Alright, I know that it may seem like it's been a while since I wrote an update about my progress. But I have had personal reasons for that. But in the last 5 days I've had the chance to catch up some on my progress and take some photographs to show you where I am.
So one of the most important things about making a toy(in my experience anyway) is coming up with a pattern that will get your idea across, while still making sense to the recipient. I made a few different attempts, but this one is the one I settled on. It's about 12 inches high.
What you'll probably note about my version of Nott for this doll is that each of her limbs only has 2 fingers or toes. I know it seems odd, but in order to keep her size manageable, and keep the details from becoming too finicky and delicate, sometimes it's better to simplify your source material.
Also, by making the pattern in this sort of shape, it becomes 2 pieces (at least for the main body) Simplifying construction and leaving more room for detailing and adding to the piece.
Then came deciding on how to lay out her face. This I didn't do using a pattern, although I had intended to do this whole project creating a pattern along the way to post it at the end for others to use. But instead I'm free cutting. Not sure if that's what other people call it. But it's basically cutting out shapes haphazardly to create what you're envisioning.
I personally feel her large yellow eyes are one of her most endearing details. Since they're one of the few facial features most people would be able to see over her china doll half mask I decided to make her eyes large.
They're probably about...2 inches wide? Maybe a little bigger.
Her mouth has 2 little teeth hanging out of her smile, since a number of people are frightened by her mouth when her mask hangs down, or maybe that's just because she's a goblin.
Then came the true test...After doing all the facework, and blanket stitching around the outside of the doll, it was time to stuff her.
Now for those who are curious about material choices, I chose fleece for her body because it is soft and washable. It also doesn't need to be seemed on the outer edge, meaning using a blanket stitch around the edges helps to give the doll a more artsy feel, yet doesn't trouble the integrity of keeping her together.
Her ears each got a small amount of stuffing to help them keep their shape and be a bit more stable. But she also had her nose hand stitched onto her face, it's kind of a charlie brown nose, an upside down u.
Before she got sewn together, I also stitched some details on her ears so they would look more like ears. But after she got stitched she got a little more work near her ears to keep them defined and help prevent stuffing from straying from her face into her ears and making her look bloated.
Then came adding her bandages. You will note that I only wrapped them around her ears, arms, and legs with a few bands around her forehead. The reason for this is simplicity, but I also want to keep the character details chibi. I don't believe that she looks like a mummy, because npc's react to her and know she is a goblin.
So the next update I will talk about her clothes and let you see how that is going.
I've added another book and some incense to my swap package, to add some entertainment that hopefully my partner will enjoy.
I'm looking forward to seeing how your packages are coming along, remember the shipping date for Critter Craft Swap S2.1 is April 20th. We will be checking in to make sure everyone has shipped or making sure you've checked in with your partners.
Keep it Crafty!