A Scurvy Pirate & A Medieval Lady

So here she is at last.
I finally finished off my doll of Captain Morgan's Daughter :)

Sir Henry Morgan was an Admiral of the Royal British Navy, and also a Pirate! He was one of the most notorious and successful privateers in history, and one of the most ruthless who worked in the Spanish Main.

Even though Henry married his cousin Mary in 1666 there’s no record of them ever having any children, but in my mind I imagine this famous Welsh Pirate having had a mistress or two tucked away around the Caribbean, and that he may have had one or more illegitimate children.
This doll is me letting myself imagine what the daughter of Captain Morgan would be like if she’d been allowed to grow up aboard ship with her farther. Of course a woman would never have been allowed at sea (it was considered bad luck), and would have had a hard time protecting herself against other sailors unless she was a strong brave fighter – Just like Captain Morgan’s Daughter!
Female pirates were not unknown, and history shows us a few of these ladies that were brave, ruthless and successful.

Captain Morgan’s Daughter has a mixed up selection of clothing that she’s gathered for herself from raids she’s been involved in, and she wears her swag with pride. Over a fine silk shift and drawers she wears a man’s striped silk breaches tied with ribbons at the knee beneath her lace trimmed skirts. To make it easier for her to run around the ship and fight during battle she wears her skirts gathered up and tied in place. She stole her embroidered military coat from a drunken officer at one of her favourite taverns (which is why it’s a little big), and her hat from the room of a travelling gentleman while he was at dinner. She wields her engraved sword better than most trained men, and can outfight even the best. And at her waist hangs the jewelled key to her hidden treasure chest.

She weighs approx. 230g, and she is 52cm tall.

I've just started work on two (make that three) new dolls.

This one, Cerridwen, is for Linda who's helping me make my Beth by making all of the intricate wire work jewellery and adornments. She refused to be paid for her work, so instead we agreed that I'd make her a doll, so I sculpted this one especially for her when I made up my last batch. She has wonderful peachy pearl coloured eyes, and Linda has asked that I dress her using the same fabrics that I used for Beth.
I can't tell you exactly who Cerridwen is, or rather was, just yet in case Linda herself is reading (don't be sneaky lovely lady, I'm not telling), as she wanted a surprise doll. But I can tell you what I've told her, which is that she's a medieval lady, and already has a silk shift embroidered by me in blackwork pansies, and a pale gold under-dress trimmed with a tapestry border. Her under dress with be of the same rich gold jacquard as Beth's underskirt, and her loose over-dress with low hanging arm holes and split sides will be in the same lovely blue silk brocade as Beth's gown.

I also started work on Lady Harriet Mordaunt, and got as far as her structured steel inserted ruffled petticoat before I gave in to her demands that she was dressed "All Wrong". She just wouldn't behave, wouldn't look right, and was shouting at me a Lot! So I had no choice but to bow to the pressure she was putting me under and put her aside. Whoever this doll is she is certainly not happy about being Lady Mordaunt (a women involved in one of the greatest Victorian scandals when her divorce proceedings brought the Prince of Wales himself in to the stands), but she is very reluctant to tell me who she actually is. She's back in the box now, waiting with the other naked dolls until she decides to speak up so I can give her what she wants. And I've moved on to the next doll on my list - Mrs Lovett.
I don't have any pics of her yet, and she's only in her undies anyway, but I couldn't resist it any longer and am finally making Mrs Lovett. I love the great mix up of fact and fiction that makes up the fantasy tale of Sweeney Todd and his villainous partner in crime Mrs Lovett. I mean, what could possibly lead a woman to butcher and then cook another human being. And to make matters worse actually go and sell these cannibalistic pies to her unwitting customers!!!
To me a lot of it has to do with her pathetic, desperate and unrequited love for the dynamic, manic and ruthless Mr Todd...

Finally Blogger Is Working Again!

Finally!
Blogger seems to be working again. And now of course I've forgotten everything I wanted to tell you all about :S

Happy New Year Everyone :)

I've been working slowly through the holidays to get a new batch of dolls sculpted, smoothed, painted and strung together. And now have a big gang of bald naked beauties waiting to become the voices that shout in my head.

