Thursday, September 22, 2011

TTT - the Dolly Edition

I know my last post was a little depressing (thank you for the sympathy and lovely messages, they meant alot) but I now have good news. Nay, great news.  I have finally found my sewing mojo.  Yippee!  To be fair, credit must be given to the group of lovely ladies who came to my house last night for our first ever Night of Craft.  Admittedly not much craft was actually done but there was plenty of chat, brainstorming, encouragement and oohs and ahhs.  It was exactly what I needed and I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of excitement.  Consequently, I quickly grabbed my Christmas stash (before I lost the urge again) and started cutting, pinning and sewing.  I am trying something new (for me) and, I must say, it is coming along nicely.

I'll leave that as a little teaser, though, and move onto the real purpose of this post...

Thursday Think Tank

During this week I shamelessly begged for a doll cot that one of the families I babysit for was about to throw out.  Even though it was slightly embarassing and the Dad thought I was slightly weird, once I saw the little cot next to their bin I just couldn't get it out of my mind.  What potential!  I was thinking, with a little love and care, it would make a wonderful display item if I ever get around to holding my own market stall (as is the eventual plan).  And, since I have re-discovered my mojo, I've had a million and one ideas bouncing around in my head in regards to this little find.  Because once you start talking doll cots... it can only naturally progress to dolls and quilts and clothes...

The Cot that Started It All
Firstly, here is a picture of what the doll cot started as, way back before Miss M and Miss E got their little hands on it (minus the mobile, doll and... err... little girl).


Score!  Stay tuned for the post where I turn the remains back into something of beauty.  I promise to include photos from every step of the way - from its current state to the final reveal.

Doll Softie
At this point in time, I am a huge fan of the quirky, yet simple, doll, with triangular shaped body, long limbs, round head and cute little embroidered face.  I love how, with one pattern, you can create dolls with completely different personalities, by just changing fabrics, hairstyles, embellishments and expressions.  There are many, many, many similar dolls out there, and just as many patterns, but, to give you an idea for what I'm on about, here is an example, by Dolly Donations


Doll Quilt
In the last week the Fabric Fairy and I have become BFFs and, as such, my sewing den is starting to resemble a shop.  So, in the interests of severely reducing my stash before Mr C comes home and has a conniption, a couple of adorable doll quilts will not go astray.  Due to their compact size I am thinking that these quilts with give me many fantastic opportunities to be adventurous and try different patterns and techniques and, maybe even, free motion quilting.  Eek!

Here is a simple, yet effective, design by During Quiet Time that I am hereby adding to the list.

 

So, there you go.  A whole doll extravaganza seems to be in my future.  And, you know what, I can't wait!

Once again, this post is linked to Thursday Think Tank with making rebecca lynne.  Don't forget to pop over and see Becca's wonderful ideas for this week.  You'll be sorry if you don't!  ;)

E.

6 comments:

  1. I wrote out this whole comment and then my internet vanished. Damnit. Anyway, the girls are loving dolls right now...so maybe I'll just have to snatch up one of these lovelies. Of course they would have to be feisty to get along with my darling daughters...heh heh...

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  2. I can't wait to see what you do with the doll bed! I also like the doll pattern. Looks like I'll be adding that to my Christmas to do list for my daughter. Hmmmm send that Fabric Fairy my way so I can get busy!

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  3. I'm going to watch the progress of the cot with interest - such a good find!! Love the pattern you've picked - can't wait to see it!

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  4. Look forward to seeing all your new sewing - it makes me sad my children are all grown up and no one to make dolls clothes and quilts for anymore :(

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  5. Ha your sewing den resembles a shop? My entire house looks like someone set off a fabric bomb!!! I said my house is covered in fabric and my friend said "no, it's more like your fabric collection is strewn with bits of house!"

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  6. Ha your sewing den resembles a shop? My entire house looks like someone set off a fabric bomb!!! I said my house is covered in fabric and my friend said "no, it's more like your fabric collection is strewn with bits of house!"

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