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Saturday

PukiFee Size

I haven't put these on Etsy yet. Will probably list them in December when I have finished more tiny sized garments for PukiFees.

Floral Bloomers

Pink Side of Duo Dress

Cream Side of Duo Dress
My garments now carry the Studio 1283 label, except for the Duo Dress, and come in Acid & Lignan Free packaging. Each bodice is fully lined with cotton batiste, seams are neatly finished and hems are sewn by hand. Embellishments are sewn on by hand, I never use glue and closures are always metal press-studs (snaps), as I have found that Velcro gets stuck on the dolls hair.

Thursday

Two For the Price of One

Have finished another new dress suitable for LittleFee and Honey Delf and it's completely reversible so you have two dresses in one. The Duo Dress is available from my Etsy Boutique for AU$28 plus postage, but if you order now you can also take advantage of 10% discount at the checkout . . . just use Coupon Code XMAS2013.



I think I will make more of these simple, pretty Duo Dresses, each a little different in some way, be it colour or trim, no two will be exactly the same.

Wednesday

While the Sun Shines!

You've probably heard the term "make hay while the sun shines" well the sun has been shining all day here in Melbourne, it's been quite warm in fact. The type of day that makes you feel like spring cleaning . . . however, as I am not a great lover of cleaning, I spent the day sorting out all my wigs and trying them on my girls. 


I quite like the JPop wig on Angelique and the red one on Nadia, but I'm not too sure about the others.


And I love this JPop on Irene, but everything looks lovely on her, she has the most beautiful face and is my idea of a perfect model!

Monday

The Bloomer Sisters

Just finished these romper outfits (pumpkin pants if you prefer) yesterday. The bodice is fully lined with white batiste and they close at the back with three tiny metal press studs (snaps).Please check out my Etsy Boutique to see those still available for purchase.


Thank you to my models: Antoinette, Gina and Angelique.

Sunday

My Centaur Has a Name

High atop Mount Olympus reigned the queen of the gods; she was the wife and one of three sisters of Zeus. She was the goddess of women and marriage, who was known for her jealous and vengeful nature, most notably against Zeus' lovers and offspring.
Her name is Hera.


The Centaurs were mythical creatures, said to be have been born of Ixion and Nephele (the cloud made in the image of Hera) so I feel the name given to my Centaur (or I should say my Kentauride, as she is female) is most appropriate.

Wednesday

While the Cat's Away

I have some time to myself this week, so I began by sharing it with a friend. We had a lovely day, playing with her very lovable dog Teddy (I could have quite easily brought him home with me), chatting about our dolls and practicing with my new camera.


These were both taken in dappled shade and I am pretty happy about the way they turned out.


And here's a picture of Teddy!


Friday

Unbelievable Week

Yes, it most certainly has been and unbelievable week for me this week with so many deliveries, so many in fact it's been hard to keep up. Yesterday 14th Nov, my Radicelle arrived and she is just delightful (still have to put eyes in) and my Little Centaur arrived on 11th November. I say he/she because the mold is Hansel, but I think with the long wig he makes a perfect girl.


I wish I had more time to concentrate on sewing and photography so I could do these new arrivals justice and show them off properly. With any luck, I should be able to take further photos next week with my new camera.

Wednesday

New Arrivals!

It seems like forever that I have been waiting for this parcel to arrive from Denver Doll, but my patience (or should I say impatience) was finally rewarded today and Ante couldn't wait to see what was inside.


ANTE: Heavens to Betsy, there's an awful lot of paper in here!
ME: Well sweetie, it's good that they have protected the boxes inside from damage.


ANTE: What's this face doing here without the rest of the head and no body?
ME: That's a freebee Ante, Fairyland had an event running when I ordered your sisters.


ANTE: Oh look Ma, isn't she a darling. She has lovely tan skin, I wonder if she's been spending a lot of time in the sun?
ME: Yes, I think she will be a wonderful addition to the family. No silly, that's the colour skin she was born with. 


ANTE: Oh I see I have another big sister too! She's very pretty and what beautiful big blue eyes she has.
ME: All the better to see you with my dear. Come on Ante, let's get these girls dressed we can't sit around here all day, we don't want the girls to get a chill.

Monday

Tutorial: Making a Corset Pattern

To make a corset, bustiere or torsolette  pattern from scratch so that it fits your doll correctly, you will need the following:
1. your doll
2. cling wrap film - enough to cover the dolls body
3. approx 2 sheets of 2 ply paper towel (preferably plain white) torn into strips
4. PVA adhesive and a flat 3/4 inch paint brush


Begin by covering the dolls body with enough cling wrap to protect where you are going to apply the glue, then using your paint brush dip it in the PVA and paint the area you want the corset/bustier to cover.


Next, cover the torso with torn strips of  paper towel, being careful to mold it around curvy parts like the bust and back. Apply several layers, pulling each strip tightly across the body so it fits snuggly.


Once you are happy with the thickness of the layers ( I used about six) put the doll aside to allow the glue to dry/set.


Once the papier-mache is dry/set, mark out the shape of your design, then the cutting lines to form the pattern with a Sharpie marker (be careful not to mark your doll in anyway).


Notice I have marked three lengths, I will cut the longest one out first, then trim for the lower leg, then the high cut leg, taking reusable patterns of each as I go.


Next, decide where you want to place your seams. The more shapely your doll is, the more likely it will be that you will require more seams. Fortunately for me, I am making mine for an Iplehouse KID.


Now you can cut up the back seam and remove everything from your doll. Cut on the lines, lay flat on brown Kraft paper or butcher's paper and trace around each piece then cut them out labelling them as you go. (i.e. Front, Right Side Front, Left Side Front, etc.) Remember, there are no seam allowances on these pattern pieces, so you will need to add these when you lay out your pattern on fabric.

NOTES: 
A corset is a close-fitting garment that has been stiffened by various means (generally whale boning) in order to shape a woman’s torso to conform to the fashionable hourglass silhouette expected during the 19th century. While modern day "corsets" generally mimic an historical style, they have very little, if any, effect on the shape of the wearer's body.

A bustiere is is a form-fitting garment for women, which is traditionally worn as lingerie. The primary purpose is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff and forcing the breasts up, while gently shaping the waist. Nowadays, they are often made with mesh panels rather than the traditional boning and reach down only to the ribs or waist. They may also be worn as a push-up bra under a low-backed dress, or as a camisole for outer wear.

A torsolette is a torso-hugging camisole that resembles a corset (typically featuring decorative front or back lace-up detail), but of more delicate construction and offering little or no figure-molding compression. It usually has brassiere cups and is distinguished from the bustier by its length and by a close, contoured fit which extends past the waistline over the hips with a basque.

Friday

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations Isabelle!

I'm so pleased to announce you are the winner of the Ladybird dress that I am wearing.

Please ask your human Sam, to use the "Contact Shop Owner" button here in my Etsy Boutique to send me your home address, so that I may post it to you pronto!

I do hope you will like it and that it fits you as well as it did me (I am rather skinny you know).

Hugs,
Lilly. XXX