There are some rather striking faces in this batch, and I'm really looking forward to getting to work on them.
I know already that the first I'm going to make is Lady Harriet Mordaunt, the famous, or rather infamous, woman that managed to get the Prince of Wales dragged into the divorcee courts as  respondent in a sensational divorce detailing her extra-marital sexual relationships. The poor Harriet was eventually left to pass the last 36 years of her life in a lunatic asylum after a counter petition led to a finding of mental disorder.

She's a very interesting character, and it's hard to try and work out why she acted as she did when she knew that her behaviour would be considered outrageous by both the law and by society.

 

I'm getting towards finishing my silly pirate. Captain Morgan's Daughter. And here she is in her pantaloons (easier on-board ship and for fighting) with her skirts looped up and showing her petticoats.

Over her shift and tightly laced corset I'm going to give her a black pirate's coat with silver embroidery details. And when her hair is added she'll have a wide brimmed hat with feathers as well.
I'm even planning to try and make her a cutlass and bandoleer :)

She's a bit further along now, but I'm afraid Bound got left to one side while I tried to figure out the best stuff to use for her ropes.

After playing about with string, garden twine, cord, embroidery thread and anything else I could find around the house I finally settled on a beige beading cord I had at the bottom of the cupboard. It's the perfect thickness and stiffness, but of course is way too clean so I've been dip staining it in layers, drying in between, and sanding it to get it roughed up. It took a while to get it to look right, but now Bound should be finished very soon too, wrapped in her ropes and standing as a statement against the restrictions of the past and present that effect women in society (a bit of a heavy social statement for me I know).

My project with the lovely Linda working on our Elizabethan Lady Beth is still carrying on and we're now zooming ahead with details and bringing her together. I'd love to share a pic of the stunningly beautiful sample pieces that Linda sent to me but I don't want to spoil the surprise.
And just look at this sweet smart Witch called Hazel she made me as a Christmas gift. I'm very blessed :)

I hope 2013 brings you all that you wish for and a few dreams too :)

Fiddling About This Weird Week

A weird few weeks.
I promised myself a decent amount of time to get by my two besties Christmas presents made, and then managed to get them made in just a few days. I also told myself I was going to use the pre-Christmas weeks to work on my Elizabeth 1, without thinking that the logistics of working with another artist on the other side of the world might slow me down a bit.
Working with Linda has been wonderful. I'd swear we're long lost twins sometimes we think so much alike. But while we're waiting for samples and and a few little gifts to cross the ocean so we can get a proper look at the fabric I'm using and the beautiful stones and wire that Linda is using the postal system is slowing things down for us. I have Beth now in her underskirt, sleeves and bodice. Her skirt is made and waiting to be tweaked to get just the right fit. And me and the lovely Linda are working on the plans and designs for the decorations. By chance I found a perfect flaw in the paintwork on the left side of her upper chest that looks just like a beauty mark. And I've managed to fit her bodice wide enough so that it will still show once her wide lace ruff is attached. She's coming along so well in her layers of silk and brocade. I'm so looking forward to seeing the latest of Linda's samples, and am trying my best to not tap my feet and jump out on the Mailman each morning.

 

I did have a little trouble with Beth's sleeves as at first I tried making them with a full length, gradually expanding sleeves so that they would have the fullness at the shoulder that she needed. But it just didn't look right. In the end I tailored her sleeves to fit loosely along the forearm before they expanded. She looks much better now, and I love how her silk shift peeks out at her wrist and along her neckline.

 

It's been a weird time in other ways too, as I normally try and slow down if I can at this time of year. but my brain had other ideas about it and has been trowing ideas at me right left and centre. The first of the new ideas I started working on is a little different for me as I normally make dolls to comment on historical society that has shaped how we live, the unusual lives and sufferings of women, the mythical and the strange, and anything else that grabs my attention. This doll is more specifically my comment on women in our own society and in that of the past - She's called Bound, and I hope to be able to show you all soon :-)
Another new thing is the start of a new book, which I always love. My darling husband bought me a few books for our anniversary, so I'm starting with one on Victorian Murderesses :-) I hope to find some new mysteries and more information on some women I've read about before.

Before Bound is even finished, and while I'm still working on her detailing, I got a mad strange idea to make something very silly. The legends of the Welsh Pirate Captain Morgan lodged itself in my head and I though wouldn't it be fun to make Captain Morgan's Daughter :)

From a social statement on the bonds of women (very serious), to total Welsh nonsense.

