presenting Whidbey, a new pattern for a new doll

My new Kidz 'n' Cats model, Lena (read previous post) is proving to be a delight to not only photograph with her life-like poses, created from her nine point articulation, but also a great inspiration for new beginnings in this brand new year, read on . . . .  

 
At first my intention was to create a basic sweater and hat set for her, but that quickly turned into thoughts of a new pattern as well, so with a fresh clean slate for this new year, I turned to my love of classic sweaters and created a Gansey inspired sweater and hat ensemble. . . .
. . . my decision to once again put pen to paper and design a pattern for these dolls has also served as a much needed challenge and distraction, as often my thoughts would turn back the pages of time to happenings of last year . .  when I was attending my dear mum's funeral . . . at times I can hear them telling me to move on, to look back fondly . . . and so I am, and having so much fun too!

 

presenting . . "Whidbey”

Whidbey; a Gansey inspired textured stitch sweater and hat pattern for dolls

A Gansey inspired textured stitch sweater and hat pattern designed to fit slim 18" dolls like my model, Lena, a Kidz 'n' Cats doll by artist Sonja Hartman

Inspired by my love of the recognizable and traditional Gansey stitch patterns.

Whidbey is a long sleeved textured stitch sweater, featuring back-buttoned closure for easy dressing complete with matching watch cap hat, with a turned up ribbed stitch brim.

A perfect addition to your doll's winter wardrobe, and for exploring the great outdoors, providing extra warmth whether living on an island like Whidbey, along the coast, in the mountains, or for simply snuggling up in by a cozy warm fire.

Kidz 'n' Cats play dolls from 'With Heart and Soul' are designed by Sonja Hartmann. These stunning 18" dolls have beautifully sculpted faces and bodies (all vinyl) with extra moveable joints, and have hand knotted kanekalon wigs and acrylic eyes.

My new plans include another Gansey inspired sweater design, this time created to fit my current Gotz girls and of course the comparable American Girl Dolls . . . currently on my needles,  . . more on that in a new post. 

In the meantime, enjoy more pictures from Lena's photo shoot . .

This completed ensemble along with another two-tone version will also be available for sale some time in the coming week, in auctions listed on eBay, via a store my husband and I have, where you will find them under my label Debonair Designs at Tekay-intl
  
Thank you for your shared interest ~  Warmest regards, Deb & Dolls

2012 a New Year ~ and a New model doll

Happy New Year: 2012 beckons new beginnings in so many ways . . . . 

 

Firstly my thoughts quickly turn back the pages of time, to thoughts of my dear departed Mum, who sadly passed away from this physical plane 2nd Jan 2011 . . . . .
At times, I cannot fathom that she is no longer at the end of the phone line chatting away, no longer sending those loving cards . . . . and then there are times that I cannot believe it has been almost a whole year . . .
. . . time will heal I am sure of that, yet the more time goes by, the more I naturally miss her and my Dad even more so. I am smiling more today with my treasured memories  . . . and in a strange way, I am deeply consoled that my mum is now where she wanted to be, reunited once again with her life partner, my Dad . . . . 
Which brings me to my passion; my knitting and my dolls . . . they bring me much comfort and joy, providing an avenue to let go and let God . . . to explore my creative inspirations through dressing and designing for these 18 inch dolls; who, in their silence, have brought me so much pleasure, satisfaction and new virtual friendships beyond my wildest dreams.

I love designing & knitting for dolls and in turn sharing that passion too!!

And so it gives me much pleasure to share my new doll, Lena; (pictured far right) ~ 
a Kidz 'n' Cats 18 inch girl from the Heart & Soul Collection by doll artist Sonja Hartmann

Kidz 'n' Cats play dolls from 'With Heart and Soul' are designed by Sonja Hartmann. These stunning 18" dolls have beautifully sculpted faces and bodies (all vinyl) with extra moveable joints, and have hand knotted kanekalon wigs and acrylic eyes.

Read more here at Bambolina . . . . 

pictured here on Christmas day

Over time I will be designing and knitting for her, and of course my current Gotz girls . . . even as I write this post, I have already started a sweater which is currently on my needles, and I hope to be providing a pattern too! . . more on that in another post. 

What I love about this new girl is her articulation, how she comes alive in photo shoots, also I love that she is 18 inches tall, although slimmer than the American Girl dolls and my 18 inch Gotz models, I know I will be able to create designs for her with a little tweaking of my current designs.
Having a new model always brings an additional excitement, I love the challenges of creating for a new girl and cannot wait to share with you . . . . .

 

Be sure to check in on designs from my 2012 Winter Collection:

My thoughts have turned to the ski season with images of all things Nordic and Icelandic, so with this in my minds eye, I will be creating ensembles that reflect my love of fair isle patterns, represented in ensembles with a modern flare.

These completed ensembles I will showcase here and will once again be available for sale some time after the new year, in auctions listed on eBay, via a store my husband and I have, you will find them under my label Debonair Designs at Tekay-intl
  
Thank you for your shared interest, be safe and have yourselves a memorable and happy new year ~  Warmest regards, Deb & Dolls