Sunday, July 31, 2011

KK Doll Gets A Body and Serendipitous Socks

Worked at the weekend to give this new doll a body. Although not strictly a reproduction Kaethe Kruse-type body, it's a reasonable facsimlie. I haven't been able to work out just from old photos exactly how her bodies were constructed, but the were quite complicated with lots of seaming to give them the characteristic shape. For example, each leg alone had four seams and the feet were constructed from separate pieces. Also, she used "nettle cloth" (don't know what that is), and reindeer hair for stuffing (where am I going to get THAT from!!)
So this week I am going to work on an outfit for this doll - I've been looking at pictures of original Doll 1's to get some ideas. I already had these vintage socks which I bought in 2003 - they have never fitted anything I've made, but serendipitously, they fit this doll perfectly.





Later this week I'll be posting about the upcoming giveaway, so stay tuned!

15 comments:

Ron said...

I can't wait to see her dress! she's very pretty! :)

Unknown said...

Gosh, she looks gorgeous already...love the socks!

hugz
Pam

Paulette, Jvona & Rachel said...

I'm such a fan of your work. I made one doll using your techniques and it took me 3 months to get her done! The new lady looks great. I can't wait to see her finished. Now I'm going to go google this artist that you are using as your inspiration. You've got my interest piqued.
Paulette

Meriel Eir said...

Gorgeous.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

She's looking very sweet ... I like how soft her face painting looks.

Unknown said...

Nettle cloth was widely used dating back to the bronze age

Nettle fibres are white, silky, and up to 50mm (2”) long, and produce a finer and silkier fabric than flax, so that it is possible that fine linens for the wealthy may have been woven from nettle rather than flax.

it was commonly used in Germany expecially during the World wars and even before.
As always I love your dolls

Susie McMahon said...

Thanks Peta! So nettle cloth is exactly that: cloth made from nettles. So first grow your nettles, eh!
Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts.

maddyrose said...

She's lovely and the socks look like they were made for her. Can't wait to see how you are going to dress her.

McNally School said...

I want very badly to play with this doll.

Mary Ann Tate said...

Nettle cloth sort of looks like linen in weave. I remember my mum using a type of it when she tailored a jacket to keep the shape around the shoulders and lapels. She was a tailor.

Dorothy Dinnigan said...

Dolls body looks good and strong.
I love the way you get into the nitty gritty making things work.

Judi W. said...

Love learning new things! Now we all know what Nettle cloth is. I could probably rustle up the reindeer hair, lol, but doubt it would make it through customs!

JDConwell said...

Vintage socks and a Kathy Kruse baby. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

And what do you MEAN you don't have any reindeer hair? What kinda doll maker are you, anyway??? :~)

Susie McMahon said...

Yeah, Jan, I thought I had a bale of reindeer hair stashed away somewhere here - Lord knows I have everything else! But I just can't seem to put my hands on it! ;-)
Thanks for all the info about "nettle cloth". My mother emailed me a couple of days ago and she knew all about it - Silly me! I should have thought to ask her first!

Kate said...

Oh Susie, I think the face is spot on! Love the socks. Boy or girl? Either way would work on this doll. He/she is special.

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