1. a dress for the elegant rag doll
She has needed one forever. I’m also getting a lot of joy from their palpable discomfort in this photo. He looks uncertain and she seems sort of less than impressed… The dress is part of an ensemble including bloomers and a bag and shawl. It will be the next sewing pattern released to be followed by the other circus animals this summer.
2. refreshed work table and lavender cleaner
The actual area available for work has been getting smaller and smaller. I’m so happy with my new expanse of space and it affects my thinking for sure. I also completely emptied the table and wiped it down with my signature lavender cleaner so it smells good too.
And the windows are finally open which is also pretty life changing. For the cleaner I use equal parts distilled water and cleaning strength vinegar and about 20 drops of lavender oil (my container is 16 oz). I use it for everything – so good. Also – according to the internet- lavender oil repels ticks so I put a little on my gardening boots. No idea if this works but it can’t hurt.
3. stitch book homestretch
100 days goes by so fast. Page 16 began yesterday (4/1). I’m definitely a process person (I’d rather be in it than through it) but I do get excited about seeing the book finished. Especially if it’s your first time doing the challenge, assembling all your pages has a magic effect. The book feels substantial. I’m starting to think about assembly but my page order is still a mystery to me.
I do plan on having raw edges again. If you want raw edged for your book follow the assembly instructions and at step 11 in the slot section place the wrong sides of the pages together. And again for the tab section in step 9 you place the wrong sides together.
4. birthday candle holders
It’s maximum joy. I’m thinking of quitting all my jobs and just making birthday candle holder animals for the rest of my life.
5. reader projects
I love seeing what you make! You can send me photos at ann @ ann wood handmade dot com or post on instagram and tag @annwood and use #annwoodpattern (the hashtag takes forever to show up so tagging me helps).
Find all the sewing patterns in the shop.
Bright mushrooms stitched by @inmyownimagination
Crow and blackbird stitched by @eroeboeroe2
Elegant rag doll by @marilinalittlecraft_handicraft
I love all this, especially the uncomfortable couple. Maybe they need a walk in the spring sunshine? And I am going to try your cleaning recipe. My studio needs a complete do-over and the idea of vinegar zapping all the nasties and calming lavender lingering afterwards sounds lovely.
Thank you! The vinegar cleaner really does freshen everything.
I need the costume pattern for the elegant doll NOW! As a writer of Regency novels, I never considered making her into a character from one of my books! The picture of her and the soldier doll exudes drawing room tension. Did they just meet? Are they being forced to marry? Or is it something simpler, like a misunderstanding over some past encounter?
Oh my! “Drawing room tension” is brilliant!
I just love your candle holders!!! Do you sell them? Tell me more about them.
P S the lavender cleaning idea is an inspiration for me to get my craft room aka (IDK where to start) room. Going
Me too Pam! I would love to know more Ann!
Thanks! I’ve just started making the candle holders- they are terracotta with majolica glaze. I’m also working on some stoneware animals. When I have enough of a collection they will definitely be for sale.
On my work table: I’m finishing my soldier so he can join my elegant rag dolls.
I can’t wait! I find your patterns absolutely brilliant .
These two in the photo are incredibly adorable.
I find the new dress for the elegant rag doll absolutely magnificent.
Thank you so much for featuring one of my favorite elegant rag dolls as a reader project .
I can’t wait to see Marilina! I’m such a fan of all you make.
The dolls remind me of Jane Austen’s characters in “Persuasion”! Love your shelfie, by the way. 🙂 thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for the “raw edges” stitch book info. This is my first time doing the challenge and I want to do raw edges. It’s been so much fun! Thank you for all the instructions and inspiration.
BTW, I found out about the challenge from following someone online last year who was doing it! They live in the Netherlands and I live in California.
SO MANY good ideas – I have a yard full of lavender and everything needs dusting and cleaning, constantly, and I’ve taken up pottery and often wonder what to do with slightly used birthday candles, and have been conjuring/sketching a travel diary with textiles and your wonderful stitch book. Love your inspiration. Thank-you.
YOU bring me joy!
I love all of this.
You bring me joy! Hope to see you sometime soon- I am loving the North Woods!
I’m new to the site. Is there a recipe for this magical lavender/vinegar cleaner? Loving the photos. Haven’t been good with my challenge though (note to self, never sign up for challenges on 2 different projects at the same time).
She actually gave the recipe in the same paragraph she mentioned it: ” I use equal parts distilled water and cleaning strength vinegar and about 20 drops of lavender oil (my container is 16 oz).”
We often expect things like that to be complicated, but the best cleaning recipes really are simple!
Thank you Ann!
I can’t wait for the other pattern releases!
How exciting!
These dolls inspire both the Jane Austen novels & Bridgeton! What fun!
Thank you Ann!
I can’t wait for the other pattern releases!
How exciting!
These dolls inspire both the Jane Austen novels & Bridgeton! What fun!
Those ceramic candle holders are so fun! That sloth was inspired and the bat is quite big! A whale with a candle hole on the top of his head and a star fish would go well with that nice octopus. I wonder if a crow could hold a chamber stick with a candle? I can see two flying swallows carrying a ribbon between them with Happy Birthday on it. You turn my imagination on with your creations!
What a lovely work space. I love that you have corralled all of the brush pots onto trays. Great idea. The pretty display shelves is a lovely and practical item.
Did you know that lavender oil removes all yellow stains easily like lily pollen, curry and tumeric stains.
Please can you tell me what “cleaning strength vinegar” is? I’m in England and we have malt vinegar (brown), white vinegar, cider vinegar, wine vinegar – but I’ve never heard of cleaning strength vinegar! Help, please, I’d love to try your recipe!
Hi Lynn – Sure- I find it in the cleaning aisle of my supermarket. If you can’t find it you can also use regular white vinegar.
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE ELEGANT DOLL CLOTHING PATTERNS! I’ve been waiting for an excuse to make another and this made my day a lot better. I just can’t wait the circus animals too! I just admire your work.
Ann,
I love everything that you make! I have ordered several things from you. I love them all.
Thank you for everything! GOD BLESS YOU my friend!
Those candle holders are fabulous! hope to own one someday!