Hooking on Hump Day – Some “Feel Better Friend” Dolls

Hi everyone it’s Cindy here. Today I’m joining the Hookin on Hump Day blog hop to tell you about the first two Feel Better Friends (FBF) that I’ve made. If you remember I did a previous post about the process of becoming a volunteer with FBF.

My first doll was for a “Little Boy M” that I can’t tell you much about or show any pictures of by request of his family. He is just under two years old and according to his bio loves dogs and cats.

I decided to make him a stuffed dog to go along with the doll.

The stuffed dog pattern is called “Patchwork Puppy” and is from the Crochet World April 2012 issue.

One of the things I found out since I did my test doll was that instead of making crochet eyes there was a machine embroidery that I could use. I love the way the eyes turned out and it’s so easy to make any color I need.

The hair for this doll was made using Knit Picks CotLin DK weight yarn that was first hooked into the scalp. To get the finer look to the hair I separated the strands of the yarn using a tapestry needle.

One of the challenges I had with this doll was that I wanted to sew his clothes so I could make an outfit similar to the one Little Boy M was wearing in the pictures I was sent. I downloaded the patterns from FBF but they were a bit too big for my doll. After a few attempts I finally had a pattern that would fit. The embroidery on his t-shirt is copied from the picture I had of Little Boy M.

I can tell you that Little Boy M and his family were very happy with their Feel Better Friend doll and his Patchwork Puppy.

My next FBF doll was for Viviauna a young girl with a variety of medical problems. I have permission from her mother to post her pictures.

Vivauna

Vivi’s doll

One of the challenges I had with this doll was that it is my first with a wig.

The elastic band holds the wig on.

My first attempt at the wig didn’t work out so well. The crocheted cap that I hooked the hair in became misshapen and I had to pull it all out and make a new cap. This time I made the cap a bit smaller and also put the hair in a little looser. As you can see it turned out great on my second attempt.

The reason this doll has a wig is because Viviauna is having surgery on her scull that will require all her hair to be shaved off. Along with the cute jumper I crocheted I also made a head band for the doll to wear when she has her wig off. I also added a scar like the one Viviauna will have after her procedure.

An ear to ear scar

To complete the items for Viviauna I added a head band for her to wear after her surgery.

Vivi’s doll with accessories

A few days after shipping off the doll with her accessories I received some pictures of her with her new friend.

I think her smile says it all.

Making Feel Better Friends dolls has been a great way to use my crochet skills for charity work. I already am well on my way to completing my next doll for a little boy. If you know of a child with medical problems that you think would benefit from having a Mini Me to help them you can visit the Feel Better Friends website to request a doll. I am assigned to the northeast USA but I think you can request a specific crafter if you would like.

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