A Pirate Doll for Benjamin

This is Jessica's son, Benjamin. She wants to give him a pirate doll! I started work on his pirate a couple of days ago.



After I cut out and sewed the body, I made the inner head using tubular bandage and crochet thread. Then I sewed on his golden skin covering, and attached the head to the stuffed body. This part of doll making is like petting a porcupine for me. I frequently jab myself because of the tricky sewing in the creases of the neck.



Wool is one of the reasons waldorf dolls are so pleasant to make and so wonderful to cuddle. Because waldorf dolls are stuffed with wool, they warm up when you hold them. Some of my nieces say their dolls keep them warm at night.



Here is what the assembled doll looked like. I enjoy commissioned doll work. I like thinking about the child for whom I am making a doll.



Using a doll needle, I embroidered the face with cotton, and the hair with mohair. I was thinking about Benjamin's sweet little face while making the face of his pirate buddy. I was also thinking about Jessica, who had surgery today.



Once his hair was finished and his cheeks pinked up with non-toxic German blush, he came alive.



I suggested ears with the shape of his hair. I like to embroider the hair in a way which suggests real hair and the way it grows.

I have two sons, so I know all about cowlicks.

Here he is, ready for some clothes!

Yo, ho, ho!

I wrap my dolls in tissue paper before shipping, and tie boy dolls with hemp string and an acorn cap or two. Girl dolls get a flower.

This cheerful little pirate will be on his way to meet Benjamin tomorrow!

Jessica's blog is Foursquare Schoolhouse. Send her a word of encouragement!

http://foursquareschoolhouse.blogspot.com/