I told you it had been a weird few weeks!!!



New Dolls, Anxiety, & Dolls Heads

I've got a few new dolls to share while I sit here stiff and aching after yesterdays Birmingham Doll and Teddy show. It was a busy day, and we had some fun, but it was a Long journey so me and hubby took leave from the day jobs today to recover a bit.
I've been so busy lately it's so nice to take a step back and enjoy just being here with Cris and the cats. A nice family cwtchy day cuddled under my blanket :)

Anxiety is an evil thing, and as I've mentioned before here it's something I suffer with and try my hardest to keep under control. Not many people know that it can cause unlimited pain, mental stress and depression, as well as making it almost impossible to function, talk to other people or even leave your home. After a recent unwanted burst of this I did all the obvious things like saw my doctor and talked to my lovely understanding boss, rested myself and worked to come out the other side of it in some sort of functioning state. And I also tried something new - Bach Flower Remedies.

I've used, and liked, the Rescue Remedy they make that many people know of. And when I went to pick up a new bottle I found they also do more specific pre-prepared remedies. I know a lady that swares by Bach Remedies and has always being very helpful with information and advice, so I thought I'd give them a go. I'm glad I did as at the moment I seem to have relaxed and come around again to normal life a little quicker than I normally would. Looks like trying something new is a good idea sometimes :)

I often use my own feelings as inspiration, and this doll is part of what I feel sometimes. She’s dirty and tattered, huddled on her mattress in a dark corner, struggling to keep warm and look after herself. Just waiting to see the daylight and understand her own mind again. If you look at her face she looks calm and contented, Just another normal face in the crowd. But it’s what you can’t see that is what matters, and Anxiety needs help and understanding. Some of us are lucky enough to have the support we need, but there are those out there that need help they can’t get.

Anxiety only wears her dirty thin tattered shift and two ripped stained petticoats with a pair of thick wool long mittens to try and stave off the cold. She will sit of lay on her own stuffed mattress.

I love this doll. She has a special place in my heart. She is for sale, and I'll be sad to see her go, but I want to share her meaning and gentle comfort with others and I hope someone will find her and love her like I do.

Another new dolly just made is my Ashiepattle, or Cinderella, doll. Cinderella is one of the most well know of all the fairytales, but my favorite is the original Grimm brothers Ashiepattle.
The story has been used and changed many times, in books, films, toys and all fantasy. But I always go back to the original, creepy version, were the stepsisters actually start cutting off toes and things to get the shoe to fit, and their mother telling them to do it!!!

This Cinderella wears long drawers and layered petticoats under her full knee length skirts. Unfortunately, the hard work she’s been forced to do have left her dirty and tattered, her skirts torn and stained. Her silk blouse has three quarter sleeves and is pulled in tight across her middle by a matching corset, and she has an apron with two rags in the pocket and a broom made of grasses and a twig from my peach tree.

As you probably already realise I'm pretty much facinated by the darker side of life in times past. And I often try and understand why women did what they did and made choices that I could never see myself making as I could never be in the same position. One group of women that I struggle to understand are the courtesans and prostitutes. Logically I understand why they made the decision to live that life, but another part of me can't find the personal conection to that choice because of the modern life I lead. They were strong women that did things to regain control of thier own life, and I have to be honsest that part of me is impressed with them. I also know that many of them must of endured levels of hardship and degradation that we'll never understand. And my heart and soul weep for them.

Madame Lucile is a women that most decent folk won’t talk of. She’s a Courtesan. A high class, very expensive, prostitute that sells herself to the richest men of her choice. Always choosing the best looking and most likely to spoil her with gifts and expensive treats, she’s so successful that she gets to do as she likes. It’s a real shame she hasn’t thought ahead to when her looks fade away and she can no longer rely on rich patrons. But she never did have a head for figures.

Madame Lucile wears her frivolous underwear, all in silk. Her drawers are gathered at the knee and lace trimmed. Her soft chemise is shorter than usual and tucked in to her drawers so she can get that tight silhouette she prefers. Her blue silk corset is trimmed with lace, and her dressing gown trimmed with lace and ribbon. To add to her perfect hourglass figure she also has a set of frills tied around her waist to give fullness to her hips and rear.

