felt dolls

Quick Update-What's In My Craft Queue This Week

No pics with this post, as I don't want to steal the thunder from the seller of the latest doll pattern I bought.  This one is pretty much all for me, since the seller has stated she does not wish completed items made from her pattern to be sold.  While copyright law doesn't actually cover a finished product from a copyrighted pattern (as far as I understand it, and I'm definitely not an expert), it's not in my nature to try to argue such a thing.  Instead, I will respect the pattern designer's wishes, and just enjoy the process all for myself, and then make the occasional gift, or giveaway item.

The new pattern that sparked my "oooh! shiny!" craftsperson's response is a sweet 9.50 inch tall felt girl.  Despite knowing I won't be able to sell the finished item, I couldn't resist the sweet face, and the promise of button joints.  The purchase price of $10 was worth it, for the clever construction of the body and leg to allow for that button joint, the way the head is attached securely to the body while still leaving a slender neck, and the hair.  I am already thinking I will try to modify the pattern a bit for my use, and make the hair into felt wigs that I can swap out quickly.

The doll pattern is available here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/179144339/doll-sewing-pattern-vintage-girl-pdf?ref=listing-shop-header-2, from Etsy seller Soles.  She has a cute Retro Girl doll pattern that I may have to buy just for the glasses.  :)

Otherwise I have a new giraffe felt toy pattern in the works right now, too:  https://www.etsy.com/transaction/185170776?ref=fb2_tnx_title from Etsy seller Patchlins.  There are definitely a lot more patterns there I need to buy!  (And I'm allowed to sell the finished items, so woo hoo!)

I am working on a couple of Gingermelon patterns, including a little doll dressed up as a certain grey donkey that many of us grew up with.  I also am nearing the finish line on a pair of Pocket Fox dolls which need custom bride and groom outfits, but those are my weekend project, since I need to concentrate on designing those outfits.

So, no pics, but lots of things in the works!  I'll definitely share pics as I get going on that new doll.  Plus, I will be comparing how polyester fiberfil compares to wool stuffing.  I think this little doll will be a perfect test subject, and then I'll have a pair of dolls at the end! 

New Dolls (And Their Colorful Dresses) Nearly Ready!

This month has flown by, and I have not had as much sewing time as I thought I would.  I have been able to do quite a bit more than I have been over the last few years, but I've been sidetracked by things like my clutter filled house, and specifically my clutter filled home office.

So while I haven't been able to do the marathon hours of crafting I'd envisioned, I am very happy with what I'm making.  I have some new Binky Boos ready to list, and also eight Pocket Poppet dolls nearly done.  I've decided to go in a little different direction with the Etsy store and these dolls.  I'm going to make new dolls with a simple dress and shoes, and then offer outfits separately.  That way folks who just want the doll can save a few dollars, and those who want the doll and several outfits (maybe for a lovely Valentine's Day gift or Easter basket!) can pick the "base" doll they like, and not worry if another doll has that perfect outfit.

We'll see how that works out.  :D

I also have taken on two custom orders, which I told myself I would never be interested in doing.  However, both are I believe within my skill set (most important to me), and are also fun (just as important).  One is a custom set of Pocket Fox dolls for someone's upcoming wedding vow renewal ceremony this year.  The other is interpreting a character from an independent author's children's book.  So those are also distracting me a little bit, but in a very good way.

In the meantime, here are pics of the eight Pocket Poppets who are still patiently awaiting shoes, and then final photos for Etsy.

 I stocked up on some different colors of LIon Brand Homespun yarn, which I love using for doll hair.

And finally, a shot of all the dolls, and one of my "helpful" kitties supervising.  :D

More Holiday Sewing Done!

For some reason, the Thanksgiving Day holiday here in the U.S. helps me unwind more than any other.  I'm lucky enough to not have to worry about cooking, and instead get to be the guest at my BFF's house.  The way it works with my paying gig, I actually get four days off in a row.  The end of the year is approaching, but the real rush hasn't quite hit, and most of the people who would need me are taking the full holiday off, as well.

So, I managed quite a bit of sewing!  This is just a small sample, and are the dolls I have listed on eBay right now.  I have several other dolls set aside for my Dec. 14th, 2013 craft bazaar quickly approaching!

The red haired Pocket Poppet doll is one of my favorites.  I decided to give her a little "beauty mark" on her left cheek.  ;)

She is up for auction at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=301033205245

The brunette Pocket Poppet is available here.

 

Blue Bear Binky Boo auction.

Red Kitty Binky Boo auction.

If you are in the Lacey/Olympia, WA area, stop by and see me at the Komachin Middle School craft bazaar on Dec 14, 2013! 

Some New Dolls Completed Over The Weekend!

With the holidays looming, and my decision that I needed to try a craft bazaar again this December (after nearly a decade of avoiding the stress), I finally got back into the swing of sewing this weekend.  Plus, I actually had a few things caught up that actually gave me time to sew, but I'll still count it as a win in the "initiative" column.  :D