Hello my little friend

My Clippy bag!

2011-07-12T16:12:00.003+01:00

I've had a lot of fun deciding how to fill my Clippy bag and sewing the pictures for it. There is a bunny in a tea cup. I've put a little pet in the bag too, a small bear sticking his head out of the top.

You can see more of their lovely things on the Clippy website.

A whole year!

2010-10-29T14:52:00.002+01:00

I have been so slow at blogging this past year... oh! I have been making things for the baby and doing projects and work...and not spending anytime photographing things or writing about them...I want to! But here is a collection of pictures from her first birthday party with a few bits I made for it: A panda cake, some flags for the food, birthday bunting, bags of sweets and extra decorations, I love the Japanese paper balloons!
I had such fun preparing for it and it was a beautiful sunny day spent with lovely friends and family.

Doll Project Number 4

2010-07-05T21:19:00.005+01:00

I've started the next doll project - I was so sad at having finished the last one that I set-up the next one almost straight away!

The last one I set-up has it's own blog and is still on show at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green in London.

This next one has a new blog and a lovely new set of makers. It'll run for the next nine months until everyone has worked on each doll and then the surprise will be sent back... can't wait!

My doll is called Elodie but I can't show any more than this or it'll ruin the surprise for the other doll makers in the project... we have to keep them a secret. I am very bad at keeping secrets and at having surprises, I am too impatient. I want to know what they all look like NOW!!!!

Home making for the baby

2010-04-24T17:31:00.004+01:00

I've been playing with things pretty for the baby too (well, ok, for me really, she is far too young to appreciate them just yet). This gorgeous bear was made by Alice who was a very lovely assistant! He is called Ernest and for the moment guards a chair that is far too big for the baby. You can see more creations from Alice Gabb here. I've also put up some colourful prints by Hannah Waldron who used to be in a studio down the corridor from me at Cockpit Arts. I bought pictures and finger puppets from her each open studio and I'm very happy to finally have some of them on the wall.

There are also a few shelves with bits ready to go on the wall... but not up yet! Here are a few of them:
* Teddy and Teddy the two knitted bears, the original by my mum and the remake by Aunty Jan,
* a tile from Katy by Rob Ryan; a bird with the message 'I am going to have a baby'; so, so sweet!
* a little postcard by The Claudettes,
* a letterpressed card from a vintage game that reads 'What is your favorite name for a child?',
* a print made by my new sister-in-law Mithi who is coming up to her final year show for her Illustration degree,
* and finally a dolls wardrobe that my mum and dad made for me from a wine box when I was a child, which I have painted and relined, it'll be a while before she is big enough to play with it though!

Home Making

2010-04-19T14:18:00.004+01:00

I've had a lovely chance to make some things for our home and the baby; not much chance, but when ever I have, I have relished it! The latest is one I have been itching to do for months - our house number embroidered onto a starched doily from the local charity shop. I had never used starch before and now I am hooked - it's magic stuff! No more confused looking delivery men. And I even washed the front door and step and cleaned the window.

Doll Project Number 3 (Bunny returns)

2010-01-11T10:42:00.002Z

My doll is home!! I am so excited that she has finally made it back after being added to by everyone in the project. She is absolutely beautiful; a fluffy pompom tail and a 'bunny' tattoo, a cashmere hat, a tiny bunny doll, a knitted scarf, a carrot apron (for making Rabbit pie without the rabbit), a pet rabbit, a shell souvenir, some badges and.... a baby!!! I LOVE HER!! More detailed picture to come.

Now I am going to parcel her back up and send her to Lucy May (book artist) who has arranged for them to be exhibited at the V&A Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. So exciting, thank you so much Lucy, and it will be fantastic to have them all in the same place at the same time. More info to come....

Kirsty (print designer and baby bootie maker) has put all of our pictures into a book so we can have a record of the project and the dolls; THANK YOU Kirsty!! You can see a preview of the book here.

A new little friend

2009-12-11T12:34:00.002Z

I've been making very few new little friends for the past 6 months 'cause I have been growing this little one and making things for her instead! She's just 2 months old now and a very sweet little thing. I'll take some pictures of some of the toys and mobiles I have made for her over the next few months - babies are such time gobblers aren't they!

Just for Kids, Bilston Craft Gallery.

2009-09-25T13:29:00.005+01:00

I'm excited to be parceling up some textile characters to send to a beautiful sounding exhibition in Wolverhampton this winter. It sounds like a lot of fun and if I can possibly make it to have a look then I'll be there. Here is a link to the site. I'm sending some Little Errols, a Squeaky Beryl and some sleeping babies. They'll also have a good selection of cards in the gift shop.

Just for Kids, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wv14 7LU

14 Nov 09 - 6 Feb 10

Discover the breadth of innovative products being lovingly handmade especially for children and babies, in this family friendly show. Be inspired to introduce craft into your everyday lives with handmade clothes and accessories, toys, crockery sets and lots of beautiful decorative pieces for the nursery walls.

Many of the pieces will be available to buy and take away before Christmas, offering the opportunity to pick up a unique gift.

Peg Doll Wedding Cake Toppers

2009-08-21T10:10:00.003+01:00

My brother and his girlfriend were married last month and I made these peg dolls of them dressed in their wedding outfits for their wedding cake.

Doll Project Number 3 (Dolls 6, 7 and 8)

2009-06-19T13:39:00.005+01:00

Here is the 6th doll I received; it was begun by Amy Twigger Holroyd (Keep and Share) and began as a pile of felted internal organs which have been encased, boned and embellished! I have embroidered some anatomical descriptions onto it's body.

The 7th was Amelia who was started by textile designer Bee Hayes. She has a silver jumpsuit and a reckless past! I've dressed up her outfit a little with a belt and some cuffs.

And the 8th is from textile and print designer Kirsty Reilly (now Kissell) and is Lady Vi. I've made her a lace blouse with pearl buttons and a tweed skirt.

There is just one more to go... Katys doll... and then I will get my little rabbit back home and the project will be complete. Once they've all returned to their original makers we'll be able to see them finished- I can't wait, then I can show more than just these tiny peeks at them!

Special Offer for mailing list and blog readers only!!

2009-06-09T11:17:00.006+01:00

It's almost time for the very lovely Cockpit Arts Open Studios and I shall miss them and you a lot! As I will be in my new Devon studio and not in London anymore, I've put a selection of the textiles characters into a webshop, and have a special offer for you.

* FREE Squeaking Sleeping Baby or £15 worth of cards on all orders! *

Visit SHOP

The prices are all listed in dollars but the convert to the usual shop prices and you can pay online with Paypal or by card. If you'd prefer to send a cheque or have a special order for something that's not shown in the shop then just let me know.

You can pick any 4 of the cards from my website that are under £4.00 each or any other combination that adds up to £15 in total. See them at www.lucyjanebatchelor.co.uk

This offer is valid for 1 month, it expires on the 9th July 2009

Little Friends available on Etsy!

2009-05-20T16:18:00.004+01:00

I am very happy to have just opened a tiny shop online at Etsy! A way for me to show them with now that I've moved from my studio at Cockpit Arts in London to my new studio in Devon. It's most especially for the Little Friends (rather than my illustrated cards) and I'll be putting new ones into the shop every month or so as I create them.

