Monthly Archives: September 2014

Polly Patchwork

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.

polly patchwork

Dolly the Dachsund – pin dog

Inspired by the pin dog as featured on The Great British Sewing Bee series II, I was delighted to find a pattern through SEW magazine. I downloaded the templates some time ago and have only now got around to making up the Dachsund. I used some scraps of Pink needlecord left over from a Trouser Suit project and lined the ears with Pink satin also left over from a Boned Bodice Workshop that I tutored several years ago. The eyes are Blue heart-shaped buttons and the nose is hand worked using a double thread in Black. This was a really quick sew, what took the most time was the stuffing with polyester fibre filling.  Dolly measures approximately 12″ from the tip of hernose to tip of her tail. I have yet to make the “coat” for Dolly and apply a collar and tag but for now she sits in pride of place next to my sewing machine.

DOLLY 02

DOLLY 01

Autumn Twister Table Topper

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.

autumn twister

Magic Squares Quilt IV

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!

finished quilt