Thursday, August 14, 2014

My Crochet Doll by Isabelle Kessedjian

This book by Isabelle Kessedjian is one that has been on my wish list for several months; last Thursday it finally arrived!  I love the simplicity and sweetness of this crochet doll :-)

The book is full of marvelous pictures and patterns for this delightful doll; she reminds me so much of the illustrations of Joan Walsh Anglund:

Illustrations of Joan Walsh Anglund, from the book  
The Golden Treasury of Poetry

I started and finished my first doll on Friday, then made her several wardrobe items over the weekend and into Monday.  

A back-to-school ensemble:

And a rainy day ensemble:

The sweet bunny pattern is from Fuzzy Mittens Wee Wuzzies pattern

If you wish to make this sweet girl for yourself (or some lucky child you know) here is some information that you may find helpful:

1.  The book is written using UK crochet terminology.  A 'double crochet' in this book refers to a 'single crochet' in US crochet terminology.  Isabelle provides a stitch glossary in the book, so read this before proceeding with any of the patterns.  The stitches are all very simple.

2.  The yarns used in the book are of French manufacture.  I googled the names to determine the weight/yardage of the yarns used, so that locally available substitutes could be found.  Here are the results:

    -For the doll, Bergere de France Ideal yarn is 1.75oz/137yds.  A DK/Sport weight yarn with several possible substitutions.  Patons Astra and Knit Picks Brava Sport are two.  I used Red Heart 3ply Sport since it was in my stash.  A doll made from Astra will be a bit smaller, but there are several lovely flesh tones available.

   -For many clothing articles, Bergere de France Coton 50 is 1.75oz/153yds.  Size 3 cotton thread and Lustersheen were very good substitutes for this.

   -Bergere de France Barisienne 1.75oz/153 yds, but this looks more like a wool/acrylic yarn than a cotton yarn, so fingering weight or light DK would work.

   -Bergere de France Lima 1.75oz/120 yds, light Worsted weight

   -Bergere de France Ecotan 1.75oz/130 yds, DK/Sport weight

   -Bergere de France Caline 1.75oz/196yds, Fingering weight

   -Bergere de France Toison 1.75oz/77yds, Chunky weight

3.  I crocheted the head all in one piece, changing to the hair color yarn and then working the 'scalp' backward.  If you want more hair color coverage at the back of the head, just work several straight stitches in your hair color at the back, like this:





4.  I took three rows out of the torso, and seven rows out of the arms.  I didn't want the arms quite as long as called for, but I think for my next doll I will shorten them by five rows instead.

5.  My doll has a move-able head, which is very easy to do with this pattern as the head is crocheted seperate from the body.  To make the head moveable, simply work the torso as written to the last row, then work one more decrease row to 12 stitches.  Work five or six more rows evenly on 12 stitches, and stuff this neck stub firmly.  Crochet is much firmer than knit, so you won't need to re-inforce the neck.  Finish the neck stub by decreasing around.  When working the head, begin with chain 13, work a single crochet in the second ch from the hook and each chain across (12 sc total), join, work two sc in each sc and then proceed with the pattern as written from round three.  This creates an opening at the bottom of the head for the neck stub to be inserted into.


 Joint the head to the neck as above with four strands of craft or buttonhole thread and a dollmaking needle.  There is a picture tutorial for this technique on  the blog under Tutorials.  Now you have a move-able head!



As with any doll and clothing, check the fit of your work to your doll, and change hooks or tension as needed.

I purchased my copy of the book from Amazon; you may also be able to check it out at your local library.  


 Enjoy the crochet!
  

166 comments:

  1. What a lovely crochet project. I've had my eye on this book for sometime and your notes are extremely helpful.

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    1. You'll enjoy making her Janet!

      Beth

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    2. Beth, your notes are a life saver! Thank you for this blog. I wonder, have you made any boy versions?
      Mary-Ann

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    3. I'm glad that they were a help to you. I haven't made any boys from this pattern, but it would be pretty easy. You could simply embroider the hair on the head, or make a wig cap and sew it down and your done!

      warmly,

      Beth

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    4. I'm incredibly confused with the red riding hood dress. How did you correct it?

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    5. The Red Riding Hood outfit has a lot of errors. Not a good outfit to make as a first one. I looked at the pictures and just sort of worked out what needed to be done. As I remember, the hood would never fit as written, so I added stitches and rows and checked the fit to the doll as I went along.

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    6. Hi, I made the doll and I started the rain coat. I am at the point where it says "working with invisible stiches attach the last row of the fronts to the last row of the back over 5 dc to form armholes. I don't know what invisible stiches are and I don't understand which 5 dc's I work in. I can't seem to picture what this looks like. Could you help me?

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    7. Hi Cathy,

      It has been a long time since I made this outfit, but here is what I think is going on: the first 16 rows of the coat fit around the body of the doll, then you work on 11 stitches on both ends of this piece to form a left front and a right front. You now have two extensions on either side of your piece, and 22 unworked stitches in the middle. You want to fold the extension over and invisibly stitch them to the back, making an armhole opening at the same time. She doesn't say how to do this invisibly; I would simply take a yarn needle and sew the pieces, using the tails from the extensions, or simply cutting a piece of yarn.

      Take your piece and fold it like this, and see if you can see what I mean. I think this is what is going on. Some of the instructions you just have to wing a bit, since they aren't very clear (or maybe it is lost in translation from the original French).

