Wednesday 2 November 2011

The Coldham Cuddlies French Connection(s)


Am having a frustrating few days dominated by car troubles, so in an effort to calm the nerves, have decided to post about the current toy-making projects.  Am well into the creation of the replacement Brown Rabbit destined for his Forever Home with MmeAB in Versailles France.  Have decided, given that he is the  first French connection for www.coldhamcuddlies.etsy.com that I'll call him Mons. Brendan Lapin for the purposes of this blog at least.  What MmeAB decides to label him upon his arrival (hopefully he'll be on his way by the end of this week) is entirely up to her, of course.

Waiting to be topped and tailed
As it is getting close to the festive season, I've given him some braiding decoration around his cuffs and around the neck of his waistcoat.  His boots are ready for sewing together and stuffing and his head is on its way as you can see by the next illustration.

Still needs a face and ears - not far off!
Completed his white bobtail last night and sewed the ears together.



The latter are due to be attached after I've done this blog and are shown below, together with the boot pieces awaiting attention.  Being real glove leather they do take a bit longer to sew - I don't use the sewing machine, even though my Janome Harmony 2039 model is supposed to be able to handle it and I do have a needle capable of doing the job.  The Coldham Cuddlies are hand made toys, and I'm sufficiently picky as to feel that is what they should be - by and large.  When making up the calico body prior to dressing them, as well as some of the jackets, waistcoats and dresses, I do resort to the machine.  The seams involved make it seem a worthwhile exercise.



Now to the other Coldham Cuddlies French connection:  in the last post I mentioned the arrival of  a Mr. Fox and a Mrs. Rabbit made in the 1970/1980's for my sister-in-law.  Well IM, my sister-in-law, being Mauritian by birth is a French speaker and actually lives in France - and has done for many years.  So, I feel justified in describing  Mons. Reynard and Mme Lapin as French residents as well.  Here are a series of pictures showing them as they arrived for treatment in the Coldham Cuddlies Soft Toy Clinic (Etsy Listing #79124185) last week.




I've taken several other photos, and will post them as I describe their treatment - but here is a taster.  There's no deadine for the jobs to be done, but it's nice for all of you to see them before their transformation.


For toys that over 35 years old, think they are in pretty good condition.  Mme Lapin is in the best condition, both need re-stuffing as I seem to remember I used either cut up foam rubber (highly unsuitable these days) and/or cut up nylon stockings/tights - again similarly unsuitable.  However, I'll fill you in on their requirements as and when I get to them!

In the interim, must close so that I can have a sewing session on Mons. Brendan as planned!  Goodnight and all the best!  Isobel

16 comments:

  1. What beautiful condition after so much time! They are built to last :D

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  2. I had car trouble too! It was running perfectly fine the night before and this morning... it wouldn't start. So frustrating!

    Anyway, I admire your sewing skills. I tried making a doll once and I wanted to pull out my hair. Sewing is hard. You really have a talent there! =)

    I found you through the blogging team.
    coffeebreakcrn.blogspot.com

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  3. You are incredibly talented my dear!

    I absolutely adore Mons. Brendan Lapin! :)

    Dont you just love those car troubles? Am facing a few myself! No heat in my SUV which makes for interesting mornings taking the kids to school. Im already having to scrape the frost off of my windshield and with no defroster, it gets fun! :)
    Hope you get yours fixed soon. Mine is going in this weekend and Im crossing my fingers its nothing too serious

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  4. Hope you get your car sorted out- they are great when they are running fine, but so frustrating when they don't!!

    Monsieur Lapin looks like a very dapper chappy:D

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  5. These are SO cute!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and following (via Blogging Buddies)! I'm following you now too.

    xo,
    melissa
    <a href="http://www.bubbyandbean.com>www.bubbyandbean.com</a>

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  6. What charming little creatures! :-)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment.

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  7. Hello! dolls are so cute:)
    Thank you so much for visiting our blog.

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  8. So adorable. You are very talented.

    Found you through the Blogging Buddies forums. I hope you get a chance to visit my blog. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

    Carla
    http://www.blueberryjunkie.com

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  9. Hello Isobel, it's lovely to meet you and see these darling little Cuddlies that you create!

    I see that you have lived and worked in South Africa and Canada, well, I was born in Johannesburg,South Africa and we immigrated to British Columbia, Canada when I was 17. I'd love to hear about your travels:)
    hugs,
    ~Shelly

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  10. Something about those two little critters that makes me smile. They look so soft and lovable. I will stay tuned to their transformation.

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  11. So glad to have found your blog. What adorable little animals!

    Lynette - Sweet Posy Dreams

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  12. Thanks for the comment on my blog - your blog looks great. I appreciate the positive feedback and made sure to follow yours as it looks like something I should be admiring :)

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  13. Adorable!

    I'm a new follower from blog buddies on Etsy. www.InspiredByFelicity.blogspot.com

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  14. Isobel,

    Thank yo so much for stopping by and leaving comments. Your hand made creatures are AMAZING! What marvelous boots and out fits. They certainly stand the test of time. You have quite the international following!! So sorry to hear about your car troubles. I've been having trouble finding some one to oil undercoat my car for winter. Now, due to weather conditions I may be too late.

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  15. Oh I meant to mention your car troubles in my email! So sorry to hear that - ugh. Car shopping is the absolute worst!

    I adore Mme Lapin! She's wonderful!

    Dough, Dirt & Dye

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  16. So cute! I envy you, you know how to make such toys. I wish I have your talent and skills! Thanks for posting.

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