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Milliner's Memoirs  Oct 2007 

THE BRIEF: 'My aunt was a Milliner and I have a selection of fabrics and flowers from her shop, which I would like you to incorperate into a fantasy maiden figure'.

DESIGNER'S COMMENTS: Since the stitches/ fabric on a textile figure take a great deal of stress/ pressure from being firmly stuffed, the best fabrics to use are the 100% cottons, silks and batiks with a high thread count (i.e. those that don't split, ladder and fray easily).  
I absolutely adored the copper, black and grey-blue colour palette of the chosen fabrics, however, the fabrics themselves were to prove a challenge, even with the precaution of iron-on interfacing!  
I added some additonal ribbons and fabric as well as a Marabou feather for her Fascinator,(see below) plus beads and embroidery thread for her jewellery. 
Her hair is made from Perle thread DMC400.

Fascinators are beautiful arrangements of feathers, flowers and jewels mounted either on tiny fascinator bases, rather like hats, but less substantial being only a couple of inches across, with combs attached underneath, or on a 3-inch or 4-inch crystal comb or thin metal Alice Bands in Silver or Gold. 

Originating in Trinidad, 1956;  the ‘fascinator’ was popular and no woman worth her salt went to a wedding without one covering her entire face.

To FASCINATE  Capable of eliciting intense interest; 
Being very attractive.

THE VERDICT:  Thank you so much. It was nice

 to see my Aunt's fabrics and findings adorning

 such a lovely doll. I think in March I shall have to

 find her a partner!