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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I almost have to customize the doll clothes, because of waist measurements, length, dress style needs, etc. I always let the child name the doll.
Sometimes ladies give away clothes made of decent fabric, large enough to cut the seams from, and that is what I will be looking for. Something that will 'wear well' for the dolls.

Hubby let me order an inexpensive singer heavy duty machine for my upcoming birthday, so now if I want to use denim for a different look, I can turn to old jeans and do so. Maybe now I can make boy dolls with a face on each side...turn the doll around for a sleepy look or a smile instead of flipping it. Lots of possibilitys. An old sweater can be cut up for the top and the 'blue jeans' are easy. Sweater cuffs can also make the boy doll a beanie cap. Hope this is not clear as mud. I did make one boy doll about 12 inches high some time back.

What a wonderful thing you are doing. I am sure these children receive much joy when they receive one of these dolls. Such Blessings. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for those nice words. I always have a silent prayer in my mind that the dolls will become both a blessing and a friend to the young ones that endure so much.

My mom died of brain cancer in 1992 and I so wish she were here for me to show my dolls too. She loved everyone, NEVER said anything bad about anyone as long as I knew her (72 years) and she would have loved seeing them. She is part of my pay forward plan.

Thanks again.

Sorry, meant to say, I took the half doll pattern and cut it out on the 'folded line' so I had one side of a 'whole doll' pattern. After I stuffed the doll, I embroidered the faces, and always made the dress before putting on the hat. Sometimes, I hand gather the top of the dress to make it fit better. I just adapt and do what I think needs doing.

AFTER the two dress's are made, stitch the two skirts together so they 'turn as one whole skirt'.

Those are darling. May I ask where you got the pattern?
Dodee

You are an angel from God for the work you do. I am so touched by your work. God bless you. You will have a special place in Heaven some day I am sure.

Your doll is so cute and I am sure each recipient is very touched and loves them dearly.

no pattern, although sometimes I consider buying one, and cutting it off just below the waist. I may yet do that. These dolls are flat faced and only thickened due to the 'stuffing', etc.

I just made up my own pattern. See above directions and am hoping they made sense.

You are truly an inspiration! I had not thought of a doll but it would create a more emotional tie for the child because we all talked to our dolls when we were young. Its that person in the room with them when no one is around, God bless you and aid you in your dollmaking. HUGS...

I love those dolls. What a wonderful way to "pay it forward". Have you tried dying some of the fabric with tea to get a darker color?

That is a Wonderful thing to add comfort at a hard time for all {{{{ Hugs }}}} :)

They are so sweet! God bless you!! :wink:

A wonderful doll and you are a wonderful person!

Yes, unfortunately, I read your answer before I asked the question. :oops:

I thought of dying material with tea, but also want a peach color skin tone for some of the dolls.

If I only had more time, I'd try to make some 6 inch blocks and piece together with sashing, as I think that would make a beautiful skirt for a doll.

Maybe another time, I will do that.

no problem on not reading earlier pattern.

I only hope it makes some sence as to cutting out and making pattern. I always add an inch to the hem for turning under for 5/8 inch hem on each skirt.

Thank you to all for your comments. They are appreciated.

Very cute dolls, and bless you for makiing and giving them.

WHAT

What a blessed soul you are to do this. These are just beautiful and so are you.

Thanks so much, and I get a blessing everytime the doll leaves my arms for a home with a child who has cancer.

Thanks again.

VICKEY

thank you so much for those sweet words. I have 3 chemo caps....going out in the mail today for a little girl who got one of my dolls. She was not a local but a friend of a friend of a friend thing, and they told me about her. She was flown from North Pole, Alaska, to a Seattle, Washington cancer hospital for treatment of Leukemias. She is 8 years old and starts chemo on the first of August. In another topic somewhere,,,titled something like...NOT A QUILT...but perhaps, there are pictures of the chemo caps. Once cut out they go together in about a half hour. They look like amish or quaker caps and tie in the back. For $10 worth of material, I got to make 4 youth caps and 2 adult ones. They are reversable. I figure the cost at about $1.80 each.

Vickey

I remember dolls like that from years ago! I am also a retired nurse, just a few years younger then you. I too have lost family and friends to cancer, the latest being my oldest daughter last year. I lost both parents to Alzheimer's.
Part of my nursing career was with hospice. Thankfully I never had any children in my care. I used to make angels that I gave to the families of the patients when they passed away.
I admire what you are doing. Keep up the good work. I hope the time will come when a cure is found for both of these terrible diseases. Untill then , we will try to give what comfort we can to those we can. God bless you. :thumbup:

thanks so much. Am sending you and 'gram of 6' a copy of my very latest writings. I do hope you will like it. God Bless you as well.

Vickey Stamps


I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU
© Vickey Stamps 7-26-10

The minute' being, little more than a thought in the mind of God, but in the
reality of its potential, was very soon to become a baby. Now it spoke to Him.
"Must I go? I do not wish to leave here. I sensed you sitting on the edge of a
child's bed mere moments ago, smiling at her as she slept. Was that me that
you were smiling at? I am content where I am. Must I leave, Father?"

"Indeed you must. There is a purpose for you on earth. Without you to carry
your share, for which I give all strength, another's burdens would be doubled
and the burdens that so many carry are too heavy, as it is. Why do you ask
this of me?"

"Well, Father Of All, I think I am a little afraid. I know I am safe here,
but earth pulls at me, and perhaps that is why I am fearful. I will go,
knowing you care for me and that there is a need for me to be there."

"I will never leave you. I will be in every living thing upon the earth, in the
soil and every grain of sand. I will be in the sun that warms you and the
moon that smiles down on you in the night. In each bright light that sparkles
down from the heavens. I will be there. I will be there in the doctor who cares
for you when you are ill, in the surgeons hands that are called upon to operate
on my children from time to time. I will be the nurse who whispers a quick
prayer passing the doors of the patients in each room.

I will be in the bowed head of the keeper of your home, who speaks to me of
needs from within the heart. I will be in the mother who leans across your
crib and prays for all that is good and right, for life yet ahead of you, and for
courage to face that which is neither good, nor right, that you will be sustained.
I will be in every living flower that delights you, in every leaf and in every
color. I will be in the laughter that rings in the air and all the hugs and kisses
destined for you. I will be the first gentle breeze of late afternoon, that
kisses your cheek.

As I said, I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you. I love you. I will be
in the arthritic knees of the old person, who yet kneels in humbleness, seeking
me in the hours before finding rest for the night. I will be the worker of
miracles and when your time comes to return to me, I will be there with open
arms to welcome you home. Don’t forget, I sent my only son to help the lost
find their way. I repeat again, I will never leave you. When all seems bad,
when you feel alone, call out to me, and I'll be there. You may not see me,
but I'll see you. Reach out a hand, I'll take it, and I'll walk with you.
Never forget, because of me, your Father, ...

LIFE IS GOOD

I think all of us have been touched somehow by this horrible disease. What a precious blessing you are to be making these sweet dolls. God Bless you . . .

They are sooooo Beautiful and sooooo are you!!!! You are doing a wonderful thing for these children!! :shock: :shock: :-P :mrgreen: ;-) :XD: :roll: :-o :shock:

thanks again to all who have responded to my pictures, and to a couple of you (You know who you are) that have decided to share some excess, fabric and trims, etc, you have for me to use on my dolls and chemo caps for victims of cancer.

It is appreciated so much.

Vickey Stamps

I know any child will love your dolls. It is a blessing that
you do this. God love you.

Thanks so much for your words