Thursday, February 21, 2013

New PDF epattern Tutorials

   I've been working on some new patterns for hats and dolls and I'm delighted to say that I now have several available in my Etsy shop.

Regency Bonnet


Regency Reticule


Lace Fichu

Lace Cap


Capelet


Fox Doll

Rabbit Doll

Cat Doll

Pig Doll

Lamb Doll

 
I have plans for more patterns in the future.  I hope to have teacup fascinators, and mouse, giraffe, monkey, owl, and goat dolls soon.  Stay tuned!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine Dolls

This year for the Valentine exchange at work I made sweet little clothespin dolls with flower petal skirts and wool felt caps and jackets.


I started by drilling holes through the clothespins.  First I marked them with a Sharpie, then I started the holes with an awl, and finished them with a cordless drill.



Next I gathered my supplies; scraps of wool felt and satiny lining fabrics, fimo clay and wire.



Using a 5" piece of wire, I threaded it through the hole in the clothespin and made loops on both ends.



I made a head and hands for each doll out of the clay.
 



I lined the dolls up on a cookie sheet and baked them according to the instructions on the clay's package, about 30 minutes.


Next I cut circles out of lightweight lining fabrics.  This only works on synthetic fibers, so no silk or cotton.  Using tweezers, hold the fabric circle about 2" above a tealight's flame until the edges begin to curl.  Continue until the entire circle's edge is curled.  It takes 6-8 1½" circles per doll.



Using the felt, I cut hats to match the petals and jackets to coordinate.


I glued the petals around the clothespin to make a skirt, and some lace around the neck to make a collar.  Next I glued the jacket around the body and arms.




A piece of velvet ribbon made a belt, and some brown cotton lace (or yellow rickrack) made cute short hair.  I put the little felt cap on and my dolly was done.



I think the look pretty cute when they were finished.

 


They also look adorable with nylon butterfly wings to make them into fairies.

 

Everyone at work enjoyed their little dolls, and it was a lovely Valentine's Day!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Winter Travels Require New Bags

     I haven't blogged in ages, but I've been busy.  My family and I went on vacation in December, touring some European Christmas markets.  It was a fabulous trip.  For further details, see my travel blog:
http://rainsongtravels.blogspot.com/

     I needed a new shoulder bag for my trip, and I couldn't find one that was just right, so I decorated my own.  I started with a simple messenger bag.


Then I added scraps of velvet and brocade, and lots of lace.


I found black and white photos from the places I would be visiting, and printed them on fabric which I appliqued onto pinked felt to make my own patches.


I think my bag looked pretty fab when it was finished...


...and I've gotten quite a few compliments!