| If you're looking for a little motivation to get started | | | | a set of $2 eyes. |
| making your first doll, then you've come to the right | | | | 5) Before you dare start cutting into that fabric, dig |
| place. | | | | deeper into the pattern instructions. Most of the big |
| The beauty of making cloth dolls is that many of the | | | | pattern companies have a glossary included at the |
| patterns available call for inexpensive materials. Or, | | | | beginning of every project, but some of the boutique |
| because you don't need a tremendous amount of | | | | designers don't. That's one of the reasons you need to |
| fabric to make most dolls, you can splurge and work | | | | read the pattern first. If there are any terms that you |
| with the high end fabrics such as silks, satins and furs. | | | | don't understand, try doing a GOOGLE search. There |
| Here are 7 tips to get you started making cloth dolls: | | | | are many great websites that have detailed |
| 1) The very first decision you're going to make is: how | | | | explanations and pictures for making cloth dolls, and it's |
| is this doll going to be constructed? Is there a sewing | | | | faster than going to the library. |
| machine available? Are you going to be sewing by | | | | It's also important to read the pattern to find out if |
| hand? Choose your first doll knowing that hand sewing | | | | there are any special or out-of-the-ordinary instructions. |
| will definitely take you longer. On the plus side, if you | | | | For example, some patterns are printed on both sides |
| intend to hand sew you can tote your project and | | | | of the paper and the doll maker is expected to either |
| stitch on it while you're on a lunch break, on a road trip | | | | copy or trace the pieces without actually cutting them. |
| or waiting at the doctor's office. | | | | Some pattern pieces are meant to be traced onto |
| 2) Pick the right pattern. You can find that perfect doll | | | | fabric, then sewn on the tracing line and cut out with |
| at fabric and craft stores or some very unique | | | | the doll maker adding a seam allowance. |
| patterns can be found at quilt shops and specialty | | | | 6) Like any hobby, you need to actually do the craft to |
| stores and online. If this is your first attempt at sewing, | | | | see if you're going to like it. There are many "specialty" |
| take a moment to look at the pattern instructions to | | | | items available for making cloth dolls, but I would |
| see if they are adequate. Some pattern designers | | | | recommend trying to get buy without them, at least |
| assume that the maker has been sewing for 20 years | | | | until you know for sure that you've fallen in love with |
| and only tells you what to do, not how to do it. | | | | the art. You don't want a closet full of gizmos that you |
| 3) After you've picked your pattern, find the "Materials | | | | are never going to use. |
| List" which is usually on the back of the pattern | | | | 7) Even though the doll designer has probably spent at |
| envelope or visible through the packaging. If you can't | | | | least a hundred hours developing your pattern, you |
| find it, ask the clerk to help you. Remember, they want | | | | don't have to make the doll EXACTLY like the original. |
| you to buy all the materials you need to make that doll | | | | There are no doll police. Sometimes you'll find |
| from them, so they'll be helpful. | | | | something you like better. Sometimes you'll create a |
| 4) Buy your materials. Slow down. This can be the | | | | disaster and start over. But either way, you'll be making |
| most enjoyable, exciting part of making cloth dolls. | | | | cloth dolls that will be your own artistic vision. |
| Breathe in and let your creativity flow. | | | | With that being said, there is no shame in making a doll |
| Use a pencil to check off the items as you purchase | | | | exactly like the doll on the pattern envelope. After all, |
| them. There is nothing more frustrating than starting | | | | that was the doll you fell in love with. Making a doll to |
| your doll only to find that you forgot the thread. | | | | the exact specifications of the designer, while not as |
| Usually, the big fabric/craft stores will carry all the | | | | exciting, can be wonderful way to learn new |
| supplies you need to make dolls from the patterns | | | | techniques and start to develop your own. |
| they sell. If you can't find a particular item or the | | | | Once you get into making cloth dolls, I promise you that |
| correct size of an item, ask the clerk when they will be | | | | there will come a time when you say to yourself, "I |
| restocking. They just might have the product in the | | | | don't really like those ears. I think I'm just going to make |
| back and just haven't put it out yet. Don't be afraid to | | | | them a little bigger, longer, shorter, pointier, wider, |
| speak up and ask questions. With the price gas these | | | | fancier." And soon you'll be making your own patterns. |
| days, you don't want to be driving all over town to buy | | | | |