Back from the beach
Wonderful weekend at Marilyn's in Whitstable. The workshop was on memory boxes and Julie Arkell was the tutor. She makes whimsical little papier mache dolls and figures, and knits and sews outfits for them. They then go into their own boxes, again made by Julie.
Now I have to admit that papier mache is not my favourite medium, but I really enjoyed the whole memory theme. I did make and cover a box in pages from a Famous Five book, but didn't do the doll bit. Instead, I made a wardrobe to hold the type of clothes I wished I'd had as a child. So the jumper above is covered in sequins and beads. The one below is knitted in Kureyon because all the hand-knitted jumpers I had when I was little were in such dreary colours.
I also made my ideal dirndl skirt which would have had this velvet ribbon and, again, sequins and beads on a bright floral print.
And every girl needs a posh haute couture frock with lemon velvet ribbon:
The jumpers are 3"-4" long and the skirt is about 5" long and they hang from tailor-made coat-hangers.
I'm not terribly happy with the wardrobe, but here it is anyway to give you an idea of the concept. Ignore the knitting needle which is just a temporary measure.
The sun blazed and we crafted and ate and talked and drank. We had real Battenberg cake and dozens of tea breaks, breakfast on the deck just yards from the sea, and lots of laughs. I feel totally restored.
And here are two shots of Marilyn's kitchen which go some way to explaining the magic.
Oh Jane these are gorgeous and perfect and sweet and I love them!! And the whole Famous Five thing, there really is a spooky thing going on here, because Max's vest is all inspired by The Famous 5 and was going to be called Timmy The Dog as he was the only one without a fairaisle vest and I loved the Fam. 5 when I was a child and I've been thinking a lot about that whole aspect of englishness recently. Those coat hangers as well....
Posted by: Alison | June 20, 2005 at 01:08 PM
Wow, I love those teensy garments! I keep thinking I should try some of the mini sweaters. Your ensemble is adorable. And I want to move into that kitchen!
Posted by: Leslie | June 20, 2005 at 01:20 PM
These precious garments are wonderful!
Posted by: LadyLinoleum | June 20, 2005 at 01:39 PM
Sounds like a divine weekend!
Posted by: Jan | June 20, 2005 at 02:31 PM
Practically Perfect In Every Way!
Posted by: Teresa | June 20, 2005 at 02:49 PM
it looks like you were making my blythe a wardrobe.... :)
very cute stuff!!
Posted by: carolyn | June 20, 2005 at 03:23 PM
oh, just wonderful. I want clotes like that!
Posted by: kim | June 20, 2005 at 04:07 PM
Jane! I love the tiny clothes. Really cute with wonderful embellishments! I'm going to give the miniature dress a try one of these days.
Posted by: Martha | June 20, 2005 at 04:16 PM
Wonderful little clothes. I remember some I had for my dolls when I was little; I wanted to pass them on to my daughter but my sister gave them all away!
Sounds like a fun weekend.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 20, 2005 at 05:27 PM
What an awesome kitchen. I love the colors!
Posted by: Africankelli | June 20, 2005 at 06:43 PM
That sounds like great fun! And how wonderful that you can sew such tiny things! I always scream and curse when dealing with such little bits of fabric...
Posted by: kelly | June 20, 2005 at 07:04 PM
Everything is so beautiful. I can see, with what you created and the atmosphere you had to work in, why you came back feeling so restored.
Posted by: Maureen | June 20, 2005 at 08:53 PM
I am jealous but know that my diet always blows when at Marilyn's. Having said that I am off there later this week. oh,oh.
Posted by: juju vail | June 20, 2005 at 09:20 PM
I love the idea of making your fantasy wardrobe from when you were a child! I love these tiny garments. Looks like my daughter's closet, by the way.
Posted by: Stephanie | June 20, 2005 at 11:56 PM
What a fun project...I love the skirt! The kitchen is straight outta "Country Home" magazine...what a retreat!
Posted by: dcknits | June 21, 2005 at 12:47 AM
Hi Jane,
thanks for the nice comment on my tiara blog. Sorry not to respond earlier - I was away for a week or so.
Anyway, looks like you're well and truly expressing your inner princess, looking at these pics.
Sadly, I haven't been ever to the V&A. I'm one of Pauline's Aussie mates, and my one week in England was mostly taken up by family - and a conference in Liverpool (of all places)
Niall.
Posted by: Niall | June 21, 2005 at 01:22 AM
I love the whole thing - did you knit those tiny jumpers? the wardrobe is adorable as are the outfits - but best of all for me was the incredible kitchen of your friend - I love the colours and all the nicknacks and vintage appliances - so lovely.
Posted by: kathreen | June 21, 2005 at 04:59 AM
Jane I love the clothes that you made. What a wardrobe! Marilyn's home looks beautiful. Can you tell me where the workshops are held or is it best to keep it a secret?
Posted by: Deborah | June 21, 2005 at 09:19 AM
Sounds like fun- and the location looks gorgeous. I love the kitchen photo. Memories can be fun to explore though art.
Posted by: di | June 21, 2005 at 11:55 AM
Oh! I'm overwhelmed by the whimsy! The colors, the craftiness and the fact that I'd like to transplant that kitchen right into my own flat. Wow. Lucky lady, you. Isn't there just something so girlie and fun and childlike (in the best way possible) about doll-sized clothes? I just love this post.
By the way - you have a beautiful blog - this is my first time dropping by (was bounced from Axelle's blog). Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Meg | June 25, 2005 at 10:22 AM
Nice place! Love your work! It's so cute!
Posted by: ana ventura | June 29, 2005 at 01:48 PM