Visit SHOP

My Lovely Assistant Alice!

2009-05-12T10:40:00.006+01:00

I have been very lucky, over the past few years to have some utterly lovely and very talented assistants who have come to the studio to help me design and make including: Ha, Mithi, Sarah, Alice, Kirsty and Fay. Thank you!!!

Alice is graduating this year and you may have met her at the Earls Court, Pulse trade show last year or at some of my Christmas shows and Open Studios. She took this beautifully styled photograph of her collection of some of my characters to use in one of her books - I am looking forward to seeing the finished book.

This is some of her gorgeous collage work - so, so pretty!

... and some Sweater Monkeys that she made after her time with me learning to make and sew little characters.

www.alicegabb.com

She is showing her work at the Bath School of Art and Design Degree Show in a few weeks time.
Private View
June 5th 6pm until 9pm,
Show
6th-10th June, 10am until 5pm

Bath School of Art and Design

Sion Hill Campus

Lansdown

Bath

BA1 5SF

Peg Dolls

2009-04-23T16:09:00.006+01:00

Over a month since my last post... I lost my camera for a whole month, I thought I knew where it had been but couldn't find it ... it was found inside a cardboard box, Monty had knocked it in there while trying to climb in. Why do cats love cardboard boxes so much?
I am part way though making some more peg dolls. It has been a long time since I have made any because I need a tiny drill to make their arm holes (in their kebab skewer arms and through their bodies, and holes in their heads for ears too), I don't have one so I borrow one from my brother - Thank you Andrew! Better add it to the wish list....
I'll take a picture when these are complete.

I keep my acrylic paints in a biscuit tin and use the lid as my pallet, I've used the same one for years and it is THICK with paints now. I like the unexpected colour combinations that seem to work together in any small section of it.

I have a new, white notice board - oh the luxury! I have just begun to pin some things onto it and realised that the first three of them are packets of treats, bought mainly for the packaging. We drink the Clipper fairtrade tea usually anyway.... umm and yes, ok, Millionaires Shortbreads are my favorite biscuit so perhaps it wasn't just the packaging!! The oat biscuits though? That was just for the box; packaging sells! There seem to be more beautifully illustrated packets on the shelves now than before, I've never kept boxes before.

Monty is now one year old and we thought he would grow out of his kitten ways and become more independent; he has a little bit, but only about 3%. This is still his favorite place to sleep and it is rare for me to sit at the computer without him running in, jumping onto my lap and pawing at my front until I lift him in, then he is happy curled upside down in my cardigan for hours, even if he really doesn't fit into my clothes and gets quite squashed. If he wants a bit of extra cuddling then he reaches his paw up and strokes my face. He's such a nice little friend - I'm very glad he hasn't grown out of this yet.

Little Friends Stationery

2009-03-19T11:57:00.012Z

Little Errol, Squeaky Beryl and friends are out and about this month, they are on the shelves in the April edition of Junior magazine in a very pretty feature by Kate Street on children's party invitations and thank yous. This is the invitations page... the one to the right and above is a glittery pink limo; Spice Girls eat your hearts out!

The 'come-to a party' invitation has spaces to fill in to give your guests all of the details they need to find your party (and a maze that they can get lost in too) There is a clock to complete with hands to show the party time and a calendar to tick off the date.

...and this month I have sent a whole lot of cards to Liberty (one of my most favouritest shops in London) for their Spring/Summer 09 collection including my baby announcement card with little Errol and Squeaky Beryl. None of the others have the Little Friends on though, so they're a bit off theme... they have lots of Fairy Badge cards, Paper Dolls Houses, Love Tokens, Tooth Fairy Envelopes, Thank You cards, Stich-a-Message cards and a whole lot more!

Little Errol Offer!

2009-03-02T12:56:00.006Z

Lots of NEW colours!
Top row: violet with blue stripe, blue with green stripe, green with multi-stripe, red with blue stripe.
Bottom row: blue with pink stripe, red with blue stripe, violet with pink stripe, blue with blue stripe.

We don't usually sell through the web, but for blog readers and mailing list members....
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £30 including p&p to the UK for deliveries
on any orders made before 31st March 2009
which is a 25% discount
for elsewhere add £3 for shipping costs.

Little Errol is made from reclaimed wool with vintage button eyes and a shiny red heart. Because he is made from vintage materials and contains small parts, he is not suitable for under 3 year olds.

All Little Friends come with very official adoption certificates, care instructions and a cut-out-and-make miniscule but perfectly balanced meal of a pile of peas and a slice of cake.

Personalise him, accessorise him and repair him when he wears thin to create a loyal, lifelong companion.

Payment by Paypal, cheque or transfer, contact me with your chosen colours, payment preference and your delivery address and I'll send him on his way. lucy@lucyjanebatchelor.co.uk

Big Chops!

2009-02-03T14:52:00.003Z

A lovely, lovely email landed in my inbox last week from Florrie and Vanessa with some photographs and tales of their enormous brood and their rather troublesome antics!
Here are two Little Errols, a pair of Mini-Matchbox Monster Babies in love (cuddling-up in an innocent smoothie hat!), Mischievous Maud and who is the tan coloured fur to the right?... Big Chops!

Here is the whole family; Maud (who matches the walls beautifully!) also has Bothersome Boris to keep her company and Teeny Timmy to play with (Tiny in blue tweed at the bottom) along with Squeaky Beryl on the right with a Sleeping Baby. Lucky that Big Chops is quite skilled at crowd management; here's what Florrie says they have been up to:

"Here are the photographs of Big Chops with his family. He has married Little Errol and adopted Bothersome and the Little Twins. Greedy Greta, Little Errol's sister is quite jealous but she has Maud to look after! Greedy likes to plump herself until she is almost round which makes Little Erol upset because she is quite flat now. Big Chops has his work cut out trying to keep the peace."

"Big Chops does experience some difficulties, especially when taking Bothersome out for his walks. He had to put Bothersome on a lead because he kept running into peoples gardens and going through their letter boxes. Bothersome now uses the lead to tangle Big Chops up by running round him in circles! "

Thank you so much to F and V, it is very good to hear how they are and to hear some of the tales of chaos! x x x

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 5)

2009-02-03T14:38:00.006Z

I had the nicest few hours yesterday making a miniature cape in bluebell blue wool for Mandy's doll for the doll project. I haven't made a tiny item of clothing for a long, long time and I made a pattern to fit her which tested my brain quite a lot. Making this has made me want to make whole outfits of tiny clothes; pinafore dresses, coats... ooooh!

Thank you x x x x

2009-01-20T14:52:00.009Z

How lovely it has been to find my blog stats rise and trace it back to links from some very beautiful blogs and fantastic resources. A very big THANK YOU to them all and here are a few of them (I'll gather more over the next few weeks).

Softie Central: an amazingly comprehensive blog of all
things soft and cute.

Print and Pattern: a rich collection of print and pattern!

Design Sponge: a beautiful collection of what is current
in design.

Tiger Print: stationery designers to M&S.

Jotter: delicate, retro, modern, hand printed, happy stationery.

Bientot Demain: Slow Design; and sustainable design with a
very delicate French touch.

