Konichi, Wassahp!?

In February, I am teaching a little rag doll workshop here in Beijing. I looked on the internet for free patterns that we can use, but I couldn't really find any that I liked. There seem to be a lot of themed, complicated, or even creepy patterns, but few basic ones. So I have been working to create an easy rag doll pattern that we can use in the class.

Introducing Prototype #1, or Miss Konichi, as Chris has named her.



I liked her hair quite a bit, but it was complex and fiddly. Also, her proportions were nice (except for the too skinny legs), but her narrow body means that sewing and turning her would be a challenge for people new to doll making. So she is cute, but not quite right. Back to the drawing board!



I have been using a trial version of Adobe Illustrator to make the test patterns. In this process, I have learned two main things. First, it actually has been very useful for making trial patterns - easy to adjust your work once you get the hang of the basic commands. Second, I totally need to take a class in this program before I pay $499 to own it. This program is crazy complex. To all of you who use illustrator to make cool images - Good on ya.