Monday, May 28, 2018

Remember, Honor, Celebrate...Those Who Served️

Memorial Day has always been a celebrated tradition in my family.  The day is set aside to honor those brave soldiers who sacrificed for our freedom.  Although it was at the end of May, and we had to get to bed early for school the next day, this was always our 'first summer' holiday even when the weather did not cooperate.

Beauty of Creating, Honors, Remembers, & Celebrates
those who served for the preservation and protection of freedom.

Beauty of Creating (Pattern #10527) presents
Journey Girl Chavonne in New! red/white/blue halter

dmoore0170
Remember, Honor, Celebrate & Save!
Offered as OOAK, limited time only!

My parents always made sure that each holiday we had a commemorative outfit to wear, as we ate from the collective bounty of food: barbecue ribs, chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni salad, greens, mac 'n cheese, banana pudding, caramel cake...and then the sparklers after dusk.

With so many kids, I remain in awe at how perfect and rich I felt growing up, though we lived modestly.

This year, has been an incredible bounty of blessings for us at Beauty of Creating, as we continue to spread our grateful wings.  As we celebrate with food and fellowship, let us not forget those brave soldiers, with honor and thanks!

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Singer Confidence 7640

How many more days can I contain the love...without bursting with a bit of pride at the Singer Confidence 7640?





*I love all of my machines.

The Singer Confidence 7640, by the name alone is a coronation to my very first electronic sewing machine, however this machine serves as a testament that brand legacy is a story you can depend on.

Several months ago, I took a look at my Viking Emerald 183, the workhorse of the workshop and studied its service contract as well as the number of years passed since it was installed for business.  It became clear that this machine has not only dropped significantly in value, but that its new family in Singer (product registration) machines actually trumps its once boasted status for Viking's lower-end models.

The question became, if this machine the Viking 183, can no longer live up to my expectations what machine can do the most to carry on the pride of serving as the main workhorse?

Thus it began, my adventure in looking to the next sewing machine.  I started viewing and comparing several of Singer machines and this Confidence 7640 was not apart of that initial survey.  I did review: Legacy C440, Quantum Stylist 9960, as well as the Heavy Duty Series. I watched videos, read personal testimonies, and the only thing that happened after over a year of sweat equity, was several machines sitting in various e-commerce shopping carts.  I could not decide!  Side by side comparisons...there really is no comparison.  But the price points of the Legacy C440 made this one a quick 'no' when I discovered that a $500-$700 machine by Singer is full of useless bells and whistles.

Why not the Quantum Stylist? Did I really think it was necessary to buy a sewing machine that boasts an electronic thread cutter? No.

Here comes the Heavy Duty series!  Priced just right and even at the higher end of utility, $225 was nothing to scoff at.

But did I really need a 'heavy duty' machine when I have the Brothers in house? Not really.  But the future may find me revisiting this series of machines.  I had to remember, I was looking for a replacement for the Emerald 183 if it ever flat-lined.

As time waned, the heavy duty machine seemed more practical for bulky jobs, and I honed in tightly on these machines to fill the void. Therefore a machine from the Heavy Duty Series could still become an addition to the workshop at a later date.

The things that some would find boastful in the Emerald 183 (103 stitches), pale in comparison to the Singer Confidence 7640 (200 stitches).  However, I was not looking for a bunch of stitches.  I wanted a quality machine, great button-hole palette (8 automatic buttonhole stitches), and could carry me over small seams without chewing the fabric (amazing 1/4 seam no-fuss feed).

...and the big bonus: able to sew heavy fabric (two positions to roll over heavy seams, plus a push button even feed control for heavier fabrics).

Basically, its mission: replace the Emerald, if it had to!

The Singer Confidence 7640 fits the bill (with a selection of presser feet)!  Some of the features I love are the push button start/stop, simple stitch selection, bobbin thread trimmer, light-weight, easy start-up, and everything I required!



