Despite the rotten weather I’ve had a good week, mainly because I’ve made progress designing a small cloth cat, which will become my first sewing pattern, hopefully, by the end of spring but these things take time to get right, so let’s just say, date yet to be confirmed. It’s loosely based on this sketch, inspired by my little ball of fluff Melba, who is mad for belly rubs. I’ve never had a cat that even tolerated their belly being touched before, never mind one who purrs so exuberantly at the prospect, and that makes her kind of special in my book!
I’ve sewn up the first sample now, and it looks more or less how I imagined, but there are a few tweaks needed. From a design point of view, I liked the shape of the original tail but knew it wouldn’t work for a 3D sewn doll, so sketched out a few ideas and decided simple was best so the tail is contained within the main shape of the body.
I deliberately made it longer in the body but after stuffing not enough of the tail is showing, compared to the drawing, so #2 will be fatter. There are so many other decisions to make about size, suitable fabric, embroidery stitches, etc. I want it to be easy so that anyone can make it make, so that has to be taken into consideration too. Would you like to make a little cat like this?
Once the design is finalised and the instructions are written I’ll be looking for a few willing volunteers to test the pattern and give me some honest feedback - give me a shout if that’s you.
In other news
I’ve started to give my shop a much-needed spring clean with a new welcome banner. I can’t decide if it’s too flowery or not…? No doubt I’ll decide to change it all again soon.
I’m looking forward to a day of collagraph printing with my sister later in the week so will enjoy working out some ideas for that.
This Omnibus documentary about William Blake circa 2000 which was repeated last week was excellent viewing. The only upside of BBC Four not investing in new programs is they’ve shown a lot of older art documentaries lately, which really suits me down to the ground. I’m also watching Desperate Romantics, which I somehow missed the first time around.
Thanks for reading! Wrap up warm and have a good week. Until next time, Julia x