Mystery Doll X 2

Finally I’m able to show you the Mystery Dolls I made. Testing Colleen’s patterns is always so much fun, but this was especially fun because I didn’t know what the next thing would be. I made two this time, perhaps I won’t try to be so ambitious next time. ;o~

This a wonderful doll to make if you want to do something for a special friend or add to your own collection of holiday decorations. Either way Colleen has done it again with her attention to detail with this Advent Doll, .”Counting Down the Days”.

Her doll designs really are more than dolls, they are art pieces that will capture the attention of all who see them. There is so much detail and not the kind that you necessarily might think, it’s all the fine finishing details that when someone picks up the doll and looks under the skirt (and they do), what they see is everything neat and tidy and no shrieks of fear from you that someone will find something not done properly. Colleen always gives so much of her skills in her designs and I thank her for that, it makes me a better doll maker each time I work on something new.

This is Ivy and I made her into an Advent Doll. She will be going to our local tea shop this Christmas along with a few other Christmas dolls and ornaments and lets hope she finds just the right home to move to.

For my doll, I added the 23 to the tassel and the 24 to the top of the hat. I’ve opened the hat partially to show that when opened, it will reveal a pretty white feather boa. The picture above shows it fully open.

And this is Violet. She will stay with me. I didn’t make her as an advent doll but I did add crystal tear drop beads and round ones to the points of the tiers. The center tier is held up by the round ones to reveal the underside lining. Again as it always is with dolls, no two are alike. As you’ll see, Violet even though she’s made from the same pattern, has a different look about her. Each with their own personality.

Thank you Colleen for another opportunity to make one or rather, two, of your beautiful doll art pieces.

Oops-A-Daisy Christmas Tree Elves

I have been very privileged to have been a regular pattern tester for Colleen Babcock for quite some time. Each time I’m like a kid at Christmas, digging through my stash to come with just the right fabrics and trims to make the doll the very best I can.

This time her design is called Oops-A-Daisy and what a fun time this was to do. I have been sitting on my hands since May, not able to post about these adorable elves but Colleen told me today I could go ahead now and show you. Do you know how hard it is to keep that kind of thing quiet for that long….

There are three of the sweetest little characters, 2 girls 1 boy. They are all in the throws of hanging on for dear life as a cheeky cat has spotted them in the tree and is attempting to shake them out of there. They are safe and sound though, they held on so tight.

Once you see these little elves, you will surely want to make them yourselves. To do that, watch for the magazine “A Needle Pulling Thread”, the October 2012 issue. Any time now it will start to show up on news stands everywhere. If you go to their site you will find listings in the right hand column of stores that carry the magazine throughout Canada and the US. You can also have the experience of making these little elves in person with Colleen, please click over to her blog for more details about that.

Aren’t these just another home run design….don’t you just wish you could peek at the inner workings of her creative mind…

Christmas Sprite is done…

Well it’s been yet another long stretch since I posted, but I have accomplished a lot during the time. I finished testing Colleen’s Snowflake Sprite for her, except that mine is a Christmas Sprite. I so enjoyed working on this darling doll. She is just so cute. Always hard to tell in a picture I know, but she really is sweet.

I have her hanging in the guest room, and yes, she is supposed to be for Christmas, but I think she’ll just have to stay in the room until after the New Year. It would not be nice to make her and then stuff her away in the crawl space with all the other Christmas dolls when she’s just arrived. That just wouldn’t be right. So she’s going to visit for a long while before I move her downstairs to be on display for the holidays…

Her name is going to be Scarlett, from Old French origins, meaning simply, Red. I think that would nice..

Snowflake Sprite or Spider-What’s It To Be!!

Colleen Babcock has entrusted her newest design to me again to test for her. I’m so flattered, truly. It’s the total compliment to be asked to do this.  Colleen’s newest design is the most adorable Snowflake Sprite or Spider, but mine is going to be a Christmas Sprite. I don’t think this one will be going to the tea shop for anyone else to enjoy, she’s going to stay here with me. I am so enjoying this project.

I picked out a Christmas print that isn’t immediately obvious to be Christmassy, but it’s working out so well. Because I chose such a different colour scheme, it didn’t occur to me to consider trims. I decided on black lace. Then after I had totally confirmed in my mind that it was going to be black I stood looking like a deer caught in the headlights trying to remember if I had any other black lace because this design calls for lace in several places. Not a lot, but you need two or three choices to keep it interesting.

