Evolution of a Crochet Josephine Baker

☆To see my final version of Josephine Baker, scroll down.

★ My latest Petite Josephine Baker is sold exclusively at her former home in France Château  des Milandes & in my shop (of course).

Trial and error is the best teacher. I have to try it out, many times, before I’m happy with a pattern. When my ami is based on a real person, it’s important for me to capture their personality. So, for Josephine Baker, I tried to design something that was vivacious and fun. Something that was pretty and cute and the same time. But, how do I infuse all of that joie de vivre into a little doll? Let the challenge begin!

I started with a taller version, then thought a chibi version would be cute, and then I found an amigurumi version. Like Goldilocks, I stumbled upon a cute little design that wasn’t too big nor too small.

I followed my intuition and mistakes until I found a pattern I was happy with. In the end, I have two patterns that I can use for Josephine and other ami characters in the future. For me, that’s part of the fun of crochet. Those Eureka! moments that happen when you’re trying something new like: “Oh, I should do this next time!”, “She’s too short! Her legs need to be taller,” or “Next time make her curls like this. Yeah, baby!”. Every version taught me something new and helped me to improve on the next one.

Version 1: Josephine the 1st

I created this version for a good friend of ours – Ms. Ricki Stevenson from Black Paris Tours. She is tall and her bananas twirl when you turn her around. She turned out so much better than I thought she would as a first try. I was afraid to do her face and ESPECIALLY her mouth. I had no idea how to make lips! Everything was new and a learning experience. So, here’s my original version…

Version 2: Chibi Josephine

I was a in a great mood and wanted to try a teeny tiny version of Josephine. It’s harder than I thought! I debated many things like how small to make her, if she should have a mouth, and how do how am I going to add tiny bananas?!? I added a ruffle to her shorts, which was cute, but not quite “Josephine” enough.

Version 3: Chibi Josephine Large & In Charge

I decided that before I forgot all of the things I learned from the first chibi version, I would make a second attempt. My husband thinks I’m a bit obsessed. Perhaps? I made this ami bigger so I had more room for a little top. But she was still a little small for a full banana skirt (at least with the yarn I was using). So, I added one bunch of bananas to her hip and one covering her bottom. I think this version is much better, but it still needs work.

Version 4: Josephine Tall

I decided to return to a taller version and wanted to improve on her feet and experience on her hair and lips. I wasn’t 100% happy with her, but she helped me create my next and final version, which I’ll discuss in my next blog post.

Version 5: Josephine Baker Amigurumi

Now this version was getting closer to what I had imagined. I experimented with her hair and I love the results…but not for Josephine. However, I’ll definitely use this pattern and hairstyle for future dolls. I also learned how to create a cute smile with white teeth (hooray!). It’s the thing I was missing in all of the others – those pearly whites that the real Josephine flashed and melted hearts with.

I improved on her clothes and managed to make tiny bananas and cute little feet! All of these elements finally made sense to me. I guess the 5th time’s a charm (LOL!). Overall, this pattern is a keeper! However, for Josephine, she needs some adjustments especially to her hair. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the next one.

Version 6: Josephine Baker

You may have noticed I’ve been working on her A LOT! After listening to a lot of my customers and feedback in general, most people react very happily to a cute version of Josephine Baker. So, I started to design a little Josephine Baker that that was vivacious and fun. Here she is, ready to hit the dance club or a beach…