Rag Dolls - Izzy

How nice of you to stop by!

Further to my introduction to rag dolls and recent update here are a few more pictures of my progress.   I am thinking of these dolls more as handbag decorations, key-fobs, or maybe "art-dolls", rather than dolls for little hands to play with.

Picture of Bella, when I was deciding how to dress her:

Izzy:  

The doll I am working on here started out as a mere tester for the stitches for Bella's hair, although I don't normally test out my stitching on a sampler of any sort, and now I have decided this will become a second doll.

The fringe is Drizzle stitch in DMC Cotton Perlè.

Making the base cap:

• I estimated the size of the base cap, and crocheted a circle in single crochet, using Anchor tapestry wool, finishing when it seemed a suitable size to cover the back of her head.  
• The cap was then pinned to the "pincushion", top and bottom, making sure it fitted. 

Latching the hair strands into the cap:

I am using the method from Pickled Okra by Charlie and have attached 10" strands of DMC Perlè as follows:

• Using a crochet hook, I pulled each strand through the gaps in the edge of the cap until a loop was formed, then pulling the ends through the loop formed 2 strands. If you enlarge this picture you will be able to see the loop to which I am referring. 
• I then added a second round of strands of Anchor wool, the same measurement, inside the first round to give it volume when it is arranged into some sort of hairstyle. (Sorry, no picture of this!)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Bella is only 6" tall so, although I am following Charlie's ideas, I haven't used Charlie's measurements.

I trust this all makes sense!

If you've made it to the end of this post, thank you for persevering, it's nice to have your company.

And here is something from the garden to finish on! Self-seeded wild orchids.

I hope you are keeping well and having a super weekend!

Barbara xx