I came really close to losing Ann, however I'm not pleased with her outcome. I've never had a issue with a cloth doll before and I'm disappointed it had to be with a Raggedy. My mistake was washing her, and I did it about five times figuring I'd get the dirt out, ha! No such luck. The stuffing (which has been around more than 50 years) was dust filled and when it dried it kept making Ann look like this....
Oh my gosh....took me awhile to catch on and when it finally dawned on me, she laid on my counter next to the sink before I decided to do anything more with her. One day I picked her up and inspected closely as to what I could do.....I came to the conclusion that I could cut her under the hairline at the base of her back neck, remove the head stuffing and wash her. So that's what I did...
I'd have to reuse the original stuffing because it is rather threadlike and very firm, I have nothing like it. So I cut off the dirty spots and it didn't look that bad.
It was very difficult to put back in, I was very afraid she'd rip but I allowed a line of glue to dry around the opening to prevent that mishap, it worked like a charm.
After stitching it up, I glued the hair down. As seen it the photo, I had a small repair to the crank opening.
While I was working with her I kept this one thought in my mind, "She could be entirely remade and she'd be better." But I pressed on.
Her face faded so badly that she needed repainting, also.....I forgot to mention. The smudges on her eyes? Yep....apparently glue because when I pulled the stuffing.....it ripped the eyes, oh dear. They needed re-gluing and repainting too.
I think I killed her! C&G Design.
Words and photos by Dawn, C&G Design.
10 comments:
Yikes! Well this is how you learn and become a better doll restorer. Just a bummer it was a Raggedy. She looks fine now though. Good job!
She seems to be recovered! Whew. At least you know how to do all that. I wouldn't have thought about dirt in the stuffing.
She looks pretty darn good to me. I think the doll doctor did her magic once again.
I am just amazed by ALL of this Dawn! I agree with Gardener on Sherlock Street...I would not have thought of the inner dust being the culprit! So much work and such patience you have to have to do this work...that's what amazes me. You do it so well and you're undenying love for dolls really comes through in your writings and your work. Nice job!! I just know she will be fine with you taking care of her!
Brain surgery to Ann, Yikes! Glad she came through but being in the hands of Doctor Dawn, no doubt....
Great looking Ann. Dawn you are fantastic. I've never heard of one playing music.
You re-paint her more and she will be fine !!!! She is going to be very beautiful, you'll see !!!
Hi Dawn Sweetie...
Who would have thought that something like this could happen? Oh my gosh, you are one smart cookie to figure it out. She looks so much better, and you even painted her little face. Just precious sweetie. So precious. Thank you for sharing this evening.
This is the Miracle Weekend makeover. I am one of the hosting sites. For every comment left, Guideposts magazine will pay a dollar, to the next cancer makeover patient. Please stop by and read the story about 9 year old Charlie, and bless me with a comment. Out goal between the 4 or 5 blogs is 5,000. I know we can do it. I would appreciate it, if you pass the word around to as many friends as possible.
Thank you sweetie for a wonderful post. I love it. Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry
Everyone comment please!
Geez, I usually check the blogs every day but yesterday I just figured it was just a waste of time so I did not check any. Nor did I check gmail to see if any more comments were made. Once in a while I do not check the blogs but I think yesterday was the first time ever to not check gmail. Guess I learned my lesson. Hope it is not too late but I will go chek Sherry out right now.
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