Monday, November 30, 2015

Bedtime for Dolls - Nightgown Sash & Headband for 18" Dolls Crochet Pattern

I am very happy that the final segment of the "Bedtime for Dolls" crochet tutorial has now been uploaded to YouTube. We have made the nightgown and the bed socks in previous episodes. Now it is time to crochet the nightgown sash and the headband.



In case you missed it before, you can download a printable version of this pattern at the Red Heart Yarn's website by clicking this link: http://www.redheart.com/files/patterns/pdf/LW4759.pdf.







I have to say that this bedtime set is so adorable. I love how the variegated yarn was accented by the solid blue in the accessories I made. How did yours turn out? Please share a link in the comment section below as I would love to see it!



As always, you can find the completed outfit in my Etsy shop for sale if you are interested. Please visit my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/melindasclosetfinds to find this outfit and other outfits I have made.



Also, if you have any questions about this project, or if you would like to suggest a new free pattern to make a crochet tutorial on, please leave me a comment below! Thanks for watching and have a great day!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Bedtime for Dolls - Slipper Socks for 18" Dolls Crochet Pattern Tutorial

I love slipper socks! Yes, especially when you live in an old drafty farmhouse with cold, hardwood floors. Slipper socks keep my tootsies warm as well as let me slip and slide through the house, which is both fun and energizing!




This brings me to the next segment in our "Bedtime for Dolls" crochet series as we get to make those same slipper socks, or bed socks as the pattern refers to them as, for our dolls!




You will see in the below video that I chose to make my socks from light blue yarn to add a contrast to my nightgown. You can choose whatever color you like as long as it is the same weight of yarn that the pattern calls for.




If you are looking for a printable version of this pattern, you can visit the Red Heart Yarn website here: http://www.redheart.com/files/patterns/pdf/LW4759.pdf









Please stay tuned for the next segment where we make the headband and sash for the nightgown!




As always, please leave me a comment below if you have any questions about this project or suggestions for new projects you would like to see. Just make sure that the patterns are free and accessible to everyone.




Thanks for watching and have a great day!

A Minute of Biscuit #1 - Dirt Pile! What Every Golden Needs in Their Back Yard!

Have you ever had one of those days where you are trying to clean up something like a closet, cupboard, or a blog for instance? Well, I was reorganizing my blog so everyone can find things easily, especially myself :), and I realized.... I never posted the very first Minute with Biscuit segment!




I couldn't believe it! After all, this is the video that started it all. I love this video as it shows who Biscuit truly is: a down to earth, get in the dirt kind of dog. She really is rambunctious. It is like everyone says, golden retrievers are obedience stars, they just don't come with the obedience degree.




She really tries to listen as we tell her to do this and don't do that. But, she is just a dog and likes to dig and get dirty sometimes. And, it is at those times that I just have to sit back and laugh. Enjoy!





Friday, November 27, 2015

Bedtime for Dolls - Nightgown for 18" Dolls Crochet Pattern Tutorial

I have been so lucky this season! Why? Because I am living in Minnesota and the snow has still yet to fall! Yes, it is cold outside, but the snow and ice are still not on the ground yet!






Of course, due to the cold weather I have been loving staying indoors and of course, lounging around in comfy, cozy pajamas! It is darker longer for a reason, don't you think?






It was one of those dark mornings when I looked over at my dolls I have sitting in my sewing room and realized, "I don't have a pajama set for them!" So, onto the computer I went and I found one of the best free patterns from Red Heart Yarn's website called, "Bedtime for Dolls." It features a lovely nightgown with sash, a floral headband, and slipper socks. How cute is that!!!






I dove right into the project and have the first part of the tutorial done!




Watch how I make the nightgown in the videos below:















Please stay tuned in the weeks ahead as I complete each part of this adorable pattern. And, if you need a printable version of this pattern, please visit the red heart yarn website link here: http://www.redheart.com/files/patterns/pdf/LW4759.pdf






If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section below.


Thanks for watching and have a great day!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

A Minute of Biscuit #11 - Golden Retriever is Crazy Mad

This week has been super busy with the Thanksgiving holiday and then the black Friday shopping. And, we cannot forget about small business Saturday. Needless to say, I have been working and formulating ideas for my shop. However, I have come to a standstill in producing videos because we had a construction crew finally show up to reside the house.



Yes, are place is an absolute disaster for the holiday season! We were supposed to have the entire project completed earlier during the spring season. That would allow us time to landscape around the house in the summer, which would have made our house in tip top shape by the time fall came along with the holidays. But, one general contractor, one electrician, and three construction crews later, we find ourselves in deep construction stress of getting the project done before the snow flies!



Of course, that leaves Biscuit in the middle of all the confusion and chaos. And she doesn't like it one bit!



Some of you may have dogs that are afraid of loud noises and banging. Well, Biscuit does not like that and people in general that are not family members. She is more of a guard dog than the friendly, people oriented golden we were expecting to get. Just see for yourself in this video!







She has been like this everyday since the construction process started. Let's just say our whole family with Biscuit included will be very happy when this project is done!



Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Monday, November 16, 2015

A Minute of Biscuit #10 - Golden Retriever & Laser Pointer

If you haven't noticed by now, my dog is usually scared of anything new or any change that comes her way. The trainer I took her to during the AKC STAR Puppy Program said that this was not normal for a golden retriever. I had Norwegian Elkhounds before this and they are skittish dogs but I wasn't sure how a golden was supposed to act and thought it must be normal for them, too. Because of this skittishness, the trainer and the vet both told me I need to introduce her to new places, people, and objects all the time so she gets used to the idea that change isn't necessarily bad.



I had this in mind when I went shopping over the weekend. I wasn't particularly looking for anything in the pet section of the Family Dollar store. But, when my eyes caught a laser pointer shoved in a corner bin, I grabbed it!



I have seen many pets on YouTube play with a laser pointer light. This includes dogs, cats, and even turtles. So, I decided that for a $1.00 worth of investment, this might be a good tool I can use to get Biscuit used to a new object.



The below video shows her reaction, and yes, that is the very first time she saw a laser pointer. I didn't even do anything behind the scenes first so you can get an idea of what I am talking about.







So, you can see at first she was a little curious, but then she went and hid behind the table. Biscuit always grabs her blanket and shoves it in her mouth for comfort when she is nervous, scared, or anxious. That is a habit she has, but the blanket is supposed to console her just like how a small child uses one.



I was very pleased that she did come when I called, dropped her blanket, and decided to play. And boy did she play! That was great exercise for her on this rainy November day and I also found that when she follows the light, I can lure her into certain positions like I do with treats during training. (This gives me an idea for a new video series of training Biscuit!) Of course, that would be for my other YouTube channel. :)



I hope you all have a great day!

Friday, November 6, 2015

A Minute of Biscuit #9 - A Day in the Life of a Golden Retriever

Happy Friday everyone!



It is another minute with Biscuit to end your week and begin your weekend!



This time I decided to show a couple clips from Biscuit's everyday life. She loves going for rides and she loves having visitors. So, I decided to meld those two clips from this past week into one video. I hope you enjoy it!




Monday, November 2, 2015

And the Winner Is....

The winner has been announced for the Spreading My Joy and Melinda's Closet Finds Fall Giveaway!


If you remember the prize was the 3-Piece Fall Outfit I featured in my Etsy shop this year.


And the winner is...

KARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This outfit was one of my favorites so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do Kara!

I want to say thank you again to Allie D. for letting me partner up with her in the fall giveaway this year. Make sure to follow Allie D. at SpreadingMyJoy.BlogSpot.com as she brings giveaways and great content for all doll lovers!