Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION

Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
at http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come true.

November 2005 Issue 50

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Copyright 2005 by Dollmaker’s Journey

Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection newsletter is a free e-mail newsletter. Tell your friends, family and fellow dollmakers about us, and feel free to forward this newsletter to those who might be interested. You can visit our companion website at:
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/

**Notice!**
You can read all the past issues online. Go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/archives.html
The archives include an easy to follow index to all the past issues.

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Dear dollmaker friends,

‘Tis the Season to be Thankful. Here in the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. It is time to reflect on family and friends and the countless blessings we have been given. To commemorate this event, we would like to introduce TWO new dolls in our Doll for All Seasons line: Elizabeth Tilley, 1620 Mayflower Pilgrim and Noonapokus, 1621 Wampanoag Indian.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html

Elizabeth Tilley, age 13, came to America on the Mayflower in 1620 along with her parents and uncle, all of whom are related to Bonnie. She married John Howland, another Mayflower emigrant, in 1623 when she was almost 16 (he was 31), and they had 10 children. John fell overboard on the trip over during a rough storm, and only by grasping the halyard ropes was he saved and hauled out of the sea. Elizabeth’s parents died that first winter, along with her uncle, leaving her an orphan. She was taken in by John Carver (the first governor) and his wife, who both died the following spring.

Noonapokus was named after the Wood Turtle, which has a red belly, because as a baby she loved brightly colored objects, especially red. The word Wampanoag means “People of the Light”, although they are also known as “People of the First Light” or “People of the East,” because they are the first to see the sun rise each day. They live in southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island. Their language, Wôpanâak, uses one word for a whole sentence in English. Some words are in our language today. For example, the modern dish of corn and lima beans called “succotash” comes from the Wampanoag word “sukahtash.

Here is the real story of the “First Thanksgiving.” By the autumn of 1621 only 52 of the original emigrants survived, but thanks to a local Wampanoag Indian tribe, they learned how to plant and harvest nature’s bounty. Wampanoag king Massasoit arranged a “peace” alliance with Governor John Carver that included a military alliance should either side be attacked. After a successful harvest, the men shot off their guns as they “exercised their arms.” The local natives hastened to inform Massasoit, who thought they were being attacked. He came to their rescue with 90 men, and no women. When he realized the settlers were celebrating instead of fighting, he sent some of his men out to hunt deer for meat to contribute to the feast. Their 3 day celebration included feasting, rustic sports and entertainment.

Bonnie went to Plymouth, Massachusetts to do research for this latest project. There she found the John Howland home where he and Elizabeth lived. She also got a special surprise that she is including in Thanksgiving kits for those who wish to make both the Pilgrim and Indian doll. (There are only 50 kits, so first come, first served.) Both doll patterns will be 50% off until the December dolls are released. Enjoy, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mary Ann and Bonnie

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DESIGNERS AND PATTERNS OF THE MONTH

November – Elizabeth Tilley, 1620 Mayflower Pilgrim
Celebrate Thanksgiving by creating an authentic Pilgrim, Elizabeth Tilley (Bonnie’s ancestor), in her traditional costume from 1620. Buckles, pilgrim tapered crown “hats”, and black clothing weren’t seen in New England until 1623 when the Puritans landed. Learn how the “real” Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest feast, and why. (It was an accident!) Learn to make a waistcoat with 9 gussets (they didn’t use darts), a coif straight from Plymouth Plantation, square-toed shoes with “roses” (very popular in 1620), a shift, petticoat, and skirt using fabrics, patterns and colors available in the 1600’s.

November – Noonapokus, 1621 Wampanoag Indian
Noonapokus, which means “Wood Turtle” in Wôpanâak, is dressed in the traditional clothing worn by the Wampanoag in 1621. In addition to the fringed skirt, she wears a one-shoulder mantle on top to protect from cold weather. Learn how to make a 12-braid hemp belt, weave a basket from corn husks and raffia, make leather “wedding” moccasins, and create clothing from Doe Suede and real leather, using trims and beading and paint to enhance the outfit. She is a perfect companion for Elizabeth Tilley, our 1620 Mayflower Pilgrim.

