Bettina: a natural fiber art doll by fig and me
This little sweet heart is a custom order, natural fiber art doll, in my Little Fig doll pattern. She has been in the making for quite some time and I am finally so glad to be able to show her off!
Natural fiber art doll Bettina, by fig and me.
Her mom fell in love with my work via my Etsy store. She purchased a few of my patterns and eventually requested I made her a doll. As is usual with my custom work, most requests take quite a few months before I can even start! But no matter, she stayed patient for the time when I could finally sit down to dream this little girl.
We had to wait a bit longer than usual as doll making supplies are taking way longer than they used to. We were specifically waiting for that luscious mohair weft I used to make her hair. Bettina was in no hurry though. A constant supply of toast and fairy tales kept her positive in this prolonged stage of waiting.
I absolutely never complain when the dolls have to stay with me longer than usual. Truth be told, more often than not I make ‘mistakes’ or endeavour to accomplish new details or try new techniques, JUST so I can prolongue their stay in the studio and so my hands can play with them a bit longer.
But eventually the time comes when I have to come to terms: these dolls must be photographed and then sent home. This is a bit of a nigging thought to entertain as I make them so I try not to think too much about it whilst I am having fun sewing little collars of tailoring little mary janes with small but sturdy crochet stitches.
Speaking of little crochet doll shoes, I made Bettina’s shoes with wool yarn I hand dyed last year with goldenrod. If you want to check out some of my adventures with wool and goldenrod you can check out this wee video.
I started dyeing with Goldenrod back in 2011 and I still have some yarn from that year and it has stayed the same beautiful shade, so naturally I am inclined to keep dyeing with this beautiful plant that is so readily available here. It is just such a cheerful yellow. The colour is crisp, but muted. In real life it has a sheen and a beauty hard to describe.
Now, Bettina likes blue. Like me. She picked this pretty cotton fabric with the tiniest of stars. She also picked two small white buttons and suggested a little petern pan collar for her dress. All wise options.
Her mother requested she had white socks, so we happily obliged.
Now Bettina is made in my Little Fig doll pattern. So she has the body proportions of a 4 year old. Tender and young shoots of life. The thing I was most surprised about during her creation was how she requested those little hopeful and cute eyebrows. When I walk by her in the studio, my heart gives a big sigh every time. She makes me happy. She makes me feel so peaceful.
I hope Bettina brings a dash of joy and hugs full of peace to her new mom. I am very thankful for the opportunity she gave me to create Bettina and for the generous support of the creative expression of my hands.
Thank you Suzanne, I hope she makes you happy!
