How do I make a new face for a torn Waldorf doll?

[_Kira]

I have a Waldorf doll I recieved from a relative when I was 2 years old in 1987. She has been very loved, and as a result she needs some mending. The body is in pretty good shape, and can be easily fixed. The trouble is her once so lovely face. The fabric is completely worn out and has torn in several places, so that the fabric underneath shows. It looks awful! The hair, on the other had, is in excellent shape as it has been repaired every now and then during my childhood. Therefore I would like to repair only the face part of the doll. The woman who made this precious doll for me is no longer on this earth, and therefore I cannot ask her for help. So I turn to you. How can I mend the broken face of my beloved doll? I would love for my future children to be able to play with her.

Thank you! Blessings,

Kira

[Think of Winter]

I'm sure she can be repaired. You may get excellent advice here, but if not, try the Yahoo group Waldorf Crafts. Lots of experienced doll makers there.

[tanjarine]

Is it possible to match up the skin tone with new doll skin fabric?

[_Kira]

Thank you for your answers. I'll check out the Yahoo group. Unfortunately the skin tone can't be matched, as it has faded so much in the last 22 or so years.

[redvlagrl]

Perhaps you could bleach some skin tone fabric with lemon juice to match? Sorry but I am no help on how you'd repair the face if you wanted to leave the hair intact.

[OTMomma]

Is the hair a wig? If so, you may be able to remove the wig all in one piece, then basically make a new piece of head skin to go over, and stitch it on at the neck, turning it under there. Then stitch on a face, and reattach the wig.

good luck-

[E.V. Lowi]

OP- you post illustrates why noses on dolls for young children are not recommended. They invariable wear through at that one spot.

If you want to maintain the personality of the doll, I wouldn't re-skin the face. I would carefully darn the hole with matching thread and very tiny stitches, easing the fabric back over the nose and turning the raw edges in. It will leave a little scar, but I think that would be better than a hole.

[_Kira]

Unfortunately the hair is not a wig, it is sewn right onto the head.
I cant patch the face either, she fabric is tor to shreads and the eye-string shows through completely. I'm starting to think she is unmendable, unless I forget about trying to save the hair. I just worry about her losing her personality if I fix her too much