Sewing Again

We're due to start building work within the the next few weeks.  So, before Christmas, with this in mind and with Christmas coming up I packed all my fabric into the loft and my sewing machines went on top of my wardrobe.  

I have decided to bring it all back down.  I miss sewing, I miss my fabric.  The builders aren't due to start downstairs for a few months yet, anyway, and the project's already running behind schedule.  Que sera.   The last sewing I did was for a winter swap on Plastic Paradise.  My first swap, so I had no idea how much or how little to make.  Anyway, this is what I sent my swap partner:

The slippers were from a store on Etsy, I just added the fabric on their box

On Plastic Paradise there's currently a sew-a-long - the dearest little jacket.  I've been itching to have a try.  Also, Juniper is long overdue some new clothes.  My fabrics are really difficult to get to and I know I don't have enought felt, so I decided to repurpose an angora sweater that never should have been washed at 60 deg C.  

I LOVE knits, and I LOVE repurposing - it gives me such a deep sense of satisfaction.  I used to do it all the time as a cash-strapped teenager/student.  (Necessity really is the mother of invention).   So off I went.  A fairly simple pattern.  Most of those participating seemed to have run theirs up with ease.  Not me!  The first sleeve went in a treat.  I was really pleased because a) I'd never set in a sleeve before, and b) I'd never sewn with knits before.  I'd discovered the overlock stitch on my machine and it all seemed to work as it should - removing the thought that perhaps I should have a serger if I'm going to sew with knits.  Self-congratulation all round.

I then sewed in the second sleeve - and realised I'd sewn it the wrong side facing.  So I unpicked the overlock stitch on a stretchy fabric.  I sewed it in again, and unpicked it again (I'd sewn it into the neckline).  Then I cut out a new sleeve (the previous one's shape by now bore no relation to the pattern) and sewed that in.  It was the wrong way round again.  I flung it aside, cut out the entire pattern again (thank heavens it was an old jumper) and made this:

I pinked the edges, and hand-edged them with a wide whipstitch in a matching mohair yarn.   I've thoroughly enjoyed my evening. 

Dilemma

This past week, over on Plastic Paradise, there's been a discussion thread I found very interesting and informative.  We were discussing collecting Blythe dolls, and in answer to my question about how one actually lets a girl go,  Happily Candied gave a very detailed and considered response.  In her reply she outlined many new collectors' patterns and I find they have mirrored my own - pretty much all that takes one's fancy (budget allowing) and then starting to narrow it down to personal preferences.  Interestingly mine are following Happily Candied's, redheads, now SBL's and on to BL's (not realised as yet).

In curiosity I've adopted a matte Aubrena, a red-head and to see what a matte is like.  (I need to find out whether she's a sand-or-spray matte).  I learned from PP that for many sand is better, it lasts longer and can't come off.   I've also just learned that matte girl takes a lovely photograph.

 In curiosity I've adopted an Odekake Kimono Museme (Linnet), again, a red-head.  I was very proud of myself for this one as she was advertised on eBay as a nude Blythe doll - no name.  I id'ed her and bought her.

Now, were I to start selling off some of girls, she (Linnet) is the one I would sell.  Why?  Because I haven't particularly bonded with her.  She doesn't have that "special something" for me right now.  And I say now because I've come to realise that I could develop a bond with all Blythe dolls given time - they all have their own special something.   (Except FBL's - not for me).

And therein lies my dilemma. On an emotional level I can let Linnet go (now).  But from a collector's point of view she's a CWC limited edition of 3,000 dolls (2007) -  SBL.  The Flickr group is relatively small - is that indicative of her popularity?  I do realise that not having her stock lowers her price but I'm pretty sure I have her box and/or shipper.  As a collector, I should keep her.  But then how do I fund my growing fondness for BL's.  Not to mention the grail girls!!

Antique Blythe Re-ment at the V&A Musuem of Childhood

The following pics are all from the same dolls house, made in about 1880 and 1:6 scale.  Can't you just see your girls living in the lap of luxury here?  (Not the greatest of pics - all behind glass and camera-phone).

Beginning at the top of the house and moving down. 

The nursery - the baby dolls, their toys....... 

and then, to the left of the nursery, the main bedroom.  I love that that writing desk in the corner - actually I think it's worthy of being called an escritoire.

This photograph above is the drawing room.  

Below is my favourite!  All of those little kitchen utensils and pots and pans and moulds made out of copper.  There's even a copper fish kettle.  Then on the right hand side the clay jelly moulds and a little ceramic rolling pin!  My girls would don their aprons in a trice!   

Since becoming a Blythe collector, I find I'm now looking at all toys differently.  I always have liked toys and dolls, but more in a "not for me, I'm supposed to be a grown-up" way.  I realise that I've always loved teddy bears - especially older ones - and doesn't everyone love Winnie-the-Pooh?      

So here is a VIB - a Very Important Bear, made in 1927.  He's got such a lovely face with bright eyes and a kindly smile.  He reminds me very much of  Winnie-the-Pooh (who dates from a little earlier) in his proportions and the shape of his arms.  I can almost see Piglet and hear Christopher Robin calling.  (It's only tea, I promise!).

Busy Days for Juniper

Happy New Year One and All

Juniper and I have begun the 365 Days Blythe challenge on Flickr.  I've been following it for a while and it's part of my New Year's Resolution to create/craft every day.   As it's the tail end of the school holidays, we've been out and about a lot.   I've tried to explain the Juniper that this will end and life will become more more routine and home-based - until the building works begin anyway.

On New Year's Day we went to see "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" - a great film.  I loved the story and it was beautifully shot and really well acted and directed by Ben Stiller (no, he hasn't paid me for this unequivocal endorsement!).

The next day I took my youngest to the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green.  After an excellent, fortifying lunch in their cafe, we wandered around.  My youngest came running up to me and said, "Mummy, come here, I've got a surprise for you!!".  He led me excitedly to a display cabinet housing....

...a brunette, chunky-bangs Kenner.  He's not indoctrinated then, LOL!  I hugged him, thanked him, and then....DROOL.  What a beauty.  All sorts of scenarios flashed through my mind, including offering the information officer at the Museum vast sums of money (which I didn't have) to let me take her home that minute, offering to swap Juniper for her - the thought darted across my mind and was gone - reader, I couldn't... could I? Note to self, don't let Juniper read this post. Back to the real world.

The dolls were fascinating.  I can't believe I haven't been to anything like this before - all those doll-free years.

This is a little 1920's Italian doll

whose owner had a matching dress made - apparently the done thing for little girls then.

More dolls - obviously the stitching is exquisite.

Then these caught my eye.....

I love the fabric on this puppet's dress.

Look out for the amazing 18th and 19th Century doll houses in my next post.