Madame Chacha: delicious French childrens things, and
adorable photos of children.

L'atelier d'Audrey: more exquisite words and images from
France.

Oh c'choux: 'happy things for kids' from Switzerland

I'm noticing some themes here... French children's things, stationery, retro and Modern design, cute things, sustainability and design. That just about covers my work and inspiration!

X THANK YOU X THANK YOU X THANK YOU X

2009 - A New Year, A New Website, A New Home, A New Studio

2009-01-20T14:16:00.009Z

It's the new year and already so much has happened; and it has been FAR TOO LONG since my last post; I got lost in Christmas shows, Christmas, Flu and... moving house and studio from my beloved studio in Cockpit Arts all the way down to Devon, tucked against the edge of Dartmoor. Most of my studio is still in boxes and there is A LOT to unpack, and I haven't even thought about sewing anything yet, but I do have the fire alight (is that the correct term and tense?) and the kitten asleep on my lap (snoring a bit).

Just before Christmas I updated my illustration and cards website with a new front page and tidied it up inside (with LOTS of help from my patient husband - he needs to be with me). I am so much happier with it now that it all ties together. The old design, other than the book gallery pages, were designed about 5 years ago; it was long due a change. Next job on the Website To Do list ; get the press pages up (which requires lots of scanning and tweaking). Does anyone ever reach the end of To Do lists? I think my life might be very dull with out them.

Christmas Open Studios

2008-12-09T17:31:00.004Z

Summercoat Squirrel came to visit me this weekend. He is 3 years old and belongs to Anna who brought him along to say hello. How lovely to see him, and good to see that in travels in style in Anna's beautiful traveling bag.

This was my chance to have a little squeeze of him while Anna (right) introduced Errol who has gone to a very, very good home where he can cuddle the cat, play with the other little friends and also annoy Rupert quite a lot (sorry about that Rupert).

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 4)

2008-12-03T10:03:00.004Z

I've sent the next doll for our doll project on her way to Katy. This one will keep me laughing for quite a while, I wish I could show more; Ruths addition is very, very 'special', but it'll have to wait another six months before we can see them. Now I'm waiting for Mandy's doll to arrive.

Delicate Doilies

2008-11-27T09:16:00.003Z

It was so nice to see some of you at the Notting Hill show last weekend. Such lovely people! it really made the show for me. THANK YOU x x x x

A Little Friend is for Life

2008-11-12T10:00:00.004Z

Oh!....I realise I may have been a little reckless in my last post and so, to set the record straight....
A little Friend is for life not just for Christmas.
They all come with an adoption certificate which makes it very legal and official indeed. No getting out of commitment like that. There is no way that these little things can fend for themselves if you set them free....Nope. They need a quite substantial amount of care and love.

Little Friends for Christmas

2008-11-12T09:45:00.005Z

Squeaky Beryl is ready for Christmas! I have been beavering away like an elf making a handful of them, all with different skirts to come with me to the Christmas shows, along with lots of Sleeping Babies in all sorts of pretty colours and different sizes. These are tiny hand-sized Squeaking Sleeping babies in midnight heather tweeds.

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in December

2008-11-10T12:13:00.002Z

It's our Christmas Open Studios open at the start of December. I'm in studio 305 on the top floor. I have been sewing lots of new Little Friends for the Christmas shows and I'll put some photos up over the next few weeks.

Friday 5th December 2008, 11am - 9pm
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2008, 11am - 6pm

Cockpit Arts Deptford,
18-22 Creekside
London
SE8 3DZ

You can download directions and a map to find the studios at the Cockpit Arts website.

Workshop Sale in December

2008-11-06T18:20:00.005Z

This is the flyer for a sale I've been doing for a good few years now. I always manage to do quite a bit of my Christmas shopping here because there are some of my favorite designers selling real bargains including: scarves, hats and gloves from Jo Gordon, decorations from Lush... Lovely! Click here to see a list of the exhibitors.

WORKSHOP CHRISTMAS SALE 2008

Saturday 6th December. 10am till 5pm
St Thomas More Hall, 116a Lordship Lane
East Dulwich, London SE22 8ND
(Between Bassano and Blackwater Street)

admission £2.00

Come early for free mince pies and mulled wine.

A celebration of the unique, and the handmade.
Your opportunity to meet over 30 influential designer/makers,
buy their work and pick up a bargain.

Many of the exhibitors will be selling samples, end of ranges and seconds at less than half price.

Hand Sale in November

2008-11-06T17:58:00.006Z

Here is the flyer for a sale I'll be at at the end of the month. It is organised by Hand who sell the most beautiful things from their shop near Portabello Road; I'm looking forward to looking around.

PICK UP A PRESENT

COME TO OUR SALE

20TH CENTURY THEATRE, 291 WESTBOURNE GROVE, OFF PORTOBELLO RD, LONDON W11,

THURSDAY 20th NOVEMBER 6PM - 9PM
FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 10 AM - 8PM SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 10AM - 6PM
SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 11AM - 5PM

Tel: Gail - 0208 677 1848 Kirsten - 0788 768 0672 EMAIL:INFO@HANDSHOP.CO.UK

TROUVER ANTIQUES UNIVERSAL UTILITY VICTORIA IBIZA CARLA BEEBY HINSHELWOOD DE BORMAN GHULAM SAKINA
MELISSA LO SACHA GIBB RAM CHANDRA SELVEDGE MAGAZINE ORCHARD OBJECTS SIA TAYLOR NICOLA EASTON
YOMA ILOVEGEORGEOUS SYLVIE FRANQUET BEYOND FRANCE KATRYN SPENCE ABRAHAM & THAKORE
ROMY DERMAN LUCY JANE BATCHELOR CLAIRE VAN HOLTHE BROOKE GREGSON DANDY STAR KAREN DOWNING
CHOI TEA BERNICE & CAMILLA CASHMERE LISA JONES MAISON BENGAL NIKKITABELLA BABY KIRSTEN HECKTERMANN

JEWELLERY IN GOLD AND SILVER WITH SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, FRESH WATER PEARLS AND FINE BEADWORK, UTILITY CLOTHING, FASHION, CASHMERE, HAND BAGS AND ACCESSORIES, ANTIQUES, CUSHIONS, THROWS AND BLANKETS, VINTAGE HUNGARIAN LINENS, CERAMICS, GLASS, STONE PESTLE AND MORTARS, BONE AND WOOD UTENSILS, HAND WOVEN BASKETS AND BAGS, CARDS AND TOYS, CHILDREN'S CLOTHES, T-SHIRTS, HAND KNITTED BABY CLOTHES, HANDMADE TEAS, GIFTS AND MORE....

£1 ENTRANCE FEE AND DONATIONS WILL BE FOR TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN PROJECT IN AFGHANISTAN

BUSES - 7, 13, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 328.
NEAREST TUBE - NOTTING HILL GATE OR LADBROKE GROVE

PLEASE BRING FRIENDS CASH OR CHEQUES ONLY

Open Studio in September

2008-10-27T13:17:00.007Z

It's a little bit late but here is a photo from the open studios we had last month. I tidied up the studio and set-up a few of my desks with cards and Little Friends and was absolutely thrilled that so many of them have gone to good homes; everyone I met was lovely and a few of them have gone in complete families (Daddy, Mummy and Baby)- that is SO NICE! Two of the wool crepe babies (pink and blue) are gifts for a pair of twins; a boy and a girl, I think that is the sweetest thing! They have all gone to their new homes with Adoption Certificates.