Elizabeth Tilley, Pilgrim and Noonapokus, Indian will be 50% off until our new December Doll For All Seasons pattern becomes available. http://dollmakersjourney.com/dollforallseasons.html

November – Thanksgiving Special Kit
Your November kit has 11 different kinds of items needed to create both a Pilgrim and Indian. Included are weaving, braiding and beading supplies for the Indian along with special trims and basket goodies; and drawstrings, ribbons, and socks for the Pilgrim. You will need to purchase leather and round leather lace, along with any fabrics needed to complete the dolls. In addition we have included a special surprise Bonnie purchased direct from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Your dolls won’t enjoy this gift, but we think you will find it very useful. We only have 50, so when the kits are gone, the gifts are too.

For the month of November ALL the amazing characters in our “Dragon/Mythical Beasts” category are 20% off, including Hua Lung – Chinese Imperial dragon
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AND THE WINNER IS…

We wish to congratulate everyone who entered our Halloween Challenge and those of you who took the time to vote. Over 170 people helped select our winners. Each participant will receive free copies of our Halloween Doll for All Seasons pattern, Mei Long, Mistress of Dragons, and Hua Lung, her Chinese Imperial Dragon along with Gift Certificates for the top three winners.

First Place - Ariana the Black Widow Queen by Karen Little from Queensland, Australia
In addition to the free patterns above, Karen will receive a $75 gift certificate from Dollmaker's Journey.

Second Place - Gretchen by Liz Marten from Cincinnati, Ohio
Liz will receive both free patterns and a $50 gift certificate from Dollmaker's Journey.

Third Place - Witch by Brenda Nicholson from Nicholville, New York
Brenda will receive both free patterns and a $25 gift certificate from Dollmaker's Journey.

Honorable Mentions - Trick or Treat by Rebecca Rulo from St. Louis, Missouri
and Cat Girl by Kaaren Lynch from Abingdon, Virginia
Both Rebecca and Kaaren will receive the patterns mentioned above.

You can see all the dolls at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/halloweencontest.html

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CHARITY CORNER

A customer wrote: “Thank you for sending the site for Lil Lov (http://www.abracreations.com - October Newsletter) I was looking for a first try at stuffed dolls after many years of making doll clothes and this is it--- the kids at the crisis center will love these if I can draw a good face.”

I answered: Also go to http://dollmakersjourney.com Click on Charity Corner, and you will find lots of free patterns suitable for children. Click on the link to faces you will find there and you will get lots of ideas for creating suitable faces in five ethnic styles. We also have a tutorial there on how to teach these dolls to others who are just learning how to make cloth dolls.

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PAINTING GROMMETS TIP

Q: Do your metal grommets only come in a gold color? If so, how could you change their color?

A: We only carry grommets in gold. There are special paints designed especially for metal. You can find them in hobby stores and automotive shops. Auto touch-up paints come in small containers in many different colors. I think these might work for coloring your grommets. Finger nail polish might also work. Whatever you use, it needs to be enamel oil-based paint.

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CHALLENGES

Art Doll Challenge: Celebrity Look-Alike Dolls
Deadline: December 12, 2005
Submission requirements on back of Summer 2005 Art Doll Quarterly
Direct questions to Sharilyn Miller, Editor-in-Chief, ADQ, 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 or e-mail adqeditor@artdollsquarterly.com.

Through the Looking Glass Doll Challenge (Fairfield Polyfil Challenge)
Deadline: December 31, 2005
For details and entry form, go to: http://www.poly-fil.com/contests.asp

Party Time Challenge from Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine and Sherry Goshon
Challenge appears in February issue of Doll Crafter Magazine which comes out November 21, 2005. Embellish the doll or create a costume. Winning dolls will be pictured in the magazine.
Free pattern and details on their website in December at: www.dollcraftermag.com

The Art of the Doll (Pump House Regional Arts Center in Wisconsin)
Display: July 1 – August 19, 2006
Must be artist’s original work
For information go to: www.thepumphouse.org
Email info@thepumphouse.org Phone: (608) 785-1434

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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

December 17, 2005 - 14th Annual Dolls of Color on Parade Show
Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Building 6, Maryland
Washington, DC's oldest African-American Doll Show http://www.mcagfair.com/calendar/event_details.asp?ID=546&ch=11&y=2005

January 13-16, 2006 – Southern Doll Conference
Holiday Inn, Deland, Florida
http://www.kringlecreek.com

April 27 – 30, 2006 – Canadian Doll Artists Association: Celebration 2006
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
http://www.dollartists.ca

May 6, 2006 - Calgary Doll Club Spring Sale
North Glenmore Park Community Assoc., 2231 Longridge Drive SW
Calgary, Alberta
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $3.00, children under 12 free
For more information call Marina at (403) 243-6479.

