The Scoop, Score and Deal

TAST 2012: Feather Stitch

2012-01-21T17:29:00.007-05:00

Note to self: Don’t add eyelash yarn to a sampler until you've stitched a few rows away from it. Those strands were everywhere in my way for the first two stitches (closed and up and down buttonhole feathered). The third stitch is my version of the chained feather stitch. It is traditionally worked as separate stitches down the row; each stitch pulled to the back and a new one begun on the opposite side. Mine is worked as a continuous row, more like a regular feather stitch – and it works up very quickly! This might be my new favorite! It's very easy to do and I've photographed the tricky part:

1. Make a chain stitch on the left slanting toward center of row.

2. Proceed to the right and make the loop part of a feather stitch.

3. The thread that would normally anchor the feather stitch is, instead, taken back up and through the fabric just to the left of the rightmost stitch, forming top part of a chain stitch.

4. Hold down the lower loop and the working thread and take a stitch through to the front, finishing the chain stitch.

5. Take thread to the left, make another feather stitch and repeat down the row.

TAST 2012: Buttonhole Stitch

2012-01-13T20:50:00.004-05:00

I had done a few variations of the buttonhole stitch on my (still in progress) Stitchin’ Fingers” sampler, but found two more to add to my new TAST sampler. They both call for two rows of stitches and can be used to create nice, thick bars. The second stitch, below, is a variation on the barb stitch adding couched threads.

I will add the buttonhole stitched areas of my first sampler to the Take a Stitch Tuesday group on Flickr.

TAST 2012

2012-01-08T18:17:00.004-05:00

Not wanting to make yet another commitment (kinda swamped here), I tried really hard to resist the temptation of joining the new TAST 2012. (I had participated in the original TAST as well as the Stitch Explorer Challenge – and thoroughly enjoyed both and learned so much!) But, I went over to Sharon B’s blog and had a peek at the first stitch and realized resistance was futile (sigh…). I love the fly stitch! Dang! So, here is a row of simple little fly stitch roses. I had seen this pattern (or something similar) a few years ago in a crazy quilting book that contained some illustrations of easy seam treatments. Unfortunately, I can’t recall the name of the book.

"Love Potion No. 9" Finished

2012-01-02T18:03:00.004-05:00

This is the embroidery piece I started last year, all finished except for the hangers. I need to go to the the Home Depot to purchase a couple of nylon washers to add to the back. I used beads, sequins, gold “coins” and a tassel to enhance the Gypsy theme. I added four treasured vintage twinkle buttons from my collection, one in each corner. My favorite one, on the top left, is marked “Czechoslovakia” on the back. I had so much fun working on this - and those coins make the happiest clatter!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T17:04:00.004-05:00

It's time to put the Christmas toys away and get back to work...

Merry Christmas, Everybody!!!

2011-12-24T21:47:00.002-05:00

Collage

2011-12-22T14:54:00.006-05:00

I have been a fan of the art of KC Willis for years – ever since I first saw her wonderful collages in Somerset magazine. I always wanted to take a class with her and was delighted to discover that she was offering her “Collage Camp” on DVD. What fun! Just give me some fabric, paper, thread and glue and I’m happy as a little pig in poop…

Below is my first collage using what I learned from the DVD. The transferred image is of my sister as May Queen along with her court. She was in the eighth grade, I’m guessing circa 1956 or 1957. The pearl buttons aren't as bright as they appear in the picture. They are really subtle, in shades of brown. This is going to be a little extra Christmas present for Susie. Been singing “Stairway to Heaven” as I’ve been working on this…

“If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow
Don’t be alarmed now,
It’s just a spring clean for the May Queen.”

Large Victorian Santa Wreath Finished

2011-12-02T16:42:00.005-05:00

I finished my large Victorian Santa wreath and listed it on Etsy. I found a great source for wreath shipping boxes, The Container Store. They are plain corrugated cardboard, sturdy enough for shipping, and perfect for storage. I ordered them online and picked them up at the nearest franchise.

Santa Wreath

2011-11-22T23:33:00.005-05:00

I made a small Santa last year (blogged here) inspired by an article in Art Doll Quarterly magazine and he's been languishing in a box ever since. The other day, I decided to try wiring him into a wreath. I found some flowers and greenery that coordinated with him in my floral supply stash. I'm really happy with how this turned out - and will be adding the wreath to my Etsy store, soon.

Another Santa…

2011-11-04T01:18:00.002-04:00

I finished another Santa, yesterday. I dressed him in turquoise taffeta and plan to add him to a Victorian-themed Christmas wreath. I found a couple of gorgeous floral sprays with peacock feathers (that I had forgotten I had!) and will try to work them into the wreath, too.

From My Work Table…

2011-11-02T22:03:00.005-04:00

I’ve been happily working on a couple of Santa dolls in between lots of other stuff. Christmas is coming!!! Here’s a nautical guy I just finished that I’m calling “The Jolly Old Man and the Sea,” (with apologies to Hemingway!). Although he’s a Santa doll, I deliberately understated the Christmas theme, by using neutral colors and just adding a little gold twig star to his wreath. This way, he can be comfortably displayed year round with other marine collectibles.

Pieces of the Past…

2011-10-06T00:31:00.005-04:00

Here is the first machine appliqué piece I ever tried. The pattern for this tea cozy was in a craft magazine – from the late 70s, I think. I did the appliqué and embroidery and my mom sewed it all together – a collaborative effort! Check out the back view! I wish I could remember the designer’s name.

"Binky's Garden"

2011-09-25T23:33:00.003-04:00

I finally finished "Binky’s Garden," the little memorial quilt to a neighbor’s cat I began working on a couple of years ago. Binky used to spend most of his time in our yard. He liked to sleep on our car (or in it!) whenever he had the chance. He was especially fond of our garden and always took time to stop and eat the flowers. And if our front door was open, he’d just sashay right in and visit for a while. DH and I absolutely adored him and he knew it. The neighbors never took proper care of him (and we couldn’t keep him because, technically, he belonged to one of their younger children). Binky disappeared one night after a big snowstorm. We were heartbroken… A few years later, we named one of our kittens after him.

