Dolls! Mostly About Bears

I don't let myself go to the op-shops as much these days, or my house will turn into one. However I had a bit of time today, and went to my favourite local one which I had not been to for a long time. The trip paid off and I got this slim hard cover book by Judy Sparrow on the history of the teddy bear. The photos are gorgeous and the text informative.

The back cover has photos of modern Steiff replica bears.

I also got this Avon hot water bottle cover bear - he is rather square-shaped.  I am planning on giving him to my niece as it is really clean because it was still inside it's original sealed bag.

Then again, I might not be able to part with him...

Finally, look at the this photo from an old issue of Threads magazine (no. 35 June/July 1991) that I got in the same op-shop today.  It is of a porcelain doll made and dressed by Emilliene Duncan. The detail and the amount of work involved is mind-blowing!  She sews most of the garments by hand and the article is worth tracking down for detailed descriptions of the hand sewing techniques that she uses and the best fabrics to sew with for dolls.

Phew. Two posts in one day is unusual for me, but I thought I had better do them now while I can.  Happy sewing everyone.

Dolls! Book Review for Hankie Couture

Image from Amazon.com

You must all know by now that I like a good reference book. This new one by Marsha Greenberg titled 'Hankie Couture' is about the unique concept of using vintage handkerchiefs to make clothes for dolls roughly the same size as Barbie. The book gives the reader an abundance of ideas for making vintage style clothes using these hankies. The prints are divine and whimsical. There are patterns included for dresses with 3 different bodice designs, a wide brimmed hat and a purse. Go to Amazon and preview a portion of the book online using the Look Inside function to get a good look at the dress designs, as the author has been generous with the amount of images she has supplied.

I don't know if I will be able to track down too many vintage handkerchiefs, but modern craft prints might do the trick, especially if I can cut around the designs to create scalloped edges, and use the satin or zig zag stitches on my sewing machine to finish the hems. The author also uses embroidered linens, tea towels, lace doilies and more in her designs, so I will keep an eye out for these items on my travels to the op shops.

The only designs I am not mad about are some of the long floral dresses, but some people might just love them. It is a fabulous book, and I am glad I found a copy at the book store.

I am working on a secret dress design for a vintage barbie at the moment. I should have it stitched up and ready to show you next weekend. The colour theme is black and white and I am thinking of adding a splash of colour in the form of a wrap.