I almost didn't succeed in staying with my New Year's resolution. February is a short month and the end of the month managed to sneak up on me. I did keep my resolution though and made February Christmas Tree ornaments. I played with the beautiful machine embroidered lace covers. I love how these ornament covers look when they are finished. I even like them without the Christmas ball under the lace. Leaving the water soluble residue on the lace,leaves it stiff enough to hold a bell shape.
This past Christmas my youngest daughter found a small hot pink Christmas tree that she just had to have for her room. We search but we were not successful in finding a tree topper for her tree. My next project will be a tree topper for her tree.

• Christmas Ornament for February -- Machine Embroidered Lace Ornament Cover
• Soft Sculpture Mr. & Mrs. Santa Ornaments
• Yo-Yo Snowflake Ornament
• Yo-Yo Wreath Ornament

I have three dolls stuffed and ready to dress. Daisy is complete except for her shoe laces and hair ribbon. I did manage to resist making a special trip to the store for those shoe laces and a nice blue hair ribbon but I will make sure she gets those items before the week is out. I also marked some new faces to embroider... I want to have at least ten of this doll made by Christmas...using the Dritz Iron On transfer Pencil which saved me some time.

• Sewing Pattern Review of Simplicity Pattern 2729 from the Simplicity Archives
• Dritz Iron On Transfer Pencil - - Product Review

When you sew a doll it is a beautiful creation that you don't think about ever having to wash... but you should! If that doll sees the kind of love and attention a child will bestow on it, it's going to get good and dirty! My sister and I both remember her putting chap stick on Suzie. Before you start to sew the doll the choices you make will influence how easy it will be in the future to preserve and clean the doll or toy.

• How to Preserve and Launder Homemade Dolls and Toys
• Tips, Tricks and Pointers to Sewing Homemade Dolls and Toys

We raise chickens and one special little guy can't wait to get to our house to see the chickens. While I was surfing trying to find an answer for a forum member, I ran across a great chicken pattern unlike any I had ever seen and of course I had to order it. It's no longer available but I found it on Deb's Recycled Sewing Patterns and it came in last week.
It was wrapped in a sturdy over-sized white envelope with a plastic bag inside protecting it from any possible damage while it was in transit. The pattern was in perfect condition and I wanted to keep it that way. The good news is I know my own short comings and managed to out smart myself.

• Tip for Sewing Patterns with Tiny Pieces
• Tips, Tricks and Pointers to Sewing Homemade Dolls and Toys