Thursday, June 7, 2012

Inspiration

Larry and I were riding our bicycles in the park a few days ago, and I saw the cutest little girl, on her way to the library (which shares space in our local park).  Her skin was the color of dark chocolate, and her hair was braided into two French braid pigtails.  She was about five, so someone took a loving amount of time to carefully braid the hair of an active and no doubt fidgety little girl :-)

I really wanted to capture this child in a doll!  My creative muse has been on an extended vacation, and I've been a bit aimless without it.  Seeing this child was the spark I've been waiting for, apparently.  That, and a look through Joyce's (that's Dutzie to those of you in the Flickrverse) Lily dolls.  She has taken this free pattern offered by Lily Sugar&Cream and created the most wonderful crochet dolls.  Take a look here:

Joyce's Lily Doll photostream

Thus Kenya was born, from a child glimpsed in the park and the inspiration of a friend.  Kenya has a jointed head, based on this tutorial:

Simple Move-able Neck Jointing

And knee joints based on this tutorial by Joyce:

Ball Jointed Arms and Legs

The basic body is from the Lily Sugar&Cream site, which requires you to register, but this is free.

Lilly Yarnspiration doll

Kenya is a nice size, just under 12 inches tall, and the Lily site has a number of outfits for this doll, crocheted from Lily Sugar&Cream cotton yarn.  I used Vanna's Choice in chocolate for the doll, and Sugar&Cream for her dress and sweater.

You can see what a sweet handful she is, and how pose-able :-)

Enjoy the day, and enjoy the crochet!

17 comments:

  1. How very sweet! I am sure the little girl would love to see the doll you made of her.

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  2. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Beth for sharing your talents with us. May God continue to richly bless you.

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  3. Beth! She is so sweet love the colours of the clothes they make her really stand out!

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  4. А как вы делаете такие шарниры для того чтобы ноги сгибались?

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  5. Wonderful! I'm always so envious when I pop over to your blog as you have the most wonderful little characters with so much personality (which I know is not easy to achieve!) The possibilities with crochet dolls seems far greater than with knitted. Keep up the good work and enjoy your weekend (keep your eye open for more pretty little girls for inspiration!)

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  6. It's just amazing how you create these dolls with each their own adorable character.

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  7. Thank you so much for your good words, Lois, rjoit, Typs, Carolyn, Flutterby and Ellen :-)

    Flutterby, your knit dolls are perfect charmers; I'm in love with each and every one!

    Beth

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  8. She's totally awesome! I really like looking at your dolls, but that one is one of the most cutest on your blog :)

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  9. Thanks so much for your sweet words, Siljec :-)

    Beth

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  10. Oh my goodness, shes adorable!! I especially love the jointing on the legs (will have to try it!) Your dolls are always so inspirational Beth! Now I want to crochet! :D

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  11. What pattern did you use specifically off the Lily site? I really want to try this one, I love the jointed legs.

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  12. All of the Lily doll patterns have the same basic pattern for the doll; only the clothing are different. To make this doll with the jointed legs, use Joyce's ball jointed arm and leg tutorial, which is on the blog. Look on the left sidebar for "Tutorials by Joyce."

    Beth

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  13. You are welcome, Andrewcrochets :-)

    Beth

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  14. I'm another Beth who loves to crochet dolls. Have made most of the ones I've found on you site. Love your creativity and imagination. Am working on the Lily doll at the moment. Your colors make them so cute.

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  15. Hey Beth, thank you so much for your good words!

    Another crocheting Beth :-)

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