Posted Wednesday 20 May 2009 and filed under: Embellishing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, hair, tip, yarn
Here is an excellent tutorial by Crafty Sheep on how to create a gorgeous thick head of hair for a doll (not just for Waldorfs - you could do the same for any kind of handmade doll):
{image credit: Crafty Sheep}
The photos and step-by-step instructions make this tutorial a real winner - it also helps that the doll being worked is just so darn adorable! 
Detail here: Waldorf Doll Hair Tutorial by Crafty Sheep
Related posts:
>> Basic Instructions for Making a Waldorf Doll by Simmy
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Wednesday 20 May 2009 and filed under: Designing, Embellishing, Sewing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, process, softie making
Following on from the previous post on process, Holly from Two Cheese Please (a talented softie-maker from Melbourne, Australia too!) recently challenged herself to start and finish a doll (from sketch to finished product) in 24 hours.
Due to other priorities, she didn’t quite meet her deadline but this is the final doll (how CUTE is she?!):
{image credit: Two Cheese Please}
Holly shares the process/behind-the-scenes (decisions, obstacles, frustration, rework - who said softie-making was a walk in the park? ) here (listed in order):
>> 1. Now Taking All Bets - A Craft Challenge
>> 2. Extreme Craft Challenge! 3, 2, 1, Go!
>> 3. A Prototype is Born
>> 4. An End in Sight
>> 5. A New Week and Time for a New Do
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Wednesday 20 May 2009 and filed under: Designing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, elephant, process, softie, softie making
I think the process of making something can be just as important as the final result - many lessons are learnt for the next challenge. I find it fascinating to see how others approach the process of making, especially how they turn a sketch on a piece of paper into a 3D object. So I hope you will find the next two posts helpful.
Jodie (of Ric-Rac) is from Melbourne, Australia, and makes beautiful softies (amongst other crafty things). More importantly though, she is kind, generous and has an infectious positive spirit. It is no surprise then that she took the time to share over a number of posts the process for making this little guy, Milton:
{image credit: Ric-Rac}
Who soon had this little lady friend (though Jodie admits that she is not completely happy with her and is still working on her):
{image credit: Ric-Rac}
Here are posts so you can follow along:
>> Step 1: But Where Does It Come From?
>> Step 2: Fantasy vs Reality or Will It Really Work?
>> Step 3: The Actual Sewing
>> Step 4: Dissection!
More recently, she also posted some progress photos for making these elephants:
{image credit: Ric-Rac}
You can view them here: Pachyderm Evolution
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Friday 10 April 2009 and filed under: Dolls, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, doll, felt, free, handsewn, pattern
I have been long-time admirer of Mim Kirchner’s dolls. Texture, detail, colour and character - each one is amazing in their own way. They are inspiring and endearing. See for yourself over here on her blog.
So I was stoked to find out that she has generously shared a free pattern and tutorial for one of her felt dolls (with dress) over at the Purl Bee:
{image credit: The Purl Bee}
Yes, you can make one these dolls yourself! The dolls are completely handsewn. In usual Purl Bee style, the instructions and pictures are clear and easy to follow. The project is suitable for those with basic sewing skills and up.
Skip over here for all the details: Mimi Kirchner’s Handsewn Felt Dolls by the Purl Bee
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )
Posted Friday 9 January 2009 and filed under: Embellishing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, hair, tip, yarn
(How’s that for a lengthy post title ?!)
Here’s a great tutorial on how to make and attach yarn hair to your doll - not just any yarn hair mind you, but awesomely luxurious yarn hair
{image credit: Page 63 of Your Manual}
The steps and accompanying pictures are very helpful. In my almost obsessive search for good yarn hair how-tos, I think this is one of the easier methods and actually seems very do-able - still time-consuming but at least you don’t need to know how to crochet or knit to make it. I also like the idea of using different types/colours of yarn.
Find it here: Awesomely Luxurious Doll Hair by Page 63 of Your Manual
Thanks to Fern Treacy for the link.
Make a Comment ( 2 so far )
Posted Friday 14 November 2008 and filed under: Dolls, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, doll, jersey, Martha Stewart, pattern, rag doll, softie
Craft-Queen Martha provides a free project on how to make this simple, sweet, and huggable doll:
{image credit: Martha Stewart}
In true Martha style, this project is professionally put together for you and the step-by-step instructions are a breeze to follow. The pattern is in downloadable pdf format. This doll requires cotton jersey for the skin and rolled up batting for stuffing (though, if you didn’t have this on hand, regular polyfill stuffing would be fine).
Project is here: Handmade Doll by Martha Stewart
Make a Comment ( 1 so far )
Posted Monday 20 October 2008 and filed under: Dolls, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,Beginner project, cute, doll, pattern, softie, yarn hair
This little gal reminds me a lot of those big, bright-eyed and mischievous (but very funny) cartoons they show on Nickelodeon:
{image credit: Missy Ballance}
Another great Beginner’s project from Missy Ballance. Both instructions and template are in pdf format.
Get the free pattern here: Silly Girl Softie by Crafty Carnival
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Saturday 11 October 2008 and filed under: Dolls, Tutorials/Free Patterns
Tags: ,doll, Japanese. kawaii, manga, rag doll, softie, tutorial
This doll is probably more suited to those who have a reasonable amount of doll-making experience. However, I think if you stick with it, no matter what your doll-making skill level, and have all the necessary materials, and follow each step as described, it would be a rewarding project to undertake (and there would a be a lot of good learning along the way too!).
{image credit: Runo Dollmaker}
The patterns are in gif format and the tutorial is very detailed with excellent pictures. The project recommends you use cotton jersey for the skin (or a fabric with the same type of stretch) and you will also need to have some fabric paint on hand to paint the facial features.
Find it here: Nekomimi Doll by Runo Dollmaker
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Wednesday 8 October 2008 and filed under: Stuffing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,doll, filling, polyester, scraps, softie, Stuffing, tip, wool
Expert doll-maker Mimi Kirchner shares her thoughts and experiences on the different types of stuffing she has used for her dolls: polyester, wool, recycled wool and wool scraps.
{image credit: Mimi Kirchner}
This provides some good insights on choosing the right stuffing for your softie project if you are confused as to what stuffing may be most suitable.
Read it here: Notes on Stuffing by Mimi Kirchner
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted Friday 3 October 2008 and filed under: Embellishing, Tips-n-Tricks
Tags: ,amigurumi, doll, tutorial, yarn hair
I admit I have often shied away from attaching yarn hair to my softies despite the fact that I love the look because it all seemed to hard. Where to start??
{image credit: Creepy Cute}
Thankfully, Creepy Cute has solved the mystery and has generously shared a step-by-step tutorial with lots of pics on how to make and attach yarn hair.
Her example uses an amigurumi toy but it can easily be adapted to attaching yarn hair to softies and dolls.
Read it here: Making and Attaching Yarn Hair by Creepy Cute
Make a Comment ( None so far )
« Previous Entries |
