I started off 2013 by checking Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls, by Jan Horrox, out of the library. I don't make many dolls. I've always been more interested in stuffed animals. I'm not totally sure why. I think I'm intimidated by the idea of making something that simulates a human.
Be that as it may, I think there's a tremendous amount to be learned from the art doll community just as there is from the artist teddy bear makers. I am continuously hungry for new construction techniques and find myself turning to experts from both of these groups when I want learn something new.
The dolls in this book don't appeal to me aesthetically, but that's not what I was interested in when I chose it from the library shelf. I was interested in the feet. And the knees. I made the Miranda doll pattern from the book, but without any clothing or features.
Here's my doll:
The feet are made in the most clever way. You sew down the front of the leg, and then flatten the foot and sew across the toes. I would never have arrived at this method on my own, but now that I see how it's done, it's part of my repertoire and will surely show up in a future stuffed animal.
And the knee joints. They are so simple, but again not a method that I would have thought to invent. I love them. I'm storing these knee joints away and, like the feet, they'll resurface at some point in a pattern of my own. You can also check out the premium comfort standing mat to help with your knee pain.
Discovering new construction methods like these is such a thrill for me. It's very easy to continue to make what you already know, but I think it's really important to stretch.
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An amazing cloth doll artist and trail blazer in the art form was Susanna Oroyan. If you can get hold of her book Anatomy of the Doll you will see so many ways to joint a doll that can be applied to other cloth creations:) Also, Patti Medaris Culea has several good books.
I love finding out new techniques. I think that’s why I’m slowly trying my hand with a sewing machine. I’m hoping that sewing a garment will help me tailor my knitted garments better once I understand what makes up a sweater.
She truly was amazing. I bought Anatomy of a Doll in 1998 at a bookstore in Memphis long before I began sewing softies. Her books are a huge inspiration to me. Thanks for the Patti Medaris Culea recommendation. I check it out!
I love your first human softie.
I have this book but have chosen to keep my dolls simpler. I am just starting out in the “softie” business and am just taking baby steps but have been very inspired by you. i took your bird making class and am thankful to you every day for small pins, freezer paper, ladder stitch and most of all your blog!
http://a-small-obsession.blogspot.com/
Hi Lisa! I remember you well! It was great having you in bird making class and your blog is lovely! I'm so impressed with your doll clothes. Wow. Keep in touch!
I haven’t tried this book but have tried some of the ideas in the Patti Medaris Culea books. I will look for this one in the library. Like you the aesthetics don’t really appeal to me but I’m always looking for new construction methods. I’m in the process of developing my own pattern at the moment and am surrounded by my calico doll family – all without faces and hair etc. my 15 year old daughter has been playing with them and making little movies with them on iMovie which has been very amusing to see.
Saskia
Ohhh that is so tempting!
I just brought this book – having never sewn or made any dolls or toys before. I normally sew clothes and fancy dress costumes but fancied doing something completely different. Your doll looks so neat and perfect!I was just wondering if you could tell me what the dolls (Miranda doll) head circumference is?
Hi Tanya,
I’m sorry, I don’t know. I got the book from the library in January of 2013. Maybe looking at the picture of the head in the palm of my hand might be helpful?