Canadian Plush Makers: Rousskine

Here's her photo where she won first prize Presence of the Fondation du Cégep du Vieux Montreal

 
I came upon Dominique's blog when she found mine! She makes the cutest handmade knitted dolls! They're like little people and animals. I love the patterns inter-weaved in the solids, like fancy Canadian wooly sweaters you love to look at, but hate to wear (cause they're so prickly).

I first saw her at the coveted Salon des métiers d'arts here in Montreal in December. It's a HUGE event full of artisans who make their own product, and display them for a month in this expo. It's stupidly expensive (can be as expensive as $9000 for a booth) and you have to supply it all... lights, supports, walls, shelves, everything! It's an event which requires helpers and a truck (or car).

Anyway, she hand knits everything. I love her different looks, the little details, and the quality of her work. She studied textile arts at the Cégep du Vieux Montréal.

Here's a picture of the before, where she has her knitted object all laid out, eyes are being sewn on, and it's ready to be assembled:

I didn't know they were knitted in the flat and then sewn together! It totally makes for an easier project.

I asked Dominique a few questions about her process...

Q: Do you knit your dolls with needles, or a machine? I know you say it's hand knit, but is it really!? And if so, then WOW!

A: It's machine knitted! Oh my, I would never have the patience to knit all that with needles. I say by hand because it's a domestic machine, hand operated, it doesn't knit all by itself.

Q: how long does one doll take you to do from start of knitting, to the end with the stuffing and closing?

A: Hmm how long it takes is a very good question. The problem is, i never make one at a time, i make them in series, and well rarely time myself. Technically it takes 15 minutes to knit a small doll. And then i would say it takes 20 to 30 minutes to do the rest, but that's just a approximation.


Here's a peek at a few of her finished creations:

The owl, and the little one. The mama is wearing shoes!

Orange and blue, and just one eye, cause the hair's sweeping over. I think this one's a girl. :) She has a flower in her hair.

No post is complete without a kitty, and now you could own your very own Rousskine knitted cat.

This is a really cute bear, who's also wearing shoes. The best part is the belly band with the great pattern!

Visit her:  Blog  Facebook  Etsy

Well I wish this girl loads of luck in starting her business. Although I don't think she'll have too many problems! :) I did a little Google search of her, and found some stuff about her. Her school's done a good job getting her noticed in Montreal. :) Plus, her stuff is super original and cuddly!