      Hope this helps somewhat, and good luck!

      warmly,

      Beth

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    8. I'm having trouble with the head, the bottom portion is way too big for the body although the stitches are correct. Is anyone else having this issue?

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  2. Very amazing work !! I love your doll !! Isabelle make very great job !! Have a good evening !!

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    1. Thank you, Anik; she was a lot of fun to make :-)

      Beth

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  3. Lovely work Beth, had the book for some time now, so have the doll with several outifts, I love just looking through at the pictures though....

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    1. Me too, Amber; I love the pictures! The beautiful way the dolls are posed is scrumptions eye candy :-)

      Beth

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  4. Oooh! It's in English now? I have it in French but, being a novice crochet-er and, though British, having taught myself from an American book, the double translation required proved beyond me. It is a lovely book, though and I might squeeze out the cash for a second copy. Thanks for showing it!
    Jenni

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    Replies
    1. Lovely it is, Jenann, and well worth having in your native language :-)

      Beth

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  5. Hi Beth, your doll looks lovely! Your pictures inspired me to purchase the book on Kindle. I have two questions about your alterations. 1) When you say you crocheted the head and scalp in one piece, at what round did you change to the scalp (hair) color? and 2) For places where it calls for the No. 3 cotton thread, could one substitute lace or sock-weight yarn? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Else,

      I worked the head to round 17, then changed to the hair color. But, I also worked the very first 'round' as a chain 13, then single crochet in the second chain and each subsequent chain, for 12 single crochet. Then, joined this round to create the opening at the bottom of the head and worked two sc in each stitch, for 24 stitches, then proceeded with the pattern as written to round 17.

      I think the sock weight yarn would work fine, but I would check your fit with it before proceeding too far along, as everyone crochets a bit different.

      Hope this helps,

      Beth

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    2. Thank you so much for that tip it was so helpful.

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  6. This doll is so cute, as are all your dolls! You put in that extra touch, the granny square bag, the basket with the bunny :-), the red dress, I just love all the outfits!

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by, Isabelle!!

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  8. I got this book when it first came out. My copy had a lot of mistakes in it. I contacted Amazon and never heard from them. I made on doll but had a lot of problems making her. I think I need to try it again now that I have read your notes. Thank you for the review.
    Sandra

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    1. Hi Sandra,

      I've made several of the patterns from the book, and had the most trouble with the Little Red Riding Hood outfit. The construction of the dress is different, and there is a mistake in the stitch count when increasing for the skirt. Also, I find that most of the outfits would be a bit long if stitched according to the instructions, but I also know that row gauge for me is almost impossible to meet.

      Hopefully if you try again, you'll have a happier experience making this doll. She really is cute and simple and worth the effort :-)

      Warmly,

      Beth

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    2. Thank you Beth. I will try another doll. It was the Red Riding Hood one that I did. I was very frustrated!! I had emailed the author of the book, but she never answered me. I have learned so much form you and I thank you!

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    3. Thanks so much for your good words, Sandra. If you have trouble with the doll, just drop a note and we'll work it out :-)

      Beth

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    4. I just ordered the book. She is an adorable doll and I'm looking forward to knitting (yep) outfits for her.

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    5. Ruth, so am I! I want to crochet a new wardrobe, and KNIT a new wardrobe for her. She is such a lovely doll; simple to crochet and yet, with an armature and a move-able head, quite pose-able. Looking forward to seeing your doll :-)

      Beth

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  9. Thank you for this review. I bought the book when it was released as it is adorable, but was really disappointed with the lack of gauge and instructions on how to assemble the doll and make the hair. I our the book away, but I may bring it out of hibernation to try again. Is it okay if I email you if I get stuck? I asked the author when I purchased, but never received a response.

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    Replies
    1. Certainly you may email me if you have any questions with the doll construction, and I will try to answer :-)

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  10. Ok third time is a charm :) I was wanting to say how amazing this blog is. And if possible would you mind showing a pic of the yarn sizes most of my stash has no labels. Thanks and if its not a bother what size of hooks did you use to get that size. I am new at this so all the info you got is more then welcome.

    Thanks again

    Jolene

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    1. Hi Jolene,

      Not sure a picture of the yarn sizes will help much. What you really want when making a crochet doll is to crochet tightly, so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. So, unless your yarn is very thin, like size 10 crochet thread thin, you should be able to produce a sweet doll with what you have on hand.

      Use small hooks: size B or C for sportweight, size D for worsted weight. Crochet a swatch with your smaller hooks and your yarn and see how dense it is, or make a small ball and stuff it and see if the stuffing shows through. This way you will get a feel for the best yarn/hook combination for doll or plush toy making.

      Hope this helps,

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  11. Just wondered how tall your doll was and what size hook you used. Are there instructions for different hairstyles on the book please. Love you doll

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    1. Hi Ros; my doll ended up about 10 1/2 inches tall. I must say, the hair instructions are pretty sketchy in the book, but if you like you can use the hair tutorials here on this blog for the doll.

