Patter from Patti

Newest workshop project

When I was invited to teach at the Bernina Center in Prague, Czech Republic last year Bohdana asked me to teach from my book "Creative Cloth Doll Couture".  They chose Golendrial as the project.  I had sold the doll I made for the book, so made another one.  In doing so, I fell in love with the project all over again.

She's a bit different from the doll in the book, but uses most of the same techniques.  I've been hooked on working with silk cocoons, so have added a cocoon purse, rather than the velvet one in the book.

You'll notice some sparkly things on her wings.  Those are mica-chips from Stewart Gill.  I love them.  And, you will also note she has a bit of an "Avatar" look to her.  Long neck and spotted skin.  I've found a wonderful batik fabric by Kaufman that is lightly spotted and comes in beautiful skin colors.

I'll be teaching Golendrial July 15-17, 2010 here in our home.  During the 3-day workshop we'll be able to finish her.  Those who sign up will receive the body fabric before hand with some pre-work.  During class we'll wire the body, fill up the body around the wire armature, finish the hands, draw, sculpt and color the face, dye the silk, paint various parts, create the wings, do the simple beadwork and make her fun shoes.

Lunch is included in the workshop, too, along with nearly all the supplies.  The only thing people will have to bring is the body parts sewn per the pre-work instructions, and a basic sewing kit.  Oh, and a sewing machine, but I do have 5 Bernina's to share.

If interested, email me.  I'll send you the details.

Happy Thanksgiving and "Black Friday"

Sometimes I'm amazed at how dense I can be.  I had no idea what "Black Friday" meant.  It sounded all gloomy to me, but John told me it is because it is the biggest shopping day of the year when shops are in the black.  Whatever.
Me?  I'd rather tell you about recent classes and show you some dolls that have been made from my books and/or patterns.
As many of you know who come here often, five of we doll designers get together several times a year and do, what we call, a Flat Doll Day.  Barbara Willis, Sally Lampi, Betts Vida, elinor peace bailey and myself share flat doll patterns and tell you how we went about making the project and what inspires us. 

Recently, we were at The Fabric Depot in Portland, Oregon and had another of our "flat doll days".  Barbara is known for her extreme femininity and showed us how to "swoon".   We all enjoyed this lesson, as you can see by the photo.  If you click on the pictures it will take you to a larger image.

Sally Lampi doesn't get out as much as she used to.  She's home playing with her grandchildren.  But, we talk her into coming to our event and she keeps us all in stithces!  Here she's showing her fun "queen".  I'm sorry I didn't get a photo of the closet.  It is functional, like mine, and is a folder, made of cloth, of the Golden Gate Bridge.  It has pockets to place the paper dolls, or anything else you'd like.  It is very typical Sally and truly a fun, and easy project to make.

We'll be doing "topsy turvey" flat dolls next year.  Stay tuned for those announcements.

In April, while waiting for you grandson to be born, I taught a couple classes in Florida.  I've posted photo's of those classes early but, Karey Kline sent me photo's of some of the dolls she made from my class.  These dolls are truly wonderful. Karey loves color, as you can see, and the beading and coloring of the dolls is outstanding.  This was from my Creative Cloth Doll Beading book.

Denise Giardullo made a fabulous doll from my Creative Cloth Doll Couture book.  Her Cymbeline doll is unique with her lace dress.  Do check out the shoes.  Aren't they amazing?

Do send me photo's of your dolls.  I love sharing with peope who visit my blog.

Hope those of you in America had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I'm so thankful for all of you who visit here.

Doll makers checking in

As promised, here's a few dolls made from classes, patterns and books.  I love it when you share with me what you've done with my designs. 

Denise Giardullo made a stunning doll combining several techniques from my books and classes.  Note the shoes.  Beautifully done.  I also love the way Denise added beads and flowers to really make this doll special. 

Karey Kline sent photo's of the 3 dolls she worked on at a workshop I taught in Florida this past May.  These 3 are stunning.  I love Karey's use of color.  Especially the green doll.

While in Torquay, England last year I taught a class from my book "Creative Cloth Doll Beading".  This is Madeleine Maddock's version.  Madeleine has her own cloth doll patterns and business.  I love the way Madeleine added beads to the face.   This is a wonderful doll. 

The doll on the right is from my newest pattern "Mikaela" made by Nancy Katz.  Nancy used a stretchy fabric and said next time she'll make the doll using a high thread count cotton.  But, I think this is a fantastic doll.  Mikaela is my answer to the ball-jointed dolls and you can see the ball joints in the ankles of Nancy's doll.  Outstanding job.

All of these dolls are excellent.  Each has their maker's personality.  So, keep sending me pictures.

Wednesday I leave for England.  I'll be back in Torquay and Rainbow Silks in Great Missenden.  I can't wait to see some of you, and I'm sure I'll meet new people.  October 25th will find John and I in Brussels, Belgium at Heidi's wedding.  I'll have my camera and laptop with me and will definitely update this blog with my travels.

