Riverside Dolls is open again :)

Things have been a bit busy here this year - what with school, preschool and a new business to help run, so my dolls have taken a bit of a back seat. Lately things have quietened down a wee bit and I've picked up the tricot, and the wool and found a spare 6 0r 7 hours here and there to sew a couple of dolls. They are up on my Etsy site with another to join them in the next couple of days.

I've enjoyed looking back through photos to see how my doll making has evolved over the last few years. They are all gorgeous but I'm very happy with the dirrection they are taking.

I know some people think Steiner dolls are overpriced but really -each doll takes at least 6 or 7 hours to do. The clothes can take hours, long hair takes a looong time and the high quality materials I use are expensive but make the difference between an ordinary doll and a special doll. I try to keep my prices as reasonable as I can :)

Keep an eye out for some felt creations in the next few weeks. I am lucky to count as a friend a very talented lady who is highly skilled in Steiner wool felt work and she has been teaching me! How lucky am I? I am currently a bit gnome obsessed and my kids have been the recipients of my practice gnomes while I perfect my technique. They are taking over the house!

If you'd like to buy my work or request a custom doll follow the link


So anyway -here's what I've been working on...

a Milo for Toby...make that Miya

So I made this Milo vest for Toby. It's very boyish but also huge on him.It's also too big for Miya but I think she can get away with it. When I told her I wouold be unravelling it she wouldn't hear of it and claimed it as her own. I think it suits her :)

She also wanted to model my new Whisper Cardigan. Gorgeous girl :)

New things

New Malabrigo worsted Scarf Just Enough Ruffles

Cute boy...it's my scarf but he makes a better model :)

New red(ish) shoes.

New crafty goodness. My first attempt at dying wool - Henry's Attic Licorice twist dyed with Landscape dyes.
and finally -my Whisper Cardigan knitted in Brown Sheep Cotton fine. I can't decide if it's too big. I think it is and I'm in denial :(

Easter crafting

I've been thinking about this little guy for a while. This one and a few others are destined for the Gossamer Dreams stocking on March 15. I'm thinking the little people in my house might like one to guard their Easter eggs as well :)

Felting Fun and my first gnome!

Some serious crafting took place at my house over the weekend. The kids and I tried our hand at felt ball making..may I say not quite as easy at it looks but still lots of fun. Ours are a little less dense than they probably should be but then they were wound by little hands. Toby lost interest after a while and amused himself greatly with hitting the play equipment with a metal pole he found lying about. Miya was in soapy, crafting heaven and is well pleased with her efforts.


After we had cleaned up I had a try at creating my first needle felted gnome. I found this fabulous tutorial and here is the result. I only stabbed myself once! He's a bit fuzzy still but I think it adds to his charm :)

Meet Hector

He's a gift for the ever smiling Mr A who turns 3 today. I hope he likes him. The pattern is by the very clever Kate Henderson at Two Little Banshees I just love his sweet face. Dodgy photo...it's rainning outside :)