Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Sewing: Baby Doll Baskets for the Waldorf Dolls


Maybe the reason this year feels a bit slow to start is because I'm still consumed with what should have been December (or November!) projects! Ah, well. So it goes.


When Dana released her Baby Doll Basket pattern in time for the holidays last year I snatched it up right away because I had Waldorf dolls in the works for my girls for Christmas. I thought each of them needed a little basket to go with. I love the design. These remind me of the Moses basket I carried Audrey around in when she was a newborn--I just moved her from room to room and set her snuggled nearby me.


It's part carrier and part bed--perfect! And soft so it's easy to carry, and store. I had been thinking of little wood beds but this works better I think. And it involves the fun of fabrics!


I found some reversible, floral quilted fabrics at Joann (so 80s! so fun), which I used for two of these. A very feminine take. And Joann also carried this fun zebra print and coordinating DS Quilts orange and grey dots fabric. The latter is my less-girly take. Can you guess whose doll gets that one?


Yes. Audrey's doll gets the graphic prints.


And for Scarlett's, this aqua and red floral. Though it turns out she prefers the green one I'd intended for Tess's doll. They will work it out.


I lined all the baskets with some cut chenille fabric I'd purchased years ago for making baby blankets and burp cloths, which I didn't make. I love the cozy texture. 


I backed the blankets with the chenille too. And I decided on a few other variations from the pattern: I doubled the binding on the handles just for fun, I used cotton batting instead, which is really nice and soft but thinner so my baskets are a bit floppier than Dana designed, and I added a couple interior pockets to each basket.



My friend, Margie, had the idea for the pockets. I made them out of the lining fabric and added some seam binding at the top. Then I sewed them to the lining before assembling per the pattern directions.


Now the Doll Baskets can be beds, carriers, and wardrobes! 


As soon as these dolls get some more clothes, that is.


So happy to have these finished and ready to use. They were so much fun to make! Pretty laughable that I thought I could knock them out in a day or two before Christmas had I arrived at that point. I keep forgetting to times the effort by three. Three of everything...  


Off to the next project!


16 comments:

  1. Super cute! I bought Dana's pattern, too, and have made two of them so far. Did you use the two-sided quilted fabric from Joanns? I wasn't sure if I would be able to use that plus the batting plus the lining fabric (if it would've been too thick to get bias tape over)but it looks like you have. Also - love chenille and it seems impossible to find at fabric stores. I have a little bit left in my stash but wish they would continue selling it. Your baskets are beautiful. I agree, a fun pattern to sew.
    Penny

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  2. These are just so sweet! Makes me want to make one or two for my girlies. Beautiful job!!

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  3. these are terrific? What size did you make for your girls? I'm on the fence between the medium and the large... and what a terrific idea to use the pre-quilted fabric!! I even have some in my stash that has been waiting to be used and this is just the ticket!!

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  4. These are adorable! So sad my daughter is too old for one... Mind you, her teddy bear does have a quilted bath tub with a cute fish and blue fabric!

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  5. @Kelly O.: You know, I goofed when I printed the pattern and my printer scaled it to fit. So I probably would have made the small or medium for these 12 inch dolls, but I made the largest size. I assembled the pattern and then laid my doll next to it and estimated seam allowances and some margin for “comfort.” The 12” dolls have some room to spare at the top and bottom, which is great I think as that means room for stuffed animals too or a bigger doll sometime.

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  6. @Simplify: Yes, I did use the two-sided quilted fabric from Joann. But I used cotton batting, much thinner than the high loft poly stuff. So I don't know if it would have worked if I'd followed the directions exactly. Good luck!

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  7. Oh my goodness! You made them!! Oh they're so beautiful. You did such a fantastic job Anneliese! And perfect timing because I'm doing a roundup of baskets today. Totally including you!

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  8. Okay, my post is up, here's a link:
    http://www.danamadeit.com/2014/01/your-baskets-your-babies.html

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  9. Adorable baskets! Dana's pattern went straight on my to-do list as well, although I am a bit behind others. Adding the pockets is a great idea! My little girl is always carrying her doll's bottle and toys with her baby doll.

    Seeing yours has motivated to get mine done... thanks for sharing!

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  10. thanks so much! I think you're right, I'm going to start with the large one :)

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  11. Again, PERFECTION in color choices and fabrics in sewing 3 basket totes for Waldorf dolls, your girls can play for hours. LOVE LOVE LOVE these. GREAT photo shoot with sharp close-ups of your 3 girls! I always look forward to your next post to see what creations you've made using your talents. Sarah Helene, Minneapolis, MN

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  12. I love each of them!!! What great fabrics!

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  13. These are so cute and the prints are really lovely! ♥

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  14. I dont sew. Does anyone know if somebody makes these baby baskets to sell? Interested in purchasing two of them for my grand daughters

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  15. I dont sew. Does anyone know if somebody makes these baby baskets to sell? Interested in purchasing two of them for my grand daughters

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