Visit to Helen at Huntingdon

When I asked one of the train staff what platform for Huntingdon, he replied 'What do you want to go there for?' so as you can gather, it's a small place :)

I was going to visit Helen, my mum had been friends with her sons when she was growing up, and she visited us in Aus last year. She is absoloutly lovely, and aged about 83. In the morning she let me go through her draws of Old Things!!! She gave me a blouse of her aunt's, from the 30s, and some beautiful old fabrics and lace. After all that excitement we went for lunch at the pub, walked along the river , past the old old mill, and fed the swans!

We also had a peek into the church. This photo is for you Math!

Those pheasants made out of straw are the trademarks (so to speak) of the thatcher who made the roof.

Helen's pin and needle holder. Bought from a church fair I think in the forties.
I was really happy to see her, and we are going to have afternoon together in London this week!

'Splorin

As my interest in doll-making grows I find myself happily seeking out about and exploring relevant places. One such place is Pollocks Toy Museum http://www.pollockstoymuseum.com/It is a small place, in an old house, and full to the brim of dolls, punch and judy's, dolls houses, teddy bears, old board games, matchstick toys, rocking horses- you name it!
I have so SO many photos! Here are a few

Having fun in London

I have been in England now since Dec 7th, firstly with my family, and now by myself! I have mostly been having a wonderful, engaging time. Whilst I was in Brisbane I found out about a short course being run by Central St Martins, called Vintage Fashion Dolls... it sounded right up my street! So I booked in to do it, only to receive an email saying that it had been cancelled. To cut a long story short, the teacher Rowena, ended up teaching me how to make the doll in her flat!

Her website is http://www.rowenalukeking.co.uk/

The doll is made from a curtain lining fabric (quite a heavy cotton), and she has a wire armature inside.

Her face is hand embroidered. This is one of my first attempts at embroidery. I think I've used a couching stitch for the eyebrows, and satin stitch for lips and eyes. I also embroidered on fingernails, toe nails, nipples (very difficult to choose the correct colour!), and pubic hair. I like the idea of her being a mini human. When I find some proper gold thread I'll give her a ring and some earrings.

I have used some needle scuplture on the face and body (another thing to get better at!). I used needlesculpture to enhance her bust, and give her back some definition, give her a belly button (not wholly successfully) as it's v.close to waist stitching, also used it for elbows and knees.

Her hair is made from wool fibre. I tried to give her a 40s fringe, and sortove victory rolls.

I'm currently working on the pattern for a 40s dress, from blocks which Roweana gave me.

Looking at this photo, I think I'm going to make her nipples a bit bigger!!