Patter from Patti

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Dolls and aprons

Today I picked up my new pattern - A Stargaze Sewing Apron.   I'm trying to learn how to do my own updates on my website.  Got the details uploaded and the shopping cart done, but the photo isn't loading.  Do keep checking my website and the photo will show up.  You can buy the pattern now via my website, but the place where the photo is suppose to be is blank.

I wanted an apron to hold my tools so I wouldn't have to go looking all over the place.  The pockets hold two sizes of scissors, hemostats, stuffing forks, turning tubes, colored pencils and pens, tape measure, ruler, and anything else you can think of.  The pattern has photos and illustrations on putting the apron together.  And, rather than tying at the neck it has a back and ties at the waist. 

One of the things I really love is Little Lily, a needle case.  She's kind of a cross between a Hopi Indian and a Chinese country girl.  She also has a pocket for embroidery scissors on her back, along with a pin-back in case you want to wear her.

I used several of my rubber stamps to add to the various pockets.  On the bib is a fairy and a human girl representing the friendships we make in our doll making/sewing world.  The fairy and girl are templates that are included in the pattern.

The pattern has two size options, even though it is designed for a one-size-fits-all.  I find that those of us that are closer to the ground do need a smaller apron than those that are height challenged. 

This was a fun, and really quick project to make.  Writing the instructions was another matter.  I do have to say that writing the books I have has helped make me a better pattern writer.

As you know I love sharing photo's from those of you who have made dolls from my patterns and books.  Here's a couple I want to share today.

Valerie Michael took my Elysia class in Albuquerque last month.  This is Valerie's first attempt at one of my patterns.  She made the most beautiful doll.  I love the face and how Valerie incorporated the lace and the organza.  Check out the wings, too.  Fabulous.

 

Gulya Langfields from Australia made this terrific doll from my "Jewelberry" pattern.  This was Gulya's second doll, ever.  Another really beautiful doll.  Lovely face and do check out the shoes.

Both Valerie and Gulya are new doll makers and are creating fantastic dolls.  I hope they continue.

New Pattern

For several years 5 of us doll designers have been getting together and sharing our work with groups.  We've called it Flat Doll Days.  It has been great fun and it is really an excuse for the 5 of us to get together and enjoy each others company.  Each year we have a different theme just so we keep ourselves fresh.
This year our theme was Opposites Attract.  Sally Lampi said she was the only one who caught on to the true meaning of the theme.  Here's a photo of my "take" on the theme:
                                                                                    Patti's Stargazy Fairy Fan
Starting on the left I have Night, Day, White, Black and Colorful. 
Yes.  It is a fan.  Sort of.  Each blade is connected with cording so that when it is open they stay together.  The clothes are removable from each of the fairies so they can trade around.  The arms move, but the rest of the body is stationary as it is appliqued onto the fan blade.

The back of the fan is done in crazy patch style using the fabrics from the fairy side.

Since I am no longer selling retail on my website if you are interested you can buy the pattern from:
http://www.clothdollpatterns.com
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com

Some of my idea for this fan was taken from Lisa See's book "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan".  I think it would be fun to do a friendship fan with 4 friends.  I know the 5 of us are thinking about that.  Many things can be done with this design.

Soon I'll be flying to Lexington, Kentucky to take a class with Pam Grose at Annie Hesse's Magic, Mischief and Mayhem.  I'll post pictures when I return.  I'll also download photo's from EDAC.  I just returned from there so come back soon.

While in Kentucky I'll be teaching a workshop at Making Ends Meet...Again! in Shelbyville, KY.  I'm so excited that they've chosen my Elizabeth doll from "Creative Cloth Doll Couture".

Elizabeth teaches face drawing and coloring along with Heat Transfer Dyes, fabric collage, finger turning and sculpting, simple beadwork and creating fun shoes.

She's one of my favorite dolls and I know everyone will enjoy making her.

If you are interested contact:
Making Ends Meet
502-633-5427
http://www.makingendsmeet.com

Hope to see some of you there.