I have a little idea......

I have this little idea that I'd like to put out into the world...and I would love to hear what you think.

While I worked as a midwife, (a few years ago now!), I had this little daydream where I opened a Birthing Centre amongst beautiful rolling hills, and offered holistic care to pregnant women and their families. (Did I mention I would win the lottery first?!)

Part of this care was to offer some kind of creative/stitchery class. A chance for women to slow down and nurture themselves, connect with their baby and create something for them, and also meet other women at the same pivotal point in their life. An opportunity to get together  and do what women do best...connect, share experiences & worries,laugh,support..and in this case do some sewing too!

I like to imagine this is what we used to do.....way, waaaay back when we lived in small communities. Knowledge and wisdom was shared through stories and song as the women of different generations gathered to weave & sew, amongst other things. A deep feeling of support really comes to mind...something that our modern, busy, separate lives could do with more of.(I reckon anyhoos)

So I've been playing with this little idea and rather than having it all worked out before I even start (like do I hire premises or do it online ? do I make kits or offer pdf patterns? etc.) I've decided to just take the first step and see where it takes me. 

The first step is to create a design that can be stitched by mums-to-be over a few 'sessions', while also chatting about waters breaking, active labour, and mother in laws (kidding...well not really). Something that is easy enough for the beginner, and sweet enough to be gifted to their precious newborn.

These 2 friendly fellows are what I have come up with so far..

Meet  Fern ......

And Acorn..........

They were named by Skye, and if 7 year olds are a good indicator of how much these fellows are to be loved by little people then oh my word.....they will be LOVED!

Truth be told I think I might be a little smitten too.

They are prototypes and still need a couple of tweaks.

The next step is to see if they actually work by being hand sewn.... I'm imagining calm slow stitching rather than machine engines revving!

So that is my little idea, and where it's got to so far....... I am so curious to see where it goes from here. 

I would also LOVE to hear your thoughts. :)

Would you want to stitch something like this for your little one? or grand child?

Do you know anyone expecting a baby, and would this be something they might enjoy making while blooming? 

Or would you rather create something else?

I shall keep you posted ........ 

xx

All things soft and beautiful - Part 2!

How are you all? In a frenzy of wrapping paper and mulled wine, or quietly winding down before stopping completely for the hols? I'm in the first category (of course!).... so I do hope you will humour my late blog appearance!
I mentioned in my last post about some dolls that I've been inspired by, and while I still don't have any of my own work to share I thought it the perfect excuse to show you.
So lets begin with the stunning work of The Pale Rook.

"The Oak nymph" by The Pale Rook

I've never been a huge "dolly" girl (even as a youngster) but oh my.....these dolls I would own in a flash. 

"Ethel" by the Pale Rook

Its the mix of pencil and fabric, and the shapes that are created...... down to the little feet.

"Oak Nymph" by The Pale Rook

Violetta by The Pale Rook

Simpy sublime stitching! 

Next I'd like to introduce Nadya Sheremet and her beautifully embroidered dolls....

Deer from a small town by Nadya Sheremet

Mysterious Goldilocks

The amount of work that goes into each piece is breathtaking. The design hand embroidered onto the skirt worn by "Goldilocks" is a piece of art in itself....and hints at the care and time invested into each piece.

And how about the details embroidered onto the dress worn by this "Girl from the Irish Coast" 

 Don't forget her pants!....

I can hardly comprehend the patience required to create such detail. Amazing!

And last but by no means least is the charming and colourful work of Valentina Felce of Blue Raspberry Designs. I love the tattoed dolls created by Mimi Kirchner, but have to say I laughed with glee on stumbling upon this doll on etsy.

Vincent Van Gogh with Starry night tattoo!

This glee was heightened after reading Valentina's little blurb on why she does what she does.

"I have always wanted a different kind of toy. That is: I had different sensibilities when it came to clothes, music, and dolls when i was a kid and I found myself often altering the things around me to suit my tastes. I was a little edgier than most, and I know I wasn't the only one. I would cut the hair off my barbies into stylish bobs and cover them with tiny sharpie tattoos. That's basically what I still love doing today! 

My Sindy doll (showing my age now!)  definitely got subjected to a haircut.... but I don't think the "scalped" look could be classed as stylish ;)

Painted Lady -Circus Performer by Blue Raspberry Designs.

"The White Queen" by Blue Raspberry Designs

Love them! 

So there you have it..... a doll bonanza to enjoy... I wonder if its too late to add one to my list for the big Mr S ;)x

All things soft and beautiful....

I am so enamoured with all things "plushie" or stuffed at the moment. These words don't really do justice to the beautiful creations I've stumbled upon..."soft sculptures" (aka mini works of art) are more accurate.
As my busy schedule of keeping up with orders continues (and family activities ramp up with the upcoming festivies), I thought I'd share a few stuffed wonders with you today!.....

Birchwood Spirit Bear : Mount Royal Mint

I have long been a fan of Mount Royal Mint and the beautiful little animal totem-like sculptures Sabina creates.... her background is in animation and puppetry, which is apparent in the thoughtful and tiny details she adds.

Unicorn: Mount Royal Mint

Oh Albatross also creates the most beautiful little soft sculptures with muted tones and lots of hand stitched details......this is my kind of lovely!

Country Foxes in Love : Oh Albatross

Quail : Oh Albatross

Spring Deer Dandy : Oh Albatross

I'm certain you've come across the beautiful work of Abigail Brown before..."creature textile extraordinaire", maker of  birds and "wierdlets (below)

Abigail has also introduced a new selection of soft toys  in her "Only tiny" shop, which are simpler in design but hold the same enchantment and unique quirky beauty as the rest of her work! Love them.

Only tiny "Dolls"

I've also discovered a plethera of "dolls" which are so unique and beautiful and definitely deserve a separate post of their own....so consider this post "to be continued"!

Hope you are having a lovely weekend

x

Oh ps. I've been working on my newsletter and this months free design, which I'll be sending out next week.... thought you might like a sneak peak. Pop your name on the list in the right sidebar if you haven't already! :)x