Author: Meeni

making cloth dolls

I’m currently working on new additions to my range of toys and collectables including some cloth dolls. I’ve always loved dolls and still have a few that I had as a child as well as a number of books on the subject.

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I’ve never found dolls spooky, sinister or odd so didn’t want mine to have that feel but neither did I want them to be cute. I decided to use new fabric for the bodies, sewing in ‘knees’ and ‘elbows’ to give the limbs some articulation. I hand embroidered the simple facial features.

For the hair I have used merino wool.

The dolls’ clothes are made from vintage and reclaimed fabrics. I love sorting through my collection of fabrics and selecting which to use. I made the dolls pants and edged them with cotton and lace trim and shoes made from felt with ribbon ties.

mr. bird’s emporium

Mr. Bird’s Emporium had it’s grand opening on October 13th 2012 and it has been busily trading since then. Mr. Bird’s describes itself as “Birmingham’s First Vintage Concept Store” and it is the creation of Frankie Johns (Urban Village) and Sabina Gran (Sutton Vintage & Arts Fair).

It is home to a host of vintage and handmade traders and a few weeks ago I tootled on down to take some pics of these lovely peeps and their wares. Some were a bit camera shy though and I couldn’t persuade everyone to pose for me!

Pictured below are Laura Loves, Bits and Bows, Nothing New, Sneeky Fox, Vintage Hideaway, Vote Vintage, Trunk Junkies Vintage, Uptodated, Boucher and Bond, Roxy Valetta.

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As well as the permanent traders there are also opportunities for artists, designer-makers and independent sellers to “rent a shelf” and there’s the regular fair The Custard Cream.

So if you’re looking for something vintage or handmade pop down to Mr. Bird’s Emporium. There’s still time before Christmas!