Florence

...........is finally finished! I made her a red wool coat, hat and shoes with feather-stitched details and now she is ready for anything! The coat is meant to have a deep lace frill around the collar, but I am inclined to leave it as it is. The coat pattern was kindly sent to me by Connie Tognoli who researched all her "Columbian" patterns from original dolls. So apart from the possibility that I MIGHT add lace to the collar, this doll is done!
This doll was made for the MAIDA challenge which ends in a few days. Go to the MAIDA site to see all the "Columbian" interpretations.

Elephants and Cows

We have some boarders in our paddock - our neighbours' sweet, gentle jerseys with newborn calves at foot. I love looking out of the studio window and seeing them right there!

Remember the little knitted elephant I made late last year as a Christmas gift for my youngest grandchild? I'd written enough down to remember what I did, so I whipped up another one while I was away at String camp last week (in between rehearsals etc). I gave him a little embroidered felt jacket and hat. I may write this up as a pattern for my Etsy store........if you can knit in the round on four needles it is pretty easy and straightforward and it makes a great huggy toy for a small child.

Two Girls

String Camp 2013

I'm leaving for String Camp today - a whole week of music-making and NO cooking!

But, before I go......here's how the doll I am working on is coming along. She's coming to string camp to hopefully have some clothes made.

Busy...........

It's such a busy time of year, with the garden producing so much extra that needs to be dealt with - I've made blackcurrant jelly and cassis and frozen a heap of peas. Tomorrow will be beetroot chutney and some rhubarb and ginger jam, if I have time. And an inundation of tomatoes is imminent! I'm very inspired, because Bob is building a wine "cellar" and storage room in a small spare room we had. I need to fill those shelves with delicious preserves!

Meanwhile, in the studio, work continues apace, with commissions and getting kit orders assembled and posted. Did I tell you I love my job?

Here is the Columbian doll made for the MAIDA challenge all finished:

She's a big, handsome girl and I enjoyed the challenge of making her.

For a complete contrast, here is a tiny doll I've been working on and another made using my "Pipkin" pattern:

Here she is in her underwear...

...and fully dressed.

She looks cute in her little knitted hat!

Finally, here is one of the commissions I have been working on:

These dolls are so much fun to pose and play around with.

So you can see there hasn't been much of a summer break around here.......but next week I'm off to   the annual string summer school for a week of music making by the beach. I won't say it will be relaxing, but at least it will be different!

Introducing...........Marijke van Ooijen

One of the best things about my wonderful occupation is that I get to meet like-minded people from all around the world. Several months ago I was lucky enough to "virtually" meet a doll and bear maker from The Netherlands - Marijke van Ooijen. Here she is with her grand-daughter (yes......I too made the mistake of assuming it was her own child - she looks so young!)

Marijke's blog and in fact all of her work, has a soft, romantic appeal, whether she is making something like this:

.........or something whimsical and amusing like this:

Softly focused photography and pastel colours enhance the sweet look!  Her blog is a true visual delight and a joy to visit. Here are some more delicious treats to feast your eyes on! And if you want to see more you can visit Marijke's blog at http://marijkevanooijen.blogspot.com

Happy New Year!

My poor old blog has been a bit neglected these past few weeks.........not any doing of mine, but my old computer all but gave up the ghost. I now have a new one and I'm still learning its ways, but I'll be back blogging regularly soon, I hope. I have special treats in store for you! Thanks for reading my humble blog in 2012 and thanks  also for all the comments you left.

I'd just like to wish you all a Happy!New Year and all good things in 2013!