Knowing your limitations…

May 11, 2009 16 Comments by Kirsty

You’ve got to know when to hold them….
Know when to fold them…
Know when to walk away…
Know when to run…

OR just because you “can” doesn’t mean you should!

I made this little guy for Craft Hope found via Loobylu.

The idea really touched me & I so wanted my doll to be utterly gorgeous & super squishy & cuddly. In an effort to make him “perfect” I decided to follow a pattern (this was mistake number 1). His arms & legs are way too long & his head is way too small & I had to stuff him too firmly so that his neck didn’t flop. The only thing I like about this doll is his hair treatment which I made up!

My second mistake was using super soft expensive looking (but op shop purchased) stretch fabric which I then had to retrospectively interface! YIKES.

My obsessive, competitive nature won’t allow me to be beaten (I prefer to think of it as “never say die”).

I know I should run & leave this sort of thing to super clever people who actually have some talent (& for the time it’s taken me I’d have been better purchasing from them & posting):

Jhoanna :: her shop
Fiona :: her shop
Victoria :: her shop
Michelle :: her shop

I’ve already cut out & interfaced & started the embroidery for my “no pattern” doll. I really hope he works!

16 Comments

myrtleandeunice
1000 days ago

Hang on a tick – there surely is room for a small-headed, too long-legged, stiff necked doll in the world and I reckon he has a certain ‘je ne c’est quoi’ (spelling?). Looking forward to your freehanded, non-patterned creation though…

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Emjie
1000 days ago

Oh, I know how you feel. Every 3dr or 4th art project goes completely wrong. And when that happens there is nothing for me to do except pack it in and focus on something that I am better at doing, while I nurse my confidence back into shape. I never was the best sewer, but I do try.

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Michelle
1000 days ago

I think he is sweet (with very cool hair). I sew a band around the neck of my dolls to help with floppiness, if that is any help to you.

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Kirsty
1000 days ago

Frustrating isn’t it?

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Kirsty
1000 days ago

Mark 2 is looking MUCH more like what I had in mind. Live & learn – me style is always best.

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Kirsty
1000 days ago

Thanks Michelle. “Mark 2″ is neckless (but looking much better to my eye).

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Claire
1000 days ago

Kirst, I love your small headed doll. But I do know your pain. My studio floor has piles of oddly shaped, totally rejected softies and dolls all over it – some made from patterns that just didn’t seem to be ‘me’ and some from my own making that look quite scary. Some find their way out into circulation much to my embarrassment, but they get loved regardless. I say AWESOME you for trying, and awesome you for making such a lovable little creature as your mark 1. Looking forward to seeing neckless mark 2. xx

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Jennifer Rose
1000 days ago

I’ve got that song stuck in my head now lol
sewing is all about making mistakes i think :p its half the fun

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CurlyPops
1000 days ago

I’m a big fan of the no pattern make it up as you go type softie… although it doesn’t always work!
I still think he’s pretty darn cute with that little button nose.

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Kirsty
999 days ago

Thanks gorgeous Claire! Mark 2 is super cute. He's soft & squishy & cuddly & really just as I imagined Mark 1 should be.
xxx

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Kirsty
999 days ago

True…I like the challenge of getting it “right”.

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Kirsty
999 days ago

Thanks Cam. It’s not for everyone but HAC craft seems to be the only way I make things I’m truly happy with. I liked the button nose too but for some reason chose to go with embroidery for Mark 2.

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maya
999 days ago

I love this doll and why you made it, but my favorite part is the one that you created (hair), so I’m excited to see your own design. I often have the same problem… so hard to follow and be satisfied with someone else’s pattern.

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Kirsty
999 days ago

Thanks Maya. Mark 2 is finished and I'm MUCH happier with him. Similar hair but just cuddlier & cuter.

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Jhoanna
998 days ago

Kirst I think your doll has got wonderful character and such a sweet face too! I love your attitude and I am sure your no-pattern doll will be wonderful too – when we have a vision in our head, sometimes it is best to go our own way and make it up as we go along rather than follow someone else’s pattern. And thank you for the sweet mention.

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.girl ferment.
998 days ago

good luck
i am sure the perserverance will be worthwhile

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