How to Make Yarn & Felt Pigtails for your Dolls

This is Fran's first doll for the Uthando Project!!  And she's adorable! I love the pretty fabric she found and matching shoes. And what amazing eyes she painted on!   Want to know how?  Follow my free doll painting face tutorial here :)

"I never expected my first dolly to turn out so well. I used the boy body for my girl, because I didn't want to hide the pretty material, so I made a very simple skirt out of one rectangle only and a small piece of elastic at the waist." Fran

Fran didn't stop there she started sewing up a storm, and each of her lovely little dollies comes with a matching handbag and removable skirt and shoes ... oh so sweet!

Want to know how Fran made her doll's pretty yarn/wool hair?

"They are rubber-banded at the tips, and placed on the INSIDE of the "hair" part of the head, close together. When you pin down your head and body, these will stay nicely. After sewing around the body/head as usual, clip off the nubbins sticking outside of the head. When you turn your doll right-side out, the pigtails will look like the doll in the photo. Very easy to tie a ribbon around." Fran

Thanks so much Fran!  I can't wait to see your boy dolls! Take care and Happy Sewing!

How about a side ponytail?  Or to long braids either side :) Have fun with different hair styles!

Don't have any yarn?  Why not cut some felt shapes out :) Like the Circles used in my mini dolly (I drew around the bottom of my spool of thread for these but you can buy them pre-cut at most craft stores) big, small one, two or three all look cute  ... Simply use the same method as above (minus the elastic bands) of sandwiching then between the top of the head before you sew your dolly up!

Try other shapes too..... Hearts ... Ovals .... Long strips braided in to side ponytails ... Have fun!

Ta Da ... Cute Hair!!! 

Read more...

Giving Handmade Toys to Local Charities and Children's hospitals

We often only think of making and giving dolls to children in far away countries but often there are little ones very close to home that are in need also.  The lovely ladies of the Phoenix Dolly Donation group have been very busy and have amassed an amazing collection of dolls and toys for their local charities and children's hospitals. (Click on the photo to see them all up close!) 

They are the perfect gifts to brighten any little ones day! Thank you so much for sharing the photo with me ladies! 

Hugs and happy sewing! 

Read more...

Every Girl's a Princess - helping Girls in Need

Paula has come up with an amazing idea in "Every Girl's a Princess".  She's made up these beautiful Pocket Princesses to raise money to rescue and aid in freeing victims of human trafficking.  Human Trafficking is a frightening reality, even in the Western world, and my heart goes out to all who have been touched by this terrible crime.

They are all so pretty Paula, I love how you picked the fabric for their outfits and the curly swirly brown cotton for their hair is just perfect!

Good luck with your fundraiser and please let me know how I can help further :)

Read more...