      Beth

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    2. Hi Beth, what size yarn and hook did you use please. X

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  12. Hello! I am trying to follow the doll pattern from this book but I am confused by the instructions for the torso detailed in the image here: http://imgur.com/l5QR5uy

    The way I understand it, the two sets of 4ch in the first round of the torso that separate the legs will leave a hole between the legs at the bottom of the torso. There doesn't seem to be any mention of how to close this hole. Am I just supposed to sew it up? Or have I misunderstood something? Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

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    1. What I did is this: after crocheting the first leg, I finished it off leaving a long tail. When joining the second leg, and after completeing the torso, I sewed up the opening left by the chain 4's with the long tail from the first leg. Isabelle doesn't say to do this, but this is what I did, and it worked out just fine. I like the way the chain 4 seperating the legs makes the doll look.

      Admitedly, some of her instructions are a bit sketchy. Hope you stay with it; the doll is worth the effort :-)

      Beth

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  13. I LOVE your doll...
    I am having lots of troyble with the outfits... But after reading your post I will try again!
    Thanks for this wonderful blog!

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    Replies
    1. Good luck! And thank you for your good words :-)

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  14. Hi, your doll is beautiful! Please could you tell me how you made the ears as I can't see this in the book? Thank you.

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    1. Hi Sara,

      Actually, I added the ears myself. They are just single crochet stitches on either side of the head, positioned so the top of the ear is just below the line of the eye. I used three sts for each ear, and left long tails at the beginning and end to shape them a bit. Give it a try!

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  15. Hello thank you for taking the time to post this and give great tips! I was wondering if you've made the underpants yet? I just can't get the pattern to make sense for me, I get confused around row 9-16. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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    1. Hi Ann,

      The undies are one of my favorites from the book :-) Remember, if you are a U.S. crocheter, her double crochet is our single crochet. For rows 9 through 16, what you do for each row is skip the first st, then crochet in the remaining stitches. This way, you start with 12 sts on row 9 and by the time you get to row 16 you will have four stitches...these decreases form the crotch of the undies. For rows 17 through 23 you reverse the process and go from 4 sts to 12...the undies end up looking like real undies.

      I hope this helps, and you enjoy making your doll and wardrobe!

      Warmly,

      Beth

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    2. Can you please tell me what you do on row 8 of the underpants? I don't understand the book's instruction at this point.

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    3. If you look at the undies, after you work the first seven rows, they are shaped like regular underwear. So, you slip stitch in the first three sts (you will NOT work these stitches on the next row), then ch1 and work a single crochet (if you are a US stitcher) in each of the next 12 sts, then turn the work. What this does is leaves three stitches at the beginning of the row and the end of the row unworked, so you have begun the shaping of the undies from the waist to the crotch.

      Hope this helps to explain.

      Beth

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    4. Thanks so much for your reply! It all makes sense now. Your pictures are lovely, by the way :)

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    5. Thank you! Glad it helped :-)

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    6. Yes!! Thank you!! I have been doing and undoing this underwear pattern for days unable to make sense of her pattern, but you have explained it perfectly! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

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  16. Thank you thank you it worked! Christmas is saved, my daughters doll will have underpants;) thank you so much for taking the time to explain in to me!

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    1. Yay! Good to go with undies for Christmas :-)

      Merrily,

      Beth

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  17. My goodness - what a wonderful blog and thank you so much for sharing so much of your experience, expertise and time with the rest of us. I am in the process of crocheting the doll. I live in Ireland where use Double Knit weight yarn (similar to a worsted in the US). the first head I made was ENORMOUS! I have dropped to a smaller hook to try again and am much happier. But I am not sure now if I should also redo the body.

    Like other people have noted, it is a shame there are no dimensions given in the book. It would be great if there were some photos of the construction phase and many of the instructions are not complete. You have to wing much of it!

    But I am going to follow your blog from now on and continue to gain encouragement and inspiration. Thank you again and I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas. Best wishes, Carol

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    1. Thank you for your lovely words, Carol. I am sure you will succeed with Isabelle's doll; the doll is worth a bit of frustration and is quite dear when finished :-)

      Merry Christmas to you!

      Beth

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    2. I used your method for the hair, where you cover the back of the head with long stitches of wool before adding a top layer of wool to be stitched on later and am really delighted with the results. Excellent advice and as I said previously - inspirational. Thank you again. I am now on my third doll!!

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    3. Yay Carol! I know I find them quite addicting to make :-)

      Have a Happy New Year in Ireland!

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  18. Beth, I am confused with round 1 starting the torso. At end of 2nd leg, I ch 4 and connected to Leg 1. Following instructions I ended up with a gap between the legs. Frogged it twice. What am I doing wrong? Thx

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  19. Sorry, went back and read through the comments and saw where you addressed the torso issue. Thanks!

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    1. Good! Glad you found the information you needed :-)

      Merry Christmas!

