Waldorf Dolls

[Kaz]

I would like to make dd a Waldorf-type doll (natural material type rag doll). They cost a small fortune to buy.
Does anyone have any helpful tips, links to patterns or whatever? I am not a very 'crafty' type person and I don't have a sewing machine but would like to give it a go.

TIA :)

[lenswyf]

I don't know what they cost to buy, but here's a kit to buy (http://www.weirdolls.com/dollkit/kitwaldorf.html) or patterns for dolls and clothes (http://www.weirdolls.com/dollkit/dollpatterns.html). Sewing by hand takes time, but there's no reason you couldn't make them that way.

[Kaz]

The site looks great but unfortunately they don't ship outside the US :( ( I live in the UK)

thanks anyway though :)

[Shawn]

Here's a pattern for the Waldorf style doll: http://webarchive.afsc.org/doll/doll.htm

If you could find the book Toymaking with Children by Freya Jaffke she gives instructions on how to make them.

[This Busy Mom]

I was going to recommend weir dolls, too. You should be able to find something in the UK... Hawthorne Press is in the UK... http://www.hawthornpress.com/ They at least will have doll making books... maybe they know of a source in the UK for doll materials? I remember running across a few dollmakers over there years ago when I was interested in this stuff.

You could also try www.magiccabindolls.com

[Shawn]

When you get started here's a page with instructions with photos on how to make the head:
http://www.thesilverpenny.com/FreeProjectDollHeadDirections.html

[Grover]

Somewhat late joining this thread.I am in the uk.I got this book'making waldorf dolls' by maricristinsealy-hawthorn press.isbn 1-903458-58-7.You should be able to borrow it from your library with that info.Or you could order it from any bookstore,most will get in a pre ordered bok.I believe amazon stock it too.
I found a local waldorf school sold the material,so search your local area for wadorf schools.
The book is good as it has the patterns for dolls clothes too.Hand sewingis possible,i made someof the smaller dolls with my children

[allycat]

I made my own waldorf type doll. It was the first one that I have made, and didn't make the head a typical Waldorf head. Probably should have, since mine turned out pretty wrinkly. But oh, well. I just drew my own pattern for the body and machine sewed and then turned, and then made the head seperately. I then sewed the head on the body by hand, and added a hat. You could make this by hand. I hand embroidered the eyes too. You could add lips if you wanted. I stuffed with polyfill, but would be better with wool stuffing and sand for a heavy baby.
http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/6F/49/B3/i6F49B308-33A8-47E8-B3DE-92C915D2974D.jpg

[LauraK]

cute!!!

[TestifyToLove]

I've used a kit from Magic Cabin Dolls, and it was super easy. Kit came with directions, pattern and all materials needed to make the doll. Of course, dd wanted me to add ears, earrings, a bellybutton and a buttcrack to her doll. But, hey it was also easy to customize to her requests.

[arwen_tiw]

I have the same book. "Making Waldorf Dolls" by Maricristin Sealy. It came from myriad natural toys - along with some jersey fabric because I found it almost impossible to get around here recently and then only in black or white. :rolleyes

I can also help with the sheeps wool thing, if you want to cut down on cost take a drive up to the nearest farm and ask if they have any wool left over from shearing and could you possibly have some. We have a Christian run open farm near here where we get our eggs, and they sold me an entire fleece for £5. Cut up, washed, dried and carded, it's perfect and I'm glad I did the extra work because it's saved me a LOT of money; I have enough for three dolls easy even after being lazy and discarding all the most matted bits as too much effort!

On the other hand this is the first I've tried making with the proper stretchy fabric and I can't get my machine to co-operate. I'm using a size 14 ballpoint needle, thick jersey fabric, and good strong cotton. But the thread won't catch at all. :mad Anyone? Heeeellllpppp. :blush

[arwen_tiw]

I posted pics if anyone was watching this thread and wants to see what I managed. :-)

[JessicaTX]

:scratch Where?

[DebraBaker]

I have made a few.

My advice, strange as it may be, you *will* need the 5" dollmaking needle.

[arwen_tiw]

:scratch Where?


Sorry - in the thread titled something like "Jenna's birthday present". :O