Doll making

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I've never been much of a "doll" girl, but when I saw Emily Martin's (aka the Black Apple) fabric dolls, I simply fell in love. They were not only so adorable, but also so simple to make. Caro and I actually tried out her tutorial and that's how Adele and Anne-Sophie came to be!


Caro loved the project so much she went on to make her own custom dolls that are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E. Although Adele is mine, I must say it was Caro who put her together, and by that I mean she sewed all the little parts - I only chose the fabric and sewed the top of her head closed! For the longest time, I've told myself that I should stick to the pen - the needle wasn't made for me. But seeing Caro's pretty dolls pop up before me one after the other, just made me go, "Dang, I wanna make one too!"

I am not a spontaneous person, but I do have my moments, and once I told myself I shall make a doll, I went ahead and bought meh a nice little sewing machine the very same day (which I returned a week later because my momma said, "Why don't ya return that thang dear, I have one, just take mine!" And I love it because it's almost vintage ;-) Oh and my mommy doesn't speak like that, I don't know what got into me).

I made a few sketches of characters I could possibly turn dolls. Naturally, they all looked like the little girls I've been drawing lately: big head, wide spaced eyes, small and slightly chubby body with short arms and legs. What can I say, I can't help it :P

Once satisfied with my character, I made its pattern. I had never done anything like that before; I was both nervous and excited! It was a very cool process. Although I didn't have any real fabric, the few coloured felt sheets I had bought randomly now and then served me well. Very well in fact, as I could easily go back on my steps whenever I made a mistake.


So now I present you Keira (as Caro mentioned, naming your doll is almost the funnest part of all!):


Her legs almost gave in when I made her dance on the table, and her hands are kinda stubby, but boy do I love her ;-)

Caro and I are currently working on a little doll serie based on Keira and we'll hopefully be revealing it soon. Much much fun! Stay tuned...

-lychee