Saturday, August 25, 2007

Meet Rei



This kitty has been appropriately named Rei, which is Japanese for "gratitude" since Rei is a gift for a special friend and will be a sign of my gratitude. Rei was using the techniques I learned in the class I took with Katie Kendrick. I printed my painted cat face (posted previously) onto fabric and then the whacky little cat doll came to life! Rei is made completely of vintage kimono fabrics from Katie. Aren't they just to die for? You think they are gorgeous to look at, you should feel them! I'm posting not only the front of Rei, but her back since she has a little tag on her back and to show you my own method for doing the back of the dolls. Because of their necks, they are a pain in the you know what to try to turn for stuffing. So, I came up with my own easier way to do them making the turning really easy. The back is actually a base of TWO pieces of muslin. The back is in halves with a 1 inch overlap in the center. I pieces each side individually and then stitched them together a few inches on the top and bottom leaving a larger space in the center open. This is the turning hold. Once the front and back pieces are stitched together, you just turn the whole thing right facing through the hole and then hand stitch the hole closed after stuffing. It worked like a charm! I plan to do all my dolls this way from now on! Anyway, I'm in love with this cat and will have a hard time giving her away! I need to make one for myself!

I know I haven't posted much lately but will catch up maybe later today or tomorrow.

16 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

Angie, Rei is absolutely beautiful. I can see why you need to make one for yourself. I think I am going to try your method of working on the back (AFTER making and turning and stuffing 36 dolls this week).
Joanne

Karen Campbell said...

This is beautiful, Angie! You should definitely make one for yourself too.

One time I was going to mke all kinds of stuffed cats ... all shapes and sizes ... with painted or embroidered faces and put them all in a kitty basket ... but I never got around to it LOL

bookwraps by suz.com said...

Angie, your kitty Rei is wonderful ! I think I would keep him & make another for the gift..LOL...

Anonymous said...

He is awful cute! You did a nice job.

Judy

Kathy McElroy said...

I don't blame you, I would have a hard time sending her off also. She is just wonderful. I love her. Let me know if you make any to sell.

Lynnette April Over The Moon said...

Hi Angie. Your Kitty Rei is darling!!! Now i want to make one, but for a door stop. i can weight the botton and the kitty can hold one of my bedroom doors open. I don't have the obi fabric, maybe some thing shiny??? Thanks for sharing, hugs Lynnette April.

Cory said...

Angie, Good job, Rei is so cute...love his smile.

Cory

Anonymous said...

Angie: I was in Katie's doll class, too! I love your cat doll....the face is wonderful. I remember that you were a very talented seamstress and this sure proves it. You should send Katie a photo of her!!!
Hugzzzzzzzz,
Lyn A.

katie said...

beautiful, angie, i love your kitty! thank you for sharing how you stiffed him too, what a great idea, i'm certainly going to try it for one of my skinny necked gals. your work is stunning!

Fran S said...

she's adorable! I really love that kitty face you painted! Fran

Karen Owen said...

I love this kitty! So cute and vibrant!

Karen

Maija said...

Angie...your kitty is just BEAYTIFUL!! What a wonderful gift and sentiment for your friend!
oxox

Linda Jo said...

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Deb said...

This little kitty is almost as cute as the gal who made her! PURRRRRRRRRRRfectly darling.

Deb

Connie said...

This is soooo adorable Angie! I really enjoyed catching up on your blog. I'm so happy to hear your Etsy store is going so well!
Connie

Anonymous said...

Angie,
this is adorable and will make an amazing gift! I love how you put all of the fabrics together.
shirley