how is this waldorf hair done? (deconstruct this picture for me)

[BethSLP]

Hi there,

Do any of you mamas have some info for me on how this hair is done?
http://flickrhivemind.net/flickr_hvm...mbleberry+toys



I LOOOOOVE the tumbleberry toys hair on their waldorf dolls. How did they get that part in the hair? Did they sew the hair directly on the head?

I've made one doll before (using dancing rain dolls kit) and I did a crocheted cap with each hair hooked in. But of course, it doesn't look like the tumbleberry toys version.

I would love to try another doll and do the hair in a fun color and parted in a similar style to the tumbleberry dolls.

Any insight from the waldorf doll experts? (E.V. Lowi, I'm lookin at you )
XOXO
B

[E.V. Lowi]

Originally Posted by BethSLP

Hi there,

Do any of you mamas have some info for me on how this hair is done?
http://flickrhivemind.net/flickr_hvm...mbleberry+toys



I LOOOOOVE the tumbleberry toys hair on their waldorf dolls. How did they get that part in the hair? Did they sew the hair directly on the head?

I've made one doll before (using dancing rain dolls kit) and I did a crocheted cap with each hair hooked in. But of course, it doesn't look like the tumbleberry toys version.

I would love to try another doll and do the hair in a fun color and parted in a similar style to the tumbleberry dolls.

Any insight from the waldorf doll experts? (E.V. Lowi, I'm lookin at you )
XOXO
B

Wish I could help!

Both the Bambolleta and the Tumbleberry dolls use this type of wig style. I know that the yarn is sewn down the middle first, before attaching to the head, but then what happens to the sides is a mystery.

[E.V. Lowi]

Maybe you could improvise on this tute-
http://starrysheep.com/crafty/?p=103

[FillingMyQuiver]

I think they attach the hair like this:

http://starrysheep.com/crafty/?p=103

and here:

http://starrysheep.com/crafty/?p=124

There's a first layer that is sewn to the head in the middle and on the sides and the 2nd layer is just down the middle.

I've seen yarn similar to what they use, as a matter of fact, my mom made a life size dolll for DD using that yarn, but she didn't save the band and I only know she got it from the local yarn shop.

[BethSLP]

awesome! I knew you'd come through.

Is there any reason you'd suggest I don't do this hair? I think its soooo cute, but wonder if bald spots would show through (a la cabbage patch kids from the 80s).

Is the chunkier yarn a key component to avoiding baldspots?

DD's 1st doll has the crocheted cap with hooked in hair. it was hard for me to do, and I figure she can always "style" more with that one if she's into that.

I still have my Dancing Rain pattern and tons of wool batting/thread. I was planning to just order the cotton tricot and tubular stockinette from weir and get the yarn for the hair at a local store.

I had a premade head last time, so that's the only daunting part of this project......well, that, and I barely have time to sleep myself these days without a project. but I just can't get excited about a bunch of storebought disney crap being my only gifts to DD this year.....

XOXO
B

[FillingMyQuiver]

The hair is definitely sewn down like the tute. In this pic you can see the side stitching:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38970413@N03/4518018410

I do think you may have more possibility of bald spots w/ this type of hair, especially if your child likes to style the hair a lot. Maybe you can do the best of both worlds in this case. Crochet a cap in a matching color to hide the scalp, then add the hair as in the tute.

[pearl2]

I just can't stop staring at all that awesome funky hair!!! I LOVE IT!

[BethSLP]

OMG what a day! I am SO EXCITED!

I found this amazing hand dyed yarn that looks like dreadlocks (like the tumbleberry fairies) at the yarn store today. its got amazing shades of fuschia, green, purple, and blue in it. DD picked it out, but doesn't know what its for.

My mom and I plotted and decided she would make a funky cool knot apron dress for both my daughter and the doll that match. Went to JoAnn's and found this super fantastic fabric with little birdies and peace signs and many similar colors for the apron, contrasting brown/white dot fabric for trim and a nice floral that compliments the birdie fabric for the dress under the apron part. DD knows she's getting a dress and helped pick out the fabrics.

I ordered the components I needed for the doll (tricot, stockinette, etc) as well as some wool felt to make the wings and additional accessories (perhaps shoes, bracelets?)

Now I'm dying to start. I'm mostly crazy for the hair. Can't wait to make the hair!!!

This is going to be SO COOL. I can't thank you all enough for finding me that tutorial so I can try my hand at another type of hair.

FillingMyQuiver, the cap idea under is cool, but the yarn is so thick, I don't think it will work. Also, its been two years since I last crocheted (when I taught myself how for the first waldorf doll I did) and it was difficult for me. I'd love to avoid it all together this time.

XOXO
B

[E.V. Lowi]

Take a strand of your yarn and tug on it. If it break easily, then you might hav an issue with this- sewing won't prevent the breakage and the thick single ply dred yarns can come apart easily as they are not much more than roving. As cute as they may look, I would worry about it. You want a child's doll to hold up well, over time. Felting could be an issue, too. These loosely spun wool plies get all stuck together when I've tried to use them. I wish more mamas would post photos of their children's dolls after some serious use so we could see how different materials hold up over time.

