At the sign of the Dancing Fox is an event in the Shire of Nordenhalle, Kingston NY in early February.
There is food, dancing and a favorite of mine - Dress the fox!
Dress the fox is a family style activity where anyone who wishes may use materials to dress a fox during the time of the event. To keep the fox is a cost to support the activity otherwise it is a donation if able. While it used to be easier to provide regular fox plush for dressing and purchase, that isn't the case anymore. So I suggest that if you are going that you bring your own fox, and supply funds or materials as you are able to support. Maybe even donate homemade foxes for purchase in future years!
Benefits of bringing your own fox:
- Not adding to the plush collection, but still being able to use what you make.
- Grow a single loved toy's wardrobe over years.
- You can prepare with patterns or your own materials if you wish.
And if you do not have a similar event near you, these resources may still be helpful for a child in your life or one at heart.
Benefits of having a cloth doll
- A cloth doll may be more durable than American Girl doll style dolls.
- A standard doll sized cloth doll can either share closets and accessories with a standard doll OR be an alternative to the more expensive dolls while also being a keepsake.
- Pixiefaire.com is a good resource for multiple doll sizes. Generally 18in(Standard) and 14 inch(Wellie Wishers) American girl dolls seem most commonly designed for.
- A cloth doll that fits those sizes is easier to build or buy a wardrobe and may get more play.
Patterns for Fox dolls:
- Sewn: https://www.weewonderfuls.com/product/make-along-fernie-fox-pattern/
- Sewn: https://www.pixiefaire.com/products/fox-doll-18-cloth-doll-pattern Designed to fit 18in doll clothes
- Sewn: https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/quilting/free-fox-sewing-pattern good for little hands
- Crochet: https://www.whistleandivy.com/crochet-fox-toy-plushy-crochet-pattern/
- Crochet: https://sarahdeecrochet.com/forest-the-fox/ looks like it might fit Wellie Wisher clothes?
- Crochet: https://hobbii.com/products/hp-1008406-rita-fox
- Knit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/505646180/knit-a-teddy-fox
- Knit: https://www.mamainastitch.com/easy-fox-knitting-pattern/ good for little hands
- Etsy is a great resource too!
- Buy: https://critterfolk.com/ personally I supported the Kickstarter for Frasier the fox. Similar size to American Girl, low end of chest and high end of hip, since the dolls vary over the years.
