A word from the wise

 If ever you go to a famously funky store in New York and see a charming doll's house bag, and say to yourself "I can *easily* do that", and then decide to make one for a gift for someone...

Think twice.

 

 

I really bloody hate zips. And sewing through thick blanket, stiff lining and a bloody zip is a nightmare.

I thought I would be able to knock this out pretty easily, but 3 days later and a very sore finger (hate thimbles too), I never want to make one again. The basic concept is easy to design, but lots of things went pear shaped in the making of it, the worst being the lining for the roof - who knew that triangles could cause so much grief ? Not me.

My advice is, go buy one.

Except that I wouldn't be able to afford it.

I think I'll stick to making things like these

 

two little dollies to go inside the house, using the same method as my hedgie tutorial but with hair instead of spikes, 

   

and this.

Who will hopefully be up for sale next week along with his brother and sister. Once my poor finger recovers (winge winge) and I finish their hats.

Thank you so much for your good wishes for my loved one,who is now in good health and on the road to recovery. : )

Have a lovely weekend.

xxx

Comments

[Daisie]

It might have been a pain in the finger but it's so beautiful! Well done!!
Glad everyone is ok again :-)
xxx

[SarahHub @ Oakbriar Farm]

It's lovely!

[Marie]

So very true! I can't tell you how many times I have done that very thing. Oh sure, I can make that. Only to get home and curse the heavens that I ever had such a stupid idea! Oh the woes of we on tight budgets...

[Loralynn]

Well, it sure turned out cute! I especially like your vine running up the side of the house! I plan on making one like this: http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html for my Daughter for Christmas or Birthday.

[Christine]

My girls are about sick of me saying "How much? I could make that!" Its a comment that has a habit of turning round and biting you on the bum!

[mathea]

Aaaah that sweet little teddy boy! If only he could come here to play :-) I must keep keep watch at your shop door day and night...
I too have often fallen into the trap of thinking "I can do that", only to realize halfway there why the price was so steep... The house looks nice though - I can imagine that handstitching a zipper to thick felted (?) wool must be hell on the fingertips - hope they get better soon. I've heard that red wine taken internally helps...

[Nancy]

love it
even if it was a pain in the a**

[SmitoniusAndSonata]

The doll's house bag is perfect and will make somebody lucky very happy ....not to mention the tiny tenants . Would't mind moving in myself. It's just round the corner from the perfect village pub , old bookshop and Copper Kettle Tea Rooms , isn't it ?

[Anne Marie]

I love your teddies. Where do you put them up for sale...?

[Tam]

You did a very nice job on the doll house-cute as heck all of your little creations are! I made something simular years ago when my daughter was a little girl for her and a couple for a gift. Even though they came out nice and looked darling I never made anymore after that-they were too much of a pain! Hope you fingers feel better soon!
~Tam :D

[Shula]

Bloody triangles. Should be a law against them.

And gussets.

And zips.

Actually, it's a wonder I sew at all, really.

[Kari]

Well, I usually say "I could make that" and then I never actually DO make it, so you are one step ahead of me! I'm sorry it gave you so much trouble, but it turned out wonderfully!

[michelle]

I saw those cute houses at a store where I live. I had the same thought about making one, but refrained. Now I know I should just go buy one. Thanks! :)

[Leah]

all of those creations are just soo cute! I love your blog!

[Knitsational (Julie)]

Looks like it was worth the effort, though. It turned out beautiful!

[Jude]

That's so beautiful and I can't see the bloodstains!!Lucky, lucky child.

[Christine]

I know exactly what you mean, I also walked into that trap more than once.
That teddy boy is so very cute, my daughter is in love - I won't attempt to make one though ;-)

[Mama Urchin]

I think your finger is a sacrifice I can make for that cuteness ;)

[Rebecca Rutter]

Oh My God! Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou. You are a star. Tempted to keep it for myself though. Now I feel really bad for pointing it out to you. Thankyou again xxxx

[Thalita Dol]

Oh, it`s soooooooooooooo lovely!!

I alawys fall in that kind of trap too... sometimes... We never learn, do we? I bet you will think "oh, I can do that!" again, once your finger stop to hurt.... =D

Love the teddys too!!!

Kisses from Brazil!

[Beth]

It may have been a pain to make, but the house is adorable.
I hate zips too. They just suck.

[Jacqueline]

I love your house bag and the two little dollies! n_n

[Martha]

It is a gorgeous house, and will be treasured for sure, long after your poor fingers heal! And I love the dolls and the bear! :o)

[Lisa]

Can sense you're not happy, but just wanted to tell you that everything you have made is beautiful! That dolls house bag is going to be loved by whoever is going to receive it! Stunning!

[Tilly Rose]

I have an award for you on my blog.

Great Blog Well Done.

xx