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I've been wanting to create a pattern for a handmade Elf-on-the-Shelf-inspired doll for a few months, and am excited to have Hans & Holly Elf patterns complete and in the Etsy store! However, the concept of Elf-on-the-Shelf is not something that everyone loves. Recently I've heard people talking about Kindness Elves in favour of the more mischievous Elf-on-the-Shelf. It's an interesting thought - perhaps both versions could be a great way to evoke meaningful conversations with your little ones. Whichever version of the holiday elves you prefer, the Hans & Holly dolls are a perfect way to help build anticipation for the holidays! These patterns are great for ambitious beginner sewers, or intermediate sewers. The finished dolls are approximately 12" tall. Happy crafting as we enter the holiday season!   
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I've been thinking over ideas for a pixie or fairy doll for quite awhile, and decided to try an idea with some faux fur I have. Usually I try a few versions of a doll before I come up with a pattern I love, but this little pixie emerged on the first try! I love the faux fur hair - it gives her a slightly wild look, enhanced even more by her mischievous grin. Her felt wings are attached to the removable skirt. The finished doll is about 10 inches high - much smaller than my other 18-inch dolls. The sewing pattern is good for intermediate sewers and can be found on the Blue Whimsy Etsy store.  Since the start of summer holidays two weeks ago, I've been trying to get all of my ideas for dolls out of my head, into Adobe Illustrator, and through my sewing machine! Bridget is the first product of my summer of sewing. Her look is a little more grown-up than the Penny doll - perhaps it's the side ponytail, or maybe its the socks and shoes. Her cute smock dress has elastic at the neck for easy wardrobe changes. Bridget is a great summer project for intermediate sewers!   Meet Charlie, the latest addition to the Blue Whimsy dolls! I've been wanting to come up with a great pattern for a handmade boy doll and, after a few ideas, I came up with Charlie! The finished doll is the same size as the Nora and Penny dolls (18 inches), and his outfit is removable so you can add to his wardrobe! (Keep an eye out for a pyjama pattern in the near future).   The Charlie pattern is great for intermediate sewers. He's customizable, so depending on your choice of fabrics for his hair, skin, and clothing, he can be made to match any little boy! Whatever you choose, he's going to be cute!!  Hello! Recently I've had a chance to pursue my next venture - designing patterns for original Blue Whimsy dolls. It's been a busy couple of months finalizing the designs and posting them to Etsy! The process of opening the Etsy store has been a little daunting, but exciting at the same time. Take a look at the store (Blue Whimsy on Etsy) - I'd love to hear what you think! I'd like to introduce you to the three new Blue Whimsy additions: First, meet the Sleepyheads... The pattern for these swaddled babies is easy enough for beginner sewers, and it only takes about an hour or two to make one doll. The finished doll is about 9 inches long - perfect for a baby or toddler's first doll!  The process of creating a pattern on my computer and having it come to life in the form of a new doll is pretty neat. My goal has been to make the patterns easy to follow, with detailed instructions and clear diagrams for each step. I'm learning how to use Adobe Illustrator a little better with each pattern - a much better choice than the "draw" feature of the word processor I started with!  At the WCV craft sale last November, I was surprised at the popularity of the ballerina dolls. There was enough interest that I decided to come up with a slightly different design. The "Nora Ballerina" pattern is a good intermediate sewer pattern, with step-by-step instructions and diagrams. The doll is 18 inches long (plus her top-knot!), and fits all Blue Whimsy doll clothes.  The very first pattern I designed was the "Penny Doll". I have to admit, the name was inspired by memories of the pig-tailed heroine of the 1980s kids' show "Inspector Gadget" :). The Penny Doll is also 18 inches long, fits the Blue Whimsy doll clothes, and can be customized by changing her clothes, her hair colour, or even giving her a side pony instead of pigtails. This pattern is a good choice for intermediate sewers.  With working full-time as a teacher, the challenge for me has been to find time to develop all of my ideas. I have more ideas than time at this point, and have to admit that I'm looking forward to summer holidays so that I can "work" on my dolls! There have been many days where I come home from a full work-day and spend another six or seven hours in my sewing room. However, I'm always excited to get home and starting sewing or designing. I've often heard my dad (who farms) talk about loving what he does so much that it never feels like he's going to work. I'm starting to get an idea of how he feels, and it's pretty cool! :)
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