Using a doll pattern by Button Angel as the starting point I have made a rag doll which I christened Polly Patchwork. As a new method for me her arms and legs are only stuffed as far as the elbow/knee joint before attaching to the body. I have added a bosom made from two lightly stuffed circles which gives Polly a more “mature” figure. Polly’s face is drawn with coloured pencils and her rosy cheeks are from a light brush with my blusher. Her hair is made by wrapping pencils with garden twine, spraying liberally with starch and then leaving overnight to dry. At present her hair is a bit thin so I plan to do some more wrapping over the weekend to add fullness to her coiffure. Polly wears bloomers and a button “vest” and will also have a flannel petticoat which is currently under construction. I have made Polly’s legs a little shorter than the pattern which means that they are hidden beneath her dress. To rectify this I plan to make some decorative tucks around the hem of the skirt above the patchwork border. I had a problem making buttonholes at the back bodice so had to resort to narrow velcro fastening. The neckline of the dress is drawn up with a gathering thread and the collar simply sits above and fastens at the back with a tiny safety pin (to be replaced with a button or popper). To complete her outfit, there will be a patchwork jacket made from 90 x 2″ patches, a hat, a pair of shoes/boots and she will also carry a bag.

Inspired by Jenny of Missouri Star Quilt Company I purchased the Twister template. Having downloaded the layout plan for a Wreath I adapted the colourway to take advantage of some Autumn-coloured fat quarters of cotton fabric that I had in my stash. Here is the completed project.  A table topper measuring approximately 27″ (69 cms) square. I am delighted with the result and will no doubt make a larger piece of “random” twister lap quilt later in the year.

Finally, the quilt is finished. With apologies for the “wonky” photograph here is the final result. The embroidered label for the reverse has yet to be sewn and then the quilt will be laid over the piano in the lounge – an excellent display area for my projects!