How to clean a waldorf doll.

When you have purchased or spent many hours making a special one of a kind doll, with beautiful natural materials like wool and cotton, knowing how to clean it can be tricky.  Most toys in today's world are either disposable, machine washable, or plastic!

Waldorf dolls are none of these things, and whilst they are made carefully to last many years it is still important to know how to clean them if the need arises.

Generally the recommendation is to simply spot clean the dirty area. 

"Jimmy" is the very first doll I made my son about 3.5 years ago.  After a gentle scrub and some more natural wax crayon rubbed on his cheeks to make them rosie, he is looking fresh and clean.  He has many more years adventure in him! 

You will need:

Velvet soap
an old soft, clean tooth brush
a soft clean hand towel
bowl of warm water
hairdryer

Basically I gently rub the dirty area with a soapy tooth brush and wipe away the excess moisture with the soft clean cloth.  I continue this process until I'm happy and then I thoroughly and evenly dry the area with a hairdryer until it is dry to avoid watermarks forming on the fabric.  The hairdryer is key to making it dry evenly.  I make sure I'm gentle throughout the whole process and avoid the embroidery details when rubbing also.  Its not tricky, just a little time consuming but well worth the effort in caring for the beautiful hand crafted, natural fiber dolls.  There are so many amazing doll makers around, Happy cleaning!

Much love,
Emma
xx

sewing and fashion.

I decided on the name "Blossom"  for my rainbow inspired waldorf doll!

She is up and ready to go to a new home!  <3

Etsy: Louie's Little dolls. "Blossom"

I can't believe how big our littlest man is getting.  We packed up Henry's cot on the weekend and he is now in a bed!  It's an extendable bed which will grow with him.  It means we can make the most of the space in his little room for now.  We are entering into a new season of life in our family.  I'm not sure if there will be any more babies to be honest.  But I'd be sad to think our baby days are over.....maby just one more?..... ;)

Henry was pretty happy with it!  Great Granny crocheted his blanket.  He has always liked textured blankets even when he was tiny.  

I'm going to make him a raggedy quilt for his big bed as his birthday is in April.  As well as some wall hangings like I did for Gus for his wall.  I found some gorgeous vintage inspired fabric and now I'm on the hunt for some fabric I can tie in with it.  I'm thinking something boat inspired?  I might do a simple yacht stitchery in one of the hoops. 

I'm completely and utterly loving sewing at the moment.  It's fills me with peace and delight.  I have never had a special space for it before all set up and it's just so enjoyable.  

I have decided to take a leap and I'm currently working on a dress for myself.  It will be lovely for autumn with leggings and ankle boots.  

Its funny how in the process of simplifying my life, my wardrobe has also simplified.  Its like I have worked out my own real style that suits me, which I guess comes with me knowing who I am and what I value in my heart of hearts.  I love natural fibers, lose fitting dresses with generous pockets to keep my bits and bobs in and high waisted leggings that keep me feeling nice and secure. (I told you I'm a Nanna!) I need to be comfortable, I have no patience for clothes that are not breathable, soft and comfortable.  They need to be able to accommodate for playing with children and having quiet snuggles.  There are not many clothes I love in the shops.  I can find tops but Im hoping this dress pattern will be one I make many times over with a few variations for summer and winter.  I don't have much need for up to date fashion, make up or fancy hair styles but I still want to look nice and natural you know?  I guess I feel like my style is a little earthy, a little quirky but simple.  Nothing fussy.  I don't do fussy!  

I hope your having a relaxing week so far! 

Xx