I want to make a doll - not like my normal dolls- a different doll.
A doll with details.
I thought it might be interesting (or possibly as boring as bat poop) to share the whole process with you guys over a few posts. It may even help me to work through some of the "problems" this way...and in a way I can revisit later I guess.
(Be warned: it could take a while and you know I am prone to craft-related tantrums.)
Step 1: Where does the initial idea come from?
So here's the background- I sew - a LOT! I sew weird things sometimes, chip packets, laminating sheets, tape measures etc. This means my sewing machine seems to visit the sewing machine repair man quite often. In fact, over time I have developed a crazy on-the-phone type relationship with Milton the sewing machine man.
I never bother to give full and detailed descriptions of the problems on the little sheet provided when I drop off the machine because I know Milton will ring and he will understand my discussion of thingos and doo-dads and you-know-that-weird-little-wire-bit-just-under-where-you-bring-the-thread-up-again....
Milton speaks my language.
I may have mentioned my "love" of Milton at the local patchwork shop after he had returned my machine from what I thought was certain death. Have you ever met him they asked?
I haven't ! That got me to wondering? Was Milton young, not so young? I imagined a Milton. Milton had a moustache.
I decided to make a Milton.
That's it! So that little project gets tucked into the overflowing back-of-the mind list of projects where it bubbles along. Occasionally I will see something or think something and add it to the "Milton" file. A collar and tie? Some tools?
At some point, maybe I find the right bit of fabric, or maybe something like an upcoming birthday means that the project gets to see the light of the sewing room. Then it is time to try and get the ideas out of the brain and into reality, but thats Step 2.
(stay tuned, this step was the easy bit. Step 2 is the one that often ends in tears, it is Fantasy versus Reality)
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30 comments:
I know what you mean about getting your ideas out of your brain. That's how I fall asleep at night - making mental lists of all I hope to accomplish. Unfortunately, what usually happens is that the list just gets longer and longer the more I have time to think!
hello, i have just finished you tea-pot and cup pattern and as a beginer i found it easy and quick. you did a fantastic job and my girl loves it, thank you so much for sharing this with us and your blog is fantastic looking forward to Milton xxx
I can't wait to see how Milton progresses... and I think you're really brave to put your sewing machine through such challenges! Thanks also for your "ambo" tutorial... very easy to follow!
The only "Milton" I have ever heard of was in the film, Office Space, and I can't imagine your Milton being anything like him!!!
Vikki x
This is going to be exciting!
(Hopefully that was convincing.)
I don't have a Milton. I have an Alan. Not so young. No tie. But he knows sewing machines inside out and up side down.
There are technical names for the do-dads?!
:)
I love this idea Jod. I'm going to enjoy the Milton Experiment.
Oh, I like the sound of a "Milton"...
Can't wait to see your "process' in action. What make/model sewing machine do you use?
I totally relate to how your brain works Jodie... are their others like us? Are we perhaps just lunatic craft junkies all wired wrong? Hhmm...a thought worth pondering!!
I'm already intrigued by Milton and can't wait to see him formulate from idea to 3D.
Have fun with it,
Kerryanne
wonderful to get insight into the process - thanks!!
HHmm me thinks Milton might wear glasses too, half ones that sit on the end of his nose!
oooh! This is exciting! Looking forward to the next installment. I love reading about other people's creative problem-solving processes :-)
Ok...how quickly can you sew and post. I HAVE to see Milton soon. I think I love him already!
oh jodie sounds like so much fun...if i can offer any help just give us a yell...when i first started out doing "boy dolls" it was very frustrating cause they don't look as "pretty" as the girls...wonder why...hmmmm....
i always google "facual expressions" in images and sometimes that gives me a idea...and then i'll doddle and change till it looks right for the style i'm trying to create...
no, not boring as bat poop, it's always interesting to see how a creative mind ticks! look forward to step 2!
Brilliant! What a fab idea to share the process of your insanly fabulous ideas and creations! Can't wait for the next installment!
Locket xxx
I had a fabulous phone relastionship once with a client. Oh his voice was divine! All rich and chocolatey. One day we met. Both of us were less than excited by this. things were never the same again.
Btw? Bat poop? Not boring but reeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaallllly acidic. Be careful where you touch ;-)
I also have a phone-inspired visual of Milton in my mind - no mustache though - he is short.. ish, early 60s, greying hair but balding a little on top, married (too skilled in patience and understanding of crafters not to be), semi-retired, loves having the grandkids over (but also handing them back), and has a passion for small engines that started when he was just a scrap of a thing, and told by his parents to "put that bloody thing away and wash up for dinner".
..or maybe not. I am so pleased with his sewing machine miracles and so comfortable with my imagined persona that I dare not meet him. It's all in the mystery..
Hey, just had a thought - maybe there is NO MILTON and it is just Emma (lovely owner of the patchwork shop where you drop off and collect your machine) putting on a deep phone voice - oooooh, shivers!
~Sonya M.
I'm intrigued to know quite how Trash knows the pH of bat poop. I think we deserve an explanation. Was she a bat farmer in a former life? Perhaps she used to be a poop chemist -test tubes and all that.
I think Milton needs a set of very teeny tiny screwdrivers. Some half-moon glasses made of wire too
Emma
x
I can SO relate to this post. The curse of having a wild imagination is that one gives 'characters' a fully fleshed out form in one's mind. If and when you meet him, I'd love to know if he looked anything like you imagined. Isn't it amazing how sometimes people look just like how you'd imagined them, and then other times, they don't. At all.
Can't wait to see your own vision of Milton.
x
Milton sounds like a sewing machine angel. Perhaps he should have a halo or wings. :o)
Ooh, Process! Sometimes that's even more fun to see than just Product, I think. Thanks for writing about this - I was really beginning to think I needed one of those 12-step help groups with my obsessive crafting thoughts. They just percolate in my brain all day and drive me crazy until finally being exorcised as an actual Product. Who would've thought that it wasn't a mental illness? Hurrah!
And then do you introduce your Milton to the sewing maching wizard? Have you read the children's book "Nobody"? It's darling, and your "what does Milton look like?" query made it pop into my head.
Fantastic! I can't wait to keep reading as you post each step. You always inspire me to try and post more about my own creative process as well. I've always been nervous because I'm not one of these posh artist types who makes wonderful sketches or, well... you know. One of THOSE types, who are just perfect. (I think I better stop talking while I'm ahead!)
Your package arrived yesterday and you spoil me! I love love love my baddie! Am trying to think up a name for him now, and am just waiting for the post office to open tomorrow to post yours. Shame shame shame for being so slack, sorry Jodie!
~Holly
http://twocheeseplease.livejournal.com
Milton does sound interesting...
Yay! Can't wait for the next Milton installment! Such a great name!
Hi Jodi,
Have finished kinder doll for daughter no 1. Daughter no 2 desperate. I need some doctors flannel (got original from you at S&C) Daughter no 1 estatic - "madeline" looks great. Have sent email via contact me, is this still used?
I'm liking this! It is fun to get a glimpse into how someone else thinks :-)
Lucky Milton! Can't wait to see him turn out! (And thanks for sharing your internal thought process -- my favorite thing to read.)
Number 1: I need Milton. My sewing machine has not got a friend to look after her, and she has just chucked a tantrum and wants Milton.
Number 2: I love, love, love the way your brain works. Your brain and my brain should go have tea together.
Number 3: Does Milton the Man know that Milton the Softie is being created? He's going to be so proud :-)
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