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 the Craft Ideas newsletter, a free online newsletter filled with craft tips, articles, exclusive contests for subscribers, links to fascinating craft sites and more. Sign up for the twice monthly newsletter at craftideas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
By Barbara Bratton (Guest Post)
08/24/2005
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