The Whimsy Rag Doll

Nov. 1

Pattern update!

I want to say the actual makings of this pattern began between 2006-2008. I had only made one doll from scratch at that time (Molly from a 'Big Comfy Couch on Christmas Eve of 2006) and I was eager to make more. My attempts left me with some odd looking dolls that perhaps frightened more than they enthused.... I wanted to make one that looked like the ones in storybooks and how my mom described dolls once were...

Debut the The Whimsy Doll Pattern!

The pattern has had some tweaks over the years, but at heart she is a classic heirloom rag doll. I remember my mom showing me how dolls were once made from flour cloth sacks and extra bits of wool from the sheep. The flour sacks were the perfect weight and texture for such things - how I wish they sold flour like that still! This pattern came from seeds of those dolls and conversations. I remember scouring the fabric stores for a doll pattern to no avail (this is before the internet had everything) - only Raggedy Anne and Andy patterns were to be found in local fabric stores. Which set me down a path that has delighted me ever since - learning to make it on my own.

The pattern includes step-by-step pictures on how to needle felt with roving wool. A strangely addicting pastime… The dresses are from vintage handkerchiefs that had seen better days. Giving vintage linens new life in dolls is one of my passions!