ever sewn a Waldorf doll?

have any of y'all ever sewn a waldorf or waldorf-y doll?  I'm kind of fascinated by them, and would like to give it a stab for my littles, but it seems somewhat daunting, especially since I'm new to sewing.  Any experience or ideas you'd like to share?

I've never sewn a real Waldorf style doll but when I was learning to sew in Home Ec in Jr High I made a cloth doll with just embroidered features.  It was a little involved but not terribly difficult.  I had a pattern and it had good directions.  The doll I made was really big so maybe that's why it seemed more involved.  With my doll I found I wish I'd done the embroidering of facial features before I sewed the head together!  I had her sitting on my bed for years.

I would imagine that since they're fairly simple in appearance, they might be easy enough to make.  One thing I've learned from having little ones is that when I've made them things like that (they're now 6 & 12) they loved it.  They liked that mommy made them something neat that no one else had. 

I know it's not much help technically, but maybe it's a little help in the encouragement department!

Yes, I have made three so far. I just ordered more supplies from Joy's Waldorf dolls. The first two I made were from Weir dolls (they have a fairly inexpensive kit- with instructions and all supplies included for about $25.)

My biggest advice is to get a kit and try it out. Buy the kit for the 12 inch doll. And stuff the head more than you think you should!

Good luck, pm me if you want any more help! I loved making mine, and have helped a friend make a few also.

wow, neat!  does the doll sewing involve lots of hand sewing, or can you do most of it with the machine?  so far I've avoided doing any hand sewing because it seems so tedious!  and maybe I'm a bit lazy...   but maaaaybe I could do it. 

I've sewn one big one and several take along babies (some pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43834035@N00/sets/72157601904262666/).  It is a VERY satisfying project and not as difficult as I thought it would be. I highly recommend Dancing Rain Doll patterns (no affiliation, just a happy customer).  Amy, the owner is very helpful in answering questions.  She sells kits too, although I just used the pattern as I have access to materials near me.  Her patterns are also downloadable so no pesky waiting for the mail.  http://www.dancingraindolls.com/index.html

Definitely go for it, they are really fun to sew.

hmmm...  I've been looking at the websites y'all mentioned (along with a couple others) and I notice you can either purchase a pattern or a kit.  Which way did y'all go?  the kit seems a bit spendy...  but perhaps you'd spend the same amount hunting down the proper doll-fixins anyway.  And if you bought the kit, does it also include a pattern, such that you could make more dollies later?

thanks!

For your first doll i would definately spring for a kit.
It comes w/ a pattern and detailed intructions and all the supplies. Makes the proccess seem less daunting. Its half and half hand stiching and machine sewing. I made one for dd's 2nd b-day and gave myself a month to make it and was pleasantly surprised when it only took me a couple evenings after she'd gone to bed. Now I sell them! Good luck and show us when youre finished!
PS if you look at what they cost in catalogs, it makes the kits seem less expensinve!

my other half isn't totally convinced that spending that much money on a doll is a great idea.  and he may be right -- you can't predict what the heck a kid will fall in love with.  girl1 has a dolly that she loves that I wouldn't have ever chosen - the kind with the plastic head and arms and legs, ug.  but it was a gift and she has adored that doll for almost 2 years so far!

I saw a Simplicity doll pattern...  would it be way less cool to just try and make that instead?  the major draw is that my joann has simplicity patterns on sale for $1 this weekend.  I think even if it's somewhat less hip than a Waldorf doll it will be significantly better than a plastic head doll.  *sigh*

I just ordered a kit on dancingraindolls.com. I had sent an email asking questions and Amy even sent over the pattern before I had paid just to show me I could do it. I ordered my baby doll kit which comes complete with the stuffing, hair, etc. The instructions are so clear and there are a bunch of really great pics. I am also confident I will have lots of help if needed along the way. Amy even gives you here phone # to call incase you really get stuck!

I am so excited to put this together for my daughter's 2nd birthday in December. She drags around a doll I bought for her on a whim last Christmas. Plastic head, arms and legs - I think I paid $9 for it? It will mean so much for her to fall in love and treasure the doll I make for her with love

Carrie

I have never heard of the dolls, but their cute.  I've been wanting to try this ebook http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/Mae-Doll-15-inch.htm.