My "Vintage" Sewing Years: Part 3 Burlap Figures

My "Vintage" Sewing Years: Part 3 Burlap Figures

Creating Burlap Figures is like doing sculptures in fiber. I started with a simple wire armature (like a stick figure of wire as a base, but with an extra "leg" to make the figure stand upright ... kind of like a tripod on the lower body).

After creating the armature, I wrapped it completely with burlap, glued the edges to prevent fraying, tied and sewed where necessary to ensure the burlap adhered to the wire frame. Any places that required padding were covered with a larger piece of burlap, and stuffed with leftover threads and smaller pieces from the cuttings.

When the basic figure and any accessories I created to go with it were completely dry, I simply let my imagination take over and created whatever figure my mind fancied. I made all of these by hand, including all the accessories.

Three burlap figures:
Young girl with doll.
Woman with bundle of flowers.
Woman with basket on her head.

Woman carrying small basket.

Woman with woven basket of dried flowers.

Children playing:

Boy on Hobby Horse
Girl with Ball
Boy pulling Wagon with Dog

This is the only Burlap Figure I kept for myself - The Shepherdess. I just couldn't bear to part with her, and she has a special place on my dresser.

@michelle.gent is doing a Saturday Craft - Make or Bake post series, and has invited us to join her. Just add your link to the comments on her posts; or create your own post showing what you have made - or baked, and post using the tag #make-orbake. (Please note this is only for crafts or baking, NOT photography or writing!)

Armature and Burlap Sample Google Images Labelled Free for Reuse
All other photos are my own.