Enter the Rag Doll

I have been wanting to try my hand at a different style of doll making for the longest time.  Don't get me wrong, I love the Waldorf inspired dolls I have been making for the last 5 years... can't believe it has been that long!    I have always been drawn to the simplicity of a rag doll and I wanted to see if I could come up with a way to incorporate more of a fashion doll feel.   After all, my girls are getting older and fashion and design are definite interests in my house now.   The ideas were pouring in so fast that I had a hard time sleeping at night.   My favorite idea, the one that seemed to run through my dreams the most, was a rag doll style with some pretty funky legs, all kind of mismatched, very happy looking.   The catch is, unlike most rag dolls that are made from muslin and stuffed with poly fill, this gal would be made from  the luxurious natural materials I have been using in my Waldorf inspired dolls for the last few years:  the the soft cotton knits  for her body, the lovely wool yarns for hair, and the super warm wool stuffing to give her that nice weight.

I love that she has a simple expression with a painted eye and mouth.   I love that the legs can be all in the same fabric, all in different fabric, or any way I would like.   I love how her long, thin legs give her a fashion doll and how the legs change a bit depending on the amount of stretch in the knit I use but she can still wear the clothes made to fit many 10 inch sized Waldorf dolls  even though she measures in at 16 inches.   That is a big deal for our house, we love toys that can share clothes.  When you put old clothes on a new doll or vice versa, it is almost like getting a new toy... anything to stretch the play!

I am super excited that she can wear the Lil Sally dress pattern by Lil Blue Boo http://www.lilblueboo.com that was originally designed to fit the doll I made for Boo back in May 2010.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150190209160243&set=a.334216880242.340889.334216215242&type=3&theater
I love the idea of taking something you are not using anymore and making it into something fabulous, so working with Ashley was a blast!


So why start up a new site?

Quite simply, I want my rag dolls to have their own place in the world.  They are individuals, and individuals deserve their own space.  This blog and the shop I am setting up on BigCartel will both be dedicated to Honeydotz Dolls.  After all, "Individuality is Healthy!"

I have big plans for my take on the rag doll ... BIG plans.   Please stay tuned!  If you are on Facebook, please click on the "Facebook Tab" above to be taken to the new Honeydotz fan page... when we reach 500 followers,  something pretty fun will happen!

These gals will be available in the shop (link above) on Thursday evening, time T/B/A for a special introductory price of $75.