"Love Potion #9" (Work in Progress)

2011-09-23T22:06:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to post a quick update of my contour drawing embroidery piece. So far, I've added a backing and an inner border of couched novelty yarn and gold beads. The outside border is beaded but I still need to add beaded fringe to the bottom. To me, it has a kind of Gypsy/Bohemian vibe to it and so the working title is “Love Potion #9.”

A Mini Art Quilt Finished...

2011-08-30T22:23:00.004-04:00

I finally finished this little painted and embroidered piece I started last year. I had intended to finish it as a postcard but decided to add a binding and make it into a small art quilt, instead. So, the other day, with my Ott-Lite magnifying lamp powered by the generator (we lost electricity for about 12 hours), I hand stitched a piece of vintage double fold seam binding (from my mom’s old stash) to the edges. I buttonhole stitched around a tiny nylon washer (from the hardware store) and attached it for an unobtrusive hanger and added a signed and dated label to the back.

Work in Progress...

2011-08-26T22:20:00.004-04:00

I’ve been happily stitchin’ away – but still have miles to go! Then I’ll need to decide if I’m adding beads. (I’m pretty sure it’s screaming for beads!) I didn’t realize I was using two different shades of white thread until it was too late (D’oh!), so I will either have to pretend that I meant to do that or unpick and restitch a couple of areas. I’m really trying to talk myself into the first option! Anyway, I’m pleased with the graphic nature of this and it has given me ideas on how to finish a couple of other UFOs.

Meantime, we’re battening down the hatches here near the Jersey shore. Stay safe, everyone!

POWDERZ AN LOSHUNZ AN BYOOTIFYIN STUFFS

2011-08-14T01:38:00.005-04:00

I'm currently taking Susan Sorrell's fun Sketchn'Contour Embroidery mini class at Joggles. She always comes up with the most intriguing ideas! And since this month's Sketchbook Challenge is "Everyday Objects," I decided to sketch some of the skincare and cosmetic containers in my bathroom closet. Drawing these things made me chuckle and think of Joni Mitchell's song "Sweet Bird."

"Sweet bird you are
Briefer than a falling star
All these vain promises on beauty jars
Somewhere with your wings on time
You must be laughing"

Another Dress for Ellowyne

2011-08-12T23:03:00.004-04:00

Here's another dress from a vintage pattern. Again, the instructions didn't call for a lining, but I lined it in tulle, including the skirt. Easy!

Everything Old is New Again...

2011-08-06T03:29:00.004-04:00

I made these two outfits from vintage Revlon doll patterns. I love how they fit Ellowyne – and I figure the vintage look suits her storyline as a girl who thrifts her wardrobe. Many of these patterns don’t call for linings but I decided to try adding a tulle lining to the midriff top. It worked out great – and it’s a lot easier than fussing with pressing ¼” seams on curved neck and arm openings. And, of course, the inside is a lot neater. Plus, it’s a time-saver because separate darts don’t need to be made for the lining. Instead, the darts are sewn into the tulle and fashion fabric together.

A Few More Dolls from My Gene Marshall Collection...

2011-07-17T23:51:00.001-04:00

Still messing around in the "Redneck Photo Studio!" The dolls are "Iced Coffee," "Crème de Cassis" and "Breathless."

A Simple Summer Dress for Madra...

2011-07-16T00:42:00.005-04:00

I whipped up this little number to help poor Madra beat the heat... We've had some relief from the humidity in the past couple of days but next week we are supposed to be heading right back into the soup...

Redneck Photo Studio

2011-07-07T00:13:00.006-04:00

DH recently installed shop lights (with Philips daylight bulbs) in his tractor shed and was curious to see what kind of photographic lighting effects he could achieve with a simple setup and just those overhead lights. As you can see from the photo of Madra Lord (Gene Marshall’s nemesis), the light is actually pretty soft. And DH is well pleased with what he calls his “redneck photo studio.”

The name of the doll outfit is “Catwalk.” I paid $25.00 for it, brand new, on eBay. The (bald) Madra doll was around $8.00, if I remember correctly.

Repro Toni Doll

2011-07-04T13:15:00.004-04:00

This is my “Sew for Me Toni” doll, a reproduction (by Robert Tonner) of the original Toni from the fifties. She came with a chemise and underwear, socks and two pairs of shoes. I made her a crisp little summer dress of cotton chintz. She is a joy to sew for…

My sister purchased the original P90 Toni for me at an estate sale. Her condition is a little rough, but I love having both the vintage and repro dolls in my collection.

Hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday!

Sweatshirt Cardi for Ellowyne

2011-07-03T13:54:00.002-04:00

Recently, I found an old sweatshirt in the back of my closet that had never been worn. I had purchased it to embellish (quite a few years ago) and just never got around to doing it. I was tempted to just toss it and then had an idea to repurpose it to make doll clothes. Here is my first project: a funky little cardi for Ellowyne that she can just throw on over anything.

Nature Journal: Dog Rose

2011-07-02T14:48:00.007-04:00

Lately, I have been getting error messages when I try to publish new posts to this blog. I have been using Explorer for years but I just discovered if I publish in Firefox everything works like a charm! I have absolutely no idea why…

Anyhoo, I made this little drawing in the beginning of June when the fragrant white flowers of the dog rose were in bloom.

June's Sketchbook Challenge: Pathways

2011-06-29T22:33:00.007-04:00

May's Sketchbook Challenge

2011-05-14T18:03:00.004-04:00

The Sketchbook Challenge for this month is “Can’t Resist.” Well, I can’t resist new spring leaves and splashing around in watercolors! I gathered a few varieties of leaves from the yard, sketched them and cut them out to use as stencils for this fun little exercise from Ann K. Lindsay’s book, WATERCOLOR: A NEW BEGINNING. Starting in the foreground, successive rows of overlapping leaf shapes have watercolor glazes added around them, pushing them further into the background. The stencils act as a kind of “resist” to the paint.

This was done on heavy watercolor paper because the paper has to be wet for the initial wash. I will glue it into my sketchbook.

French Kitty's New Outfit

2011-05-14T16:42:00.004-04:00

Here is my French Kitty doll, all dolled up in a new dress and fascinator.

Vermicelli Stitch Practice on Paper Towel

2011-05-03T22:47:00.002-04:00

Here is an example of one ply of paper toweling (used to clean up paint) fused to a piece of felt and then free-motion stitched. This very sturdy and highly textured piece of fabric paper will probably end up as a collage background. I learned about stitching on painted paper towels from this very inspiring blog: A Little Imagination and a Pile of Junk.

