Time for a change of pace...

I've had to pause on my Oz tins - I need to figure our how to do these pesky faces!

I the meantime, I whipped up a couple of CPK overalls. This is a pattern I hadn't used before, and it works pretty well. It has an all-in-one strap, meaning the strap actually ended up on the bias which was an issue for stripes! So I used a cute patterned "boy" print, and added a top for underneath, and another preemie is dressed. :)

Bridal bears - the Groom

I think I've mentioned before that I promised to dress some bears for my cousin who's getting married in September, but as yet had not been motivated. Can't put it off any longer, so here goes!!

I thought I had better start with the Groom, since his coat was going to be the most complicated part. But how??

Brainwave!! The bears are about the same size as a CPK, so I hunted through my patterns and found a basic shirt and pants, which fit perfectly!

Having not made a "proper" jacket since I was at TAFE, I got my old trusty reference book out and got to drafting the perfect coat with notched collar. I am not sure exactly what the groom is wearing, only "black suit and white shirt", so I've taken a lot if liberties with the style. Still deciding if pockets will be added, but that can be done later (I have a couple of months up my sleeve...)

As I decided that this will not be removable, and I have not neatened the internal seams, only those that will be seen. With this in mind, there was no point making a full bulky shirt, so I made a kind of "dickie" (fake front), which looks like its full but really isn't. To further help the illusion, I put a ring of white around the cuff of the coat. I used that same shirt pattern as the coat, only redrafted the collar and neckline. Still unsure of colours for his tie, but I'm sure the bride will tell me in time *fingers crossed*

Since I still need access to the shirt, I have not yet attached the buttons, but that will only take a short amount of time to complete when the time comes, so please excuse the pins holding them on!

The bride is next. I have a pic to go on for her, but that doesn't make her less of a challenge! I hate working with satin.... LOL!!

Angel baby...

I started this project MANY years ago after I bought the doll from an Op Shop. I thought he had the most angelic look about him, so of course he had to become one.

I had already completed his shoes and gown out of really soft fabric, and the wings were already purchased. All he needed was some underthings and the wings attached. The problem was that his arms turn outward so any clothes need to have enormous armholes! Not such a problem for the gown, but the underthings were a little more difficult.

I hunted through my books to find a solution, and the Doll Dressmaker was full of ideas. I thought a onesie would work best, but how do I reduce the bulk at the back and shoulders, while allowing for the arms?? Make it like an overall, with a bib and brace style front. Worked a treat!! With some careful planning I managed to hide all the Velcro stitching into the lining and even put a little lace on the hems! Took the best part of this afternoon, but worth it, I think.

Since I made an extra special effort in my neatness, he will go in for judging at this years Canning Show.....

Bear satchel...

So, accountant bear (affectionately named Doris!) came home this weekend for a couple of upgrades. Firstly, let me just say the girls at work LOVE her, and are frantically hunting around for accessories.... hence the upgrades!

A bright red flower was supplied as a brooch, plus a cute little bow for her hair. Now, she just needs shoes, glasses and a briefcase and she is complete!! I can't do shoes (although I DID try!) or glasses, but I had made a satchel in the past that was quite successful. I will write up a quick tutorial when I get on the big puter, since blogger for iPad doesn't allow for inserting pictures where you want them, it just dumps them all at the bottom... You hearing me, Blogger?? Rant over....

Anyway, here is the new and slightly improved Doris, the accounts department bear....

Accountant Bear...

Request number 2 - add a bear for the Accounts Department...
Now, how stereotypical should I be?? Glasses, calculator, suit??? Yep, all of the above!!

Version 1 was not too successful. Bears are hard to dress, especially these ones with bulging legs and big tummies! I tried to make a collared jacket with plain shirt and scarf. Although the skirt was successful, the shirt and jacket was not. The sleeves were far too full at the top, and the body just plain the wrong shape! Plus the shirt was far too casual...

FAIL!!











Version 2 - jacket collar removed and collar added to undershirt. Much better result! Ended up using the original skirt, made a new jacket and shirt, plus added some "underthings" for modesty. I think I'll leave the accessories to them....

SUCCESS!!




(She is wearing some borrowed CPK lace up shoes.The girls can arrange to get their own...)