That funny flu feeling...

Well I haven't managed to do much in the sewing room over the last week as I've been struck down by a nasty bug of some sort that is either flu or something very like flu!! All I've wanted to do is stay in bed - or maybe it's just a serious case of work related stress, difficult to say for sure! There are times in my life when I really like the idea of being self employed, and right now is one of those times. Then the reality of having a regular wage wins out and I keep going to work. I guess there's a lot of people in that boat, and with the current financial climate people aren't brave enough to set up business on their own. Shame really - if it weren't for the mortgage and the roof over my head I might seriously consider giving it a go... Oh well, maybe next year....

Starting to take shape...

Well I've managed to spend some time this week on my first ever attempt at making a cloth doll, and, even though I say it myself, for a first attempt it's not bad at all, - so far...

Legs, a head and a body - but don't be fooled, the hair's not actually attached yet, and the legs and body need finishing off. But I have found the material for the skirt...

What to do next?

For years my life revolved around horses, working in the NHS to pay for them, looking after them and most of all riding them. Then the unthinkable happened, a loose dog, a scared horse with me on top, and a very fast ride to hospital. I don't remember it at all, sadly not even the helicopter ride!!! Lots of broken bones and pain killers later the doctors announced "No more riding". Depression set in. What was I going to do? I needed to find something that would keep my interest, keep me busy, and not put my broken bones at risk of getting any worse. I tried lots of things, but in the end reverted to sewing, something that had been part of my life on and off since I was a small child. I was lucky that I was taught to sew by my Mum, and then as I was only 4ft 11ins, continued to sew out of necessity, if only to shorten clothes! Then I discovered the world of textile art. The colours and textures fascinated me and I wanted to know more. I spent hours on line, reading books ( a very old fashioned idea I realise), and looking at possible courses I could do, when I came across art cloth dolls. No, not toys at all, and so many possible variations. I couldn't wait. My creative side has found an outlet. This blog is to be the story of how this develops. So far all I have is a semi completed head with no hair (pictures to follow). Follow my blog to see where it takes me....