This is topic Any dollhouse collectors out there? Or people experienced with silk/linen threads? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.
How serious are you or collectors that you know about finding nice furnishings for your dollhouse? I was wondering because I like to do thread crochet, the smaller the better, and I thought there might be a market for lace tablecloths, curtains, bedspreads, etc in the miniature collecting world.
My initial research shows me that the standard dollhouse scale is 1"=1'. Do most manufacturers/craftsmen follow that standard? A few google searches also showed me that most miniature curtains are kind of cheap looking. Do you know of any sites that sell classy furnishings?
So far the smallest work I've done is with #50 cotton sewing thread and a .5 mm hook. I'm planning to look into smaller cotton threads, and possibly silk and linen. Has anybody worked with silk or linen threads? Would they stand up to being crocheted?
I'm not trolling for customers, just trying to begin to gauge the market.
Dollhouse/miniature collectors, crocheters, and other crafty people, I welcome your comments!
--Mel
[ October 10, 2005, 11:42 AM: Message edited by: theCrowsWife ]
Posted by pfresh85 (Member # 8085) on :
I don't collect dollhouses, but I do sometimes buy some dollhouse furniture to use in conjuction with some of my action figures and stuff (like if I'm trying to make a certain shot and I need a certain item/piece of furniture). If I had any information I thought you might find useful, I'd post. Unfortunately, I don't. Most of the stuff I buy, I get from the dollhouse type section of my local Hobby Lobby.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I've woven lenen thread, and it was stronger than most cottons, so I'd say it would be good for chrochet, I'll ask my grandma about silk when I call her tommorow.
I don't collect dollhouses, but I do know the scale is one foot equals one inch, or 1/12. I collect model horses, some in that scale, so I have bought a few props (mostly fences and the like) for them from doll house stores, my brother has bought me some tea sets in that scale too.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
Anyone else?
[/shameless bump]
--Mel
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Hmm. I need to get Operaetta a nice dollhouse. Ok, really I just want one and she's a convenient excuse.
But wow...I just crocheted with thread for the very first time a few weeks ago and it's hard! It definately took me some getting used to. What's really cool though is that the hook I used was part of a set given to me for my birthday by Mr. Opera's grandmother - the hooks originally belonged to her mother. Isn't that neat?
space opera
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
My grandmother did this a lot. She made the dolls that went inside as well, starting with the molds, paiting them, weaving the hair, and making the clothes.
I have done it a little bit, mostly as part of mother-daughter-granddaughter bonding experiences. I didn't get into it big time, though, and I'm not a part of that world now, so I can't help with advice. I'm sorry.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Wow! This sounds interesting! Can you post pictures when you have some ready?
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
I don't do dollhouses, but I love the idea of a thread about threads.
That is all.
Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
I use silk thread for applique. The reason it's often used in applique is that it virtually disappears into the fabric weave. It's so fine that I can't imagine crocheting with it. If you try, you'll have to let us know how it works!
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
I just got some silk thread to work with. It looks like it is about the width of #50 cotton sewing thread, which is the thinnest cotton thread I've been able to find. Now I need to go find a nice pattern to try out the silk thread with.
I taught myself thread crochet after I was given a set of steel hooks that had belonged to my husband's grandmother. I have since bought my own set so that I would have all the sizes (it goes down to .4 mm!). I actually find it easier than working with yarn because the yarn is so bulky.
I also bought some earring making supplies, because I plan to make tiny crocheted snowflake earrings. I'll post pictures when I have a set completed.
--Mel
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
I cross-stitch with silk periodically. I don't know how it would hold up for crocheted pieces, but I do love the feel of it in my hands as I work and it gives a bit more of a sheen to my project than cotton floss does. My favorite is Rainbow Gallery's Splendour line. That comes in a 12-ply, I think 8 or maybe 10 yards to a card, for about 2.50 a card.
Periodically when I look through some of the catalogs I receive, I see kits for mini rugs intended for doll houses. I think those are done in petit pointe, which is something I want to try someday... before I lose my close vision.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
I doubt that silk embroidery floss would hold up to crocheting any more than cotton floss would. The thread has to be tightly spun or else it will fuzz when it is crocheted. Since thread crochet is supposed to look crisp, embroidery floss is right out. Thanks for the recommendation, though.
As I was pondering where I might find really thin thread, I realized that I should look at the place where I got my tiny crochet hooks: Lacis. And sure enough, they have cotton thread going down to #185! Yikes. I'm thinking I'll try the #120 thread when I get a chance, and see how it works with my smallest hook. That site also has silk and linen threads for lacemaking, which is exactly what I want.