In high school I worked at JoAnns. At the time, I was making a lot of clothes. But I would look at all the magazines, and I was intrigued by the fairies in the doll magazines. I fell in love with Lisa Lichtenfels and her realistic nylon sculptures.
I didn't make any dolls, though, until I found a library display by the Indy Cloth Dollmakers. And I joined, and found a very encouraging bunch of ladies (and one gentleman)!
My first doll was from the Norman pattern by Ute Vasina. I made him out of felt because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a "trial." The felt made him difficult to turn, but I love how he turned out (even if he is naked).
This is a cloth version of architect Philip Johnson. I modified a pattern by Shelley Hawkey to make his peaceful face. His face and clothes intimidated me, though, and I kept putting him away. I think it took 2 years to finish him!
This little munky only took a little while to finish, though. He's from the Aranzi Aronzo book Cute Dolls. I've made a few of the dolls in the book, and have a few that just need the faces sewn on. I have a problem with follow-through...
Until I jumped in, I didn't know that there was such a large community dedicated to making dolls and selling patterns and supplies. If you are interested, Dollmaker's Journey has everything you need to get started. Have fun!