Off to the store and pick up some dye. I came home with ebony black and proceeded to go through my laces and picked out a few pieces, set about dying them and presto, I now have the most amazing shade of patina. It’s like a cross between charcoal and teal. It went that way because I used off white lace, it’s a wonderful happy accident. I knew it wouldn’t go black because the lace would have had to be white to start with.

Here is a picture of where I’m at and a couple of close ups of the colour of the lace I created. So pleased with it, it’s a gorgeous colour when you see it up close and personal. I hope to have the little Christmas Sprite done in the next couple of days. If you can’t wait, head over to Colleen’s blog and see what the finished piece is like. I swear she has a warehouse full of creativity to go through, each design is so unique.

Pattern Testing

I can now show you what I’ve been working on.  Colleen Babcock asked me to test her new E-Pattern, Fathoms. Visit Colleens site to see her original doll and see just how wonderful she is.

Another fabulous project from Colleen. Yes it’s a Mermaid, but she’s gone the extra step to make her gently Goth and added embellishments that make her so unique. If you’re like me and like to have a challenge making dolls, this is another one of those. What I like about Colleen is that she is so versatile and makes all her creations with such character. Don’t you just wonder what goes on her mind… All her dolls to date have their own look and personality.

Here is my version of Fathoms. I just love her. She’s a wall doll, and I think as much as I enjoyed making her I enjoyed making her fish stole just as much. So much fun and something I’m not sure I would have even thought to do for a mermaid….Very clever….Good job Colleen, she’s a real charmer, as far as Goth Mermaid go of course.  ;o)))

Treasures of the Deep

Haven't I been lazy at keeping my blog up to date, but I do have a good excuse and in another post I will tell you about it.

One thing I've been doing is finishing testing Colleen Babcocks newest design on time for her schedule. I really enjoy doing her designs as every one is different. She adds a unique touch to every doll which for me, keeps the interest alive. This doll she has given two options for doing the bodice. One way is to sew a fabric bodice, the other is to sewing on individual sequins and beads and create scales. I went for the sequins just because it was a new thing for me to sew a whole shape with sequins and beads and because my muse was poking me in the shoulder and telling me to go with the more challenging option. I've done individual ones, but this was a great learning curve.

The hair and the seaweed on the base, is done with knitting yarn which is always an easy thing to find if you don't have anything like Tibetan hair or other choices or just want to try new things. The base uses a wool sweater which I found at a thrift shop for a couple of dollars. The shell embellishments and sequins can be found at the dollar store, and don't overlook the thrift stores as  I often  find things to re-purpose when needing something different for a project. I've seen beaded clothes that could be easily taken apart. Over all I really enjoyed working on this doll. She has such a serene face and seemed to approve with what I was doing.

Thank you Colleen for giving me another opportunity to test your design. I am a happy girl... ;o)

Dying Fabric

I've never tried dying fabric before but there's always a first time. Colleen asked me to test her newest pattern, "Treasures of the Deep", and I thought maybe I would try coming up with my own flesh colour. I have different shades of white (and yes there are many shades of white ), but nothing much in flesh tones in my cupboard that I like. And there are also so many different flesh tones with such a diverse world, so off I went to find some fabric to experiment with.

First it got washed to remove sizing. I used a cold water dye and two different types of cotton or cotton blend fabric. I filled a bucket with cold water and added the package of powder that you need for setting the colour. Then the dye went in. I didn't measure anything. Just mixed those three things together and went for it, after all that's when most happy accidents happen. The fabric went in and got swirled around for about 10 minutes. Then it was submerged completely and left for an hour. After that I just squeezed out the excess water, rinsed until the water ran clear and put them into the dryer, then heat set with the iron.

One isn't quite tight enough a weave to take the pressure of stuffing (I know because I tried....oops). The other worked out great. Here is one of the samples. The next is below. The colour here doesn't look so much different, but when you feel the fabric and see them in real life, they are quite different. The last picture is showing the two fabrics side by side to see the difference. One took the colour darker than the other and both have a subtle mottled look. I love them both. The colour and brand of dye is Cafe' Au Lait by Dylon #17 and is the cold water type. The hot water ones are right beside it in the display, so watch for the ones that say cold if you decide to try this. I would guess that if you followed the directions for measurements exactly, the colour would be deeper, but I'm happy with how these turned out...




















but which one did I use for this design ;o))) Guess Colleen will have to wait and see. I know how patient she is....

