So here I’ve been whinging about my lack of doll sales, now I’ve sold 2 in 2 days! So today will hopefully consist of starting some new dolls and maybe finishing my embroidery (which incidentally has somehow become a wallhanging).
A big thankyou to all my customers and others who support my crafting efforts, its so lovely to be rewarded for what you do!
Uncategorized
And the winner is………
Congratulations Rachelle, please email me with your details so I can send off your doll!
Making waldorf dolls
I found this interesting post on low long it takes to make a waldorf doll and what work you put into it. It can be disappointing when people won’t buy your dolls unless they are cheap, they just don’t seem to realise the time it takes and the money you outlay to get the materials in the first place.
I’ll be back later today to draw the GIVEAWAY winner.
The Simple Woman’s Daybook
I’m participating in this after seeing it on Tracy’s blog recently and thought it was a lovely idea. If you want to participate you can go to The Simple Woman’s Daybook.
FOR TODAY 31st of March 2009.
Outside my window…. Warm Autumn sunshine, the children and I just returned from a walk.
I am thinking…. Its lunchtime, thank goodness I got up early this morning and had bread baked before the children rose.
I am thankful for… God’s constant loving care of me and my family.
From the learning rooms… English, Faith and Life, General Knowledge, colours and numbers (thats the children, not me!)
From the kitchen… Home made bread and tomato relish.
I am wearing.. Plain home clothes, long skirt and top.
I am creating… an embroidery, a table runner and a waldorf doll (not all at the same time, though!)
I am going… to try and produce some embroidery patterns to sell.
I am reading.. The “Little House Series”, I’m on the Caroline Years at the moment.
I am hoping… For too many things to write here, “hope springs eternal”.
I am hearing… The chooks clucking softly and the children chattering to one another as they go about their work.
Around the house… things are looking good, we had the carpets cleaned yesterday and what a difference it makes.
One of my favourite things… is to be with my family when we are all happy and well and all seems right with the world.
A few plans for the rest of the week… Homeschooler’s group pet day where my son’s rat will make an appearance, the usual homeschooling and home maintenance and hopefully time for sewing and designing.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing.. Its at the top, sorry I couldn’t move it. Its a painting my Mother gave me for my 10th birthday. It was painted by a very talented artist friend of hers, a Mrs. Jan Barry.
Time to pick up old threads
My doll sales at Etsy have steeply declined; that is to say, I haven’t had a sale in weeks. Its been getting me down quite a bit as I feel the dolls I’m making now are the best I’ve ever done and I really don’t want to lower my prices as they are already low. Some other dollmakers seem to be booming.Anyhow… in my mopey state I decided to refocus. I hadn’t embroidered for some time so I picked up the needle and hoop again. I went through all my designs (of which there are plenty that are still just on paper) and I picked out Mr. Brown. Poor Mr Brown has been flat shades of grey for so long I simply had to do something about it. This is a sneak peek and I must say I’m loving stitching all over again.
I’m also knitting possibly the smallest thing I’ve ever knitted for this project.
Must put in a reminder for the GIVEAWAY!
Boy doll.
Here is the little lad who has been keeping me away. Don’t you love his hair?! I’ll definately be using the raw mohair again. It took a long time to sew in little pieces all over his head, but so worth it! He is looking for a new home, check out the shop if you’re interested.
Crafty Mamas swap
Thankyou Tas! So many little buttons and ribbons, she even included a fabric book for the new baby.
These are my favourite, crocheted flowers, just gorgeous.I also received a little package from Stokesay mohair Farm today, some beautifully soft mohair I intend to use on dolls. So, its been a good day for me so far š
GIVEAWAY!
Just for the fun of it, leave a comment to go in the draw to win this little velvet waldorf pouch doll. She stands 9 inches tall and has long ash blonde mohair hair. I’ll use my random generator (my son) to pick a name from a hat. Winner will be drawn on the 1st of April. (I know its April Fool’s day but its an easy date for me to remember!) Good luck!
How to make a knitted pouch doll
These are rough instructions, if you can knit you should be fine.
You will need:
small square of tricot
small square of lining
crochet cotton or string
clean carded wool
embroidery thread
1 50g ball of yarn
1. Make the head first. I will not give instructions for this here as there are some really good photo tutorials here and here. I also highly recomment the book “Making Waldorf Dolls” by Maricristin Sealey, it is an excellent resource for dollmakers. For this project you will want a small head, about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Leave a little fabric and wool beneath the neck of the head so that when you sew the head to the body it is firm, not floppy.
2. Embroider in the doll’s facial features by taking the needle in through the back of the head and out the front. The back of the head will be covered so the thread showing doesn’t matter.
3. Now knit a square measuring approximately 7 inches x 7 inches. You can knit in garter or stockinette stitch, whatever you prefer. I use 8 ply yarn on 3 & 3/4 sized needles. You want a tight knit to prevent your stuffing from poking through. Knit another square identical to the first. Join them together on 3 sides, right sides together, then turn right side out. Leave the top edge open for now. Stuff your pouch with carded wool, not too much or your doll will be very fat!
Insert the head into the top opening and pin in place. Sew up either side of the head firmly. Then, sew around the neck, joining it to the body with matching cotton thread. Sew around twice and check that the head will stay in firmly.
4. Knit a little pixie hat for your doll. Cast on 30 – 40 stitches (depending on the size of head). Knit 2 rows of rib stitch (knit 1, purl 1, repeat to end of row). Then knit in garter or stockinette until the hat will reach the top of the doll’s head. Then start to decrease gradually so that you end up with about 5 stitches left on the needle. Cast off. Join, right sides together so the top of the hat meets in a little point. Turn right side out and fit onto head. Sew on firmly with cotton thread.
5. You can leave the doll as is, or, to give the illusion of little wing – like arms run a gathering stitch with yarn from one side of the body and right around. Pull until you have the right tension.
6. Give the doll to a toddler and watch their face light up!
Note: I’m no expert at knitting, being self taught. If these instructions don’t make sense or you need clarification please let me know so I can improve my online teaching skills!
Knitted pouch doll
Another one finished and listed in the shop.
I made one for my daughter ages ago and she still loves it, so thought I’d make one to sell. The organic merino wool is so beautiful to knit with, and being stuffed with wool she is so cuddly too.