Rightiho chaps and chapesses 😀
I am finally pulling my finger out and sorting some rerooting tutorials for you all to show a variety of different methods you can use. I have had basic written tutorials on my FAQs page of the site for a long time now but they have been lacking the most important thing – PHOTOS!
The plan is to make a start today and take the photographs over the next few days so they should be ready for next week!
The tutorials I am planning are as follows:
Knot Method – there are a couple of variations on how you can do this, with thread or without using either preparing plugs in advance or just jumping straight in, using one knot at the end or one in the middle! I was thinking of showing each of the above methods so you can modify, pick and choose which suits you best.
*UPDATE Feb 17th* First video is up! – The Knot Method: https://mylittlecustoms.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/video-tutorial-for-the-knot-method-rerooting-instructions/
Possibly toying with doing a My Little Pony manes and tails one too if there is enough interest.
Reroot Tool Method – just as it says, so many people ask me how exactly this is done so the best way is for me to show you!
** UPDATE** Feb 19th – Reroot Tool Method video is up!
Lock and Loop Method – this is a fab method which produces a finish which looks just as it is done in the factory, only by you and not a machine! LOL
** UPDATE ** Feb 19th – Lock & Loop Technique tutorial is up!
…. what am I forgetting?? um … oh yes! A method which is new to me, my good friend Dianna gave me the main pointers to go on a while back and is something I have been trying, I have yet to find a good tutorial on it so have been attempting a trial and error approach so perhaps I am not best qualified to show my method yet! It involves using one long hair plug and wrapping the hair around.
***** EDIT UPDATE! ***** I have been shown a link to a tutorial for the wrapping method mentioned above and it is much simpler than my half made up / half bodged attempt! Thank you for the link Cyber Alice! http://www.eatonbraygifts.com/customdolls/hints/hairstyles/hairwrap.htm
Also I was thinking of doing a Thatching tutorial for your dollies part line, this may take a little longer to do as I will first need to reroot the doll! Once I have the initial tutorials up I will finish off the doll and sort a thatched part line tutorial for you.
The question for you all is this: Which would be most helpful, written tutorials with step by step photographs or video tutorials?
Please feel free to comment below or drop me an email – I definitely would appreciate your input on this one, plus anything you think I may have missed that would be useful to you ^_^
19 comments
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February 11, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Jill
I am not sure which method I would prefer but I would like to try a method that looks original. I have not attempted a re root yet but keep thinking about it.
I would really prefer to see a video tutorial as this would give me a better idea as to how difficult this will be.
Look forward to what ever you decide to do.
Jill
x
February 11, 2009 at 2:20 pm
mylittlecustoms
Thanks for taking the time to comment Jill!
I am a little scared of the video idea, I hate the sound of my own voice!! Hopefully I can get some good clear photographs to begin with and then do a trial video to see how it goes …. saying that though, the photographs may prove such a pain that I opt for the video option straight away! LOL
^_^
February 11, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Jill
I know the feeling I hate the sound of my own voice too.
I think you may find the video option easier and more helpful.
Good luck.
Jill
February 11, 2009 at 2:56 pm
mylittlecustoms
Blog post updated – thanks to Cyber Alice for the tutorial link! 😀
February 11, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Jo Ann Richardson
I am thrilled to hear about the new tutorials. I have the directions but I’m scared to attempt it. I would very much like to do some reroots on my dolls.
Hope to see the tutorials soon! Also, a video if you feel comfortable with it.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann
February 11, 2009 at 4:30 pm
mylittlecustoms
Thanks Jo Ann, I am glad everyone is loving the idea so far ^_^
Don’t be scared to try, just jump straight on in! If you would like a bait doll head to practice on just shout, I have a couple knocking about here I would happily send one on for you.
The general consenus both here and via email seems to be nudging towards the video idea – *eep!* me and my big mouth!!!
February 11, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Audra
I think it’s an awesome idea!
A video would be really nice to actually show the movement… providing you can get a clear shot of what you are doing.
That wrapping method tutorial is awesome… I so wanna give that technique a try!
February 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm
mylittlecustoms
Thanks Audra! Let me know how you get on with the wrapping method, my attempts were dubious to say the least! I will have to give the “proper” method a go soon!
