Kimonos

I have always wanted to do a kimono quilt. So, after scouring the net for inspiration, I realised I already had a pattern I saved years ago.  One has 3 different types of kimono, plus another that is more complicated, and includes a head. As a bonus, I can use up some small scraps as contrast, but I can also use some brights and florals to keep it cheery....

Both patterns are foundation pieced, which should help any stretching issue. Each kimono has 3 pieces, so not too difficult. I will make them all, since they are already printed, so maybe I will make a cushion or bag with the other one? Will have to see what transpires....

I have tested the single coat, and I think has worked pretty well, although I think the hair should go down the side of the head, which will be easy to adjust. Alł fabric is from my scrap basket....

Now to test the other ones...

Not too bad, and quick, too! 

Now, seeing them all together, I think the one with the head wins! I can make them as I feel like it, but I need to reverse the pattern to get the stripe on the correct side....

They will not go to waste, though. I see bags or cushions in their future. ;)

Hexagons

KI have wanted to try the "no Y-seam" hexagons from Moda Bake Shop for ages, but I didn't want to make them so BIG. I made a template, and trimmed up some batiks and some navy, and got to experimenting!

This is the top finished, but with all the bias seams, it isn't so flat when I ironed it. Decided to use my puffy-est wadding, and just put a few stitches in the middle of each hexie, along the lines of a tied quilt. I use a feather type stitch with the feed dogs down so I get a cross effect. I was going to leave the tails, but decided against it as it got lost in the patterns.

This is before I put the ties in...

 Found a zip, and all is done! It measures about 45cmx50cm. 

Dottie and Dimple... done!!

I decided to finish Dimple with the colours I had already picked - but with two ears - and realised it wasn't the fabric that I didn't like, it was his face! It was far too simple compared with Dottie, with just a pair of French knots for eyes and that's pretty much it. 

So, I drew a new face, similar in style to Dotties, with black dot eyes and painted nose. I kept the dimple, as this is why she (he??) is called Dimple. Duh!! He's got a little wonky eye, but still cute. This is him before I stitched him to Dotties arm...

So, with Dimple now attached, here she is!

She is from the magazine below. They don't seem to have dates or editions, but I have a couple of different versions. I quite like the covergirl, too, but she is HUGE! I don't enjoy making big dolls - Dottie is only about 35cm tall...

Now, on to the next thing! Maybe a quilt is in order, for a change of pace, or a cushion? Time to get some books off the shelf, methinks...... ;)

Bows and lace

A hair bow and some lace - that's better... ;)

Dimple is still ongoing. Not sure I like him a whole lot in his current form. He is supposed to be kind of patchy with a missing ear, but I think I might redo him in calico... with two ears... 

Dottie and Dimple

So, I cleaned up around my work table, and am heaps happier! ;)

I was given a Doll making magazine last week at Doll Club, and inside was Dottie and Dimple. What drew me to her was that she is small, simple and painted. What more could you ask for??

I even found some blues to make it with, which is a plus. Dottie is pretty much done, but Dimple is still in progress. I think she needs something on her skirt - some ric rac, perhaps, or some ribbon?? 

Oops! Forgot about the bow! That's easy fixed, though....

The Bride and Groom are on hold for a bit, while I get my mojo back. A break never hurt anyone, right? :)