09 May 2015

Rag doll repair...

I don't usually do repairs, as I prefer to make the complete item, however I was given a rag doll today that belonged to my cousin when she was little. She is now having her own baby, and wants me to repair her. The stuffing has gone all hard and there is a big tear at the neck. The face has had some surgery as well as a haircut, but nothing that can't be fixed (I hope!)





I took all the stuffing out and she did some soaking in Napisan to get rid of the general stains - She doesn't look pleased..... ;( The stuffing also went into a pillowcase and through the wash, as I am going to reuse it......


After she came out out if the Napisan, I had a go at fixing her face. It had clearly been torn at some point and and very poorly stitched back together, along with the nose barely holding on. In order to secure the edges, I used a strip of iron on vilene and a bit of topstitching to try and secure it. It's not perfect, but it is better than it was :)


I have also ironed and fixed the dress, trimmed all the loose threads, and it's ready to go.

I had bought some wool, and although the colour is good, it's a little thick (8ply) so I think I'll go back for the 4ply. It's a much tighter twist, too, so hopefully it will blend better. The hair is actually all different lengths - not sure if this is from the factory, or if it was cut at some point? I wonder if it originally was loops, not straight hair?? No way to tell, unfortunately.....

Anyway, I wrapped some lengths of wool around a piece of cardboard and stitched them together to make a strip. Poked it through the gap and restitched. It took a few goes with some tacking before I was happy, but it finally fell into place. Just need to stuff it, now! 

I used the original stuffing in the hands, feet and body, and some new fill in the head. A just need to close the neck and she is done! I have kept her pretty soft and cuddly - not sure how she was originally, cause she was very flat when she came to me....

Anyway, final results :



I will be seeing her in a few weeks for her baby shower, so will give her back to her then. I hope she likes her :)

03 May 2015

Free doll... Done!!

UPDATE 3/1/2016
She is done!! 


She is for display only, as the clothes are either glued, tied, painted or stitched on. 

UPDATE 29/12/15
I have been inspired to finish this girl off, since I already had all the stuff on hand. Since her hair and face are already done, just the clothes remain....

I had already chosen this polyester sheer and lining, and found a matching lace in my stash, so what am I waiting for?? 

I started by making a pattern, similar to the off-the-shoulder style, with a raglan sleeve and casing for the gathering ribbon. I decided not to use elastic, as I need to stitch the lace on, and the elastic could deteriorate down the track. All the gathers are done this way. Hopefully it will ensure it will last a long time ;) 

So far, the dress has been on and off a LOT, since I'm kinda winging it... This is a mock-up of how it's going....


Before I finalise the dress, some undergarments are in order. She is the strangest shape, so I had to make some custom pants. It worked first time, so I'm pretty pleased with myself! Now I wonder if I should paint her shoes, or try and make some? I may just paint some, since I didn't make the doll, and I don't have the pattern. Clothes I can do, shoes are a bit out of my area of expertise....


I have now hand stitched the neck lace on, and the hem lace was done before it was completed. All the ties are tight and tucked out of sight, so just need to do the waist sash and sort out her hair and shoes. I pinned up her hair while stitching the lace, and I quite like how it looks ;) Perhaps some flowers in her hair to finish? She's still pinned in places, but it's getting there..... Not sure on the choker, either...


30/5/2015
At Doll Club last weekend, someone was giving away a fabric doll body. Clearly it was started, but got no further than making her body - no face, no hair, no clothes. And definitely a lady doll, with a large bust and tiny waist! 



I think she needs to a bit Victorian, a flowing off the shoulder dress should detract from her pigeon chest.... ;) Something like this :


She now has a face, based on the Godey doll book I have, although she is smaller in size. I scaled down the face, and used paint rather than embroidery. I think her eyes are ok, but her lips are too pale. Will have to put another paint layer on to darken it up...