I have several projects on the go right now.
My granddaughters recently gave me their blue Victorian sofa since they never use it anymore. The seat seems very low, so I thought I'd make a thin cushion to make it a bit higher. And while I was at it, I thought I'd add a bit of 'padding' to the arm rests as well. But I had only a very small piece of dark blue velveteen, not enough to make the cushion. So we went to Fabricland to see if they had velveteen, and yes they did, but nowadays there's synthetic fibres in it so it's not nearly as matte as the old-fashioned 100% cotton velveteen, which is what I need.
Then I found another strip of the navy velveteen, which had interfacing bodice patterns for two dresses ironed on the backside. So I pulled them off, and suddenly had enough velveteen. Barely.
My granddaughters recently gave me their blue Victorian sofa since they never use it anymore. The seat seems very low, so I thought I'd make a thin cushion to make it a bit higher. And while I was at it, I thought I'd add a bit of 'padding' to the arm rests as well. But I had only a very small piece of dark blue velveteen, not enough to make the cushion. So we went to Fabricland to see if they had velveteen, and yes they did, but nowadays there's synthetic fibres in it so it's not nearly as matte as the old-fashioned 100% cotton velveteen, which is what I need.
Then I found another strip of the navy velveteen, which had interfacing bodice patterns for two dresses ironed on the backside. So I pulled them off, and suddenly had enough velveteen. Barely.
I've made the fringes for David's new wig, and have him prepped for when I actually make it. I'm going to make a hard cap wig, but this time I crocheted the cap. I've figured out how to crochet 'sideburns', and add more to the back, so the wig will fit better around the ears. Then I sewed a wire edge to help shape the form and keep the wig snug to the face.
Problem is, he looks like he's suffocating under there, so I better hurry up and make the wig so he can breathe again.
I also decided to try make a tiny wig for Sena, just to see if it's possible to make a short 'baby' style wig. If not, then I'll just ask to have her hair painted. But I won't know until I try....
I also decided to try make a tiny wig for Sena, just to see if it's possible to make a short 'baby' style wig. If not, then I'll just ask to have her hair painted. But I won't know until I try....
And I finally got an inspiration for what costumes to make next, but they've been fighting me. I've decided to make costumes for Rex and Bianca inspired by the clothes worn by Jamie and Claire in the Outlander. The dolls are not going to BE them, they will just wear costumes inspired by them.
So first up is the outfit for Bianca. I've made stockings, underwear, and a petticoat. I looked through my box of tartans and plaids, and the best option was a nice gray plaid. Problem is, it's a relatively heavy synthetic fabric, and I was concerned that it wouldn't hang, or drape, well. But the only way to find out is to make it up. So I did. I made it with a 'yoke' at the waist to gather the huge skirt onto, that way it would reduce some of the bulk in her waist. These dolls already have disproportionately long legs, so I don't need skirts rising up making the waist look even higher. Anyways, I washed the skirt to remove any sizing, soaked it in fabric softener, and it doesn't look too bad - as long as the doll is just standing around.
I would want to stain the bottom of the skirt, but am waiting to see if I'm going to keep it, since most people want their doll clothes to be immaculate, whereas I prefer my characters to look like their clothes have been 'lived in'. And in the wilderness where nothing would ever get washed, their clothes would definitely not look like they just came from the tailor.
So first up is the outfit for Bianca. I've made stockings, underwear, and a petticoat. I looked through my box of tartans and plaids, and the best option was a nice gray plaid. Problem is, it's a relatively heavy synthetic fabric, and I was concerned that it wouldn't hang, or drape, well. But the only way to find out is to make it up. So I did. I made it with a 'yoke' at the waist to gather the huge skirt onto, that way it would reduce some of the bulk in her waist. These dolls already have disproportionately long legs, so I don't need skirts rising up making the waist look even higher. Anyways, I washed the skirt to remove any sizing, soaked it in fabric softener, and it doesn't look too bad - as long as the doll is just standing around.
I would want to stain the bottom of the skirt, but am waiting to see if I'm going to keep it, since most people want their doll clothes to be immaculate, whereas I prefer my characters to look like their clothes have been 'lived in'. And in the wilderness where nothing would ever get washed, their clothes would definitely not look like they just came from the tailor.
So we went to Value Village to look for something in a similar small, dull colour, plaid, but in a better fabric. I came home with a man's shirt, and a pair of flannel pajama pants. I'm in the process of cutting them up so I can make two more skirts. And these will get 'worn and stained'.
Then there's her bodice. I altered an existing pattern, made a sample, but it didn't fit the way I wanted (it's the white peaking out underneath). So I pinned her strapless gown test bodice over top so I can draft new patterns to make another test....
Then there's her bodice. I altered an existing pattern, made a sample, but it didn't fit the way I wanted (it's the white peaking out underneath). So I pinned her strapless gown test bodice over top so I can draft new patterns to make another test....
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