Dolls, recycling and saving money!

I've just posted a few of the dolls that I've made - actually, the only ones I still have! - and I thought I should explain how they are indeed recycled. Inside and out really! Here's how it breaks down.....

patterns - online and craft magazine
stuffing - thrift store pillows, washed
clothing - Rose's skirt - shirt given to me to use for material
Rose's blouse - scrap from bedding bought for sewing from thrift store
Rose's headscarf - half an old scarf that had gotten ripped
hair - Rosy- doll hair from dollar store
Mama Earth - thrift store yarn
embroidery floss - thrift store, dollar store and retail (on sale!)
needles etc - retail

Rosy

Another pattern that I modified quite a bit. The original called for the body to be made of printed material that doubled as the dress. I added a gusset and modified a blouse pattern from another doll pattern. The skirt is a length of material gathered and hemmed. As all my dolls do, she has a embroidered heart on her chest.

Completely hand sewn.

Rosy is named in honor of my beloved Tante Rose.

Mama Earth

The original pattern was for a fairy - much smaller and much simpler. I added a gusset in both the face and torso to give the curves I was looking for. I confess she is much bustier than I'd intended! Her arms and legs move and the embroidery incorporates beads.

Completely hand sewn.