The creation of Ella and Ted

A while ago I ran out of sewing projects, shock horror! After making small bits and bobs, I decided to try something that would keep me busy for a while. Finding a proper pattern is not my style, so after searching for photos of dolls that other people had made, I got my scissors out. How hard could it be?

That looks like a doll, doesn't it? A body with a head, arms and legs. Nothing fancy, but ok for a first attempt. I used quite heavy duty linen that I had left over from making a pair of viking trousers.

The problem with this material was that it frayed badly and because I didn't have a sewing machine, I wasn't able to zigzag over the edges. Instead I had to leave enough material after stitching, in order to fold the edges inwards and stitch them again. I'm sure there are better ways of doing it, but it did the trick. When stitching the body up, I first had to pin the stuffed arms on... inside the body. Not the easiest thing I have ever done. Again, there are probably better ways of doing it. I just couldn't think of any at the time.

When turning the body the right way out, the arms appeared, although not exactly in the correct place. Never mind! The legs were stitched, stuffed and checked for size.

I had been given some padded material that I didn't know what to do with, so instead of sourcing new stuff, I ripped the material apart to gain access to the free wadding. It worked well. Once the head and body were stuffed, I could stitch the legs on. Yes, wonky and lop-sided... but 100% handmade.

Time to get the wool out and give Ella hair and a face. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to attaching doll's hair. As you can see, I also ran out of the dark shade, so she ended up fashionably two-toned. The top end sorted, I moved on to making a pair of elasticated knickers. Anything to hide those hips...

Finally, Ella was given a hand-stitched double lined dress, made from yet more free material. I'm a lucky girl, who is given stuff every so often and I try to make the most of it.

Last, but not least, Ella needed a friend. I decided to create Ted and as you can see, he has equally placed arms, but a longer neck. He is also slightly smaller, as I was running out of material. Long trousers and a t-shirt with a pocket, not too shabby. A trip to the hair dresser was postponed, although badly needed.

Now Ella and Ted live in my sewing room, waiting for a child who would like to adopt them. In the meantime the are keeping track of all my scrap material, while providing inspiration for other creations.