Since I sew for a 'living', it's not really a hobby anymore. I still like to do other crafts from time to time but don't usually have much time for it. Recently, though, a couple friends jokingly challenged me to try making a Waldorf inspired doll (there was an ulterior motive to their challenge but that's OK LOL). I hadn't done much looking at soft dolls since my daughter hasn't shown much interest in dolls in general. However, I thought it might be fun to see what I could do with what I had on hand.
First I looked online at tutorials and websites, like
Bamboletta, for dolls like I had in mind. I realized that I wouldn't be able to stay totally true to the ideals of this style in that I'd be using polyester batting for the stuffing (wool is the preferred choice for these dolls) and my selection of knit and yarn colors tended toward the bright rather than skin tones but I was excited by the idea of trying. My first head was OK but not what I had hoped to achieve. The facial features were small and the 'hair' shed a lot of fluff with the slightest movement. Still, I thought it showed promise. Best of all, my daughter seemed very interested in what I'd made.
The next head was much better all around. She still doesn't have much of a chin but otherwise I felt like this might actually be something I'd enjoy doing. The next step is to create a body. I'm debating trying to draft my own pattern for that or purchasing one like the ebooks I found at
Dancing Rain Dolls. I had been thinking of making her into a fairy but now that she's got hair, I think she might need to be a mermaid.
Be sure to identify yourself in some way so I can contact you at the end of the contest. I'll close this to entries on Sunday, 12/5, at 8pm Pacific.
As a fun way to celebrate October birthdays for my daughter and me, I'm doing a doll giveaway. I've made 2 dolls so the winner can select a boy or girl, Hollis and Ivy. The other will be available for purchase after the giveaway is finished. For a chance to win one of these cute little holiday elves, you must be a fan on my Facebook page and post a comment below. Be sure to identify yourself in some way so I can contact you at the end of the contest. I'll close this to entries on Friday, 10/29, at 8pm Pacific.
First I looked online at tutorials and websites, like Bamboletta, for dolls like I had in mind. I realized that I wouldn't be able to stay totally true to the ideals of this style in that I'd be using polyester batting for the stuffing (wool is the preferred choice for these dolls) and my selection of knit and yarn colors tended toward the bright rather than skin tones but I was excited by the idea of trying. My first head was OK but not what I had hoped to achieve. The facial features were small and the 'hair' shed a lot of fluff with the slightest movement. Still, I thought it showed promise. Best of all, my daughter seemed very interested in what I'd made.
The next head was much better all around. She still doesn't have much of a chin but otherwise I felt like this might actually be something I'd enjoy doing. The next step is to create a body. I'm debating trying to draft my own pattern for that or purchasing one like the ebooks I found at Dancing Rain Dolls. I had been thinking of making her into a fairy but now that she's got hair, I think she might need to be a mermaid.
The Audrey Ruffle Skirt pattern is now in the initial release. I currently have it offered via my Facebook fan page. Here is one skirt I made using the pattern.
I have, though, been busy working on patterns that are/will be available in PDF form. The first, the Zoe Frilled Layer Skirt is available through my Etsy shop as well as on youcanmakethis.com. 
