~The Stitch Fiddler~ Bethann Scott

FROG FAIRY ~CLOTH ART DOLL~

2019-03-28T23:37:00.000-04:00

I thought I would try something a little different. I wanted to make a sweet little fairy but with frog legs. I also wanted to make a diorama to pose her for her photos.

Frog Fairy Cloth Art Doll by Bethann Scott ~The Stitch Fiddler~

I made her a diorama that would include a water feature....after all she is part frog.

She also went through a few costume changes and hairstyles before I decided to give her the bluish green crop top. It never ceases to amaze me how different a doll can look with different clothes, colors and hair styles.

In the end I went with a blue-green crop top and an up-do.

Frog Fairy Art Doll by Bethann Scott ~The Stitch Fiddler Dolls~

Cloth Fairy Doll

2019-03-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

During the month of February I was busy making a cloth fairy doll. Her bright rich colors in her costume remind me of the Purple Tiger Lily (which should be her title I suppose).

Here are a few Works In Progress photos:

Her sweet heart style bodice is made of dupioni silk and embellished with hand picot beading with glass seed beads along the top

The skirt is made of a sheer organza like fabric with silk overlay that was embroidered in place along with glass seed beads. Quite time consuming but worth the effort.

. I gave her a pair of purple glittery tights and of course a pair of fairy slippers with free motion embroidery stitching.

The wings were made with Angelina Film and look completely different depending on the background color.

The Huntress ~ A woodland Elf Art Doll ~

2019-01-13T13:45:00.001-05:00

The Huntress

The Huntress Elf ~ by Bethann Scott

A Christmas Angel

2018-12-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

It was nice to make an Angel for Christmas using a purchased pattern. I bought the pattern a few years ago from Arley Berryhill, entitled "Hark, the Angel" and set it aside. As I was organizing my studio I found her tucked away in a Christmas binder. So glad I found the pattern and took the time to make her.

I used cotton for the body and did a cloth overlay before adding color to the face. First time making a doll with closed eyes. I enjoyed selecting the fabrics from satin, chiffon, and silk in golds and red.

Dupioni silk was chosen for her wings. The wing pattern is nicely quilted.

Though there was no bloomer pattern, I made her a pair. Somewhat a shame they won't be seen.

She wears a red glitter satin turban that is embellished with fancy trims.

All dressed and ready to play the brass French Horn for the great announcement.

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

2018-11-22T12:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween

2018-10-31T14:36:00.000-04:00

It's October 31st and it's time for Halloween and today I'm sharing a doll I created a few years ago. She's already sold but I hope this year brings more creations like her and her crow.

Witch Art Doll by Bethann Scott

NIGHT OF SAMHAIN ~PUMPKIN FIGURE ART DOLL~

2018-10-18T18:18:00.004-04:00

NIGHT OF SAMHAIN PUMPKIN MAN

Samhain Art Doll Pumpkin Figure by Bethann Scott

PUMPKIN MAN ART DOLL WIP

2018-10-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

With summer coming to an end I'm back in the Stitch Fiddler Studio working on a Pumpkin Man. The summer months are filled with gardening, planting, cycling and just enjoying nature.

I made a wire armature, covered with yarn and started adding bits of batting to build up his body. I would say that most of the time goes into building up the doll's body.

The Fun is adding the color and bringing the art doll to life.

Pumpkin Man Art Doll WIP by Bethann Scott

Pumpkin Textile Figure WIP by Bethann Scott "The Stitch Fiddler"

FEMALE ELF ~CLOTH ART DOLL~

2018-05-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peek of the Elf Art Doll I'm currently working on.

RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF CLOTH ART DOLLS FINISHED

2018-04-20T18:53:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to say that I finished the dolls last night. I began working on these dolls quite awhile ago but they were set aside for other projects. It's so nice to complete this project.

One little detail I knew I needed was some doll food. After all, Red Riding Hood couldn't go to Grandma's House empty handed. I used Fimo clay to make, or shall I say bake, bread to put in her basket. The photo is how it looks before it went into the oven.

The over dress laces up the front and the eyelets were hand stitched.

I made her cape using red velvet and it's lined.

Here is the project complete with doll, wolf and background.

Miss Red Riding Hood

Sewing Doll Clothes

2018-04-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

Busy in the studio designing doll clothes and shoes for my 12 inch cloth doll.

I started with a bodice block pattern and sewed up a mock-up in cotton to check the fit. She also received a pair of fitted pantaloons.

I also made her a cotton batiste blouse that gathers around the neckline with a drawstring closure. Nice but it will be too bulky for what I want her to be wearing. So I'll save for another doll.

I made an baby pink cotton batiste under dress that will close in the back. I actually had blue in mind for the dress and ended up with pink.

I made an over dress in a cotton floral print fabric. I've had this for years and finally put it to good use. The sleeves fit very snug around her arms and I should have allowed a little more ease room. Even though the clothing could be removed, this isn't that type of doll where the clothes are to be taken on and off. I just like to sew "real" clothing at times instead of the applied costumes.

