New Exclusive Fashions (from socks)

 Racquel is bringing an exclusive line of knit fashions to Ni'Chalets, designed by me.  This new line is called Insomnia, because I do most of my clothes designing and sewing in the middle of the night.

The three outfits shown will give an idea of the styles that will be available to the Morristown ladies.  Racquel was sporting one of the fashions yesterday in the photostory, Kendra's Day Out.

Melanie's outfit consist of a sweater with a boat neck collar and short sleeves.  It is paired with a simple straight coordinating skirt.  This outfit can be dressed up for work, or worn as is in a more casual setting.

Racquel sports a one-piece strapless dress that has a small ruffle on the hem.  Add a jacket or coordinating sweater and it, too, can be worn to the workplace.  As is, its perfect for dinner out with a loved one or with friends.

Carmen is wearing a one-piece that is perfect for the beach.  As shown, it is more suited to the young crowd.  Add a pair of leggings or jeans and it makes a nice top for any of the ladies.

All fashions were created from socks.  I bought coordinating sock pairs to give lots of different ensemble possibilities.  Most outfits were made by placing the dolls on the socks, sketching the outfits on the wrong side of the sock, then sewing on the lines drawn.  The knit fabrics are very forgiving.  I used a very small zigzag stitch to relieve any stress on the seams.  When I am creating sock outfits for my dolls, I will sometimes use a little fabric glue on hems, armholes and necklines.  I ALWAYS use stabilizer (tissue-like material sold in fabric stores to make stitching small items and knit fabrics easier to sew).  

I am including a link to a fabulous article by Dale Rae Designs on making fashions with socks.  I read through it over a year ago, but haven't done anything with it.  But I feel it's a good one.  Sock Fashion Tutorial.  Of course, you can always do what I do.  Make it up as you go along.  Keep cutting and sewing until you get something you like.  You might surprise yourself.

Racquel Prepares Dinner for her Mom and Sister

When we left Terrance and Racquel they were having breakfast and a heated discussion about expanding her shop, Ni'Chalet's.  Click here to see that post.  Well it's close to dinner time and Racquel is expecting her mom, Lauren, and sister, Faith, for dinner.

Terrance has taken it upon himself to cut the sweet potato pie Racquel baked for dessert.

"Terrance!  That pie is for dessert."  (Racquel)

"I was just sampling it to make sure it was okay."  (Terrance)

"Here.  Taste it."  (Terrance)

"I know what it taste like.  I made it."  (Racquel)

"Fine. That just means more for me."  (Terrance)

"Can you please refrain from sampling the food until after the guests arrive?  (Racquel)

"You know sweet potato pie is my weakness."  (Terrance)

"Well I'm going to check on dinner.  Do you mind getting Shay dressed?  Her outfit is on the changing table."  (Racquel)

"Okay."  (Terrance)

Racquel grabs the oven mitt and checks the oven.

The chicken parmesan is done.  The doorbell rings.

"Perfect timing."  

Racquel greets her mom and Faith at the door.

"You guys are right on time.  Come in, come in."  (Racquel)

"Hmmm.  Something smells good."  (Lauren)

Lauren and Faith get comfortable in the living room.

"What do you guys want to drink?"  (Racquel)

Racquel gathers the requested drinks and joins her family in the living room.

"So where's my granddaughter?"  (Lauren)

"She'll be out in a minute."  (Racquel)

"By the way, I brought your old rocking horse.  Your dad finally got up to the attic to get it.  It's in the car."  (Lauren)

The ladies continue to chat, then Terrance appears with Shay.

"Hello Momma Lauren.  Hey Faith."  (Terrance)

"Hello Terrance.  There's my preciousness!  Bring her on over."  (Lauren)

"Honey, can you go get the rocking horse out of mom's car."  (Racquel)

"Sure.  Is the car locked?"  (Terrance)

"No. I left it unlocked."  (Lauren)

"Oh my.  Look at you.  You get more beautiful every time I see you."  (Lauren)

"Mom, let me hold her."  (Faith)

"Say, no auntie Faith.  I'm with my granny."  (Lauren)

Terrance returns with the rocking horse.

"Where do you want it?"  (Terrance)

"Just sit it right there for now.  Let's see how she likes it."  (Racquel)

Racquel hands Shay to Terrance who sits her in the rocking horse.

Everyone waits to see how Shay is going to react.

"Looks like she likes it.  Go ahead Shay.  Move.  Make the horsey go."  (Terrance)

Shay is not completely sure of this new contraption, but at least she is not crying.

"I guess I better go get dinner ready."  (Racquel)

Racquel fixes the plates and starts setting the table.  She is serving chicken parmesan, with spaghetti and peas.  To see more closeups of her dinner, click here.  Dinners are available in my Etsy shop.

"Dinner is served."  (Racquel)

The family is seated. 

"So Faith, how's school? "  (Racquel)

"So far, so good.  I decided to take a class this summer to try to get ahead."  (Faith)

"Well if you get some free time, and want to work at the boutique, let me know."  (Racquel)

"Great!  I can always use the extra money."  (Faith)

"So Terrance, how's your new job?"  (Lauren)

"It's tough.  The days can be very long, but I'm really enjoying it."  (Terrance)

The family continues their dinner and conversation.  After resting a bit after dinner, Racquel serves dessert and coffee in the living room.  Lauren and Faith leave shortly after dessert.  