Mirror's New Corset

2011-04-27T22:21:00.005-04:00

I sewed a doll corset from plain old muslin using a cute pattern by Gracefaerie Designs. It’s a solid little foundation piece, interfaced and lined. I had only intended to try it out for fit, but was so happy with the result that I went ahead and trimmed it with organza ribbon, lace, embroidery stitches and seed beads. Definitely need to make more of these! This one closes in the back with hooks and eyes, but the pattern also includes a variation that laces up the front.

A New Dress for Gene...

2011-04-15T21:31:00.004-04:00

I made this dress yesterday from the very first Gene doll pattern I ever purchased a few years ago. It was designed by Gerry Broerman and inspired by a vintage Vogue pattern. Don’t know why it took me so long to get to it! It was easy to sew and fits her beautifully. The fabric I used was vintage handkerchief linen (from my mom’s old stash). The belt was made from a strip of bonded leather pulled through a doll-sized buckle. I love how it accents Gene’s tiny waist.

April Sketchbook Challenge

2011-04-10T22:37:00.005-04:00

The theme this month is “Branching Out" – but I seem to have only sprouted…

Below is the same sketch with the photocopy filter applied in Photoshop. It gives it kind of an old world look. I may print this on fabric for further embellishment. This could be a way to leverage plain pencil sketches and studies.

Fun and Fast Recycling Project

2011-04-07T22:01:00.004-04:00

In the process of weeding out my bookcases, I found a hardback book that I no longer wanted to keep. Not wanting to toss it out, entirely (well, books are sort of sacrosanct!), I decided to remove the pages and re-cover it, inspired by an article on bookmaking by Dede Warren in Somerset’s Sew magazine (Summer 2009). I followed her instructions except that I used a piece of original fabric paper for the cover (instead of scrapbook paper). I also used a single piece of heavy paper for the inside, including the spine. Using “Yes” glue and my fingers, I carefully glued my fabric paper to the outside first and then glued the inside paper to hide the raw edges. As per the instructions, I clamped the papers to the book, refolded the book back into its original position and left it to dry. A signature was made of 3 folded sheets of heavy watercolor paper and added to the book by using an awl to punch two corresponding holes through the center of the folded pages and the book’s spine and tied in with vintage seam tape.

Miniature Baltimore Album Quilt: Block One

2011-03-22T23:43:00.004-04:00

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, it is my intention to attempt to make a miniature Baltimore Album quilt. I thought it would make a nice backdrop for photographing my 18” dolls. I had planned to learn how to use needleturn appliqué to stitch the motifs so I practiced on an oak leaf design with lots of tiny concave curves. I’m not even going to show you what an unmitigated disaster that was! I was just not able to turn those curves accurately. After a couple of fruitlessly frustrating hours, I tried tracing my pattern onto a used dryer sheet (in the spirit of recycling!), placing it on the right side of the appliqué fabric, taking tiny handstitches all around the marked lines, cutting a scant ¼” around the stitching and carefully clipping curves, then making a slit in the dryer sheet to pull the appliqué fabric through to the right side. I used my trusty hemostat to push out the edges. And pushed right through the tiny curves! ARGHH! Reluctantly, I decided to just use a lightweight fusible web and add decorative embroidery stitches. I’m actually kind of pleased with the resulting dimensionality. I have eleven more motifs to appliqué – plus border designs so I’m sure this little project is going to take a month of Sundays but, at least, I’ve made a start. I'm using old cotton fabric from my stash as much as possible for this project.

The patterns I’m using for my 4”square blocks are from the wonderful Better Homes and Gardens book, 501 Quilt Blocks, A Treasury of Patterns for Patchwork & Applique.

Sketchbook Challenge: "Spilling Over"

2011-03-20T02:11:00.003-04:00

When the theme for this month’s Sketchbook Challenge, “Spilling Over,” was first announced, I was really stumped as to how I would illustrate it. Couldn’t think of a visual to save my life, but I did wax poetic:

Spilling over, overflowing;
Don’t have a clue where I am going.
Ideas for this theme elude,
My sketchbook sighs in solitude,
And wonders when
My Pitt Art pen
Will once again
Its ink exude.

Then, the other day, we had temperatures in the glorious mid-70s and I was walking around the house and noticed how the ivy spills over itself as it climbs the foundation. I decided to sit outside for a while and sketch it. Forgive my messy smudges – occupational hazard of being left-handed…

Mixed Time Periods...

2011-02-28T22:36:00.005-05:00

I recently bought a bolt of muslin primarily to make Santa bodies but I also wanted to be able to use it to test-drive commercial clothing patterns for my dolls before committing to fashion fabric. First up is a little number I sewed for my beautiful American Girl doll, Elizabeth Cole. Although she is supposed to be a nine-year-old from 1774 Williamsburg, I think this dress style places her squarely in the early 1800s. I found the floral applique in my stash of lace and hand stitched it to the bodice. Beneath her feet, are the pieced blocks and borders for the miniature Baltimore album quilt I hope to make (pieced from recycled sheet). Baltimore Album quilts were not popular until the 1840s, way after Elizabeth’s time!

Repurposing...

2011-02-22T14:45:00.005-05:00

This is something I meant to blog about earlier but it kind of got lost in the shuffle, here. Last year, the cats were roughhousing in bed and put a big tear in a very nice sheet (bad, bad kitties!). I couldn’t bear to throw it out, so I decided to repurpose it. First, I cut squares to use as practice for the free-motion embroidery course I took last fall.

Then, I decided to try out my AccuQuilt Go fabric cutter to cut strips and squares for a miniature Baltimore Album quilt I want to make for my dolls (someday, soon, I hope!). Finally, I found these cool instructions (inspired by Judy Coates Perez) on Jane LaFazio's blog for using teabags for drawing and collage. With the leftover tea, I dyed the rest of the fabric. Now, at least, I feel as though I got my money’s worth out of the sheet. The photo below shows the fabric cut for the little quilt, some tea-dyed fabric and a few sheets of teabag paper (made from iced tea teabags).

I Especially Heart Black Cats...

