Would you like to make a doll with me? Let me get it started. I will paint the face, design the pattern, and pick out the fabric. Then I will pass it on to you for sewing and stuffing.
I hand paint each and every face myself for these Doll Start kits. Each one is a little different. They may be smiling or pensive, with a variety of ethnic ancestries. Historic American dolls inspire some of the faces. Other faces are totally my own. Each is a unique personality. You will be able to select the face you want.
The faces are painted directly onto the fabric, without a gesso primer. That way, the fabric stays easy to sew and stuff. The technique is similar to water color, with the color of the fabric itself showing through. Acrylic paints are used for this.
There are three different patterns. One is for a toddler, named Robin. Another is for a lady or older girl. Her name is Portia. A third one is for a life-sized baby. This one is designed after the Colombian doll, and her name is Emma. Patterns feature a well shaped rounded head, and nicely detailed hands and feet. Robin and Emma have bare feet, and Portia has boots with low heels. For all that, they are easy patterns to sew. Patterns for clothing are also included. Patterns are reusable, and a face template is included for any additional dolls you may be inspired to make.
To complement each unique Robin or Portia, fabrics for the dress were carefully selected to be flattering to each. Some florals, some checks, some stripes. Emma is proportioned to wear vintage baby clothes. She comes with a pretty vintage handkerchief to make her bonnet.
My involvement with each doll is so much more than with most ordinary doll kits available today. I have made a little piece of art to be the start of each doll. Now it is up to you to do your part. I hope that if you make one of these dolls you will find it a meaningful experience, and also that you will enjoy the doll we make together.
Robin, a 14-inch toddler doll. Price: $90
Portia, a 19-inch lady doll. Price: $110. Lady doll made with Linen fabric (As shown): $120
Emma, a 21-inch baby doll: Price: $110.
Add $6 for U.S. priority mail and insurance
Please email for ordering information. You will select your special face when I receive your paid order.
Tiny Doll Start Kits!
All cloth doll just six inches tall
A new idea! At the start of each tiny doll is a tiny doll head. These kits feature a hand made cloth doll head that is individually and fully painted by Susan Fosnot. No two are alike! You will make the doll body from Egyptian Cotton. Attach the head like sewing a shank button. Patterns include all parts of the doll so you can make additional dolls. Patterns for clothing are also provided.
Kit includes:
Doll head hand painted and signed by Susan Fosnot
Egyptian cotton fabric for doll body
Reusable pattern for doll and clothing
Original Doll Starts are $130 each. Dolls with topknots can be ordered for $150 each.
Add $9 shipping and insurance. (United States)
Please email for availability and ordering instructions
