BEGINNER DOTEE Swap LEARN HOW HERE!

This is Miranda, she was my very first dotee doll. I made her for a "Trick-or-Treater Dotee doll Swap. She's a mermaid LOL!

Ok, I'm going for it. I keep saying I want to, so I guess it's time to put up or shut up, right? I hope I get a REALLY tolerant partner, LOL.

Miranda is beautiful! What a great job you did :)!

breepre Nobody will sign up that isn't with the understanding that their partner is possibly going to be a new dotee doll maker. That's what's so nice and safe about starting making dolls with this swap.

Thanks stitchesroundtheworld! She's not real Mermaid looking now that I look back on her I think of all the things I could have done differently, like giving her a fish-shaped tail, giving her flashy sequins etc. but I had SO much fun making her and that's what counts right!

I joined although I guess I'd be a seasoned dotee maker. I remember how it was being new to dotee making. I kept my very first dotee. She's one of my favorites!

Yikes... sorry for the huge-ginormous-really big photo.... I have no clue how to fix that, but there she is in all her glory. Her name is Daisy.

hehe, I'm with breepre, either put up or shut up eh? I can't wait for this!! Thanks for hosting CherylLaVon. Very cool dotees both of you!

Oh, forgot to add, if anyone would possibly trade me for some handdrawn faces I'd be so happy to send you some nice things from your profile! I can't draw a face to save my life :/ I fear that's the thing I'm going to hate most about making these though I can stitch & add buttons I suppose.

Dotee tutorial

The method described is not the same as Dot's original tutorial, and if you search for Dotee on Flickr, you'll find a million variations, so please don't get hung up about method. Some people embellish the front before they sew the front and back together, Dot used felt for the back but some people use woven fabric, some people don't even sew right sides together and turn them inside out. As long as it is a small fabric doll with a tail and hanger, I'm sure it will be loved. :-)

choke, some of the best dotee faces aer very minimal, and you can pick your favourite from a few attempts. It's the quirkiness of the individual faces and expressions that gives dotees a lot of their charm.

My only thing is my faces have never been felt.I do have two felt faces somebody sent to me though and I will use one of them for this swap. Ladies It is so much fun and once you get done you will be amazed at how good they actually turn out!

I hope I get a doll from a first timer. I will try to figure out how to post a picture, I have been working on it.

ROBIN! She's SO CUTE!

THANKS JENNY for your insights!

Justmeth81 Like Jenny said, don't get hung up on method, whatever material works for you is great!

for a picture

! [Name your picture] (URL for your picture)

With no spaces

procknows I hope I get a first timer too! Too bad it won't allow us to override the way partners are chosen huh!

heh, no matter what I do they come out looking evil-eyed! While I like evil looking things, I think I'd rather have some different ones, and that's where I get screwed up. They all come out looking the same! @naurwen has graciously offered to make me some :D Thanks!

Oh, and one question...from the top of the hanger to the bottom of the tail cannot exceed 6"? Or is that just the body?

Another question, a fun lady sent me a dotee she received but it was more of a "what not to do" type dotee as it only consists of the body, some hair, eyes, a nose and a simple embroidery thread hanger and tail. It's just not very embellished. Is it wrong to add to her and send her out? Or should I just add to her and keep her myself? She hasn't been named! :P

Last one...for now. Can we stuff the body of our dotees with whatever we like?

@CherylLaVon

To get a direct link remove the ! before the picture code.

[name of link] (url of link)

remove space between ] and (

;)

LOL I think a lil evil-eyed dotee would be SO CUTE! hehehe Now I'm going to think of choke every time I see an evil-eyed dotee!

choke, That's just the body.

Jenny put up a link to a tutorial above.

You can do whatever you want with the dotee you got... she's yours but for this swap hopefully you'll make yours for this swap totally from scratch :)

Dotees can be stuffed with anything as far as I know, but if it's scented I'd check with your partner's profile to see if they have allergies if you're thinking of making them with some kind of potpourri filling?

Keep in mind, dotees are art...

Thanks for the directions on making the clickable link choke!

Thanks CherylLaVon :D And yeah I'll definitely be making mine from scratch, I was just wondering about dotee etiquette. I've seen the tutorial before but it runs super slow on my dinosaur computer :/

I'm not sure what I'll stuff it with yet as I haven't bought any regular stuffing. I guess I could always use some cotton balls but I was thinking maybe like sand? Or even these teeny tiny little balls I have? Of course I'll make sure it's entirely enclosed so she doesn't bleed :D

Sand would make it that much heavier to ship and you'd want to make sure that whatever you used for a hanger was strong enough to support its own weight for the long haul. Just thinking out loud.

You talking about beanbag chair balls type balls? That would be nice and lightweight to ship for sure!

Like a few others here, I am in the 'put up or shut up' category! I am the proud owner of three dotees, none of which I have actually had a hand in making! I am the owner, though, of a dotee doll 'kit' sent by a kind swap partner - it could be a hint!!