2011-02-02T22:24:00.005-05:00

February’s Sketchbook Challenge is “Opposites.” I knew right away that I wanted to try making a cut paper collage using the Japanese positive and negative design concept of Notan. This was so much fun – kinda like cutting out Valentine hearts as a kid. For this simple, symmetrical design, I used a 3½“ piece of black paper folded in half diagonally, then cut the cat and heart shapes on one side. It’s amazing how much space a 3½” square takes up when all the cutout pieces are glued into their correct positions. And it’s interesting to see the design that’s revealed by the negative space. The second image is the design repeated and flipped in Photoshop. I think it has an Art Nouveau look to it. I will definitely be revisiting this process.

Help! I Need a Clone!

2011-01-24T21:13:00.004-05:00

Real life (business) has gotten in the way these past few weeks - even more than usual! Been tempted to give up the blog altogether; after all, it’s been nearly six years! That’s a pretty good run. But, to be honest, I have truly missed it (and my readers – hope you are still out there!) and would like to get back into the online swing of things a little bit, as time permits.

I’m in the middle of so many projects and commitments, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to participate in the Sketchbook Challenge. The theme this month, "Highly Prized," was so broad; I found it difficult to narrow down my choices. Of course, DH is most highly prized – and his sweet visage can be found in every Santa doll I make. (Everyone who knows him says so!) My little cats are highly prized and I certainly prize my doll collection (got a few new ones for Christmas, including three American Girl dolls!) as well as a few favorite pieces of antique lace and porcelain. But I just couldn’t decide what to illustrate. I had nearly given up, when I set about the bittersweet task of taking down the Christmas tree two weeks ago. I think I’ve mentioned before that the Christmas tree has many ornaments made by my mom over the years. Well, the choice for the highly prized theme hit me like a ton of bricks! I decided to draw a couple of my cherished ornaments! The sketchbook I’m using is Canson’s Mixed Media. It is spiral bound with perforated pages and will accept both wet and dry media. I’m very happy with it. A bargain at $8.99 each, I bought two (sport that I am!). I’m using the other one for my nature journaling.

Some Santas Residing with my Sister...

2010-12-17T21:39:00.007-05:00

Inspired by my friend, Allie's, post about the quilts she has given her sister over the years, here are a few Santa dolls I’ve made for my sister from Christmases past. The one in the wagon is my very first Santa (from a pattern in Santa Claus magazine in the 90s). These pictures were published, along with my Shanty Claus pattern, a few years ago in Australian Homespun magazine.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2010-12-16T00:26:00.004-05:00

Gulli and his friend decide to have a little musical interlude in the middle of the tree trimming festivities.

A Little Santa...

2010-12-13T23:24:00.006-05:00

I just finished another small Santa based on a design in Art Doll Quarterly by Dianne Rawls Davis (Nov. Dec. Jan 2010). I had made one in July and it was so much fun, I had to try another! I used a small remnant of heavily textured upholstery fabric and trims that I had on hand.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2010-12-13T23:17:00.004-05:00

Here's Gulli and his little friend putting up the Christmas decorations! Dolls and outfits are by Goodreau.

Emu on the Loose in Southern NJ!

2010-12-13T23:00:00.004-05:00

DH took this shot with his cell phone yesterday of an escaped emu on the side of the road near our house!

Shoes!

2010-11-19T15:29:00.004-05:00

We had to paint our favorite shoes for lesson five of Jane's journaling class. I think shoes might be my new favorite subject!

Gerbera Daisies

2010-11-18T00:51:00.006-05:00

Here are my exercises for lessons three and four of Jane’s Watercolor Sketchbook Journaling class. I bought this Gerbera daisy plant at the Acme a few weeks ago and it has been such a patient little model. Best $4.99 investment I ever made!

Merrick is Going to California!

2010-11-17T16:30:00.003-05:00

Merrick just sold from my Shanty Clauses site and is heading out to California! My sweet boys are leading lives of travel and adventure!

Hubert is Going to Guam!

2010-11-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

Hubert sold at auction, but only went for the opening bid, which was kinda low. Either he somehow flew under the radar - or he and I seriously overestimated his appeal! (We thought he was cute as heck!) Hmmm, anyway, he’s going to a very nice customer on the other side of the world in Guam. How cool is that? He’s very excited!

Santa Auction

2010-11-08T12:15:00.004-05:00

In honor of Veteran’s Day (November 11th), I have put one of my Santas up for auction on eBay with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Homes for Our Troops. They are a wonderful organization that builds specially adapted houses for severely injured soldiers. I do hope Santa Hubert does well. He’s actually my favorite. I’m paying for shipping so that all the money goes to this truly worthy cause...

Watercolor Journal Class

2010-10-28T16:35:00.006-04:00

In an attempt to learn some of her freewheeling journaling techniques, I enrolled in Jane LaFazio’s Sketching & Watercolor; Journal Style class at Joggles. It feels so strange to be working quickly with lots of intense color and water. My usual method for building up color is to lay down lots of glazes using only enough water to soften and diffuse the edges. This is much faster. Here are my exercises for week one and two.

Fun wuith FME

2010-10-24T16:48:00.006-04:00

I have learned so many things in the Free Motion Embroidery class I took at Joggles. Most especially, I learned that I can adjust the tension on my bobbin case and, contrary to the warnings of the sewing machine dealer, the universe will not implode! That, alone, opens up a whole new world of stitch possibilities. Anyway, I’m still working through the lessons - and will be for quite awhile. Thought I’d show you one of the exercises I just completed – an example of cutwork.

WISP (Work in Slow Progress)

2010-10-12T21:36:00.004-04:00

This still needs a lot more beads, but I’ve been working on it for awhile and wanted to show an update. The base is this monoprint painting I did in Susan Sorrell’s monoprinting class a few years ago. At the time, I didn’t own an orange cat, but now I have two! This quiltlet always makes me think of Briar, my little pumpkin-colored cat with tummy troubles, who insists on being spoon-fed. He has to have pumpkin or sweet potatoes added to his food for proper elimination. For some reason, he also likes me to sing Bobby Rydell’s “Wildwood Days” while he eats. And so I do...

I’ve been working on my FME lessons. The course is great and I'm learning things I would have never thought to try on my own.

A New Santa...

