Tuesday Talent - Irina Lemeshinsky

 Irina Lemeshinsky is an Israeli doll maker that sells under the name of Totootse Dolls.  She has a strong presence on Pinterest, Instagram and has a shop on Etsy.

She states that her dolls are an attempt at dialogue with the universe and with her fellow human beings.  They certainly make you pause.  Made from linen, wool, wire and with hypnotic eyes you can almost feel they know more than they are letting on.

I love them all but I am a sucker for a doll with pink hair.  I like the sombre clothes, the dark linen skin and their haunting expressions.  I think I may have to start saving up for one for my own collection.

Not spooky, but knowing maybe just right for Halloween.  My very best wishes to you all on All Hallows Eve.

Art and Craft Fair at Samlesbury Hall

Just to let everyone know I will be showing at Samlesbury Hall on the 5th of November.  The event is run by Hopeful & Glorious so you know the work will be top notch.  If you can, come and say hello, you don't need to buy anything but it would be lovely to see you.

The Best Sewing Machine in the World

I cannot recommend the Bernina 830 Record highly enough, I use it everyday and it runs like a dream.  So much so that if ever it broke and couldn't be repaired I would seek out a replacement rather that buy a new machine. 

The ease of which you can go from one stitch to another, the simple way you drop the teeth and machine embroider all make this a dream machine.  They were produced by Bernina between 1971 and 1982, they beat more modern machines hands down.  There is a neat buttonhole facility, multiple decorative stitches and the bobbin is easy to fit and clean.  It is fast, although working on such tiny pieces of fabric I don't go that fast but not as fast as its x40 flatbed cousins.  The worst thing about this machine is that over time the plastic parts of the casing have yellowed while the metal remains cream - not such a big deal. 

If you are looking for a real workhorse you couldn't do any better.  You can tell I am an enthusiast! I have had my Record for fifteen years and I love it.  So if you are looking for a new machine and don't need to program it think vintage.

Eve, An Autumn Wren

Eve is a wren in autumn colours with a beautiful fabric by Liberty called Lola Weisselberg designed by Sholto Drumlanrig for Autumn 2011, strong florals in rich colours. Lovely fabric.

She is, as always, hand embroidered to both her wings and head with fly stitch, chain stitch, running stitch and whipped back stitch.  She has a rose quartz crystal at her heart and her stuffing has lavender and rose petals in it for a gentle scent. She has an embroidered lavender sachet and is finished with tiny buttons, leather shoes and a rich burgundy organza ribbon & bow.

To her back she has a brass ring to hang but she sits well on her cushion also.  The fabric teamed with her striking orange underskirt and lace petticoat and matched with the burgundy ribbon make for a very Autumnal wren. She seems quite stern and that makes me smile.