Monday, April 11, 2011

Making Progress ~ doll from 1933 pattern

It's been a challenge to find the time to work on little Fiona's doll (made from a 1933 pattern). Yesterday I was able to stuff and attach the arms, but it was a mystery to me how to stuff the arms (and legs) enough to fill them out, but allow for some movement. So there's not much movement. I pinned the arms down for the photo.
I also tacked down the goofy little ears. I'll work on the face next. The pattern has a face overlay, onto which the features are embroidered prior to sewing the face to the head. I think I may paint the features directly onto the head instead. I'm still not sure. And after that is the wig. I'm hoping I have some long faux fur that I can use.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Deanna,

She's looking good; where in the world did you find a 1933 pattern? I have to laugh because, last year while looking at some old, old books, there were portions of patterns for making an adult male doll. None of those instructions made sense to me. I'm guessing that instructions, for the most part, are universal. She will be a real cutie whether you stitch her features on or paint them.

hugz
Pam

Heather Elizabeth Brauner said...

I love vintage patterns, and I love that you posted her as a work in progress.I guess back in the 1933 a doll would have been stuffed with wool,cotton batting,saw dust or fabric scraps,depending on who made it. What ever you Do with her face I know she will be lovely .thank you for posting .

The-Artful-Attic said...

Hi Deanna,

I made a doll from an old pattern a few years ago with the same body type. To get more movement from the limbs I sewed a seam a couple inches (give or take due to the size of your doll) at the upper arm, so it left a 1-2 inch closed area with no stuffing from the seam to the shoulder area. I did the same with the legs and they all moved really nicely...hope I explained it ok!!
I love you dolly!!!
Kimberly

Dixie Redmond said...

I have an vintage/antique doll with hands like this. It's why I bought the doll - love the little nubby hands!