"Umqhagi - The Rooster Fairy'"

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Patti Medaris Culea has produced a series of books
on various aspects of doll-making
and I was honoured to be asked to contribute to "Creative Cloth Doll Couture"

Patti provided the pattern to be used - apart from the fact that it had to be a fairy, how we chose to dress it was left up to the individual.

African Fairy, doll pattern by Patti Medaris Culea

As I live in Africa, it seemed only right that my fairy should be of the local variety and, as my favourite colours are in the autumnal range, I looked
for inspiration from these.

Sunrise and roosters crowing seemed a good fit - hence the "rooster tail" wings.

The skirt, sleeves and bandanna (or "doek" as we call it here) are all dyed with Dy-na-flow dyes and then antique pleated.  

The basque, peplum & wings are all made from Batavian prints.

Close up of the African Fairy's face

 

Butterfly Minds
. . . flit from one delightful inspiration to another . . .