Gnome Doll Sewn & Stuffed

gnome_doll
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

Not much to say today. My little guy loves this gnome. The size and shape are perfect for him to hold. The big bro likes to use the mushroom as a hammer, which made me think about doing a batik softie tool series: pick axe, jack hammer, drill, hatchet, etc. I also want to do a Skelvis — you know, a skeleton Elvis; a subject I've played with before. I think it would be a good match for the crackily dreariness of the batik.

Batik Doll Inspiration

batik_inspiration
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.


soft_toys_book
Originally uploaded by Green Kitchen.

These are the dolls that inspired my adventures in batik. As you can see, I borrowed heavily in the stripes and checks department. This idea was in one of the many books that I got at an estate sale awhile back. I swear, the woman had every craft book spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s — I bought nearly all of them.

In the past few years I've been lucky enough to happen upon, or be passed down, several people's craft stashes: Peggy's mom's yarn, Bob's mom's sewing supplies, Kathy's mom's vintage fabric and patterns, to name a few. I feel very honored to be able to give these things a good crafty home. I enjoy thinking about these woman and the things they made with these same supplies. I hope that when I'm gone that my stash finds a welcoming next generation to inspire.

Kitchen Imp: Batik Doll

This was the prototype for the fabric swap. I only dyed one color (blue) and then drew on the black parts. I sewed across the top of each leg so that she can sit comfortably on the kitchen shelves.