Harlequina Maria earns her money entertaining the crowds at the Masquerades
every week. She dresses up in her finest and cavorts through the crowds of
revelers, dancing, singing and performing acrobatics and tricks. She
particularly likes to take the gloves or handkerchief from handsome rich
gentlemen and make them chase her through the ballrooms until they agree to
dance with her in her elaborate show dance.
By the time the night is over she has sore and tired feet. She’s
always worn out and hungry, looking forward to her small fire and comfortable
chair in her neat little apartment. Her pockets are filled with coins from the entertained
party people, and she usually has enough to afford a small treat for tea the next
day after she’s paid her bills. Once she wakes in the morning she’ll be back to
work sewing and mending her costumes ready for the private balls and the next
grand Masquerade.
Maria has a very lavish outfit of soft diamond pattered fabric
trimmed with gold and cream lace, satin rosettes, beads and gold thread over
cotton underwear. She has long knickerbockers and a short full skirt over
petticoats that has two gathered and ruffles over skirts. Her bodice is laced at
the front with gold thread and she has a rich red glittered mask to wear to the
Masquerade.
She sits on a green velvet cushion which is included with her.
Next I'm working on a Wonderland Caterpillar while I wait for different fabric to arrive for my Effie. The embroidery I did for her skirt looked good, but not quite right so I tried to nick and fray the fabric to get the pattern I wanted. It wouldn't work on the faux silk I had and after trying it on a piece of real silk I've ordered new to do it to that. Hopefully she'll be finished soon.
I have a few small commissions for Christmas to do but still have spaces open if you'd like a doll from me. Let me know what your looking for and I'll be happy to talk it over with you.
Oh, and look!!!
Cris bought me this wonderful little model spinning wheel from a local charity shop this weekend. Isn't it adorable! I'll have to start thinking about Fate or Rumpelstiltskin for it :)
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I love the photos of Harlequina Marie and her story; it sounds like an idyllic (if busy) life.
ReplyDeleteYour sketches are lovely. Is this for a caterpillar in a redingote? A hobble skirt seems very appropriate for a Ms Caterpillar.
That is a sweet little spinning wheel. It would work for a wicked fairy a la Sleeping Beauty, too. Or that story where the three old spinners trick the Prince into believing spinning will make his wife ugly. (Can't remember what it's called, though.)