going kuku

I've had this adorable kit for "Rose" (one of the Kuku felted doll kits created by the Dolly-Mamas) in my stash for a couple of years now ... motivated by my desire to do some stash busting and finally try my hand at knitted toys, I cast on for Rose on Friday, and felted her in my washing machine on Monday. Can you say super-fast project? It helps that the kit uses worsted-weight Cascade 220 yarn and calls for size 9 needles!

The entire doll is knit flat, so if you fear/dislike knitting in the round, this is the knitted toy project for you! First, you start with the "feet," knitting the two legs separately and then joining them to continue knitting the torso of the body and then the head (the ears are bobbles! such a great idea!). Then you seam down the middle of the back of the doll, and attach arms that are knit separately. You stuff with poly fiber-fill prior to felting, which was the most nerve-wracking part for me ... I'm glad I had a kit, because then I really didn't have to decide how much was "too much" stuffing (the poly fiber-fill won't felt, while the rest of the doll does, so you don't want to over-stuff). I just evenly distributed the amount that was provided, and trusted the kit instructions. Lastly, you use a crochet hook to join strands of yarn for the hair and skirt. Here's Rose prior to felting ...

And after! I should have taken before and after measurements, but forgot--she really does shrink in height quite a bit! At least five inches, I would estimate.

I still need to trim extra threads, and neaten up her hair and skirt, and needle-felt some eyes. As you can see, using this method for creating hair results in a very "dread-lock" look!


Don't forget to check out the other WIPs at TamisAmis and YarnAlong!

15 comments:

OrangeBlossom said...

What a cute doll! It amazes me how many different items can be made knitting.

Pumpkin said...

This has got to be one of the cutest dolls I have ever seen. Such a great use of those little scraps you've got sitting around. Do you think you might make more in the future?

Alisa said...

oh that doll is just too cute! Love it! Happy knitting!!

Emily said...

Definitely, since the pattern was so easy and turned out so cute! This would be a great stash-buster!

Emily said...

Thanks so much!

Emily said...

Thanks! Not to mention how many different things can be felted! :)

Liz said...

The doll is really cute. I love how it looks felted, it's a bit like magic, lol.

Emily said...

That's totally how I feel about felting ... there's always a moment at the beginning where I freak out because it looks terrible, and then if you're patient ... poof! It looks awesome.: )

Ness said...

Oh my gosh, she's SUPER cute!

HannahW said...

Oh my goodness she is cute! I followed you over from KCCO and here is my project this week: My project this week: http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crafting-on-with-needle-and-thread.html

buttons and beeswax said...

What a lovely little doll! I went through a phase of making teddies for new babies, I might have to make one of these next time! :)

Andria said...

Ok, that doll is awesome! I would never think to felt a doll, but I LOVE how she turned out. I think her dreads are too cool.

Truly Myrtle said...

This is fab! Super fast too!
I love the colours - does she just sell the pattern without the yarn too?

mkonieczki said...

That dolly is adorable! I love the way she came together!

Emily said...

Yes, on their website! I've seen the kits listed in the Knit Picks catalog, but on the website you can just get the pattern.

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