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Busy....

5/10/2019

 
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.
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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.  
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​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....
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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.
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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....
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kenaiqueen
5/10/2019 03:32:47 pm

Not an Outlander fan, but I'm sure I'll like your versions much better than what is out there. Interesting to see you using the drop waist as I just started an outfit for a doll this morning and I was going to do the same as it will have a layered skirt. Since I learned it here some time back, I can only thank you so much for sharing all you do!

Martha
5/10/2019 06:21:57 pm

Thanks! I haven't seen any Outlander dolls that I liked either, especially not of Jamie. With him it's not only the outfits that aren't right, but the wig especially.

Anyways I'm staying away from trying to duplicate the main characters in doll form. I just like some of the costumes, and think they'd be perfect for a wilderness adventure, somewhat back in time.

Yes, the drop waist is a great tool for keeping a natural-looking waistline, especially when there's several layers of clothes.

Best of luck with your outfit too!

Dorothy
5/10/2019 09:45:59 pm

Oh, my goodness that is four projects! I am overwhelmed just thinking about them (laugh).
The sofa is adorable. I like that your granddaughters gave it to you knowing that you would create something wonderful with it. I can't wait to see how you use it in a scene.

Martha
5/11/2019 08:14:53 am

I think I'm a bit overwhelmed as well, since I don't seem to be making much progress on any of them.

That sofa is just like my red one, and will go into a 'blue' room. I'm just not sure which family of dolls gets to claim it as theirs.

Donna
5/12/2019 03:12:22 pm

I'm echoing Dorothy in saying four projects at the same time are overwhelming to think about. However, you are so organized and good at what you do that all of them will turn out beautifully!

I'm really looking forward to seeing how David's wig turns out, because I'd love to try making one for my Wyatt (boy Lonnie).

It is always so interesting and helpful to see how you solve problems that come up as you create something new. Thanks for sharing the journey!

Martha
5/12/2019 07:03:19 pm

Thanks for having faith in me! It was a very stressful week, so my head was all over the place, and it was hard to focus on any one thing. Hopefully things will calm down this week.

I made David's wig, and it looks good. It just needs some minor adjustments, like the last fringe of hair glued into the back of the neck, and a tiny snippet glued in front of one ear, since the wire is showing. But otherwise it looks pretty much the same as his first wig, only a darker auburn.

The sofa has a seat cushion, and the armrests are made. I just have to attach them.

Bianca's second skirt is drying on the heat register, and skirt #3 is ready to gather onto the waistband. And I reworked the first bodice pattern after all. Changed my mind about using velveteen, and need to choose other fabrics for her bodices.

I have four weeks to make the 'Outlander' costumes, so the Victorian family is on hold until I'm finished those.


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    Author

    Martha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes.
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