More Escapees from the Archives

softies and dollies
Originally uploaded by nicolembags

Had a busy weekend of teaching (and Lara's birthday celebration!!)... so no time for much more than pulling something from the archives....

I made this doll and dog (and a weird CWA-style covered soap thing) when I was 12. I took the photo then, too.

Escapees from the Hall of Fame...

Since I've been spending so much time at the computer lately (!!), that pile of unfinished projects in the studio has remained unfinished. To fill in a bit of a blank spot I've dug out some of my "early work" to show you!!

Every time I go to visit my parents I'm sent off with a car full of all the stuff I'd (rather conveniently) stored in my old bedroom for 20 or 30 years.... Most of the dolls came back here a month or so ago. If they weren't still in mint condition and in their original packaging (I must have been a strange child!) they were dressed in elegant ensembles of my own design and craftsmanship! It's a real memory-jerker.

This doll was one I think I "aquired" from an older sister's stash. Judging by the skill level in the sewing, I'd say it was dressed when I was in mid-primary school. The three-tier skirt trimmed with daisy braid shows a certain level of "sophistication".... But I have examples of late primary school work that show I could draft complicated cuffs and collars by then. I must have been between 7 and 9 years old when I made this.

My colour combinations amuse me on this one. Obviously whatever fabric scraps were to hand were used. And the design wouldn't work on a "real person" scale (you'd have to take your LEGS off to get into it!!!).