At the Birmingham fair I did find myself a little treat in the form of two battered, chipped, broken and repaired, dirty, unwanted, and un-loved old dolls heads.

As soon as I saw these pretty old babies I just had to have them, and the lady selling them wanted so little for them I just couldn't say no. She had so many beautifully preserved dressed whole dolls that these two stood out to me straight away. And for the cost of a bottle of decent wine I came home with two new treasures.

They are really beautiful to me. I know that not everyone would thing so, but I guess I'm strange like that. Even the little squint of this ones pretty blue eyes where they have been fixed in the past a little badly just makes me smile, and I knew I had to save them. I'm going to make them both a simple stand each so that I can display them on my mantle. And I might even make each a soft lace ruff with a satin bow :)

Jane Eyre, Beatrix Potter & Cinderella

Firstly I have to say I'm really sorry for the state of these photo's. It's rained all week and been really dark. Also I've had some type of nasty sicky bug and just haven't had the energy to take more now that the sun has finally shown herself this weekend.

As I've been stuck on my sofa under a blanket cuddling my cat cutie Meanna I've got quite a lot of sewing done. It's saved me from going nuts with nothing but crap day time tv for company. Here you can see my Jane Eyre in her corded petticoat, and behind her is the start of her blue ruffled petticoat.
I find it easier to set ruffles on the rug so I can pin things down and pull at the threads.

After her ruffled petticoat I made Jane one of Silk Cotton and trimmed the edge with lace. And I made her a cute little chemise corset cover made up of embroidery anglaise trimmed with blue ribbons.

She's come along so fast that I can hardly understand how I got it all done. But sewing silk has been so nice, and I taught myself how to sew perfect handsewn french seams too. I call that a productive week, even though I was slow and vauge headed.

Now Jane is sitting on my table in her silk gown trimmed with fine lace. Her dark red hair just dried and she's ready for her bonnet and veil. I've got some really pretty paper flowers for her hat and as soon as I'm done typing I'm going to start refining the shape of her bonnet to get it just right.

I made her gown skirts with two layers of silk, the over-layer being a deep haboiti silk ruffle trimmed at the top and bottom with more lace. Her bodice is gathered at the top with a tight fitted section across her torso. Her sleeves are long and fitted with large puff tops, and she has little lace mittens peeking out from the ends of her sleeves, which sit quite long over the hands as they would have been during the 1820's when the book was set.

 

I've had to be quite carful with Jane in her ivory silk. I'd hate to get her dirty now I've worked so hard on her, but with two cats in the house I've been worried about a stray dirty paw print (from Darcy of course!!!). To try and keep her perfect I've been making sure I've only worked on Jane when the kitties are either out or sleeping as when Darcy starts going nuts he doesn't care what's in his way - He's coming through whether you like it or not!

This blue eyed little cutie is going to be another Cinderella doll I've been making when I can't work on Jane. Alongside working on my Beatrix Potter doll of course. I don't normally work like this and it's been a bit strange. I'm looking forward to just having one project on the go instead of three or four. And I'm still working on my Elizabethan doll Beth whenever I get a chance. But I got to say it's all gone alright so far. While one thing is drying or I'm waiting for a bit of fabric to be delivered I've had something else to do to keep me busy. It's always at this time of year that I really have a need to sew and create, and I can never decide if it's the cold outside or the aproaching Christmas holidays that make me so focused. But it's good to get things done with the big Birmingham Doll and Teddy Fair coming up at the end of the month.

 

 

Beatrix is waiting for her bunny to come sit on her lap, and he's currently drying between layers of paint to build up his copper brown fur coat. I'm really happy with how her deer stalker came out, and she's looking really cute sitting on my bookshelf as she waits for her things to be finished.

I still have to work out how to make her some tiny paint brushed...





A Mad Hatters Tea Party

It's so good to finally get something finished :)

I've been working so hard on so many dolls at once that it didn't really feel like I was getting anywhere for a while. But now I have my Mad Hatter all finished and sitting pretty next to me as I type. I really love how he came out, he's one of the dolls I can't help smiling at - I don't know why :)

The colours this time just all seem to work together as I want, and his accessories just came together in a flash. His sad little face is just what I pictured, and I had a lot of fun making him.

