06 September 2022
|
Create this nostalgic autumnal scene with Natalie Clegg and create a miniature scarecrow for your dolls house or miniature scene.
The scarecrow is resting now after working hard all through the summer, and is propped up against the fence - it will be spring before he is put to work. The first hints of autumn have begun to appear in this little scene with the bumper harvest collected near the tower of bird boxes, and the last sunflower of the season is beginning to fade…reminding us that while winter is coming, summer’s bounty reminds us of the circle of life.
Scarecrow
Use the following guide along with the instructions provided.
Shirt
1 Cut the shirt pieces from fine cotton calico. Sew the shoulder seams of the front and back together.
2 Baste the sleeves in place. Sew by machine.
3 Double the plaque and stitch up one side.
4a Position the plaque to the front and top stitch.
4b Slip the raw edge in under the first seam and slip stitch closed onto the shirt.
5 Pin the sides and sleeves closed on the wrong side and machine stitch. Sew a hem along the bottom of the shirt.
Fancy creating a harvest basket packed full of miniature food to go alongside your scarecrow? Check out this simple tutorial to learn how to make carrots, peppers and more here!
Trousers
1 Cut the two legs. Sew each leg closed. Turn one leg the right side and press.
2 Turn one leg the right side and place inside the other leg so that the centre seam matches.
3 Stitch closed. Turn the trousers the right side out, press and make a tie by hand stitching, and gathering the waistline.
Assembly of scarecrow
1 Cut, from jelutong, an arm post from 3mm thick material and 135mm long. Cut a stake from 5mm square material. Cut this to a point at the base as if this would be stuck into the ground. Stab and scratch at the base of the post to make it look worn and weathered with your craft knife, an awl and any other tool that will give you degradation marks. Do the same for the tips of the arm post. Paint with distressing recipe.
2 Cut a circle of fabric 60mm in diameter. Run gathering stitches in a circle 35mm in diameter. Gather up and stuff the head. Stitch the gathers closed. Cut away the excess fabric. The head should be about 17mm in diameter. Flatten the head a bit. Draw a silly mouth on the face of the head.
3 From fine calico cut body - a rectangle 120mm long and 50mm wide. Fold in half and stitch both sides closed allowing a 5-6mm seam allowance. Cut a small hole in the folded area for the stake to carry the head. Make 2 arm holes 10mm from the folded portion. Stuff the body and push the stake through from the open base and up behind the stuffing. Cut the stake to a fine point and test fit the head. Gather up the trouser waist and tie off the string. Top stitch the entire trouser to the front body at the base. (The stake goes behind the trousers). Place the shirt over the body of the scarecrow. Push the stake well into the head and push the arm stake through the arms of the shirt and through the body. Tie a necktie under the head to cover the neck.
4 Glue some raffia pieces to the sides of the head for hair. Cut two circles of fine leather 35mm in diameter. Glue one straight onto the head, stretching and pulling it down firmly over the head. Cut an inner circle out of the second circle to form a brim that will be a tight fit over the first circle. Apply glue to the leather on the head and attach to the head of the scarecrow. Trim as necessary.
5 Now you have to be brave and totally destroy the perfect scarecrow - he has been outside all summer and must look the part. Slash the knees of the jeans, cut holes in the fabric. Slash and cut the bottom of the trousers to look ragged. Add a bit of “straw” here and there in the holes you have made. Use a wet teabag to stain the top, let that dry and then using the distressing recipe, well watered down, begin to add depth of decay to the scarecrow.
The shoulders and hat will take a lot of punishment, but any area in the shade will have more darkness. Poke, stab and destroy. Be brave.
Want to be inspired? Check out the incredible work of Linda Cummings, Kathleen Holmes and Cristina Hampe who all excel in creating ultra realistic miniature food!
