Popping To The Local Yarn Shop

‘Nosy couldn't come, so they sent you.’  Mum.

Somewhere in the southeast corner of Northumberland, in a not too distant field, something beyond the hedge caught my eye, something woolly and sheep-like, like sheep I'd always thought.  

 The weather was set fair and determined to soak in as much of our spring sunshine and warmth, so often a rarity in these parts, during an evening walk accompanied by my faithful dog Flynn we happened upon some beautiful alpacas.  

They are gentle, peaceful and friendly creatures yet most intriguing is how at home they appear.  I can't help wondering how long they've been here and I can't believe that I've been mistaking them for sheep. 

 I pride myself on my observational skills and think of myself as a 'Miss Marple' figure, a local 'nosy parker' and all round 'busybody'.  Clearly, self praise is no recommendation.  My standards have slipped what other explanation is there?  I shall, of course, have to work to significantly raise my game.  However, a brief word in my defence when I have previously noted life in the field they were at rest and resembling fluffy sheep-like pillows.

Are these charming animals the result of our local agriculture diversifying into farm tourism?  Perhaps a hobby farmer or a local yarn producer?   One lives in eternal hope.

Further investigation was warranted as curiosity was the better of me in the end.  After conferring with the global phenomenon that is ‘Google’, my one stop shop for a keyword search, revealed that these alpacas have indeed been here for quite some time.   For the website, blog and endless cute photographs click, Book Willow Alpacas.

 Having fulfilled the sleuthing aspect of this post I feel that my dignity is at last restored, the balance is redressed and my head is held high as the local ‘nosy parker’. 

My love of alpaca yarn is born out of its luxury handling, excellent stitch definition, softness, warmth, lightness and reduced tickle factor on the skin.  In my opinion alpaca is an alternative fibre that is comparable to silk, often considered the epitome of luxury, if it isn't already obvious and to labour the point a little more I am a big fan.

As a doll maker my interest in alpaca lies in the scale of the individual fibres, being finer than human hair is an ideal medium for the smaller projects I’m compelled to undertake.  I am only truly happy when miniaturizing everything, I'm sorry I can’t explain it, I only wish I could. 

At the moment I frequently use silk and mohair to replicate the hairy aspects of a doll such as wigs and facial hair.  However, it would be thrilling to include a local source of alpaca, perhaps some raw fleece. 

Their innocence and trust is breathtaking, they are truly serene creatures.

Finally, it is farewell to the fish.  I am delighted to say that they have all found a special plaice in their new homes. 

Till next time.

Finally, Finished Fish

I do love a bit of alliteration.

Result

 All of the fish are now complete and are currently residing in their own handmade gift box awaiting selection.

The beading reflects the pattern of the damask fabric.

The embellishments are asymmetrical and unique to each fish.

This hopefully makes for a more interesting piece.

An aerial view.

They are subtly fragranced with a romantic blend of the essential oils ylang ylang, bergamot and patchouli.

I rather thought they looked like koi in a pool.

 Each bead and sequin is individually attached and fastened off for a secure finish.

These handmade soft sculptures or dolls are embellished with a variety of beads and sequins. They are designed to enhance a room setting and to add a decorative accent to compliment a special cushion, bed or for display where the light can catch it for an attractive sparkle. 

As a point of interest I have noted down some specifics with regard to the making process.  I have possibly been a little remiss in my accuracy as I didn't check each fish after finishing and have adopted a more generalized approach based on the ivory fish.  Each fish is produced from thirty-two pattern pieces some of which are the foundation pieces and can not be seen.  They are embellished with one hundred and fifty-eight sequins, three hundred and eighty glass seed beads all attached by one thousand and eighty hand-stitches, which equates to a lot of woman hours spent sewing.

That's enough carping on. 

Till next time.

I'm Late, I'm Late

In the words of a famous rabbit, 'Oh dear, oh dear I shall be too late'.  Since receiving the commission for a gold and ivory fish time has just flown past.  My time management issues have not been eased by the apparent lack of gold and ivory fabric in the world.  The vision I have, in my minds eye, is a beautiful ivory and gold silk plaid or an embroidered silk, but there is none to be had.  The single dyed fabrics that are available in the required colours appear visually drab.  So with perseverance as my engine and hope as my fuel, H Jackson Brown Jr, I decide to make my own fabric.  In keeping with the Raganory ethos of minimizing waste I reach for my rag-bag.

I select the relevant scraps of silk and piece them together mosaic style.

  I think there is great potential for creating truly unique items as the resulting fabric can never be replicated exactly.

I wanted to try and make something small to assess the durability, strength and the overall aesthetics of the fabric and a finished item.

The fabric is a little fragile to handle, but that was to be expected as it is made from many very small pieces.  However, I was surprised to find that it is robust enough to be woman-handled inside out and can undergo the stuffing process without a problem.  I personally prefer a firm finish when stuffing which increases the pressure on the fabric.  However, I am delighted to report that my little heart continues to hold its contents perfectly with no bulging seams and not a rip or tear in sight.

To state the obvious, the fish is nearly complete, just a few more processes to undertake, stuffing, embellishing and a general finishing off.  I do love finding a potential treasure from what otherwise would have been discarded.  I hope to complete all the fish and photography by Wednesday this week.  It will be interesting to see which fish is chosen.