Saturday 26 September 2009

In which I make my first Waldorf doll.

Recently, Sweet Pea's awesome aunt bought her adorable cousin a Waldorf doll. Before she shelled out for the doll, Aunt Awesome asked me if I had any connections in the Waldorf world, or if any crafters I knew made these dolls. Sadly, the answer was no. It did, however, lead me to a lot of reading and research. Then it lead me to a lot of wanting for my own little girl to have a special doll of her own.
Unfortunately, because each doll is hand crafted (which takes HOURS) of purely natural materials (which are expensive!) the price was prohibitive for us. So, I bought a kit, and $30 US later, I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the bits and pieces of Sweet Pea's very own special baby.
Well, on Thursday the kit arrived. 6 oz of wool batt, a very little bit of cotton interlock, some threads, tubular stockinette, and a crocheted mohair wig. Oh, and the pattern, of course. I was so excited to get things going, that I neglected to take a lot of photos.
Thursday night I fashioned the head for Sweet Pea's baby. It took a bit of time, and I was really glad that I know what I know about the properties of unspun wool fibres. Otherwise, the process would have been maddening.
When I was done, I had this:


Btw, in case you're wondering, tubular stockinette is actually tubular ribbing.
I made the body up on Friday night, and gave her a little face. I stitched her hair on this morning, and gave her to Sweet Pea.

Sweet Pea thought she was nice, but she was a little more interested in playing peek-a-boo under her quilt.


Nonetheless, I was/am rather pleased with my first attempt. I think she's cute as a button!


This was definitely a learning experience - there are things I would do differently in the future. What I'm hoping to do is to learn via the use of a few kits. Make some different sized dolls, use some different techniques, and maybe eventually get really good at making these wonderful babies.

7 comments:

Alrischa said...

That doll does have a cute face, doesn't she? Very sweet ;)

Bezzie said...

How did you ger her skin on??? Very cool!

Stickyfingers said...

I know, it's awesome! The skin is such a snug fit on the wool stuffing. There is a process to it for sure.
I opened this offer up on FB, now I'll let it go in the comments here too - Since I'd love to get some practice with these dolls if you would like a Waldorf doll for someone you know and love, get a kit, send it my way and I will assemble it free of charge. Offer good for the first 5 takers (and I already have 2). It should be noted that I refuse to guarantee time lines for delivery. It gets done when it gets done - we're busy around here!

Lisa said...

Gorgeous doll, Amy!

Anonymous said...

Count me in!!! I would love a couple of the dolls if you can mangae them for me...Craft sales...if you agree...if not...just one for ME! Where do the kits come from? which is to say...where can I get them for you?
kwgma

Anonymous said...

Isn't it wonderful that your Waldorf baby and SweetPea have the same hair do! Love it!
kwgma
btw..one dolly alone would be wonderful! I really can't afford too many. *grin*

Stickyfingers said...

Craft sales really aren't the intent, kwgma. Since these dolls typically retail for upwards of $100, I'm sure you'd have a rough time off-loading any of them anyway.

Kits can be obtained at Joy's Waldorf Dolls, Dancing Rain dolls, or Stein Dolls websites. Google - I don't have the urls right now.