Loving the Process
When my children were little, I decided to make them both cloth dolls. The Waldorf-style dolls were and still are very popular so that was the choice for me. Back then I did not have a sewing machine so I sewed them by hand. Time seems to slow down when I make anything by hand. It’s a lovely experience that all should attempt in their lifetime.
Now 25 years later, there is a wealth of info and examples on the internet on how to make cloth dolls. I just pulled out an old pattern and started afresh on something that I was making for a friend and just because. Sometimes one wants the experience to see if the skill set is still there. I also was hoping to sell a few if I came up with a reasonable price that could be agreed upon by both parties.
So let’s look at what I created, shall we?
I wanted to use all the skin colors available to me. These little pieces will be cut into shapes that will be the doll hands.
My work station usually is in the kitchen where I am doing multiple things like keeping the wood stove going, cooking broth or making yogurt, and attempting to fit some sewing in as well. All has to be put away overnight or the cats will think they have a new toy to play with when I am not watching. A few of the stuffed hands had to be retrieved from under furniture because of the naughty cats.
The doll “skin” has been pulled tight and hand sewn on the back of the dolls.
Here we can see the velvet outfit of the sack dolls. These dolls are perfect for small children since there aren’t any removable parts to worry about. And they are sooooo squeezable since the are full with sheep’s wool.
The faces are sewn on from the back of the head to hide the stitches. Then the little bit of the hair is sewn on the front. The cap has a little sweet bell placed inside before it is stitched on so the doll make a cute little sound when moved or picked up.
I always make sure to use many hand stitches when sewing these dolls together since I know they will be well loved by the children who receive them.
I think the most stressful part of this process would be the face. I was’t able to finish one of the dolls because I wasn’t happy with the face, took out the stitches more than once, and ended up ripping the fabric. Live and learn. And how do you learn? By doing!!!
Thanks for stopping by. God bless and be well!
All photos are taken by me.
