Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Knitting a Doll and Reading about Simplicity

Finished up knitting a pair of pants for the little doll and have cast on for a larger doll.  If you would like to join along - I am using size 4 needles and worsted weight yarn - a simple natural wool.
Cast on 10 stitches.
Knit into the front and back of each - so there are now 20 stitches.
Purl and then Knit alternating rows (stockinette stitch) until the one leg measures 5 inches long.
Break yarn after finishing a purl row.
On same needle that is holding the first leg, repeat as above for the second leg.
When the second leg measures 5" and you have ended on a purl row -
Next row, knit across all 40 stitches - this will form the body.
That is how far I am right now and will share more within the next few days.

With so many recommendations, I purchased a copy of Organized Simplicity and am truly impressed with its content.  While I have reduced clutter and thoughtfully consider new purchases, there are so many more  areas to consider on the journey of living simply.  I hope to share some of these in future posts.

Glass, Paper, Beans is a book I borrowed from the library yesterday.  It seems as though it will be quite interesting.  A quote from the back of the book, "Glass, Paper, Beans braids the myths, lore, and history of three staples of modern life- coffee, the glass it comes in, and a newspaper - and conjures an unseen world where trade, fetishization, manufacture, and the unknown hands behind that labor converge.  A classic work on the economics of everyday life."

My bedtime read with Sarah is now, The Tale of Despereaux  by Kate DiCamillo - hmm.. we seem to be reading lots of books with mice as the main characters lately.

Joining in with Ginny for the weekly yarn along.

Warm wishes,
Tonya

23 comments:

  1. Oh, I should do a pair of pants for the wee one's knit doll! I put a cloth diaper on it, but I think pants would be a great addition.
    I am very interested in the book you are reading, Glass, Paper, Beans, it sounds like a great read.
    Happy Yarn Along!

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  2. I so enjoyed Organized Simplicity. It's a truly wonderful book. Thanks for the tutorial too! Those dolls and their outfits are just so cute!
    xo,
    Ang

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  3. The pants are adorable. I really like "Organized Simplicity" too, though I've just started it. Another really useful book I've found recently is "The 30-Day Clutter Bootcamp." (I have no affiliation with her, I've just found it useful in convince me to toss things!)

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    1. http://minimalistpackrat.com/30-day-clutter-bootcamp/

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  4. The doll is just delightful Tonya! Look how much you have accomplished :) I read the organization book and enjoyed it. It was very helpful but I did not buy it. Enjoy yours and share as the Spirit leads.

    Have a blessed day!

    m.

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  5. I love the doll...maybe that has to get added to my plans...my girl can never can have enough babies around the house.

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  6. "Glass, paper, beans" looks really interesting. I'll try to find it at our library. Have a great day!

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  7. Your doll is lovely. I have a question for you on the topic of Simple Living--clutter reduction particularly. One of the greatest difficulties I have is balancing the "de-clutter" with the save for later so I have it when I need it or can share it. There's so much anti-hoarding propaganda about that while I don't agree with hoarding I do think that it is ok to have things set aside for another time--sometimes a long time down the road. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are in the balance of having things to use and share with others and de-cluttering.

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    1. Hi Chiska,
      When I decide to put something away for later, I simply ask myself - am I 99% sure it will be used again, do I have the space, and if I do put it away, there has to be a way to do it neatly and so that it can be found again. We only have one small area for dry storage, so that limits us somewhat.
      Warm wishes,
      Tonya

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  8. Organized Simplicity has been brought to my attention at least 5 diffent occasions in the last week. I think somebody is trying to tell me something!

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  9. I love your knit dolly! I have had Organized Simplicity on my shelf to read for awhile. Must get to it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on de-cluttering.
    Blessings!

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  10. i just finished up a doll for my wee baby girl's first birthday. it was such a fun knit.
    the book on coffee sounds interesting. i might have to go give it a look see.

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  11. The knitted doll is just lovely and She is lucky to receive a wardrobe!

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  12. Can I ask what pattern you used for the wee baby? I've been looking for a small and simple doll pattern for my little one, haven't found one I really like, but yours is so cute and seems about the right size. Very cute. Thanks

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  13. Hi,
    Here is a link to the blog that offers the free pattern
    http://byhookbyhand.blogspot.com/
    Warm wishes,
    Tonya

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  14. I, too, have Organized Simplicity on my to read list and am really wanting to begin it soon. Love, love, love the knitted doll. I am half tempted to cast one on right now with you even though I certainly do not need another wip in my knitting basket!

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  15. The doll is amazing! Great job.

    I was lucky enough to get Organized Simplicity free for my Kindle. And I agree lots of great throughts and ideas about simple living. So much more than reduce your stuff.

    I actaully was able to get a yarn along post together this week. Feels good to be back at least a little bit to the blog world.

    I think of you and your family often. Enjoyed looking at your neighbors property and dreaming.

    Blessings, Elizabeth

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  16. I really need to get a copy of this book - I had borrowed it from the library but didn't end up reading it before it had to be returned. So many are saying how useful it is. The little doll pants are so sweet. I'd love to join in, but first I'd have to make a doll. So I'll just bookmark your site!

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    1. You know...I should really slow down and completely read your post. I came back for a visit and reread the post hoping to find out about the doll and realized (duh!) that you said you were making a new doll. Sigh. Thank you!

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  17. I just got a copy of Organized Simplicity as well, hoping it will help. It seems that I can't seem to stay on top of all the stuff lately...So many projects going, so many creative ideas...

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  18. Having no little girl to knit a doll for, I am thinking I need to be that little girl! This is darling!

    The books intrigue me, too! I have been looking at the "Organized Simplicity" for some time! :)

    Have a wonderful week!

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  19. Love the doll...and I'd love to start one myself so thanks for the instructions! I have heard so much about this book that I just might have to get it, although we try to use the library mainly. I have read a lot about simplicity, de-clutter often, live plainly, etc. but am always excited to hear what others are doing and glean new simplicity tips!

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