Making a Landscape Quilt for my Dolls

2018-03-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

The past three weeks I've been busy sewing raw edge applique onto a beautiful blue linen fabric. All the applique work is hand stitched in place. My idea was to make a landscape style quilt as a backdrop for my dolls. This is my first try and I'm not finished yet. I may add more fabric pieces to the green area at the bottom, I need to tweak a few things and make this into a quilt.

I purchased a free motion embroidery quilt foot for my sewing machine which arrived in the mail a few days ago. I've never layered a quilt before so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope it turns out okay in the end.

To Get A Larger View Click On The Photo

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

2018-03-18T00:00:00.004-04:00

To celebrate Saint Patrick's Day I thought I would post a photo of a Folk Art Style cloth rag doll I made back in 2011. My style of cloth dolls has changed over the last few years. I miss sewing the rag dolls but I have new things in store for 2018.

ITALIAN LA BEFANA DOLL

2018-01-16T22:50:00.001-05:00

Here she is, finally finished her even though a tad past Epiphany Eve. I just had to dress her in wool. She's wearing a beautiful Herringbone Wool lace-up bodice and panel skirt. Much work went into the making of La Befana.

I wanted her to wear a pair of slightly weathered boots, after all she's been tracking in the snow for hours delivering all those toys to the children of Italy.

And....La Befana always carries a broom to sweep those floors when finished....so

I made her a broom! These are the little finishing touches that I enjoy making.

SEWING DOLL CLOTHES FOR LA BEFANA DOLL ~The Stitch Fiddler ~ Bethann Scott

2018-01-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

La Befana will be the first doll for the New Year 2018. Unfortunately, she won't be ready in time for Epiphany Eve. She's going to be a tad late this year since Epiphany is January 5th.

My plans are to have the bodice lace up the front which means adjusting the pattern.

Using the drape method to make a front bodice block.

First mock-up using the front and back bodice pattern.

I hope 2018 brings many exciting moments for all my Blogger friends.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

La Befana Cloth Doll WIP

2017-12-20T01:36:00.000-05:00

I'm in the middle of two cloth doll projects. At the moment I'm laying one aside so I can finish the La Befana Doll first. After all, she is the Italian Christmas Gift Giver and needs to be done before Epiphany Eve.

GNOME ART DOLL ~CHRISTMAS ELF~ The Stitch Fiddler

2017-11-28T15:22:00.000-05:00

My latest creation for the Holiday season is this Christmas Gnome or should I say Elf?

I needle felted his coat using several different fiber colors. I wasn't sure how the green would turn out. But I loved it and added it to the edges. The coat is very soft....I think I want one.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2017

2017-11-23T15:17:00.003-05:00

Wishing all a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Father Christmas

2017-11-22T14:09:00.000-05:00

A delightful Father Christmas dressed in a red wool coat and hood. He's ready to make his deliveries with his lamb pulling a sleigh full of goodies.

Old World Father Christmas ~The Stitch Fiddler ~ Bethann Scott

2017-11-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

Now that summer is past and Autumn is here it's time for me to begin Christmas dolls. To start the season off, I made a Folk Art Father Christmas dressed in cream wool. I also made a Feather Tree decorated with miniature baskets and rustic jingle bells.

Red Riding Hood: a work in progress

2017-10-06T23:25:00.000-04:00

Though I love the outdoors, I'm glad to be inside sewing again. Yesterday and today was spent making her wig using Tibetan lamb's wool. I purchase the wool on the hide, clip off in tiny pieces and then glue onto a wig cap that is fitted specifically for her head size. This process takes about 7-8 hours to complete. I love the results so I figure it's worth the time.

The dress she's wearing is just temporary until I decide on her costume. My plans are to make a chemise, a fitted dress and of course, a red cape.

Red Riding Hood is a work in progress

I used Tibetan lamb's wool for her wig making.

This is what I've accomplished so far.

PROFESSIONAL DOLL MAKERS ART GUILD "Once upon a time" challenge awards 2017

2017-10-01T20:41:00.001-04:00

My Alice and Her Dodo received "Honorable Mention"

CLOTH DOLL WIP ~RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOOF~ by Bethann Scott

2017-09-30T13:03:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's been almost one month since my last post. As far as sewing goes, I haven't accomplished much. Most of my time has been spent outdoors enjoying nature. A few days ago I began work on my "Red Riding Hood" doll.

Adding color to her face is the most enjoyable phase of doll making.

Once Upon A Time...

2017-08-31T23:09:00.000-04:00

"Once Upon A Time" is such a magical phrase, a beginning for enchantment to unfold.

Today I entered my "Alice and The Dodo" in a fairy tale themed challenge. I haven't entered a doll challenge in years. I'm not sure how many entered and am eager to see all the wonderful dolls. The winners will be selected in one week.

The Blue Angel Doll sold this past week and traveled to her new destination. I will miss her beautiful face and delicate pose.

THE BIG BAD WOLF

2017-07-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

I drew a sketch of the wolf to get the bone structure for the wire armature, which I think is the easier part. Next I had to decide how I was going to build up the body. What medium would I use?

After much thought, I chose to needle felt the body to the armature using black wool. I've only needle felted a couple of times. Here's a look at my attempt to Needle Felt a black wolf.

After several layers of Needle Felting black wool: There is still much work to be done, but it's a start.

And a sketch I did last month.