      Beth

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  20. Hi Beth!
    So glad you made this sweet doll a project of yours--now many more of us will be able to make her. I was so tempted to buy the book, but the lack of measurements put me off. It's just impossible to guess accurately from the photos how small or large she might turn out. But 10 1/2 inches is a nice size for her, and her accessories will work for other dolls I've made too. Thanks for clearing this up for me! :-D

    RuthW

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  21. Hi Beth
    Thanks for writing such a good review of this book, I've been wanting to make this doll and her accessories for ages and was given the book for Christmas (twice, hihi) and just had to start straight away, I found your blog very helpful and after reading it made the head in one piece too :*)
    I have a question though, how did you sew the feet, I just don't get it, mine look really odd
    Thanks for your help
    Joanna

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    Replies
    1. Hi Joanna,

      I'm glad this post was a help :-)

      For the feet, I bent the leg up where I wanted to the foot to be and then with yarn took stitches where the crease in front was, between the foot and the leg. If you are familiar with the ladder stitch, this is what I used. The stitches don't go all the way through the leg, just along the crease in the front where I bent the leg up to make a foot. Or if you like, you could just leave it and it looks like she's on her tippy-toes :-)

      Beth

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    2. Thanks Beth
      I was stitching through the leg!!!!!! Now my dolly has little feet :*) :*)

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  22. I love the pictures in this book!! I just started making the doll and I'm already stuck with the head. I finished round 7-19 and I'm stuck!!! What do I do next?? The scalp? The scalp says... With yarn B, work as for the head from 1-8th round. Work 1 sl st in the next dc. Cut yarn and fasten off. I don't understand what this means! Can someone help me please :)

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    Replies
    1. The way that Isabelle does the head is to work it in two parts. The first part is worked with your flesh colored yarn and worked up to the top of the forehead. Then you finish this off by slip stitching in the next st and cut the yarn. The second part of the head is the scalp, which is worked in the hair color. When you finish the scalp, you stuff the bottom part of the head, then stitch the scalp to to top of the head.

      I thought this was a bit more work than necessary, so what I did was stitched the head in flesh colored yarn up to the point where Isabelle wants you to finish off and cut the yarn. Instead, I just changed to the hair color and worked the scalp 'backward' so to speak. Stuff the head and close it up with the hair color yarn.

      I hope this helps a bit.

      Beth

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  23. Oooh ok now I get it! Thank you for explaining that to me. Can I ask what row you put the eyes in? I love the pictures but the instructions in the book are a little hard to understand. Thank you again :)

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    1. I like my doll's eyes at the center point or slightly lower on the head; it gives a more childlike look. I think I put the eyes between rows 9 and 10, seven or eight stitches apart.

      Beth

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  24. Hi Beth! How did you do the nose and ears? I can't find instructions in the book for them.. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Martha,

      The nose is just a couple of straight stitches with your body yarn, taken between the eyes and a row or two down. The ears I added myself. Just work three or four single crochet on each side of the head; located in the lower half of the head.

      Beth

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  25. Hi Beth, so thankful to run across your help here. I am having trouble with the doll being stiff enough to dress.i figure if I can't dress her easily then, how can the child I am making it for? Any suggestions?
    Thanks so much!
    Kristi

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kristi,

      If you are making the doll for a child, you might want to leave out the armature, and stuff the doll not quite as firmly. The doll should then be flexible enought to fit into the clothing. If necessary, you might leave a back opening for things like T-shirts, and sew buttons on the side. This would make them easier off and on.

      Beth

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    2. Thank you Beth! I am starting again on attempt two using your post for help. I finished the head last night and adore the results. I was hoping to be able to share a picture of it with you but, don't know how :(

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    3. Hi Kristi! Glad to hear you are going to give the doll another chance :-) She really is adorable.

      Are you on Flickr? There is a group there called 'Hooked On Doll' where you can share your pictures of knit and crochet dolls. You could post a picture there :-)

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  26. The pattern in the book does not provide a hole in the bottom of the head. I am not making my head movable so how would you attach the head without the hole with the top of the neck being so narrow how do you do this?

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    Replies
    1. Christi, if you are making the doll without a move-able head then I would simply follow the directions in the book. Use a ladder stitch, and go around the head two or three times to sew it on; this should make it pretty stable.

      Warmly,

      Beth

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    2. There is such a wide opening when you are finished with the head .......no decreasing to make the bottom of the head close to the same with as the top of the neck........how do you attach the head with such a wide difference between the circumference of the bottom of the head and the top of the neck?

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    3. Also how do you get the feet to have the "bent" look since the pattern is not written to give this effect?

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    4. For the feet, you just bend up the bottom of the leg a bit and stitch in place to make a foot. As for the move-able head, in the post above, item #5, explains how the hole in the bottom of the head is made. It actually is about the same diameter as the neck stub, so the stub fits into the head opening.

      Beth

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  27. Hi Beth, another question about the adorable doll. I've made the head & torso as described in the book, gave it a lot of hair for a 'grungy' look. But now the head looks too heavy and bents over :(. Any suggestions on how to solve this?Thanks! Karlijn from Holland

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karlijn, you might try working a couple of rounds of ladder stitching to strengthen the join between the head and the torso. No need to remove the head to do this, just ladder stitch between the head and the torso and go around a couple of times. I have done this on other dolls and it works well.

      If you are unfamiliar with the ladder stitch, I'm sure you can look it up on Google and there will be vidoes showing you the technique. It is a great dollmaking technique to have under your belt.

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    2. Thanks Beth, i found it and will try it out. 'll Let you know how it worked out!

      By the way, don't you think the 'extended neck' (turnable head) which you describe will solve the problem better?

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    3. Hi Karlijn; yes, the move-able head on the neck stub will definitely help keep the doll from being top-heavy. Wasn't sure you wanted to re-work your doll to this extent, so using the ladder stitch method is a way to stiffen up the neck without taking the doll apart :-) Maybe on your next doll you can try the move-able head.

