Rag Doll Project - Part III - Knit Sweater

I'm still working on my rag dolls to sell at a Christmas Bazaar this December. I thought it would be really cute to knit little sweaters but could not find a pattern anywhere. I found this toddler size pattern and adapted it to fit my little rag dolls. It took a couple tries to get it right, but I've worked out all the kinks. The problem solving was a lot of fun.  

Click on "Rag Doll" in the Label Archive to see other posts about this project.

Rag Doll Project - Part II, Mary Janes

My rag doll project is coming together little by little. As I mentioned before, I want to develop my own patterns for everything...doll, clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Here's a quick tutorial for my Mary Jane shoe pattern:

Begin by cutting shoe pieces from felt.


Align the back of the sole with the center of the main shoe piece.


Start stitching pieces together...I just use a whipstitch.


Once I've stitched around to the front of the shoe, I start from the back again on the other side. I found that sewing the pieces from back to front in two steps kept the pieces aligned the best.

Stitch up the front seam.

I do not turn the shoe in-side-out to hide the stitching at this point. I like the ridge along the sole that is visible when the stitches are on the outside.

Position the strap while it is on the doll foot to get the right angle and sew.

Voila!

Rag Doll and Dress

I've spent a lot of time lately working on a rag doll pattern. I wanted to figure it out myself without relying on someone elses pattern...so after several attempts (head too flat on top, shoulders to boxy, arms stick out funny, feet too bubbly, etc) I've finally got a pattern I like pretty well.


This morning I started working on clothing patterns. I crafted this pattern after a baby pattern I have for Lyla.

The back of her dress still needs a button and loop at the top.

I plan to work up patterns for shoes, more dresses, and some fun extras like a backpack, apron, and tutu. I'll make all my patterns available when the whole project is finished.