Yeah I'll have to see how sand works, just thought it would make a nice textured/firm body. As for the balls, sort of like that, these are just teeny tiny little balls, I mean teeny. I'm not really sure what they're used for :/ Though, when I looked I didn't have enough to fill her properly, maybe I'll use it to fill her purse out or something :P

Are wooden faces ok for these? Sorry...could probably be asking these questions on the forum, heh!

Ok, here's in my opinion, an easier tutorial, or maybe someone already posted this, & I missed it. This is the one I used in my private 1st time Dotee Swap (which am sending out today).

Here's the link: feel free anyone to make it clickable!

http://www.ehow.com/PrintArticle.html?id=2263436

Also, am uploading my very first Dotee doll onto Flickr in just a minute-would love you all to take a peek!! Thanks BassetMama10 for giving me a private swap!!

doteetutorial

dBowie's link

Note: JS Designs uses a sewing machine.

I don't. Some ppl do. Personal choice.

OK, I'm in too...I have been wanting to make small stuffies, so this is a step in the right direction. This will be a great incentive to get moving and actually sew something! My question is, does it have to be a woman or can it be an animal? Thanks Cheryl for the motivation!

I'm planning to try to use a sewing machine because my hand stitching is crooked and loose. I'd hate for all her guts to fall out before she even made it to her new home. I've barely used my machine for anything. Does anyone know if when you are doing a zig zag stitch should you try to line it up so that the edge of the stitch matches up with the edge the material or can you just zig zag away to your heart's content without worry about where the edge ends up? Will that make it hard to turn later?

It can be anything your heart desires Judy!

I've got some faces I made that you can kinda see in the little picture that are not 'people'. One is a doggy, one's a bunny, and then I have faces that even look like boys and one has eyes that are star shaped that aren't real 'people' eyes either. I figured there are always so many different dotee themes I wanted all kinds of faces for them. My favorites so far have been girlie faces but that doesn't mean nada.

On my profile I have a picture of Spooky, a skull faced halloween dotee that I made that is wearing embroidered shades :D

That tut has a wonderful idea of using these as Christmas tree ornaments. Has anyone actually done that? I'd love to see a picture of what it looked like.

Good question breepre... you might PM RobinT about that. I know she machine sews. So does Guitarists.

I know there are two Christmas Ornament Dotee swaps. One is Christmas Ornament Dotee that RevJenn is coordinator for that will be sent by 11/21/8 (I don't remember the sign-up date but know it hasn't past yet). The other is Christmas Ornament Dotee Swap & Small Gift that toothfarie is coordinator for that will be sent by 11/14/8 that the sign-up hasn't past yet for either. I don't have links for either one though, I just have them written on cards in my index card file box. RevJenn's has 2 partners that you send to/receive from.

I just googled "Christmas Ornament Dotee" images and found some really cute ones people have made as ornaments.

Thanks for the tip, I'm off to Google and see what's out there.

So cute. I love that it gives them a purpose (other than being adorable, I mean). How long does it take a seasoned Dotee maker to make one would you say? I'm wondering if I can crank out enough to display on my tree this year?

I am kinda in love with idea of having a set color theme, but using 4 or 5 different fabrics and random embellishments so that no two are too much alike. How fun. And thus a new obsession is born and my husband dies a little inside when he sees my latest ding to the bank account, LOL.

Yeah :)

I have no clue how long it takes someone who makes them often or makes a lot of them to make a doll.

I did 32 faces at one time, put the fabric in an embroidery hoop and embroidered their little faces, took me 2 1/2 days (not constant work mind you), that was to draw them on with pencil (which I'll never use again because it made them look kinda dirty where it shows), to embroider the faces then to cut them all out.

The dolls themselves don't take me but a day of off and on hand-sewing to sew, so I can have a full doll done in less than a day even if she's odd shaped.

I'm sure the gals that machine sew them can crank out lots of dolls in a day if they wanted to.

I'm SURE you could make enough to have a dotee tree this year! Even a BIG tree! CUTE!

LOL @ hubby dying inside a little each time he sees the bank account! So does mine! ROFLMAO!

Thanks so much for hosting this, I just love these little dolls and can't wait to give it a try. :)

okay I'm going to try this because it sounds like great fun. Until today I wasn't even sure what a dotee was. (I'm still not totally sure) But all the ones I've seen are cute.

One question? Does it matter what shape the body is in or can it be any shape as long as it has a face?

I love learning how to make new things. Thanks to all the tolerant teachers!

I'm ready! I'm taking the plunge!

Ok, I did a couple of Dotees just because everyone else seems thrilled with them. Honestly, I really don't like them myself, as I feel like it's too much work to get a "good" result. Since I take shortcuts, like drawn-on faces and machine sewing the body, a lot of people have told me that they are not true Dotees.

Hey, al least I tried right? Anyway here are the two I've made already--

I'll have to wait until a little closer to the signup date to see if I'm inspired enough to attempt another one.

YAY lizanne!

Mamabemus, the body can be any shape your heart desires. There is no set theme for this swap. The whole doll is up to the maker's discretion.