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 3)

2008-10-27T12:59:00.002Z

This is a peek at the third doll I've worked on for the doll project. This one is the jolliest chap (doll) I have ever met, I wish I could show more because his face is brilliant, but it will have to wait until the end so it doesn't spoil the surprise for the other doll makers. He was made by Ruth Martin and Lucy May Schofield added a beautiful piece of clothing to which I have added a shiny, red heart and a pocket for putting things in. He is off to Katy in America now; a little early but the post will take some time. I'm looking forward to receiving the next one.....

Creature Feature shop

2008-10-13T11:17:00.003+01:00

What a treat! The lovely people at Black lark Gallery have made the sweetest display for their Creature Feature show; painted trees with ladders and cages in black outlines on pure white walls. They've also put some of the creatures onto their online shop, the Lumi doll is so sweet, I think I will have to add these to my wish list.

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 2)

2008-10-05T15:38:00.004+01:00

Here is a peek at Raymond the baby elephant who was made, in the Doll Project, by Lucy May Schofield, I have begun his outfit, but can't show anymore of it so it's a surprise for us all at the end. I'm not very good at surprises, I always want to know in advance - this is very difficult!

Creature Feature Show

2008-09-26T09:45:00.004+01:00

I'm just sending off a few little families of creatures to the Black Lark for a new new show called Creature Feature. One Little Errol (a raspberry red one) is traveling down to chaperone a collection of tweed sleeping babies (like the one to the right of Little Errol in the flyer) to join a whole collection of gorgeous creatures, they have lovely plans for the display in the show; I think it will be well worth a visit.

Creature Feature
Black Lark Gallery,
72 Norman Road,
St Leonards on Sea
TN38 0EJ
Tel: 01424 439111

Private View: 10th October 2008
Show Ends: 2nd November 2008

Holly Berry

2008-09-16T17:35:00.002+01:00

This is a character that I made especially for Ann from her most favorite old jumpers and gloves, I made her years and years ago and saw her again recently; Annie has called her Holly Berry (she's not quite Halle Berry, but she does have nice eyes and long legs) this is one of the biggest characters I have made and is doubly unusual as she has an outfit; the shorts have a lacy trim around the top and a tiny doll sized button at the front of them.

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in September

2008-09-15T18:39:00.005+01:00

It's just less than a week until the next Open Studios at Cockpit Arts... and .... I have some more Little Errols! I'm very excited- I have some now and I'll have a whole lot more in time for the Christmas shows, and also quite a few squeaking sleeping babies. I have all of the new cards on display for the first time since launching them in July, including the Christmas ranges (they're all on the website). Oh.. and the enamel badges, including lots of seconds at discounts.

I'm in studio 305 on the top floor of - please come along and say hello.
20-21 September 2008
11am - 6pm
Cockpit Arts Deptford,
18-22 Creekside
London
SE8 3DZ

There are directions and a map to find the studios at the Cockpit Arts website.

Doll Project Number 3

2008-09-02T10:04:00.003+01:00

We've just begun the third Doll Project. I posted mine yesterday (it's a rabbit), you can see more at our group blog here. We won't show a photo all of any of the dolls until the end, so we can keep them a surprise from each other. I'm really excited about it!

A Monty Montage

2008-08-29T18:19:00.004+01:00

I'm only showing this super sickly sweet picture so he doesn't look utterly ridiculous in all of the photos here (rather undignified!).

Because this is how he looks most of the time when he is asleep on us. He is the most sociable and boisterous cat I have ever know, such a sweetie, and so naughty! We have just had him a few months and already he has been to the emergency vet (chewed broom bristles), concussed himself running full speed into a table leg, been stung by a bee so his paw doubled in size, got his paw stuck down a hole.... the list goes on

He loves being on us on all the time, he gets into bed when ever he can, sleeps on his back and climbs into my cardigans to sleep against my chest and tummy when I am working at the computer. He also plays fetch with balls, bringing them from the other end of the house back to us and drags his bed into whichever room we are in - very uncat-like! None of our other cats have been anywhere near this crazily relaxed and friendly, so I'm guessing it's the breed and his good mummy cat?

Crepe Wool Sleeping Babies in love

2008-08-29T17:58:00.003+01:00

Last year I made a few sherbet coloured Sleeping Babies from wool crepe- so fine, and delicate colours, and they have chalky white leather ears! I have the plan to make them little homes in these lovely boxes - this is their home, maybe a bed but it still has a long way to go. I'll put a picture up when they are all complete.
I have made the first part of my doll for the new doll project and it'll be posted on Monday, you'll be able to track their progress on the Doll Project blog.
I've also been designing some more characters for one of my clients, when they stop being a secret I'll show some pictures of them too.

Tiny Tweed Twins

2008-08-22T19:38:00.003+01:00

Oh Gosh, at last a new picture! I have been sending out orders and working on comissions and not been doing very much sewing at all, but here I have a cross breed! These two tiny tweed twins are a cross between Mischeivous Maud and Bothersome Boris and the little Squeaking Sleeping Babies, They are just less than 3 inches tall and they are very lazy.

Doll Project Number 1

2008-07-16T11:48:00.006+01:00

I met up with Nina yesterday and we were remembering all of the amazing dolls from the first doll project that we took part in. It was in 2004/5 and organised by Jackie Parsons of Bo Peep Kids, who makes lovely sock dolls and monkeys.

For the first month we each made the beginnings of a doll, on month 2; we each posted the doll to the next person on the list and so, at the end, our dolls were returned to us complete having been worked on and added to by everyone in the project.

There were 10 of us in all, all designer makers and I've found all of the photos that I had - such a shame that I don't have pictures of all of them.

1. Me, Maud who you can see further back in another posting with all of her additions.
2. Petra Boase, This was the first I got so it has very little done on it and it was the hardest for me to do.
3. I sabel Stanley, Sweet little Noriko came in a beautiful box. I made her a pink satin dress. Nina made her a beautiful face - you can see a picture of her completed on Jackies website
4. Jo Gordon, I can't believe that I don't have a photo of this one, I made a blue and white spotty skirt - she was called Maybeline! and she was delicious - there is a photo on Jackies site too.
5. Cecilie Telle. I loved this one - so funny, I think she and Maud would sit nicely together but I have no idea how she ended up as she still had to go to another four people after me.
6. Emma Eardley. WOW! Golden boots, she was quite a lady! I gave her a face which was terrifying to do, I was worried I would give her the wrong personality. Some later in the project gave her a nice hair do.
7. Ken Eardley, I think Ken started his doll off with the ceramic face, my mum knitted her a shawl which we decorated with bright buttons.
8. Rachel Eardley, No photo and this was a real good'un.... Darn it! If I remember it correctly; she had a vintage badge face and was quite tiny and lived in an entirely collaged room. I made a fridge room a cigar box.
9. Jackie Parsons ballerina sock doll; she had a tiny heart embroidered onto her bottom. I made her tiny knitted stripy top which buttoned up the back.
10. Nina Mankin, A dainty little fairy with teensiest handmade cardigan. I made her a little clutch purse!

