My 5 year old granddaughter loves to look through my crochet and knitting books. Last week she found Knitted Babes. She grabbed my face in both of her hands (best way to get an adults attention) looked me straight in the eyes and pleaded for me to maker her one with purple hair, green eyes and pink lips. Only the hardest of hearts could have refused.
In age of computerized and interactive toys, I really didn’t think that this little doll would hold her attention for very long. I guess there are some things that never change. Is it that magic that happens between a little girl and her doll? Or maybe it’s the love we tenderly place in every stitch when we create something for someone we care about. This child is in love with little knitted Lila Jane. She sleeps with her and takes her everywhere she can. She treats this doll with a tenderness that pulls at the heart strings. What a surprise!!
I used scraps of fabric from clothes I have sewn for Lila’s pants and top. Her hippie hat and Birkenstocks were made from a wool coat I felted (and will probably be using for the next 20 years!). I crocheted the straps of her sandals and hat band with pearl cotton.
I too, have a 5 yr old grand daughter. I have custody of her and I am currently making her a knitted babe. I live in a tiny community with a tiny bar and grill where everyone hangs out. I go there and knit and visit. I made my first babe out of materials from the 2nd hand shops and placed her on a wicker chair and she sits amid the bottles of booze and pixie sticks. Everyone loves her and it is not unusual seeing her sitting with patrons during lunch. Her name is Rosie Da Palma. I didn’t have a flesh colored yarn so her body is very rosie pink and her hair is raven red.
When I was making the doll my grand daughter , Dezy, seemed disinterested. I was shocked when she said one day, “will you make me one Ma-ma?” Her birthday is in November and she will have one then with a wardrobe. I even found a see-thru case at the goodwill to put her in.
When I first saw the book I said, ‘who would make an ugly doll’. But the images stuck with me. When I went back to buy the book they were sold out. I ended up ordering it from Knit Picks. I surf the web for patterns all the time and ran across some pictures of ppls dolls. I have never seen any pattern have such an impact on ppl! I have made one— Now I am hooked.. Dani
Dani, I know exactly what you mean! I am thinking about making myself one. You know, one that resembles me or at least the alter ego me. I would love to see a pic of Rose Da Palma (love the name). Do you have one posted?
A friend with a new digital camera took several pictures of Rosie sitting on the pool table. But she has neglected to send them to me yet.
I have Dez’s doll done but have to make clothes. She looks very similar to Rosie. Same red chenille hair, deep blue eyes. I also made her arms and legs shorter and thicker than Claires dolls in the book. The arms I did for both dolls were 12 sts across and 44 rows and the legs 14 sts across and 54 rows long. I used a peach color yarn from the second hand shop and barely had enough to get er done. I just embroidered her a smile without the felt. I also gave her eye brows. Just a few stitches. I have used generic 4ply acrylic yarns on these dolls. This doll for Dez does have a little wooden spoon in the head and neck area so she won’t flop. Her head is heavy with hair and I knew if she was played with a lot she would get the flopsy. I gathered the arms and legs tight and they kind of dangle loosely. I want Claires clothes patterns to fit so I did place them as she indicated in the pattern. I will have to fudge with the shoes patterns for the feet tho.
The next one will be a cheerleader. I may need help with patterns for a suitable skirt. I would llike to make one to donate for a raffle for my grand daughters cheerleading group.
Did u see Claire has a new book coming out later this month with knitted toys and dolls? I want it!
Hugs, Dani
A spoon! Very clever! Tell your friend you need to share photos. I dropped down a needle size for the neck so that it would knit tighter. So far it’s holding up. I would like to see how the fuller legs look.
You’re pretty generous to donate a babe. More and more I want one for myself. With Christmas coming up, I am going to busy make clothes for Skyler’s Babe. Skyler is a horse lover and has requested the western outfit in Claire’s book, as well as a sleeping bag and tent.
I can see a pleated skirt for the Cheer Leader Skirt. I used the bodice of for one of the dresses in the book to make the shirt above. You could do the same and cut a V neck one. Then maybe use felt for a letter or school logo. And you could make miniature yarn pom-poms!
I’ll have to check Amazon for Claire’s new book.
Roe
I have the photo but I can not figure out how to get it to you. flicker won’t let me upload it. I tried to post it on my 360 but I just am too new at this photo sharing thing. How can I post it here for you?
at yahoo 360 I am chinadollady
dani
http://360.yahoo.com/edit/yphotos.html;_ylt=AoIbA9igDLv8u0Yb4RKdUgqsAOJ3
See if you can view photos there and let me know if u can see Rosie
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/
or try that one and good luck, dani