Red Hen Designs NZ

In My Garden

2011-07-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

I've finished them!!! So excited to have all nine blocks finished and mounted and on the wall!!! (Though I have to confess, even though I measured - with a ruler - I still have several extra holes in the wall behind the blocks while I was hanging them. LOL!!!)

So, now I just have to take the individual photos and write up the patterns.

I think they look gorgeous!!!

Hugs
Raewyn

In My Garden - Block One

2011-07-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, I have just loved my quilt so much, I decided to do it as a set of 9 blocks presented on artist canvases. I have used 'Scarborough Fair' a Robyn Pandolph fabric design, changed the colours of the threads used to match the fabrics. I have also changed the pattern around a bit. I have loved working with these fabrics.

The finished canvas size is 12 inches. All the stitching is done for the other 8 blocks. I just have to get it all together and mount on the canvas. I can't wait to get them done!!!!

Hugs

Raewyn

In My Garden - Block Five

2011-07-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Bless the flowers and the trees

My birds and the bees

This is the central block. It has the little verse and mixed gardens. This block pattern will also have one of the samplers with it.

Hugs

Raewyn

In My Garden - Stitchery samplers

2011-07-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Set of thee samplers. The stitcheries are all motifs/flowers/letters that feature in the quilt. I absolutely loved doing these.

Set of three stitchery samplers to accompany quilt/projects - in my entrance hall at home.

Hugs

Raewyn

In My Garden - Block Four

2011-07-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Keep a green tree in your heart

And a singing bird will come.

Block four (right) features stitchery with ferns, applique hearts, prairie points, spinner, suffolk puffs, flying geese and pretty lace daisy trim. Stitcheries also include circles of daisies and hearts, and trees with frenchknot fruits.

Wallhanging (left) - uses the same little garden saying, but has a mixed flower garden. Stitcheries also include a heading with mixed flowers, and a mixed flower garden with tree. I have embellished with large suffolk puffs and applique hearts, lace and prairie points.

Hugs

Raewyn

In My Garden - Block Three

2011-06-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

In My Garden - Block Three - 16 inches

The earth laughs in flowers

and cushion - 18 inches

Block Three has agapanthus stitched using back stitch and french knots. The companion cushion pattern has a mixed flower garden. Both the block and cushion have flaps, ricrac and suffolk puffs as embellishments. They also both have some flying geese, applique hearts and a pieced spinning block. These motifs are repeated ineach of the blocks.

Hugs
Raewyn

In My Garden - Block Two

2011-06-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

In My Garden - Block Two

How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour

Companion project is a little love-bug cloth doll - 15 inches high.

More to come!!

Hugs
Raewyn

Prim Doll Challenge

2011-03-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

So here they all are...Meg and her sisters. I'm really thrilled about how they turned out. Will prob keep one or two - the others are going onto my website for sale. So check out the dolls listings.

Hugs
Raewyn

In My Garden - Block One

2011-03-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

My new quilt is all drawn up and ready to make. It is a series of stitcheries with simple stitches and sayings, mostly with a garden theme. I have set myself the task of doing one a week, though this may be a little ambitious - I am determined to get it finished before we move south at the end of May!!! including the quilting GULP!!!

Each block will make up part of the quilt and also will have a project attached.

For my sample I am using Moda Martinique, and am using 40 fat quarters and a jelly roll. Background of the stitchery is cream cotton homespun. I have also used thin pellon behind the stitchery blocks.

BLOCK ONE: (16 inch square)

and as a cushion: (18 x 12 inches)

Keep watching this space for the next block.

Hugs, Raewyn

Prim Doll Challenge

2011-03-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my challenge dolls for CDA Prim Doll Challenge. I've called her Meg, and based her on my doll pattern 'Maggie'. The challenge was to create a prim doll using pastel colours. I got my fabrics from the US. I'm also working on the pattern in other pastels as well, so will post photos as soon as I have finished them.

I have given her an off-centre prim-style face, with plaited wool hair. She has odd legs, with some 'mending' done on them. Her apron has naive stitchery on it. Many of the edges I have left raw, some I have turned under and stitched with long running stitch.

Hugs

Raewyn

When Rag Dolls Become Bad Dolls

2011-03-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

When Rag Dolls Become Bad Dolls

Here are my latest dolls. After having so much fun making my bad raggies, I have expanded to making my critters bad!!! These are the BULLIES and the RATTIES!!! I had so much fun collecting the charms and fabrics - lots of time spent on eBay and fabric websites. The bits are quite hard to get in New Zealand.

Hugs

Raewyn

New Pattern available now

2010-02-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

New Patterns available on my website http://www.redhendesigns.co.nz/

Vicky - a Topsy Turvy Doll
14 inch dolls
Here is a wonderful collection of topsy-turvy dolls. There’s patterns and instructions for a classic raggie/golly, and awake/asleep dolls and a modern princess/goth doll!!! You’ll have so much fun selecting fabrics and trims for this easy-to-make collection.

Maisie & Gordon
23 inch gollies
Maisie and Gordie are gorgeous gollies with removable clothing. They are large and simple to make. You’ll be able to make an entire wardrobe for your dolls with this pattern.

Victor Plays Dress-Up
18 inch rag dolls
Here is a wonderful collection of rag dolls in delightful clothes. There’s patterns and instructions for a classic raggie, and then a baby, painter doll, a clown and a Goth!!! You’ll have so much fun selecting fabrics and trims for this easy-to-make collection.

Victor goes GOTH

2009-08-27T18:17:00.001-07:00

So, here's Victor as a Goth. I had lots of fun with him.