July 27-31, 2006 – NIADA Conference 2006
Bloomington, Minnesota
http://niada.org

To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll related events at CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION: http://clothdollconnection.com/

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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU

Designer DE RUE JOHNSON treats us to a delightful FREE pattern at Dollmaker’s Journey. It’s a darling baby mermaid called “Baby Mer.” Stop by and print it out any time. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/mer.html

Kerry Seymour has a free pattern, “Fire Bird” on her website that would be perfect on a Christmas tree. Print it out at: http://atticrosecreations.com/Firebird.html
You can see more of Kerry’s delightful patterns at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/seymour.html

Great information and free chart on proportions from designer Mary Tressler
http://www.uncommonfolk.org/proportions.html
You can see Mary’s other patterns at: http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html

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CUSTOMER QUERIES ABOUT MAKING HANDS

Q: I have just started making marionettes and I am running into a hard time making hands. Do you have any suggestions or are there any books that have information on the subject?

A: Designer Noni Cely has a wonderful FREE tutorial for making perfect hands on her site - http://www.cely.com/doll/hand.html

Q: I'm on my first doll with fingers. I have all 10 fingers. But think I needed to clip the curves and mid fingers better than I did. Do you have any good tips for this?

A: You need to seal the seam allowance between the fingers with Createx or Fray Check before clipping close to the stitching. I prefer Createx because it leaves the fabric soft and yet it won't fray. We sell this at Dollmaker's Journey. Check under supplies. You might also want to check out Gloria "Mimi" Winer's website. Go to http://www.mimidolls.com/DCC-Techniques/Index.htm
Click on fingers, and you will learn how to turn, stuff, sew, and make perfect fingers every time.

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THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS AND FEASTS
By Bonnie B. Lewis

What did the Pilgrims and Wampanoag eat during those historic days in the autumn of 1621? They didn’t have cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Instead, the Pilgrims shot some wild fowl (which might have included wild turkey) and the Wampanoag men brought 5 deer. In addition they probably ate Nasaump (a traditional Wampanoag dish consisting of ground dried corn made in a thick porridge), stewed Pompion (stewed pumpkin and squash), shellfish, cod, sea bass, cornmeal, beans, nuts and dried berries. Although prayers of thanks were probably offered at the 1621 harvest gathering, the first recorded religious thanksgiving in Plymouth happened in 1623, two years later, when the colonists gave thanks to God for rain after a two-month drought. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln declared two national Thanksgivings. One, in August, commemorated the Battle of Gettysburg. The second, in November, was to give thanks for “general blessings.” The United States has celebrated a day of Thanksgiving ever since.

Turkey and pumpkin may have been eaten in the autumn of 1621, but much of what we now call “traditional” Thanksgiving foods were not on the menu. There were no potatoes or apples in New England, and sugar was in short supply, so cranberries could not be turned into sweet sauces. Pumpkin pie and “Indian pudding” came later when English cream, flour, and sugar was added to native foods. However, here are two recipes you can try this Thanksgiving that were authentic. They are available at Plimouth Plantation. We tried them both, and they are really good, although unusual. These recipes and explanation are taken from “1621 – A New Look at Thanksgiving” by National Geographic written by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac.

“Nasaump is a traditional Wampanoag dish which consists of dried corn pounded in a mortar and boiled in plain water to a thick porridge. Usually fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries were added. Another version included clam broth with native herbs (green onions, wild garlic). The English ate several versions of this dish as well.”

Nasaump

You will need:
1 quart water
1-1/2 cups coarse grits or hominy
Options:
1 cup clam broth and ½ cup chopped green onions OR
1 cup fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries

Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually add the hominy, stirring until it comes back to a boil. Turn down the heat to low and cook very gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and allow to stand one-half to one hour. Before serving, reheat over medium heat, stirring. (If you are adding clam broth and green onions or fruit, you can do so at this point.) The dish can also be reheated in a covered, buttered baking dish in a 350 degree F. oven for 45 minutes. You may need to add a bit more water.

“In his 1672 book New Englands Rarities Discovered, John Josselyn describes ‘The Ancient New England Standing Dish.’ The use of the word ‘ancient’ suggests that the first English housewives in New England relied on vast kettles of stewed pumpkin to fill up their families through the fall and winter months. The phrase ‘standing dish’ implies its presence every day, if not at every meal.”

Stewed Pompion

You will need:
4 cups of cooked pumpkin or squash (seeded, and steamed or baked), roughly mashed
3 tablespoons butter
2 to 3 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 or 2 teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir and heat all the ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve hot.

