Christmas Market Night

It's that time of year again.  Already!  I can't believe it's only just over six weeks until Christmas!  Just two more paydays for most people!

I have already started with my Christmas makes.  I held a stall at Barclaycard head office on Monday which was an experience. Barclaycard run an inititive called Easy Street which is to showcase local businesses.  There wasn't many handmade stalls there; mainly perfume, make-up, homewares, chocolates, etc, so it probably wasn't the best market. But it got me out there. It was a very quiet day, and while I didn't get as many sales I was hoping for (selling out and coming home at 10am! Ha!), I did sell a few dolls and got my name out there to local people and businesses, some of which have already placed orders with me online three days later!  So from a networking prospective, it was well worth the three months of stress-sewing, getting up at 6am and going to bed at midnight!  My stall was pretty cool too!

So I do have quite a bit of stock which I will be selling tomorrow evening on my website.  I know a lot of people were upset that they couldn't attend Easy Street, as it was only for colleagues, so they will be happy that the market night is still going ahead!  

This market night is my biggest one yet!  With 60 items for sale and several NEW products, you will be sure to find that special gift this Christmas, or maybe treat yourself!

• Christmas Elves
• NEW Snuggle Plums
• NEW Liberty of London fabric dolls
• NEW Ballerina doll
• 16" girl and boy dolls in varying skin tones
• Dolls clothing and pyjama sets
• Dolly duvet sets
• Tooth fairy pillows and more!

If you have a special family member that deserves spoiling this Christmas, then pop over to my website tomorrow, Friday 9th November at 8pm!

Liberty Tea for Two

As soon as I saw the Tea for Two fabric range by Liberty of London, I knew I just HAD to make a collection of dollies using them. 

'The collection consists of a set of eight prints, inspired by an afternoon tea as a much loved British tradition. Filled with cupcake delights and a set of china cups. Follow us down the garden trail to uncover a secret meadow where an afternoon of sweet treats are enjoyed amongst a plethora of flowers. Daisies are a synonymous flower within this collection, alongside trailing vines, toadstools and hidden strawberries. The colour palette includes warm dusty pinks, coral tones mixed with lavender, denim and cornflower blues. The warmer, neutral tones are inspired by the stone paths on local walking trails.' - Liberty.


I had visions of little dollies sitting around a picnic hamper with little girls, eating cake and sipping tea from dinky china teacups.  But I didn't know if I would be able to use it as I was unaware if they had been tested to EN71-3; the test all fabrics intended for toy making must undergo to ensure the toxicity levels in the dying process meet requirements suitable for CE standards. I did a bit of research and found that they had indeed been tested, and I was able to obtain the certificates needed for my technical files. So I went ahead and ordered a selection from the range, and then tested them for flammability (also a required measure when CE marking toys). I was SO happy when they passed.  I would finally be able to make my vision a reality. 

Photo credit: You, Me and Mabel.

I wanted the dolls outfits to be simple, classic and pretty and matched their hair colour and skin tones to compliment the Liberty fabrics.  I also teamed a few with some Makower linea which complimented them perfectly. 

I am holding a stall at the Christmas Fair on Easy Street in Barclaycard, Northampton on 5th November, so I managed to get a collection of dolls finished for that. I had a play with some crates, trying to set up what my table might look like, but I am far from happy with it.  I think I need to line the bottom of them with wrapping paper as they are not finished to a very good standard.  Hopefully, my pretty dolls will detract the eye from the crates!

Any of the dolls that do not sell will be available to purchase on my website on 9th November from 8pm GMT.  I think they will make the perfect gift this Christmas. 

What is your fabric print from the Tea for Two collection?  Do you have a favourite doll?

Once Upon a Time Goldilocks Gift Set

I was recently approached by the lovely Kim of Dear Little Darlings, who asked me to be a guest seller in her online shopping event on 1st February.  The theme was 'Into the Forest' which is one of my favourite themes as it reminds me of autumn, my favourite season.

Whilst researching fabrics for my submissions, I came across Riley Blake's 'Goldilocks' by Jill Howarth and I just knew I had to use it.  I had a special set in mind, but no one could prepare me for how well it actually came together. Don't you just love it when something you make turns out better than you actually envisioned it?

I have submitted four items.  The first was, of course, a Goldilocks inspired doll. She has beautiful blonde plush hair and blue eyes.  I gave her a twirly skirt with a cute apron and a baby pink tutu to make her extra special.  I also made a flutter-sleeve dress in the coordinating fabric which looks so sweet on.

Next, using my daughter's DUKTIG bed from Ikea as a size guide, I made this cute dolly duvet set, comprising of a reversible quilt and coordinating pillow with pom-pom detail... 

And to complete the set, a coordinating hoop which I machine embroidered with 'Once upon a time...'

I love how this turned out, and it's something I wouldn't usually make, but I'm so pleased I went with it.  I've had these buttons for ages, which I can't use in doll making for safety reasons, so it was nice to be able to put them to use. 

I am just so in love with the whole set.  The fabric was beautiful to work with and I love how well they coordinate. I am really going to be sad to see them go.  I have just bought another metre of fabrics to make another set though!

All of the items shown here will be available to purchase at the Into the Woods Market night over on Dear Little Darlings facebook page, this Friday, 1st February (how is January over already?!) at 8pm. 

I am taking part in another showcase next Sunday and will be making a similar set in a different combination of fabrics, so watch this space!