Better make something....

Just found out that my covered suitcase is on the Mollie Makes blog/facebook pages today (http://molliemakes.themakingspot.com/blog/thrifty-thursday-best-vintage-trunk-ideas my fifth appearance - she said rather cockily I think) so thought I better post something that I have made rather than just 'things' in the house!  So, courtesy of dear Marcie - The Rustic Victorian http://www.flickr.com/photos/therusticvictorian/ (who very kindly sent me her own pattern) I have been trying very hard to try and get these little mannequins 'right'!  Still not there and need to figure out how to do some details - but I will show here my three stages (stooges!) so far.  The first I made from some 70s sheet fabric but had not figured out how to do the neck properly

Pppppllllleeeeassse do not look closely at the stitching - this was just a trial and I desperately need new glasses!!!

I was trying to achieve the Edwardian pigeon bust and bustle!!

Then I got a little cocky and decided to use some original Edwardian embroidery to make another.... a double whammy of failure as I used a 1930s bedcover (otherwise damaged - don't fret so) with blue roses for the reverse.....the perils of using older fabric can be that once you start the stuffing process it all caves in like a house of cards.  I tried patching but daft as more unravelling occurred...grrrrrr....into the 'Drawer of Shame' (don't forget that this needs to be said in an echoey voice)  it goes

We had to have a little lie down after that.....

It was a shame as I thought that the little embroidery was just the right size

Then I pressed on - this time I used some French 1930s (I think??) linen showing Mr Darcy having a picnic with the Bennet sisters!!

This is the reverse (sitting atop a beautiful cup - a selection of which I bought at last years car boot for £3)

Oh Mr Darcy you are such a laugh...

Don't look at the stitches again but I liked how the little dog just about managed to fit on the neck.

And there is a horse on the underside!

All in a row

Do I seem a bit smug as to how this one turned out?  Well I shouldn't be because I still haven't figured out the best way to insert the arm 'pad' bits so left these out - more trial dummies to come I fear!

I am not going to blog for a while (that could mean anything between two days and two  months) because I have GOT TO DO PROPER JOB and yet another essay to write, marking to do, study days to plan for and paid work to consider.....so do not distract me any more please!!!!
As always please do not post or pin these photographs elsewhere - now I know how to post copyright forms to Pinterest in particular I have become fiendish!!!
Tatty bye everyone - tatty bye......