After the company has left, Racquel and Shay head back to the rocking horse.  Shay seems to be a little more comfortable with it.

"Do you like your new horsey, Shay?  Mommy's going to fix it up real pretty for you."  (Racquel)

Terrance has reentered the living room after changing back into his robe and PJs.  He's quietly watching his wife and daughter.  He knows with the busy week ahead of him, he won't get to spend much time with Shay.

Racquel joins him on the couch.

[Love those new fashionista legs!]

"You know, I've been thinking about our conversation this morning... about your store."  (Terrance)

Racquel's eyes get a little wider.

"And, I've decided to see what I can do to possibly make that happen for you."  (Terrance)

"REALLY!"  (Racquel)

"I can't make any promises, but I will do what I can."  (Terrance)

"Oh, thank you, thank you!"  (Racquel)

"Don't thank me yet."  (Terrance)

"I'm thanking you for believing in me."  (Racquel)

All of a sudden there is a shriek coming from Shay's direction.

"Oh my.  She sure knows how to get our attention.  Sounds like someone is ready for bed.  Okay Shay.  Here I come."  (Racquel)

Racquel gathers up Shay and heads for the nursery.  She is smiling all the way thinking about the possibilities of an expanded boutique.

Note:  That is a trial run on the rocking horse.  The real one will have ears.  LOL!  I am experimenting with how I will decorate it.  I'm thinking of antiquing it.  We shall see.  Kelly and the slightly larger Kellys (like my Ciana doll)  can also fit in the rocking horse.  Rocking horses will soon be available in my shop.

An assortment of pies is due to hit the Etsy store this week.

Breakfast Time with Terrance and Racquel

It's Sunday morning, Terrance's favorite day of the week.  It's the only day he is not running around conducting business.  

Terrance has been up awhile reading the Sunday paper, The Washington Post.

"Are you kidding me?  How did she pull that off?"  

Racquel emerges from the nursery with baby Nichelle.  She heads towards the sofa.

"Anything of interest in there? " (Racquel)

"Seems like Lady Jordan won the bid to build the new art gallery.  There was some pretty steep competition for that project." (Terrance)

"I would love to me her one day. Maybe I could pick up some business pointers."  (Racquel)

"I don't know.  She might turn my adorable wife into a ruthless witch." (Terrance)

"Is that what you think of her?" (Racquel)

"No, but I wouldn't want to be married to her. (Terrance)

"Well this adorable wife is going to cook breakfast." (Racquel)

Racquel goes to put Shay down to play.

"This should keep you busy for a little while.  Mommy will be right in the kitchen." 

This is Shay's favorite toy.

She's pretty good at entertaining herself.

Racquel surveys the items in the fridge.

"Honey, what would you say to fresh fruit for breakfast?  I found some wonderful raspberries and blueberries at the farmer's market."  (Racquel)

"I would say that's fine as long as it comes with a side order of eggs and bacon."  (Terrance)

"Honey, you are impossible.  I am only trying to get you to eat healthier so you can stay with us longer."  (Racquel)

"Taking away good food will not get me to stay here longer."  (Terrance)

"You know what I mean."  (Racquel)

Racquel pulls out the eggs, bacon, and potatoes.  Recently she has become more health conscious and is trying to get Terrance on her bandwagon.

"Uh oh.  We have a mover."  (Terrance)

Shay has managed to turn herself over and is now in crawling position.

Terrance gets closer, intending to stop her in her tracks, but then he decides to let her explore a bit first.

"Breakfast is served."  (Racquel)

Terrance scoops up Shay and heads to the kitchen.

  

"Is that all you are eating?"  (Terrance)

"I'm sharing this with Shay.  I have my protein shake, too."  (Racquel)

Terrance is happy to see something a lot more appetizing on his plate.   Eggs, bacon, and hash browns.  Just like he likes it.  Racquel intentionally left out the biscuits he normally gets, but he has yet to notice.

Right after Terrance starts eating, Racquel asks a question that has been on her mind for several months.

"Honey, what do you think about me expanding Ni'Chalets?"  (Racquel)

Terrance pauses and continues to look at his plate.

"I was thinking about adding a kids department.  Just think of all the extra business I would get by doing that.  Not to mention all I would save on Shay's clothes."  (Racquel)

"Please tell me you are kidding."  (Terrance)

"Why would I kid about such a thing.  I  think it's a fabulous idea.  Sounds like something Lady Jordan would do."  (Racquel)

"What you don't think it's a good idea?"  (Racquel)

"No."  (Terrance)

"That's it.  No.  Why not?  You're a good business man.  How can you not see the potential there?"  (Racquel)

"First of all, you haven't been in business long enough to establish yourself as a good risk.  How is this expansion going to take place?  There is no room at your current location to expand, which means you will have to find a new location.  Do you know how much money it would take to get out of your current least?"  (Terrance)

Sounds like it might get a little heated.  We will check back with these two later.  

Scenes from the next story.  We are headed to Chang Realty, which is run by Sunni Chang.

"You got a walk-in this morning.  He's waiting in the conference room."  (Mia)