Fabric to use for baby doll question

[pisces_grrl]

Hi, I wanted to try making this doll here :  http://community.livejournal.com/doingwithout/41229.html#cutid1

I have never made a doll before and not very crafty (at least not yet) so I need a little help.  I am trying to find a fabric to use for the doll but am getting kind of overwhelmed looking online.  The blogger used a hemp knit/non stretchy/thick fabric.  I found a fabric that I thought seemed good but it was 29.99 a yard and that seems like a lot (I am ordering a yard and a half).   I want a fabric that is good quality but at the same time don't want to spend to much since this IS my first project and not sure how it will turn out.  I could use some recommendations!

Thanks :)

[motherhendoula]

I dont think you need a hemp fabric for $29.99 (where are u buying your hemp from anyway???)  try this site for decent hemp:

http://www.hemptraders.com/   (excellent customer service there too)

i would recommend a flannel for this doll ...even a double sided flannel - because it will be a little heavier and thicker (and fuzzier)  but a single flannel will do nicely as well and should be about $3.99 / yd.  a double flannel may be as much $8.99 - i think you could get either on Joanns Fabrics.com - check for coupons first!!

i got involved in sewing to save $$$  - so i may be overreacting to your choice just a bit!  a hemp cotton mix...or hemp wool mix would be lovely - but a flannel will definitely have that 'fuzzy' skin sort of look and feel.

good luck with it!

[pisces_grrl]

Thank you so much! Those prices seem much more reasonable and what I had in mind!  I don't remember the website that was selling it for 29.99 a yard - it was something I did a search for on Yahoo.   There were also so many different 'types' of hemp that it got confusing.

[motherhendoula]

Hemp is a great fabric - but it does 'wear IN  - not OUT'  the more times you wash it, the nicer it gets - so for something like a doll...hemp might be overkill...now  dishtowels on the other hand! 

[MyLittleWarrior]

I used her tutorial for making the companion doll.  I used a thrifted sweatshirt in a nice skin tone.  It had the perfect amount of stretch, and was really soft.