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  28. Hi Beth,

    I've been to your blog several times now to look at all of your lovely dolls. I wish I had found this post before I started my crochet doll. If I make it again, I will follow your directions for the head. I would also add a bobble thumb to the hands. Thanks for the great instructions and pictures. --Patricia

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  29. Hi again,

    I forgot to ask what rows you put the eyes between in my last comment. (Oops.) --Patricia

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    Replies
    1. Hi Patricia, thank you for your good words! I put 9 to 10 stitches between the eyes on my dolls. The nice thing about using acrylic eyes is that you can insert them and see if you like the spacing...if not, move them a stitch or two in or out before you put the locking collar on the back.

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  30. Hi Beth,
    i have recently made the doll with no problems, but i am hving problems with the clothes. Ive tried making the snow suit but it hs come out massive what have i done wrong? I made a pair of pants to see if i was reading the ppattern wrong but these were ok. Any tips you can give me would be much appreciated. I am tring to make the whole wardrobe for my daughter for christmas. Thank you

    char

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    Replies
    1. I'm afraid the snow suit is not one of the outfits that I've made for My Crochet Doll. If it turned out massive, sounds like the gauge was off, and probably in the instructions, as there are several mistakes in the book.

      Since you have this 'massive' snowsuit, you might put it on the doll and see where you could change the pattern to make it fit better...a finer yarn, or a smaller hook, or removing some of the stitches.

      Be aware, the Riding Hood pattern has a lot of mistakes in it: I looked at the pictures, and used them along with the instructions to get a nice looking cape.

      Warmly,

      Beth

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  31. Really, really nice doll!

    I have a question. I have the same book and few days ago I decided to make my own doll. But I got pretty confused already in the beginning - with the head. In all other amigurumi patterns I have tried, head pattern has decrease in it, in that book no? So how does head get this nice roundy shape? How do I close it?

    I would be so so thankful if You would answer :)

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    Replies
    1. The way Isabelle does her doll head is to work it in two pieces. The bottom part of the head is done in your skin color. Then, the top part of the head (the scalp) is done in the hair color. These two pieces are then sewn together to make the head.

      If you don't want to do it this way, you can crochet the head from the bottom up. When you get to the point where you would finish off and begin the scalp, just change your yarn color to the hair color, and work the scalp 'backward,' decreasing after a coupl of rows to close the head. In fact, you can just make the head like any amigurumi you've made before.

      Good luck!

      Warmly,

      Beth

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    2. Ohh! Now I got it! Thank you so much :)

      Delete
  32. I was wondering the same thing I have this book and didn't start cause I read the head pattern and it didn't have the decreases and didnt understand, so do I just follow the top of the head backwards?
    also she really doesn't explain how to do hair… :(

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    Replies
    1. That is what I did, just followed the scalp instructions backward. Or, just make a head like a basic amigurumi, nice and round, then add a wig cap. If you are looking for ideas for hair, I have a tutorial for making hair for dolls. Look on the left sidebar and scroll down (way down!) to find Tutorials. It is really pretty easy once you make a wig cap :-)

      Good luck!

      Beth

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  33. Hello! Your doll is beautiful! I just stumbled across your blog post, as I have bought this book to make the doll and some of her outfits for my daughter. I am new-ish to crochet, but have made quite a few things, so I have a bit of experience - I have never made a doll yet, though. I have looked through this book quite a few times (it's so pretty!) and read and re-read patterns, just trying to get my head around the pattern. One thing I can't understand, is with the sweatshirts for example, they don't look like they come off the doll very easily? Some patterns (the superman pattern, for instance), look like they would be impossible to remove from the doll. Is this the case? I bought the book under the impression that I would make a doll, and all the outfits would be able to be changed on the doll, like playing dress ups? Or have I been wrong and it's one doll per outfit? Hoping you might be able to help me? Thanks for your time :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jade,

      Some of the outfits for this doll are a pretty tight fit, and might cause a child some frustration. You could always make them with a back opening, and sew button on, but definitely some of the pullover clothes are hard to dress the doll in. The good news is that a crochet doll is VERY flexible, so you can bend their arms into sleeves and such.

      I haven't made the super-hero costume, but it would defintely be a tight fit. I have made the pullover sweaters, and they are best put on the doll pulled up from the feet and not over the head.

      There are a couple of errors in some of the outfits, notably the Red Riding Hood cape. Best to look at the finished outfit and go with your instincts. Even with its drawbacks. I love this book and love the doll it makes. Good luck!

      Warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  34. I just ordered the book because I know you with help with any problems. Thank You

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  35. I ordered the book because your doll is so cute. and your blog is very informative about the patterns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The doll is a lot of fun. Looking at the pictures should also help a lot when the instructions seem less than clear. And I certainly will be happy to help you with any problems :-)

      Enjoy!

      Beth

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  36. Hi!! I am working on (with the help of your blog) a doll for my daughters 3rd birthday. The blue eyes on the blonde doll in your hair tutorial are absolutely PERFECT. Where can I find these?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda,

      I use clear eyes and paint them myself, but if you don't want to do this you can buy beautifully painted eyes from Suncatcher Eyes, http://www.suncatchereyes.net/

      Warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  37. This doll is giving me a headache, lol.
    And of course the first outfit I want to make is the little red riding hood one. Her undies turned out enormous too btw. The hood is way too small. I am about to give up. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, the Little Red Riding hood outfit was one of the ones that is written incorrectly. If you look at pictures of the outfit, you can probably figure out how to alter it. Such a great doll, if you can just perserver!

