NEW RELEASE ~ Suffragette Sally

Finally, I'm releasing my Suffragette Sally pattern and pressmold (for polymer clay face with cloth-over). 23 pages of instructions include a full-page color face insert. The cost is $38 plus actual postage. You can purchase this pattern and mold on my website HERE.

Up to my eyeballs...

I've finally finished my fourth Suffragette Sally sample doll for class, and I think that's sufficient. This one ended up being just a little shorter than the others (15-1/2 to 16 inches tall) - the difference in fabrics used, I guess. I really like the green print for her dress. It has a kind of vintage feel, I think, and it goes well with the red hair.

Tomorrow I begin packing in earnest. I'm so fearful I'll forget something. And I keep having those airline lost luggage dreams. Not at all restful!

A Call for Hoffman Dolls

It's time again to start thinking about this year's Hoffman Challenge. I've had the challenge fabric for a couple months, but have hardly had a moment to think about it. The print this year is rather large, so I might experiment with some different fabric manipulation techniques.

For the past 10 years or so I've been hosting pages on my website dedicated to Hoffman doll entries - as many as I can get. Visit my webpage to see some of the past challenge fabrics. On that page are links to some of the challenge dolls - not all of them (there are many more), but just those sent to me by the dollmakers themselves. Not everyone gets to travel to the Hoffman exhibits, so this is my way to see as many of the dolls as possible.

I encourage participants in the doll category to send me photos of their dolls for inclusion. Remember, it's all about challenging yourself and not comparing yourself to others. Please consider entering this challenge (I'm not affiliated with Hoffman Fabrics). Take photos of your doll (ideally with an uncluttered background so we can better see your doll), and send them to me: blueheron61@charter.net. I include links to your blogs and websites if you have them. Please let me know the name of your doll and the source of your pattern (your original design, or patterns by other dollmakers) and inspiration.

Discounted Amity patterns still available

I spent some time reorganizing my pattern supply today, and found a few more discounted Amity patterns. The sale price is $7 plus postage. Here's a link to my pattern page, which will have the discounted price built into the PayPal button there. Just scroll down until you see this yellow pattern cover. Be sure to click on the discounted sale button.

Amity is one of my earlier patterns, copyright 2003. She's about 21 inches tall, and is suitable for all skill levels. This is also a doll that would be appropriate for gentle play. Her clothing (dress, bloomers) are removable. She holds a little dolly, which is also included in this pattern. Here's a link to my Amity page on my website.

BOM ~ May

I just finished the May set of blocks for Amy Gibson's free Block of the Month class on the Craftsy website.  They went pretty fast. This months blocks were variations of the Log Cabin. I messed up a bit on the wonky one on the right, but it's all a learning experience for me. 

I'm using fabrics from a fat quarter bundle called "Fresh Flowers" by Deb Strain for Moda. Again, here are all the blocks thus far in no particular order.

COMING SOON! Suffragette Sally Pattern

Only a couple more weeks until May's conference in Ohio. I've been doing prep work at every opportunity, and I think I have finally finished the instructions for my Suffragette Sally pattern.

Now I'm just waiting for the cover prints to arrive. The pattern and pressmold will be available for sale at the conference, and then on my website when I get home.

Better Photos (Harvest Moon doll)

 Tonight I finally took a few better photos of my latest doll, made from my "Under the Harvest Moon" pattern - this time done up in Spring colors. I think I may take her to Ohio with me when I go to teach in May along with her pattern (available HERE).

I took many photos, trying to get the angles and lighting right. What did we every do before digital cameras?!  I haven't used my old Canon AE-1 in years. It might be fun to get it out one of these days.  Then I'd need to figure out where to take film to be developed!

Countdown!

The Doll Party Gala is less than a month away, I'm starting to feel the anxiety of the countdown. Starting to dream about packing (and forgetting really important items needed for the class).

Yesterday I put together the kits for the class and started working on a new Suffragette Sally sample doll - or at least her dress. I think this one will be a redhead.

Today is beautiful, and it's been a long time since we had really nice weather here at the coast. I think I should take a nice walk along the dike and maybe bring my camera before I sequester myself in the studio.

A Doll, Finished

It was a sewing marathon this weekend, and I was able to finish my Harvest Moon doll (well, except her unders). I used dupioni silk for bodice and lower legs, and while I LOVE the look of the fabric, I HATE how it frays. But those were the fabrics I had on hand that matched the colors in the print skirt fabric.

I couldn't find any suitable fringed trim for her hair, so made a Tibetan lamb wig. I'll probably take her with me to the conference in Ohio in May.

Happy Easter!