the birthplace of modern astrophysics.

It is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago.

Together Again

As I mentioned before, some more of my dolls have re-joined me in my new home. I am so glad to have them with me. We took some fun pictures to celebrate!

Zia and Josefina are here again!

Anne Visits Baraboo

Anne and I went on a trip to visit Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Baraboo is the home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. There is lots of circus history here!

Summer at the Little House

Laura Ingalls just re-joined me in my new home. She feels right at home, because there is a log cabin for her to visit.

We had to take lots of pictures, of course!

Pattern Review: Wren*Feathers Renaissance Princess Dress

I just finished another commission to make a dress from a Wren*Feathers pattern. This is the Renaissance Princess dress from the Princess costumes patterns.

It's really pretty, but it took me a while. For one thing, it is made of four pieces- the bodice, which has attached white sleeves, the two purple over sleeves, and the skirt.

Anne visits Delavan

Anne got to visit Delavan, Wisconsin, just like mini Kirsten did in January. Delavan is the nineteenth century circus capital of the world, and there is so much to see and do there.

The famous Barnum and Bailey circus was founded in Delavan in 1871.