YAY tammyjean!

panda... aren't the only 'true dotees' the ones Dot made? Everyone puts their own spin on things in life, that's what makes us each Unique individuals and is what makes our dotees truly unique bits of art! I think your dotees you show up above are unique and just lovely! Don't let anyone take away your desire to do something because it didn't meet THEIR expectation as long as it meets your own! Heck, I name my dotees as though they are my children and am sure to note their 'birthdate' even. They're my unique creations just like my kids are! :D

Panda Funny you of all people would complain others say those aren't true Dotees. However I like both of them and think they are very nice Dottes.Like Cheryl says the only TRUE Dotee would be one made by Dot herself.

I posted these questions in the forum too.....

Some questions about Dotees since I have never made them before but want to.

Do the faces have to be embroidered? Can I make the faces out of clay and push molds? Or rubber stamp them? Do the faces have to be cloth? Can I make the faces out of shrink plastic (Shrinky Dinks)?

Is there such a thing as too much embellishment?

Is using leather allowed? Fur? Feathers?

Do they have to have a tail?

I hope these are not stupid questions.

Thank you for your time.

Wendy

Panda, I just love the stars you made! They are so cute. :o)

The original dotee faces were cloth but I've seen dotee faces made now out of everything imaginable.

I don't think there is such a thing as too much embellishment!

Originally Jenny said they had a felt back and cloth front but now I'm seeing dotees with all types of materials!

They DO have to have the tail.

NO question is stupid!

thank you for hosting this! i think i am going to give this a try!

I have the dotees that I've received on a small tree. The only photo is one that I took when I first set it up. It's full of dotees after almost a year of making and swapping them,

YAY nikirniemeier! Glad to have you aboard!

Robin that is SO NEAT! I've got the two I received so far hanging on my walls in my bedroom and Kitchen (Yours is in my kitchen right under a light so she shows up SO CUTE with her little hat and sweet smile!) I smile every time I see them several times per day. Look how different and unique each one of those are! I love dotees for that reason, they're each so special for one reason or another!

Thanks Cheryl!

The only thing I would caution anyone about when making a dotee is if you are embroidering the face, please be sure your stitches are tied off some how. I've gotten some dotees, maybe two or three, that have had the facial stitches come loose. There's really no way to fix them once the dotees are sewn, so it's best to be sure they won't come loose when you are doing the face.

Some people do an ultra light coat of thin glue on the back of the faces before they are sewn onto the fabric just for that reason.

If you are doing beadwork on the body, you might want to be sure the beads are on tight as well.

That's my only suggestion for people just starting to make dotees. I hope everyone has fun with this swap!

I don't think you should worry about what a true dotee should look like. All you need to worry about is the size, the hanger and the tail. Mine have clothes and a diffrent shape. I have received 5s and hearts for each one. what fun would it be if they all looked the same.

GREAT Advice Robin!

Amen procknows! I LOVE your dolls! They're BEAUTIFUL!

Amy, Do you have the picture uploaded to a flickr.com account or anything? That's the first step.

If you right click on the open picture and click on Properties, it will pop up a little window that gives you the url

okay, here goes, yet again:

oh oh oh,it worked!! there is my baby. thank you cheryl!!

Your baby is so cute!!!! Very Good Job!!!

thank you. i had alot of fun making her.

I think everyone's Dotees look FABULOUS!!! Panda... like Cheryl said... the only TRUE Dotees are Dots. I think it's perfectly fine to machine sew them.. I do them both ways depending on fabrics used and time that I have to work on the sewing part. I like to get the grunt work out of the way sometimes so I can focus on embellishments :D There's a lot of good info here :) I am still trying to figure out what kind of faces I like doing.. I draw, paint and embroider mine as each one calls for something a little different. Hard to draw well on felt though :P So I like drawing when it's on cotton and embroider the felt ones as often as possible :) Wendy.... the first Dotee I ever received has a gorgeous clay face! I say go for it! I know I adore the one I have :D That Dotee Tree is soooooo cute! Now I need to find the perfect tree!

Amy she's SO CUTE!

I am so glad I found this swap I have been thinking of trying to make one... all these pictures are great I can't wait to (try) start !

YAY Vicki!

Thanks for the sweet note CherylLaVon! I'm really excited to try my hand at a Dotee.

I'm so happy you've joined my swap!

umm, i have always loved these, and want to kick my confidence up the butt and go for it, but i am a little scared of messing up and/or getting a dotee back with leather or fur or wool or silk in it (im vegan - and its very important to me). so i will sign up for now, but would like some reassurance before the partner assigning date. i love everyone's photos by the way!! MJ xoxoxox oh, and do YOU name your dotee or does the person you send it to do that?

I name mine before they are mailed out. It's usually a whole family event. My husband suggests names and so does my daughter. Then it's up to me to pick the 'right' name for her.

whowillloveme,

There are no guarantees on swap-bot that your partner anywhere will listen to your request but what I can promise you is that I will make it a special point to message your partner and let them know your feelings about these things.

As for your other concerns and questions...

Do NOT be afraid of messing anything up. Everyone signing up realizes that this is a Beginner Dotee Doll Swap and I made it for the specific purpose of learning.

