Playing dress ups and sewing dolls

I have always been fascinated by fabric patterns and textures.  Memories of being a  7-10 year old and playing dress ups with all my dolls using tissue paper, pipe cleaners, wool, aluminum foil - anything that looked fun and useable - to create their outfits. They were always out there creations. Big ballgown type dresses, sequins glued on, bits of feathers. This always excited me. The colours especially. My dolls were my models and designing looks for the various games my sister and I would play was fun to me. Happy memories.  :)

Today I continue indulging in my fabric fascination as I sew my little creations. However I also get to experiment with various prints and colours for my own personal style.

For a long time I wore what I would call my, blend into the background type colours.  You know -  black, beige, navy blue, and browns.  All nice. All safe. All guaranteed I would not be noticed.  However,  lately there has been a complete shift in my personal style. I am making bolder choices,  wearing colours and patterns that I have longed to wear, yet I was too scared to.  Its sort of scary but also exciting as I get to mix and match and create fun looks for myself. I am my own big doll.  Finally  :)

Craftyclaudes handmade:: Pretty little Babushka Doll Softie

I have been working on a new softie/doll.  For a while now I have been researching Babushka dolls but hadn't found any that incorporated a little bit of hand sewing as well as up cycled fabrics that I liked.  So I set about designing one using a simple pattern I made on my own.

The pattern allows me to use double layers of fabric for extra strength and colour possibilities.

So on my recent visit to the Salvos I found these beautiful linen knickerbockers in a light grey. The quality of the linen is A1 - no pesky knots (slubs) in the fabric.  Although they are a very tiny size 4, for a couple of dollars I couldn't resist.  

snip snip - off with the leg!

I also found this lovely fabric napkin.  This one has a sweet, hand embroidered trim that sets off a little  applique flower.  A lot of  hand made love was put into this napkin, and just my luck, I rescued it from the fabric miscellany bin.

After cutting out the fabric pieces, I did a little hand embroidery.  A quick refresher from mum allowed me to chain stitch the eyes in a sleepy little look. A peaceful babushka ready for a nap and many hugs.  Here she is all finished!

The new Brother NS20 is working a treat. Allowing me to sew through many layers of fabric and with 40 stitches I get to experiment a little with some machine embroidery.

So there she is all finished. She is very cute and plump like a good cushion and soon leaving me to go to a new home.

Whats new at Little Harriet .....

I dropped in on Lizie at Little Harriet to check out the current 50% off Winter Sale as well as replenish some of my birds, dolls and owlies being stocked there.  Here are some pretty things I saw whilst visiting:

I stocked up on some pretty spring fashions, fun vintage jewelry pieces and shoes.  Oh so lovely.
So drop in and visit Lizie.  Not only will it feel like walking into one big girlie closet, but all your senses will be transported with beautiful music, scented candles and a sweet or two......

Little Harriet

Designer Vintage, Shabby Chic Fashion & Decor. All things nice with added sugar and spice

• Shop 3, 176 Parraweena Rd, MIRANDA, NSW, 2228
  (Cnr of Ingara Avenue and Parraweena Road Miranda. )

Softies for Mirabel - my contribution

I first read about this worthy cause here.    So I began drawing and sewing and playing with different fabrics to create these 2 little cuties.  Ready to bring some smiles this Christmas.   Off they went to Melbourne today. Its their first plane ride. They are excited and promised to call me as soon as they arrive....I miss them already.

Sabine....ready to make the trip down to Fitzroy

Jordi - The Mexican Luchador...escorting Sabine

Ready for Melbourne weather - plenty of stylish layers....

Jordi's cape will keep him warm.

scarf detail....

Luchador cape and mask detail

tick tock tick tock.....

As pretty as this clock is, it only serves as a reminder that a deadline is looming.   Way back in winter my lovely friend Maves and I set each other a goal.  The goal would serve as a way to keep creative ideas and inspiration at the forefront of our minds. So we set about pursuing our favourite crafts (me: sewing   / Maves: sculpting).  Along the way we have been sharing ideas and updating each other on the progress of our creations. It has actually been a wonderful time.  Personally I know that I have been far less of a procrastinator and have not felt like giving up when creations don't quite go my way.  Its also nice to be able to talk about what you are making as often crafting is a lonely activity.  I still do however dream of a starting a crafty club where we can all come together for a few hours and share cups of tea and chat and craft away on our projects.  Something to work on for the future I think!.

So next Sunday 10 October, our creations are due.   We get to show them off to each other  and Maves gets to use her other big talent - photography - and we will have a day of styling and photographing our creations.     I have been thinking of ideas for how I would like my little dolls, birds, owls and brooches photographed.   Its very exciting and I look forward to sharing them soon.

Sewing techniques learned along the way....

pequeñitas - (minus the pins) soon to be shared!