Waldorf Doll Question

[macymomzf]

I am new to waldorf doll making. I'm working on my 5th doll.  I keep seeing these Lali Waldorf Dolls and they have little chins on them and they are so adorable. I want to make one like this so bad but can't for the life of me figure out how it's done and can not find any information or patterns about how to do it?? I know some of you make waldorf dolls, so hoping someone can help me figure this out.

Here's a photo, stolen from the etsy listing but there's loads more pics on her fb page http://www.facebook.com/LaliDollNursery.

Any ideas?? Thanks in advance.

; 

[E.V. Lowi]

Come join us on the Facebook Dolly Stitchers group. You have to ask to join but there are so many helpful doll makers there who would be glad to give you tips on how to sculpt a chin and full cheeks on a wool doll head.

I love these dolls with their extra sculpted features and lovely clothing- very inspiring!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85249597/mitsue-handmade-cloth-doll?ref=v1_other_2

[macymomzf]

Thank you E.V. I will certainly do that!! I have seen the Aldegonde dolls too and it's so genius how she's done the face. 

Thanks you!!

[kittyboosmum]

Hi! I am in exactly the same position as you...got the Waldorf doll making bug and am desperate to know how to add a sculpted chin like Lali dolls! So, just wondering if you ever found out the answer to this best kept secret and, if you did, will you share it?!!!

Many thanks in advance x

[E.V. Lowi]

Before you pull the skin tone knit over the head ball that you tied and covered with stockinette, you can add wool and shape/tease the wool into shape, just like you would shape a nose. (Or breasts on a mermaid)

You can also untie the stockinette and roll it back to the eye line and stuff some more wool up into the cheeks and chin area and shape these under the batt, then pull the stockinette back over and tie, then pull the skin tone knit over this. Experiment and see what works best for you to achieve the results you want. Just know that the Waldorf ideal for children is that less details are better and leave more to the imagination. Also, raised areas do not hold up well over time to play and being loved by a child. These areas will rub through and can't be repaired without leaving scars or changing the doll completely, by removing the wig and re-skinning the head, difficult to match the rest of the body. The problem is worse with the thinner or short staple skin tone interlocks. HTH

[nstewart]

Would it work to do the chin similar to the nose, but in an oval shape rather than round?  When my DH and I did a doll for DS and a doll for my niece, DS shaped the nose by drawing a circle the size of a dime where the nose was to go, and stitching around, then pulling tight.  You could do something of the sort for a chin, I think, and it wouldn't distort over time because the stitching would hold it firm.  I think you'd have to go back and forth, pulling bit with each stitch, as opposed to stitching in a circle, if that makes sense. 

[E.V. Lowi]

yes, you could do the chin like this, but too much shaping will give a jowl-y appearance and make the doll appear elderly instead of childlike.

[kittyboosmum]

Hi EV,

Thanks so much for your reply...posted here but really wasn't sure I'd get any responses and thought my question would be lost in cyber space forever!! Your response is really helpful, and as I'm making this new batch of Waldorfs (skinnier and taller, with longer body to head ratio) for older children and adult collectors, needing features to 'hold up' over time isn't so much of a worry. Will certainly give your ideas a go as know you are something of an expert in the field. Many thanks once again x

[kittyboosmum]

Hi nstewart,

Still reeling over the fact that I actually got 2 replies to my question when I wasn't even  I'd get anything! Thanks for your suggestion...had thought about doing something like this, but didn't see how I could : a, avoid top part of stitched chin 'circle' being visible and b, get chin to protrude below face rather than just standing out from it. Hope these points make sense - difficult to put things into words somethimes. Anyhow, going to experiment a little with some old stuff now, as am still waiting on new skin supplies. Many thanks x