Allow me to introduce my new friend and housemate, Zelda. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be included in Mimi Kirchner‘s first soft-doll workshop. She opened up her home to a small group of us, including a fellow blogger and Mimi fan. What a treat and privilege to see Mimi’s working studio up-close-and-personal! This was the first time I’ve met one of my friends from the blogosphere ‘live’ and I can say it was an absolute success.
For a very modest fee, Mimi allowed us to purchase doll-making materials from her extensive inventory. Zelda’s body, tail, arms and nose are made from recycled and fulled sweaters. Pink inner ears, green eyes and pink nose are cut from wool felt and applied with hand stitching. Truly of generous heart, Mimi asked each of us which doll pattern of hers we would like to use. I had decided weeks ago that I wanted to make a kitty. All of Mimi’s designs are wonderful, but being a long-time cat lover, the choice for my first doll ever came naturally.
What surprised me about the doll-making process? Stuffing. Getting the stuffing consistently dense throughout takes special attention. I was in a rush to get to the facial details and outfit creation! What you see here is a quick sundress made with sewing basket scraps and a tatted hankie found at an antiques shop a couple of years ago. What’s next for Zelda? A black-lace skirt and sassy tube top befitting her passion for dancing the Cha Cha! Stay tuned for wardrobe photo updates!!!
P.S. I am so enamored with Zelda that I took her to a business training event last night and dance lesson today. Do you think my husband should be worried that his wife is carrying a stuffed animal around with her … in public?!* I’m relieved to report that he hasn’t even grumbled yet.
Adorable.
O Husband of Lisa, your response was wonderful! You truly are a thoughtful person. Lisa, do bring Zelda to the next knitting night you can attend. I can’t wait to see her in her new costume!
Consider it done! She’d love to!!
I hope that Zelda will accompany you to our next knitting knite.
Never being one to stifle creativity, I can appreciate the addition of Zelda to Lisa’s usual accoutrements. Whether out shopping or out for a night on the town, I can tell you that Zelda will be a guest of which any husband can be proud. While we all hope that Zelda remains “in the bag,” as it were, perhaps she can make her presence known at particularly opportune times; and if she helps with the Cha Cha, so much the better. All of this makes it very easy for a would-be artist (such as myself) to be understanding when Lisa carries Zelda with her. Everywhere. In public.