Last summer I started working on a design for a small Waldorf type baby doll. I have designed patterns for 13 to 15 inch boy and girl Waldorf style dolls. But I wanted to try making a smaller doll.

I drew an initial working pattern and made the torso with arms and legs. Something just didn't seem right but I wasn't sure what needed to be changed. That prototype sat on my work table for 4 or 5 months.

Then one day I decided to finish the doll. Waldorf doll knit fabric skin is expensive and so is the wool stuffing. So I made a head and and sewed it on the doll. As soon as the doll had I face, I was in love!

But I still had design issues. The first head I made was too large for the body. I carefully un-sewed the first head and rolled a smaller one which was perfect. I also decided to make the legs a bit longer and the torso a bit rounder.

The doll above was made with my final pattern. The doll is 9 inches tall. It's arms are open and legs flexed like a newborn baby's. The doll body fits perfectly in my adult hand.

I like all the dolls I've designed but this little baby has really captured my imagination and my heart!