Southern Belles AGM

It was lovely to go to the Southern Belles monthly Doll Club today, as usual there was way too much chatter but then we do have a lot to catch up on and we had to agree the programme for this year.

And, that programme is looking very exciting.........

A Papier Mache doll, lead by Carole who made this lovely little doll which now sits proudly in my collection, decoupage boxes, pattern drafting and cutting, machine embroidery and we have proposed a boost to all those unfinished projects.

I have a few challenges in mind and my contribution to workshops is a reproduction of the Steiff Roly Poly dolls.

 I have partly managed to sort out the head pattern for this, now for the body and arms.........so watch this space!

Better get on with some work then!!

Southern Belles AGM

Looking forward to our monthly doll club meeting tomorrow. AGM and secret project, I'll show you after the event! There will be the usual chatter and show and Tell to enjoy.
see more about the club here.........

Last Years project Doll 'Lucy' lead by me

Plenty to chat about.......

It's been a while..........Sorry!

I have been very remiss in keeping up to date, but I have had some bad news to deal with too. In February I was diagnosed with the disease chronic lymphocytic leaukaemia, so as you can imagine I have been bouncing off the walls for a bit trying to get my head around it all. Glad to say I am feeling a lot calmer and beginning to come to terms with having something for which there is no cure and has to get a whole lot worse before there is any treatment to put it into remission. So........ focus on creating, sewing and enjoying my favourite things.......

And my latest thing is trying to recreate the Lenci type pressed felt dolls, this is my first attempt, the next one is looking better, I'll post pictures when I'm done.

Nearly finished!

I know I've been a bit behind in keeping news up to date but I have been productive...honest! My workroom is in real need of a good sort out and all the unfinished projects need a priority order but I have nearly finished the costume for the little Jumeau 'Intrepide'.

Just need to to finish off all the trims and style her wig.

What a lovely day............

Birthday flowers.

It's my Birthday, not that I'm counting any more but I have just had a simply lovely day. The weather has been beautiful and sunny despite forecasts for rain. I've been for a lovely long walk with my two favourite boys, I've been rummaging in my fabrics and laces to find the right colour for this 16"Jumeau I made last year, A naughty treat (A custard tart) for lunch and the day isn't over yet, my daughter informs me we have to go to my friends up the road at 5.30 but she won't say why......I've got a pretty good idea though!

I'm so lucky to live right in the English countryside

Alfie did try to bring half a tree home, he was a little upset with me when I made him leave it at the gate!

Barnaby at the watering hole.

16" Jumeau 'Intrepide' ready to dress

This 2 way Thai silk looks lovely on her, matching her eyes just right!

And some antique lace to finish off, looking forward to getting started on designing and making her dress.

New projects.....

Oh My! whare have the last two weeks gone? I don't seem to have stopped and still struggling to see my achievements!! Actually I have pretty well manged to sort my workroom out. The sad fact is that I simply have TOO MUCH STUFF! but I do have a list of projects to work through and all the necessaries ready to go.

Greenware poured and soft fired

The first one is something that has been on the back burner since the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. I bought this mould many moons ago and she is a lovely doll to make in the beginners classes, so she will be my next project class but first I do have to make a better sample than the one I made so long ago as she is on the wrong body which does alter the feel of the doll.So watch this space to see my newly created Schoenau & Hoffmeister Princess Elizabeth character doll based on the Queen when she was supposedly about 3 1/2 years old

The Antique doll

Based on this picture of the Princess Elizabeth as she was then



My reproduction version made many years ago.

And as I was cleaning the car today...yes, I did clean the car!! I noticed the very first sign of Spring here in the South even though the temperature today has hardly risen above freezing in a very bitter North Easterly wind. At least it is dry and the sun has been out.

Keep well everyone and keep making.

New wigs and costumes......

This weekend I spent most of my time trying (trying being the word!) to get on top of the housework and sort out my workspace and that was around being 'Mum's taxi service' too!

I have set myself 3 tasks...these dolls need wigs and costumes with patterns, Before I start anything else (says I!)

They are a 24" Bru, Its taken me this long to finish writing up all the instructions to make the Chevrot leather body and the other is a 16" Jumeau. I have an idea for their costumes but now need to check out my fabric supply and check I have enough of something suitable.


This little raggedy has been asking to be finished for so long now, she's already becoming suitably 'distressed' !