Chelsea, The Wood Nymph was designed by Jeanette Amick of Hayward, CA. The pattern was published in the June 1992 issue of Doll Life magazine.
Chelsea is a separated pancake style doll. No size is given, but it looks like she would make up to be about 8" tall. She is to be made of unbleached or ecru colored muslin, with a painted face and Spanish moss for hair. Her face could easily be embroidered or drawn in place as well, and embroidery floss could be used for hair if you wish her to have a more conventional look.
Because she is such a small doll, the instructions call for the stitching lines of the body pieces to be transferred to the fabric and then stitched before cutting out the pieces.
Chelsea's fully-lined outfit includes a simple shirt and a skirt made of alternating small and large petals sewn to a waistband. She has boots with turned-up toes as well. Chelsea is meant to be displayed on a piece of driftwood with peacock feathers, as in the photo.
This pattern is suitable for a sewer with some dollmaking experience. Step-by-step instructions are given, but the steps are not illustrated, and a few steps seem to have been left out. For example, nowhere does it say to stuff the head, but obviously that needs to be done.
Her small size will appeal to those who like to make little dolls, and simple changes or embellishments to her face, hair and outfit could create a forest of different fairies. If you have made this doll, please leave a comment to tell us about your experience.
