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Friday, July 8, 2011

My first doll, not my last

I thought I would show you my very first doll.  I was so excited when I made her.  If you know your dolls, you may be able to recognise who the designer was.  But I must say, if I was the designer I would either be horrified as to how my doll was interpreted, or possibly be stifling hysterical laughter.  This is not a pretty doll.  She looks like she has varicose veins in her arms, and her legs are twisted in a strange position.  She has a lace neckband - to cover the awful stitches attaching her head to her body - she sort of ended up with no neck!  She has fantastic wired fingers - that was what made me want to create this doll in the first place.  As for her costume, I chose to make it from velvet, which tended to disintegrate  as I sewed it.  At the time, I had just started to sew, but my skills were more limited than my enthusiasm.  Her socks were an innovation, I wanted them to look crocheted, not knowing how to crochet that well - I cut up a doily.  I'm not sure if the shoes are meant to look like slippers, but they do.
When I first saw the pattern for this doll in Australian Dolls Bears and Collectables  I didn't start to make it for about 6 weeks.  I scrutinised the pattern, went and bought fabric for the body,  the nylon curly hair, the stuffing.  I had to go to the city to buy the coloured pencils and find the pens to draw the face.  I would lie in bed at night, planning how I would start to make the doll. Then, I spent a whole day - and half and evening making her.  When she was finally made, I was so pleased with myself.  And I started to plan my next project.  I made a lot of dolls in that first year.  Each doll I made improved as I gained the skills in drawing the faces, making the bodies and wiring the hands.
I can make a reasonable doll now, but I would like to do better.  I won't have time to make one for a while, but we will see what will be. 
But tell me............who do you think designed this doll?

5 comments:

Golden Fish said...

ООО,,,, какие пальчики и руки))) Красивая кукла!

Unknown said...

I'm stumped Sandy! I think she is pretty good for a first doll. One doll leads to the next.....

Sparklyjools said...

Well I think she is a wonderful first doll- and she has bags of personality and attitude! And what's this, 'I can make reasonable doll now'. I have to say Sandy, utter nonsense! Your dolls are just exquisite - and don't you forget it! xxx

Please tell who the designer is!!!

Liz said...

Is Patti Culea the designer. I think your doll looks great, especially for you first doll, you should've my first doll.

Sandy Pine said...

Yes Liz,
you are right! The doll was from the pattern Maudlin Maddie.
I am amazed you recognised Patti's style.