2010-10-03T21:53:00.004-04:00

I’ve been really busy with a whole bunch of projects, one of which is taking Janet Clark’s fun and thorough free-motion embroidery class at Joggles. I have also been hand stitching and beading a couple of small art quilts begun in previous Joggles classes. And this afternoon, I finally finished a Santa that I started a couple of years ago. In 2008, I made a jacket out of some cool vintage upholstery fabric with little raised “needlepoint” flowers that my friend and neighbor, Linda, gave me. I never finished the doll because I couldn’t find just the right accessory for him to hold. A few weeks ago, while looking for something else, I happened to run across a little test of a faux needlepoint design I had stitched quite awhile back on my embroidery machine. I had forgotten that the motif was in the same exact colors as the jacket. So, I tea-dyed it, cut it out and hand stitched it to a small bag I made from a stained vintage towel. In my mom’s old sewing box, I found a piece of rust brown lace seam tape to tie the bag. Although this Santa can be displayed all year, he is especially nice for fall because of the harvest colors in his outfit.

Do you see the little hole in the gourd? That is a cat tooth mark - bad kitties!

Miniature Santa Au Naturel...

2010-09-23T22:18:00.004-04:00

A few years ago, I designed and made a small (doll-house scale) Santa Claus doll. I gave him as a little extra thank-you gift to one of my wonderful eBay customers. Anyway, I always meant to make another and just recently found my original pattern. The clothing pattern is missing – so I’ll have to redraw that.

I have a copy of a great old book, Dolls to Make for Fun and Profit, and the author, Edith Flack Ackley, recommends stitching small dolls by hand, so that’s what I did - and it was actually easier than following pencil lines by machine on something this tiny. Santa is a little less than six inches tall so he's just the right proportion for a 1/12 scale dollhouse. His arms and legs are wired for flexibility and I ran dental floss through the body to attach them. Next, he has to be gessoed and painted.

Nature Journal: Swamp Maple (Acer rubrum) Leaves

2010-09-18T22:16:00.005-04:00

Most of the maple trees are holding on to their green color (here, in southern NJ) but there are a few leaves that are beginning to change. I wanted to try out my new Pitt sepia pen so I used it to outline the leaves and add a little bit of stippling to my watercolor sketch.

This is the first year I have not mourned the passage of summer – and I’m really looking forward to cooler weather – and more autumn color! It has been ungodly hot here for the last couple of months!

Messin' with Photoshop..

2010-09-13T15:58:00.005-04:00

I found a beautifully coloured single-lobed sassafras leaf on the ground this afternoon, scanned it with a piece of decorative paper and applied the poster edges filter. Be sure to click to enlarge to see the details.

Vintage Barbie Clothes for Gene

2010-09-12T00:42:00.005-04:00

Well, I wondered if the old Barbie patterns would work, scaled up, for Gene. Yes, they do! I enlarged the dress pattern 130.5% to fit my 15 ½” Gene doll. The fabric is a lightweight wool challis – a joy to work with! I’m going to make the matching coat like I did with Barbie, but I think I may make it shorter than the dress for even more of a retro look.

It’s important to remember that when the patterns are enlarged, the seam allowances get bigger, too! This is my second attempt on this dress because I forgot and used ¼” seam allowance the first time and the garment was too big! The adjusted seam allowance for Gene is 3/8" which is the default seam allowance on my sewing machine.

After Earl...

2010-09-04T21:14:00.005-04:00

We went to the Ocean City (NJ) boardwalk last night to see if Hurricane Earl had made any sort of impact. There was a little rough surf but that was about it. Although it was a beautiful night, the place was pretty empty (as you can see in the photo from DH's iPhone) for the last big weekend of the summer season. How awful for the businesses there... Below is a radar capture (again, from the iPhone) showing where Earl was in proximity to the east coast last night and our location on the boardwalk in Ocean City.

Coordinating Coat...

2010-08-27T00:21:00.003-04:00

Okay, I’m having some serious fun, here! The coat is made from a buttery soft microsuede-type fabric. I know that’s not authentic to the time period (late 50s – early 60s) but I liked how it coordinated with the dress. This particular pattern also includes pants, top, jacket and a skirt. I’m thinking I may try enlarging the pieces to fit my 16” dolls.

Vintage Fashion Sewing for Repro Barbies

2010-08-22T21:55:00.006-04:00

There was an article in the 2009 August issue of Haute Doll magazine about collecting and sewing old patterns for vintage Barbie dolls or reproductions. My most recent doll acquisition is the beautiful bubble blonde repro below. She arrived sans clothing and needed something to wear, quick! I found a vintage pattern for a simple sheath but it wasn’t lined. Well, I really wanted to add a lining but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it, so I searched the web and found this pattern for a lined dress for a larger doll and just followed the construction directions. I used “Silk Essence” as the lining material. Having never used it before, I’ve got to say it is wonderful stuff – lightweight, inexpensive and easy to work with – and comes in many colors! For the fashion fabric, I used a pretty scrap from my mom’s old stash. I'm not sure of the content but it is a very soft twill weave and is wrinkle resistant. The scale of the flowers is just right for Barbie. I love the way this dress fits! Next, I’m making a coat to coordinate with it.

Finally Finished!

2010-08-15T22:34:00.002-04:00

I don’t know if anyone remembers this WIP/UFO that I actually started to work on before I ever started this blog – over five years ago! Finishing it has been on my “to do” list for several years and, finally, I felt motivated to just “git er done!” This will go into a frame/tray that I purchased on EBay. The bottom image is the full size (about 10x14 inches); the top image is a scan of some details.

Man & Machine...

2010-08-13T23:44:00.004-04:00

I took this photo the other day of DH using the backhoe to remove a humongous tree stump. He’s clearing out dead pines and also making room for a dedicated shed to house the tractor and its various attachments.

Monthly Art Experiment for August

2010-08-04T23:22:00.002-04:00

This is a quick experiment in embossing a lace design on quilt batting. The instructions are here and call for bamboo batting, but I got a nice, well-raised texture using an old piece of heavy lace on "Warm and Natural" cotton batting. I'm thinking this is another way to get more mileage from damaged vintage lace.

