Summer Sewing Projects

I've been working on a few summer sewing projects to add to my wardrobe.   My sisters and I recently went to Zinck's Fabric Outlet in Ligonier where I found this beautiful gauzy cotton butterfly fabric.   I knew immediately that I wanted to make a summer kimona style top from this fabric.   I originally thought that I would use my serger to do rolled hems on all the edges but the fabric was so loosely woven that I had to make hand rolled hems on all edges.   Nearly 7 yds of hand hemming!!!!  It was beautiful when finished but very time consuming.   I will love wearing this piece. 

The second project was a simple cotton top.  I bought this fabric about a year ago in a cute shop in Cincinnati called Fiberge  Knits and Bolts.   She has a very nice selection of fabrics and yarns.  Well worth the trip.   I really like the loose cotton tops with capri pants.  They hang loose from the body to keep you cool when it's hot but the sleeves also keep me from getting too cold in air conditioned restaurants.  

To add an additonal personal touch I made a necklace from fabric that picked up all the colors in the top.   If you haven't tried making your own fabric jewelry I recommend you give it a try.   This necklace was made using the "Ficklesticks" method.   Ficklesticks has a website where you can buy a starter kit that includes idea book and wire.   I'm definitely going to do more textile jewelry in the future.  There are so many beautiful ideas ways to use up fabric scraps and make something is totally you and totally unique.  

           

Clover Mini Iron Caddy

I received a clover mini iron with all the attachments as a Christmas gift from my son.   All those attachments are very handy when working in small places such as doll clothes.   My only problem was how to store and keep track of all those pieces.   I decided to design a caddy for the iron and its attachments.   I wanted each piece to have a separate storing place so that I could easily see them and also know if I missed putting one of them away.  As you can see there is a place for every tool and the instructions too.   When I'm done I can just fold it up and put it way in a drawer or on a shelf and everything will be ready for me the next time.   Sure it's not very glamorous but it's very functional and  that's half the battle sometimes. 

Introducing Maia

Maia is my first full body sculpt in paper clay.   She is 14 1/2 inches from the base to the top of her headress.  Instead of a traditional costume Maia is wearing a more architectural style gown.  The volume of her skirt balances her unusal pose.  Her delicate hands and face are complimented by the intricate beading on her gown and in her jewelry.   The face is hand painted with acrylic paint.   I enjoyed creating her and hope she brings you joy when you look at her. 

  

Fabrics selected for new sculpture

I've been busy working on a costume design concept and selecting fabrics and embellishments for my new sculpture.   I've selected some silk fabrics that I think will work well with the design concept.  I wanted to create a costume that was more sculptural and less drapey.   Now, it's time to create the pattern.   The costume has to be constructed from the inside layer to outside layer.   Because a clay sculpt doesn't bend there are challenges on how to get the costume on the doll and still retain the design concept.    Here's a picture of the fabrics and embellishments that are my starting point.   As any artist knows, as you get into the process, things are added and deleted, but here is my starting point. 

Time to create a costume for another sculpture

In April 2017 at AFICC, I took a paper clay sculpting class with Kathryn Wamsley.  It was a full body sculpt and we could sculpt anything we wanted to try.   I wanted to do a figure for which I could create an interesting costume.   I wanted it to have an unusual pose.   I've been working on it off and on throughout the past year and am now down to the place that I can design a costume for the figure. 
The head and hands are not yet attached so that it will be easier to put the costume on the figure.   So here are pictures of the figure.   Now to get out the sketch pad and start designing....

 

Aubrey makes her long awaited debut

Aubrey has been a long time in the making.   I took an on-line class with Deb Wood and completed the sculpture in early 2016.  I was so proud of her detailed body that I couldn't decide what kind of costume would be best for her and still show off her curves.   So the poor girl stayed in a box for 2 years without hair or clothes.   I finally decided that she should have red hair.   I created an organza gown that had strategically placed beads.  I knew that she was a free spirit so she stayed barefoot and I posed her on a rock.  Here are her debut  photos and some of the in process pictures.   WARNING some photos are pictures of her in the nude. 

 

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

I am busy as a bee working on new items for the Indy Cloth Dollmakers Show and Sale.   As usual, I will have an assortment of wearable art garments, dolls, and accessories for sale.  All items are one of a kind.  I "up-cycle" vintage fur in many of my pieces.   I thought I would post a few pictures that might pique your curiosity.   Some of the pictures are partial photos of completed garments and others are just the materials that will be used in garments that are in process.  More to come.....

Rich golden plaid fur and tapestry

It's a flock of Butterflies!!

Rust/Brown Tweed with Applique and fur

Gray and Black Plaid with Gray Mink

Appliqued Persian Lamb

Lush Burgundy Leather and Mohair Curly Fur

 

Gorgeous Fall Tapestry