I'll see if I can track down some more pictures of them...... I had a look to see if I had many photos of the second doll project and I only have 2 which is rubbish. There were some really good ones in there - whoops!
I'll be starting on my third doll project later in the summer - looking forward to it.

Hello My Little Friend! Monty.

2008-07-08T14:35:00.006+01:00

A new little friend has come to live with us, he is the sweetest (and naughtiest) little kitten! We brought him home with us last weekend after a lovely wedding anniversary holiday on the Norfolk Broads - he is a good souvenir! He has utterly won my heart and sleeps on my lap at every opportunity (including now), I can't promise that I won't go kitten bonkers and take photos of him all the time, he is so pretty.

Pin-on Pets

2008-06-07T20:01:00.005+01:00

At last, I have some Little Errol and Squeaky Beryl enamel badges - I am very excited about them, I have been planning to make them for a few years, they have been a long time in coming.
Little Errol is 2cm high, has a clasp pin backing and he is pinned onto a card with a drawing of his home in a pet shop.
Squeaky Beryl is 2.5cm high, has a brooch backing and she is on a pet show card (winning 'best in show', of course, because she is a bit bossy and can be quite a show-off. Dancing Ernie came 2nd for his fancy foot-work and high spirits, and Little Errol came a poor third because he didn't make any effort and still had cake mixture and mud on his trousers and paws).

We launched them at the weekend at Pulse (a trade show at Earls Court, London), so they'll be in the the shops in the next few months. My Mum has worn her Squeaky Beryl badge every day for the past week!

Sleeping Babies Illustration

2008-05-08T18:21:00.005+01:00

Finished today! Here is a sneak preview of part of one of the new cards I'm designing at the moment. I've drawn the Sleeping babies for the header of a Friendship Tokens card - it has lots of other tokens drawn on it too, it'll be launched at the start of June with the other new designs but I couldn't resist putting this bit up here now - well it does fit with the little creature theme!

Little Errol Illustration

2008-05-08T17:26:00.003+01:00

For the first few years that I made Little Errols, they were all sorts of colours, a real mix and match, more recently they became much more uniform with the mustards, raspberry and greens wining out. This picture is a nice reminder of the craziness of those first few years, especially a funny, extra furry, almost luminous pink one that went, very fittingly, to the colourful Suzi of Twisted Twee (The best kiddies things ever). Perhaps it is time to make some more super colourful creatures.... (best wait until the Open Studios and Pulse trade show are out of the way). This Saturday I am planning to go in search of woolen blankets so I'll look out for some bright ones.

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in May

2008-05-03T19:55:00.006+01:00

We're having Working Open Studios in a few weeks; a bit different from the Christmas Open Studios where we stop work and turn the studios into stalls, for this one, those of us that are taking part are keeping our studios running for a behind the scenes view; which for me will mean the floor and all surfaces being covered in scraps of fabric and threads and maybe not that much room for anything else! I have made plenty of small soft creatures including a handful of (the very rare) Mini Matchbox Monster Babies.
I'm busy at the moment adding the finishing touches to lots of new card designs* ready to be launched at the trade show Pulse at the start of June, it's nearly time to send them off to the printers, but this drawing and design work is leaving very little time for sewing so I'll be glad to have the chance at the Open Studio.

Please come along and say hello. I'm in Studio 305, Cockpit Arts Deptford.

*I have also designed some tiny enamel brooches that are being made right now - I am so excited about them! One is of Little Errol and one of Squeaky Beryl and they will be mounted on a card with a drawing of a friendly pet shop along with care instructions. I'll put a picture up here when they arrive in 3 weeks or so. (Did I mention that I was excited about them?!)

Anna's Summercoat Squirrel

2008-05-03T19:45:00.007+01:00

News from a favorite of mine. Anna has sent a photo of Summercoat Squirrel who was a special commission for her. It looks like he has a very, very nice life!

Alice's Bothersome Boris

2008-05-03T19:36:00.003+01:00

Alice came to help me for a weeks work experience over Easter (THANK YOU Alice!) and at the end of the last afternoon when we were both too tired to do much else, we sat sewing and I showed Alice how to make her own Bothersome Boris. She sent this photo of him and here is a link to see some of her other pretty creations.

Doll Project Number 2

2008-04-15T18:38:00.003+01:00

Here's Harold.
(I had him on the blog before - when he returned home to me, but I accidentally deleted him - still not too hot on this blogging thing, Whoopsie! So here he is reinstated).
Harold came back to me at the start of this year after a very long visit to lots of other designer makers. He left me as a sweet innocent little monkey baby with a liking for chewing wires; just a stripy toweling body, ears and a blank face and he has returned to me a... well, I'm not quite sure really... he is quite extraordinary.
An enormous amount of skill, talent, time, love and care has gone into creating the individual components, which put together as a whole make the most barmy creature I have ever seen.
The rules were the same as with Doll Project Number 1 Maud, but this one had a few more makers involved. An exquisite pink knit jump suit by jeweller and illustrator Rachel Eardley. I love the colours and the sweet green stitching down the sides.
And this miniature printed satin bomber jacket by Heather Martin is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
They added to the journal as Harold visited them:
Jo Sheffield (Baby things) made some perfect hobnail boots. Lisa Marklew (Ceramics) made monkey madness with a pair of ceramic banana earrings. Jo Gordon (Knitwear) gave him a diamonte earings and some arms. Jo Hill crafted a paper guitar. Rachel Eardley (Jewellery and illustration) made his jumpsuit. Heather Martin (Textiles) made the bomber jacket. Ken Eardley (Ceramics) gave him a moustache. Claire Fletcher (illustration). Isabel Stanley (Lampshades) who I think made his legs.
Thank you all x x x

Snowy

2008-04-09T12:21:00.006+01:00

So we didn't have any snow at Christmas, but the start of April brought us a few inches and I quickly muddled together this little snowman before it all melted away again. He was a titchy little thing and only lived a few hours - I think I can see the fear in his stone eyes!

Squeaking Sleeping Babies

2008-03-29T08:13:00.005Z

I've been spending the last few months doing commissions and starting designs for my new card ranges for the summer, so I relish my sewing time all the more. I'm slowly building my collection back up after Christmas and Kids.Modern.

These little sleeping babies are made from the softest cashmere tweed and are just big enough (much bigger than Teeny Timmy and Moaning Mini) to fit a squeaker into so they are quite noisy. I lined them up on the desk and played chopsticks on them but they need a bit of tuning.

Doll Project Number 1 at the start....

2008-03-19T17:37:00.007Z

I'm looking through old photos and findings some nice old friends. Here is Maud before she headed off on her journey to be added to in the first doll project. You can see her finished here.
She had the tea cosy pattern in the box when she set off so she'd have something nice to read. I had forgotten that she has a mustard couloured gusset that her legs are sewn into and that earned her the nickname 'Custard Knickers' Yuk - probably best forgotten again!

Before Mini Matchbox Monster Babies...