As for naming your doll. I don't know if anyone else does besides RobinT and I but I do. My husband loves to help name the dolls too LOL I'm glad to see Robin say that because I thought Frank was just weird HA!

It's like adopting a baby though, you can always rename her if she gets to you and her name just doesn't seem to 'fit'.

Thanks for joining my swap whowillloveme! I hope you decide to stay!

somebody should write that making these are addicting. i went and made two more--the pics are

Amy, I have no clue why it comes up twice when you post. I delete the extra posts for you :)

I'll go and look at your profile and see if you have a link to your flickr account. If so, I'll go look!

Remember...

! [PictureName] (URL) with no spaces :D

A link to aime's flickr...

Aime's flickr

aime... clickable links are the same as for pictures, without the ! :)

Thanks Cheryl, you are an absolute star! One of two people on swap-bot i refer to as a "guiding star". I am so glad to be made welcome in this swap, as some swaps aren't like this. Not naming names, but I nearly quit the site one time due to a vicious co-ordinator etc. So finally "fitting in" and being "welcome" feels great!! Thanks!! hugs Cheryl so hard she nearly knocks her over Lol! MJ x x x x P.S - if you like dotees (pronouced dotty or dohtee?) you should goodle this lady called Ray Slater. she makes these cloth dolls and they are SO amazing!! nothing like dotees, but they look so cool. the next step from dotees really. if you like dotees you should check these out. x x x x

Ok, I am in. I am a total newbie to this, however looking at the pictures that have been posted, and having looked on youtube, I would love to have a go! Robin T, I love the dolls on the tree. xxx

You're so very welcome! I'm not sure the right way to pronounce them. The lady who started them is named Dot so I'd think Dotty, but the way it's spelt I'd say dohtee LOL If you ever find out do let me know!

Off to google Ray Slater :)

Welcome to the swap Wendy!

thank you for deleting my extra entries cheryl. and thank you for putting my flickr up. what would we do without you?????=]

aime they are beautiful. I LOVE Mandy

Has this been posted in the comments yet? don't remember where i found this link, maybe etsy, but it was posted by the original dot herself, so even though it's not HER pattern, it is Dot approved

http://www.ehow.com/how2263436dotee-like-doll.html

Count me in too!! I'd love to have a go at this, and i think all your photos are very cute!! I'm looking forward to this one!!!

myhalfofthebrain - I can't seem to get on that link?

Oh and, anyone have a link for the story about Dot and how it all started etc?

Thankies.

x x x x

i've been waiting for a swap like this!!!!looks like everyone else too =) thanks Cheryl this is great. i've been wanting to try these little dotee's but couldn't find one that seemed easy enough for a newbie.now i just hope my partner will have an open mind =)and maybe need a sense of humor =p by the way i read your profile and if you don't mind my saying i think you're amazing. peace, pat

I am in. I too have been trying to find a dotee swap that was understanding and kind to newbies. Thanks for starting this one up.

Oops I forgot to ask. The size. Does the 6 inche maximum include the hanger and tail or are those in addition?

Hi, I love cq, beads and other embellishing a lot and have heard and seen a lot of dotees but not done any earlier. Happy to find a swap as I joid swap-bot today!

aime : anytime!

myhalfofthebrain: I can't get that link to work :(

HelenJoy: I think this is going to be a GREAT Swap!

whowillloveme: If you find that link I'd LOVE to post it in the description so let me know if you find it!

Pat: Thank you!

heathertsosie: The 6" maximum does not include the hanger and tail.

Helina: Welcome to Swap Bot!!

myhalfofthebrain is this the link you were talking about ? it's http://www.ehow.com/PrintArticle.html?id=2263436

Hi all, I just created a swap that will go nicely with this one!

Dotee Doll Fabric Swap--International

Please check it out and join!

Cyn

oh oh oh - there's a link on that site to Dots blog!!!!!!!!!! twobluecrows - i looooooooooooooove yoooooooooooooooou!!!!!!!! lol! :-p

Here's the tutorial Dot sends people to at her Etsy store...

Tutorial

WOW - What fun and soooo much participation. I've never made a Dotee, but have been curious. I've been sewing since I was about 4 or 5 - yes, my aunt helped me make pincushions. Thanks Aunt Mary. I can hardly wait to get started. Joan

Cheryl you made the TOP SWAPS. This swap is a hit. Congrats!

Joan! What wonderful memories you must have of your Aunt! How lucky!

procknows, I KNOW! Isn't that so cool!?!?!?

Ok, I just made my first Dotee and even though she has an awkward -hip- I don't want to part with her ..I'll have to try another. It's so much fun. I used a sharpie for her face and I ironed a bit of wonder under..under the cotton so it would be a little firmer to draw on. I am so glad I tried this.

YAY Vicki! Did you get a picture of your first one? I'd LOVE to see her!

I just made a hooker dotee for a different swap. I'll put pictures of her on my profile and my flickr. :)

I'm crazy for this swap!! I keep saying I'm "gonna do that". Now I will!! Thanks for doing this one, Cheryl!

