Days later, I noticed a pattern for this bear by one my favorite artists/toymakers, Jennifer Murphy. His small size seemed like the perfect opportunity to try my hand at sewing an entire mohair teddy bear (he's completely hand-sewn). After purchasing the pattern, I couldn't help but think of Corduroy the Bear.
Aaaaaaaaaaaand I just happened to have an unfinished doll body that would be perfect for Lisa. So I started on this gift set for my youngest daughter's birthday.
I didn't finish it in time for her big day (I gave her the book and told her the toys were coming), but she's been watching me work on it when I could squeeze in the time.
The Maxwell bear pattern is really sweet. And I think I've figured out cotter-pin joints! The bear feels really secure. I can't wait to make a few more! My bear didn't turn out looking like a "Jennifer Murphy" bear. I had an idea of how Corduroy looked (to me), but also, I think even if I had tried to replicate Jennifer Murphy's "style", I would have failed. It is nearly impossible to replicate that kind of talent! So, my bear looks like a regular ole' bear. My daughter likes him just the same. She wants me to fix his overalls, though :).
Oh, and one thing about the bear pattern, I ordered the recommended size of glass-eyes, but they seemed too small for my bear. (I hand-sewed the entire bear with smaller than recommended seam allowances - so I'm guessing that's the reason). I ordered some larger eyes, but in the meantime, he's sporting some Sharpie-colored pins as eyes :).
They're both adorable. What a great 3D interpretation of the characters in the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Johanna!
DeleteWonderful, Jill. Both Lisa and Corduroy are adorable :-)
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thanks, Beth. As always :).
DeleteI think I finally have a bit of time these coming months to make some fun stuff again :).
Wow! These are really amazingly wonderful. You did such a great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachelle!
DeleteI just finished looking at every single page I could find on your blog. I am so in awe of your talent/ability to draw such beautiful ... faces, eyes, expressions, hair, outfits ... {everything I saw since I found your site, um, 3 hours ago}.
ReplyDeleteI was researching yarn hair for a fabric doll I just finished for my daughter, which landed me at your hair tutorial (and satisfied that search!).
I've noticed many people have commented about your doll patterns, but I have not found a response from you as to whether or not you plan to, or have already, decided to publish them or not. I'm pretty proficient with computer stuff, so if you ever want a helping hand as far as getting them digital or redrawn in a cad program (assuming you have hand drawn patterns), or anything else, I would love to help. I'm in SoCal, in Laguna Beach, and a stay at home mom to my 4 yr old daughter, so if you are ever down this side of the state, and want a playdate for an hour or so at a fun park, let me know!
I wouldn't be surprised if your blog takes off one of these days and goes semi-viral with how cute your dolls are :-) thanks for sharing
oh, thanks so much for your kind words! and for your offer to help. i'm quite busy with stuff this spring, but it is my hope to figure out a way to be more helpful around here this year! i'm just trying to figure out a way to do that!
DeleteWow! You made a fantastic job of Corduroy and Lisa! LOVE them both!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute blog, I'm happily going through all your old posts and catching up :)
Thanks! It won't take you long to catch up :). I hardly posted last year...but hoping to be around more this year!
DeleteAlways amazing. Truly talented and a great treasure for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kellie!
DeleteI love your gorgeous dolls! I have been looking for the perfect doll for some time now. My husband and I are adopting a little girl from foster care and she has never had very much that was just hers. I am hoping to make a doll and give it to her on her adoption day. Is there a specific pattern that you use to make your wonderfully detailed dolls? Could you share with me where you go it?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Abby :). I hope to have more time later this year to be more helpful around here (tutorials, etc.). Stay tuned.
DeleteWhen are you going to share your doll pattern. I just have to make one for my granddaughter......Love all your achievements. They are just great....
ReplyDeleteSome day, some day...these girls are keeping me busy. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteHi Jill! Found a pic of your adorable little doll and bear on Pinterest and just had to come and see the post! They are so sweet! Love Lisa's adorable little face and jacket!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelly. My girls are begging for me to buy more patterns from you! They loved making the felt bears (prior post).
DeleteYour work is amazing! I love your dolls. Did you use fabric paint for the white part of the eyes?
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you. I used a water-soluble white pencil.
DeleteThis little set is just darling! We love Corduroy and Lisa in our house as well. Your work is so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHi there, I'm new here so please excuse me if this is a silly question. I was wondering if you could share what pattern you use for your dolls? If you created it, do you sell the pattern? The reminds me of my childhood doll, I would love to make one. Thanks, Carla
ReplyDeleteI should be able to help you out with these questions in the coming months. I'm trying to finish up a few projects first. But I'd love to help you!
DeleteI also am wondering if you would mind sharing your Corduroy pattern and Lisa pattern. I have been looking everywhere for a pattern to make as a gift for my niece. I too am willing to pay! Thanks, Heather (iwbok25@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteSee my comment directly above. :)
DeleteHi! I come from Piccoli Piselli blog and all of a sudden I have this urge to stay here and spend the day browsing ans clicking. Amazing creations!
ReplyDeleteMaría
Thank you! Luckily, my blog hasn't been too active lately...it should be easy to catch up :)
DeleteThat bear is amazing!! Great job! Love Lisa too! Corduroy was my daughter's favorite book for a good six months.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Jennifer Murphy has such cute bears (and patterns). I appreciate the kind words :)
Deletei just happened on your blog, came in from No Big Dill where i fell in love with this doll!! Corduroy was one of my very favourite books as well. I remember buying it from those Scholastic mags that came to the class every month. I read it to my kids often :)
ReplyDeleteI have made a couple dolls nothing nearly as beautiful as yours. I would love any advice you have... did you say you stuff them with wool? Do you have any patterns that you can suggest?
Thank you! I do stuff them with wool. There are so many great patterns out there. Obviously, Wee Wonderfuls, Gingermelon, etc. are some of my favorite. My book also has 8 doll patterns as well. So many choices out there!
DeleteGorgeous! Love them!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thank you for continuing to follow along over these years!
DeleteIt's a shame that you decided to make one of the few African American children's books characters white.
ReplyDeleteIt may be just the photos (?)...but this doll is definitely not white. I'm sorry if it appears that way.
ReplyDeleteI did use what fabric I had on hand, but the color, nonetheless, is not a color I use for lighter-skin dolls. Perhaps I could have purchased a different shade, but I felt this shade worked for my then 4 year-old's doll.
I'm not white, myself, BTW, so I'm quite sensitive to these issues. I didn't mean to offend anyone...
I'm sorry.