Stitch, stitch, stitch...

I seem to be getting back into textiling more and more lately... I have done alot less painting, but my sewing machine is getting a hammering!!  I've been taking part in a few swaps on stitchin fingers , and this is what I've been working on for the Spring Fabric Postcard swap

It's collaged fabrics and plastics over felt, with ribbon flowers. It was great fun, I love building up with materials, coloured threads and different stitches... each new layer can dictate a new direction and look. I work alot with ribbon, but not like this- I might have to do some more!!

This pair are for the March challenge- Architecture. I love stained glass panels and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to play with the idea. I also love Tiffany and Macintosh, but didn't feel up to such intricate designs... so I chose a star shape and worked out from that, utterly random and intuitive.

As always I work a large panel so I have some left over, and cut the chosen areas from it. I bound these with ribbon to match the scheme and finish the look. I added angelina in places to give an extra bit of sparkle reflecting the light like real glass panels.

I hope the recipients enjoy them as much as I've enjoyed creating them.

Equinox dolls

Having finished the dolls for the Equinox swap on Milliande's , I finished my own equinox doll last night.. both sides, so she's now hanging up pride of place over the tv. Here's how she looks... I even managed to find some relevant little charms hidden in one of my bead boxes- I love not having to buy stuff for projects!!

 Remember those fimo faces I sculpted and then cast for a beading project? They're in the craft tutorial section if not... well, I decided they weren't what I wanted for that project and set them aside for later use. Perfect for this project, the resin plaster takes acrylic paints really well.

I'm going to make a Summer/ Winter doll to match, but I shan't start her until nearer the time... I need to gather my materials up first... can't wait though, these 3 were so much fun after 40 years since the last one, my how time flies...

Too old for dollies?

One has to ask that question occaisionally, and I'm not sure of the answer anymore! Regarding playing - maybe, but a return to creating them after 30+ years... well, maybe I'm not too old for that.

Lois is hosting an Equinox doll swap ready for the Vernal equinox on march 22nd. I couldn't resist... it has been so many years since I created a doll of any kind, and not having an interest in them generally I never felt the need. But to have a handmade doll celebrating the equinoxes seemed like a fun and relevant thing to do. In fact I'm going to do the Summer/ Winter solstice doll too to create  a matching pair.

I had a quick look online for inspiration, and set about re-honing my ability for pattern making. I rough sketch first and then work out the details like positioning,tucks etc. Although these are very simple flat  dolls, I am also going to make a doll with arms and legs while I have all the materials to hand- I'll be keeping this one as half of my celebration pair.

Here are the finished flat dolls... ready to be posted off... and a half finished proper doll ready to be embellished. I'll post pics of it when it's done, but in the meantime I'll be putting the tutorial over in the how-to's textiles section.

Goddess pattern, spring side

Goddess pattern, autumn side

Leggy doll ready to embellish