That other thing I do

I make dolls. I love making them and I do it everyday. Yesterday, though, between crocheting hair and making some bodies, I finished up a birthday present for my very dear friend John. I used to make art quilts frequently and I really enjoy the process. I think I may dabble in it again. This quilt is approximately 20"x 22".

3 new cuties available

I've listed 3 new Waldorf dolls in my Etsy shop. Here is a sneak peak.

Clover (moving to Canada)

Clementine (moving to Seattle)

Wren

Math and Physics

First off...my apologies. I really am a sucky blogger. I read a lot of other blogs and I love reading about the simplest little details of life. Throughout my day I touch on moments and thoughts that would be good blog fodder. Do I make the effort? Obviously not. This is evidence of my leaf being turned over.
So..math and physics. I have 3 lovely daughters and 1 bathroom. The one bathroom that we do have must have been designed by someone who never lived with an actual female. Upon entering this space you are faced with a wall. Right in front of you. Why? Turn..no..pivot to the left and squeeze through an 18" space between the wall and counter to get to the 12 square foot "big area". The sink and mirrors are in a corner. ick.
Now my daughters all leave the house within minutes of each other in the morning. 3 people do not fit in this bathroom. Why, then, do my daughters, who are all of average intelligence yet possess superior entitlement delusions, save their bathroom primping till the last minute? It can get loud. They are 16, 17 and 27 years old (that's right, 27).
I know it's obvious. Take turns. Time management. Be nice. All that stuff you learn in kindergarten. Maybe it is some sort of crazy sister bonding. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this is a problem. They are old enough to figure it out.
I think I'll go sew.

Meet Lark - More than just a head

Darling Lark is the tutorial head. She is a 13" Moonchild Waldorf doll and she's hanging out in my Etsy shop while she is waiting for her new family to find her. Lark loves to garden but is disinclined to do any weeding. She is just as happy with dandelions as she is with daffodils. She is happily studying French and working on her handwork skills. She has an uncanny eye for color.



Lark is sharing a room with Sparrow. While Sparrow is a bit younger than Lark, she is almost a head taller. Sparrow is a daydreamer and has a little trouble staying focused on one activity at a time. She tends to leave a trail of unfinished projects in her wake. She loves homemade yogurt and board books. Sparrow is certain her new family will find her soon. Sparrow has moved to Australia. She has high hopes of learning to throw a boomerang.

Oh Be Still My Heart!

Sage Pixie gave me (us) the most wonderful recipe for a delicious light brown dye using Kool Aid. This is a hair color I get loads of requests for and now I can create it in my own kitchen. This is a sample using 2 packs of Grape Kool Aid and 2 packs of Orange Kool Aid and 1 oz of mohair. I love love love the results.

Doll Hair and other mysteries

As many Waldorf doll makers know, doll hair can be a real pain. Not just the actual making of the wig, but getting the yarn to begin with. There are a few wholesale sources out there. They supply a nice quality yarn in a wide range of colors. There have been long stretches of time when certain colors or styles just aren't available. What to do? It can be tricky to say the least. The doll makers that also sell supplies probably feel it the most.
So my new plan.....dye my own. No long waiting periods from the manufacturer. No need to buy way more than I need. More color choices. More work. More fun.


This is my first "real dye job" A deep chestnut brown.

I have used Lemonade Kool Aid for blonde hair and it works great! But Kool Aid doesn't come in a Sandy Brown or a decent Brunette. I can, though, mix up an awesome Mossy Green. The secret....1 pack of orange to 4-5 packs of lime.
There are so many ways to put a head of hair on a doll. I use just a few of them. Actually this is the technique I use the most. I crochet a cap and loop hair in. For the short hair dolls, I usually just make loops while I am crocheting and then cut them after the wig is sewn on. Dolls that have a brushed mohair wig sometimes get an additional piece that looks like parted hair. This is nice for doll that will end up with pig tails. Like this one:

More on hair later.

The Secret is out...

I've opened up a new Etsy shop. I make such a variety of things that my Waldorf doll shop isn't always the best place to showcase and sell. I love making clothing and quilts. When I'm quilting, I always think that that is all I ever want to do. When I am making dolls, I tell myself that that is all I want to ever make. So clearly I can't believe me. I like to sew. This much I know is true.
As I was listing my items this afternoon, a wrap pants set sold before I was even finished. I love that! So please take a peek and check back as I will be adding more over the next few days.
Here is a baby/throw quilt to get you started:

Anatomy of a Doll or How to look good naked

When I began making Waldorf Dolls, I had never seen one in real life. I wondered how other people stuffed the bodies and made the heads. Hair? Oh my! There are so many ways to give a doll a head of hair. Those pesky little stitches that hold the body together were another mystery as were the facial features. I had so many questions and no one to ask. This, of course, was before I was an internet user and the only computer I knew how to use was an ATM.
So my first dolls had soft, squishy heads and skimpily stuffed limbs. Their little faces always seemed to be looking to the right or the left. My dolls were made with love but not necessarily made to last. I kept at it and my handwork kept improving.
Normally my dolls are only seen fully dressed and ready to ship. A naked doll is rarely seen. Here are a few close up shots of a recent doll sans clothing and hair.


All ready for hair and clothes.


A sweet face ready for smooching


What am I hiding under the mohair wig? Some Frankenstein stitches.


Sweet Feet.


A little hand for holding.

I am always happy to answer doll making questions. Please feel free to ask.

I Have a Secret

More will be revealed soon. I promise.

Daisy-Head Mayzie

Poor Daisy-Head Mayzie. She has seen a number of dolls be created and sent off to their new homes, yet she sits and waits. Patiently. Is it the flower coming out of the top of her head that is scaring people off? It's just a headband. Really. It comes off and she is just a regular girl with a really great dress. I may have to make her a nightgown and put it in a little valise for her to take with her when her "real mom" finds her.
That's it. Off to make her a nightgown. I'll be right back.


Okay -- Here she is now.



She has a sweet summer strawberry nightgown, wee bud of a Moondrop and a sunny yellow valise. Ready to move in I'd say!

**News Flash** Miss Daisy is moving to Edmonds Wa. Just across the water from me.