The skies were gray, the yard was full of mud, slush, and dog poop, the rain was drizzling, and the husband left with the car for the day. Hmm. We can't read books on the sofa ALL day and I didn't feel like cleaning or cooking. (I know, what kind of housewife am I?) The little babe had already been drawing, so that was used up. (I can only draw so many castles and princesses before it gets a bit boring.) I wanted something that was fun for both of us. Since she is really into creative play with her dolls and buddies, I thought making a doll would be a fun idea. I get to be creative and she gets to "help" by making decisions. I am in awe of people who make cloth dolls - Carrie over at November Morning is totally talented. I didn't have any idea how cloth dolls were made until Carrie shared this great post about how she makes her doll's faces. Really cool! Disclaimer: Please do not think that the doll I am about to share is modeled off of Carrie's dolls in any way - her dolls are true works of art (and love). Mine is a cobbled together, let's make do with what we have, trying to get it completed before the toddler gets manic, homemade project. Meet Cindy!
Yep folks, this is the slightly scary looking Cindy. Cindy - yes, we only know one Cindy and if you're reading this, the little babe had such a great time playing at your house that she decided to name her newest doll after you. I hope you feel honored! Cindy's head and body are stuffed with wool that the dogs pulled off a dryer ball. Her under "skin" is white cotton from a vintage baby dress. The wool used for her face is from a sweater found at Goodwill. Her dress is leftover material from a Christmas tunic that I made for the little babe last year. Her hair is roving that I bought several years ago when I thought I was going to learn how to spin. (Ha, ha.) Her ponytail ribbons are from the little babe's stash of leftover yarn bits that she uses to make her chickens look "fancy". Cindy has several rubber bands holding her together and I quickly hand sewed the dress, just cinching the bottom of the fabric. The little babe decided that Cindy did not need any legs or arms. (I may have steered her a bit in that direction.)
Did you have a favorite doll as a child? Handmade or store bought? I loved my Cabbage Patch dolls (a child of the '80s) and my daughter now plays with one of them.