Summer time

Another one of my early patterns is getting a little make over.  Right now I'm working on my Troll Santa pattern. The body has been sewn and stuffed. It's hard to stay focused due to the hot summer days and my studio is upstairs.

WIP, I will have to redraw the diagrams and since it is a digital pattern I will be able to also put in some photo's.  I hope to get this one done in the next week. 

Well some things just need changing.  So the original version had a bandana.  Which is OK, but he wanted something new and more stylish.

All things always look easier then they seem and this hat was not exception.    I think I made four all together. LOL  He's getting close to being totally reworked and I'm proud to say that I stayed pretty true to the original version.  Changed some verbiage and updated the head wear.  New diagrams are next.  Woo-hoo, I'm looking forward to being done.

Revising Jake Pattern

Well yesterday I decided that before I can offer Jake, he will need some updates.  Partly because I designed him in the year 2000.  Eighteen years have gone by and unfortunately I drew in the diagrams and did not scan them.  So in order for me to make this pattern available in Digital format I will need to re-draw and scan in the diagrams.  

Not sure how I really feel about doing this.  I'm worried that since this was one of my first patterns it will turn into a total redo?!?  I will try real hard not to let that happen.  So here it goes.

Finally some shoes

Funny how life goes on and not every day is a creative venture.  Today I finally started on the shoes.  I'm real happy with how they add to the over all look of my latest Troll.  It helps if you have a good book to listen to.  I just finished listening to Anansi Boys.  Getting lost in creating and the story.  Hopefully it won't be long now that she'll be done.

Oh' almost forgot.  The shoes are made from a t-shirt scrap.  Then painted with Sobo glue, which dries clear and gives the shoe a little stiffness.

Slow and steady

Been working on my Troll.  Letting the ideas come as they may, going at a slow and steady pace.  I really love this process.  I'm using a paper towel to create the dress.  I don't have a whole lot of this fabric and need to make sure that I don't waste it.  It's an over dyed piece of linen that I have used several time on other pieces.  Guess I like the way it drapes.  

I'll post more pics soon.

Fairy Forrest Troll

The sketch has been waiting for a while.  Yesterday I finally got going.  Not sure why I gravitated to the green, but I know better then to argue with my instincts.  So far I'm loving how this is going.  I'm trying some new eyes, just hope that I can get the other eye in as nicely as this one.  That is always a challenge.  

Pushing my self to step out of my comfort zone.

Sometimes you have to listen

This morning I attempted to make the front legs for my Toad. Well, needless to say Toad had other ideas.  So instead I started stitching texture into the skin of my Toad.  I'm not sure how many hours I  have stitched, but I like where this is going.

Oh' how can't wait what else he tell me to do.  It has taken me many years to listen to my pieces and go with the flow.  

Alice in Wonderland Characters

Here's my gang that is going to ODACA this year!  They were a lot of fun to make.  Maybe someday I'll get on the ball and make the whole Tea Party. LOL  Or not!  Time for some more Trolls. 

I've been experimenting with some Eco dyeing, so I'm anxious to use some of the fabrics from that.  But first Washington DC.  Hope to see you there.  Oh' did I mention these will be for sale. :)

Almost done

Ok, so I don't want to jinx myself but these two have co-operated all the way thru.  I'm really happy with how they are turning out.  

Of course I've been trying real hard to stay on task this week.  Which when it's hot out is very hard to do.  

Yesterday I picked the fabrics for the clothing.  I think I must have smiled all day long.

Late yesterday afternoon I called it a day and a good day it was.  So today the plan is to finish these two.  I'm totally in love with them and can't wait to share them at the next ODACA day in Washington, DC.

Caterpillar body ...........

Testing out the body I made for my Caterpillar today.  It will be covered in the green color.

I  had to put a weight in his tail so that end of him would stay down.  Another project that is really making me step out of the box and trying something new.

Then it'll be on to the Mushroom he'll be sitting on.  Let the fun begin.

Caterpillar arms all done

Four tiny arms........ what was I thinking, but I got them done and I'm very happy with how he is turning out.

I may have just enough fabric to give him a little more body.  Funny how I pick the smallest piece of Doe Suede that I have in my stash, but the color just spoke to me so I had to go with it.

I love the changes that are happening with everything that I do.

Moving right along

Moving right along on my little Caterpillar.  It's funny how if you just listen.........magic happens.  Yesterday I made hands.  He will have a total of four.  They are very time consuming, but I love how they look.  I plan on making him a jacket and a backpack.  I'm sure I will have fun with making four arm holes. 

I will keep you posted!

Box Troll

I loved the movie and thought I had to try my hand at a Box Troll.  Yes even his box is made of fabric. Actually paint canvas.  I started with the box and I got a little anal with it.  Oh' well this is how I learn.  

This little guy measures about 13"  Is all cloth with needle sculpted features, inset eyes.  I decided to give him only three fingers and three toes.  He came together quite nicely!  

Here are a couple of close ups of the box! 

I totally had fun with the box, just check out the bar code.  So yes I will have to make a few more.  You can't just have one Box Troll?!?

Send in the Clowns

Finished the fourth of the Troll Clowns for ODACA.  I'm thrilled with how each one is turning out so different, but the same.  This took a little longer, but came together quite nicely in the end.

And it's not the end.  I still have two more to make. 

Emerging with Color

Just as the title says......."Emerging with color"!    I seem to be dragging my feet on this one.  Not sure why?!?  Maybe the beautiful weather..........who knows?!?  I will try real hard to get Troll Clown #4 by the end of March.  Found this vintage doll dress that I'm using for his outfit.  I just absolutely love the colors and almost hated to cut it.  

Seeing the out come on the troll is making me happy.  So I guess all is well. :)

Troll Clown #3 is finished

It's beginning to look like a little Troll Clown Family.  Each one with it's own little voice telling me what to do as I'm creating them.  

Thought you might like to see

It's been a slow process but my Troll clown is coming along.  It's been fun to create something and different.  I'm enjoying the process very much.  Lets just hope the next six will be just as fun. 

Under the Big Tent is the theme

Under the Big Top is the theme for ODACA this year.  I'm not sure that Trolls can be Clowns, but I'm going to give it a shot.  I will be making the centerpiece Dolls for this wonderful event.

ODACA Day will be held July 15th at the Kansas City Marriott this year.  I'm very thrilled to be part of this celebration.  And since I  have a number of Trolls to make I figured I had better get started.  So I'll give you a sneak peek at my prototype.

I'm totally enjoying the process of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Troll Rider

Today I added the second leg and the arms. I'm very happy with the progress. I can't wait to give him/her some clothes. And have lots of embellishment ideas. 

Something new ........

Today I finished my Field Mouse that I started last month.  I'm tickled to have her finished.  Now she may get a little friend down the road.  I'll keep you posted.