Pirate Time

Half the cousins left, we only have the smaller, shyer ones who don't really speak English. My twin and her kid are coming soon, and there's gonna be a little overlap with the little cousins, and they are even in the same age range! I'm excited to see the kiddo, it's been years.

I am planning a group activity for the kids - a treasure hunt. I've got a nice bottle with a cork, I am making aged (coffee stained) paper scrolls where I can draw pictures of various landmarks in my grandparents' house (they don't speak the same language, so riddles are out) and they can run all around collecting clues until they come to a pirate chest full of treasure. I have a cool chest, and I'm going to make drawstring bags for each of them, with old coins, gemstones, candy, and hopefully a pirate doll. The rest of the family is welcome to put stuff in the chest.

I'm modifying my keyhole doll pattern to have boot flaps and a puffy shirt. The kids like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which means a long vest, sash, belt, beads and findings, and bandanna. Not hard to do, but keyhole dolls are very small. I will do my test piece today, and if it doesn't work out I will size up. Yes I have plans for swords.

I'm excited.

Tiny Pirate Prototype

Pirates are going well! Prototype is done - embroidered face, figured out how to build in puffy shirt and boot flaps, added a lot of curly hair. The masses of hair creates the Barbie problem: hats don't stay on. I figured out a compromise to keep the bandanna on - it's just a scrap of tulle, but I figure it can be useful for making hairstyles or tying up prisoners or whatever. I am drafting a tricorn hat as well, not as complicated as I thought. Just need to add vest, sash (must drape well...), belt, beads etc. I think I've figured out a sword design that will stay on their hands (pared-down chopstick, leather strap, bead?). Might ask my dad for help with that. I have high hopes of turning a cufflink into a belt buckle. So excited about these pirates. I love sewing. I'm so thrilled with the puffy shirt. The other two will be done in no time.

The coffee-stained crumpled pages look great. Gotta sketch the landmarks nicely and lightbox em onto the pages, roll em up, and tie em. I have found a nice unbleached fabric for the drawstring bags. This will be done with time to spare.