Gaye

Risque Roxie is awesome Cheryl! I love trashy dotees! Im waiting until closer to the day to see if im motivated enough to attempt a dotee. All the pictures of your dotees look awesome guys!

Ok, after reading thru all the fun and positives posts to this I'm gonna give this a try. I was thinking these would look cute displayed on some sort of little tree and then when I saw Robin's tree I now know I'm going to be HOOKED! Can't wait to make and give my first dotee!

How do I put the yarn hair on...is glue okay?

These look like the dollys my mom use to make me as a girl but on a smaller scale. I am so there. count me in. Katrina in AZ

I'm in...I've been following dotee dolls for awhile now and have yet to try my hand at one. I must admit that it was the line, 'Here is where it's going to be okay if it's a baby only a mother could love!', that hooked me. Thanks, CherylLaVon, for putting together this swap!! skipping away to round up embellishments ;o)

One more question...if I use wire for the beads, how do you attach it inside the Dotee? Please, someone....help! Thanks!

Gaye! I'm so glad you decided to join!

mappy, once you make one you'll be as addicted as we are!

deanie! Welcome aboard the dotee addiction train! WOOWOO! LOL!

edgetorn, I sew the hair onto my doll for lack of a better way to do it. I imagine any way that works for you? I'd use something like Tacky glue instead of Elmers just so that you're sure it stays put I think but can't think of a reason NOT to glue?

Katrina in Arizona... I can't wait to look at your profile as I have a cousin Katrina in Arizona and have a best friend in Arizona named Debby who has a cousin Katrina (cousin-in-law maybe?) and I'm dying to see if I know you! I can't remember my auntie making her daughter dolls ever, but if she did they wouldn't be fancy dolls, they'd be dolls like this. Welcome to the swap regardless!

crazyred! Welcome to the swap! I can't wait for partner day!

edgetorn, I'm thinking you could stick the wire through the top in a U and then twist the top maybe? I do that with Ribbon for the hanger. As for the bottom hmmm... stick it through in like an upside down J, twist the wire around itself then put the beads on and twist the wire around itself at the bottom? I've never used wire but I don't see why it wouldn't work?

Hi everyone! Let me introduce Marguerite, my first Dotee doll :

Oupss...

Pickle she's SO CUTE! I LOVE the colors that you used!

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2908760633_6fe90b0136.jpg[/img]

what is the 'picture name'? do you just type in the words picture name??

Trying to show you all my first dotee...for another swap..............how do you do this???

you type:

! then[first dotee]then(URL)

leave out the "then"s and for "first dotee"--put whatever the name of your photo is or leave the space between the [] blank, the URL is the web address of where you picture is stored--in my case I use Fotki, so the address is

http://images31.fotki.com/v1096/photos/1/155361/5971523/jandoteedoll2-vi.jpg

anyway, there is my first one with a polymer clay face I'd gotten in a swap.

Cyn

edgetorn--if you end your wire with a tight double loop, you can sew that onto the doll body.

Cyn

HelenJoy, I tried to add your picture but it wouldn't show the picture and said it's 'currently unavailable'. The name of your picture is whatever you name it and really doesn't matter. You could put 'boo' in there and it'd still work.

Cyn thanks for posting that picture. I always wondered what a clay face would look like. That's cute, they can have so much expression :) Thanks for the suggestion to edgetorn for the wire. I've never used it and so could only sit here and try to imagine how I'd do it without doll or wire in hand.

I just know we're all going to have such awesome experiences with this swap! Everyone is already thinking SO creatively! It's nice having a place to practice and not have to worry that because yours is 'different' that someone is going to rate you down. What's different here just might become your 'signature style' dotee!

Thanks for the photo suggestions, i think i'll have to get my daughter to help me out here and i'll give it another go!!

Ha!!! It's amazing what teenagers can do!!!! Well, here she is, my first Dotee. She is a Ladybug and has sequins on her back. She is part of a Ladybug Swap i am in. Hope you like her.

Ha everyone this is my (first ever) try at a Dotee doll. I am embarrassed to say, I never even heard of them, but it was love at first sight! I am so excited to try.

OH! She's SO CUTE!

jewels I am sure you're going to have a GREAT time! Careful... they're addicting!!

You are all wonderful!!! AND encouraging!!! I'm going to also try this!! I'm a newbie also, never heard of Dotees until I signed up. Had to search out some swaps to find out what they were. I will put my hand at trying this!!! You all have such enthusiasum that has rubbed off, thank you!!

beepbeep I tell ya, you're going to have a great time I just know it! I got 2 dotees in today's mail and I danced around I was so happy! There's something about getting them, seeing someone else's creations that have come to life that just makes me SO happy!

Ok ...I will put up and Hope no feelings are hurt with my first doll.I will PRAY HARD for me partner. Just remember this is uncharted land for me!!!!!! xxxxxxx sheilah

I'm sure your doll is going to be great!

Wow... I forget to check in for a day or so and I miss all the fun! The dotees posted are adorable! I hope everyone will post more! I'm enjoying looking at the new creations!

