wordpaintervs

Again....(See the chemo caps sending of a few days ago) is not exactly a quilt, but like the one cap, it is the use of mixtures of fabric and trim, sewn together for a purpose. This is number ten of the dolls for local kids with cancer, I have made. Each one seems to be a little different. This time I actually took wax paper and planned out a pattern I believe I will continue on using. She is a flip or reversable doll with a smile on one end and a nice dress, then on the other a nightgown and a smile.. She took almost 12 hours start to finish to complete. She is 21 inches tall. Two children so far were laid to rest with their dolls. I hope there will be no more. I am a retired nurse, writer, sewer, knitter, etc and will be 70 in just over a week. I've lost friends and family to cancer, and complications from Alzheimer's... so this type retirement project is a 'pay forward' thing.

GrammaNan

You are a sweetheart! I love the dolls and I know that any girl will too! Thanks for sharing.

Jim's Gem

Those are adorable. What a special thing for you to do!!!!

wordpaintervs

Thanks. My hubby watchs me work all that time on those and never complains, because he feels it will give a little girl who is endureing cancer a small measure of comfort. Sometimes I get scraps donated by quilters, and that helps, as I usually have to buy my own skin tone fabrics and they aren't real easy to find. Each doll with this 'hispanic look' fabric came from a quilt shop and costs $4.50 per yardage required for each doll body. The nightgown, I was able to make from an old white sheet I had not bothered to throw out yet. The trim was some a sister in law bought me years ago for my birthday, and the dress material was from scraps a quilter friend gave me ...just for the dolls. Probably more info than you wanted to know, but at least this doll's expenses weren't as much as they could be. I thought of finding clothing at the thrift store and using it as well. I count my blessings that I am able to make these dolls. Thanks for your kind reply above. I am looking for a peach color and a darker skin tone for african american doll bodies, although when I asked the American Cancer Society office manager (for our small ACS, that accepts my dolls,) if she needed different skin colors and she told me the little kids don't seem to care what color the skin tone is. I'm thinking they may have good hearts despite their cancer situations.

Vickey Stamps

stefanib123

I am choked up reading your post. Wow, what a wonderful project to do. I have donated a few small crate blankets to the local animal shelter, but nothing like that. I'm going to have to find me a project to "give back" on. The only problem is I'm not too great of a quilter (or sewer for that matter.)Maybe I can find something that even a beginner like me can do.

The dolls are just too cute! I bet those little girls love them.

God bless you for doing what you do. I do believe that people like you have a special place in heaven waiting for you!

Grammy o'5

The doll is adorable! Thank you for your caring heart!
And Happy Birthday next week!!! :thumbup:

sharon b

What a wonderful way to help a child thru such a rough time Bless your heart .....

wordpaintervs

A seamstress I am not. I took a piece of paper that was 8.5 inches by 11 inches long (2 side by side...taped together) I drew a head, neck, arms and short body and cut out two of them. (The body is all one size) (Now I use wax paper) I sew leaving 'turning room' and stuff.

I lay the doll on the floor with a length of wax paper and made a rectangle 3 times the width of the arms for a skirt. I made a t-shirt top by drawing around the pattern from waist to neck, leaving seam room. I sewed the skirt seam, gathered the top, joined it to the top and added the trims. I did a simple embroidered face useing all 6 strands of embroidery.

Not to hard, once you get the idea. I am glad you liked the doll. The hat has to be made much larger (Large circle) add a trim around the edges, gather to fit the head, and sew it to the head. My heart goes out to those getting the dolls, as I can visualize the conversations the girl and doll may share, when they are alone. Perhaps they laugh, or perhaps sometimes they cry together. At any rate, they can be sterilized and the child can have them as long as they wish, whatever the situation. Thank you for your words.

Vickey S.

texas granny

I love the dolls .
I'm sure any little girl will love these.
Will you but a name on the dolls or let there new owner do that.
What size would you say the doll clothes come out to. You might can find some really less costly clothes at a thrift store..
Just a through.
Vicky if you will Pm me with your address I will send you some lace.

grann of 6

If you would pm me I have lots of lace scraps and larger, and eyelet trims I would love to donate to you. My granddaughters aren't interested in lace things any more. I have been trying to figure out what to do with it.