Tuesday 12 February 2013

Amelia Doll

Every little girl should have a doll, shouldn't she? Above is a Claudia Laub card (which now seems to be sold by Jonathan Wright), and it's one I've had for quite a few years. I love cards and tend to collect them, in that they sort of pile up until I know just the person to give it to. I think the card is just really sweet and pretty and haven't quite had the right occasion to give it to someone until now.
I've made another "Black Apple" doll and love her! I think this doll turned out better than my last two and I learned a few things, like to REALLY stuff her (at least more so than my last go at it). Her name is Amelia and will go to a special little girl named Amelia.
Making the doll itself was fun, but deciding on the accessories was even more fun. Dolls are just that much more fun when they have accessories you can take off and put back on. Emily Martin's dolls have THE cutest accessories, like these. Oh my, cute overload! Anyway, this time I embroidered the face again rather than painting it as Emily Martin does. I'm just too nervous to take a paintbrush to it after it's made! I would like to practice embroidering the face with her eyes open. But for now, I did them closed again. I loved making her, and again I can't wait to make more. She's wearing Liberty fabric because she was born in London, she has a collar because collars are classy, she has a capelet and cowl because it's chilly here, she's wearing Mary Janes because they are the best doll shoes, she has a beret in case she decides to hop the Eurostar to Paris, and she has a baking apron because all dolls bake! I thought about making her a purse and a few more accessories, but stopped there. Indeed she's a doll in more ways than one. My mom is coming in town in a few weeks and we're going to make one each. I can't wait. Here's a peek into my nights sewing Amelia (I made her over two nights after our girls were in bed). And if you want to sew your own, here are the instructions. You'll have to wing it when it comes to the accessories though because those aren't included. I just fooled around with the fabric a bit till I got what I wanted.

8 comments:

Kim said...

Leigh, my new little granddaughter, the first one, is going to be born around Feb 27 and her name will be Amelia! What a coincidence to see this post. This doll looks just like Lois to me. Are you selling these dolls?

Leigh said...

Hi Kim,
No not selling them. Really, people aren't supposed to as it is Emily Martin's pattern and just intended for personal use (she sells them, or used to anyway). Even if I could, I don't think I would. She sells them for $40, well, she did when that Martha Stewart video was made. I'd have to sell them for about 3 times that to make it worth my while! I'm slow at these things, which is part of the reason I don't sell things I make anymore.

Rachelle Blondel said...

she is quite lovely x

marilu said...

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! well done, you are so talented! It is so much fun to read your blog! I wish I had the energies to do these cute things too! One day, maybe :)

Greenorchid said...

I've just found you and just love Amelia... she really does have great style... love her tights and that hat!!
You've inspired me ...yep I'm going to make my first doll... Off to look at your Brixton post now... I lived there for 6 or so years but over 20 years ago it will be nice to see it now! smiles Cass

jelly andrews said...

Oh! I love this. This is really cute. So pretty! Thanks for sharing these images.

mae anderson said...

You are really one creative and talented person. I really love this doll you’ve made. It is so cute. Oh! How I wish I could have even half of your talent.

Patti said...

My granddaughter, Amelia I was born Dec 20, 2013. She is 7 months today. She was named after my grandma, Amelia who is this Amelia's great, great grandma. What a great tribute to a ver special woman...