Mrs George's Wig

“Some of the worst mistakes in my life were haircuts”  (Jim Morrison)

This week I have been immersed in the task of developing a wig for Mrs George, my current doll. 

I like to use natural fibres wherever possible and in this case I am using silk.  I find this gives a realistic look, sheen and texture while maintaining the correct scale which is in keeping with the current project.  I hate waste with a passion and have found that the trimmings and off-cuts from previous projects can be utilized for hair fibre.  In this case the ravellings from the tails of my fish have been formulated into a wig.

Using individual silk fibers for a wig is a challenging and lengthy process, indeed not to mention the difficulties one faces attaching it to the head.  My favoured method is organizing the fiber of choice in strands on tissue paper for the desired length which is equal to the head circumference. Once complete this is sandwiched between another layer of tissue paper and then machine stitched. 

Several repetitions of this process produces a wispy fringing that is simple to apply, pin and hand stitch in place.  There are alternative methods of wig making or applying hair however, the merits of this technique offer versatility, control and simplicity resulting in a realistic conclusion.

 Mrs George is clearly having a bad hair day.  Alas, my characters have an unfortunate phase where the hair-do is perhaps more of a hair-don't.

 Once attached it is time to tame that beast with a bit of a coiffure. Quite frankly it’s obvious she needs a jolly good conditioning treatment and a set too with the straightening irons.  Where is John Freida when you need him?

This is the time where I begin to consider the possibilities for the final appearance and finish for Mrs George.  Well in the absence of a celebrity stylist one will have to do ones best.  Armed with tweezers, pins, needle, thread, a prudent amount of steam and an entire day dedicated to trimming, pinning and twisting Mrs George’s style is finally addressed.  I usually try to affect a complimentary hairstyle to suit the features and build a character that transforms the rags and stuffing into a final piece that can be regarded as an individual.  

Have my little grey cells detected a lady of distinction?  I am obviously having a Hercule moment.