Cheryl's right... they are addicting! It's kind of like eating Lays Potato Chips... ya can't eat just one. Dotee Dolls... ya can't make just one! LOLOL

I hope everyone's enjoying themselves and having fun creating!

Im really intrested in this swap, would LOVE to make a dotee, im a bit scared on how mine will turn out :s i suppose thats the whole idea really~being beginner dotee makers swap haha. well i want to warnand apologise to my partner first haha, wish me luck in this! :)

EmTabby Don't be so hard on yourself! That's what this swap is for, to give you a place to learn and try where nobody is going to be hard on you! :D

Exactly!! I think everyone's efforts should be applauded... especially the first tries!

I'm sure your dotee will turn out very cute, EmTabby!

Thank you, i sure will try my best anyhow. thank you for the posative vibes :)

I have a question, watched the video on how to make a Dotee Doll. Is there another link for the pattern for size?

beepbeep I don't know if there is a pattern but she should be betwee around 3 to 6 inches without the tail and the hanger. They can be all kids of shapes. I just take out a piece of card stock and cut out the shape I feel like making. I hope this has helped.

Oh I wanna join!!! Ive only ever made three and loved doing it but didnt want to join swaps incase I disapointed, so this one is perfect! I love everyones photos and Robin - I just adore that tree! Hopefully below will be a photo of my first Dotee! [Mimi Dotee]http://www.flickr.com/photos/allthingsnice/2512456670/in/set-72157605397894596/

Ok so that didnt work!! Ill try again and if it doesn't work you see her in my flickr account! My first Dotee - Mimi

I have been on holidays so have only just seen this swap. As a "seasoned" dotee maker I can honestly say the photos of people's first attempts on here are terrific! It really is anything goes with a dotee :) See picks of my many dotees here if you would like to see more. dotees Mine are a little different to most as I don't include a hanger. I find it really hard to do as I like to hold my dotees in the hand. That said I appreciate the ones I do receive with hangers as they hang all over my house :) I guess I am a contradiction!

OK, thank you all for the information!!! I just went through the photos on the flicker link...so nice!!! Everyone has such imagination and these pics really helped me to understand what to do!!! Again, thank you all for the help, I'm off to make a Dotte Doll!!!

ok I joined this swap yesterday and spent several hours last night making faces, I think they all came out pretty good. Today I made my first dotee well I am almost finished with her and she is beautiful. I love her. And yes it is adicting....

Doublesided.. Mimi rocks! And thank you for your kind words about my Dotee Tree!

I'm so excited... almost 100 people in this swap! I can't wait to see all the new dotees!

Wow, you guys are rockin with this swap :) I'm kinda burnt out on making them, so I don't think I'll sign up right now. If you want to see some of the ones I've made here is a link to my flickr.

Hi tere1998...i love all your photos, especially Hula Girl dotee, she's extra cute!!! I'm going off to make mine now, so i'll be ready early to start swapping!!!

Great links girls - love all the dotees!

Hola, I registered yesterday and Im going to try to make my first dotee today. Lets see, love all the photos and the christmas tree.

Well even though I am a seasoned dotee maker I have been persuaded by RobinT to join in the fun! Hope noone minds too much. I will also be happy to angel if any are needed, fingers crossed that's not the case. Here is a shot of my latest dotee, a vampire named Regina!

Regina is AWESOME!! Thanks for joining this swap! Yay!!!

I don't get much of a chance to dress up, but my dotee doll will be a real high stepper! This is my first! I plan to make two -- one to send, one to keep. Sounds fun.

Welcome to the swap ladies! I'm SO glad you joined in on the fun! Regina I LOVE your vampire doll! She's SO CUTE!

Great vampire - I love her teeth!! Wow we now have over 100 people - yah!!

Awesome! Over 100 peeps! I can't wait to get my partner!

I know huh! We're almost #3 on Top Swaps! They have only 2 more than we do! I'm SO excited!

One more day and we get our partners YAAAAY! I can't wait. This swap has brought in so many new dotee makers. Way to go Cheryl!

I am in too - couldn't resist! I really enjoy getting people's "first" creations!

I'm with you Terry! I sure hope I get a newbie's baby!

My sister and I share an account, and she has made some of these dotee dolls but I haven't. I'm Joanne, by the way, and she is Carole. I'm going to sign up for this swap so I can try it out. It sounds like so much fun...I just really hope I do a good enough job so that whoever out there in swapland gets mine really likes it. I'm definitely going to try the best I can!!! Thanks for hosting this swap, by the way. And all of the pictures everyone has posted on here are really great, woo hoo!

I just signed up, I am really excited for it! This is the first swap I've signed up for. Exciiiiting!

ok, so I have been obsessed all day by these little beauties!

I had never seen a Dotee Doll before today and it took over my life in a BIG way.

It decided what I did this afternoon-went to hobby lobby for supplies, then tonight, I spent the entire evening, either on the phone, talking about them to my artist friend, Jeanie or to my husband...and then, for the last 2 hours, I have been designing and sewing to beat the band, to the tune of HGTV in the background.

