Well, it's been a busy few months! I didn't mean to neglect this blog, but my everyday life got in the way more than I would have hoped.
But, that doesn't mean I haven't been doing some crocheting as well!
I've released four new patterns since my last update! There will probably be one more pattern released in 2014, and after that I've already got a lineup of dolls waiting for the new year! With any luck, I'll be able to spend my Christmas break adding some new additions as well.
In the meantime, here are the newest patterns offered in my store:
Halloween Witch Doll
This is the pattern I alluded to in my last post. I'm a huge Halloween fan, and after buying some great neon-coloured yarn, I just couldn't resist creating this colourful witch!
Red Riding Hood
I really love fairytales (Once Upon a Time is one of my favourite shows on TV right now, despite its flaws, and I'm a sucker for most adaptations of fairytale characters). So adding a Red Riding Hood Doll to my collection was a no-brainer. Consider it preparation for this year's big-screen Into the Woods film!
Ravelry | Craftsy | Etsy
Grace Doll
Grace was a lot of fun to make. I spent a lot of time deciding on how to design her hair in a way that looked somewhat realistic while still getting the effect I was going for. Inspired by a little girl with a big imagination, I can't help but smile whenever I see this doll on my shelf (hopefully the original will go to a kid who loves her, too!).
Ravelry | Craftsy | Etsy
Christmas Elf Doll
I always struggle between my love of Halloween and my love of Christmas - much as I love the latter, I never allow myself to start feeling the holiday spirit until November 1st. Well, November 1st this year brought with it a Christmas Elf design! I really wanted an elf who looked like she could spend her time running around in the snow or making mischief of her own. The coat was a labour of love, but I think the end result was worth it!
Ravelry | Craftsy | Etsy
Oddly enough, there were a lot of classic children's books that, although I knew the stories well through word-of-mouth, television, or films - I never actually read until I was an adult. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There were two of those books. But I'm actually glad for that fact - I think I appreciated their bizarre storytelling and perspective on childhood more than I would have as a kid.
Looking for dolls to design, Lewis Carroll's Alice was an obvious choice. I had a chance to see the original illustrations from Alice at the British Library, and something about her surly-meets-sweet countenance has always struck me. I knew I wanted to do those pictures justice (while adding my own touches to the design).
The pattern is fairly straight-forward. Her apron is attached at the waist to keep the shape of the dress visible. I liked the poofy, ruffled look on the skirt of her dress - great for falling down rabbit holes.
She's done all as one piece, and like all of my designs, her eyes are done with French knots, so there are no small parts to be accidentally swallowed! If you know a kid who's looking for an adventure, why not make them a friend for the ride?
Download Available On:
Ravelry | Craftsy
About two years ago, a friend of mine had a daughter. When we were deciding what to buy as gifts, books were high on the list - I was book-lover growing up (still am), and since it'll be a long time before I have kids of my own to share my favourite books with, I jumped at the opportunity to introduce a child to the joy that stories can bring.
The first book on that list? The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch. The new parents hadn't grown up with Munsch, and had never read it before. Now, they're both in love with it, and read it often to their daughter!
The gift for her upcoming third birthday will be this sweet little doll, inspired by the brave, intelligent, and self-sufficient Princess Elizabeth. It's my hope that she'll play with this doll as she listens to her parents read to her - and maybe as she learns to read herself!
This pattern was made from scrap fingering yarn, and works up fairly quickly. The eyes are embroidered with French Knots, and the crown is sewn firmly to the head, so there are no small parts to accidentally swallow! She can sit on her own, and her arms can move back and forth, so she's ideal for make-believe play.
This free pattern comes with pictures, a list of definitions, and detailed descriptions. She makes an ideal gift paired with a copy of your favourite Robert Munsch book. I hope she helps to inspire a new generation of readers!
Free Download Available On:
Ravelry | Craftsy