I have yet to test the super heavy fabrics like triple folded denims, but I plan to put it to the test.  Stay tuned to the full video review!

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Journey Girls take on the Royal Wedding

To celebrate the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,
we at Beauty of Creating present these commemorative ensembles,
three new dresses, complete with fascinators, and shoes!

Jewelry will be offered separately!

 dmoore0170
Royal Wedding Guest Dress #1.  

 dmoore0170
Royal Wedding Guest Dress #3

 dmoore0170
Royal Wedding Guest Dress #2

These lovely frocks will be available soon on eBay.
Let me disclaim, they are OOAK.  This means
that only one of each dress will be available.


Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Welcome "Truly Me" by American Girl

The month of May has been a busy one at Beauty of Creating.  After consideration, we gladly welcome the American Girl Doll "Truly Me 47".  We were very grateful to locate an American Girl Doll that we could bring into our family.
 dmoore0170/Beauty of Creating

American Girl Doll's are also 18" tall, but their body measurements are larger than our Journey Girls, though quite similar to Our Generation and My Life brands.

Our signature doll remains to be Journey Girl by Toys R Us and we will begin to offer "made-to-order" outfits to fit your American Girl Doll.

Truly Me 47

Monday, May 14, 2018

New! "Pandora" Styled Charm Bracelets

New listings coming your way!  Featured on eBay, Beauty of Creating has a limited collection of Pandora styled charm bracelets at the fraction of the cost!  Enjoy them now while they last!

 dmoore0170

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Satin by FWD...come through!!!

Once I discovered the protection of satin to one's hair over 8 years ago, I never looked back.  However, about two years ago, one by one, I started losing the fibers of my 'satin's'.  I struggled trying to find these colors at my local JoAnn's which is where I purchased the original fabric.

I then took to Fabric Wholesale Direct (FWD) which by the way, is an amazing online retailer with its own site as well as storefronts on eBay and Amazon (I am sure there are others).  Because they have scored huge wins for me in the past, I went to them for my hard-to-find colors (dark teal & chocolate brown)...the hardest part was trying not to become lost in their pool of possibilities.  I was even trying to negotiate myself into buying a lighter teal! OMG!!!




They really came through y'all! 

My poor old satin's will go in peace.  As for the new ones, which I promise not to put into the dryer this time around, will be installed shortly.  Thanks again FWD for coming through!

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

YouTube Channel re-Launch

Hi Dollfriends!

Just a note to let you know that an oldie but new channel featuring all of the dollightful things I can name will showcase at this channel: Journey Girls at B.O.C. by Dronellar



Some of the featured vlogs to include:
  • Giveaways - freebies for subscribers
  • Sew It With Me Free - patterns and tutorials
  • RafflesLive winners announced!
  • New Listings - Exclusive notice of scheduled listings on eBay/ETSY
  • Unbox/ReviewThird Party Purchases sponsored/unsponsored
  • On Sale Now - Exclusive notice of store discounts 
  • IRL (Inspired by Real Life) - outfits designed/inspired by real living dolls
  • Craft & Fabric Haul - shop with me/show 'n tell
  • Design StudioTake you to the workshop to preview the current or upcoming projects
But more than anything, this is an opportunity to build a global community with JG and other 18" doll collectors in vlog format.  I invite you to come and grow with us.  We look forward to seeing you!  Stay tuned for our welcome video ✋

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Honoring Pink Warriors

Beauty of Creating will reduce our "Pink Warrior" Journey Girl Chavonne mascot this month of May to support the champions, the angels, and their loved ones.

Visit, share, and shop this OOAK Journey Girl Doll dressed in event gear!  This special offer will be available until May 31, unless sold before that date.  Due to the popular demand for Toys 'R' Us Journey Girl Dolls, Curly Chavonne, we are only presenting one for this offer.  Do not hesitate.  This is the last time this doll will be made available.  She will retire unless sold!

 Pink Warrior - Susan G Komen