Saturday, July 9, 2016

Sidetracked!


So there I was, busily working on my next crochet doll, when I received a sweet note asking if one of my patterns could be used by a Hitty group for a challenge.  But of course!  I love it when people use my patterns as a jumping off place for their own imagination.  I was also kindly asked if I would like to join the group :-)

So I did.  Then I began a deep dive into Pinterest images of Hitty and other wooden pegged dolls.  I made two Gail Wilson Hitty's several years ago...


But I wanted to make a wooden one.   I am no carver; I'd probably slice off my arm trying to carve one, but then I remembered this delightful tutorial that Joyce sent me a link to:

How Penny is Made

So these are the instructions I used to make my Clothespeg Hitty :-)  She is more slender than the Gail Wilson dolls


So she had to have her own patterns for undies and such.

But I had such a good time making her.  It has been ages since I have painted a doll; discovered that my matte varnish had turned into a lump :-(  Still, she is painted and now dressed in a camisole and pantaloon, and I have a friend for her in the works.  If I make her just a we bit smaller (five inches instead of six), she will fit perfectly into a Celestial Seasonings Tea Box Trunk :-)

I know she isn't really a Hitty, but she works for me; satisfying my love of making dolls, and making them my own.  Thank you, Becky, for a great dollmaking tutorial, and for sharing it with all of us.


Update 7/11/2016:

I now have the pattern for Clothespeg Hitty's underwear and her wig.  These items will fit this slender doll, but may need to be adjusted for other Hitty's.  The wig fits a 1 inch diameter wooden bead.

Clothespeg Hitty Undies

Clothespeg Hitty Wig

13 comments:

  1. The nice thing about the Hitty world is that, with a few exceptions, Hitty people make all dolls of Hitty size and type welcome. New carvers and makers in other media are welcomed, no matter their skill level.
    My first two were made by Robert Raikes and declared by a somewhat grumpy old lady to be 'not real Hiity dolls.' She was one of only two exceptions to the all-embracing 'Hittiers'I've met in many years. The two Raikes girls now rejoice in the names of Mary and Roberta Not-Quite-Hitty. I don't think the lady meant anything mean by her comment really, she was just a little over-protective of the original Hitty and felt mine were not too like her. But then nether are Gail's - they are (sh!) far prettier than their ancestor!
    We love my N-Q-Hitty girls so much that my mother and I spent a small fortune on a large dolls' house for them to live in and I would like more of Mr. Raikes girls.
    Thank you so much for sharing Becky's design for Clothespeg Hitty. In my view she is a real Hitty - she is made of wood and is the right size. not only that, she is manageable to make for most of us. I have planned a Gail W Hitty for ages, but worry about the detailed work involved, so have used Gail's Hitty patterns to make clothes for the girls(she's a lovely, helpful lady!)but not made up a GW Hitty....yet!

    Will you be creating knitwear for Penny? Off to grab a clothes peg and make.....well, it's obvious really, isn't it? My new girl will be called Peggy. Would love clothing for her too.
    Jenni x

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    1. H Jenni,

      Thank you for welcoming my Clothespeg Hitty so warmly :-) I love making dolls, and this doll was definitely accessible to my limited wood working skills. When I have the pattern finished, I will publish her crochet undies. And I will probably make her some knitwear too, but knitting does not come as naturally to me as crochet.

      You should try Gail's Hitty; the instructions are impeccable, as are all of Gail's patterns and kits. She is a nice size and would play well with your sweet Raikes girls. I'm sorry I never took the opportunity to get a Raikes when he was still making them...they are as much a Hitty as any other variation of this sweet little doll.

      warmly,

      Beth

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  2. She is very sweet!

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    1. Thank you! I think so too :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

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  3. La manera mas tradicional de hacer muñecas. ¡Genial!

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  4. You are amazing <3!!!
    Whenever i see your wonderful creations, no matter how tired or sad i might be, i just become happy an smile :D.
    Hugs!!
    rux

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    1. Dear Rux,

      Such a very sweet thing to say; thank you my dear :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

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  5. Can't wait to see what you will create! I had forgotten how much fun (and how messy) painting can be :-)

    warmly,

    Beth

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  6. Beth,

    I love your little wooden doll! I have made button dolls using wooden parts, and marionettes using wood too. I have a pattern for some darling clothespin dolls, and now yours! I am so happy! When I get tired of making doll clothes for my Madame Alexander dolls I will try making a Hitty doll!

    - Momma Cat

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    1. Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Momma Cat :-) I love being able to make dolls from inexpensive and easily found materials. And I've always loved small dolls; Hitty is the perfect diminutive size.

      warmly,

      Beth

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  7. Hey Girlfriend!

    She now has bloomers and a pretty pink dress. I need to get some photos up here and on Flickr :-) Those little wigs are so easy and quick to make too!

    warmly,

    Beth

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