working with recycled fabrics
Here are all eight dolls lined up, next to a 15 inch ruler. I used basically the same pattern for all of them. #1, 7, and 8 have bigger heads. Some have sleeves, some bare arms. The bodies and legs are all cut from the same pattern pieces. As you can see, there is a range of sizes. That’s what you get when you use a variety of fabrics. I would have guessed that the knits come out bigger then the woven fabrics, but that turns out not to be true. I also would have guessed that the linen doll would be the smallest- wrong again.
I try to use woven fabrics together and knits together, don’t mix materials that I’m going to stuff. Now I’m wondering if it really makes any difference.
This is one of the challenges I think about when I consider making patterns. How do you design clothes for dolls where every one might turn out a different size?
I’ve posted an annotated photo on here on Flickr.
March 18th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Like I’d have an answer for that.
One day I’m actually going to LEARN patternmaking. I feel handicapped not knowing.
March 18th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Wonderful dolls - you faces are always fabulous!
March 19th, 2007 at 3:22 am
they are adorable!
March 19th, 2007 at 8:53 am
Your dolls are sweet. And thanks for posting the hidden button joint tutorial, I tried a similar technique with just plastic buttons without much success. I’ll try this out on my next project.
I know what you mean about the different fabrics, so unpredictable. In a way, that’s kind of fun, because sometimes I get something I never would have of my own accord by using these random, unpredictable fabrics. But, it does make it hard to have a “plan.”
March 20th, 2007 at 6:03 am
They are all so pretty, Mimi!
and to answer your question…I have no idea??
Mary
March 20th, 2007 at 11:21 am
ooh! i love these girls! will they have additional clothing or are they already fully dressed?
March 20th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s so interesting to see the photos and read about the process. Thank you!
March 21st, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Oh they are beautiful, a palette of dolls!
March 24th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Your work is just so beauitful Mimi. I will likely try a doll of some sort some day but really, I am here for the eye candy and the sort of gentle aspect to the work you do. I am amazed at the variety of skin tones that these dolls have. Whenever I look at the felt at the fabric store, there is just this sort of too pink or sallow beige and nothing else …