I'm really excited

Everything is happening somewhat quickly...  I have a new addition on the way....  I'm really excited to design for her and I'm deciding whether to hand sew or machine...  Couture garments are hand sewn so it isn't too much of a stretch, but I wonder if I have the patience.

I pulled out some fabrics today and have some more ideas.... a white linen outfit is in the future, also a black "scrap" or band type dress...

At a thrift store I found these lovely napkins:

I saw a wild pair of McQueen shoes (sadly post Alexander), but I was thinking I'd like to "document" many of the wild trends starting year 2000 and working my way to current fashions...

All laced up....

A combination of cutting edge laced items such as corsets and bustiers... and antique lace/ a softer look.

I have plenty of antique lace from when I used to dress antique porcelain dolls.  Whenever my daughter travels I ask her to bring back lace (if she finds it)...  I have a lovely collection.

I pulled out a couple pieces and decided to grab this shot.

I've got lots of different types, some cotton, some silk, even some hand tatted.... the yellow is some old silk.

Birds of a feather

Perhaps it is the "can can" idea or maybe it was the amazing wig from Immortal Classique ...  I think a feather collection would be another definite.

I've many feathers -- want to make a peacock dress with the peacock "eyes" as the skirt/ bottom and black or blue velvet beaded in a peacock pattern as the top.

I think of big bird (Sesame street) -- some lovely yellow ensemble.

Orange... I started an orange dress for one of my dolls, I have to dig that out.... I don't think I ever finished it.

Need the blog to keep me on track.  (Work and my mom's health are my major barriers now, but I'm just going to work as much as I can, one day at a time)  ;)

Trashy stuff...

Literally.

I was saving some "trash" to make some miniatures with and the theme of recycling for a "line" came to me.  Sasha Baron Cohen, of Borat fame, had a garbage line, didn't that then get actually done on the runway?

A couple years back when my daughter was applying for colleges.  One of the design colleges had a project that was things overlooked in everyday life.  She did some projects using recycled materials.  What amazing projects.

Also I remember years back seeing old soda cans made into miniature cars, motorcycles, flowers, etc.

I love the recycling concept.

These are the little tops from opening half gallon containers of milk and juice

Then there are these:

Contact lens containers.

I think about the green plastic recyclable soda bottles = fish scales or some amazing design cut into or out of this plastic....

First up "Shelly" collection

So, I was at the beach yesterday, and I was overwhelmed with "ideas".  I have long wanted to do a seaside collection.  I'm not sure that any of the really great doll designers have done one.  (I'm no doll designer-- just have dolly ideas on the brain).

I have long wanted to make a coral crown and a coral throne.  In addition I've thought about shell bustiers, shell covered gowns...  I even purchased shell sequins at one point.

I thought if I put some of this stuff down perhaps if I don't get to it, some one will see it and be inspired.

My photos are terrible but there is a penny in the photo so you can get the idea of how small some of those shells are.

In the middle of the photo (sort of) there's a piece of coral that I thought would make an excellent breast plate.  The pairs of pointy shells and coral in the upper left ---- shoe heels -- a spiked shoe with shells for the heels.

I'm going to use this blog for my "dolly designing" idea

I think it is appropriate.  Named for Coco Chanel.  One of the foremost designers; perhaps a maverick in design itself.  (Let me say, I'm no designer, dolly or otherwise -- just have some ideas)

I'm going to use this blog to "jot down" all my ideas.

Somewhere, I have an idea book, where I "sketch"-- my drawing is terrible -- hey my execution isn't much better ;)... Now I will take maybe one a month (or every 2 months) and work on it showing it here as it is worked on and when it's completed.

I'll start by just getting ideas "out there", then I'll work through them.  I tend to start projects, then life happens and I end up putting them off/abandoning them.  This way I can keep up better.

There is one project I have always wanted to do; it is a personal one (when I start that one, I'll let everyone know what it is -- right now, it is too soon).

I'd like to get a new wig for Coco.

I have to go on the forums and see...  I remember talking with someone, I just don't remember who about getting a wig made...Hmmmmm....  I'll have to research it.

I've made wigs, but I don't think I'm particularly good at it.  I think I should buy one....

Maybe I can spend some time perfecting wigs eventually.