A little while back I mentioned the possibility of making some new rag dolls to my children.
Now, I’m not sure what it’s like in your house, but in ours once these fatal words are uttered; “I could make you a…” there is no going back.
They can’t be unsaid people.
My children become obsessed – questioning progress, reminding of promises, creating grandiose plans, proposals and plays all centered around the procurement of said item which I am going to produce. When Mummy? Have you started it Mummy? When will it be finished Mummy?
Doll making, it turns out, is SO not my thing.
Maybe it’s just fiddly sewing I’m no good at? I confess there was so much teeth gnashing and cursing before these two were finished I’m surprised they didn’t both end up with curly hair. Or toes.
Anyway they were finished, and while they are not perfect, they are quite fun… and now that the memory of me sitting up till the wee small hours unpicking and re-sewing has faded, I can look at them and smile. Well, ok, I can look at these two playing with them and smile 🙂
Maia requested red hair and plaits, Carter wanted a super hero – hence the mask and cape. I’ve promised I’ll make some more clothes for them (and a mermaid tail for Maia’s (!))… Maybe next week! MAYBE!
Or maybe I should just stick to crochet and make them a hat, scarf, gloves and a cardigan or two…
If you are looking for a free pattern/ doll making tutorial check out these dolls made by the amazingly talented Lier. That’s how a professional does it.
Have you ever sewn dolls? What do you think… Doll making: frustrating or fun? Hope your week is going well!
Janette x
Try crocheted dolls. http://www.byhookbyhand.blogspot.com/ Beth has some lovely free patterns for dolls and clothes for them.
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Hi, yes Ive made lots of crocheted dolls – even designed some of my own (so much easier than sewing!!) By hook, By hand is awesome! xx
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Oh, and btw, I love your raggies! Your kids look so thrilled with them!!
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They are more than happy with them! xx
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Your children look very pleased with their dolls and I think they look great too.
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Thanks 🙂 xxx
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Must be Pippi Longstocking! When I had my daughter (after 4 boys) I bought a kit to make her a doll. As newborn my daughter was brown haired, so I bought the doll to look like her!. After the summer she was blond. I still have the kit, unopened in our basement! (What was I thinking with 5 kids under 8 years?) Now my daughter is already 19….Maybe the doll will be done for a grandchild?
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I think it might be to be like Arriety from the Borrowers!! Wise move, leaving it unopened… Id suggest getting it out sometime soon and making it for a future grandchild (before any are born) so that there is no time pressure to have it finished 🙂
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Good idea!
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wow thay look good you are clever i know what you mean children NEVER forget
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NEVER EVER 😉
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These are gorgeous!! Love
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Thank you!
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Your dolls are adorable!! So are your kidlets!! You sure made them smile!! I have never made a doll, would love to make a Raggedy Ann and Andy someday maybe! Hugz Lisa and Bear
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Thanks Lisa, I had a raggedy ann too- except I called her Jemima (as you do!) xx
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Your kids are so sweet and wholesome! I love that they’re asking for rag dolls instead of computer games! How did you do it???
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Must be some deep psychological thing through constant crafting!!!! They’ll probably hold it against me when they are older hee hee
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Aww ! both dolls, the live ones and the raggedy ones are so adorable !! They seem made for each other. you have done an excellent job of the face ..eyes, nose, and hair. I know I dread hand sewing too and avoid crochet projects that need lining 😉
maybe you can try sock toys…they are quicker and easier compared to rag dolls involving minimal sewing. I made some, and they are more cuddly and softer. I have also made professional rag dolls when I was in school/college that represented different regional dance forms. But now I dread to even contemplate doing it 😦
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I have been wanting to make a sock monkey for some time- Ill add that to my to do list!!
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I’m not good in sewing, so I knit dolls!!!! ;oD
yours are really nice!!!!
xxxxx Ale
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To be fair I think Ill be sticking to crocheted dolls from now on too 🙂
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They are great! At least you can move on now! I think these testing projects make us appreciate a whole lot more what goes into other peoples makes.
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Yes, and how some people really undervalue their time and skill! If I added the amount of time spent on these dolls they would be priceless 🙂
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Reblogged this on I feel crafty and commented:
Love handmade dolls? Especially for the winter season I like handsew projects like these. They make wonderful and very personal Christmas gifts!
Check out Janette ‘s rag dolls on her blog The Green Dragonfly
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Thanks Nina x x x
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The dolls look lovely and they are obviously much appreciated. I made a rag doll once, a long, long time ago. The only thing I remember is that I hadn’t realised how much bigger you need to make the flat outline compared to the size of the finished doll you want, as when it is stuffed the thickness takes so much out of the fullness.
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Yes, these turned out much smaller (especially the heads go figure) than I thought they would. Next time I would make them much much bigger. I also think that would make them easier because the sewing wouldnt be so tight!
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🙂
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The dolls are beautiful! There is nothing more comforting than a handmade doll. I remember the Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy that my baby sitter made for me when I was about 8 years old. Also, I have my father’s rag doll, Stinky, that my grandmother or aunt made for him.
I had to LOL about your experience sewing these dolls. I recently sewed a Halloween costume for my 13-year-old daughter, and I swore never again! What was I thinking? I think the pattern instructions were written just to make me angry! Talk about picking out stitches until I nearly went blind! Yikes!
I am new to your blog, and I am really enjoying it! Bless you!
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Oh poor you! I feel your pain! Unpicking is the worst!!! I think Ill stick to easy straight sewing from now on… skirts, bags etc nothing fiddly or with round edges…
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Yes, you can’t unsay, “I can make that.” I have a few projects on the pile right now that the boys have requested.
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I’ve tried a few times with, are you sure I said that… I dont think so 🙂
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PS Im glad to know Im not the only one making tings at my children’s whims!!!
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They are wonderful 🙂
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Thank you (and just dont look to closely)!
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I love the dolls! I would love to do some doll-making, but I have not tried yet. I suspect I would find it frustrating, but it would be cool to have done it, :).
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Start early in the day, not after everyone has gone to bed and you are already tired – Im sure you will be fine 🙂
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They are just fabulous !! Well done!
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Thank you!! Fortunately kids are very generous and dont notice small (ahem) flaws!
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They are fabulous! I understand fully the whole scenario! I used to think “oh they are only little for a short time” my 18 year old nephew still wants toys made (for his dog) and another boy for his girlfriend! My son is 13 and still a source of inspiration/perspiration? The dolls really are lovely. Go on…. you can make clothes and tails!!!
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they are beautiful, and remind me of Rosie & Jim soft toys my daughter loved when she was little. There is nothing like a homemade doll though, so much more special and inspiring for your children and all of your fans!
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CUTE!
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Hi Janette, Aaahhh!!! Just look at those happy and satisfied faces!!! How can you but not smile!!! All worth it in the end!!! And a job well done bytheway!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Love
AMarie
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Adorable!! They look happy!
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