kokeshi love

i found melly and me's kokeshi stuffie tutorial through google almost two years ago.  the moment i saw it, i was in love.  i wasn't sure when i would get the chance to make it and for whom.

recently, we found out that one of our friends' daughter got sick.  she's the same age as our lil' man.  i knew right there and then, that i just found the perfect thing to give her.  i've also been saving this amazing "yui kokeshi" fabric from alexander henry for something special.

kokeshi dolls originate from japan.  they are given to kids on special occasions, as a remembrance, or as a sign of luck. 

everytime i see kokeshi figurines or artwork, it never fails to make me smile.  so, here's the kokeshi doll i made using melly and me's tutorial.  i altered the design a little bit.  instead of the flowers, i changed it to a rainbow motif.  i also enlarged the template so she could use it as a pillow, or just to make it more huggable...

here are some work in progress shots:

after embroidery

ready to be flipped right side out

front view

back view of the cutest alexander henry fabric

detail of the hair embellishment

detail of the obi (sash)

detail of the face

finished stuffie from the side

a kokeshi stuffie, ready to be loved...

thanks melly and me for a wonderful tutorial!

the kokeshi in her new home - a lovely girl`s arms...

hope you are having a great week!
xo, carla