      Delete
  38. Thank you for your great tips... I've had this book for about two months and I'm finally getting around to it, I'm making two of the dolls with some of the outfits as Christmas gifts for my granddaughters!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your doll is lovely! I'm a first time crocheted and I've been having a lot to fun with this pattern but I can't figure out how to make the ankles! Can you help?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Eva,

      To make the foot and ankle, all you do is after you've crocheted the doll, turn up a little on the end of the leg and take a couple of stitches to hold it in place, and this is the foot! Very simple, and sweet.

      Have fun!

      Beth

      P.S. or if you like, just leave the leg like it is and she can walk around on her tip-toes :-)

      Delete
  40. Do you know how to make the cake? The instructions don't specify exactly how the layers are supposed to work.

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    Replies
    1. Susan, I'm afraid I've never made the cake...you might look carefully at the pictures and see if they will help you in constructing it.

      Beth

      Delete
  41. Hi Beth! I just stumbled on your blog! I'm attempting to make the doll, but find few things a little confusing.. Maybe it's silly of me, but I just wanted to clarify (maybe you can help):

    1. The adjustable ring.. is the equivalent of a magic ring.. And are we supposed to tighten this right away. Looking at your blog, I'm thinking I should have left the beginning open instead of tightening it shut.

    2. When you start building the torso from the second leg the book says "4 ch to end of 2nd leg, dc in each dc of the 1st leg, 4ch, 1 dc in each of the 2nd leg=32 dc". Wouldn't this just equal 24 dc or are they counting the ch as well? Will the two sets of 4ch leave a gap between the legs. I guess I want to know how this should look because I feel like I am not doing this correctly.

    I feel so lost with this!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sugarplum,

      Well, actually I never use a magic ring, as I can never get them to work quite right for me. What I do is chain two, then work however many sts the pattern calls for in the second chain from the hook, instead of in the magic ring. Works just as well.

      For your second question, Isabelle is in fact counting the chain stitches that make the crotch of the doll. It will in fact create a small opening, but what you can do is with the yarn tail from your first leg (when you fastened it off), just sew the opening closed and it looks just fine.

      I think you are doing fine; I think some of the instructions are a bit hard to understand since this book was translated from French.

      One note: some of the clothing patterns are a bit 'off.' Your best bet, if the instructions don't look like they make sense, is to look at the outfit and modify the instructions to look more like the picture. Red Riding Hood's outfit is the one that needs the most help.

      Good luck!

      Beth

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  42. Hello. What a beautiful doll !! Could you please tell me in what row do you join in the pink for her cheeks and for how many rows. Many thanks. Jenny

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny,

      I pink up all my doll's cheeks with crayon! I rub it lightly into the yarn, just below the eyes, then take a piece of soft cotton (and old tee shirt works great) and gently rub the color into the yarn. Simple as that :-)

      Thank you for your good words,

      warmly,

      Beth

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  43. Hello Beth. It is me again, l wonder if you could please give me some advice. As I have just crocheted the pyjama top but think that I have gone wrong as in the picture it is a button down jacket and mine looks like a pullover. Many thanks. Jenny

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny,

      Looking at the instructions it appears that the pj top is a front button top, but if you've made a pullover, that should work just as well for pj's. As long as it fits, it can't be wrong :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  44. Hello Beth. I really could do with your help please how can I please do the hood on the red riding hood cape ? The little round one does not look right I am trying to crochet the hood directly onto the cape and I just can't get it right !! Please could you help. Many thanks ��

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny,

      It has been a while since I made this cape. What I did was to look very closely at the picture of it, and count the stitches. I know that the stitch count is way off for the hood, but if you look closely at the picture, I think you can see how much larger, and how many more rows, you will need to add to make it fit.

      This is what I did, and it worked out pretty good. Sadly, I no longer have this doll to check and see exactly what I did.

      Beth

      Delete
  45. Did you still make the round hood and just add extra stitches ? The same as the pattern . Many thanks. Jenny

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    Replies
    1. I seem to remember working the hood as she had written, but simply adding increases and rows until it fit my doll's head. Maybe the instructions were lost in translation from French to English.

      Beth

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  46. hello beth , i'm confused on how to create the doll, i can't understand . this is my email : ephemeralx3@gmail.com , can you please help me clarify how to create the doll . i need help with the head , torso , arms , &' legs ,&' under garments &' outfits, so basically the whole book thank you so much , i'm sick in e hos pital with my disease "sickle cell anemia" . i'm trying to make this doll for myself , but the pdf isn't working , &' i don't have any money to re - buy . please help me . i've been looking all over the internet for help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kia, I have sent you an email, and will be happy to help you create this doll.

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  47. Your information is invaluable. The book is definitely not for a beginner! I am an experienced toy maker and I too have been able to adapt/correct the written patterns by looking at the photographs. It would help if some kind soul would upload some instructional YouTube videos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, and thank you for your kind words :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  48. My doll has turned out quite well but I was not too happy with the foot arrangement on the My Crochet Doll pattern. I am sure most of you are experienced enough to be able to create your own pattern but I used the instructions from here https://missdolkapots.wordpress.com/category/tips-tutorials/ . The foot is in proportion and very easy to do.
    Regards
    Sally

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing the tutorial for making feet, Sally! Both methods produce a really nice foot, that can be used for any doll you are making.