Gather Ye Rosebuds

A while ago Colleen Babcock asked me to test her new pattern that will be released soon. I understand it's gone to the printer.....so watch for that. This is my version of her and what a sweetheart she is. What is especially great, is that she's also functional with the clock in the bottom section. She was a joy to work on, Colleens instructions are very clear and easy to understand, plenty of diagrams to guide you along the way. What I especially liked was that I learned some new techniques and that her doll is different, not just the same body with a new outfit. It's a very creative doll and one you will enjoy making as well.

Also if you buy the kit that goes with the pattern, you get a bonus, which is her pin doll which also utilizes a time piece, a re-purposed watch face. Have a look here for Colleens example. Isn't she sweet. I hope to have mine done soon, but I have to get some ornaments done first to be mailed away. So here is the little lady and stop by to see Colleens original version and the others that have followed since.

Connie is finished

Ta dah!!!! Connie is finished. She was a joy to work on and such a lot of extras to make for her. If you love the Christmas season the way I do, then this will make a great addition to your holiday decorations. The class starts tomorrow so you haven't missed anything. Kat's class is here.


Enjoy and now I'm off to get caught up on some other projects, like the Joggles Shoe Challenge. Give your creative side a challenge, you have nothing to lose if you try.....and you might even surprize yourself.. Come on, what are you waiting for....

Connie the Dollmaker Part 5

Just a quick update on Connie today. It's a been a full week of activity, but I've managed to finish the little clown which is the last of the little dolls that Connie is making. I still have some little bells to sew on, but you'll see those later. This is my favourite of the little dolls because I just love clowns/jesters, the bright colourful colours and the all the emotions they express. I hope to have the whole project put together over the weekend and will post again when it's all done.

Connie the Dollmaker Part 4

Here's the next step in the dollmaker. I didn't have a cute little tricycle for the bunny and baby doll like Kat used, so I improvised. I had a little bamboo basket, it's about 5" W x 2" H. I gave it coat of paint and lined it with fabric and trim. Don't you think the bunny and baby doll will fit in there nice and snug. You'll see. The other piece that's also finished is the sewing basket. Kat has her's displayed a bit differently but this is just another way that might appeal to you. I made a little sewing basket for Connie. It holds all kinds of things, like her fabrics, lace and sewing notions. Isn't it cute.


The sewing basket is approx. 4" W x 3" H at the top of the fabric and lace bolts. There are little packages of notions at Michaels and the little spools I picked up and just wrapped with cord... Get creative and have fun with this part of the class to give Connie your own personal stamp.

So here are the bunny and baby doll settled into the basket now. She's got her pacifier and bunny, what more could she need. Ah, I know. A clown to make her laugh when she wakes up. That's coming next, watch for it. After that, it's just final touches and Connie will be done.

Connie The Dollmaker Part 3

Well, here is Connie with the rag doll on her lap. She's busy adding her hair and soon will have her dressed. At her feet, at least for now, is the little bunny. I've used a fabric called "Minky" for the bunny. The original instructions call for felt. I've been wanting to use the minky to test drive it and this was the perfect opportunity. He's so darn soft. If you are near a fabric store stop in and ask if they carry minky. They might have it by a different name. I have some in mauve for a robe, and it's so soft and cozy...perfect for fall weather that's soon upon us. Soon the bunny and rag doll will be joined by a baby doll and clown. Come back soon and see how things are shaping up.

Connie The Dollmaker Part 2

Well here is the next stage of Connie the Dollmaker. The ottoman is made, and now we have a lovely dollmaker ready to get busy and make all those dolls. If you haven't yet decided to sign up for Kat's online class, give it more thought, you will not be disappointed. The class will be so much fun, the lessons are well done, tons of pictures and when it's all done, what a beauty of a keepsake you will have. Along with all the other elves in the collection and Santa to,they are going to make a fantastic display for your Christmas decorating. Now off to put my things together to make the dolls and extra's.

Connie the Dollmaker

I've been asked by Kat Lees, to test her most recent pattern. Her latest design is Connie the Dollmaker and she is a beauty. Anyone who is like me and waits all year for Christmas knows that when the feeling of Christmas is drawing near, you start looking for those wonderful unique decorations and anything Christmassy in general. I just love the season, it's colourful, the music, the movies...it's all good. When Kat sent me a picture of her finished elf, the third in the series, I was so excited. It's bright cheerful and such a lot of detail and emotion went into this. It will be an online class at Lisa's Heaven, so be sure to watch for it. For now, I have just begun working on the pattern. The first step is where the little dollmaker will sit to work her magic, and this is it...Will post again as I proceed...