Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Delightful Cloth Dolls

Here is an enchanting book by Jill Hamor, filled with wonderful cloth dolls and toys.  I made Virginia about a year ago, testing Jill's pattern, which made up beautifully.  The doll has a baseball-style head, which was very popular back in the 40's and 50's, and gives a lovely shape to the face; she is 16 inches tall.  The instructions are easy to follow, and you can see the results; a perfect companion for any child.  You can find Jill's book at Amazon.

Jill's book has several patterns for both dolls and toys.  She has a simpler doll pattern, that is really dear, and a pattern for marionettes and topsy/turvey dolls.  For toys, there is a perfect Velveteen rabbit, a precious pony, and a sleepy puppy.  Something here for every child in your life (including yourself!).

Jill has a unique way of making hair for her dolls.  I've never tried it, but always loved the result she gets.  You can find Jill on her blog Bybido.  Check it out! 

Here is another great dollmaking book, available through Dover Publications, for a 14 inch storybook doll

I have to admit, I have not made a doll from this book, but the patterns look simple, and there are lots of pictures of the doll construction.  And, several color plates of finished dolls, like this:

 The author includes many accessories for this doll, including the sweet pets you see pictured here.  

So, come Black Friday, turn it into a White Friday and make the child in your life a handmade gift that they will cherish forever.


12 comments:

  1. She is adorable!! And reminds me of you somehow:D! And i love how you've dressed Virginia (my grandma's name was Virginia:P)
    Hugs
    rux

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    1. Thank you so much, Rux! I have an Aunt named Virginia; it is one of my favorite names :-)

      Beth

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  2. I follow her blog and I am eagerly awaitig the release of this book in the UK on the amazon website. she has made some lovely versions of the doll for her children and others. Her other work is great too - very inspiring. Can't wait to have a go myself and hopwe it turns out as lovely as yours!

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    1. I'm a fan as well; Jill's dolls are wonderful :-)

      Beth

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  3. Greetings Beth! I cannot imagine a better way to spent "Black Friday." I'm usually huffing and puffing and protesting the event but think this year I'll follow suit, turn a blind eye to it, and craft away!!!

    I must thank you for sharing about Jill and her book. I had not heard of either but thanks to you have had a delightful read of her blog and added "Storybook Toys" to my Christmas list!

    natalie jo

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  4. She's so sweet, Beth! A quintessential play doll.

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  5. I have both of these books.
    I have had the Easy To Make Storybook Dolls one for a few months. I have not had time to make any of the dolls.
    I got Jill's book yesterday. I ordered if from Amazon on Monday and it came so quick. I can't wait to make the dolls. I have followed her blog for a long time and love the toys she makes.

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    1. Jill's doll was such fun to make; there is such a gentleness to all of her toys. Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving, Sandra :-)

      Beth

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  6. Hello Beth, I just received my book this morning and it is such a lovely book, Jill's blog is one that I have been following for quite some time and was always in awe of the dolls she made for her children, now I too, can create one for my grandchildren. You have a wonderful gift in creating your beautiful dolls and this is certainly one of them! I also have the other book by Sherralyn St. Clair, and I haven't made one either but I also bought her newest one one Sew A Small Doll and Her Clothing and it looks like it could be fun to create these little cuties.

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    1. Thank you for your good words, and for the information on Sherralyn St. Clair's new book. I adore small dolls; this sounds like a wonderful book :-)

      Beth

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  7. Your doll turned out great! I so want to make one!

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    1. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it, for the delightful doll and so many other wonderful toys. Thank you for your good words :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

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