Learning to Needle Sculpt

I decided that I really wanted to make an all cloth doll, but I like the features to be 3D.  So I started reading about and watching tutorials on needle sculpting, needle felting and Waldorf dolls.  I want to make old looking rag dolls with 3D faces.  I experimented with different head patterns and shapes.  I figured out new, improved techniques.  I decided to paint them like Izannahs, all with the same hairstyle and features.  For the last 2 weeks, I have cranked out doll after doll, trying to learn, tweak and get the look that I want.  I learn best by jumping in and experimenting.  I am still not satisfied, but I feel like I have progressed a lot from the first needle sculpted doll.  Here they are in order.

Here is the whole group.

One: I was inspired by a photo in a book on antique dolls for this one.  There is a photo that is supposedly a needle sculpted Izannnah Walker doll in the book Early American Dolls in Full Color by Helen Nolan.  Poor little number one...

Two: I started off with a ball-shaped, tied off stockinette with this one.

Three:  I used the same head/torso pattern that I usually use to make my paper clay dolls for this doll.  I also covered her with an outer layer of cotton knit, to make a nicer painting surface.

Four: I found a very strange head pattern on the internet for her head, and I needle sculpted it.  I don't like how I can see the stitches so well on this one.  

Five: I like this one.

Six: Too many goofs and asymmetries.  I used a tiny pom-pom for her nose, under the final layer of cotton knit.

Seven: Getting the hang of it.  Feeling better about the process.  With this doll, in addition to needle sculpting, I built up the features a bit with some needle felting (with wool roving) under that final layer.

Eight: There will be many more.  I really like making these all cloth dolls.  Paper clay is wonderful, but I love the light weight, all cloth feel of a little rag doll.