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  49. Hi Beth
    Hope you are well.I am an ardent fan of your blog and work. I am so thrilled that you are helping out with this doll.I finally gathered the courage to start making this for my Lil girl but am stuck on the head itself....pls help.
    I crocheted till round 19 and have 48 dc.is that right? Am confused with round 20.do we end up with 48 slip stitches or am I totally off the mark?also the head at thus stage looks like a bucket...no decreases. ..how do I finish it off please?
    Would appreciate your help as soon as u can...got a Lil girl really impatient fir her dolly!
    Thanks in advance.

    Warm regards
    Ramya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ramya,

      Isabelle's instructions for making the doll's head has you cut the yarn after the round of slip stitches, then crochet the scalp seperately in the hair color and then sew the scalp to the head, thus forming the 'ball' of the head.

      I would rather crochet the head as one piece, so when you get to round 19, start working decreases. Look at the instructions for the scalp, and work them 'backward' if that makes sense, in that you will go from 48 stitches to 40 stitches in round 20, 32 stitches in round 21, 24 stitches in round 22, 16 stitches in round 23, and 8 stitches in round 24. Stuff the head as you are decreasing, and you should end up with a pleasing ball for a head.

      If you are using acrylic eyes with a shank and washer, you will want to insert them before you close up the head.

      I then make a wig cap to fit over the head (like a close fitting hat) of the hair color, and sew this to the head, then hook my yarn strands into this for the hair.

      I hope this helps!

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  50. Thanks so much Beth.am trying to get my head around your advice....have made several amigurumi but first proper doll...so the trepidation!
    So I continue with cream yarn and deccrease abd finish head?how do I make a wig cap...same as scalp in the book?
    Thanks again
    Warm regards
    Ramya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ramya,

      Yes, continue with the cream yarn; or if you like, change to your hair color and then decrease. It will be a sort of mini wig cap. This might in fact be easier. Look at the pictures in the post of the doll I made and you can see that instead of making two separate pieces and sewing them together, I just changed to hair color yarn and did the decreases.

      If you want more hair color at the back of the head, just embroider some long stitches with your hair color yarn. Then, hook your hair strands directly into the head. This is quicker, and a bit easier, than the wig cap.

      If you want to do a wig cap, start like the scalp pattern, but make it a bit larger, to fit over the dolls head just like a cap. Sew it down, then hook the strands into this.

      Once you try either of these methods, you will find they are quite easy, and you will be making all kinds of dolls :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  51. O dear...u make it sound so easy....can I do it?I wonder!
    I am a visual learner. ..if U dud the hair as part ofc the head like u said ..I would start with hair colour andc then change to cream yarn is that correct?
    Sorry for going on Beth. .Just eager to get it right anddunno to turn to.

    Thanks again
    Ramya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you can do it, Ramya. Look at the pictures above. Start as Isabelle does with the cream colored yarn, then when she says to work the slip stitches after round 19, don't slip stitch, just change to the hair color yarn, then work the scalp 'backward' from 48 stitches to 8, stuffing the head to close. Now you have a head with a cream colored face, and some hair color at the top of the head.

      Hook your strands into the hair color part. Just give it a try and you will see that it will work.

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  52. hola muero por tener el patrón de esta muñeca , pues no he podido conseguir la revista ya que soy de Venezuela, agradecería si alguien me lo podría facilitar .muchas gracias

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lo siento pero que no entiendo lo que pedís. Mi traductor hizo un trabajo muy pobre de la traducción de su texto.

      Beth

      Delete
  53. Hi Beth! How lovely of you to take the time to help us all with the doll! I've been reading and re reading little red riding hood, thinking 'that just can't be right!' and now I know I am not going mad!! Thank you so much! It's lovely to make something and feel a little part of a community of others all making something similar. From Heather in the UK!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heather,

      The dollmaking community is both warm-hearted and generous :-)

      I'm happy that this blog post was able to help you out with Isabelle's patterns. The doll is so adorable, and so worth making.

      Enjoy!

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  54. On the head I see how you did it, instead of 2 pieces sewn together you changed your yarn to the hair color and worked backwards so the head is all one piece. Makes sense.
    Also,comparing the arm lengths from the book and your doll, I agree with lessening the length of the arms by 5 stitches. The doll is still able to pose with items as if she is holding them the doll has a more appealing look.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you were able to understand my explanation, Valerie :-) I just made more sense to me to make the head in one piece instead of two... and I also like the slightly shorter arms.

      warmly,

      Beth

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  55. I am going to try the bed with tapestry plastic grids instead of cardboard.

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  56. I'd suggest if you shorten the arms to keep that in mind when you make any of the clothes with sleeves.

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  57. Hello! Beth, or anyone else, have you made the bear cub outfit? I've made a few of the others without too much trouble, incl red riding hood! But the hat for the bear outfit just isn't coming out right, too shallow, I'd love some help if anyone else has tackled it! Many thanks x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, Heather, but that is one outfit I never made. Hopefully someone out there can give you a hand. Or, look at what you've made and see how you might change it to get a better fit. Good luck!

