One of my online groups, Vintage Cloth Dollmaking, is hosting a Columbian doll challenge. Columbians are weird dolls. I, and most other dollmakers, believe they are meant to represent a child. But they’ve got some strange features. Like a wasp waist and protruding lump on the back of their heads that is said to represent a bun in their hair. Here’s a link to some interesting information about the famous Miss Columbia where you can learn more. Much more talented dollmakers than I have made these dolls. Check out Mimi Kirchner’s– hers is just wonderful.

So, I’m trying my hand at one, even though it is not one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to painting again. It’s been almost a year since I’ve made a painted doll face. I’m also having fun hand stitching my doll. I’ve hand stitched many, many doll outfits, but this is the first time doing the whole doll. I didn’t have to-I just wanted to, you know, like connect with my dollmaking foremothers! I also drafted my own pattern, so that’s a little scary. I based my pattern on my studies of Mimi’s Columbian and the discussions we’ve been having in the group. I really hope she turns out! I’ll try to take some progress photos tonight.