Tips for Making EFA Dolls (from one who's been there!)

I had such a nice comment from a new reader (Hi Dana!). She asked if I use muslin to make the EFA dolls. That made me realize that I could probably offer even more help than just the fabric choice. I wrote to Dana and shared some tips with her and now I will share them here.

1. Muslin is fine, but can be rather pale. The quilters cottons come in beautiful shades. Also, if you wash and dry the fabric, but don't iron it, you will find that it has some nice give.

2. Experiment with different fabrics. Edith herself preferred a Japanese chirumen which at that time (1930's), was rather stretchy. Personally, I have a cotton sweatshirt knit that I love. I made Baby with it and I love how dimensional she turned out. Sadly, my supply was a gift from a friend years ago, so I don't know if you could find it today. But try another knit. Try a heavy tee shirt that your husband has stained! The cool thing about EFA bodies is that they are quick to sew and stuff.

Baby. This one was made with sweatshirt knit. Ironically she has no neck wrinkle!

3. Don't bother being "traditional" and stuffing your doll with cotton. Do you really think that if Edith were alive and making dolls today, she would be using cotton? I truly believe she would be using fiberfill like the rest of us. One of the best reasons for using fiberfill is that it eliminates the need for an internal neck support. If you have read Edith's original instructions, you will know that she used matchsticks and nails (!) to support her dolls' necks! Yikes! Fiberfill is so bouncy, you don't need to worry about the poor dear's neck flopping over! The other filling I like is wool. If you use wool, just take a good size hank and twist it until it is a plug and use that for the neck. It should be strong enough to hold up the head just fine. Wool is nice, isn't it?

4. While we are discussing necks, let us touch upon that delicate subject of "neck wrinkles". Some dollmakers are totally phobic about having a crease across a doll's neck. Sometimes it is worth bothering over, but not with EFA's. They are charming, simple dolls and they usually have a neck crease. Let it be! Your doll will still be darling!

Edited 11/9/07: I learned last week that Edith's dolls did not have neck creases and so I have been working on my techniques. I have posted a tutorial of sorts at the website of the Yahoo! group, Edith Flack Ackley Dolls, why don't you come and join?

Rose. She has a neck wrinkle. Do you care?

That's it for now. I'm getting a little punchy! As I think of more tips, I will make a note and perhaps do a future post with more.

In the meantime, hugs to all!