Dolls...

[susandennis]

I have evolved this doll making deal over time. Today I realized just how fully compartmentalized it's become. There are definite production steps:

1. choosing fabric pairings for each doll


2. cutting out pieces


3. selecting hair and faces for each doll


4. face making
   
   
   • temp drawing of eyes and mouth
   
   
   • sewing on eyes
   
   
   • drawing on mouth
   
   


5. sewing arms, legs and heads to body


6. cutting hair


7. stuffing arms, legs


8. assembling doll


9. adding final touches

I do step 1, 2 and 3 for a dozen or so dolls at a time. I'll make faces for 25 or 30 dolls in a batch. Then I do steps 5-9 doll by doll.

I listen to podcasts while I work. A lot of what I do when depends on how interesting the podcast is that I'm listening to. Step 5 and 8 are solid sewing and great for the boring parts of podcasts. But today I was listening to a really good new one The Loving Project when it came time for step 8 so I just left that doll on the sewing table and did some more of 1-3. Now I'm set for a few days of doll assembly!

I did get a couple of dolls finished before I got snagged by that podcast.

Comments

[lifeinroseland.livejournal.com]

What's your favorite step?

[susandennis]

What a great question and one I pondered myself today and I'm not sure I have a favorite or even a least favorite. Stuffing the arms and legs is tedious BUT it's a great spot to get tuned back into the podcast I'm listening to. Cutting out is hard on my back but again... good podcast listening time.

I think my favorite is that part of step 8 when after I have the arms attach and I sew from the bottom of the body, around the head to the other side bottom ... and I turn the doll inside out and really meet her for the first time. Each one is so different and such a cool surprise.

[lifeinroseland.livejournal.com]

Haha. That'd be my favorite too.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Looks like the bottom doll talked until he got blue in the face :)

[susandennis]

haha the cat did it

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I was thinking about this and how even though it is almost assembly-line, each one is unique. Then I read your response to which step was your favorite, and how you turn the doll inside out and meet it for the first time, and loved it.

[susandennis]

It really is a treat every time.

[badrobot68.livejournal.com]

I think planning out the color combinations and the outfits would be my favorite part.

[susandennis]

It is very fun... kind of like painting with fabric.

[badrobot68.livejournal.com]

It's definitely art!