A New Doll

Here is a picture of my lastest doll. Can you tell I am having fun with these dolls? I never would have guessed. Anyway, here she is in her current state of undoneness. And unfortunately, here she will sit/stand for a while. I am the proud owner of three broken sewing machines. Yup, all three broken at the same time.

It is a good thing that I like hand work or I think I'd go batty. So, tonight I'll be working on my under the sea block. The mermaid is almost done. I'll post some more pictures as I get more done.

Petals

Here is another picture of my doll Petals. I was going to edit the previous post but decided to play it safe with a new post instead.
I found the link for the challenge from Sherry Goshons elf pattern. It is called "Who Am I Challenge". Some of these are amazing! I think I have found a new addiction. These dolls are a lot of fun to play with. I'm trying to decide what doll to make next. Of course I am still working on the white angels. I finished the one I'll be sending to Pat of Gatherings.
I know that I'll be making more for her also. I have also finished one for the CQ Friendship doll swap at CQI. I am almost done with one I"ll be sending to my Aunt. I'll have a picture of that one pretty soon.

Petals

Petals
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I am such a terrible blogger. It seems that I keep up in spurts. Oh well, at least I have been busy. Besides family life in the summer that is.
I'd like to introduce Petals. I thought that the name "fit" but she may be up for a name change. She is made from a free pattern by Sherry Goshon. This was actually a challenge pattern. (I'll edit this post when I find the link to those dolls. They are just amazing!) This pattern can be found at http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/ with the free patterns.
I had a lot of fun with her!

cloth doll

cltoh doll
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Here she is! The first doll I've made. It was quite a journey. There is a very fine line between fun and frustration. I'm happy to say that the fun stands out more. There are quite a few mistakes I've made along the way too. I hope I remember them so I don't do them again.
I'm not too crazy about her hair but she looks better this way than bald. I think that doing hair will only improve with experience. Oh, and her legs are way too wobbly, I think the thread broke. I'll have to redo them. That was part of the frustrating part. Her arms and legs would get in my way. I felt like I needed an extra hand at times.
For now I'm going to leave her up on the television where she is very visible. I'm waiting for her to tell me her name!

Purple doll

Purple doll
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

Just a little update on this doll. I dyed the lace and then added some Jacquard paint for a little sparkle. I'm using seed beads to hold the lace down. My poor fingers and I'm not even half way there yet! I love adding beads to things. That extra step just makes a big difference.
I also dyed lace for her wrists and ankles. Unless I change my mind.... again.

Another Doll

Another Doll
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This is what I've done so far today. I think I'm addicted to these cloth dolls. And look at those hands! Not one seam broke through. Perhaps I'll get the legs done tomorrow.

Cloth Doll

Cloth Doll
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

I made a little more progress this afternoon. I finished the ruffle around her neck. I also added the lace and ruffle around each wrist. Her hands are finally painted and no longer look like she was wearing gloves. I think her hands look much nicer with the fingers interlocking. You can see less flaws. Maybe I should put something in her hands? Hummm, I'll have to think on that. And the waistband of the skirt just isn't working for me. lol I'll have to play with it a bit. I have what I think is the perfect fabric for the shoes. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to play with that. I am way too tired to start tonight. I know I'll just get frustrated. And then comes the hair. I have absolutely no idea on that one. I think I should practice on one of the many "extra" heads I have in a small plastic bin on my sewing table.
Well, I am proud of myself for coming as far as I have with this. I have always admired these dolls and never thought I'd be able to do one. I am already trying to think which one I want to do next!

Cloth Doll

Cloth Doll
Originally uploaded by sewquilty.

This is my current work-in-progress. She is chock full of mistakes but I am loving every minute of it! Especially once I purchased an open-toed craft foot for my sewing machine. What a difference that made. Imagine being able to see where I am sewing.
This should be "Goldberry of Withkywindle" which is a Patti Culea pattern. I did her feet wrong but thats ok since she will be wearing shoes. I didn't stuff her hands enough nor did I paint them before I attached them to her arms. When I have her fingers interlocking they look much better. I was just sitting outside attaching the ruffle and when I went to snip a thread I gave her a boo-boo instead. Time to put her down and some fray check should solve that one. I hope! I'll also paint her hands and they can dry overnight.
I will be posting an update in the next few days.