He has a bright turqoise silk waistcoat with a big bow cravat in flowery lawn fabric. His silk hat is trimmed out with a paper flower, pearl head hat pins, a found charm and clock hand, and of course, his 10/6 label.
From his hand dangles a needle and thread, and from his waist is a tape measure. On his other wrist is a felt pin cushion tied on with ribbon.

Beatrix Potter is sitting right next to the Hatter. All dressed now and waiting for the bits and pieces she needs to finish her off. I've made her a little bunny rabbit to sit in her lap, and have finally got my little piece of silk to make her a Peter Rabbit blue scarf. Next I need to make her her own deer stalker hat from a piece of Welsh wool I have. I've no idea how to do this but guess I'll figure it out along the way. And I'm going to give her a little satchel bag with her paints and sketchbook in.

My other little custom doll I can show you, but can't say who she's for at the moment in case the person finds out.
She's an early Victorian lady in a pretty grey lawn dress with scattered flowers. As you can see I still need to add her hair. But all her clothes are finished, all her petticoats and skirts, bodice and corsets. She's a pretty looking thing with her lavendar eyes :)

As soon as I finished off my Hatter I really really had a need to make a doll that's been in my head planning for quite a while now. I've strted my Jane Eyre, and you can see she already has her drawers, shift and panteletts (frilly long separate legs to hid the legs when skirts are raised). And yesterday I put many holes in my fingers making her first petticoat and a corded petticoat from thick textured cream fabric with lines of string sewn in for stiffness.

I've not made a wedding gown yet, so decided to make my Jane in her wedding outfit complete with bonnet and veil. I even splashed out on a mix of silk fabrics to make it in natural shades of ivory and cream.

The book Jane Eyre was set in the very very early Victorian period. Technically really just before Victoria as it was 1810 - 1820.
There isn't a lot of info out there about the clothes of this period, and a lot of it contradicts itself or gets things muddled up. Things seem to jump straight from Regency muslin to the young Princess Victoria, so I'm doing my best to wade through the differing information.

I couldn't resist treating myself to another showing of the film yesterday afternoon, tucked up on the sofa with a cheeky glass of wine and my Meanna in my lap. I forgot just how much I love the story. It really is a wonderful book and I think I need to read it again very soon.

I'll share more photos as soon as I take some :)
Best wishes to all xxx

Edgar Allan Poe, Beatrix Potter & The Sad Mad Hatter

Finally managed to get a doll finished. All dressed and sitting pretty, with all his buttons in a row. Meet my little Edgar Allan Poe.

If I'd thought about it better I think I may have made this little chap in a bigger size as it would have been really nice to make his jacket removable and get more detail in his waistcoat and shirt, but those green eyes just drew me in.

He stands at only 25cm tall, has his notebook ready to make notes on insperation, and has his very own pet raven to keep him company.

Edgar wears an outfit similar to one he wears in one of his most well-known photographic portraits. Over his long drawers and silk shirt he has a white cravat tied under his high pointed collar, and a double breasted waistcoat made in a cream stripped silk. His black trousers and jacket are made of good quality cotton, with his jacket buttoned high to his neck with a small round collar.

I'm having a lot of fun getting my Mad Hatter dressed up and ready to strut his stuff. It's so nice to be able to go full out and really go mad on all the little details for him. And I've already planned out the details for his crazy top hat.

I've no idea why I think of the Hatter as such a sad charecter, but I always have. I think it's knowing that the poor man knew that he was going mad, and knew it was the mercury nitrate he used in the felting procces that was causing it. But he was unable to prevent it - He had to make hats, and the technology to protect himself just didn't exsist.

I don't think he was always sad, but sometimes in quiet moments I belive he was.
So far he has on his long drawers and a fine silk cotton shirt with deep cuffs and a very high pointed collar. I'm waiting for a fabric delivery that will give me some wonderful silk to make his waistcoat.

That same fabric delivery will also have the stuff I need to finish dressing my Beatrix Potter too. I've ordered a few shades of blue silk to make her a Peter Rabbit Blue scarf to wear with her tweedy skirt and jacket and deer stalker hat. As soon as I get it all I'll be sewing like a demon :)

I have given her a lace trim and high collar to her silk blouse, and as you can see I added her soft brown fluffy hair.
She's starting to look like she should now, and I hope I can do justice to the rest of her outfit.
Sitting on my radiator slowly drying is a small wonky eared bunny to sit in her lap :)