Mari Asikainen

 
  Scale Model Collection of Fantasy Dresses: Four Elf Dolls Based on Finnish Folklore  
  Textile Design   2158/2004
 
 
Image: Mari Asikainen
 
 

The author’s final project work involved the making of four Elf dolls, inspired by Finnish folklore and the author’s previous experience in weaving plant material. The dolls – Household Fairy, Cowshed Elf, Kiln Gnome and Sauna Fairy - took their appearance from the Elf faith and their form from traditional rag dolls and dressed in fantasy garments based on Finnish peasant costume. The clothing fabric used was linen and for the weft, hand-spun fibres and indigenous Finnish plants, discovered and developed by the author. The main goal of the author was to create scale models in order to show her skills as a fabric designer and weaver. The scale models are essentially samples for the design and production of real size fantasy costumes. The author produced two sample warps by experimenting with different combinations of linen and plant material. The best alternatives were then selected and used. The author feels she has succeeded in her objectives as the goal of the collection was to provide ideas for the future design of fantasy dresses for a life-sized clientele. This final project work is meant for people who seek inspiration from folklore for weaving and other handicrafts.

 
  Keywords: Folklore, elves, dolls, fantasy dress, plant material  
  Right of use: To be studied in the place where deposited. Can be copied only under the written permission of the author.  
  Number, file/product, number of pages:
2158:1 Book A4 Raport 68 pages 2158:2 Folder A4 Material samples (3)
 
  Other parts of the work and where deposited:
2158:3 Folder A4 (2) In authors possession 2158:4 Dolls (4) In authors possession