Another Monthly Art Experiment for July

2010-07-24T22:04:00.005-04:00

I wanted to try “dyeing” plain fabric with water-soluble crayons. It’s so simple! I applied the crayons (Caran D’ache Neocolor II) very lightly to a piece of tightly woven muslin – then just brushed on water to blend. I kept the application of color very light because I wanted to use the fabric for a background to which I would be adding more color and stitching. I used a light box to trace a quick sketch of a zinnia from my nature journal onto the fabric, backed it with a piece of felt and then stitched it in black floss. The center is filled with French knots and straight stitches. I colored in the flower and leaves after I had finished stitching them, adding water to blend. Here is a great link showing the versatility of Caran D’ache Neocolor II water-soluble crayons (with tutorials) by wonderful artist, Fannie Narte.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process and plan on transferring more sketches to cloth. This one will probably be made into a postcard at some point. I will use my heat gun to set the colors.

They Grow So Quickly!

2010-07-12T15:36:00.003-04:00

The first photo was taken July 8th; the second was taken today.

Monthly Art Experiment for July

2010-07-09T11:45:00.003-04:00

I missed a couple of months of the monthly art experiment – just got a little busier than expected. But I’m back, baby – for this month, anyway. Here is a little Santa I just finished based upon an article in Art Doll Quarterly by Dianne Rawls Davis (Nov. Dec. Jan 2010). This guy was too much fun to make! And a big plus was that I was able to use stuff I already had. The tapestry used for his body was a left over scrap from a Santa I made about ten years ago. It was too small to do anything else with – but perfect for this project. I found the little sugared berry pick in a box of Santa-making supplies. The little tassels trimming his “hood” are vintage. His beard is wool from a llama. Might need to make a couple more of these!

Robin's Eggs

2010-07-01T21:35:00.003-04:00

This nest is just a few feet off the ground in the magnolia tree right next to the house. The eggs are my favorite shade of blue.

Fur-lined Trooper Hat

2010-06-26T12:12:00.005-04:00

I tried the hat again using faux fur as the lining. I just whipstitched it to the felt. Easy and reversible!

Winter Trooper Doll Hat

2010-06-23T23:38:00.007-04:00

I have been working on an idea for a little trooper hat for dolls. I based it upon a simple vintage Barbie baseball cap pattern (no curved seams, just judiciously placed darts) and added the flap for neck and ears plus a lining. Here is my prototype made of wool felt and quilt batting modeled by Tiny Betsy McCall. This size can also be worn by 16” fashion dolls except for Ellowyne, who has a disproportionately big head! Next, I’m going to try making a reversible one with a fur lining. The little outfit is by Goodreau.

Wild Turkeys!

2010-06-22T20:15:00.004-04:00

These wild turkeys have been hanging around for the past couple of days. I first saw one of them when I walked into the perennial garden right next to the house two days ago. She was resting on the ground and got up when she realized I was there. I was just a few feet away from her and surprised that she seemed reluctant to move away. When I looked down, I saw why. Little baby turkeys (poults) were scurrying in front of me to hide in the periwinkle vines. I quickly ran inside to get my camera (and to put some distance between myself and mom who looked none too pleased) but by the time I got back outside they were gone. Fortunately, DH was able to get these photos in the backyard early this morning.

Memorial Day & White Shoes - The Unofficial Start of Summer!

2010-05-31T23:48:00.005-04:00

Here is one of my Goodreau BJD dolls (Innuendo) modeling a casual little summer outfit I designed over the weekend consisting of a lightly fitted, embroidered tee top and a slim skirt with a ruffle. The outfit also fits Ellowyne.

Instructions for Robe/Cover-up

2010-05-24T01:20:00.006-04:00

I wanted to make another robe following my notes just to make sure I didn't forget anything before I published the directions. Modeling my little cover-up is Gene Marshall's wisecracking sidekick, Ivy Jordan. (I'm a huge fan of Eve Arden, so I had to add Ivy to my collection!) I purchased her sans outfit on Ebay but didn't want to keep her in the box until I found some clothes for her. So far, the robe fits (without any adjustments) Ellowyne, Gene, Goodreau BJD dolls, Tyler and friends and Madame Alexander Alex fashion dolls.

The directions are below. I hope you will try it - please let me know if you do or if there are any parts of the instructions that need clarification. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will answer either here or via email.

All seams are 1/4". Rummage through your stash and find two compatible pieces of fabric. Pre-wash. Cut each 14" square. One will be the robe; the other will be the lining.

With the right side up, fold robe fabric in half toward you; then fold again, left to right. Measure 2 1/2" from folded edge and cut. Repeat for lining.

Measure and mark 3/4" out from top edge and 3/4" down from top edge. Draw a slight curve to connect the marks. Mark 2 1/2" down from shoulder on each side (as a guide for sleeve placement). Cut along curve for neck opening. Cut open down the center front. Repeat for lining. Mark 1" up from bottom edge on all sides to indicate side vents.

Cut sleeves 5x4" out of both robe and lining fabrics.

Right sides together (and using marks as guide for sleeve placement), stitch the 5" width of sleeve to the body. Press seams toward sleeves. Repeat for lining.

Right sides together, stitch lining to body, beginning at the vent opening mark on the lower side edge, all the way around the front and neck and back down to the vent opening mark on the other side. Stitch the lower back together, beginning at the side went opening mark and ending at the opposite side vent opening mark. Stitch the lower sleeve edges together. DO NOT stitch side or underarm seams, yet.

Clip corners and curves. Clip side vent openings to the mark. Turn right side out and press well. Fold back the sleeve edges 1/4" so that the lining fabric looks like cuffs. Hand baste to temporarily hold in place. Press well.

With lining side out, fold robe so that side seams are aligned, Stitch side seams, including underarm seams. Reinforce the underarms (about 1" in both directions) inside the seam allowance. Carefully slash where sleeve and body intersect. Zigzag or overlock seams to neaten.

Turn right side out. Press well. Try on doll and turn back collar.

For belt, cut a strip of the lining fabric 1 1/2" wide by 15" long. Fold in half, lengthwise. Press. Mark a diagonal line on each end (from the fold to the raw edge). Leaving a 1 1/2" opening in the center, stitch a 1/4" seam along the raw edges, and down the diagonal lines. Secure threads. Clip corners. Turn right side out. Press well and stitch the opening closed.

