Once upon a time I bought a lovely pattern from Adirondack Patterns for a Waldorf doll. Despite the amazing tutorial, I remained daunted. I've coveted dolls by so many talented people. I've tried to budget the necessary $70+ each for three dolls. I've looked into kits and premade bodies. I've dreamed of convoluted trades and swaps.
Today, with all of my kids awake and moving, I started a doll. Why didn't I do this while the Beast was sleeping? I'll never know. However! Look at the progress I've made:
The face isn't great. The nose needs work. The body looks blocky. The arms seem really long. I assure you that these are user error. But look at what I did! I made a doll! It wasn't a complete disaster! And the Beast seems smitten - even with it bald and freaky looking.
I'm working on hair for it now. Not sure what style, but at least it won't be bald any more. The Imp has already requested that I buy more wool stuffing so that he can have a doll, too.
Squee!
Well done! Looks pretty good to me! I'm still a bit daunted, but am going to give making one a go shortly - waiting on some supplies ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf I can do it, anyone can! Again, the wonderful tutorial/pattern from Adirondack Patterns helped immensely. They make it look so easy!
DeleteWoo hoo - with your little ones awake even?! You're amazing!! It looks so sweet - I can't wait to see it finished. XO
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I owe you more than I can say for kickstarting my motivation. I have a crochet cap sewn on and need to hook in some hair. Then I'll whip up some knitwear and that'll be it!
DeleteI've ordered five more pounds of wool stuffing (am I insane or what?) and can't wait to start on dolls for my other boys!
I agree with happy-whimsical -- it looks good to me, too. The face is very sweet, and the body looks well proportioned. The arms, perhaps a bit long, but this seems to be standard for Waldorf-style dolls (not sure why, but I've noticed this on other dolls before.) Anyhow, once you have clothing on the doll, it will look cute as all heck...
ReplyDeleteAnd if you want, I can send you a photo of the doll I have for a simple hair design. Easiest hair? Crochet a mohair-yarn cap!
Bravissima!
I've done hair for my knitted dolls before, so I'm not really worried. I've crocheted a cap and will hook in some wild hair later (my time is somewhat taken by a certain capelet *wink*).
DeleteI read the updated tutorial and apparently the direction of the fabric's stretch accounts for the arms. I'll just make the legs a bit longer (and stuff them less so that I can sew the "feet" properly) next time.
Squee! (:
Fantastic job. I actually quite love the face...especially the nose. And I agree with M. Bloom above, once you have clothes on it, I don't think the arms will look too long at all.
ReplyDeleteGreat job.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! I'm quite taken with the nose, myself. (:
DeleteIt looks wonderful!!!! I've been wanting to make one for a while too but am so intimidated. I may have to try after all!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, if I can do it, anyone can. Sewing and I are enemies. I even broke a needle making this doll. Don't ask me how, because I still don't know. (:
DeleteThat is SO GREAT! I love how you have the arms attached - much more natural than many I've seen. I do have to say that the long arms seems normal on Waldorf dolls(normal enough for me to have noticed anyway). I wonder why that is? Better for hugging maybe?
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how those little poking-out noses get made. Utter mystery to me. Ok so what are the blue bits on his head? If that's some sort of secret doll maker only trick, don't tell me!
I know I emailed you about this, but I figure other people might want the answer, too.
DeleteThe blue strings are the tails from making the eyes. A great nose tutorial can be found here: http://www.thesilverpenny.com/FreeProjectDollHeadDirections.html
Whee! (:
Its looking great! I started a doll years ago, but never finished. I know just how challenging they are. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember you mentioning the doll - once upon a time, long, long ago when I lamented on LJ about wanting to make a doll.
DeleteI'm so glad that I finally just dove in and gave it a try. (:
Oh, but this looks wonderful! And, you don't like to sew? It seems like you are enjoying this project! And, your children will soon too... -heather
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! It's not that I don't like sewing, exactly. It's that I don't like ironing and measuring and cutting out patterns. It's all too.. precise. I'm not good at it. This pattern, though, is so spectacular that I couldn't resist! (:
DeleteLOVE it! Can't wait to see how you dress it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becky! It's all dressed now - though I'm told it needs socks and shoes. *falls over*
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