Here's Chloe--New Pin Doll

The Indy Cloth Doll Club is working on a doll pattern book which we hope to have completed for the AFIC convention in April. I decided to make a pin doll which I named after my grand daughter, Chloe. Of course, the real Chloe is much cuter but this will have to do. There are doll makers who are intimidated when it comes to painting faces so I am including the fabric face with my pattern. So if you can sew and string beads you can make this doll. I think there are lots of ways that this doll would be customized. For example, you could use yarn or wool roving for hair instead of beads. The skirt could also be a piece of light weight fabric instead of ribbon or maybe even a collection of large beads or buttons. I've even thought that I might use a locket for the upper torso, instead of a button, cabochon or bead. This one is my prototype so there are improvements that I want to incorporate in the final version. I plan to make her hair a little bigger and probably not "fringe" the bottom of her skirt. I used a button for this version, but will try a bead on the final version.

Fabric Weaving Sampler

Now that the holiday season is over, I've had some time to try a some new things. I wanted to learn something new so I tried fabric weaving. It seemed like a creative way to use up scraps of fabric and create something new that could be used. I found a piece that I wasn't too fond of and some coordinating colors and plunged right in. Of course, I didn't want to do a simple checkerboard pattern so I used curved pieces. Somewhat of a challenge but the result was quite interesting. I also made a fabric/foam flower, fabric beads, and other embellishments for my sampler. The first picture is the base fabric and the second picture is my "sampler".

I think I may try using smaller strips next time so that I can use the created fabric for one of my doll creations....hmmm.

Recent projects for the show and sale

I have been very busy lately making items for the November show and sale. Recently I've been re-purposing sweaters into scarves. Once I have cut and sewn them together to the appropriate length I embellish by needle felting yarns onto the surface in a random abstract pattern. Selecting just the right colors of yarn and other findings is the hardest part. But it is pretty time consuming felting the yarns onto the scarves even with my embellishing machine. Each scarf takes about 6 hours to complete. I also have been making needle sculptures. So far my menagerie consists of a cat, scotty dog, border collie, Irish setter, toy poodle, butterfly, and a yellow rose. I need to take better photos but have to figure out how to do that without all the shadows. They are very small, for example, the Scotty in the picture is less than 2" long. To take a break from all the fuzzy fibers I have just finished a beaded evening bag made from re-purposed beaded sleeves. I found the sleeves a few years ago in an antique store and now seemed like the perfect time to make my vision a reality. The purse is lined with vintage silk velvet which I also found in an antique store.

Emma--New Tassel Doll

I've just completed another tassel doll. She is made from a vintage tassel I found in an antique store in Wisconsin. The tassel has a green glass globe which makes a perfect bosom for Emma. I've named her Emma--short for emerald. She is such a jewel. She is dressed to the nines with her emerald studded high heels and painted fingernails. Her hat gives her a jaunty attitude which I love. I get to enjoy her for a few weeks but she'll be up for sale on Nov. 20th. Hope you enjoy her too.

My Flock

It's been another week of getting more items ready for the Nov.20th show and sale. I saw a chicken pin cushion once in a store and was inspired to create my own. I did and also made a pattern for those that want to make their own. After I made a couple of them, I found a flower that I thought would make great tail feathers.....so cute...now I'm on the lookout for more unique ways to make the tail feathers.

Coupons/Calendar Holder

Since I got back from vacation in Arizona and the Grand Canyon, I've been busy making Coupon/Calendar Holders. I got tired of carrying around my coupons in ratty envelopes and digging in my purse for my pen and calendar. So.... I designed a holder to keep my coupons, calendar and pen all in one place. When I showed it to other people, they all wanted one. So I decided to make some for the November Show and Sale. I also created a pattern which I can sell. My local ASG club wants me to give a workshop so they can make them too. I've made 9 of them so far ....I probably should make some in Colts pattern but....I'm really tired of making them...time to start on something new. The Indy Cloth Dollmaker's Show and Sale is only 4 weeks away and I really need to start making some more scarves, purses, sculptures and dolls. Busy, busy, busy.....anyway, here are some pictures of the coupon holder.

Berry Fairy in her natural habitat.

I managed to sneak up on the Berry Fairy in her natural habitat and take a couple of pictures. Rare site indeed!! Her expression was both wonder and surprise. I think she was getting ready to eat lunch.