Joseph is the fourth character of the Prim Nativity Series. You'll notice a definite departure from the glittery outfits of the Wise Men as we move to the simpler dress of Joseph and Mary (and The Shepherd for that matter!). Joseph has a simple outfit (which makes it easy to construct!), with very little embroidery and no beadwork. He's got a shawl made from coffee-stained cheesecloth, which adds a great texture element to the figure.
Coffee Stained Cheesecloth?
Where can you get cheesecloth? Look in the kitchen area of your local dollar store, or ask at the Fabric store. To coffee stain I use a mixture of instant coffee and water, and if I want to make it smell REALLY good, I'll add in a good splash of vanilla! Usually 2 Tbsp instant coffee to 1 cup of hot water. Let it cool a bit so you don't hurt yourself, then submerge the cheesecloth, squeeze out the coffee and lay it out to dry. Presto, coffee stained cheesecloth!
Trimming the Pipe Cleaners
As you're starting to work with some smaller felt pieces, you will notice we are cutting the fuzz off of the pipe cleaners. Be careful if you're using your fabric scissors for this, you don't want to accidentally nick them on the metal wire! Believe me, I've done that by accident and it can ruin a pair of very expensive scissors.
A Note on Scissors and Glue Gun
Speaking of scissors, do you have a favourite brand? I love Kai as a brand. Their scissors are super sharp, they come in a variety of options and they've always cut right to the tip - I've been asked recently what my favourite glue gun is! I recently got a precision tip Surebonder, but I'm not quite sold (it leaks glue when not in use which I find annoying) - so far my favourite is the Gorilla mini glue gun, I now have two of them and they really are my go-to's!
Don't Forget..
Joseph's Lantern Band and Hat Band are two pieces to be careful with, that they don't tear or stretch out of shape when removing the sulky!
And that's about it! There wasn't a lot of watch points I have for Joseph as he's a character with simple embroidery, and there aren't really any new techniques introduced in his pattern. So have fun with this one, and next up is Mary and Baby Jesus!