The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane

I began making dolls inspired by the book in 2010. A teacher was looking for someone in the Etsy Plush Team to recreate the china doll completely in fabric so the children could put on a play. And recently I was approached by someone looking for a miracle, with a deadline and no dolls. 

And as the person making them some dolls had become unable to make them, I said yes I would give it a go. 

Despite being shattered, because they all left my hands today, I also feel really accomplished and a little sad. There’s something about Edward and this was the first time I made some of the outfits shown here. 

My daughter Mary really wanted to see him as Suzanna and I couldn’t wait to make Malone, using a felted woolly jumper so that it won’t fray on stage. 

I wonder if I will get to see any pictures of these guys performing? Well in any case, it’s lovely to still be making Edwards after 11 years. 

Have you got one of my dolls?  

I still make Edward Tulane dolls

This is the half size doll, it’s like holding a baby! I really like the eyes on these little dolls. 

Made a teddy ferret ...

I have wanted to make a teddy-ferret or a ferret doll for some time .... 

He was inspired by a Facebook post, ‘Found, Golden Ferret’, and I knew I had just the mohair!

Of course pink eyes would be perfect but my 6mm beads were too small so I used these amazing metallic ones ...



Then I took him outside to play! And he was adopted almost immediately ....

Edward Tulane

I’ve been making Edward for 10 years! And yes, I still have some to make! Have you read the book? 

Catherine, Mary's Jelly-Cat Doll

It's certainly been cold in Weymouth this week, so Mary was converned about this pretty doll she calls Catherine. Mary made her various wraps, but our little friend was still cold. I asked Mary to choose an odd sock (we have quite the collection) and she came back with this one which Catherine liked a lot. 

 

Using the sock top as the main body of a jumper, I cut sleeves from the tubal part of the foot and stitched something akin to a raglan sleeve jumper together using small zigzag stitch to prevent stretch. For size I simply kept placing things against the doll. 

 

Catherine's bunches are tied with scraps of fabric. The garment was easy to fit as her head is squashy and socks are stretchy. It's a generous 80's sort of neckline anyway. 

 

Catherine loves it and has felt much warmer. Hooray for sacks of old, odd socks. 

 

Have you upcycled socks, or used new ones to make something? This is the first thing I made that wasn't a sock cuddly toy ... 

I love it when an Edward Comes Together...

This is the part when all the stitched pieces of Edward get joined together with discs. 

Also he will need whiskers first, I can now stuff him which is a really enjoyable part as he takes shape!

A new kid on the block ...

Lately a lot of over-made-up dolls are getting a younger, fresher look. I decided to have a go myself. I can paint, I just wasn't sure about having a steady enough hand! But I found this Alice Moxie Girlz doll for 50p and she came home with me ...

With a few pieces of magic eraser, and a lot of nail varnish remover her make up and fat lips disappeared! Well ok, those lips still looked pumped. Some careful painting would take care of that. 

With white acrylic I shaped new eyes. And with a gentle pink and some 12-year-olds front teeth those lips have changed!

After that point I was on a roll. I do believe she needs some hint at eye lashes, but I'm really pleased with my first attempt to create a doll that looks like a real person!

Simple clothes next, but in the meantime, I found a hat for her to wear. 

What do you think her name should be?

Edward Tulane rabbit doll still having adventures ...

Two Edward Tulane Dolls just Left my hands ...

One of them took a moment to send a picture of himself in his new home, via my Etsy shop! He does look rather handsome if I say so myself ...

And here is a little Edward, the smaller version of the doll I make, making a new friend with a very young fan!

It looks like they are going to get on well. If you have one of my dolls I would love to see him ... And you!

Last rat of the year ....

I love to work with woollens and had been making cats and hamsters, when I decided in a quiet moment on Christmas Day to make a raggyrat doll ...

This button jointed fellow has already been adopted but I would like to make

More like him. 

A few years back I used to slip out into the cul-de-sac and lie on my belly with my camera and a fresh soft toy .... 

It works doesn't it? The grey road provides a contrast to the colourful stripes of my rat! 

Raggy Rat Boy!

So exciting because I haven't made a Raggy rat doll for a number of years now. The last were in a Booja Booja movie!

He is made from a soft, textured weave and reminds me of silver grey pet rats that I used to keep ...

Now he has to leave me, go off and make someone else smile. Be good, son ....

A very special handkerchief!

This lovely retro hanky came is a box with three others, and was labeled PURE IRISH LINEN!

I have embroidered it for a very special bed-time edition of Edward Tulane.

I finished the lettering waiting for the local pantomime to start on Saturday!

Edward Tulane for Christmas!

Edward Tulane needs a pocket for his pocket watch!

I always feel better when each one as at least something to wear! Sometimes I do his eyes last of all when he is fully dressed!

Then he has a good long look at me before I kiss him and send him on his way!

Little Edward Tulane, sweet rabbit doll!

another sweet rabbit doll is finished!

He is off to make a school teacher happy, as The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is very well read in schools...

Rabbit and Cat

Edward Tulane again, this time wearing some red pyjamas, and looking very much like the little figure on the spine of my copy of Edward Tulane .. He will also get the frilled coat and trousers, and is off to cheer up a poorly little girl now ...

If you would like your own Edward, please contact me. I am making a purse for a birthday girl tomorrow, it is of her cat tinsel and here it is WIP!

That's better!

OUCH!

He likes his coat, but not the needle felting needle in his eye!

Edward is coming along nicely ...

He wants me to do his eyes, and put buttons on his coat, tomorrow!

Little Edward - swings his legs and waits for Christmas!

The charm of Edward Tulane ...

Each of my little girls wants their own Edward Tulane doll, for Christmas!

Mary loves Edward Tulane!

...and I think he quite likes sitting with Mary!