If you've thought of finishing a pin cushion doll, Shirley Bligh of Australia has generously shared her own design for the pin cushion skirt with all of us. You can size it down or up depending on what you need for the half doll you're finishing. It's so nice as the top of the skirt has been designed to better take the bulk away from the tiny waists. Click on this link(https://sites.google.com/site/maureensdownloads/) to download two pages which give you the pattern and easy instructions.
The following photo is Shirley's creation that she made some time ago using her skirt pattern. This pin cushion doll is one of the prettiest I've seen. Her blog is http://stitchesandlife.blogspot.com/. 
This photo is of a new half doll that I finished using Shirley's pattern. This matronly lady was made by the Mundial Company of Belgium. She is so different I couldn't resist her. A butterfly is sitting on her arm. 
In the photos below, I thought I'd show you an antique half doll and a reproduction of the same doll. Here is the antique that reminded me of the movie "Thoroughly Modern Millie" with her cloche hat. This one hasn't had her hair bobbed yet! Flappers and other 1920s gals are pretty common in the half doll realm. 
So many of the gifted doll artists I've been buying from are in Australia. I'm starting to think there must be something in the water there!! This little beauty was made by Carole V. Lyons. She has reproduced the antique with her own spin with added decals and tiny handmade flowers. I actually prefer her over the antique because she is so delicate looking. Tidbit: Reproductions are about 20% smaller than the antique as the porcelain shrinks during firing. 
Since I'm talking about 1920's style half dolls, here are a couple more of my favorites. The first is an antique. She has a lusterware blouse which is a metallic glaze that appears iridescent. So pretty. Don't you love the ermine stand-up collar and the color combination the painter used? 
This stunning lady is new and, again, a product of the Mundial Company in Belgium. 
I will work backwards the last doll looks like an Argentinian flaminco (sp) dancer! The orange luster ware antiques doll is just divine... she's my fav hands down! Your modern Millie is much nicer and more detailed then the antique version!
ReplyDeleteThe doll artists in Australia must be drinking the same water the crazy quilt stitchers there drink....beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize there were so many different half dolls. The antique ones are beautiful and the way you and Shirley have decorated them is wonderful.
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