Royal bedding

I have, amongst many other books on dollhouses, three books on Queen Mary's Dollhouse designed and made by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920's. To say that this is the finest example of miniature work in every domain would be a huge understatement. Every artisan in Britain and in other countries ( the marbles came from India ) contributed to this masterpiece over the years it took to make.

 One of the things I love the most about the house is the large collection of household linens all hand embroidered by a single woman over thousands of hours in Ireland. 

 So ,,,,, I decided that one day if I had a dollhouse I would fill it with the same hand sewn linens. Now I have no intention of comparing my work with that of this wonderful woman mainly because too much detailed work in fashion and millions of hours of reading in poor lighting has diminished my capacity for prolonged stitching. The other night looking for an outlet for restless hands I cut up a damaged curtain made from lovely ultra fine coton satin and made this little bedsheet. I did not check the dimensions as it was a test of my capacity. I hand edged it all and trimmed one edge with the border of some fine lace trim. I then added an R for Ramsay House. 

This reminded me of that movie Rebecca from the novel by Daphne du Maurier. At the end of the movie you can see a nightdress case burning when the house is destroyed by the evil Mrs Danvers and the last image in the R consumed by flames. 

 I made a 'sewing board' some time ago by laying two pieces of foamboard over wood and covering it with plain coton on which I drew a grid for squaring up. This board allows for pinning in place. I attached a small flexible light from Ikea to the side of the board. The board is quite small so it sits nicely on my lap when working. 

 A detail above of the stitching, I should have used a finer needle in hindsight. 

 I pencilled in the R before going over with a small 'running stitch' and then completing with a double line of whipped satin stitch. 

 Seen in daylight it looks much whiter than the previous photos ! 

 The blanket was cut from a scarf from the charity shop which gives me enough material for several blankets. I hope one day to weave some blankets and am looking into techniques at the moment.

 The sheet above and another photo of the quilted bed spread/foot warmer in silk twill. Again I will add that no one will actually see any of this work as it will either be on beds or in cupboards.

Dollhouses are such a wonderful way of learning and making, a hugely enjoyable curve.