With
her serene face the KR117 was one of the most popular types of doll
ever made and was produced over a very long period of time. She
was made and developed into different types and even produced in
celluloid later in life (KR717). The follow-on model, KR117n (n
for "neue" or new) had an open mouth with teeth and "flirty"
eyes meaning they not only sleep but also move from side to side.
There seem to be two different types of Mein Liebling - this type
is my preference, with a slightly narrower face and sharper features.
Most of the moulds available are a doll with a flatter rounder face.
I
made
this head shortly before I took a few years break from doll making,
and I decided in the summer before I resumed classes that I would
finish her (body, dress, wig, shoes). The dress fabric is made of
Liberty Tana Lawn in a blue pattern; it's a very simple gathered
waist design with puffed long sleeves gathered at the wrist. There
is lace trim only at the wrists. Over this is a fine cotton apron
made of vintage fabric with a dot pattern woven in; I invented the
design of the apron, copying a picture, and embroidered some flowers
(toning with the dress) in satin stitch at the waist. The underwear
is in a heavy cream cotton, with 3 tucks horizontally around the
skirt; there is no lace on the underwear. Most of the sewing was
done by hand for this doll. The socks are hand knitted in Coats
Crochet cotton No. 20 using a pattern leaflet by Joan Nerini, and
the shoes are a simple slipper-style in black gloving leather.
Sadly
the wig lets this doll down. I had forgotten about all the problems
inherent in making wigs with processed rope mohair; basically it
is very hard to make a straight wig style using it - all over curly
and then don't ever touch it again is more the thing. The straight
part has instantly matted together in an unappealing lump and her
curled ringlets are gradually becoming like rats tails (poor thing)
- but she smiles serenely on. One day I shall make her a replacement
wefted wig using the wig loom, (from the Gildebrief
online shop), perhaps even making the wefts using strands of mohair
from her current wig.
Other
reference materials for this doll are easy to find.
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