Number One

Number one is done. Here's a very bad cell phone picture:



Pattern: From Elizabeth armstrong's pin doll book, the name of which escapes me at the moment.

Size: About 6 inches tall

Materials: Hand dyed cotton for head, arms, and legs; cotton prints for body and clothes; Yadeno mohair for hair; stuffed with Hobbs Polydown

I've decided to list as much as I can about the materials I use in each doll. You'll notice that I'm so crazy that i'll actually specify which TYPE of stuffing I use, and that's because I'm manic on the subject. I assume if you're reading this blog that you actually care about such things, and I promise not to get too boring on the topic, but stuffing matters, and every brand is different. Many dollmakers think that fiberfill is fiberfill, but it's not. You need different kinds for different effects. Hobbs is my favorite all around stuffing, because it is the only kind that has almost no unexploded lumps in it. It is expensive and fairly hard to find, but it is 100 percent worth the effort and money. I am sure at some point I will devote far, far too many words to this subject, but that's enough for right now.

I'm quite pleased with myself for not only getting a doll done this past week, but actually managing to post her. I intend to post much better pictures after this but that will require actually finding my digital camera and making sure that the batteries work and then actually locating the cord required to download the pics onto my computer.

I have several other dolls in progress right now, and honestly, this one required the least amount of work so I can't be too proud. But I was determined not to fall behind in my first week. I like this little lady. I think she needs something to hold, but nothing particularly struck my fancy. She'll be a good doll to tie onto a package or to use as a Christmas ornament.

The Year Of Dolls

In 2009, I have set myself the goal of finishing one doll every week. By January 1, 2010, I will have documented at least 52 dolls on this blog.

Here are my rules:

1. At least one finished doll per week

2. I may use dolls already in progress as of this writing towards the finished total, although they must be in pieces with at least 4 hours of work left to qualify. No fair adding hair or a few beads and calling it "done".

3. The dolls do not have to be made from start to finish in one week, as some dolls will require more time

4. I may include bears and other soft sculpture animals in the total

5. My doll week starts and ends on Thursdays.

6. Each doll completed must be photographed, however poorly, and posted here

7. If I miss a week, that means the next week I must produce two dolls.

8. All dolls must be made from my stash.

9. Starting today, and continuing until Jan 1, 2010, I am not allowed to purchase anything for a doll except for thread, needles, stuffing, and face painting supplies. All fabrics, accessories, and other materials must be from my existing [unbelievably enormous] stash.

10. Each creation will have an entry listing materials used, including pattern and any changes made to it, with notes and approx. time needed to complete.


I am a dollmaker with too many supplies and ideas who doesn't make enough time for dolls. This project is my way of forcing myself to change gears. Onward!