Ellowyne’s New Robe

2010-05-16T00:57:00.003-04:00

I have spent the past couple of days designing a quick and easy robe/ swimsuit cover-up for 16" fashion dolls. There is no pattern involved, just some simple measuring and cutting. As I was sewing, instead of haphazardly jotting down notes on scraps of paper (my usual modus operandi), I kept track of everything in a great program from Microsoft, called OneNote. I didn’t even know I had the program until a few weeks ago. It ships with Microsoft's Office Suite. And I don't know how I managed without it! You can assign notebooks to each of your personal and professional projects, add dividers, add or delete pages, add scans, audio and video clips - and cut and paste data from the web. The feature I like best is that you don't have to remember to save anything. It's all automatically saved.

Monthly Art Experiment for April

2010-04-29T22:20:00.007-04:00

For this month’s art experiment, I tried an alternate technique for making fabric paper. This time the backing is felt (for a nice cushioned effect) and a layer of plain tissue paper is fused to it (with WonderUnder). Then a collage of decorative paper, printed tissue paper, stamps and paints is applied. Here are a few of the resulting ATC backgrounds. Instructions for this great technique can be found, here, in an article by Pokey Bolton(Quilting Arts magazine).

Somers & Field

2010-04-27T00:27:00.003-04:00

These girls (Willow Somers and Daisy Field) are responsible for my walk down Memory Lane or, more precisely, 1960s Carnaby Street. I originally purchased the mini dress pattern (previous post) for them. I love their hair, especially Daisy’s iconic asymmetrical Vidal Sassoon cut. And their make-up is perfect for the time period. I remember white lipstick – yikes! These dolls (made in 2000, I believe) are from designer Doug James, the same artist who designs the CED dolls. His attention to detail is amazing. There are updated, articulated versions of Willow and Daisy, named Violett Somers and Gabby Field, and I’ll probably be adding them to my growing collection, although I am trying hard to resist...really I am...

"Quantized!"

2010-04-25T20:28:00.005-04:00

Ellowyne found one of her mom’s old dresses in the attic – along with the de rigueur white “go-go” boots. Who didn’t have a pair of those back in the day?

I made the dress from this pattern.

The background is a big piece of lutradur I painted a few years ago in Susan Sorrell’s wonderful Personal Symbols class.

What I’ve Been Doin'

2010-04-23T23:03:00.002-04:00

I don’t talk about work much, except to complain once in a while when it interferes with my play time! But, I have a little Flash assignment coming up and I had nearly forgotten how much I love that program! Almost as much as stitching! I tried to upload an example of what I’ve been working on but I couldn’t get Blogger to cooperate. Anyway, I’ve uploaded my little animation here if you’d like to have a peek.

Boy with Toy...

2010-04-17T23:38:00.005-04:00

Took this photo today of DH on his new tractor. He spent Christmas night, until 6:00 the next morning, digging a draining ditch in the front yard by hand. (We had water coming into the house from all the rain!) When he came in, he announced he was gonna buy himself a tractor – and so he did, dad-gummit!

Happy Easter to All!

2010-04-04T01:19:00.003-04:00

Monthly Experiment for March: Creating New Fabric from Scraps

2010-03-30T19:47:00.004-04:00

Here is my experiment for March – just under the wire! It's a method for creating a unique piece of fabric by fusing fabric scraps, stamping with metallic paint, layering with sheer fabrics, machine stitching and cutting the sheer fabric to expose the stamped images. This is a technique I bookmarked to try (someday...) after first seeing it a few years ago in the Fall 2005 issue of Quilting Arts magazine (page 24). It is somewhat labor-intensive, but definitely worth further exploration...

A Few More ATCs Finally Finished...

2010-03-22T00:18:00.007-04:00

Another Use for Watercolor Canvas...

2010-03-09T00:45:00.003-05:00

I was working on my fabric postcards today and discovered that watercolor canvas makes a great backing and can be run directly through the inkjet printer. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of using it before!

Acme Flowers Stitched

2010-03-02T21:49:00.003-05:00

I had a blast adding simple stitches to my felt flower postcard. I just need to add the backing and it will be finished.

Felted Postcard in Progress...

2010-02-23T17:10:00.002-05:00

I will be adding hand embroidery to this postcard created on the embellisher machine. It was inspired by a bouquet of flowers I saw while standing in the checkout line a few weeks ago at the Acme. Bright orange and hot pink together always catches my eye... The background is made from torn strips of silk (from an old blouse), organdy and a little bit of wool roving on Kunin felt.

More Snow Dyeing...

2010-02-13T14:51:00.005-05:00

I tried dyeing some PFD cotton in a jar with snow but the results were a little weak, so I overdyed it (still using the snow dyeing method) and got much more intense colors. I haven’t been rinsing off the fabric at all, just squeezing out the excess moisture by hand and ironing between two pieces of parchment paper until dry.

SNOW!

2010-02-11T22:05:00.001-05:00

This photo of the backyard was taken today. The snow would be even deeper but much of it was compacted by the rain we had last night (before it snowed again).

Rockin' Robin...

2010-02-11T18:16:00.004-05:00

Okay, is everyone singing, now? This shot was actually taken during the first snowstorm in January right outside my studio window. I grabbed my camera and made a quick shot before he flew away – all pleased with myself until I realized that I hadn’t turned back the exposure from the last time I used the camera. The photo was terribly overexposed. But I wanted to preserve the memory of that colorful bird perched in the holly tree with the red berries and the snow – so I used a couple of Photoshop filters and got this result. I think it resembles a vintage illustration from an old postcard. I am happy with this image and am thinking about printing it directly on fabric after I get my inkjet printer up and running.

Everybody’s Doin’ it!

2010-02-08T00:12:00.004-05:00

Snow dyeing is my February Art Experiment There are directions for this process all over blogland. This is my first attempt and, if nothing else, it will serve as a little memento of Snowmageddon.” I used a piece of wet, slightly crumpled PFD cotton and draped it over a couple of inverted plastic bowls so the excess paint and snow could drain off. I used Dye-Na- Flow fabric colors. The first image is of the snow on the fabric with the dripped paint. The second is the final product. I kinda like it! When DH saw it he said, “Oooh, tie-dye!” The old hippie...

Waiting for Mr. Darcy...

2010-02-03T23:02:00.003-05:00

DH and I are thoroughly enjoying the “Emma” series currently running on PBS. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but I have been on a Jane Austen kick since last summer. I’ve read Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, so far, with the aim of reading all of her novels. I have them downloaded to my E-reader and ready to go!

