An Ode to Softness and Blooming Magnolias

Using the blooming magnolias in my neighbourhood as inspiration, I set out to create a new incarnation of jointed fiber art dolls: sweet and furry lambs to welcome Spring. The results are enchanting, much to my surprise, and adorable in their own right.

Come on in as I share some thoughts on this little one-of-a-kind doll collection. Inspired to adopt one? look no further:

I wanted to experiment using faux fur and it was arduous and full of peril. I am not too versed on this material, being a raging fan of natural fibers, so it felt a bit like learning dollmaking all over again.

In the end, as always, the dolls showed me the way and I was able to birth them in unique fabrics, which entitled them to particulars and their own personality.

We ventured into the city to buy said fabrics, returning home full of enthusiasm and gratefulness at my current ability to just go hunting for whatever fabrics I need. While in Portugal this simple magical choice is something that humbles me constantly.

Once they were properly sculpted, embroidered, blushed, stuffed and assembled, the chatter was continuos. I offered them several outfits which they turned down in disgust. Not even vintage pink wool yarn seduced them. These were difficult times.

They much prefer their birthday suit (who can blame them) and instead requested a steady supply of oat cakes, raw milk and scented pillows.

The dolls always get whatever they require.

I shuddered to think of sending them to new homes without at least a thoughtful reminder of how much I love them. Something to serve them well on their journey and perhaps a small token of appreciation to whoever ends up being their new caretaker, so I embroidered floral patches to add to their traveling satchels.

I will post pics soon on Instagram.

Now, one thing we could not get all behind were their names. I was so inspired by the magnolias, daffodils, blackthorn and orange trees in blossom all over our neighbourhood but they would not abide by floral names.

As always, when confronted with unruly dolls or dollmaking conundrums, I turn to my social hives. In this case, I solicited the help on Facebook and a darling lady named Katrina offered us their whimsical names 🌷

The dolls were ecstatic with such joyful and clever names and immediately chose their own. So here we have (from left to right) Woolford, Baarbara, Lambert and Ewenice. What a gang!

So there you have it. A small family of furry dolls to keep you company, help with your knitting questions and offer you a calming stare to return you to centre.

If you want to bring one home, they will be ready for adoption tomorrow at 12 PM EST. You can check them all here.

If you are interested in getting more tips and tricks on the dollmaking aspect of making these dolls, you can check out this post on Patreon.

Hopefully they all find a loving family so they can travel soon and welcome Spring by your side.

Thank you for wishing them the best 🌿