He never lets me have the last say. Because he is always surprising me, either with his mischievous smile or with a question. Such is the life when you have a little boy doll in the studio.

Little Roman wearing his linen overalls. By Fig and Me.

This is Little Roman, the last of four sibling dolls I have been slowly creating since 2020. I started with his older sister Hannah, who I completed in 2021. Then it was Elijah’s turn, and the last one I made was Ella. Now it was finally Roman’s turn!

We took a break during 2023 but we were back on our merry way to complete this precious set of siblings this year. I can honestly say I was a bit apprehensive about it…because this meant that the adventure would end. Unless his Mom decides to have another child! One can always dream, eh?

Little Roman, a Waldorf-inspired fiber art doll by Fig and Me.

I will talk more about Roman’s adventures in my studio on a future blog, because he has very important things to say about velvet and marine biology. But for now I will talk a little bit more about his creation. It is one of the things I love the most, describing the making process of the dolls ❤️. I hope you can indulge me.

Usually, when I embark on a custom doll adventure, the doll parents share quite a bit with me. Even more so if we are making the doll inspired by their children. Lots of beautiful photos land in my inbox and I am always transported to magical childhoods, full of sticky fingers, Halloween costumes, beloved pets and toys and memorable family vacations. Even school photos make their way to me.

I have to pull some sort of essence from all of this and imbue it into the doll. I have to take a little quirk in a smile and felt it into the wool, give a stitch for a twinkle in eyes full of wonder and find hair that resembles a child. To this day I feel I never do them enough justice, but the dolls (and mothers) are always so understanding. They know I work from a place of love and I try my best to honour their requests and their children’s personality.

To me it feels like the most awesome job in the world. How did I get so lucky to discover doll making?

In almost all his photos Roman had a marvellous smile. But his doll did not want to sport a wide smile. We talked about this non-stop. I even promised a colouring book…me resorting to bribes!

I finally accepted the doll’s wishes, as I usually do. And as always, the dolls know better. Now that I look at Roman with this quiet but knowing face, I can never imagine him otherwise.

With these four dolls I relinquished the task of “hair hunting” to their Mother. After all, she is the one that raised them, combed their hair after their daily showers and saw their childhood locks change into teenagedom.

She found the fiber that most accurately described their hair colour and texture and off I went: to sew umpteen wefts, eat lots of fiber while at it, and sew it into beautiful doll hair. With Roman the entire family gave me an ultimatum: no more doing doll hair in the house! Keep to your studio and wipe yourself off before coming in!

Friends, there was hair everywhere. I looked like Chewbacca or Uncle It. For real 😳.

I shall come back very soon (or his Mom is going to send someone to “take care of me”) and let Roman tell you all about himself and show you his beautiful friend. He is very proud to be in charge of taking care of him. Although meal time choices can be questionable…we have to give him an A+ for effort.

Keep your eyes on this place, Roman will be back soon. 🦕