Polly, Molly and Dolly --- and Their Garden Cottage (Copycat Challenge #18)

As I am blogging my way through a book (inspired by Julie & Julia) and using Blanket Statement by Vicki Haninger, I report that this project is my all time favorite thus far! The three mice "sisters" (Mouse Squeeks) found on pgs. 28 and 29 in the book were a whimsical stitch from start to stop. They each developed their own personality, and I think of them as older, church-going gals with their classic styles of pearl-beaded noses (from old necklaces), lace shawls (from old doilies), and one even wears a hat (with a vintage pink button). A friend at work, Sonia, took one look at the "girls" and named them, Polly, Molly and Dolly and I think those names are simply perfect.

Once the trio was completed, it just didn't seem right to set them out in the world without a cozy little home in which to live. They needed a Garden Cottage!

Luckily, I remembered a pattern I purchased something like 26 years ago to make for daughter Anne. At that time, there was no time to make a project like this with over 60 pieces, so it never got made. Isn't this what Grammas are for, after all?

The pattern was made by McCall's. Number 669. If you check out the price, you will see that it cost a whopping $3.25, which at that time was a pretty pricey pattern. Have you seen how much patterns cost these days? Shocker! Well over ten dollars, with many close to the fifteen dollar mark.

The pattern includes little bears, rabbits or mice with three housing options. But, I am happier with my Dolly, Molly and Polly sisters.

The house opens up with a zipper on each front corner. The roof folds up and back, and has a velcro closure. Flower boxes under windows on all four sides. A handle makes the Cottage portable. Furniture includes a couch, an armchair, and a bed.

My garden-fantastic (sounds maybe a bit nicer than fanatic?) neighbors across the street were happy to oblige my request to take photos of the mice sisters and their Garden Cottage in their yard...but I am afraid they now think I am even goofier than they have thought previously. It's all for you, Ellie, and I'm willing to be the neighborhood nut on your behalf. Polly, Molly and Dolly can't wait for you to come and play with them!