Bread tag Robots

I was given a bag of multi coloured bread tags - you know, the little plastic clips that hold the end of a loaf of bread closed? What to do with them??

So, after a Google search, up popped a cute little robot http://www.michlinla.com/2011/04/slap-another-post-with-dueling-crafters.html Using him as inspiration, I did some experimenting....

Since my tags are a different shape to the one on the web, I tried a couple of variations. First, I put two tags together with a head pin in the middle (the green one), and tried many different ways for the arms, but I ended up glueing them in place because they kept falling behind the body. I had already saved a bunch of keyboard keys from another project that didn't happen, so had all the ingredients on hand, which is a plus... ;) I used a heart shaped confetti (also on hand) as an accent, like the original inspiration pic.

The second I tried a jump ring at the "waist". Still glued the arms in place and used a laptop key, rather than a keyboard key. It is way more fragile, but makes for a flatter piece. You can see where I put some holes a bit high and had to redo them so the jump rings would fit. She also has a little flower in her hair.

Third try, I turned the top tag around, and I like the results ;) More head pins, though, so I have to master turning the loops.... He looks like the sheriff, with his star badge on his chest :) 

The fourth guy looks a bit naked, but I have been experimenting with painting them... I trimmed the arms slightly differently (more like the original) and it helps with the arms moving around, (not sure I like the pointy shoulders, though...) and used the leftovers for some dangly feet. Gives an interesting effect, don't you think??

I think, out of all of them, the red one is my favourite. Yes, it needs 4x pins, but I think it is more stable and proportioned than the others. I definitely see more of these in my future! ;)

Quick table centre

Amongst all my fabric, I have some preprinted panels that, I think, were supposed to be placemats?

So, I chose the top one and made into a table centre. It is not quilted, as such, since there is no batting, but I did put some brushed cotton (flannelette) on the back. This means it isn't thick, and definitely not a heat pad, but purely decorative. It wasn't printed square, so I had to make allowances as the design did not allow me to trim too much off ;)

The outside border (the pink one) was added to make it a bit bigger, then the binding in burgundy red. Quilting is minimal, but I did add some hearts into the corners ;)

Kimonos - part 2

So I have been looking at the kimono patterns, since they were already printed - 3 of each style - plus I had all the colours piled up. Since this was a long weekend, I thought I had the perfect opportunity to get them done ;)

After looking at some inspiration pics on Google, I saw many layouts with thin borders and corner stones, so I put a white border on, and added an inner border.... but, I cheated a little ;) I made some strips and put them in as a folded edge. I think this will give it some dimension, plus it's easier to do.

Although many layouts used red and blue, I thought a gold would be better. Searched my stash and found a yellow that worked with all the patterns. I tacked them on by machine to hold them in place. Tested with some navy background to see if it was going to work ok.

So, I have done the horizontal strips, while trying to decide if I want cornerstones or not. I think I can do without, judging by the mockup.

So, I stitched the rows together, but clearly didn't pay enough attention to my original layout, because I put the in the wrong order ;( No matter, though, it still looks ok...

Looking for ideas on quilting, now, so I can get this one finished... It may be a candidate for the Canning Show this year as a wall quilt? I found an ornate stick I can use for the hanger that is the perfect length. 

I'm thinking binding in the yellow also - hopefully I have enough left!

Rag doll repair...

I don't usually do repairs, as I prefer to make the complete item, however I was given a rag doll today that belonged to my cousin when she was little. She is now having her own baby, and wants me to repair her. The stuffing has gone all hard and there is a big tear at the neck. The face has had some surgery as well as a haircut, but nothing that can't be fixed (I hope!)

I took all the stuffing out and she did some soaking in Napisan to get rid of the general stains - She doesn't look pleased..... ;( The stuffing also went into a pillowcase and through the wash, as I am going to reuse it......

After she came out out if the Napisan, I had a go at fixing her face. It had clearly been torn at some point and and very poorly stitched back together, along with the nose barely holding on. In order to secure the edges, I used a strip of iron on vilene and a bit of topstitching to try and secure it. It's not perfect, but it is better than it was :)

I have also ironed and fixed the dress, trimmed all the loose threads, and it's ready to go.

I had bought some wool, and although the colour is good, it's a little thick (8ply) so I think I'll go back for the 4ply. It's a much tighter twist, too, so hopefully it will blend better. The hair is actually all different lengths - not sure if this is from the factory, or if it was cut at some point? I wonder if it originally was loops, not straight hair?? No way to tell, unfortunately.....

Anyway, I wrapped some lengths of wool around a piece of cardboard and stitched them together to make a strip. Poked it through the gap and restitched. It took a few goes with some tacking before I was happy, but it finally fell into place. Just need to stuff it, now! 

I used the original stuffing in the hands, feet and body, and some new fill in the head. A just need to close the neck and she is done! I have kept her pretty soft and cuddly - not sure how she was originally, cause she was very flat when she came to me....

Anyway, final results :

I will be seeing her in a few weeks for her baby shower, so will give her back to her then. I hope she likes her :)

Free doll... Done!!

UPDATE 3/1/2016

She is done!! 

She is for display only, as the clothes are either glued, tied, painted or stitched on. 

UPDATE 29/12/15

I have been inspired to finish this girl off, since I already had all the stuff on hand. Since her hair and face are already done, just the clothes remain....

I had already chosen this polyester sheer and lining, and found a matching lace in my stash, so what am I waiting for?? 

I started by making a pattern, similar to the off-the-shoulder style, with a raglan sleeve and casing for the gathering ribbon. I decided not to use elastic, as I need to stitch the lace on, and the elastic could deteriorate down the track. All the gathers are done this way. Hopefully it will ensure it will last a long time ;) 

So far, the dress has been on and off a LOT, since I'm kinda winging it... This is a mock-up of how it's going....

Before I finalise the dress, some undergarments are in order. She is the strangest shape, so I had to make some custom pants. It worked first time, so I'm pretty pleased with myself! Now I wonder if I should paint her shoes, or try and make some? I may just paint some, since I didn't make the doll, and I don't have the pattern. Clothes I can do, shoes are a bit out of my area of expertise....

I have now hand stitched the neck lace on, and the hem lace was done before it was completed. All the ties are tight and tucked out of sight, so just need to do the waist sash and sort out her hair and shoes. I pinned up her hair while stitching the lace, and I quite like how it looks ;) Perhaps some flowers in her hair to finish? She's still pinned in places, but it's getting there..... Not sure on the choker, either...

30/5/2015

At Doll Club last weekend, someone was giving away a fabric doll body. Clearly it was started, but got no further than making her body - no face, no hair, no clothes. And definitely a lady doll, with a large bust and tiny waist! 

I think she needs to a bit Victorian, a flowing off the shoulder dress should detract from her pigeon chest.... ;) Something like this :

She now has a face, based on the Godey doll book I have, although she is smaller in size. I scaled down the face, and used paint rather than embroidery. I think her eyes are ok, but her lips are too pale. Will have to put another paint layer on to darken it up...