In the meantime, keep making cloth dolls!  As my wonderful friend, Li Hertzi says "dolls rock!"

New book and dolls

This past week the editors at Rockport/Quarry emailed me a copy of the cover of my new book,  "Creative Cloth Explorations".  It is beautiful!

As an author working on a book you really have no idea what the end result is going to look like.  Through the years working with my publisher I've learned that they know what is best and have trusted them to create a cover that truly shows what the inside is all about. 

I think this book is the best yet, as far as the lay-out and cover.  We've finished the final editing and I hope the book will be released in early January.  You'll be able to order it from all the usual places - DollmakersJourney.com;  Joggles.com;  Amazon.com;  Rainbowsilks.com (UK); Annesglorybox.com.au (Australia), etc.

Going through my files in Photoshop I've found pictures of dolls people have made from my books.  This is a photo from Jayne of her version of Franalizia in my Creative Cloth Doll Beading book.

This is a beautiful doll.  Jayne's talent really shines through.  Especially on the face.  Absolutely perfect.  I love the beadwork and the treatment on her hair and bodice. 

Wilma Simmons in New South Wales (Australia) teaches beading classes at Anne's Glory Box in Hamilton.  Recently Wilma has been using my rubber stamps and creating beautiful mermaids.

Most of Wilma's beadwork are necklaces and you can see how she's used two different face rubber stamps of mine then created bodies and neck straps from fabric and beads.  Stunning.

Over the next few days I'll be going through my files and finding more photo's you all have sent.  I love sharing your work with those who come here to read what's new at PMC Designs.

New doll

Welcome to my answer to the popular BJD's (ball-jointed dolls).

Mikaela is an 18-inch all-cloth doll.  She's holding a wee 7-inch cloth doll.  I felt she needed a little friend.  You'll find her pattern on my website under Patterns.

This was a fun doll for me to create.  I had a great time drawing and coloring the large eyes that are often found on the commercial ball-jointed dolls. 

My version uses wooden beads that are hidden inside her limbs.  This creates a smooth look, plus ease in movement of the arms and legs. 

The pattern includes many step grey scale photo's along with drawn illustrations to help in the making of the doll.  There is also a color close-up photo of her face to help you create the same look as I did. 

As time goes on I'll be designing more clothing for Mikaela.  The clothes in the pattern are all removable.  I've decided to add her to my growing fashion doll patterns.  One of my favorite things to do is design clothing.  I can't design for myself, but I can for my dolls.

Stay tuned for more fashions.

The other newest item on my website is a rubber stamp for Queen Jorinda.  As many of you know my stamps are pressed by Ready Stamps, a division of the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.  I love the fact that they are here in San Diego so I can go visit often.

This stamp comes from my other new pattern that is an art folder.  Queen Jorinda is on the cover of the folder, but is also a scissor case.  But, the rubber stamp can be used for anything you want.  You'll find the stamp under Rubber Stamps on my website.

Hope the Summer has been good for all of you.  We've had drop dead gorgeous weather here in San Diego.  Maybe that is why I've been in the design mode.

Toodles,
Patti

New doll and family stuff

We've had some of the best times lately.  Heidi's fiance', Raphael, came to meet John.  We took the opportunity to have a party so as many family and friends as possible could meet our future son-in-law.

Bob Hirsch, our friend and photographer (who takes all the photo's for my books), took these photo's. Bob says our backyard is perfect for photo's and this photo of Raphael and Heidi is beautiful.

We had Jack, my sister's husband, read the Banns of Marriage.  This is a tradition that goes way back to the 9th Century.  Generally, after the engagement is announced the Banns are read during a church service 3 consecutive Sundays 3 to 4 months before the wedding date.   Heidi and Raphael will be married in October, so July was exactly 3 months before the wedding.  It really is a wonderful tradition.  Too bad it isn't done much anymore.

I had to include this photo.  That is me in between our neighbor Tom and his son, Kyle.  Kyle is going into his Senior year in high school.  I used to take care of him when he was a little guy.  Yes, he was once shorter than me.  What's sad, is I do have heels on and I was standing on a bump in our yard.  Oh, well.  Not all of us can be tall. 
   
John and I are very happy for Heidi.  Raphael is a delight.  And, he's the IT guy at her school so he was able to upgrade my iPhone!  We're excited to have someone who understands computers in our family.  But, that isn't the only reason we like him.  He's smart, funny, interesting and mostly loves our daughter.  Raphael, we're so happy you will be a part of our family.

As mentioned in the Title of this post, I've been working on a new design.  Now that my new book is in its final editing  mode I have some time to work in the studio on ideas that have been floating around in my head.

I'm in love with the Japanese ball-joint dolls, but I can't afford one.  I love the fashions they wear and the fact that you can change their clothes.  So, I've come up with my own version, but made in all cloth.  She's got ball joints which are wooden beads hidden under the cotton fabric in her knees, ankles, elbows, wrists and shoulders.

