I have always loved primitive art - including dolls. This weekend, I thought I'd see about making a little Annie doll of my own! This is how far I got...
I didn't have a pattern, so I drew out some body parts on some fabric that I discolored a bit to give it an aged look.
Once I had the body parts all stitched and stuffed, I stitched the doll together. I added some striped leggings and painted on some shoes.
Then I had to figure out how to make a dress for her (still, no patterns...). Her dress has a gathered skirt, and the apron is pleated and accented with a ribbon tie.
For her face, I got as far as eyes and a nose. Her nose is a bit crooked (just like mine) and has actually been redone, because Alan said the first nose made her look like a mutant. Haa!! Her smile and hair are still to come!
I think I might make her a little chicken friend, sew some vintage lace or buttons on her dress, and maybe even make her some pantaloons!
I have to say, I do think she's pretty cute so far... 
Hey there Anna! I love the doll!! I was thinking though - that she looks so cute just like she is. No hair - no mouth. She reminds me of a Sesame Street character! You are amazing girl!!
Posted by: liz cardone | August 28, 2007 at 12:34 PM
WOW! Does this bring back memories!! When I was first married I did several craft shows and had my "time-worn" dolls and items in 11 consignment stores at one time. That was BK (before kids Ü). I miss making dolls, but with 2 boys and 3 nephews, they just don't appreciate them. Ü I used a pattern to begin with though and then went from there to make them my "own". I can't wait to see what you come up with for the hair. I should take a picture of one of my favorite dolls and put it on my blog. I love raggedy ann's and made LOTS! Thank goodness I have ONE to show for! LOL!!
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | August 28, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Totally awesome!!!!!!
Posted by: Beth Norman | August 28, 2007 at 08:15 AM
You are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! And, yes, she is really cute. I only sew with a pattern, I made a few dolls for some of my friends and family about four years ago, it was so much fun. I loved mixing up the apron and dress fabrics. You are a certified seamstress among all your other talents. You go girl!! TFS.
Posted by: JUANITA | August 28, 2007 at 07:36 AM
awesome. very very neat. pantaloons would be awesome as well as lace and all. Busy girl!! can you fix my hair, smile & nose too?
Posted by: Sherri | August 27, 2007 at 07:46 PM
i want a chicken friend!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: tammy b | August 27, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Wonderfully Adorable so far, can't wait to see her finished. Wish I had your talent!
Ida
Posted by: Ida | August 27, 2007 at 02:57 PM
She is just PERFECT, Anna!
Posted by: diane (cookiestamper) | August 27, 2007 at 11:17 AM
GIEEYAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!!! How KEEE-ute!
I love her! I've been dabbling in softies too. Her eyes are great! (And the crooked nose is charming.)
Love love love!
Posted by: kayjaydee (Kelli Doubek) | August 27, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Well, I meant to write - talented - in my previous posting. (My clumsy fingers...)
Posted by: Aud | August 27, 2007 at 09:02 AM
WOW! You're so taslented!
Your doll is the cutest - she looks a bit shocked that you took her picture before she got her hair on! *LOL* ;o)
Posted by: Aud | August 27, 2007 at 08:59 AM
She IS incredibly pretty!! AND a beautiful site to see on a Monday morning! Gifted girl!(you...not the doll...)
Posted by: Michaelann | August 27, 2007 at 08:41 AM
Wow, there is no end to your talent! I'll take what's in your little finger if you care to share, lol. Annie is just adorable and I can't wait to see Annie and her little friend (Manetta?).
Posted by: Cindy H. | August 27, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Absolutely adorable! I love her just the way she is!!
Posted by: Sherri | August 27, 2007 at 07:07 AM
Yes, she is very cute! And, doesn't every Annie need a chicken friend? Or two...! ;)
Posted by: DT | August 27, 2007 at 06:31 AM
You are amazing and so creative. I love that you painted her shoes on...never would have thought of that. She's adorable.
Posted by: Tami B. | August 27, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Fantastic job, Anna, especially without a pattern! Your talents seem to be endless! I can't wait to see what she looks like with her mouth and hair. Right now she kinda reminds me of one of the Simpsons!!! Ha!!!
Posted by: broni | August 27, 2007 at 04:58 AM
Oh my goodness, she is the cutest!! Even without the hair and smile!! LOLOL
Posted by: karrie baker | August 27, 2007 at 04:44 AM
She is adorable! Can't wait to see her finished! You certainly are talented!!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | August 27, 2007 at 03:04 AM
AWESOME! Your Annie baby is just precious! And she MUST have a chicken, or a kitty to love! You are just so talented, the creativity just oozes out of you! How fun that must be! Have a great week :)
Posted by: diane mcvey | August 26, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Oh My Gosh! This is too cute! I LOVE primitives too... and I've always had a love for Annies. I can't believe you didn't have a pattern and it looks this good (no hair and all!)
Posted by: Julie Campbell | August 26, 2007 at 09:30 PM