Sweet Snow Princess Doll

My son is completely enamored of Elsa, the beautiful ice queen in the movie Frozen. So when he came into my craft room and saw me begin working on this sweet doll pattern, he requested that I make her like Elsa.

The doll pattern is by Gingermelon.  It is the "Best Friends" pattern available in her Etsy shop.



The pattern is excellent.  Gingermelon's instructions are really flawless - even for a beginner.  The doll is sewn completely by hand.  It is excellent practice for perfecting hand stitches.  The stitches I used are:

• Blanket stitch
• Whip stitch
• Ladder stitch
• Satin stitch
• Back stitch/outline stitch
• Running stitch

Because she is small - about 10 inches high - she really doesn't take much time to sew.  I did this project over about 4-5 days, carving out little bits of time here and there.  I had my son do most of the stuffing - his little fingers are perfect for this work.

• She's made entirely from wool blend felt that I purchased from Gingermelon as well - available in her Etsy shop.  It is beautiful and soft and the colors are extraordinary.
• Most of the embroidery floss I used is 12 strand silk purchased at Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Ada, MI.

 

Design changes I made:

• I made sleeves for the dress
• I made sleeve trim, dress trim, and a collar (with a little bit of glitter to make them sparkle)
• I embroidered the face:  eyes, nose, and mouth instead of the felt eyes
• I added a flower with some seed beads in the center
• I added seed beads to the bows on her shoes

So who is this doll really for?  Well she's for me, but right now she's snuggled up in bed with my son, next to the Superhero Flip Doll.

 Make something beautiful!
Jen

Hand Sewing

I've got several projects in the queue that involve mostly or all hand-sewing, be it embroidery, cross-stitch, or construction.  This is an area that I am particularly weak in with sewing and I hope to improve it.  I find it to be very peaceful, quiet work.

I'm working on a lovely cross-stitch butterfly from What Delilah Did:

I've got a pretty little sewing bag and I take my hoop, thread, and scissors with me to my son's swimming lessons, piano lessons, car line, etc.  I've almost got the bottom half of it completed.

The other lovely thing I'm working on is an adorable felt doll by Gingermelon Dolls.  This lady has the most enchanting shop of lovely dolls, patterns, and felt.  The pattern I chose is called Best Friends.



The doll is made entirely of wool felt (which Gingermelon sells in her shop, also - in gorgeous colors), and entirely sewn by hand.
I finished the head front and face this evening.  Here's my version so far:

 I tried a little different eye style with my version.  Obviously, I've got some finesse to learn - but I'm fairly pleased with my first attempt. 

Lastly, and probably way in my future is an Alabama Chanin T-Shirt and/or jacket.  My husband bought me her book Alabama Studio Sewing & Design for Christmas.  I am enthralled with her beautiful work.




I'm also enrolled in Natalie Chanin's Craftsy class, which I have watched most of in preparation for this future project.  I think it's a great visual learning tool and it compliments everything in the book.



Make something beautiful!
Jen