Her clothes can be changed, just like the porcelain ball-joint dolls, and she's got the large eye look of the Japanese dolls.  But, she's uniquely mine.

She still needs her gloves and something to hold, so she's not quite finished.  I'm in the process of writing the pattern and hope to have her ready for doll makers out there next week.   My plan is to create various outfits for her, just like the Japanese dolls, only mine will be patterns and a lot less money.  She also needs a name.  I've been throwing around - Rebecca,  Evangeline, Madeleine, Noel.  When she's finished I'll know what her name should be.  So, stay tuned.

Having fun with family

The past month has been jam packed with activities.  After Heidi and I arrived back in San Diego we started looking for wedding gowns, planning the engagement party and showing Raphael San Diego when he arrived.
One of the places we took Raphael was ComicCon.  This is a San Diego home grown event that has grown each year until it has become the largest convention held here.  The day we attended Hugh Jackman was there helping promote his new movie based on his character - Wolverine - from the X-Men.  We didn't get to see him, but heard the screams as he entered the autograph area.

If you are ever in San Diego around the 3rd week in July check it out.  Although, you do have to purchase tickets in advance.  The event sold out this year in June.

Heidi is holding a wee doll that is in a traveling doll round-robin I'm in.  This particular doll is made by Mary Hurlburt of Connecticut.  I'll be sending the doll to Indiana next.

While Tess (the doll) visited me she went to Albuquerque, NM for the Enchanted Doll Artist Conference. 
Here she is hanging out with Barbara Willis, Sally Lampi and elinor peace bailey.  The 4 of us shared a room and had a fabulous time.  EDAC is so fun.  I had to leave early because of Heidi and Raphael's engagement party but the two days I was there I loved it.

Back to ComicCon.  People dress up like you wouldn't believe.  Heidi and I love all things Star Wars.  Even the bad guys.

There are heaps of fairies in attendance.  I especially loved this gals costume.  And, traveling Tess had to be in the picture.  We were at ComicCon on Thursday but next year I hope to go on Saturday.  That is the masquerade day.  I can't imagine what that would be like as so many people dress up on other days. 

I've added a new blog link on the side bar.  My publisher Rockport/Quarry has started a wonderful blog.  There are excellent tutorials on projects from many of their books.  Plus, they feature projects readers have made from the books.  Do check it out.  It is the Craftside blog. 

Natania pattern

It works!!!!  Don't ask me what I did originally, but the link now works for the free pattern.  Boy!  What fun.  I've checked it in Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer.  All work.  Firefox requires Adobe Reader, but Internet Explorer and Safari do not.

Have fun making Natania.  Now that I know, kind of, how to add free patterns more will be uploaded over the next few months.

Thanks for your patience.

Free pattern

In my first website I had the ability to have a newsletter in which I included free patterns.  Blogs have pretty much taken the place of those newsletters and websites seem to have become more complicated.  Not sure why.
What I'm going to start doing here is adding some of my older free patterns, plus creating new ones.  Recently I've had requests for Natania, a Name Tag Doll. 

She's only 4-inches high, not including her hair!.  The name tag can be beaded, or make a fabric name tag.  Meaning, the part she's holding with your name on it.

The doll herself is quite easy.  You'll find the instructions and pattern pieces on the link in the Sidebar.  It's in .pdf format so you can easily download the pattern.

As with all my patterns you can make as many of these as you want.  Sell them, give them away, keep them.  Most importantly, have fun.

Do send me photo's as I'd love to see what you come up with.

The grandchildren and Las Vegas

It has been awhile since I posted pictures of the grandchildren. Our daughter, JB, sent pictures of the girls at a pumpkin patch.

Kieran, almost 4 years old, and Kayleigh, now 15 months, enjoyed their time picking out the best pumpkins for their mom and dad to carve.

This past week and weekend found me in Las Vegas with a wild, and wonderful group of women. I arrived Thursday evening at Yvonne Nathanson's and we drove to Maureen Adrezin's home for a reception. Maureen is a fabulous weaver and felt artist. I'll have to have her send me some photo's. I didn't take my camera. The next day 15 women arrived at the most amazing facility. A club house that houses large rooms for wood working, fine arts and we were in the quilt room. It was lovely having room to spread out. The photo shows several of the gals having fun dyeing their lace for their versions of Viviana from my newest book.

That evening Las Vegas' sky didn't disappoint with a beautiful sunset.

The first day included finishing the face, sculpting various body parts, dyeing the lace. The next two days were spent mostly beading. Dolores was showing how fun it is to thread a size 12 beading needle.

Winnie is consulting with Marianne as to which beads to use with her shoe. Actually, I was blown away at Winnie's enthusiasm. I won't tell you how old she is, but we all hope to be as adept at beading as she is when we are close to her age.

I can't thank these women enough for inviting me to come teach a 3-day workshop. It was a delight being with them.

Watch for my next post on my trip to England. It was another incredible 3 weeks where I met more amazing people.