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  58. I sure wish I would have found this before I had gotten so far. Thank you for the tips and tricks. I am needing to make another, so I will be sure to add your inspiration. Thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the good words :-)

      warmly,

      Beth

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  59. Thanks anyway Beth, I spent the afternoon trying and have managed to make it up myself to something that looks quite good! Nothing like the instructions, which seemed very odd, lots of 20 ch of crochet which you attach in various places but then no explanation of what to do with them! Feel pleased with myself for making my own bear cub head! It looks so cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never underestimate the power of a woman with a hook! You did it yourself, and that is awesome!

      warmly,

      Beth

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  60. Thanks Beth, yes I feel I learned something, having to make it up myself. My daughter adores the bear cub outfit, I recommend it, and happy to elaborate on what I did if anyone wants to know! Going to make the pet penguin next :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before you know it, you will be designing your own patterns!

      warmly,

      Beth

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  61. I just bought the book last night and THANK-YOU so MUCH for your comments and ideas to make "my doll" even more life-like! WONDERFUL!! M <><.

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  62. I'd like to know what you did: macdougallml (at) gmail (dot) com
    Thanks! M <><.

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  63. Hello, ok, so wishing I'd written it down, but.... So I didnt get the 20 chains, I just couldnt picture what they were for, so didnt do those, and made the hood/hat part as per the book, but you'll see its way too small, so I did a bit of increasing in the next row, I think 2dc in every 8dc or thereabouts, then a couple of rows of just 1dc in each dc, then another row where I increased occasionally, in every 8 or 10 dcs, and kept going like that til it fitted her head. Then I sewed into onto the rest of the bear outfit, so its like a hood (like the little red riding hood outfit). Its a little trial and error to get the size right, but worth it. The wool is a pain too, so fluffy that you cant see the stitches, you have to feel for them, but I got the hang of it eventually! Its very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Gracias por todas las aclaraciones, es usted muy generosa, he comenzado mi muñeca por los pies, si necesito ayuda le consultaré, gracias otra vez.

    ReplyDelete
  65. ¡ me alegro de que esto era útil!

    con gusto,

    Beth

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  66. Hi Beth, Can you help me with row 24-26 of the underwear? I'm so close, and now stuck. 😬 I'm not understanding the "4 ch = 16 stitches". It doesn't seem to match. The same worn round 25. Then round 26, says at the end "18 sl st." I'm so confused. LOL
    I'm so loving all you excellent help with this doll. My 12yo dd, bought the book, and we were making them together, and she's been so disappointed that we couldn't finish.
    Thank you! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Tina,

    The instructions are a bit confusing, but this is what you should do:

    Row24: ch1, 2dc in the first dc, dc in each dc across the row, then ch4 at the end of the row. 16 sts total.
    Row 25: Skip the first chain, dc in the next three chain, dc in each dc across to the end of the row, then chain 4 at the end of the row. 19 sts total.
    Row 26: Skip the first chain, dc in the next three chain, dc in each dc across the row. 18 stitches total. It is an error in the text that says '18 sl sts;' they are actually dc.

    Row27-32: Work as written.

    What Isabelle is doing is adding three stitches at either end of the undies on this side, to line up with the way the back of the undies look.

    I hope this helps!

    warmly,

    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  68. Disappointed to say the least. Editor did poor job translating from French to English. Baking Days outfit had several errors. Sleeves doesn't tell you how many chains, neither does the apron or scarf. My dolls head was large, too large. Wouldn't recommend this book too many errors.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I need help with creating the “feet”! I’ve already completed the body but I’m not understanding how to form the feet and ankles? Pictures?

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  70. All you need to do to create the feet is to bend the tip of the leg up, about four or five rows from the bottom end, then tack in place with body yarn. That is all their is to it :-)

    Beth

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  71. Love your gorgeous dolly! Have you made her teddy yet? I'm struggling to understand the pattern for him :(

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words. I have not made the teddy; you might try a different teddy pattern, maybe a freebie from Ravelry.

      Good luck!

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  72. Bonjour, superbe votre poupée, comment avez vous fais la frange, si c'était possible de m'expliquer merci d'avance. galais.muriel@hotmail.fr

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi Beth. I hope you are well. I have not long a go purchased this beautiful colourful book however, the instructions are extremely poor. I am trying to make red riding hood dress several times. Is it just me, does it have errors in the instructions? I'm not understanding when it say 'continue in a spiral. When worked the 6 rows and continued in a spiral, Im not sure if my spiral is right but the stitches are back to front. It says' work 3dc in each of the next 4 St. I've Don the but the gathering ends up being on the side instead of the front of the dress PLEASE HELP. I AM AT THE STAGE OF GIVING UP! THANK YOU SO MUCH XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! Yes, this particlar pattern has MANY errors in it. I loved it too, but just gave up on it as well. I do love the book, if only for all of its wonderful pictures, but this particular pattern is a wreck. Put is aside, or try to wing it, and good luck!

      warmly,

      Beth

      Delete
  74. Hello I have made one doll following the pattern but for some reason my scalp came out flat not rounded like yours, do you know why this would be haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe when you made the scalp part, you did not stuff the top of the head enough. If I remember (and it has been a LONG time since I made this doll) the head is made in two pieces, so you sew the scalp to the head, then leave some space so you can stuff more stuffing into the head, and that helps round it out.

      Delete