In 1985, I made a velveteen Inuit doll with a seal appliqued on its parka for my son, Peter. When you make something for a toddler, or anyone for that matter, you never know how it will be received. Will they actually play with it or leave it in the corner? I needn’t have worried, because Peter loved this doll to the point where its arms and legs had to be sewn back on several times. All these years later, I have 2 really good reasons to make dolls for a new generation, because a few weeks ago Peter became a father! So, it seemed right that little Eddie and his 1 yr. old cousin, Elias would each have their own Inuit doll to love.
I found the original sketches and patterns for Peter’s doll in my files and unearthed pieces of cotton velveteen left over from my doll-making days. The only material I needed to buy was some sherpa fabric for the fur trim. This post includes photos and videos that show the process of making the 2 new dolls for my grandsons, one decorated with a snowy owl and the other with a fish.
Back in the 80s, when practically every checkout line at the supermarket had a rack full of homey women’s magazines, I designed sewing projects for Better Homes and Gardens. Sewing projects are conspicuously absent from today’s version of the magazine, which is limited to home decor ideas, gardening, and recipes.
I mostly designed cloth dolls, including one with a prairie bonnet that they styled on the cover of their December 1982 issue. You can also see a crèche that Better Homes and Gardens published in 1981 here. When I submitted a photo of Peter’s Inuit doll to the magazine’s crafts editor, they asked me to design 3 dolls, which were included in the December 1986 issue.
During this early phase of my career, I enjoyed coming up with project ideas and making prototypes, even though the pay was dismal and I signed away my design rights (I was young and inexperienced). By the end of the 1980s, I was ready to move on to children’s book illustration, which came with its own suite of challenges.
When I was designing projects for the magazine, writing out step-by-step instructions was my least favorite part of the job. Describing what I’d done in words felt overly analytical and thoroughly anal! It took years to learn to show and tell how to make something in a way that intuitive and visual learners like me could understand. Then, I was ready to write my how-to book, Felt Wee Folk, which combines visual diagrams and step-by-step instructions for making little dolls. To find out more about my philosophy of sharing knowledge, please read this post.
Nowadays, I’m relieved to not have to explain in detail how I make something. Demonstrating my process through photos and videos is much more natural than describing every step in words.
I hope that you enjoy the following photos and videos that show how I embroidered the doll’s face, stitched and appliquéd the snowy owl, and sewed on the arm.
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SALLEY MAVOR 
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div dir=”ltr”>These dolls make me so happy. Boys are often ignored when it comes to playthings like dolls. I believe they learn so much from caring for their own litt
Dear Salley,
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your personal story, creative process, and behind the scenes photos. I used to love reading the Christmas issues of Better Homes and Gardens for the projects included. What a lovely blast from the past! Reading your blog/email is always an uplifting and inspiring experience for me. Thank you again for sharing.
Hi Sally! Love your Wee Folk and all the ways you share the love and sweetness of the characters.
I did want to tell you that Better Homes and Gardens does indeed have crafts! At least in the last two issues I have received, one was how to make beaded flowers and the one for March was all about Easter decor, including cutting plastic cups to hold eggs that the edges have been split to look like flowers (I think my children did this in grade school-but fun to see and maybe do-for our Easter table.
I plan to make a few Wee Folk for my grandchildren as they love the bedtime book you so beautifully illustrated. I thought to have a Wee Folk in hand as their mom and dad read to them would be fun. Thank you for all the inspiration to live an art filled life!
Cathy
I remember that prairie doll! I saved the pattern for years!
Dear Sally,
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div>Just wanted to say th
These are beautiful. So good to follow thru with this tradition. Love this post.
I still have the original pages from the magazine for Amal and the Night Visitors in my file. So cool to discover you are the artist.
Hi Sally,
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div>I read all your posts and admire your work. Today’s post is so sweet and touched my heart to the point th
What a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing. My son Jamie has recently become a father for the first time. I’m planning on making one of your Inuit dolls for baby Robin.
So many interesting parts to this, Salley! 1) I’m using Inuit art in my latest book 2) I loved the photo of your grandchild and son—so perfect 3) Who knew what you were up to in the 80s—really impressive!
See you soon on zoom if not in person.
Susan
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Dear,
How marvellous your grandsons can play with a three generation doll and above all, made with loving hands and loads of heartfelt wishes…
I absolutely love and admire your work!!!
Take care!! Love, Valeria
As always a delight to receive your post. I am only beginning to realise my own journey as a visual learner and my intuitive response to my crafting. I have been an avid follower of your work for over 20 years if not more. At 69 I relish the freedom to follow my heart and the blessings of your inspirational life. Thank you
Thank you so much for this blog Salley. I still have my copy of the 1982 Better Homes & Gardens magazine and it makes me so happy to know that you were the creator of the lovely doll! I also remember the lovely creche that you created for the 1981 magazine. I also miss those magazines!Your work is beautiful and appreciated.Jeanne Leonard
Lovely story and lovely dolls.
I’m your age, and have been sewing and crafting all my life. I am also a retired home economics instructor. The difference in writing directions back then was that it was assumed people (mostly women) knew how to do the basic skills. I read your directions from 1986, and I immediately thought how nowadays you would have to show *how* to applique, embroider, etc. I agree that now it’s much easier with photos and videos. Who could even imagine back then that social media was in our future and how we can all be content creators now. I’ve always loved and admired your work. Congratulations on your grandsons! I have five grandchildren to make things for, and it’s a joy. Enjoy them!