Now I am wanting to go to bed, but, have hit a designers mental block on the face end of my Dotee. HELP!!!

My husband just came into my studio and told me he thinks they are odd, and I said, "but, I relate!"

I'm off to bed, but know that I will be dreaming of the little dolls and how to fix the faces....sigh..but oh, so much fun!!!

Sweet Dreams, Karen :)

Joanne I hope you have a truly great experience!

yossarian I'm SO excited that this is your first swap! I just know you're going to have a GREAT time!

Karen, I'm giggling still from reading your post. My hubby acted like he thought I was a goober until I made HIM a doll, now he thinks they're way neat and loves to see the ones I get in the mail. I even have caught him watching me make a few and he sits and throws suggestions for them at me now while I'm making them. Now he gets all silly when I make one that he likes and send it off to a new home. He'll say "OH! Don't send THAT one off! It's CUTE!" hehehe I tell you, they're truly addicting!

Well, I finished my dotee today. I don't know, I'm not sure. Someone's going to have to have an awful big heart to love this gal, lol. I haven't named her yet, that seems to be my hardest thing to do. Her name just came to me, going to name her "Pretty"! That sounds appropriate, NOT! I think I am addicted. I want to try my hand at another one. Hopefully it will be better. Oh, and Cheryl you make the prettiest faces I have ever seen.

What a great swap Cheryl! Boy... it just keeps growing!!! There will be so many Dotees flying across the world on this one! I can't wait to see all of the dolls everyone makes :D

WOOT!

Can you help me ? I have never rated anyone before and I need to . Where do I go to rate them??? thanks Tammy

How do I do it????

I figured it out thanks anyway.Tammy LOL

evieroz Thank you! Ohhh! I want to see your uggy baby! hehehe!

Guitarists I KNOW huh! I'm SO SO SO excited! We're getting like 30 people a day now! We have 133 at this moment. On one hand I wish the swap sign up was farther out so we could get more dotee addicts started, but yet I'm SO excited to get my partner! Will have to do this swap again FOR SURE!

Tammy, I'm sorry I didn't see your msg before now. I'm glad you figured it out! YAY!

CherylLaVon, you are such a great hostess, and have made me feel so welcome on my first swap on Swap-Bot.
Thousands of Thank-You's and Hundreds of Hugs, Karen :)

Question--- What kind of fabric do most use on the faces of their Dotee?

I use felt on the faces for my dotee.

I couldn't resist. =] I'm in. This will be my first dotee.

Thanks Karen!

I use felt.

I'm SO excited to see you here Artsy!

CherylLaVon,

Do they have to be girls?

I had the same question. Hehe.

WOW CherylLaVon! 139!! This is going to be an awesome swap!!!!

I don't think they have to be girls. I've gotten a couple of male dotees. Two of mine are super heros and one is in the military.

No naynay and Artsy they sure don't!

I see I am being talked about on here...LOL I do have the Christmas Dotee .. I am making mine using candy cane stripes.. they will be loads of fun. and even though I am Not a beginner anymore I am going to sign up and play.. I remember my first doll.

I made my first Dotee Minnie - and she is definaitely UGLY. Then I made one called China, for procknows, and one called Lila for naurwen. I CAN'T STOP MAKING THEM!!!!

OH I am so EXCITED!!! I cheated to see who is sending to me and it is somebody making thier first!!!!!!!! OH I am so thrilled!!! I can't wait to see it!!!!

I got a newbie too - whoo-hoo! This is great!

I am so sorry I missed this swap by one day. I am still going to make my first because I love them. But I will be keeping her since I missed the swap.

Accounting. I am SO sorry you didn't get in on the swap! I will be hosting another one after this because this one got such a HUGE response! I will be sure and PM you when I make the next one so you don't miss out!

Yeah partners are assigned!! So excited! You girls best be careful when placing your tail on those male dolls! ;0) Cant wait to get mine started and also cant wait for the next swap! LOL!

A wonderful swapper set up a private swap with me. Now I can get going on making her. Are the tails or legs?

A wonderful swapper set up a private swap with me. Now I can get going on making her. Are the tails or legs?

LOL doublesided!

Accounting, dotees have tails made from a mixture of ribbon, thread, wire, beads and or charms. Some gals make one tail, some make more. Some make them with just ribbon, some make them with beads, some put cute charms or buttons on them. Sometimes I've seen them (and received one) that had legs made from beads and charms. It's your baby so make her any way that you like. :D

i am talking out loud here
doees are 3-6 inches any shape with a tail and a hanger with embellishments

right

yup... you got it..... 3-6 inches before adding the tail and hanger. And usually the faces are added by sewing a circle of felt with an embroidered or drawn face, though, there are other ways to do them as well :)

Man, i found this swap too late. I JUST made my very first Dotee and have found another passion. I would love to be an angel if you should need one. Do you have any other beginner dotee swaps in the works?

All the photos have been beautiful, I love them all! These are neat little creations!!

