"Your dolls are truly beautiful Emma. I dream of being this creative!"
I just wanted to say YOU CAN BE! Seriously you can.
I'm not particularly naturally talented when it comes to sewing. I struggle to think around corners and in 3D and how to imagine various seams will sit when piecing things together. I often have to sit for quite a while and look at a pattern to really work it out.
I remember the first time I laid my eyes on a Waldorf doll. It was a photo online and I just fell in love. I loved the craftsmanship, the natural fibres, the simplicity and the kind of play it was designed to encourage. My interest grew from there. I HAD to have one for my boys and so I eventually bought a kit, then bought books, patterns, DVD's, I YouTubed for hours and researched so much about these dolls.
And then I practiced. I failed, I tried again, I cussed a little, felt defeated at times that the product in my hand didn't match up to the picture in my mind. But I persisted because of the love that was sparked in my mind and heart. I'm particularly proud of my dolls necks. I have improved so much, they are sturdy and smooth and this is an area I feel is essential to a well made Waldorf doll, and something I struggled with at first. But with repetition, experimentation I have found my own technique which I'm really pleased with.
I think mostly being creative comes down to persistence and repetition. We can all have colourful and amazing ideas - but it takes persistence, repetition and love of the process for us to truly become good at our craft. In all honestly I'm only about 1/3 of where I would like to be. I dream of being able to produce dolls worthy of this standard......Dollectable. These Dolls are collector dolls and simply amazing. My dolls are nice, strong and sturdy but they are really a child's doll. A doll made for cuddling, telling secrets to and going on adventures with. I love making these dolls, but one day I dream of making something TRULY amazing!
I have recently been branching out in my sewing to making my own clothes. This is in the aim to help my dressmaking finishes. To make a collector worthy doll I need to be using all my own clothing patterns, and they need to be finished to an excellent standard. All these things are all building a strong foundation of skills. And I love having unique clothing to wear!
This was my latest project, the pattern was from Simplicity. A dress made from cotton/linen. Very airy and simple with big practical pockets. I was experimenting with Bias tape, I have never really used it but I must say it is a little bit of love.
Much love,
Emma