[BethSLP]

Originally Posted by E.V. Lowi

Take a strand of your yarn and tug on it. If it break easily, then you might hav an issue with this- sewing won't prevent the breakage and the thick single ply dred yarns can come apart easily as they are not much more than roving.

Its actually very strong. no breakage at all. I asked at the yarn store how it might wear and the store owner seemed to think it might fuzz out some, but that otherwise would be OK. My guess is also that DD will leave the hair in the cute bun pony tails and want to change the hairstyle too often, but could be wrong. Our first waldorf girl sees a lot of love, but has been wearing the same cute hairstyle for at least 6 months.

Here is a link to the exact yarn I bought.
http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-cr...labrigo-rasta/

The colourway that DD chose is called "Archo Iris." The third one over from the left in the top row.

So if anyone is wanting to make a doll with funky hair and does not have a shop local to them, I can vouch for this malabrigo yarn being quite strong and also touchably soft. As to how it will wear over time?? I guess we'll see

XOXO
B

[E.V. Lowi]

It's so beautiful! Thanks for sharing the link.

ETA: I have used Malabrigo single ply worsted in the past without issues.












.

[kittywitty]

I soooo want some of that Rasta! FWIW, I use a similar technique for sewing down my doll hair and it works fine without bald spots and has held up remarkably at our house.

[jillybeans]

I made a wig for my dd1's doll last year and used the starrysheep tute. I followed it exactly and used a chunkier yarn. We haven't had any problems with bald spots at all. I did a thinner layer underneath, sewn at top middle and right above ear line on each side. Then added another top layer sewn at middle. It looks great!

[kbchavez]

Hi! I found this thread when searching for instructions on making waldorf dolls with hair like Bamboletta dolls. So I'm basically trying to make a similar doll for my daughter to the one you're making for yours! I loved the hair on the dolls you linked to as well. I hadn't seen those ones yet! I also adore the yarn you chose. I was thinking of mixing something like that in with dark brown, so the doll would look like my daughter, but with the cool funky dreadlocks, too. I'm also looking for a pattern that is chunky and cute like the bambolettas (and the dfh dolls and the cuties you linked to). I thought of ordering a kit from weir dolls and then modifying the pattern to how I like it if theirs isn't chunky enough. is the pattern you have more chubby? I know dancing rain went out of business but maybe I could get my hands on the pattern somehow. Itbwould be so much easier to have the perfect pattern to start with, since this is already such an ambitious craft for a newbie (I'm an artist, so have no doubt I can do it with excellent instructions, but haven't done much crafting or sewing).

How's you doll coming by the way? have you got to the hair yet? I would love to see pics when you're done!



how's tour doll coming

[Think of Winter]

Wow, those photos, and the tutorial are so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for this thread, op. I made dd a Waldorf doll, and I hated the hair. So last night I took it all off, and found some pretty wool to make Lina's hair.

Please post an update with how it went for you.

[BethSLP]

ThinkofWinter,

So cool! Can't wait to see pics of yours.

My inner head is done so far. And last night I sewed the body pieces. Now need to turn and stuff and continue on.

I am desperate to keep this project a secret from DD so it limits my work time to after bed time. I still worry she'll come out of her room because she "can't sleep" or some other reason and "bust" me. :::fingers crossed::::

The only other challenge is not falling asleep before she does on some nights

XOXO
B

[E.V. Lowi]

How dedicated you are, Beth! Your dd will love the surprise!

[jennifercp8]

Maybe I missed this somewhere - but can someone tell me how much yarn is needed to do a head of hair like this?  I have a super bulky, hand spun yarn in dark purple, pink, and almost brown that would be awesome.  But I don't know if I have enough.  Is there a yardage I should be shooting for?  I really like the heads of hair done like pigtails.

[mb122]

you could use this tutorial also.  it would work for Waldorf dolls, I think.

http://bybido.blogspot.com/2010/07/doll-hair-tutorial-ponytails.html

[BethSLP]

Okay, guys, I need some input again.  EV Lowi, FillingMy Quiver and all you experts out there ;)

I started on the hair using the starrysheep tute.  What I'm finding is that sewing across the eyeline is too high up to put the hair up into ponytails or buns.  I went back to the original pictures (at the top of this thread) and I've got a new theory.  Tell me if you think its correct or problematic.

it looks to me from the pictures that the tumbleberry dolls have three layers of hair.  If you look closely, there seems to be a first layer which is sewn to the head further down (like at the level of a normal back of the hair line.  you can see how far down looking at the back of the doll pics in particular.  but basically, at the base of the hairline which is somewhat below the eyeline).  Then there appears to be a second layer that is sewn slightly above the eye line.  Then there is a third layer attached in the center part. 

Is it possible there are three layers of hair?  I can't figure out any other way for the hair to look the way it does when pulled up into ponytails or buns (i.e. it looks like there is hair coming from the bottom, middle and center part). 

Do you think this theory is correct?  Do you think there will be too much hair if I do 3 layers?

XOXO

B