Monday, November 14, 2011

Un stuffed!



I know this is not pretty but this is what I worked on yesterday. You see I am trying to slowly get through all the projects that have been lying around for months. This is the arm of a doll and you see how those little fibers are coming through the fabric? I kept walking by and looking at the doll thinking she was somehow getting dusty from neglect but upon further inspection I realized it was polyester fibers coming through. I thought surely if I pull them off that will be the end of it. Nope!
I wanted natural fibers like 100% cotton or wool stuffing. At this point no such luck locally. I found some organic cotton on line. I will say I found a combination of bamboo and polyester locally and I opted to purchase that so I could finish this project. I unstuffed the doll and used the bamboo/poly fiber fill. I will say it is 85% better but, not perfect.



This is the bamboo/poly fiber fill. Notice it looks more like cotton.....

This is the nasty stuff...notice the shiny fibers! They are stiff and work their way through the fabric continuously. eeuk! 
I know this stuff is part of the plastic/oil industry. Seems to me the natural fibers are sooo easy and readily available but instead we are inundated with this stuff at the sewing stores! Just saying....

I finally stitched up a doll dress using scraps of 1930's reproduction fabric.
Just need to make her knickers and do her hair.
<3

15 comments:

  1. your doll looks very sweet. love the fabric combination of her dress. i know the convenience & frustration of polyfill. over at drucilla's blog (http://drucillapettibone.blogspot.com/) she recently showed a old doll stuffed with an old quilt. using fabric scraps might be something i'll try in the future.

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  2. Hi Handstories,

    I have thought of using old fabric scraps.... I will go check out the blog you mentioned. I love that reproduction 1930's sack cloth fabric....
    Thank you : )

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  3. Cute!! And I love your new blog header. I'm all for the natural stuff - in home furnishings AND clothing.

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  4. Your blog header is wonderful, Marie, and that doll!!! -- that cheerful 30's fabric is so perfect for her outfit. I, too, hate that polyfill stuff...but sometimes it's got its place, I guess.

    It happened again -- the same-wavelength-thing -- I got out a doll I made a while back and studied her this morning -- before I read your post! She's never been dressed either. Decided she's an eco doll (made from socks) so she needs a recycled outfit, too. Fun to think about! xo

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  5. First thing I noticed was your blog header was new. Very nice and seasonal.

    I have been disappointed with that kind of batting as well. Glad you found a solution! Beautiful dress...fit in nicely with the your dolls sensibilities.

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  6. Hi Gina,

    I decided the pumpkin header was just way too big and I wanted to gather some things I had made (exception, the dolls on the far right).
    I love cotton. I have always steered away from a lot of synthetics. I remember my mother and grandmother thinking that it was the next best thing to sliced bread. Yuk! not me!
    Thank you <3

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  7. Hi Woman with wings,
    The Madonna painting was a gift I made for someone. It was a very large painting. I wanted to include some things I had made that represent a part of me...Thank you <3

    Ha! (smiles) I love the wavelength thing. It happens a lot.
    Can't wait to see your doll : )

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  8. Hi cosmic arcata,

    I felt like my little blog needed a new "dress" lol!
    Changing the header is like putting on a new dress.
    It seems more winterish. : )

    I really like those cheerful colors in that little dress and I love the word you used, "sensibilities".
    Thanks <3

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  9. Pretty doll in her "sunday dress";) I love the top part with the little dogs. Using old fabric scraps may be a great idea, recycling, all natural. I also need to change my header... love yours.

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  10. Hi Isabelle,

    It would be a "twirly" dress if it were larger : )
    The fabrics are the reproduction 1930s flour sack cloth.
    http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/life_06.html
    very interesting.
    Thank you <3

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  11. I love the new header too. I've used cloth scraps for stuffing. It makes a firm, sometimes lumpy batting. Just a bit more info on the batting for you...the bamboo might not be any better environmentally than the poly. Bamboo takes a lot of chemicals to break down into fabric.

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  12. Hi Deb,
    Thanks for the info on the bamboo. It does not surprise me that it is not any better. I will use up this bag and from then on rags, wool or cotton only!
    I am really looking forward to getting some of the 100% organic cotton. : )

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  13. Loving your dollie! Such great fabrics.
    I agree with you on the stuffing problem.
    No one here sells natural stuffing either.
    For little projects I sometimes use organic cotton balls from the drug store for stuffing pins and things...
    xoxo always enjoy my visits!

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  14. Hi Mary,

    I am surprised they do not sell natural stuffing near you.
    I have found this place on line:
    http://www.nearseanaturals.com/browse.php?category=42
    I am thinking of ordering some stuffing...if I do, I will let you know what I think.
    You know me and the little black dolls : )
    <3

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  15. I've had the same problem, with poly fill coming out through the fabric. I thought it was because the fabric I used (quilting cotton and muslin) was not thick enough...

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