Well hello there, Beastie friends! I think it’s high time we started going over some of last year’s commissions, don’t you? There are so many new monster faces to meet! As I mentioned last time, 2021 was a bit of a mad one, and I was so busy making that I kinda forgot to do the polite thing and introduce those Beasties to the world!
So, where to start? How about something a bit special – a wedding commission! This project was requested by a regular customer of mine on behalf of her mum, whose best friend’s daughter (are you keeping up with all these connections?!) was planning to tie the knot last September. As it turned out, the bride is a well-known Irish influencer and travel consultant – check out her work, highly recommended if you’re planning to visit Ireland or book a staycation here. This made finding reference pictures an absolute breeze!
However, it also raised a little problem with the Beastie’s wardrobe. With so many photos to choose from, how could I be sure I was choosing an outfit that would still mean something in a few years, when fashions will surely have changed?
Luckily for me, a charming proposal story saved the day! The bride’s family now live on the Aran Islands, and it was during a visit there that the would-be groom popped the question. A photo taken just afterwards inspired the Beastified ensemble – a classic look of skinny jeans, slightly cropped sweater and a houndstooth check coat.
But, um, what are those in her pocket? Well, on the day of the proposal, the couple stepped out for a walk. The bride-to-be, completely unaware of what was brewing, had filled her coat pockets with carrots to feed to any horses they might meet along the way. Hard to resist a fun detail like that!
For the jacket, I wanted to match the fabric of the human-sized version as closely as possible… But alas, Dublin’s fabric shops were unable to oblige. All the checks were too big, and would swamp a little Beastie frame! When you’re making miniature clothes, EVERYTHING needs to shrink down, including any patterns or motifs on the material you use. But I wasn’t worried… When life hands you lemons, hit the charity shops! And sure enough, I found a skirt which fitted the bill perfectly. Better still, I’d bet my sewing machine that it had never even been worn – what a win!
The coat has carefully pattern-matched pockets (perfect for filling with carrots) and supporting wire in the collar so it sits open neatly.
And underneath…
… A little hand-knitted sweater! In the past year I’ve switched up my sweater design with new methods for casting on and casting off, plus the addition of a few strategic short rows to create a better neckline shape. This one also features slightly puffed sleeves – it was a delicate balance to make sure they weren’t too big for the jacket sleeves!
She’s also got a handy felt handbag, to carry any extra essentials.
And as we all know, Beastie bags usually have something hidden inside…
BRRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNG! BRRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNG!
“Oh, sorry! Is that me? It is! Hold on a sec…”
Well, if a person (or Beastie) makes their living online, they HAVE to have a phone, don’t they?
This new-style Beast-iPhone has a reflective screen and (you might juuuuust be able to see in the photo on the right) a double-lens camera for those handy snaps when you’re out and about. It’s also got a magnet inside so the Beastie can really hold it!
I had so much fun with this commission! But, I hear you ask, where’s the other half of this happy Beastie couple? Don’t worry, we’ll meet him next time… And there may be another important addition to this party too. Stay tuned!
Now, I don’t mind admitting that this was a pretty big project. All Beastifications are important, of course, but it was hinted that this pair would be joining the wedding party on the day. They’d be given the monster task of looking after (not eating!) the wedding cake, and the ceremony and reception were to take place in the oh-so-fancy Merchant Hotel in Belfast.
The jackets close with a snap fastener, and are completely removable. Underneath, a shirt with felt collar and cuffs completes the look… Then a black ribbon bow tie adds a final flourish. Here’s Mr P Beastie to give us a close-up!
Let’s just take another look at those jackets… First of all, they’re fully lined!
I used a lighter weight wool and viscose blend felt for this, to make sure the jackets kept their lines and didn’t end up looking like bulky winter coats. They’ve got black satin collars, and…
… I even copied the cuff buttons from the human-sized version!
… And then sending them down the aisle with a special accessory each!
Meanwhile, Mr D Beastie decided to toast to the success of the marriage with a refreshing Beastie-sized pint.
Strategically-placed magnets mean that the Beasties can set their goodies down and hit the dancefloor at the end of the night, too!
And while they’re off honeymooning, we might indulge in a bit more holiday reminiscing ourselves! Join us next week for more from