An 'Old' Coat

6/4/2019

I did some staining and painting down of Rex's coat this morning. I wet the coat along the edges and wherever I thought it should have a more 'worn' look, then let some very diluted beige paint seep in. I used a stiff brush and my fingers to smooth out the paint, then let the coat dry....

I also discovered that a single 'lazy daisy' embroidery stitch would pass for a 'buttonhole'.

You can see the 'dusty, worn' edges everywhere, making it look more believable as an old coat.

I finished knitting his new (third attempt) arm warmers last night....

...and made him a belt this morning....

Donna

6/4/2019 05:46:58 pm

He could have stepped right out of the past! The coat looks old and well worn, but just right. He looks incredibly handsome and ready to take control of any situation.

Martha

6/4/2019 08:14:54 pm

Thanks! I'm really happy with it, and especially like that last photo of him.

Michele Collins link

6/4/2019 07:00:44 pm

Wonderful!. Thanks for sharing.

Martha

6/4/2019 08:15:10 pm

You're welcome.

Dorothy

6/4/2019 07:46:26 pm

Yes, this coat does look worn. I like how you transformed it. He still looks quite handsome though (smile).

Martha

6/4/2019 08:16:58 pm

It's mostly the staining that gives it the worn look, although the sanding helps too.

Yes, he is very handsome. He's always been my favourite of all the male sculpts, but I couldn't justify getting him in the big size. But then they released him in the Fun size.

Sara

6/4/2019 08:08:36 pm

You are truly remarkable, Martha! Amazing work.

Martha

6/4/2019 08:17:19 pm

Thank you!

Lorraine

6/5/2019 10:18:37 am

I love how this came out! Except now I look at him and want to say "Poor dear, you need a new coat." LOL I love the lazy daisy stitch as a buttonhole. It never occurred to me to try that but now I will. Thanks for the inspiration!

Martha

6/5/2019 04:09:45 pm

But how long does a 'new' coat actually look 'new'? It doesn't, except if one is upper class or royalty, and can afford LOTs of clothes. Which may still happen one day.

It didn't occur to me either. I was going to embroider a buttonhole using the chain stitch, and the first one I tried looked awful. Then I thought to use just one chain stitch, and that looked perfect. I suspect it would only work on MSD and smaller clothes though. For the bigger dolls the stitch would have to be way too big, and would probably look wrong.

kenaiqueen

6/5/2019 01:25:12 pm

He's perfectly gorgeous. The coat is just splendid! Can I ask where you got the boots? I'm having a terrible time finding shoes for my Rex. (The Iplehouse accessories are so expensive, esp. with the shipping. Yikes!)

Martha

6/5/2019 04:11:46 pm

I ordered the boots from Iplehouse back when I bought him. I knew he was destined to play historic characters, and figured I might as well get them right up front.

Yes, they were very expensive - they cost more than my own shoes - but I figured I'd not find any as nice anywhere else.

Brigitte

6/7/2019 09:06:47 am

The coat is amazing. I love it. It really looks worn and so much better then before.

Jay

6/7/2019 11:45:26 am

I absolutely adore him! And, of course, his incredible outfit. I just love period clothing and there aren't enough out there! You do it so well! I totally want to steal him. :-) I love how you share you photos and methods. Not that I could ever aspire to make anything like you do, but there are great tips to use on the few things I make. Well done Martha! Just amazing!

Ruth Carpenter

6/24/2019 07:28:36 pm

I just love all of your work. I spend so much time just admiring your pictures I don't get any work done for my dolls!

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An 'Old' Coat

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