Slowly, Slowly Wins the Race

The renovation project has fallen behind a little this week partly because I have had a bad cold and also because I discovered that both the twin dolls were suffering severe decomposition. Whatever material it was that had been used to cover their bodies had turned to sticky, crumbs. Not a pretty sight at all as  you can seen in the photos. So some urgent surgery was in order.

Crumbling body

I have to admit that I did not enjoy this task. I managed to remove the residue of the covering materials quite easily but replacing them proved challenge. I wrapped the pipe cleaner base with wadding and stitched it in place and then located some knitted fabric from an old night gown. The repaired bodies are not the most attractive or well finished objects but at least they are repaired and this will not show under their clothes. 

Over the past week I have completed the christening gown even managing to sew myself to it without realizing it. I had to remove the thread from the needle and very gingerly pull the thread from my finger before continuing. Oh the hazards of mini knitting. I then knitted two bonnets to go with it. I made the first one from the book and it was far too large so I found an alternative pattern which fitted perfectly, Now baby Angus is ready for his christening.

I have also completed Alexandra’s red sailor outfit and made bonnets for both Allegra and Alexandra. I started on their stocking but so far have completed only one so three more to go and the girl’s outfits are completed.

The father of the little family, Alasdair, has finally arrived from the UK so this week I shall be making him his own outfits as he is now in borrowed clothes. I have not made a final decision what to begin with but I plan on making him a kilt (like the one I made years ago for his mother, Margaret), an aran sweater or fair isle and socks as well as a trousers though not all in a single week. I am still waiting for the eldest son, Anthony to arrive as he is not in stock at the suppliers. I am very impressed with this Heidi Ott doll since he stands up alone, unlike the other porcelain dolls who need to be propped up or stuck into position, and every joint, including his head is beautifully articulated so that you can put him in a variety of poses. The only down side to his appearance was his very yellow, monochrome hair but I have given him a small hair treatment which I feel has improved this somewhat. Now on to the knitting and sewing.

As winter has now arrived in Brisbane I realise that the dollhouse itself is located in a rather chilly place so the renovations to the house itself are on hold. I can concentrate on doing the furnishings, carpets, and accessories and attempt to make up new windows. It is so long since I have actually made things which require wood and tools it will be an exercise in relearning old and forgotten skills. Ones which I must admit I find less appealing than mini knitting, needlepoint and sewing. Still it’s all part of the work. Hope I can get more done this week and have scheduled the making up of the bedspreads and curtains for the master bedroom. So I will need to leave off the blog and get cracking in earnest, especially as I have loads of revision for the end of semester French test on Friday.