I went to an Austin Stitchery Guild meeting Monday. We basically stitched and chatted, it was really nice. I think I'll become a regular. It's only once a month, though. At least for the distance I'm willing to travel.
Today was lace class, which is EVERY Tuesday. I LOVE lace class. We make lace and chat. I feel so fortunate to be part of this.
I made a new set of head impressions, but with older clay. It dried really fast and shrank too much. I'm trying another with fresh clay in a room without a ceiling fan. If this one shrinks, I'm using it anyway. I think tomorrow is a doll day.
I got a coveted prize today: a book on Tønder lace. It's a point ground, like Bucks Point (the kind I make), but it has different design motifs.
glad you were able to get the book. did you see it someplace before you purchased it? there aren't any pictures on amazon.
ReplyDeleteI saw it reviewed somewhere. I've been wanting a Tonder book for as long as I've been making lace. The picture in the Doris Southard book really got to me. This book has beginning to advanced designs. I'm looking for new designs. I might do a floral pattern next, hell with the others. That's why I go to lace class!
Deletehttp://mirasolace.blogspot.com/2010/07/tonder-lace.html
DeleteCongrats on getting the book! Isn't finding a book you've been looking for really great? Thank you for coming over and making that sweet comment on my rabbit doll. I suppose the only other dolls I have on the blog are on the sidebar.I really am a very slow dollmaker.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any suggestions as to where I could look for inspiration for pretty doll dresses (apart from your blog, of course) Where do you get your ideas from?
This is where I put most of the pretty things I see on the internet:
Deletehttp://pinterest.com/simonpurple/doll-costumes-and-pretty-faces/
The rest are unfortunately on my iPad. Most of those are whitework, though, for which I have a special passion. I usually look at online doll stores and pin photos of costumes that really appeal to me.
And then there's my dirty little secret. I have a big collection of children's historic costume books. If you are interested in historic costumes, my very favorite book is
Children's Costume in America 1607-1910
Estelle Ansley Worrell
It's line drawings. 1800-1850 is my favorite, but I also like 1900/Edwardian. I also have some, ok several, antique doll books because I love their costumes.
I have this fear that I will run out of costume ideas, which is why I hoard this stuff. I worry about lace ideas, too, but I have lots of ideas for original stuff, so I shouldn't really worry about it. But I do, just for good measure.
You can get that book for cheap on Amazon. I might buy another one because I roll that way, lol.
DeleteAND I went to look at your other dolls, and you DO make lovely people heads!
DeleteThank you!I love discovering each doll's character as I make their face, it's like being told a story.
DeleteWell, first of all, thank you for your sweet comment about the other dolls. My children used to call my dollmaking 'Mammy making heads!
ReplyDeleteOh! And thank you for sharing your Pinterest! Such gorgeous cloths and some amazing dolls. I'm going to see if I can find any out-of-copyright children's clothes books that I can look at for free. Thank you for the help!
I think Miss R White will be wearing a version of an Alice dress, based on the Tenniel drawings, as that seems to tie in with the theme. What did little girls wear under that? Drawers and a petticoat? I'd go put in 'Children's Victorian underwear'into Google but I'm paranoid that might look pervy!
I usually do either pantaloons and a skirt, or combinations and a petticoat. Lately I prefer the combinations.
DeleteiPad hates blogspot. Anyway, I was trying to add that I have plenty of books that would delight a pedophile, and that kinda creeps me out. Especially now that I'm a man (used to be a woman).
DeleteI like the idea of combinations, some kind of chemise top with attached pantaloons. I need to put a couple of layers over the doll's hard chest plate, because the transition from the hard clay to the soft cloth body have be a little abrupt.I once tried to draught my own pattern for one of those, but what I made was so bizarre, it only fitted the doll as a shrug...
DeleteNever mind making dolls, you should be writing a book! What a fascinating story you must have to tell. I had a friend in the UK who was waiting for surgery, but I lost contact with her when I moved to London. Anyone who takes steps to change their life to be what they want, that takes courage and I applaud them (and you) Big hugs for you.