Alabama Chanin projects

 

Here is a close up of the cut work, stitching and beading of the Alabama Chanin skirt.

 

My friend Cindy asked me to finish her Alabama Chanin stitch work skirt. She realized that she just no longer had any time to work on the project. The skirt was taunting her every time she looked at it, and she had to get real and find an alternative way of getting the skirt done.

 

No lie......this took too many hours to count to accomplish. But it sure did turn out great. Cindy was thrilled.

 

I have 4 of the Alabama Chanin stitch work books. They are terrific books, and are available on Amazon.com. I would highly recommend adding these books to your studio library.

Carson Doll Show

Finishing touches are being completed so that I will be ready for the show that my UFDC Doll Club has been planning for Oct. 17th.  Plaza Event Center - 211 South Carson St. 10am to 3pm.  It is sold out on the booth space so it should be a great grouping.

Speak in Absence

 

This new piece is called....Who will speak in my absence.

 

 

 

On an individual basis the artist always hopes that their work will speak for them long after their absence.  On a global scale.....how many voices don't have anyone to speak for them in their absence. My dolls have always had the ingredient of merging cultures with familiar or contemporary aspects. Those elements go into the mixing bowl to create something that reflects a world view that is inclusive.

 

The black and red checkerboard in the skirt is pieced, as the diamonds in the blouse. Halfway through the piecing I began to realize I may have lost my mind. Hats off to all the quilters out there.

 

I made the tiny tassels for the necklace. I also added embellishment with coiled wire and beads to the sari border focal point in the skirt.

Charles and I discovered a wonderful walk by the Carson River in East Carson City. There was a band of wild horses that would congregate.  What a pleasure to go for a walk and see mountains and wild horses. Now I have to go through some of my images to find more of the pictures I have taken. The images of the babies are on the to do list.

             Full color from last year. The only tree like this on my block. Really stunning.

 

The Japanese Maple in front of my house. The raking will commence shortly. Full peak of color is yet to come.

 

The fish tail, the body and arms were sewn and attached separately. Beading on the metallic crinkle fabric was used as embellishment. The brassier top is made from the wool felt, gold trim, metallic crinkle fabric and beads. The back is fashioned in a racing style.....oh so popular and on trend for Mermaids!

Fish, a Sea Horse, jelly fish, star fish and other assorted under the sea items were created with the wool felt. I did a google images search of sea creatures, coral and anything fun and colorful that would add to the composition of the finished Sea Maiden.

I had no idea of how everything was going to fit together....it was a matter of playing with the finished items, arranging and rearranging. Loads of fun!!!!!

 

The Sea Maiden is a piece that was created by special request as a donation for the Salina Community Theater in Salina KS.  The Mermaid sits upon a small treasure chest and an old copy of Anderson's Fairy Tales.  All of the sea items were made from wool felt, beads and wire. Fingers crossed that one of my favorite long time collectors wins this special piece. It was a joy to make.

 

 

I have had so much fun working with the lovely colors of the wool felt I have found in my travels. Sarah's Fabrics on Massachusetts Ave. in Lawrence KS has had many wonderful colors. Pin cushions and the flower felt fascinator hats for my dolls are perfect ways to use the wool felt.

Ute took me to a great quilt shop in Carpenteria CA and I was able to add to my color pallet.

I finally did it!

 

Introducing one of my newest creations.......The Demoiselle de Fleur. I have been having so much fun creating these dolls using wool felt from my favorite fabric store in Lawrence KS, Sarah's. This doll has a skirt made from vintage sari border. Yum!