working with recycled fabrics

318dolls.jpg

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.

11 thoughts on “working with recycled fabrics

  1. Like I’d have an answer for that.

    One day I’m actually going to LEARN patternmaking. I feel handicapped not knowing.

  2. 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.”

  3. I’m really enjoying this series. It’s so interesting to see the photos and read about the process. Thank you!

  4. 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 …

  5. Lovely work. I love your dolls and hope one of these days I can buy one. I love the tatooed men. They are awsome. I don`t know how to answer your question, my dolls are already dressed up. But I think that prpbably you will have to make one by one, checking all sizes instead of doing clothes for all of them in a row. I guess… Well I`m sure you will find it.

  6. Mimi…those are wonderful dolls…no wonder my girlfriend likes them so much :) She’s a real fan of your blog and now I have to pick up the knowledge to share things with her.

    Dan

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