I'm particularly inspired by the fashions of the Regency period and have purchased a few patterns to create costumes for my Ellowyne dolls. Here is my first attempt modeled by dear Pru. I think it really suits her. The fabric is just some old quilting cotton from my stash. Prints on dresses from this period were mainly small floral or fern designs.

Binky and Vince

2010-02-01T16:51:00.005-05:00

I had to share this photo of Binky and his little friend, Vince (sleeping). Vince is one of the feral kittens we captured last summer. He has gone from being completely wild (His folder at the vet's office was marked "DANGEROUS.") to being the most affectionate cat we’ve ever had. He loves to cuddle with us and all the other cats. Tony, Vince’s brother, is taking a bit longer to tame but he is making progress. He doesn’t exactly love being held (like Vince!) but he tolerates it. He does enjoy a good belly rub – with much purring and kneading of paws in the air. And he gets along great with the other cats.

It makes me sad to think of all the potentially great pets that are destroyed because shelters don’t have the necessary resources or personnel to work with them.

“Nothing cures like time and love.” Laura Nyro

Charming “Mirror”

2010-01-31T15:04:00.003-05:00

Been having fun playing with dolls! I made a funky little dress to go with the shoes I made last week. Modeling the outfit is Goodreau’s BJD Mirror.” She is borrowing one of Ellowyne’s wigs.

Simple Felt Flowers

2010-01-21T21:54:00.003-05:00

I made these little felt flowers today to decorate the shoes. I found the instructions in a vintage Barbie pattern (as a handbag decoration). They are so easy to make. You just cut a small square scrap of felt any size you want (I used a ¾” square), run a gathering thread on the guidelines, pull tight and knot off. I added a little French knot to the center.

First Attempt at Doll Shoes

2010-01-20T22:12:00.004-05:00

I got two 16” Goodreau BJDs (ball-jointed dolls) for Christmas and a couple of patterns to make clothes for them. One of the patterns was for shoes and I was really curious if they would fit. They fit perfectly! They aren’t quite finished, yet. I still need to glue on the fun foam soles and little heels. Now, here is my dilemma. The pattern says to use a glue gun for this operation. And the glue gun is definitely not my friend. I never fail to burn myself! I’m thinking maybe I’ll use tacky glue – the same stuff I use for Santa beards. Anyway, I wanted to show you a quick picture of the shoes so far. I’m also thinking about adding some sort of little ornamentation to the fronts. The pattern contains several variations of this shoe; with strap, double strap and scalloped upper – but I thought I’d just try out the basic pump, first. The shoes are made of a deep brown felt with a reddish cast but my workroom lights can’t pick up the color. I lined them with a tiny brown gingham check. I'm downright tickled with these!

Another Fabric Paper Sample

2010-01-10T15:05:00.001-05:00

Last night, I decided to try making a more subdued sample. I glued everything on top of a really ugly old piece of cotton. This is a great way to use fabric that would otherwise go unused...

2010 Monthly Experiment (January): Fabric Paper

2010-01-09T14:51:00.004-05:00

Well, give me a little paper, paint, fabric and glue and I’m happy. This is my first experiment making fabric paper – what fun! (This is meant to be cut up and used for postcard and ATC backgrounds with added stitch and/or collage elements.) I put all of the cats in the bedroom and worked at the kitchen table last night for a little while – and what a fine mess I made! There are a few sources of instructions for this (and a couple of variations) on the web. The Quilting Arts web site has Beryl Taylor’s instructions, here. And Arlee Barr has a wonderful tutorial, here. Got to play with this some more...

Stitch Explorer Challenge

2010-01-03T20:17:00.004-05:00

Here is a little sampler I embroidered for the final Stitch Explorer Challenge project. I combined some laid stitch samples (couched filling, laid trellis) with chicken scratch. Of all the new stitches I learned this year, chicken scratch is my favorite. I know I will be playing with that more in the future. Thanks to dear Sharon B for a fun year of stitching!

Ellowyne Goes Christmas Shopping...

2010-01-02T00:09:00.003-05:00

In the holiday rush, I forgot to take a photograph of Ellowyne in the new fur jacket and hat I made for her two weeks ago. The jacket is from a pattern that is in the current issue of Doll Reader magazine. The hat is from a Kitty Collier doll pattern.

Ellowyne’s Christmas tree pin is actually a cheap earring! Her miniature shopping bag was one of several in a package from the dollar store. Who doesn’t love the dollar store?

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T18:34:00.004-05:00

In an attempt to get my act together for the New Year, I joined Susan Sorrell’s 2010 Monthly Art Experiment. I am hoping to actually try some of the wonderful projects in Quilting Arts and Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazines – instead of just admiring them. As a further challenge, I’m going to attempt to limit myself to supplies I have on hand (shouldn’t be too difficult as I seem to have every art supply known to man!). The challenge is very loose since the participants may choose to try any project from a book or magazine that interests them. Last summer, I sat outside one sunny afternoon with my stack of magazines and actually wrote down the page numbers of the projects I wanted to do someday. And, of course, I have since lost the list! Well, I’m looking at it as an excuse to go through the magazines again! I am really looking forward to broadening my horizons a bit.

I tried a little experiment today that I’ve wanted to try for a couple of years, since I first saw it in Quilting Arts magazine – and it took next to no time! I used a stamp to make an impression in some fusible fiber (a type of Angelina I got on sale quite awhile ago). I wasn’t sure it would work because I only had a foam rubber stamp and I was afraid it would melt. I put the stamp on the ironing board, face up; then put some fiber down on top and covered it with a piece of parchment paper. A few seconds later, with a dry iron set on the “silk” setting, I got a nice crisp image - and the stamp is none the worse for wear!

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-24T00:39:00.003-05:00

DAE’s Smoking Flame Vivian is borrowing Gene Marshall’s American Countess gown. Madame Alexander’s Suzette is borrowing Gene’s Crescendo gown (with violin). This photo was taken a couple of years ago.

Treasures from the Sea

2009-12-15T01:01:00.004-05:00

I mounted a small collection of delightful vintage carved Mother of Pearl buttons on an embellished and embroidered background I had created for the TAST challenge a couple of years ago. I think the frame (purchased in Michael’s) is evocative of a whitewashed beach cottage. I'll be adding this to my Etsy shop, soon.