Ok we are back with this boy after a little break.
I’m still avoiding doing the buttons, but one thing that has been taxing my brain cell is how to represent the braid on the bearskin.
Now I’ve started these ‘improvements’ there’s no going back.
Looking at re-enactor images it’s quite a specific pattern, not just a plait.
(Image for reference only)
I didn’t fancy trying to sculpt it so I decided to figure out how to do it for real. I started at a large scale, before attempting it at the proper size. I used a shoe lace, and eventually, calling on sewing skills learnt during my stage design course at art school, it clicked that it is basically a chain stitch from embroidery.
It still took me hours to work it out, and then I forgot how to do it so it took me just as many hours to work it out again!
Once I had managed that the next problem to solve was what cord to use in miniature. I had high hopes for the solder but it was not as easy as I thought and then it work-hardened and broke.
I didn’t want to use sewing thread because of the hairiness, but after I had tried fishing line and silicone rubber, I kind of had to, but I wasn’t very happy.
I was just resigning myself to waxing the thread (another sewing trick), when I thought ‘what I need is some tiny insulated wire’, and then I remembered this
It’s a lighting kit from my daughters’ doll’s house from 20, no
30 odd years ago.
And what do you know? Absolutely perfect for the job. And not only that- I knew EXACTLY where to find it.
Result!
This is how the chain stitch works. It’s quite tricky to keep all the loops the same size and the tension the same-it’s also important to keep the two strands parallel in the loops, and not twisted.
So I’m a happy bunny today- just goes to show you should never throw anything away!
I’ve made a start with the bearskin, got rid of the old braid and started the texturing of the fur.
But then there are these……………
I believe they are called
raquettes – I wonder why?
thanks for looking
Neil