2008-03-19T17:20:00.003Z

This little chap is quite old now, I made him for my friend Katys birthday and he was the start of the Mini Matchbox Monster Babies. This one is a bit different though - I had lots of fantastic old fabric patchwork pieces that my mum had left over from a quilt they they made in the 7o's so I lined the box with it and he has a solid bottom (with flower pattern) to stand up on, and nice big stickey out ears (I like stickey out ears). I bought lots of vintage matchbox labels in a junk shop in Bristol (it's gone now) and this squirrel is one of my favorites.

Little Errols at Home 3

2008-03-14T14:46:00.006Z

"...two quick snaps. One is Errol enjoying a snack, in the second he has just finished a jigsaw while awaiting Harriet's homecoming. Unfortunately I didn't have the camera when we went dancing. More will follow.... "

"Little Errol Big Ben"
This Errol, I think, has taken on the personality of a cosmopolitan, James Bond, skiing sort -of-chap.

I'm hoping that these two are still together too (sadly no photograph).
"My two Errols are so at home here! I am keeping them as they have made friends and I can't split them up!"

Little Errols at Home 2

2008-03-14T14:39:00.008Z

Some more picture and stories of Little Errols in their new homes!
"Little Errol and his friends" This Little Errol lives with Frida and has got such nice new friends! I love the tiny twins.

"Lots of greetings from Errol in his new Swedish home! He was helping me with the plants earlier this summer and did a very good job!" from Anna

Little Errols at Home 1

2008-03-14T13:33:00.009Z

I get some lovely stories and pictures sent to me on how Little Errols are settling into their new homes. At Christmas I met a nice owner who has had an Errol for a year and all of that time he has lived on their sofa and they told me that he enjoys watching tele, especially old episodes of Bravo. I'll put some of the other messages up here too. If you have an Errol, I'd love to hear how he is getting along and see some photos.

"This nervous little fellow came to live with us at the end of January. He hasn't said a word since he got here and trembles alot so he sleeps in a basket."

"Just a note to say how happy I am with my Little Errol. I saw him on Green Apple's website a few weeks ago and have been enamored with him ever since. The first time I saw him on the 'net, I actually had tears in my eyes due to his cuteness (I am very soft like that).
He arrived here this morning as a present from Saint Nicholas. As he had spent the night in my welly and was obviously a bit bothered by his new surroundings I thought I would take him with me today on my travels. I think he especially enjoyed watching my son and me play pooh sticks.
He seems to have calmed down a bit now and a while ago was sleeping on the sofa with one of the cats. She rather likes him. I will let you know how he gets on.
Here is a photo of him in his traveling gear. (An old hat). Thanks for making him! Kira"

Peg Dolls

2008-03-06T18:36:00.006Z

A few years ago Katy and I decided it would be nice to make some things for fun and swap them with other designer makers (they all had to be making a living from their creative talents) who also wanted to make nice things for fun and swap them. We called it LUCKY DiP and you can see images of everyones peg dolls along with the other projects in Flickr, there were some real characters and an amazing amount of love and skill went into creating them, Katy and I were bowled over. Mine were Kitty, Bunny and Minnie and each lived in a decorated box. They have arms made from Kebab skewers and ears pushed into holes in their heads. We made it to project number 3 before Katy left the country so LUCKY DiP is sadly no more...maybe when she comes back we can start swapping again.

Teeny Timmy and Moaning Mini

2008-03-06T18:02:00.006Z

Gosh, it has been a loooong time since I have had a chance to update here - and I have so many things I want to add. Here is Mischeivous Maud's teddy Teeny Timmy, the one who is in bed with her in one of the scenes. He is about 5-6 cm tall. Bothersome Boris also has a teddy; Moaning Mini, she is pink and very, very small and very annoying. I've made a large family of these titchy teddies and took an armful of them to Kids.Modern to find new homes. They are made using the same fabrics as Maud and Boris: Harris Tweed, leather scraps and reclaimed wool. I've also made a whole herd of them that are a bit bigger- just big enough to fit a squeaker into, they are VERY naughty and I'll put a picture up here soon.

Terence

2008-02-01T16:21:00.001Z

A few years ago I was commissioned to make a squirrel for a client, he was a beautiful mustard colour (the squirrel, not the client) and we were quite sad to see him go. He settled very well into his new home and was much loved. He was a one-off so I'll never make another to sell, but I made him a grey twin to live with us. His personality has grown out of control and he now has a silver chain and tag with his name on, a signet ring, his tail is covered in badges made by our friends, and he has a bag to carry his Nuts in (the magazine not the food). We're very fond of Terence, he sits on our mantel shelf and squeaks sometimes.

Kids.Modern Show in February

2008-01-23T12:08:00.000Z

Kids.Modern

Sunday 24th February 2008, 10am-4pm
Christison Hall, Dulwich College, London SE21

Kids.Modern appreciates that children deserve good design. Modern-minded parents will love the latest in bright and clever design solutions for kids from celebrated international designers.

Outdoor kid-friendly bbq, free puppet show and Dulwich College's monthly farmer's market. West Dulwich BR, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Dulwich park in walking distance. The Horniman Museum 5 min drive/bus ride from the college.

Entrance £5 / Our first show is free for children

I will be exhibiting at the first Kids.Modern show next month. I went to have a look around the hall today and the line-up of exhibitors is fantastic, I'm looking forward to it! I'll list more about the other exhibitors with links soon.

I will be selling a limited edition run of Little Errol and some new characters which I'll picture here before the show.

Sleeping Babies in Elle Deco

2008-01-15T18:52:00.001Z

Here are the Sleeping Babies in their photo shoot. I think they look a bit naughty peeking out from the cushions.
"Green House. Eco credentials are today's top sell, but a piece must first be well designed to be really worthy. Here's some of our favorite beautiful, useful, great green designs..."
"Reclaimed wool and cashmere 'Sleeping Babies', from £35 each,Lucy Jane Batchelor"
Elle Decoration, February 2008, Page 90.
Styling and Production: Chrissie Cremers, Pictures: Sean Myers.

It was a double hit in this issue as my thank you cards are in a feature on page 37 too (the pink, cream and black card farthest to the left). Available from Frank in Whitstable.

Teddy and Teddy

2008-01-15T11:42:00.000Z

Here are Teddy and Teddy. My mum made Teddy when she was a child and a few years ago we rediscovered him in a box all moth eaten - utterly riddled with holes and his stuffing had gone flat. Mum said that we should throw him away and make another one. Auntie Jan (who sewed and stuffed Bunny my mum knitted) made this replacement by copying mums Teddy, he is soft and plump, but once I had seen Teddy Junior with Teddy Senior, I couldn't bring myself to dispose of Teddy Snr, so I darned all of his holes (about 40 of them) now they sit together and look really rather sweet.

Amy Fidge's sampler

2008-01-14T19:50:00.001Z

Well this is slightly off the point, what with it not being a textile character, but it is textiles, and it is very beautiful. I adore the colours, and I like the name Amy Fidge. It's from my Grandmas house - Grandma died last week, so it is fitting that I found this today. I am going to frame it and put it on the wall with some of my other collections.

