My Journey

Measure 9" X 7" for the bloomers, cut two. Fold material in half and cut a slit down the middle.

Sew sides and middle

Fold down and sew a small seam at top, leave a small opening at the end. Weave elastic through.

Turn the bloomers right side out.

Now, I started working on the body again.

I sewed all of the pieces, and then turned them right side out.

 Next I stuffed.

These are the tools and stuffing that I used. My turning tools are just simple dowels in various sizes. The stuffing is poly fill.

These are what the arms look like stuffed.

I sewed the arms and legs on, painted a face and dressed my doll.

Now, this is my first doll, but since I've finished her, I have created several more. I finally found a face that I liked. I'll have to post the new doll later, when I get a picture of her.

Making the dolls is trial and error, but after making the first and then the second it gets easier with each one. On my first doll, I didn't like the cheeks barn red, and opted out for a bright red color. I also decided not to paint the white under the eye with the next dolls that I used.

I also put a box bottom on each doll so that they can sit easier. The way that I do it is different than the way most people do it. You can do a search using google for making a box bottom, or even doll making, and they will show you how to do it the correct way. I just basically sewed across the body of the body, then stitched diagonally, like a triangle, and then clipped close to the stitching. You can also add poly pellets in the bottom of the body to give it a little weight. I put the pellets in the first three dolls that I made and then didn't put it in the next three. I haven't decided yet which way I like better.

Paint and embroider your dolls face, paint the shoes, and a red ring around the leg. I added a red ring later on this doll, along with a white larger ring for socks. Lastly, I sewed on the hair. There is a really great doll and hair tutorial here: http://www.bowls-n-annies.com/pages/Makingaprimitivedoll.htm

So, here is my first try at a doll.

My next doll looks totally different. I will post her when I get her dressed. Right now, she and her other four "sisters" are naked waiting for a cute dress to wear.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by OklahomaJamie
Isn't that cute!!