Black Cloth Doll Makeover
I have long wanted an American Girl Addy's Ida Bean doll.
I love her earrings and dress, and I just love miniature dolls.
SO...,
I got this little 6" doll with some other doll items.
At first I thought, I'd just put her in my donation bag,
but then I wondered if I could give her a makeover?
First I popped off those bead eyes - too big!
Her little smile I liked, but I felt like she needed more stuffing.
I opened her side seam and added some more stuffing
to plump up her face a little.
I pulled off the strange 'sticking-up' hair and
I used cotton embroidery thread to make French knots all over her head.
This doll had faded a bit and the beads left unfaded spots, but I am just going to ignore them.
I embroidered some new eyes, gave her some earrings, a flower and a bracelet.
I had made this little dress for an 8" doll.
It turned out a little too small, so I left it in my sewing box.
I thought I might find another use for it, then I saw this little doll.
Would it fit this little girl??
Yes it did! And so cute!
I added a little kerchief apron and she is lovely!
Before & After
I am so pleased with this doll.
I feel like I gave her a new life.
We are going to call her Abby.
Abby got some new shoes!
The shoes turned out slightly different for each foot, ah well.
But, sadly her feet are not quite the same size.
I like how the bows slim her ankle a bit.
I think Abby likes her shoes.
Another addition!
Well, I finally got around to making her some pantaloons.
NOW I feel that she is really complete!
6 comments:
I've never been into cloth dolls, but I think your makeover turned out great. Good job.
Thanks Judy, I really had fun making her over. IT is so satisfying giving a discarded doll a new life.
She turned out great, have you ever thought of making dolls to sale?
I have considered it, but it is hard to make a profit selling dolls and accessories. Most people don't understand the hours of work and different skills involved in making a doll like this from scratch. I have spoken with many crafters and they rarely get enough for their work.
I love what you've done for Abby - a whole new life! She is darling.
I do like homemade cloth dolla but rarely see any quite so small.
The Edith Flack Ackley dolls are also charming, and meant for play. I keep telling myself i will make some but my other dolls keep me busy making them clothes .
Never enough time, never enough energy! He He~
Janet
Thank you Janet! This little doll is one of my favorite doll makeovers. She is so precious and I love looking back at her before photos. I do enjoy giving dolls a second chance to be loved.
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