UPDATE: I found the school where this was made (good old internet), St Eanswythes in Folkstone, Kent, and, much as I would love to keep it, I sent a message to the headmistress and I'm going to parcel it up and send it back to the school. I remember how much I loved these kind of things when I was at primary school, real, personal history. Double good job that I have a record of here so I can still enjoy it.

DOUBLE UPDATE: The headmistress has sent me start of the research into Amy Fidge, they have found where she lived and it seems that she went into service when she was 14.
This has inspired me to do some cross stitch and embroidery, I am hatching all sorts of plans!

Mini Matchbox Monster Babies In Love

2008-01-08T13:30:00.000Z

A few years ago I started to make these tiny knitted creatures that sleep in matchboxes, one in each, and then I put them in pairs snuggled into bigger cooks match boxes. They come with a badge and a tiny love journal and some beads and stickers in their box too. They don't always have a mouth and nose, sometimes just eyes, but when they do have a mouth they are almost always very, very grumpy. I'm not sure why, especially because the pairs of them are in love and tied together with a heart bead on a string, so they should, by rights, look rather content.
I didn't have a name for them, just 'matchbox babies', but Lisa Marklew took a shine to them and called them 'mini matchbox monster babies' and that name has stuck. If these are the monster babies, then goodness knows what they grow up to become, especially the grumpy ones, they must be awful things.

Flying Ethel

2008-01-08T12:57:00.001Z

At around about the same time as I made Maud (below) and sent her on her journey to be finished, I also made her sister, Flying Ethel, with a far sweeter nature than she (maybe too sweet? Always daydreaming and happy and running up to people and giving them flowers. Sickening really). Ethel has flowery wings on her back. This was my favorite blanket ever - covered in a pink and green flower design, I've never found another like it, I decided I wanted to find more and went a bit over the top visiting junk shops, charity shops and searching on eBay but to no avail, they are now on my Long Term Shopping List of Elusive Items: one day... maybe one day...!

Doll Project Number 1

2008-01-08T12:13:00.001Z

This is Maud (Mischievous Maud was named after this Maud). She was made in 2004/5 as part of a really fantastic doll project run by Jackie Parsons of Bo Peep Kids, who makes funny, lovely sock dolls and monkeys. There were 10 of us in all, all designer makers: Jo Gordon, I sabel Stanley, Petra Boase, Me, Nina Mankin, Jackie, Ken Eardley, Emma, Rachel Eardley, Cecilie Telle.
On month 1; we each made the beginnings of a doll, on month 2; we each posted the doll to the next person on the list and so, at the end of month 9, our dolls were returned to us complete having been worked on and added to by everyone in the project.
Once Maud came back to me, I made her a baby to live in her apron pocket. It turned out a little unsettling though once Arran pointed out that the baby has pink cheeks, scared eyes and he thought that it was crying all the time, and I said that was because she stole the baby (Whoops! BAD MAUD), and since then, to allow ourselves to sleep at night, we've had to take the zip mouth off and pretend that the baby is teething and does love Maud very much.

It's holiday time!

2007-12-19T11:24:00.001Z

It's almost Christmas and today is my last day before heading off for my holidays until the new year. This is a small line drawing of some of the characters that I've made including Little Errol and Squeaky Beryl on the right, George and Enid in the middle and Dancing Ernie on the left, who is usually quite hard to draw because he never stands still.

Oki-ni Sleeping Babies

2007-12-19T10:50:00.001Z

Last year, I was lucky enough to be invited to design and make an exclusive range for the fashion brand collaboration company oki-ni. Each character came with a tiny sewn brooch - here it's an extra titchy baby, some of the others had bright red heart brooches with messages of love stitched across them like sewn tattoos. I have kept one of each for myself. These were the very first embroidered sleeping babies I made.
"oki-ni has commissioned Lucy Jane Batchelor to create twenty magical hand-made characters for Christmas 2006. Each piece comes attached to its own winter wonderland scene with an oki-ni tag appliquéd to their posterior; we promise this wasn’t painful in any way! You are urged to personalise them, accessorise them and repair them when they wear thin to create a loyal, lifelong companion."
They had some great press and will have been in their new homes for a year now.

Squeaky Beryl

2007-12-17T18:59:00.001Z

It's been a very long time since I made any Squeaky Beryls, but last week I made a couple as a very special order and one for me to keep, these are extra cuddly Beryls as they are made from the softest cashmere given to me by Jo Sheffield of Bubsie. She has a super squeaky squeak in her tummy, lovely old mother of pearl button eyes and an American vintage sewing print skirt.

Knitted Keep & Share Sleeping Babies

2007-12-14T11:25:00.001Z

I made these funny families of babies for Amy at Keep & Share from her offcuts and samples. I also made a few other one-offs; there was Ralph and Harold the twins and their big mummy Agnes. Most of them have been sold now, just a couple of the little babies still available on the Keep and Share site in the off-cuts section.
This is Ralph and Harold - or is it the other way around? I'm not too sure, only Agnes can tell them apart.

A Nice Holiday for the Sleeping Babies

2007-12-06T10:45:00.000Z

These six tweed sleeping babies have just returned from a very exciting holiday. They've been to a photo shoot for Elle Deco, such glamorous little things. They'll be in the February 2008 issue, I can't wait to see how they looked with good lighting and a bit of make-up (?)!

Woolen Blanket Babies

2007-12-06T10:29:00.001Z

They're much bigger than the usual sleeping babies - Last Christmas I made a huge one as a mummy to all of the babies, she was from a cotton and wool tapestry cushion cover and was covered in a floral pattern. The initialed pair are from a beautiful wool blanket (sewn in 1939) and have cream leather ears, the other two are stitched with pompoms around their hoods to keep them warm and snuggly! I get their leather ears from the leather sewers by Brick Lane- they give me bags or scraps to reuse, all sorts of lovely colours.

Little knitted sleeping babies

2007-12-06T10:17:00.001Z

This little knitted sleeping baby is off to a new home today, and as he is the last of these that I had made, I thought I'd like to keep a record of him. In his package he has some mending threads, some bird stickers and a woven tape which reads 'Me and my friend'.

Bright Ideas Show at Craft Central

2007-11-27T15:47:00.001Z

These are the display cabinets in the entrance lobby of Craft Central, there are 16 in all, divided into 4 lots of 4. I created a scene and story in each strip, this is the first one with them on stage.... (I have added a couple more below this one) and because there were so many cabinets to fill, I also brought in a few things from my big cabinet at home to help fill it up. Here are few of them:

Lovely old cotton reels, and a some wool cards. I collect these lovely pieces of haberdashery and find them the best inspiration for colours and styles for my illustrations and cards.

I found this tiny cup at the village fair a few years ago, it reads 'Mother' in gold. It was the best 20p I spent that day! I'm now on the lookout for a saucer for it, and maybe a teapot and jug.

And this sweet little card is from an old game. You spin the wheel to get a letter of the alphabet and then pick a card and answer it beginning with that letter. Each of the cards is soft, textured, heavy paper and the type is pressed into it quite far, they have a beautiful quality.

