I made this Amy doll from the Women’s Day Book of Soft Toys and Dolls by Joan Russell that Mimi lent me. She is for my niece, Emerson, who will turn 1 on Valentine’s Day. I seldom make toys from patterns, but this one was really interesting to do. I like a pattern I can learn from. Her body is five pieces – two front and three back – so that when she is all stuffed she has a little bottom to sit on. Really good construction. And her head is so huge. Like a toddler’s.
And normally I don’t sew garments. Nope. One of the reasons is I have a fear of button holes. I have had my sewing machine for nearly 20 years and I had convinced myself all this time that I needed some kind of special foot to sew buttonholes. Since my machine is so old and is really a machine originally made for Home Ec. classrooms (it’s a Bernette 330), most of the accessories are not available so I resigned myself to a life of no buttonholes.
Then I sat down to make Amy’s dress and saw that it required buttons and, yep, buttonholes. I took a look at my machine and thought, hey maybe it does work…Um yeah. Hello. It totally sews buttonholes without any kind of special foot. Oh my god, people! I MUST sew buttons and button holes on everything. EVERYTHING. 20 years of no buttonholes to make up for!
And this doll gave me a chance to try out the satin stitch techniques that Mimi showed me. Wow. So much better. I’m not afraid of embroidering faces anymore. Now I think faces are really cool and not yet another chance to ruin a doll I’ve worked on for days and days.
Here is Amy in the buff.
There is something wonderful about dolls at this stage. Like naked babies right out of the tub.
Have you made an Amy doll? If so, I’d love to see your version. And if not, give it a go. She’s totally fun.
Stephanie says
Button holes terrify me- I cheat with snaps because I am a wuss. Have jumped out of an airplane- but no button holes.
myra says
She is lovely, I love her shape, especially the head. I will have to see if I can track down a copy of that book.
Old Round says
Cute face. I’ve never seen a nose on a doll like that. She’s very unique.
Linda says
You are inspiring. I want, want, want to make a doll…. terrified. May I ask what kind of fabric you used for her cute little body?
Cristina says
shes so sweet! i love her cute little valentines lips:)
sulu-design says
I, for one, am so glad that you ventured into button hole-making. The little dress is adorable – I wish I could wear a jumper like that myself!
rOuge biZoux says
Oh! Beautifull Amy!
melliemortimer says
Your Amy doll is very sweet! That is the book I’ve been searching high and low for the past few weeks. I suspect my mum might have it. You’ve inspired me to try buttonholes!
shula says
those lips are to die for.
Tiffany Harvey says
I agree, buttonholes are scary to try for the first time, but easy once you do! I only tried them in the last year I suppose.
I *love* that monkey fabric!!
Suzie Sews says
I have been away from your blog for a while now, it got lost when the favourites went down. The good thing is there was so much to read about. The doll is so cute, I have to say it though that little lizard has a character all of his own. Oh and those owls…
Your back in the Fav. list now so I will be checking in soon.
Suzie Sews
Angel Jem says
Love the doll! I’m sure any niece would be proud of her! I made a doll for my niece about 9 years ago (the niece is 10) and she still sleeps with her. It gives me a real thrill… hope yours is loved half as much, it’s such a kick!
Miss Dot says
I am not sure if this is from the same pattern.. she looks close. I made her over 20 years ago, at school, going through a “difficult” phase.. I would love to have matched her! :-)http://www.flickr.com/photos/missdot/370611911/
Sir Real (Ms.) says
Hi, occassionally I do a google search for my late mother’s name, Joan Russell… and came up with this! I’m the Amy in question, and have the original Amy Doll at home on my bed. My Mom died in 1988 of breast cancer, and it’s still both heartbreaking and comforting to hug her rendition of my Mini-Me.
Thanks for everyone’s appreciative comments! I’m so glad to see that her work is still known and valued after all this time, as the book was first published in 1975 or 6, and reissued sometime in the 80’s.
The book, _The Woman’s Day Book of Soft Toys and Dolls_ by Joan Russell, as well as other patterns not included in that volume, seem to show up on Ebay every month or so, and I see some copies on Amazon right now, so, there _are_ ways to nab a copy.
Thanks again, and abby, I enjoy your version – I believe you must have designed that minidress yourself, as it isn’t among the orignal patterns I think? Congratulations!
Sir Real (Ms.) says
Hi, occassionally I do a google search for my late mother’s name, Joan Russell… and came up with this! I’m the Amy in question, and have the original Amy Doll at home on my bed. My Mom died in 1988 of breast cancer, and it’s still both heartbreaking and comforting to hug her rendition of my Mini-Me.
Thanks for everyone’s appreciative comments! I’m so glad to see that her work is still known and valued after all this time, as the book was first published in 1975 or 6, and reissued sometime in the 80’s.
The book, _The Woman’s Day Book of Soft Toys and Dolls_ by Joan Russell, as well as other patterns not included in that volume, seem to show up on Ebay every month or so, and I see some copies on Amazon right now, so, there _are_ ways to nab a copy.
Thanks again, and abby, I enjoy your version – I believe you must have designed that minidress yourself, as it isn’t among the orignal patterns I think? Congratulations!
MJ Baldridge says
I had a pattern for Amy dolls back in the early 1980’s. My mother just gave back an Amy doll I made for my daughter. she’s missing her apron, socks & shoes, but doesn’t look too bad for being probably 22 years old. I’m not sure how to upload a picture, but I think you’ll see the likeness. Do you have the pattern? I’ve been looking for it.
thanks!
mj
HollyMn1@yahoo.com says
I have made two Amy dolls. The outfits are long since mostly gone. The original one, made 34 years ago had panties and t shirt made from the same fabric as the panties I made my daughter. I am not seeing photos of a doll? I see a fabric with a pear print. ???
abbyjane says
Hi Holly,
I don’t know what happened to the photo that belongs with this post. This post is four years old and for some reason the picture of my Amy doll has gone missing!
-Abby