Another Belles Meeting.......

Another lovely day spent with the Southern Belles, a lot of work going on making a little leather writing case for a fashion doll, sadly I didn't manage to get a picture  of the finished item but there was lots to 'show and tell'

 Two beautiful Victorian music boxes (Manivelles)

 Christmas box, definitely a workshop waiting to happen

 Finished projects.....finally!

 Everyone working.....and chatting!

And I was able to introduce the workshop later in the year, this is my Steiff inspired Roly Poly doll prototype no.2, still some refinements to go but getting there

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!!

This year has flown by........

Here we are in November, I just can't believe how this year has just flown by, but I have enjoyed some lovely autumnal walks and this morning sky was quite spectacular even if the photo doesn't quite show it.

My apple tree is over flowing

and the trees are looking wonderful in their Autumn colours.

 But I have been busy, here's a quick sneek peak at the workshop I shall be teaching at our next doll club, its supposed to be a Christmas fun workshop, so I have chosen a simple cloth doll pattern from the Tilda range, everyone will have the choice of making one of these, but Shh! no one is supposed to know what it is!

And another month went by...........

Still struggling to figure out where all the time has gone, BUT....I have been very busy. We just pulled off a great little mini doll convention in Bournemouth thanks to Lesley and Mike of Ellies Doll Workshop, I am so proud of my club The Southern Belles, we did it!

Carole Ably demonstrating wefting mohair to make wigs for antique reproduction dolls

Elaine teaching a little sewing workshop to make a little sewing caddy. I didn't get a picture of the finished article unfortunately.

Sylvia and Eddie minding the club stand and my stand whilst I was helping with the registration and competition entries.

Some of the competition dolls

This was my own exhibition stand, I couldn't be with it a lot of the time but I hope people enjoyed some of my stuff!

a few more finishes........

I've set myself the task of finishing some of the unfinished projects that have been hanging around for a while and decided that If I'm not really interested in it anymore then it has to go. I have so many projects I want to work on and I have an exhibition coming up in October that some serious sorting needs doing!

Another Journal cover, I started this for my Mum two Birthdays ago, It's her Birthday next week so she might finally get it this year!

This little Raggedy has been hanging around with no wig for some time, but i am delighted with her now that she is finished. just running up a little cloth bag to put her in as a gift.

I've had a good clear up!

Holiday over, back to work and school tomorrow (ugh!) but the house is clean and tidy and I've managed to get some time in my workroom.

I bought this book probably two years ago now mainly because Alice spotted that there was a kit to make the bag in it....well I finally got round to making it this weekend, I'm not so sure that Cath Kidson is all the rage now but Alice will be pleased I'm sure.

 

And another sort out in my renovation box, I acquired these lovely composition vintage dolls some time ago but they all need a bit of work to tidy them up and give them a bit of a refresh, I'm looking forward to spending a bit of time on them.

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.

Tilda Angels

I know I'm supposed to be starting on the antique reproduction costumes for the Bru and the Jumeau, but I got distracted again!! My friend Shirley's birthday is coming up soon and like me she is a bit of an insomniac. Ages ago I decided to make her a Tilda sleep angel, well she has the choice of two!

Both stuffed with lavender which should help a little. Now to clear up my sewing room and get on with those costumes.

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' !

It's nearly holiday time.......

It has been a very long week this week. I am so looking forward to our annual trip to north Cornwall. Only two more work days to go and then a day or two at home to get sorted and travel down in the early hours of Saturday morning. It's tradition to be at the Little Diner when it opens at 6.00 am for breakfast!

I should have been doing some housework today but, you know how it is.... I got distracted! I decided that these little embroideries I did would make cute little pillows....what d'ya think?

And a quick little project......

A friend asked me to redress this little doll for her which I believe is going to be used as a prop in a film next year. The brief was to replicate her existing costume but in a specific material that I was given. It was fun to do......just hope she is what is wanted!

In her new underwear

And redressed!