Ruby says

and so do I. Thank you SO much for your lovely comments.  : )

Ruby is very much a work in progress, there are things that went wrong with her that I managed to hide when taking the photos. I used quite an open weave linen for her face and body, and it frayed like crazy - so maybe that wasn't such a good idea, and her feet and her hair were a *challenge* to put it mildly. I need to do a little more work on the design and then I'll be making a few to put up for sale.  Maybe a red-head with freckles ? - I love little red-haired children. : )

My best bit of advice with toy design, is probably to get your hands on as many vintage books as you can. They are a great source of inspiration, I have a whole stack of them. By studying the basic techniques, you can adapt them to achieve the sort of look you're after. And then it's trial and error, trial and error, and trial and error again.

This recent e-bay purchase is rapidly becoming one of my favourites...

ISBN 0 671 25403 0

there are some very cute dollies in here

This doll is a cutie, and look at her wonderful clothes - pyjamas even !

There are also some great animals in here

Love that racoon.

This too, is a very good book - the very first soft toy book I bought. (a fair few years ago. Cough cough).

with lots of hints and tips on toy/doll design. ISBN 0 85532 540 2

There are interesting internet dolly patterns here and here, or try typing 'free doll pattern' into your search engine and you should be kept busy for days : )

I will put up a tutorial for Ruby's dress next week - most likely on weds , because you are all so lovely, and if I find any more helpful dolly making hints, I will let you know.

In the meantime I hope everyone has a lovely weekend , and thank you once again.

: )

x x x

Comments

[raspberryfairy]

Ruby may be a work in progress, and she may have problems, as we all have, but she is beautiful and lovely :)

[amy rue]

I love the texture of her body fabric. I've been using one like that for pillows and it frays like crazy on me too.

I can't wait to see the dress tutorial!! I'm constantly trying to find new ways to make dresses for the Lumplings.

Ruby is still the cutest doll ever!

-amy rue

[heidi]

i am in envy of your book collection. nothing beats the vintage books. i have tons of vintage children's books. a bit of an obsession. can't pass an estate sale to save my life!

can't wait for the tutorial! my daughters love ruby too!

[Tink]

Dlurking to say that Ruby is perfection just as she is.

She makes my heart ache with her cutness and her attempt at cutting her own hair.

Thank you for sharing.

[persephone]

I have both of those books, and love them!

[Josette]

Thank you so much for sharing. Ruby is flawless in my eyes. She put a smile on my fast several days ago and it still remains. The imperfections give her a touch of humanity.

[erin]

Please, please, please a redhead with freckles! Oh that would be perfect for me!

[scribblesnbits]

I have the Woman's Day one and I love it! It's ben a while since I've done any softie work. You've definitely "thrown a craving on me!"

[Susan Jonsson]

I want to let you know how much I look forward to your postings every day. I am inspired and feel uplifted by your thoughts, and art. Thank you so much for your generosity....in sharing your work and inspiration sources.

Susan

[Elly]

you are so right about vintage sewing books. i love all mine and you can still buy them quite cheaply.Your first book looks lovely and i have a copy of the second. Hope you and have a great weekend!

[Ana]

She is SO adorable! Would you consider doing a tutorial on hair? I stand in awe of Ruby's hair.

[Gina]

My mom use to make dolls similar to that. I'll have to ask her how she attached the hair. My favorite toys growing up where my two handmade dolls, one was a white bald headed big blue-eyed baby and another with a black girl with 2 big piggy tails. And You Must make a red head, I love red heads too!

[carolyn]

I have a small collection of vintage craft books that I love looking through for inspiration. My trouble is that I do too much looking and not enough doing! Will be back next week for that tutorial - your just too good to us!
Have a great weekend
Carolyn

[Daphne]

I can lurk no longer! I am in love with naughty little Ruby! I would love to have one for myself and one for my niece.... I'll look for those you make for sale!

[cara]

the fabrics behind ruby are also breathtaking, they made my knees weak, my breath catch, my belly flip. ohhh that orange.

[betsy]

I love Ruby, quirks and all. And I use that Woman's Day book quite a bit as well. Sweet, sweet Ruby who is so like my quirky Alice (who was almost a Ruby!).

[kelsey]

my mom had that doll book! i used to pour over it & wish she'd make me one for my birthday. is that the book that has the 'little women' dolls in it as well? i pined for Jo. i'm totally grabbing those next time i'm home!!
also: ruby is wonderful!

[Tami]

Gorgeous Ruby! I really like the fabric you chose for her body. Perhaps if you did a very wide zig-zag on the seam allowance before sewing it would prevent some of the fraying? Fray-check would just become a bit too stiff. Also for other free doll patterns, check out ... www.clothdollconnection.com ... click on the Free Tips & Patterns button.

[Tracy]

Ruby has brought me out of lurkdom. She is adorable, large pores and all. Her teeny dress is so sweet and I don't blame her for getting ready to roll around in those gorgeous fabrics in the background! Thanks for the inspiration and smiles.

[jemimabean]

LOVE Ruby! Think I might have one of those books, LOL. I have too many (is that possible??) Gotta make one of those brooches...Adore the bag! Sheesh, I guess I'm behind my reading a few days ;)

angie

[Anna H.]

Ruby is lovely -- thank you for sharing her (and your inspirations) with all of us, Lyn!

Have a great weekend.

xxoo

[Dawn]

Aaaah! Another delightful photo - can't wait to see Red! Toy making is such pleasure and lets be honest its very nice to nurture
your inner child.

[kate]

Thanks for the info about the books! Ruby is darling!

[Tiel S-K]

I wish someone would fix my not so good bits! She is lovely and has true personality.

[Giacinta]

Omg.. i love .... EVERYTHING!!! and.. I'm ITALIAN and my boyfriend kiding me, 'couse your blog is my Home page when i open Internet's window!! You are amazing and i hope in a your answer!!! kisses kisses Giacinta
Ps. i love the pourses....