There is something about making dolls that brings back a little bit of
childhood to your adult life. The surprised, excited and appreciative look
on a person's face when they see your new doll is worth all the time and
effort you used to create it. I hope these tips will increase your enjoyment
as you create that special doll.
1. Make a wool pin cushion to keep your hand sewing needles sharp. Make the
covering in wool and stuff it with wool doll hair.
2. If your sewing machine is not picking up the thread and making a stitch
you are using the wrong sewing machine needle. Check your book for the
correct size....If it is skipping stitches try a ball point or a stretch
needle for knit. The higher the number the fatter the needle.....the thicker
the fabric the larger number you need.
3. A clothes drying rack is great for drying freshly painted dolls. Drape
the doll over 2 rods so that none of the wet parts are touching each other.
4. To produce a blended overall antique look for lace on your
reproduction-style dolls, dip the lace in a mixture of tea and Koala brown
dye.
5. When thinning porcelain slip, use distilled water so that you don't add
any chemicals or minerals that might cause specks to appear in the fired
bisque.
6. Sculpt around a doll's eyes to give them expression and personality.
Beautiful eyes in an expression-filled face is what you should be trying to
achieve.
7. To make an umbrella for a Barbie doll or other character, twist together
eight 10" lengths of white wired ribbon, leaving 3" untwisted at one end.
Fold down the 3" ends to form the spokes of the umbrella. Bend the other end
into a 'J' shape to form the handle of the umbrella. Glue a 5" circle of
fabric to the spokes.
8. When stuffing dolls, stuff firmly, but not so it is bulky. Embroider
dolls that are for small children.
9. When making doll clothes and putting elastic in anywhere, measure the
elastic and mark the length on it. Feed it in the area you need it. After
you get that length in, cut the elastic. It makes it easier than trying to
hold on to a small piece of elastic.
10. For doll patterns that you use over and over again, in order to reduce
wear and tear to the pattern, trace and cut it out in felt so that it
withstands repeatedly pinning it in place.
11. For easier turning right side out of small cloth doll parts, dampen the
fabric before turning.
About the Author
Patty Lee is the owner of Craft Ideas, a free newsletter all about crafts.
Visit us online at http://craftideas.freewebspace.com or subscribe to our
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