The book "Playful Little Knits" is Rachel Manring's way of playing, now that she is an adult. With yarn and her knitting needles, she has designed "costumes and clothes for a simple sewn doll". The "Whimsy" doll will be well dressed in 14 different outfits ranging from a baby onesie to a rabbit disguise.
Rachel walks you through making the nine inch doll step by step. She shows you how to transfer the pattern to the fabric, cut and stuff, sew, join the limbs and add the details. If you don't sew, her recommendation is find someone who does. Have them make two dolls, one for you and one for them. You in turn will knit the outfits.
The dolls are adorable and multi racial. You get to decide on their nationality by the color cloth (for skin) and hair yarn you use. The doll and clothes can be made from recycled pieces of material and leftover yarn stash.
Tips and hints are scattered throughout the book. Included is a section on how to make your own buttons from polymer clay. You will allso find a chapter on knitting techniques. The pictures are clear and colorful. The costumes are as cute as can be.
The doll and costumes will be enjoyed by both boys and girls. There is a skater dude and ballerina outfit plus pajamas with and without a hood. Your child's imagination might have the dolls attending a masquerade party. The doll can attend the party as a piglet. The piglet attire comes complete with a corkscrew tail, ears and snout. Maybe the doll would like to go as a lion with a flowing mane and tail. There are a number of animal disguses to choose from.
If you choose to use washable materials, the doll (clothes and all) can be thrown into the washing machine. Here is a free project of a Dog and Bee costume for your Whimsy.
Download the Lions and Clowns as desktop wallpaper.
Does your child have an interest in knitting? If so, New England Yarn & Spindle is having a class for "Kids Knit". This is a learn to knit class for kids ages 8 -11 years of age. Kids will learn the knit stitch and begin a project. A materials fee of $25.00 includes needles and yarn. Add a friend or parent for a material fee of $5.00. The class will be held Monday, February 20, 2012 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. New England Yarn & Spindle LLC is located at 801A Terryville Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, (860) 516-4646.
The doll and outfit plus this class would make a nice Valentine's Day gift.
Comments