Repeat & Reverse

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I really enjoy how each "Vagabond Strays" project brings its unique challenges and opportunities to do research, learn new techniques, tackle obstacles, and improve my creative skills with all that. Making 10 similar kitties and their beloved cardboard boxes in a row is an excellent way to discover what needs to be done different next time! 😅

But besides accepting my failures with good humor and some inventive thinking, I found it interesting to try and find out what works best for, say, cat whiskers on such a small scale. I decided on cut-to-size bristles from quality makeup brushes that I purchased solely for that purpose. These come in several natural colors: I have a collection of most delicate whiskers in almost transparent white, variegated brown, and very sophisticated white-tipped black.

I also studied the often broad range of eye colors for each individual cat breed. And experimented with how to achieve a certain coat pattern or typical markings. I now know all about 'mask-and-mantle' and 'cap-and-saddle' patterns. And 'Seychellois Neuvième' splashes…

And then there is the choice of fur: short-haired vs. long-haired. I needle felted longer fur before - which works perfectly well for fluffy cat tails - but to fully cover such a small critter with layers of long wool would only result in a ball of fuzz with no external characteristics. So, the reverse needle to the rescue!
This nifty little instrument basically does the opposite of a regular felting needle: its notches point in an upwards direction, so instead of pushing the wool fibers in, it pulls them out; creating a soft, furry surface that then can be carefully trimmed to the required length.
For Minuette, the little Birman cat lady in the photo, I used the reverse needle very gently and shallowly, as I didn't want her to end up like mentioned fuzzball. I think this technique mimics the texture of somewhat longer fur delightfully. Her beautiful tricolor tail is felted with the shingling method.

I'm so pleased that my Cat-in-a-Box pull toys project is off to a good start.
And with that, another long-held dream has become a reality. That is the best feeling of all! 🥰

< Zolala! Blog

Zolala! Blog

Mostly musings and meanderings about my work as a seamstress and miniaturist, with all of the joy and struggle that comes with it.

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Hello!

My name is Zo, and I'm endlessly fascinated with all things small: dolls, animals, miniatures, dioramas..
I feel very fortunate to be able to combine them all in my work!
Sewing doll clothes and bringing little critters to life allows me to do what I love every day - and connects me with some really amazing people all over the world.

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Vagabond StraysZolala!Zolala!Vagabond Strays, Techniques, Needle Felting, Cats