Dolls

I must have made hundreds of dolls over the years but amazingly have very few pictures of them. I can't remember a time when I didn't make and dress them. I came across these pictures and thought that someone out there might be interested.


This first doll was made for a competition where all the dolls were made from the same pattern. I just went overboard with her clothes which are encrusted with silk ribbon embroidery, beading, embroidery etc. She has wings, jewellery, kinky boots, spectacles and a fish bag complete with magazine.

After the competition any donated dolls were sold off for charity.
I would love to know who bought her and where she is now!




This doll is made in a very different way, in a method often referred to as Swiss doll making.
The "skin" fabric is a very closely woven cotton tricot that has just enough stretch to go over a face mask without wrinkling. The body is constructed with joints. After the face is painted and a wig made the fun began with the clothes.

The fabric is a quilt cotton batik.



Nowadays I rarely make dolls as my hands get very stiff with all that stuffing.
Every now and then our GDs' dolls need an outfit though :o)

Cloth doll making was very popular in the '80s and 90s and then went into a steep decline. Latterly it seems to have gained popularity again particularly as a vehicle to show off different techniques. The doll seems to have moved from its traditional position as a child's toy but I am not sure how one would classify it now?