These are beautiful!

crochetjunkie I'm so bummed you found this one too late! I will be doing this beginner dotee swap again for sure after I'm done with this one. I want to see first how many dolls I end up having to come up with as angels before I start a new one so I can have them all ready to go. Thanks for the angel offer! I just might take you up on it! I'm angeling dolls to anyone who either gets stood up on their doll or who is really disappointed in what they receive either one. I want this to be a GREAT experience for everyone!

Anu suggestions on how to paint faces or embroider!!!!!!!!

Lourdes San Juan, PR

lourdes, I embroider my faces (the swap picture is of my faces). What I usually do is to put my felt in an embroidery hoop, draw the faces and then embroider over them but sometimes I just sew the felt onto the doll body and then freestyle sew the face on. It just depends on my mood. Looking at the dolls I've gotten, I've seen faces that were both painted with what looks like acrylic paint and faces that appear to be drawn on by sharpie marker. They all have their own charm and I wouldn't worry about how to do it to much as you will eventually find a way of doing them that you really have a lot of fun with. Allow yourself to experiment with them and HAVE FUN!

OOoooooooo - Lucky me. Today I received my very first dotee, her name is Lady. She is Jayme's first born - her birth certificate says so. She is my inspiration. I have a granddaughter project to complete --- then, I plan to make my very own set of dotee septuplets - all individuals - to be given as little bits of happy. Thanks Cheryl for this swap. Thanks Jayme for my Lady. I am looking forward to lots of dotee's in my future. I want more. lol Joan

Joan! YAY! How very cool and she came with a birth certificate?!!? NEATO!!! :::giggles at dotee septuplets::: Have you seen Jon & Kate plus 8?? Wouldn't it be neato to make a set of Jon and Kate's baby dolls? I LOVE little Asian babies! Don't forget to rate if you haven't already!

These are so adorable. I've been wanting to try making a Dotee for weeks. I think I might now. Does anyone have a link to their photo albums? Or can direct me to a "learn how"? I'm new at Swap-Bot. Thanks for your help. Becky

I love how so many of us want to do this "right" and keep having lots of questions.

id love to join but cant use a sewing machine or my fingers as suffer athritus in my fingers yes im a bad speller.

Can my dotee have arms? Hehe. I kept thinking of adding arms to it last night. =]

Hello all, I enjoyed this so much I created a new swap for the addicted who want a challenge! Dotee in a Box! Check it out, I think you will love the example! And I made the send by at the end of the year!

Im having so much fun and spending so much money on this new found craft! Thanks again CherylLaVon for being our gracious hostess. I have learned a lot just by osmosis..and a little lurking! lol Krista

Hey Everyone - I tried to put a pic of my Dotee plus the one that I received from Jayme into the Gallery, but it didn't work. I'm rather hard-headed, I will try again - just not today. I had wanted a critique for my very first Dotee, but I'm sending her anyway. Please be kind when you receive her - remember she is a "first".

I apologize for not coming back sooner, but you know how that goes. Cheryl, I enjoyed your response to my last note. No, I haven't seen Jon and Kate plus 8 - sounds interesting.

Thanks for the reminder but I had already rated Jayme. Have a happy - Joan.

Becky, there is a direct link to my flickr account on my profile.

Artsy I think with the addition of arms she becomes more of an art doll than a dotee but I do have 2 dotees in my collection that have arms.

Krista, I'll have to see if I can find a link to your swap. Sounds like fun!

Joan, Feel free to post your pictures in the comments section. I have never gotten the gallery pictures to work :(

Good, I am glad I waited for a response. I added no arms. =] Hehe.

Thanks Cheryl - I haven't quite got posting pic here figured out. Maybe DD can do it for me. I'm still afraid of this thing called a computer. lol.

My very first dottee goes in the mail today and she is going all the way to England. Barbara, she may need some oxygen when she gets there. Joan

Well.. My girl is scheduled for take off tomorrow. She has a long set of flights taking her to Finland! Please dont ruin your surprise partner, but for everyone else she is on my Flickr acct.

I learned a lot of do's and dont's. Im so afraid the poor girl will fall apart before she gets there! lol First I had mental block over the face... then I couldnt figure out the darn tail.. how to sew it on and keep it on so that the weight of the beads didnt pull it out. I was using my grandma's sewing machine that has not been out since she passed 4 years ago. So the stitching is kinda loose in some spots.. dont know why! lol She is held together with a wing and a prayer...and a little glue in some spots.. lol

Hope everyone else is having this much fun! lol Ok, I dont really wish the bad parts on you all! lol But would make me feel better if I knew I wasnt the only dotee challenged person!!! hahaha xoxo Krista PS.. the few that I have been seeing on flickr are awesome. I havent seen a ugly one yet.. or are you just hiding them? lol I can see a Dotee with a paper bag over her face arriving at my doorstep! lol

My little Blondie is being sent today. Off to live with her new momma! This is the first dotee that I have ever made and it is like giving up one of your kids!

My partner loves 'anything vintage' so I made my dotee from leftovers of a vintage tablecloth. I think she turned out so sweet.

En route to my partner. Enjoy!

I have pmd my partner who has not marked sent yet...