Hugs

Raewyn

VICTOR

2009-08-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here is Victor...Victoria's brother. At the moment he is a painter, but he will be widening his 'wardrobe'. He will be like Victoria in that he will be 5 variations of clothing for the same pattern - at this stage, painter (done), goth (almost done!!!), clown, baby asleep and 'normal'.

I'm really happy with how he turned out.

I have done this particular doll for a customer I met in Hamilton who wanted a painter doll with white overalls and orange t-shirt. The overalls have pockets, braces, rivet detailing, and are removable.

Hugs, Raewyn

Topsy-Turvy Dolls

2009-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have been doing shows for many years now, and one doll I often get asked about is the Topsy-Turvy doll. So here is my take on it. I did a baby asllep/girl awake, a princess/goth. and a golly/redhead. I relly enjoyed making these, and will make a pattern for the dolls. First, I have to make more of them, as I sold all my samples at recent shows!!!

Hugs

Raewyn

Craft Shows

2009-07-14T21:24:00.001-07:00

I've been away for the past month doing Dunkleys Great New Zealand Craft Shows in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga...not out of town, but completely consumed with preparations and travelling.

As you can see, I had a full stand with lots of fantastic dolls and quilts.

The best thing about shows is meeting the people. I met so many new faces and re-met so many past customers, through previous shows and through sales on TradeMe and through my website. I have a notepad full of new ideas...just waiting for the time to get onto them!!!

I'm home now and finally having a chance to get onto orders and my blog *blush* because it has been neglected.

Hugs

Raewyn

Introducing Maggie

2009-05-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is Maggie. a primitive rag doll I made for my dear friend Maggie who was going through a rough patch. I wanted to create a much loved doll, with a message of love on her pinafore and so many re-stitchings ... no matter how many times she needs to be mended, she will always be loved.

I have to say, she's one of my favourite dolls - I think because I had a person in mind who needed to be cheered up.

I'll put out a pattern sometime soon.

Hugs from NZ
Raewyn

My Dotee

2009-04-15T16:47:00.001-07:00

I have finished my paua themed dotee for the Doll Street Dreamers swap. I used paua fabric and have decorated with polished paua pieces and coordinated beads.

This was such a fun project - I just wish I had time to make more - but guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year?!!

Now to get her packed and off.

Raewyn

Hilz & Becca - Magazine Pattern

2009-04-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

So it's finally arrived...and it is so exciting to see my pattern in print. There is Hilz on the cover, looking pretty in pink.

The magazine is Patchwork & Stitching Volum9 No 9.

Check it out, if you see it at your magazine shop!!!

Raewyn

My dolls in Patchwork & Stitching

2009-04-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

My dolls are now as a project in Patchwork & Stitching Magazine - called Hilz and Becca (after my girls). They are tall skinny teenage dolls - one has skirt, and the other has denim shorts and singlet top. Still haven't received my copy, but should be here tomorrow. I have seen the proofs though!!!
http://www.pwsmagazine.com.au/current.php

So exciting!!!
Raewyn

Bubbles

2009-03-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

I've been really busy with all my new designs. This is BUBBLES and is rather like a variation of the Rainbow Dancers, using the I Love Mermaids as the basis of the dolls, and altering a bit to look good. I'm really happy with them. They were lots of fun to make . I also made some painted as well, which was quicker than making the little suffolk puff boobs.

On my website now, for purchase.

Bella & her Bunny

2009-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing on with my exploration of the classic rag doll. Bella has wool hair, and I topstitched her fingers. I have added a little bunny...she'd be just gorgeous for an Easter present.

Sunny's Garden

2009-03-18T17:33:00.001-07:00

Here's my newest pattern...so new, I have only just finished the instructions, and still awaiting the printing. She really came alive when I put her hair up in pony tails...up until then, she was missing something. She's about 27 inches tall, so quite big. The pattern also has instructions for the flowers and the snail and worm.

Rainbow Dancers

2009-02-17T11:48:00.001-08:00

Rainbow dancers are gorgeous little 12 inch

dancers in a fixed pose position. The set shown is a set I made for Pearl frrom Singapore, who had previouisly bought some dolls from me from one of my Craftworld stores.

I now have some of these for sale at:

my Etsy shop http://www.redhendesignsnz.etsy.com

my Artfire shop http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=17636

my daWanda shop http://en.dawanda.com/shop/RedHenDesignsNZ

The pattern for this design is on mt website http://www.redhendesigns.co.nz/rainbow-dancers-xidp202102.html

They are very easy to make, and use very little in the way of supplies. Look great as a set and also as individuals.

Teatime with Ted

2009-02-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying palaying with the rag doll / raggedy doll idea at the moment. I really like the infinite possibilities. For this doll, I have tied the 'hair' to the head by using short lengths of thin satin ribbon. The dress has a contrast heart panel.

It's amazing that such a simple face is so effective...the face seemed to come alive after adding the white dot to the eyes and blush to the cheeks.

I'll get the pattern done as soon as possibele

Raewyn

My Little Sister - New Pattern

2009-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have finished printing this pattern, so am very excited to have it up on my website, under the Girls section.

New Pattern - My Little Sister

2009-02-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I've finally managed to get a photo taken out in the garden of my soon-to-be released pattern, MY LITTLE SISTER. Now to get the instructions written up!!!

She is a good sized little girl with huge head, hands and feet and little skinny arms and legs, and a little body.

The pattern will also feature the little dolls as well.

I should have her ready for sale by the end of February.

Hi from New Zealand

2009-01-12T14:57:00.001-08:00

Here is the view from my doll studio and workshop where I make my dolls.