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
It might have been a pain in the finger but it's so beautiful! Well done!!
Glad everyone is ok again :-)
xxx
Posted by: Daisie | November 28, 2008 at 02:55 PM
It's lovely!
Posted by: SarahHub @ Oakbriar Farm | November 28, 2008 at 03:11 PM
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...
Posted by: Marie | November 28, 2008 at 03:28 PM
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.
Posted by: Loralynn | November 28, 2008 at 05:10 PM
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!
Posted by: Christine | November 28, 2008 at 05:15 PM
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...
Posted by: mathea | November 28, 2008 at 06:03 PM
love it
even if it was a pain in the a**
Posted by: Nancy | November 28, 2008 at 06:41 PM
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 ?
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | November 28, 2008 at 08:24 PM
I love your teddies. Where do you put them up for sale...?
Posted by: Anne Marie | November 28, 2008 at 08:27 PM
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
Posted by: Tam | November 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Bloody triangles. Should be a law against them.
And gussets.
And zips.
Actually, it's a wonder I sew at all, really.
Posted by: Shula | November 28, 2008 at 11:48 PM
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!
Posted by: Kari | November 29, 2008 at 03:19 AM
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! :)
Posted by: michelle | November 29, 2008 at 03:43 AM
all of those creations are just soo cute! I love your blog!
Posted by: Leah | November 29, 2008 at 03:59 AM
Looks like it was worth the effort, though. It turned out beautiful!
Posted by: Knitsational (Julie) | November 29, 2008 at 04:19 AM
That's so beautiful and I can't see the bloodstains!!Lucky, lucky child.
Posted by: Jude | November 29, 2008 at 10:25 AM
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 ;-)
Posted by: Christine | November 29, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I think your finger is a sacrifice I can make for that cuteness ;)
Posted by: Mama Urchin | November 29, 2008 at 01:29 PM
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
Posted by: Rebecca Rutter | November 29, 2008 at 06:19 PM
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!
Posted by: Thalita Dol | November 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM
It may have been a pain to make, but the house is adorable.
I hate zips too. They just suck.
Posted by: Beth | November 29, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I love your house bag and the two little dollies! n_n
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 30, 2008 at 07:23 AM
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)
Posted by: Martha | November 30, 2008 at 12:10 PM
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!
Posted by: Lisa | November 30, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I have an award for you on my blog.
Great Blog Well Done.
xx
Posted by: Tilly Rose | November 30, 2008 at 06:24 PM
hahaha xD that happens often to me toooo!! xD
never understimate the dificulty of some crafts :P
ehehe xD
dear i saw you make lovely tutorials and thought you should take a look at the contest we are holding on my blog :) there's tonz of prizes, including books, art by annejulie, jewelry, etc etc
Hugs!!
Gis
Posted by: Gis | November 30, 2008 at 10:27 PM
that's funny...my kids keep saying, you could make this house, Mom...it's so You! um, no thanks- not even a little one here to play with it. appreciate the reinforcement on that, sewing wise. love that bear! xoC
Posted by: charlotte | December 01, 2008 at 09:13 PM
So all we need now is for your finger to be on the road to recovery. I'm pleased that all has turned out well.
Posted by: carolyn | December 01, 2008 at 10:01 PM
very cute even after all that labor. they say it gets easier once you get the hang of it. :) love the teddy. love the home. love the little dollies.
Posted by: becky | December 02, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Hello mollychicken, I made your hedge-softie, thank you for the wonderfull tutrial! May I ask how tall yours one is in the end? My softie turned out really small. And the headgybaby, did you sew it by hand?
Thank you so much and many greetings!
Posted by: Ivalou | December 02, 2008 at 10:02 AM
ooohhhh!!! it's lovely!!! you must feel very proud of it!!! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Silvia | December 02, 2008 at 10:12 AM
For what it's worth... that is just about the cutest present ever...
Posted by: melody | December 02, 2008 at 06:15 PM
It's funny that you can make a beautiful teddy bear with button joints, little overalls, and a matching hat and a zipper beats you down. I mean there is some seriously complicated stuff that goes into making a teddy like that. I say, rise up an concur the zipper (and tell me how you did it).
Posted by: meg | December 02, 2008 at 08:23 PM
My fingers hurt just reading this :) I can just imagine how hard it must have been. I've had a few projects where I've declared, "Never again!" It turned out beautifully though! And your little bear is SO sweet.
Posted by: Amy | December 02, 2008 at 08:31 PM
The house does look nice though! But i don love your other creations too! Well done..
Posted by: Katy Pastoors | December 03, 2008 at 12:52 AM
What a great job you did! I hear ya about zippers. I hate them!!! UGH! What a cute little bear and the little dolls.
Posted by: [email protected] Peas | December 03, 2008 at 03:14 AM
Cute doll house bag, but I know what you're saying about buying vs. making. I'm always saying...."I can make that..." and then either I don't or I wish I had just bought the thing.
Still, good work. And cute dollies too.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | December 03, 2008 at 04:23 AM
bag looks great, but looking at the zip going round the bottom of the roof makes me want to cry, in fact, no im weeping now ! oh the pain - it is for molly? you done it, tho !
Posted by: raggyrat | December 03, 2008 at 08:52 AM
The house bag is so CUTE!
I hope who ever you made it for, thinks it's amazing too.
Posted by: dotty | December 04, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Oh it's lovely! And I sympathise with you on bloody zips!
I'm a relative newcomber to you blog, but just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it...I went waaaay back into the archives, and you made me laugh and ooh and ahh repeatedly!
Posted by: Jolene | December 05, 2008 at 04:24 AM
That teddy makes me melt, I wish I could sew as well as you! His mummy or daddy will be very lucky to have him.
Posted by: Lily | December 06, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Thank you for making me laugh! That is oh so true, but sad at the same time! Why does cuteness have to pay such a high price? You are extremely talented and that bag is awesome!!!!
Posted by: claire | December 10, 2008 at 02:39 AM
oh but it is sooooo gorgeous it just HAD to be worth the pain surely???????????
Posted by: linda | December 18, 2008 at 10:26 AM
What a lovely bear!
Kind regards,
Bear Zonn
Posted by: Sonnja | January 09, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Ooooh! A doll house bag. How very innovative!
Posted by: Rima Aranha | January 11, 2009 at 05:38 PM
that dollhouse is totally adorable!
Posted by: chelsea | February 07, 2009 at 04:51 PM
oh, my. that little creature has romped off with my heart.
Posted by: [email protected] | February 16, 2009 at 06:01 AM
My niece will love these. =)
However as per your advise, I'll go find it in store.
Posted by: cheer bows | August 20, 2009 at 10:49 AM
u are sooo clever i am just learning the computer mumbo jumbo i almost gave up till i discovered u craft ladies on the net hooah
i will be on to this site regulary
from denise sharp sydney australia i hope this got through to u
sooo clever
Posted by: denise sharp. | October 07, 2009 at 03:56 AM
well.. it's like I thought!
Posted by: coseMicy | December 12, 2009 at 02:49 PM