Stairs for Barbie and Lists

I spent all day yesterday drawing out a set of stairs for Barbie dolls. I used up nearly half a white pencil, every active brain cell I possess (twice), and 1/2 oz of eraser crumbs. Now, risers and treads are drawn out of black foam board along with a wardrobe that fit in the space left over. I spent some time making foam board furniture for dolls a couple of years ago. Each piece included coordinated "upholstery" in purple calico, lace edging, matching pillows - use your imagination and you will realize Barbie has more stylish furnishings than I. The result? 6 naked dolls strewn hither and thither across a bedroom stuffed to the ceiling with a variety of other entertainments. Recently, a dollhouse joined the mix. Not a plastic Barbie mansion. Not a particle board painted and shingled miniature Victorian for which an entire market depends on the sale of furnishings and fixtures. This dollhouse is unique. This one was built by THE GIRL. It is a 30" high 24"x 24" frame constructed of 1/4" plywood, 1x2's and real nails. It was a project which offered bonding between granddaughter and grandfather - and to her it is better than anything Mattel has on the market! Now we are adding a second floor. It will be constructed of foam board and covered with a marble print contact paper. The black stairs will be constructed by mom and dad and decorated (of course the stairs have to be decorated) by THE GIRL. Why? Because naked and occasionally headless Barbies have to have somewhere to hang out together. Coming later, the pool on the roof - that may have to be purchased, we'll see.

My List:
On the needles:

• The fourth and final skein of Patons chunky tweed for the scarf for hubby [Rosy Cables Scarf, Joanne Turcotte for Plymouth Yarn, Creative Knitting Jan. 2007]
• a gauge swatch for a pair of socks for the fashionista - so far I hate it,
• Kennita Tully's Garter Stitch Stripes sweater [Interweave Knits Winter 2003], also for the fashionista,
• a double strand, on size 15, afghan for an ICU unit that will go home with a patient [Leisure Arts Little Books #75003],
• The Scary Legacy Project. More about that later,
• One more hat for a homeless person.

Off the needles:

• Pocketbook slippers for me,
• A Debbie Mumm counted cross stitch Stacked Cups,
• One more hat for a homeless person.

Will the list of Off the needles ever be longer than the list of On the needles?? Doubtless : /