I had trouble with the hair slipping off the head, I tried it on a Sindy doll, perhaps her head was too big and squishy – ended up faking a wrap effect as I ran out of patience! I will upload some pictures of her tomorrow, she is rerooted using Blondicious saran which is GORGEOUS 😀
February 17, 2009 at 10:13 pm
mylittlecustoms
First video up! *eep!*
February 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm
mylittlecustoms
Reroot tool tutorial is up!! 😀
February 19, 2009 at 11:14 pm
mylittlecustoms
Lock and Loop Technique tutorial is up!
March 2, 2009 at 7:10 am
Ruth Gravitt
Robin, thanks so much for your marvelous videos. I want to reroot the hair of my sister’s doll from 1969. She is 16 inches tall so not quite so easy as a Barbie doll. Although I was able to remove her head and get all the old hair off I don’t really see how I could easily go in from the neck and out through the top of the scalp. It would be much easier to go in from the top because even with a long needle it is hard to find a particular hole with the upward approach. I want to use the lock and loop technique but can’t quite figure out how to secure the ends at the end since it is impossible to get my fingers inside the head because of the narrowness of the neck. You didn’t really show that in your video and I am hoping that you will describe it for me or make a supplementary video showing how to tie the threads together at end. Thanks so much.
March 2, 2009 at 9:21 am
mylittlecustoms
Hi Ruth 😀
For finishing the loops, you can use a little bit of string or the actual loops themselves to tie the last two together. Or you can knot them or glue them – does that make sense? It is basically a case of securing them so they won’t pull out again – otherwise your whole chain effect of stictches will unravel!
As your doll neck is narrow, for the last 2 loops, before pulling them back inside the head, secure them by tying some thread in a knot to keep the 2 together and then pull back through.
Robin x
March 2, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Ruth Gravitt
Thanks and that does make sense. One more question:
with the knot method why not push in two plugs from the top and then tie them together into a knot before pulling the knot close to the inside scalp? Or would that create a cutting type tension that could split the scalp when the hair is combed?
March 2, 2009 at 9:41 pm
mylittlecustoms
hmm possibly, although my main concern would be that the strain on the knots themselves would eventually lead to them untying themselves.
(edit to add) You could go from the outside in and tie the knots indiviually – just the reverse of the way I have done it? I can’t think of a reverse way of doing the knot in the middle which would hold securely – that being said, I have been sat at the computer for too long today and my brain is starting to seize up!
March 2, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Ruth Gravitt
I hadn’t considered that possibility but in thinking about it I would agree. I think I will forgo that method and use the lock and loop technique. I have a lot of old dental floss and will just use it up with this project. My sister was nine when she acquired this “Ruthie” doll by Horsman and I plan to give it to her daughter when she turns nine in November. It seems like a good idea to give the same doll that the mother owned when she was the same age. Although she isn’t a new doll I will get her such lovely outfits that I think Elizabeth will be happy to have her. I live in San Francisco, CA and made some calls about supplies available locally. It is surprising that in such a big city there are no stores for doll rerooting supplies. I want to use nylon hair and all that I really need other than that is a long doll needle.
Should I order through you or from USA site?
March 3, 2009 at 9:31 am
mylittlecustoms
Hiya Ruth, that is such a lovely idea! My daughter would love it if her Auntie was to do the same! Unfortunately, I no longer have my old dolls 😦
As to where you should order from, of course I am going to say me! 😉 I have everything in stock and dispatch same day – all that being said, it is completely personal preferance as to where you shop!!
Good luck with the Ruthie doll, she will look great once she is done – backed by a wonderful idea! ❤
😀
April 28, 2009 at 3:26 am
Debby Smith
I am the type that does better seeing how to do something. Much later when I readed how to ..I think I understand!! :->
The Lock and Loop Technique was one I was not understanding until I saw your video.
Waiting for the thatching video!! Please do make this one!!
November 16, 2009 at 11:15 am
mylittlecustoms
Hey Debby, the thatching tutorial is up 😀 – sorry for the SUPER long delay in answering and no doubt, you have already seen the tutorial by now! LOL
Robin x