Aren't Topsy Turvy dolls cool? Sort of creepy, but also sort of amazing! Once I started making reversible toys, I felt like I had to make this classic children's toy. I named her Trixie and Tess.
Trixie is a rather stern girl, dressed in deep purple with a severe hairstyle. She is not in a very good mood. In fact, she just might be an evil step-sister or a nasty witch.
But Tess is all sweetness and light. And she has a lovely yellow felt rose in her honey-colored hair.
This pattern is now available in both my Craftsy pattern shop and my shop on Etsy as a PDF download. It includes step-by-step photos and clear instructions to make this doll and her gathered dress, including the bow on Trixie's front and the felt rose on Tess' hair.
There are a few neat tricks involved in making a Topsy Turvy doll. I had a great time learning how it was done, and I think you'll enjoy seeing how it is constructed, too.
Guaranteed to make a little girl in your life very, very happy! And the baby likes her, too.
Jodi says
Her Tess’ pig tails are adorable. i like how you made them. 🙂
mjb says
I love this! My grandpa brought me back dolls when he traveled when I was little and one of them was a topsy turvy doll from Brazil – it’s got a plastic body and a huge ballgown skirt.
You’re on a roll with these pdf patterns!
Danee Kaplan says
such a cute project. I had one of these dolls as a child and I remember thinking it was magic.
Angela says
Beautiful doll. I had a topsy turvy doll when I was young that was little red riding hood, her grandma, AND the big bad wolf (if you turned the grandma around, and lifted up her hat, the wolfs face was underneath). I thought it was pretty cool. Love all your softies!
abbyjane says
Angela – When I was researching topsy turvy dolls in preparation for designing this pattern I saw a pattern to make the kind you describe. Three faces! It's funny. Little Red Riding Hood is a very popular topsy turvy doll theme. I actually really want to make one that is two animals, like a bird and a bee, or a dog and a cat. Or some predator/prey relationship.