Favourite Things

This photograph has always brought comment from so many who have seen it

 I am going to make a miniature version of this photograph in my dolls house

I remember the day so clearly, Rein was listening to Paul's homework and had fallen fast asleep while doing so.

He always denied the fact ...in those days we did not have digital cameras and I was an equally poor photographer, as grainy as the picture is,

I consider it the best I have ever taken...the concentration on our son's face and Rein blissfully unaware ....

Miniature Knitting Patterns 3 1/2" Pearl

Pearl is one of my most favourite little girl doll house dolls

The dolls were made by my friend Dianne Yunnie

I thought I would show you the little girls sitting and on my desk as I design for her....

As you can see I often knit the outfit a few times to get the detail as perfect as possible, for me a row here an extra stitch there makes all the difference.

Many people don't enjoy the "frilly look" but sometimes these designs just happen.

The next photograph shows how I sew sleeves onto my garments, there are many items in a home that can be used to insert into a sleeve.

Inserting the sleeve into the dress

Miniature Knitting Tips

The following three photographs show the difference between using smaller needles and finer thread.

 I used exactly the same pattern for both sizes. 

The difference beingt I used 1mm knitting needles and 70/2 Venne thread for the larger outfit.

For the smaller outfit I used .07mm knitting needles and Madeira Cotona No 80....

The end result was a 25% difference in size. 

The only subtle change I would make in the future would be to have 4 rows less on the sleeve length

for the Belly Button Babe.

This is what one has to take into account when changing needles and threads.

 I made one mistake in knitting the smaller outfit..... I added two extra rows which I then followed through on both the dress and petticoat instead of undoing the extra rows.

Venne 70/2  and Madeira Catona 80

Patterns 7 1/2" Riley

After having made a shawl for one of the little dolls a whole new series of patterns emerged.

I kept thinking I was all "Feather and Fanned" out ....when yet another design would appear on my neeldes.

As I draped and fiddled with the fabric produced by this wonderful design pictures appeared in my head.

Reine for Riley

This photograph shows a pram made by the Robertsons it is a 1:12th scale pram and works beautifully for Riley.

Her outfit is completely knitted by hand using Venne 70/2 mercerized cotton.

I need to make her shoes that actually fit, I find these bought shoes to be rather clumsey.

One has to be a serious Riley collecter to want to knit these little outfits. So many knitters are more than happy with the thicker yarns, but once you have made an outfit you begin to see the delicateness of the patterns.

Miniature Knitting Tips

Thread Holder

To help keep my working thread clean and to stop knots forming in the thread I do the following

I insert one of my thicker knitting needles into a pin cusion and put my reel of thread over it.

Works in the same principle as attaching your reel of thread to a sewing machine, winds off easily as you go.

I found a little silver bowl and made a pincushion to fit, I filled the pincushion with birdseed and then decorated it with the famous silk ribbon roses. Just shows you how long I have had the pincushion. 

Seeing the photograph, I think it is time I made a new one. 

I wonder how many sewing needles are buried in it.

I also found an old silver pepper pot in which now houses my talcum powder.

Looks so much prettier on my desk than a large container, after all one only needs a little powder at a time. All miniature knitters need a little baby talc for those sweaty hands!