A picture of my desk this morning…
I’ve started painting the heads. Always, some come to life, others never do.
This is what I’m working on for my February Softie. Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. Crocheted cotton.
I need to get this fur dyeing project going. Today I tried using dyes meant for human hair. I bought the cheapest dye I could get at our local drug store- it is still significantly more expensive then buying fiber dyes- ouch! When I did the wig making workshop at WOW! last spring, the instructor said we should use semi-permanent dyes to dye mohair. I am not dyeing mohair, but I thought it would apply. Unfortunately the semi- permanent hair dye was twice as expensive as the permanent, so of course I needed to experiment with both.
First is the semi-permanent-
not very good. I am trying for black. I got a purpley grey.
Then the permanent dye-
Much better! I need to look at it again tomorrow in good sunlight, but it looks hopeful. The Cashmere goat, which is long and very straight, came out an excellent black. The other two furs, kalgon lamb and pearl lamb, came out a nice dark brown. I had had no luck getting any decent color before this, so I am very pleased.
Yesterday I spent some time admiring the dolls of Rosie Rojas. I especially liked this one.
I love your idea of using hair dye. But will it fade or run? Inquiring minds want to know.
I rinsed the dye well, just like any dye… so I don’t think it will run. Fading? I don’t know, but I am sure Rit and Kool-aid dyeing will, and that was the other suggestions I’ve been able to glean with a Google search. I couldn’t get any decent color from Cushing dyes.
A friend’s parents have a llama farm near by. I sure love to get some of that to play with. The first time I held the stuff in my hands I kept saying “what fantastic doll hair this would make!”. The only colours I’ve seen so far are rather dark. I suppose if I wanted anything lighter I’d have to bleach it, wouldn’t I?
Are you using embroidery thread for your Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee, or is it crochet cotton that is packaged the same way as embroidery thread? As always, I enjoy seeing your work and just wish I could see it in person!
I am using something I got at JoAnn’s- It is called DMC Craft Thread. It looks just like crochet cotton. It came in a package of about 20 skeins, similar to how you get embroidery floss.
I’ve seen Ritz dye used with perfect results.
I’m trying to figure out how to attach the skin to the head of a boudoir size doll. I think I have a pattern from a class somewhere, but haven’t been able to unearth it. Any suggestions or links with instruction on that???