December Musings: Make Your Own Thumbelina Doll + Swallow

A Little Story Takes Flight: Our Thumbelina & Swallow Pattern 🌸🕊️

Some stories stay with us forever.

Thumbelina is one of those tales: small and tender, rooted in the natural world, guided by kindness and bravery. When I set out to design this Thumbelina & Swallow pattern, I wanted it to feel as though it had stepped right out of a well-loved storybook and into a child’s hands.

This pattern is designed especially for our 11cm wooden sisal bendy doll, creating a simple, open-ended doll that invites imagination rather than defining it. The doll is intentionally faceless, allowing children to project their own feelings, stories, and moods, just as in traditional Waldorf play.

The swallow, Thumbelina’s heroic companion, is equally simple and symbolic. Together, they lend themselves beautifully to storytelling, seasonal nature tables, and quiet play moments.

A Story You Can Hold

If this story is a favorite in your home, you’ll find Elsa Beskow’s Thumbelina available in the shop in both standard and mini editions, perfect for pairing with the finished doll or reading alongside the sewing process. Beskow’s timeless illustrations and gentle storytelling make a natural companion to this handmade project.

Thoughtfully Designed, Simple to Make

This pattern is meant to be approachable and calming to sew. Perfect for a slow afternoon, a seasonal craft, or a meaningful handmade gift. It works well with natural materials such as wool felt, wool stuffing, and embroidery thread, staying true to the spirit of traditional handwork.

Whether you’re an experienced doll maker or new to sewing for children, this project is designed to be both achievable and deeply satisfying. For those who prefer everything gathered and ready, a coordinating Thumbelina & Swallow kit will be arriving in February. Keep an eye out if you’d like to stitch without sourcing materials separately!

Free for a Limited Time

To celebrate creativity and handmade storytelling, the Thumbelina & Swallow pattern is currently free for a limited time. It’s my little gift to you! An invitation to slow down, make something by hand, and bring a classic story to life.

✨ Download it while it’s available, save it in your pattern collection, or start sewing right away.

A Keepsake in the Making

Handmade dolls have a way of becoming companions, tucked into pockets, placed on shelves, or incorporated into bedtime stories. My hope is that this pattern becomes part of your family’s rhythm, or something you lovingly pass along to someone else.

If you make a Thumbelina of your own, I would truly love to see her and her swallow take flight.

Happy making,
Mae