Saturday, August 13, 2011

Angel Cake, a Strawberry Shortcake friend

Sometimes it is fun to make someone else's pattern :-)   I have to thank Susan (aka BlueEyedGirl) for inspiring me to make this pattern, which I've had for several years.  I loved the way the dolls looked, but there were a lot of things I didn't like about the construction of the doll.  Susan reminded me that, if you don't like it, change it!

So, on her advice, I used an 'E' hook instead of 'G'  for the doll body, and used acrylic eyes instead of making them from felt (except for the whites).  This made my doll 10 inches tall, instead of 14.


Other changes I made to this pattern were to give the doll a wig cap, instead of attaching the hair to the hat, and also jointing the neck and arms.  To joint the neck, you need to work the pattern 'backward.'  That is, start the head at the neck edge (instead of the top of the head), and work the body starting at the neck (instead of the feet).   Her head is a bit too floppy, so instead of working three rounds of 10sc for the neck, next time I will only work two.

I also hinged the legs the way the Pocket Spirits are done, so this means the entire body from neck to feet is worked backward.

Her clothing is removable, but believe it or not, by using two hook sizes smaller for each part of the doll, the clothing patterns fit beautifully.  Instead of working the t-shirt in rounds, work them in rows and add buttons and button loops to the back.

I like her so well, I will probably make her a friend, if not all of them!  Thank you, Susan, for the great suggestions and your wonderful doll (See her here).

Enjoy the crochet!

26 comments:

  1. This is so cute. It reminds me of my mom. She always makes these sorts of crochet dolls for my daughter. They are definitely too hard for me, but I love seeing this here :)

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  2. very very cute. i've a new neighbor here. i've never seen her, but i can hear her, she sounds about 4 years old. i'm thinking of making a doll for her, and a few changes of clothes and leaving her in the mailbox. :)

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  3. Thank you for the good words, Bama, Bri, River, and Lois :-)

    River, what a cool thing to do!

    Beth

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  4. She is so sweet. It has reminded me that when I finished making my Strawberry Shortcake I promised to make her little friends but then I started making my own creations (it was high time for that after so many years of crocheting :)and I forgot about that. Then I found you and I discovered a new world in doll making... You continue surpising me, it's amazing how you pick someone else's pattern and make a unique doll. I admire you so much... Kisses from Spain.

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  5. How cute! And the house in the previous post as well! You are very talented!

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  6. Thank you, Join, for such kind words. Looks like a Strawberry Shortcake in your icon :-)

    Thank you, Millasew!

    Beth

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  7. She is wonderful. I love her.
    Great work, as always.

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  8. I love this doll as I love all your dolls!
    Lone

    ( p.s. can´t get into your comments for some reason )

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  9. Hi Lone!

    Thank you for the good words :-) Not sure what the trouble is with the comments. Sometimes Blogger gets the hiccups.

    Beth

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  10. So cute!! I love it!!! Your work is wonderful!!!

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  11. I have that pattern book!!! Didn't like the original instructions either. You should turn one of them into a La La Loopsy, the shape is perfect :)

    Rachel

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  12. Rachel, that's a great idea :-)

    Beth

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  13. Hi Beth! I just love all your dolls!
    I'm just wondering, are you able to post the pattern for the Strawberry Shortcake doll(s)? I searched for that book and I can't find it anywhere except on ebay for a ridiculous amount. Both my girls love all the characters and my youngest just turned six a couple of days ago and asked if I could make her one after seeing your doll.
    Thanks.
    ~Marie~

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  14. Hi Marie,

    Since the Strawberry Shortcake pattern is not my own, I'm afraid I cannot post the pattern. However, I bet you could make a very similar doll using either the Free Spirit pattern or the Basic Amigurumi doll pattern. I think it is the face that 'makes' this doll so like the Strawberry Shortcake characters, and you can put this face on any doll. A somewhat oversize head, and an outfit in the appropriate colors would do it.

    I hope you are able to work something out for your girls, and sorry I could not post the exact pattern you wanted.

    Beth

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  15. Thanks, Beth. I will try your suggestions. :-)
    I love your work!!
    ~Marie~

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  16. Thank you, Marie; hope this works for you and the girls :-)

    Beth

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  17. All I can say is "WOW". I haven't been crocheting long. My Mom taught me when I was lttle and I picked it up recently. Mom passed away about a year ago. I am so amazed at the talent you have in your dolls. Glad I stumbled accross your Blog. I really appreciate the chance to see your "little ones"! Have a nice day. Again Thanks :)

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  18. Can't find this pattern is it available? It is so cute

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    1. This is a Leisure Arts pattern that is out of print. Sometimes you can find a used copy; you might try Amazon.

      Beth

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  19. Replies
    1. It is an out-of-print Leisure Arts booklet "Strawberry Shortcake Crochet Dolls." You might be able to find a used copy at Amazon.

      Beth

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