Ruby’s Handmade Doll

Ruby had a birthday party to go to on Monday, and naturally I put off buying a present, so Sunday night we made this doll. It was Ruby’s first time using the sewing machine. It was super simple construction and we made the clothes from scraps in the fabric stash.

Ruby drew on the face after a few practice runs and I sewed on the hair (yarn from a recently frogged thrift-store sweater — newly frogged yarn has a very stylish curl to it).

The skirt was from a table runner that I partially embroidered 15 years ago and never finished. It’s a simple tube shape, gathered at the top and sewn on. It has a tulle (bargain bin at IKEA) underskirt and a little tulle ruffle over the top. The bodice is the same tulle in a different color, in a simple criss-cross and sewn on. She also has a tulle shawl.

Ruby was very pleased with our work, and I think the doll was well received by the birthday girl. I had a fun time guiding Ruby through the creative process!