The members of my generation "X" are well known for their nostalgic tendencies and deep desires to recreate, revere and reproduce the memorabilia of our own childhoods. In my experience, this tendency seems to worsen once we have children of our own. (It's the only way I can explain my uncontrollable need to acquire vintage fisher price toys, star wars action guys & read-along records.)
Recently a hip Dad from the neighborhood with his (almost) kindergartner in tow stopped by the shop with a fun restoration project. Thoughout the Dad's childhood, he had acquired a variety of vivid hand puppets, who had received much love and attention. As a Dad now, he wanted to share these fantastic puppets and memories with his own son. Most of the puppets needed their inner mouths reconstructed, in addition to minor repairs and re-creation of missing body parts.
The Duck puppet needed a brand new beak on the inside and out. He also needed a new tongue created upon the small triangle of felt that was left of his prior tongue.
The cat puppet was in great shape, but had lost his little fuzzy mouse friend somehow over the years.
I used scraps of faux fur, vintage buttons, wool yarn, heavy black thread and cotton stuffing to stitch up this cute critter.
This goofy purple guy needed his inner mouth reconstructed and his big nose tacked down for added stability. Over the years he had lost his "little buddy" so I was given artistic licence to create one.
The son was thrilled with the red finger puppet and requested three more in red, purple & orange.
This type of work is very time consuming because it is primarily hand stitching. However, I truly enjoy the puzzle of reconstruction and the meditation of small, precise stitching.
What stitch will work best?
Which fabric will match effortlessly?
Where in my stash is that perfect thread or textile this project requires?
These are my daily musings in my Gen X existence as a mama, a seamster and a non-stop nostalgia junkie.
What can I restore for you?
I have a blue meanie felt puppet that was given to my daughter and I would like to have it restored. The body is in good shape but half the face/head is gone and the stuffing is hanging out.
Posted by: Sue Dennis | 30 May 2011 at 11:37 AM
Hi Sue!
oh yes! sounds like just the job for me ;-)
You can email me through my website http://thebobbin.com
or you can call me at 802-355-4264 and we can work out the details.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Gyllian
Posted by: Gyllian Rae Svensson | 02 June 2011 at 11:51 AM