Handworks Crochet and then Some!

Why, why would I do this??? Get a puppy??? When I already complain about no time! But I've been looking for a doberman puppy for a while now... my son has wanted a "big" dog for a while.... The Bald Man was indifferent at first and now he's CRAZY about this dog! (he missed having a "mans dog!" I guess my 4lb baby 2-pac didn't quite fit that bill) ............and here she is.... meet Dixieland Sugar Delight... we couldn't decide between Dixie and Sugar... so thats her AKC name.. but we call her Dixie.... my son thought Sugar (my choice) was to 'sweet' to name a doberman! All the way to VA and back Monday to pick her up! Its hard to find a good doberman breeder... I mean really hard! Especially since I didn't want a breeder who did conformation. And I had really specific needs for this puppy... I wanted a girl because of the male dominance 'issues' dobes sometimes have with other males (not good for Pac!) , I wanted her young! so ...

Oh, how I love spring!!!!! But its been such a crazy busy time with The Bald Mans new business, cooking ALL the time, putting the embroidery machine to use, sewing, crocheting and more sewing Now the BIG project I talked about before has been done for about 2 weeks... Its all started with a Roberto Cavalli dress I saw in WWD last fall. Inspiration!!! YES!!!! I found a similar pattern V8636, then splurged on Pfaffs Magnificent Floral embroidery CD. I made the dress (fitting nightmare in the bust!!!) then embroidered all the applique flower petals, leaves, vines and buds on organza.... Put them all together on the side skirt of the dress.... and then hand beaded the empire waistline... also later I went back and hand beaded the trim all the way around the very plunged neckline! The ends of the sash have hand beaded fringe with tiny crosses. I also sparingly scattered swarovski 2mm amethyst crystals to the flower. I just love it... its better than I had imagined in my head.... I'v...

The Bald Man's blazer is being worked on this week! I did the darts and front sides and I finished the pockets today. Below is a pick of the bottom welt pocket with flap. There are two of these on the bottom of the jacket. And here is the breast pocket.... They were not as hard to make as I thought they would be... I mean I can make a welt pocket and have a few times... but anytime I have to make one or any version of one I freak out... put it off... finally make it... and think... 'hmmmm, that wasn't really hard' Every time!!!! lol!!!! I am taking my own sweet time with this blazer though. If I hurry with a project like this I know it will stress me out! In crochet land I finished the most beautiful shell top that I've yet to wear! And I'm crocheting a pair of socks!!!!! I finished this one this morning!!! Now for the other one! Isn't it cute? And an one going project that will likely take all year... a "Scrap-ghan" made from left overs! Our...