Trial Doll

Here is a doll I worked on today while Troy was asleep. This has been developing over the last two weeks and this is the 2nd prototype. The first was quite different: short stumpy legs and arms, big head. I decided I didn't really like it that much (started from an old toys book I found at the Salvos, printed in the 80's). Lilly's first reaction to this doll was "wow, she's got a tutu!".

Prototype tactile fish

Unfortunately my youngest leftleg model had a stint in hospital. So what do you do when you're stuck next to a hospital crib 24-7? I hand sew a prototype sensory or tactile toy for a baby - in this case a fish! Each scale is a flap of different fabric. Just to let you know, I never sew by hand - I love my machines. But after 11 days in hospital hand sewing different projects I have found a respect and slight affection toward hand sewing.
So here are a few photos of my prototype fish... can anyone come up with a good name for him?

And here's my little man - this was cannula no. 3!