Dolls! Ella Cloth Doll With Felt Dress is Finished

Here are some photos of Ella, now that I have finished making her. Because of her dark good looks, she does not photograph very well, so I have lightened the photos slightly. This means that some of the intensity of the colours has been lost, but you should get the general idea.

Here is a detail of her dress:

I decided not to do the hat and put some beads in her hair instead. I might get her some shoes for her at the next doll show I go to. Lynne Hyland's design is lovely, and well worth making up if she still sells the pattern; I have had this one for some time.

On Saturday, after a nearly 2 year absence, I went back to my sewing club. I had a ball. There is so much skill within the group, and lots to learn from each other. People were making every thing from patch work to evening wear. I am really looking forward to the next meeting.

My next sewing project is something for myself as I think the dolls have had their turn for a while. I am thinking a summer top or a black jacket for work.

Dolls! Making Ella's Felt Dress

Here is Ella posing amongst the pansy flowers in her new dress. It is not finished though; I still have to attach the skirt and do the scallop edging along the hem.

Here is a close up of the button hole stitch. I think that is a really good way to finish the edges, even though they do not fray. I do not do any hand stitching, so this was interesting and kind of therapeutic to do. It is very different working with 100 per cent wool felt. It has such a woolly feel to it! No wonder the Italian Lenci dolls from the 1920's and 1930's who had clothing made from felt lasted so well; it is such thick durable fabric. I would imagine insects and moths were a problem though.

Ella's head got an attack of the wobbles after I sewed it on to the body, so I will need to insert a wooden craft stick to support the neck and keep her head upright. I don't like doing this in toys, even though she is only going to be displayed.