I hope you enjoy adding something “old” to your Thanksgiving feast, to help remind you of the heritage and peoples of the past.

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NEW PATTERNS

From the Great North we have a wonderful “Woodland Santa” from Canadian designer JACQUIE LECUYER. You’re going to enjoy this relaxed character. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/lecuyer.html

We’re always excited to have a new mold from SHERRY GOSHON. “Celebration” is an alternate head for the “Blossom” body and you’ll be amazed at what can be done with a closed eyes face. http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html

The amazing MARY TRESSLER has released her teaching booklet from EDAC 2005 “Where in the World Would You Go?” Filled with mix-n-match body parts for male and female bodies there is no limit to the number of poses you can create. http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html

Have you ever seen NANCY LAVERICK with one of her wonderful cloth covered carrying cases? We are delighted to have this versatile pattern that can be adapted to any box size. Now you can transport your dolls in style! http://dollmakersjourney.com/laverick.html

One of our newest designers SANDY PINE of Australia has just released her free-standing fairy “Myfanwy” that we know you are going to love! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/pine.html

Also from Down Under, designer MICHELLE MUNZONE delights us with a fabulous new mermaid named “Tarja” that is heavily beaded and embellished with colorful burnt organza strips. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/munzone.html

From JACQUE UETZ we have something old – an enchanting antiqued rag doll called “Debi’s Annie & Kitty” – and something new – an exquisite new body for the “Maggie Rose” face mold called “Sea Fairy.” Stop by and check them out. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/uetz.html

SUE CHAFFEE SIZEMORE offers “Little Tammy” a sweet toddler made of a knit fabric such craft velour or bucksuede. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/sizemore.html

If you enjoy making beautiful lady dolls with removable clothing than KERRY SEYMOUR’S lovely “Chloe” is just for you. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/seymour.html

How do we explain MAGGIE BAGGETT’S “Chicken Butt 101 CD” ?! She took a doll club challenge and turned it into an amazing class. There’s no end to the messy fun you will have creating extraordinary characters from her basic Chicken Butt figure. You simply have to see it for yourself! http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/baggettandrigby.html

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CUSTOMER KUDOS

Maurine Adrezin has two dolls in the latest issue of Art Doll Quarterly. On page 120 there is a large photo of her doll “Lauren: Weaver and Spinner” that she designed and wove her dress on a loom. On page 126 in the same issue is a photo of her needle felted doll “B. J. the Drummer.” You can also see pictures at:
http://maurinesfiberfriends.homestead.com

Alixandra Jordan created the “Ladybug Queen” featured in the January 2006 issue of Soft Dolls and Animals on page 52.

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NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

Bonnie has spent every waking minute researching and designing a pilgrim and Indian doll for November. She is also becoming quite the artist, bombarding Mary Ann with many pages of drawings for inclusion in the finished patterns. She also set up a display at the Martinsburg Public Library in Martinsburg, West Virginia, with the entire Doll for All Seasons Prototypes to date. They will be on display until December 1st.

Mary Ann is hard at work on designing the male doll that will soon be added to our Doll for All Season series. She’s also been stocking up on a wide variety of beads in preparation for making necklaces for many of the ladies on her gift list this holiday season and maybe a few for herself, too!

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OTHER SITES TO SEE

Authentic historical costume books and ideas
http://www.rlshep.com/

Ballet slipper stocking pattern http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11053
Try printing in landscape for it to fit on paper

Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge Winners
http://tinyurl.com/7upxj

Bob Mackie costumes and designs are in auction at Christie's in Los Angeles this month (November, 2005). There are costumes worn by the likes of Carol Burnette, Cher, Diana Ross, Elton John, and lots of others, as well as original designs he did for films and Broadway shows as well as television. There is plenty of inspiration here for doll
designers, including the designs he did for Barbie. You can view the
auction at: http://www.christies.com/promos/nov05/1610_teaser/overview.asp
Be sure to look at the full offering, not just the ones with thumbnail pictures. Some of these are amazing!

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We’d love to hear your thoughts about our Customer Connection newsletter.

Contact the editor Bonnie B. Lewis at
enchantedR@aol.com with any comments, suggestions, address changes, etc.

Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to any of your friends. Help us spread the word about Dollmaker’s Journey! All we ask is that you forward it intact, with all the subscription information included.

Thanks! (By the way, you might want to print this out and put it into a binder to keep for reference….)
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Copyright © 2005 Dollmaker’s Journey