Day 28 - String 'em up...!

Phew..... finally on the final lap of the dollmaking process, and although it's also fiddly and time-consuming I can at least take comfort in the fact I'm on downhill slope towards the fun, creative stuff.

The final stage in the dollmaking process is attaching arms and legs to the various bodies in a process called stringing.

When I first started dollmaking, back in the mists of time, I used fine wire for stringing, but it was never ideal.  It was difficult to manipulate and no matter how tightly I attached the limbs, they would droop and hang limply.  Also the cut end of the wires would regularly catch on clothing.

I really wanted my little dolls to be able to hold a pose, so the hunt was on for a better way to string.  After a period of trial and error, I devised a method which is just perfect.  It's relatively unobtrusive and the limbs will stay in position when posed.

I can't divulge exactly how I do it (I am allowed some secrets!) but it involves a special elastic and some homemade tools.

Seven years ago I posted about the special elastic, and the fact that it was being discontinued. Fortunately I have found an alternative which, although not quite as perfect as the original, is still very good.

The stringing process is both time-consuming and relatively mindless.   Over time the mechanical, repetitive motions become calming and soothing.  

Thread, pull, tie, cut, pull, tie, seal.
Thread, pull, tie, cut, pull, tie, seal
Thread, pull, tie, cut, pull, tie, seal

However, when enough dolls have been strung, that's usually the cue for shenanigans to begin.....

Invariably, Smallest Small Dog and her best friends Archimedes the rat and Peter Rabbit arrive to join the hilarity.

Peter struggles to understand the rules of Hide & Seek

Archimedes loves amateur operatics and entertains the company with a selection of arias.

I'll be stringing off and on over the coming week till every little doll and toy has been reunited with their limbs.

So there you have it.... an entire month of dollmaking.

I'm nearing the end of my blogging challenge, and the end of the January Giveaway Competition is also in sight.

Just one more task to complete before the draw on Tuesday......  😁