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Lots of Sleeves

3/22/2015

10 Comments

 
Here's what I've been working on all of last week.....four sets of sleeves.....
Picture
It's like building an old-fashioned wedding cake - adding layer upon layer to get the right effect. They are for four Elfdoll-size costumes, one each in dark green, rust, wine red, and magenta/pink. The trims are a challenge since most are no longer available anywhere, so I'm relying on what I have in my stash from years ago.

As soon as I finish the top puffs, they can be sewn onto the bodices, and then it will actually look like I'm getting somewhere. I think I should strip down my Rosy, so she can model the finished gowns along with Ryung. It's always nicer to have two models interacting for photos.

These costumes are coming along very slowly. I think I've finally reached my 'saturation' level for these dresses, and am finding that I just can't stay focussed on them at all. I find it gets that way when I've made too many of something and it just isn't fun anymore. So I'm taking step-by-step photos as I go, so I can make a pattern with instructions. I haven't decided if I want to go into the 'pattern business' or if I'll offer it for free. Making patterns for sale is a tedious, time-consuming process, and it doesn't really seem worth it. I know that back in the 'paper pattern days' that each pattern sold would invariably end up in the hands of at least a dozen more people for free. It's a given fact. And that was back in the day when it still took some effort to duplicate a paper pattern. No one cared that it was a copyrighted pattern. But now with the Internet, it just takes a single keystroke to share a digital pattern with everyone. Selling only paper patterns doesn't really help either, since they are super easy to scan in, and again, with a single stroke on the keyboard, share with the world. It's no wonder there aren't more people selling doll patterns out there.  And it also explains why the big pattern companies print all their patterns on those huge sheets of flimsy tissue paper. Those barely last more than a single use, and are almost impossible to duplicate.  

So I'll see what I decide to do......and in the meantime there's lots of photos needing processing, and shopping to do....and it's nice and sunny out there, so let's go visit the nursery for an early taste of spring.  Sewing can wait....


10 Comments
Donna
3/22/2015 02:52:57 am

They're wonderful!! The way you have them arranged in your photo reminds me of those lovely old Victorian crazy quilts.The finished dresses are going to be gorgeous!

I agree, it is a shame the way people disregard... and disrespect... the time, talent and effort that goes into creating a pattern. When I've come across patterns for sale on eBay that I know are copies of someone else's patterns, I make a note never to buy anything ever from that particular seller. I know that's not much, but if everyone did it, it might make a difference.

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Martha
3/22/2015 04:39:03 am

I'm really looking forward to getting the four dresses done.

Thanks for the support!

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Muriel
3/22/2015 03:13:18 am

Quel travail ! Et les couleurs se marient parfaitement.
J'ai hâte de voir votre travail terminé. J'espère pouvoir acquérir un jour une de vos créations.
J'ai utilisé un de vos patrons, de ceux que vous offrez gentiment dans votre blog. Mais ce que je trouve honteux, c'est que des personnes malhonnêtes s'en servent pour gagner de l'argent et ainsi vous volez votre "art" et abuser de vos créations.
Donna a raison, si nous sommes nombreuses et nombreux à lutter contre de ce genre de pratique, peut être, un jour, cela changera...

Reply
Martha
3/22/2015 04:43:22 am

Thanks! yes, it is a lot of work, and the sleeves are the most elaborate part of these dresses.

I don't think anything will change, in fact it will probably get worse. With the Internet everything is so easily accessible and many people just treat it as a 'free resource' for anything and everything. I do allow people to sell things they make from my patterns, as long as they give credit, but I sometimes wonder how many actually do. I know there are some, since they ask me first - which I really appreciate.

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Jane
3/22/2015 04:31:47 am

Oh what fun to see a circle of half done sleeves like this.......I can't imagine the work that has gone into them *gasp*

But I am sorry the work is tedious to you.....
And I would buy patterns from you if you ever do decide to sell.

I hope you had fun in the garden ((^_^))

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Martha
3/22/2015 04:45:44 am

Maybe it's just 'spring fever', or feeling overwhelmed by so many other things. Back at Christmas I had thought of making these Renaissance gowns in several different sizes, especially some for the JIDs, but now I don't think that will happen.

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Martha
3/22/2015 04:50:03 am

It was nice in the garden centre. We are back in the deep freeze again today - high of -2 so it was nice to go somewhere and see all the spring flowers in bloom. It's still many weeks before we see anything blooming outside, so it's nice to experience them inside. I also found all the "Fairy Garden' supplies fascinating, especially the gnarly wooden houses.

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Carolina Gonzalez link
3/22/2015 09:14:05 pm

Your work is so beautiful, all of it! I just wanted to let you know that you have my deepest admiration - and I couldn't agree more about the patterns!

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Brigitte
3/23/2015 03:54:45 am

Those sleeves are so beautiful - the dresses will be awesome, when they're finished.

Reply
Xanadu
3/23/2015 09:38:49 am

Gorgeous work Martha, I love the detail you put into your garments.

I think if you do decide to sell your patterns, you just have to accept in this day and age there will always be someone who will take advantage of you and your work. I have just learnt to let go and just enjoy what I do, it does one no good to get upset about it and unless you have an endless bank balance to take them to task, there's little you can do about it. Just look at the music & movie industry. Copyright is a word with little meaning these days, except to the honest people!!

Glad you enjoyed your visit to the nursery, it probably did you a world of good and it's a great place to find inspiration. :)
Hugs,
X

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