Photo credit: Sarah Murphy

Mischeivous Mauds Bedtime

2007-11-27T15:36:00.000Z

Maud in bed with her teddy Teeny Timmy. I have made a batch of Teeny Timmys for the Christmas sales, they are about 2 inches high and made from the scraps left over from Maud and Boris, they have tiny reclaimed leather ears. Maud is tucked up in bed (my mums old jewelley box) with some crisp cotton bed linen (lace table runners) and a good book (a grusome Victorian miniature).

Photo Credit: Sarah Murphy

Bothersome Boris Baking

2007-11-27T15:26:00.000Z

This is his biscuit recipe for all butter biscuits with icing, and here he is baking with one of my miniature stoves.
I read an Enid Blyton story when I was young about a little girl who accidentally left her (fully working electric) toy stove at the bottom of her garden overnight. The fairies and elves used the stove that night and, to say thank you to her for having used it, they left her some tiny, tiny cakes and a note. I wanted that so badly - the stove I could cook small cakes on, and most especially for some fairies to make a tiny cake for me.

Photo Credit: Sarah Murphy

Sleeping Baby

2007-11-22T10:08:00.001Z

A tweed sleeping baby. I've been starting to get some bits ready for the opens studios next weekend, and heres one of the Sleeping babies I've made. Their faces are sewn onto old linens and they have embroidered eyes and rosy pink cheeks. Their bodies are made from soft cashmere and wool tweeds. There are a few of them ready now and I feel like I have to be quite quiet around them (which is rather hard for me) - they look so calm and serene!

Peg Doll Fairy

2007-11-13T14:55:00.002Z

My studio is at Cockpit Arts in Deptford and as a special niceness for the Christmas Open Studios they have asked us each to make a decoration for a tree that will be given as a prize to one of the visitors. This peg doll fairy is one of mine. She's a lot like the Peg Dolls I made for the Lucky Dip swaps last year, only this one has antique lace wings and very pink ballet tights. I've just realised that I haven't given her a name... ummm.... 'Angel'!

Cockpit Arts Deptford, Christmas Open Studios
18-22 Creekside
London SE8 3DZ
Friday 30th November 12am-9pm Admission Free on Friday
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December 11am-6pm Admission £2.00.

Bunny in his Innocent Smoothie hat

2007-11-12T09:28:00.001Z

My mum knitted this rabbit for me this summer from the softest left-over cashmere from a very snuggly shawl that she made a few years ago and Auntie Jan stuffed him and sewed him up. He lives in my studio and with it being winter now, it's started to get a little bit cold. I found the perfect hat for him from Innocent Smoothies Help the Aged charity Big Knit. The smoothie was delicious, and the hat looks so sweet, I smile every time I look at him.

Bright Ideas show opening soon

2007-10-31T19:59:00.000Z

At last... I have put up my display in the exhibition to launch the twins. I have four very long cabinets to fill with just a few tiny toys so I have created scenes of them in their own worlds. I especially like Maud in bed in a box and Boris cooking biscuits. I'll put some photos up very soon.

Bright Ideas
Craft Central (the new name for the Clerkenwell Green Association)
33-35 St John’s Square
London
EC1M 4DS
Nearest station: Farringdon for the underground and
overland trains
It's open from the 1st - 25th of November
Weds - Saturday 12 - 6pm plus Sunday 25th November
and admission is free. I will be invigilating the show on Friday 9th, Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th of November if you'd like to come and say hello - It would be nice to see some friendly faces and nice chatter.

First Press for The Twins

2007-10-30T15:30:00.001Z

It's their first bit of press! A tear sheet arrived today from Selvedge magazine, the Nov/Dec 07 issue and it's not long to go until the show opens. I've made some props for the display cabinets; lots of sewing, including some bunting, a bed and a stage with curtains and pelmet.

Packaging for The Twins

2007-10-29T09:10:00.001Z

Hot off the press I have the packaging for Mischievous Maud and Bothersome Boris. They come with: an adoption certificate, a family portrait, a membership card, information on their production, care instructions and a cut-out-and-make minuscule meal; the main course is a pyramid of peas and for dessert a big slice of cake- providing them with a perfectly balanced and delicious diet when the Fondant Fancies run-out.

Farewell Little Errol

2007-09-30T20:23:00.001+01:00

He's been my favorite for a few years now and the very last one I had made has been sent out. There are no plans at the moment to make any more though I'm sure this won't be the last one ever, but for the time being ... Farewell Little Errol! (for now)

Mischievous Maud and Bothersome Borris

2007-09-30T17:28:00.000+01:00

A preview picture of prototypes of the new TWINS to be launched on 1st November at Craft Central (the new name for the Clerkenwell Green Association) as part of the Bright Ideas award scheme and exhibition. They are made from beautiful handwoven Harris Tweeds. More info to come....

Hello my little friend

My Clippy bag!

A whole year!

Doll Project Number 4

Home making for the baby

Home Making

Doll Project Number 3 (Bunny returns)

A new little friend

Just for Kids, Bilston Craft Gallery.

Just for Kids, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wv14 7LU

Peg Doll Wedding Cake Toppers

Doll Project Number 3 (Dolls 6, 7 and 8)

Special Offer for mailing list and blog readers only!!

Little Friends available on Etsy!

My Lovely Assistant Alice!

Peg Dolls

Little Friends Stationery

Little Errol Offer!

Big Chops!

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 5)

Thank you x x x x

2009 - A New Year, A New Website, A New Home, A New Studio

Christmas Open Studios

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 4)

Delicate Doilies

A Little Friend is for Life

Little Friends for Christmas

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in December

Workshop Sale in December

Saturday 6th December. 10am till 5pm St Thomas More Hall, 116a Lordship Lane East Dulwich, London SE22 8ND (Between Bassano and Blackwater Street)

Hand Sale in November

Open Studio in September

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 3)

Creature Feature shop

Doll Project Number 3 (Doll 2)

Creature Feature Show

Holly Berry

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in September

Doll Project Number 3

A Monty Montage

Crepe Wool Sleeping Babies in love

Tiny Tweed Twins

Doll Project Number 1

Hello My Little Friend! Monty.

Pin-on Pets

Sleeping Babies Illustration

Little Errol Illustration

Cockpit Arts Open Studios in May

Anna's Summercoat Squirrel

Alice's Bothersome Boris

Doll Project Number 2

Snowy

Squeaking Sleeping Babies

Doll Project Number 1 at the start....

Before Mini Matchbox Monster Babies...

Little Errols at Home 3

Little Errols at Home 2

Little Errols at Home 1

Peg Dolls

Teeny Timmy and Moaning Mini

Terence

Kids.Modern Show in February

Sleeping Babies in Elle Deco

Teddy and Teddy

Amy Fidge's sampler

Mini Matchbox Monster Babies In Love

Flying Ethel

Doll Project Number 1

It's holiday time!

Oki-ni Sleeping Babies

Squeaky Beryl

Knitted Keep & Share Sleeping Babies

A Nice Holiday for the Sleeping Babies

Woolen Blanket Babies

Little knitted sleeping babies

Bright Ideas Show at Craft Central

Mischeivous Mauds Bedtime

Bothersome Boris Baking

Sleeping Baby

Peg Doll Fairy

Saturday 6th December. 10am till 5pm
St Thomas More Hall, 116a Lordship Lane
East Dulwich, London SE22 8ND
(Between Bassano and Blackwater Street)