Tuesday, August 11, 2009

New Work With the Dolls-Stitches!










I am still working little by little on the new dolls. Well, hours can go by and I don't even notice. I have fabric out now and I go kind of crazy with it. I can't stop adding layers and colours. The skirt for this doll is crazy. I first sewed and overskirt, decided it needed a lining, then added an underskirt, then a topskirt, then another little underskirt and well, now I have no idea what I am talking about. Same goes for her bodice(don't ask how many layers are under there. And yes, this doll has bloomers(all the dolls have bloomers of course!) under her skirts and little leggings as well and much more to go. The arms/sleeves need work. Then there will be the wig, headpieces, jewelry-ooh la la-much, much more. All is sewn by hand because I like these dolls to be "free form" and "off"-just like me! The Littles(my little cats) LOVE all the fabrics, the floss, and every part of this stage. Stay away Littles or I will "Gently Mist" you with my spray bottle(which has been stuck on 'gentle mist' for several years now) of water-sorry if some folks find this terribly cruel-others think of it as a spa treatment. My house is a mess by the way. Back to stitching...

16 comments:

Jo Potter said...

Hi Merle,

Your doll is lovely. I like the the mixture of the coloured fabrics, you have used and the free way you have stitched them altogether. A very beautiful patchwork outfit!:)
I have just read your reply, to me on your last post.
The Sari curtains sound great and so does the Victorian house you use to live in.
I understand about your painting. It will take a while for you to change it. I did not mean, that you should paint over the image of you and the tiles. The image of you, (with the fairy wings) and the cats are the best part of the picture.
I can just imagine a tree around you all to complete the painting.
As well as an Indian influence there is definitely a French feel about your work.:)
It is really lovely to know you as we do seem to have a lot in common!

Best fairy wishes,
Jo,x:)

P.S. I have had trouble sending this post to you. I might be lucky this time round!

Unknown said...

jo,
i wonder what is up and why it was so hard for you to send this? i will have to look into that(ok, i have no idea!). it is so funny that mention "French" as i was watching the "Marie Antionette" movie with Kirsten Dunst while i was working on this dolls outfit! i think that is why her skirt got out of control. i was watching "Atonement" with Keira Knightly while i was sewing her bodice which probably why i chose the bright green-i love her green gown in that movie.

there are many things that i do love about that painting and i love the tree idea(yes, put it where the ex was) but the tiles, the wings, my rings and dress were all part of the wedding and him so that is hard. i really need to use the frame to do a new large portrait of me with the cats and a tree could be a great part of it(maybe a nest of robin's eggs with some glitter? and a faerie or two?)and we all need wings! something to think about! and yes, we do have a lot in common!
xo,
merle

Ruthie Redden said...

sweet merle, i so love, love love the fabrics & the colours, my fingers itch to touch them, i am such a hoarde of wonderful fabrics, just sat waiting for me to begin working with them. i am going to have to allocate my time better !!!!! i love also the way you are working on these beautiful costumes, layering & letting the pieces almost make themselves, i do the same with my paintings , they just sort of grow. inspiring as always *ruthie x x

mamabeaks said...

merle, this doll is gorgeous. i love your sense of colors. thanks for sharing the work in progress. i can't wait to see her finished.

Carol Anne Strange said...

Merle ~ What wonderful finery you have created for this little lady. Those fabrics and colours are sumptuous. But it is your devotion to creating by hand, which makes what you do so extra special and meaningful. You're an inspiration! Much love to you and the littles. xx

CindySowers said...

You are SUCH a colorful creature! Love it!

salty pebble said...

Beautiful magical dolls--love the choice of colours! truely stunning!
thank u kindly for ur message on my blog-- i do love mermaids, myth and magic too!,,,hee hee your a twin too thats great!...im an un identical twin! but we share alot of arty crafty passions! and she loves to make dolls.
x kazzy x

Thomas Sheridan said...

Really impressive the amount of work you put into the doll. I have never had closthes that nice!

Your whole blog is really interesting I am looking over it now.

Anonymous said...

wow - such amazing fabric and lovely little feet (especially the stockings!) Beautiful work!

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Blessings dear. Enjoy the day!

Sidereal Day said...

She's beautiful! Can't wait to see her all finished.

kerin rose said...

magical Merle, I gave you a blog award!...stop by my blog and pick it up!

ox Kerin

kerinrose.blogspot.com

Heather said...

your creations are always so stunning miss merle!
love and hugs to you
TP

KatinkaPinka said...

LOVE the stitching!

pretty pretty pretty!

i mist my cats, too...but my misting bottles always end up 'missing'...so it's sort of become a excercise in futility on my part.

;)

Renee said...

She is amazing and I hope that you are having better days.

Renee xoxo

Unknown said...

thank you everyone for your comments! i really appreciate hearing from you!
xo,
merle