Dear Dolly,

I am writing this letter to you to say thank you.

As you may know, following a recent trip to Australia, I lost my making mojo.

I was feeling very tired and quite a bit sad, which had resulted in a rather sorry case of the maker’s equivalent of writer’s block (maker’s malaise?)

I began you more in hope than expectation. To start with, my miserable maker’s malaise made every stitch of your creation a chore.

It was lucky I already had a pattern, or you may never have got started at all.

For a good few days I could not summon the inspiration to paint your face, nor make you any clothes, for which I humbly apologise.

But somehow, eventually, the sight of you in your pathetically unfinished state gave me the shove I needed.  I got the paints out.

And then, since you looked so naked and a little disapproving, I decided to make you some underwear…I didn’t really have much idea what I was doing, but I found that it was actually quite fun to do something completely new, making it up as I went along.

I thought your French knickers and strapless bralette turned out rather well.

And my initial success buoyed me up to keep going.

Somehow, as I pulled out fabrics looking for something suitable to make you a frock, I forgot about myself and my maker’s malaise.

I had some trouble making a decision on your frock fabric.

But rather than give up, I decided to craft you a headdress in the meantime…

Of course, you had to be dressed in vintage.

And after much rummaging, the perfect thing presented itself, as I had come to trust it would.

Two little printed placemats which, when stitched together and a little vintage trim added, made you a stylish and comfy frock…

And in the depths of my button tin I came across a little plastic feather someone had sent me, for which I had thought I would never find a use.

It adds the finishing touch, giving you just a smidge of the showgirl about you…

I know I haven’t quite finished you yet (I am waiting for some extra-long doll needles to be delivered, so that I can sew on your arms properly, and I need to add some press-studs to your frock) but I do hope you like your outfit.

I might even make you a handbag.

And, having enjoyed creating you so much, I think I might also make you some friends.

So thank you again. For inspiring me, for getting me out of my funk, and for turning out so nicely.

I really do appreciate it.

Your friend and maker,

modflowers xx ♥