Sparrow's Birthday Dolly: Part 1

Here she is! The sewing project that I was working on this past week!  A very special little baby bird, Sparrow Song Mathis, had her first birthday party yesterday and to celebrate I made her this dolly.  Not only was it a day to celebrate her birthday, it was also the 1 year anniversary of her coming out of her first open heart surgery. It was a double celebration! Every girl needs a handmade friend to have adventures and tea parties with, don't they?  ;)

I had the most enjoyable and fun time crafting this pretty little thing.  I looked around online and found a few dolls that I liked, picked out some vintage fabrics that I had in my collection and made my own pattern. The ribbons and trims are from my grandma on Sam's side of the family. She gave me a few bags full of sewing goodies last Christmas that she had from the 50's and 60's. It was fabulous! I'm thinking about making a few more of these little beauties. Maybe even a little boy one, with suspenders for Káel!? Eeee! I used to make dolls all the time, before I moved away to school, got married and became a mommy. I'm kinda thinking that it might make a comeback in my life. ;)

I took some pictures along the way, as I stitched and pinned, so you could see.  Tomorrow, I'll be posting a few more pictures of her, in another outfit that I made, especially for the birthday girl's party and some pictures of Sparrow opening her surprise!!! Enjoy beauties!

I just guessed and tweaked my drawn on pattern as I went. No mistakes in creating...just happy accidents. ;)

The easiest way to sew doll arms and legs is to trace or draw your pattern directly onto the fabric, pin and then sew along the lines...THEN cut them out. It will take you several more frustrated minutes if you cut it out before you stitch it up. 

This sewing machine has been my friend since I was 13. Kenmore's are my fav. 

Her little, long, lanky plaid legs. A yard of fabric I found several months ago at a thrift mall. 

Pin with her legs and arms inside, stitch her and then turn her right side out! I added a about a 1/3 cup of rice in her bottom so she would be weighted a little.

I added a little rosette the night before the party...She needed a flower in her hair. ;)

I have never made doll clothes from felt before, it was pretty simple. I love this little 60's style shrug! 

Fall boots...it's going to get cold soon. 

 Sparrow's  mom and dad both have tattoos and I thought it would be kinda cool to tie that in. I had seen another amazing doll have something similar and I went for it. It's one of my favorite things about her. 

I hope you enjoyed watching my creative process! I can't wait to show you tomorrow's post! Have a very pretty day.