Thursday, April 1, 2010

Easter Prep

Sarah had a few requests for Easter this year: chocolate eggs, two quarters ("For my piggy bank!") and a doll. Check, check, and very-nearly check!


I just happened to have some scraps of fleece lying around (that's the kind of gal I am), so after I took a quick looksee at what the internets had to say about rag dolls, I started on this cutie a couple days ago. Next time (assuming there is a next time) I'll try making an actual pattern first so that I don't have to decide that the arms actually look more like legs and vice versa, and the head could be, like, symmetrical and stuff.

I have to finish her hair, and that wonky left arm is going to bug me until I rip the seam and redo it, but I'm pretty happy with her. Now she just needs a name. She looks like a Violet to me, but that's because a certain other Violet has been on my mind. Sarah's been coming up with some good ones lately (her horses are currently named Hobby, Katie, Harold and Rita); maybe I'll just leave it up to her.

Working on this doll has been giving me some ideas, though. Like, if I got better at it, making them to donate to other NICU kids. Maybe naming them after Jane, or sticking a little "Our Girl Jane" tag on them. Or something. I don't know. It's just an idea kicking around.

11 comments:

Rowena said...

I love her. She's adorable. Wonky arm and all. I think that's one of the heartwarming things about hand made dolls. Two christmases ago, I made my kids home made dolls (a fairy princess and a robot) and I have been making stuffed critters and dolls ever since. This year, I'm trying a snake for the boy and a bunny for the girl, and I have no idea how I'm going to manage the bunny.

But my fingers are raw from needle pokes. :)

Cindy said...

She is adorable ... and wow, what a great idea about making them for other NICU babies! I didn't see anything wonky about her arm, or asymmetrical about her head -- I guess that tells you a lot about me! LOL!

I guess I'm going to have to find myself some fleece because this looks like too much fun to miss. :)

tia said...

Rowena, I was going to make Sarah a bunny until she requested the doll. Here's the tutorial that caught my eye:

http://hazelnutgirl.blogspot.com/2009/07/hazelnuts-felt-bunny-tutorial.html

Cindy: your cross-stitch care package came! THANK YOU. As soon as Easter is wrapped up I'm going to track down some patterns and give it a whirl. Yay!

And the perpetual prayer remembrance is lovely. Thank you so much for doing that for Jane.

Tasha said...

Tia, that is AWESOME! And the thought about making those for the NICU is amazing. All of them named Jane. Or with the tag. Wow. I know if you went that route, they would be appreciated.

Laura said...

You, Tia, are clever in the best sense of the word- your doll is awesome! I love the hair- is it chenille yarn?
What about making the dolls and having them come with a "Jane was here" postcard that encourages donations to the NICU- then all those friends and families who have new VERY little loved ones can send them as a gift and donate to the NICU at the same time- and then you get the full circle of the postcard...just thinking out loud (well, writing out loud)...
Whatever you do, I am sure it will be great.
Happy Easter to you and Tom and Sarah!

Anonymous said...

Tia, I love the doll and all her wanky qualities! She just reminds us that we all have imperfections but can be loved and cherished all the same! I know for a fact that families in the NICU would love Jane dolls (as well as some of the nurses probably!) I miss you and your family something fierce. I am always checking up on you on your blog. Please don't think that there is a day that goes by that I do not think about you and your family. Stay stong. Love you all Nurse Kristy

tia said...

Kristy! Yay! I miss you, too. Hey, listen, I'm going to be in West Leb next Wednesday -- any chance you'll be around? I'd love to see you!

Tasha said...

By the way Tia, are you taking orders? :)

Anonymous said...

I love her! If you're up for making more, I'd love one for my niece, Abby...seriously!

Love,
Sar

PS I will send photos of my tablecloth - I promise!

Anonymous said...

Holy freakin cute!!!! You are a quite the crafty person...honestly, when I first looked at it I thought, that is so cute i wonder where she bought it? ....then as I read on, you made it!
LOVE IT! soo cute!!! I love its left "wonky" arm too! gives it character!!
love,
ali s.

mommatosena said...

I am hoping that her arm has survived and that it's still unique! She is precious! I think that if you feel like producing them to share with families they would be cherised! Hope that Easter is a wonderful day for you all. Can't we just call them "Janie Dolls". Kinda like a Raggedy Ann....you know they will be that popular and timeless!!