RAF Airman knitted doll for Dad

Knitted RAF sergeant (c) Kristen Bailey, 2008

Let me introduce to Sergeant Bailey of the Royal Air Force - aka Dad. I knitted him for Dad's Christmas present using Jean Greenhowe's Little Gift Doll pattern as a starting point, then poring at old photos and Googling for info about RAF badges.

Dad went into the RAF as a teenager, and served for 22 years. He left when I was eight years' old, and I still remember him going off for his shift in his scratchy blue jumper with his sergeant's stripes buttoned onto the shoulders. I've knitted him in his dress uniform, which he got married in and wore for posh 'mess' dinners. I embroidered him a set of chevrons (indicating rank) for his sleeves, and sewed on a tiny printed and laminated cap badge, and another showing his 'trade' badge for Signals, a fist grasping bolts of lightning. Dad loved it. He was speechless at first - usually a good sign! Then he took his Mini-Me off to church for the show-and-tell at the Christmas service!

* SONG OF THE DAY: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Aeroplane *

Comments

[Barbara Man]

Hi Bus stop,

This is Barbara from Hong Kong.
I found your RAF Airman Doll is cute and so meaningful to you!
I would like to make one myself as a wedding doll couple on my comng wedding, since my fiancee and I met each other at an organization called Hong Kong aircadet Corps in Hong Kong which we also wear RAF uniform, we train teenagers in aviation. so my fiance would wear RAF uniform at the wedding ceremony. so I feel it would be quite meaning ful.

so I wonder if you can share the pattern of making the "RAF Airman", so that I can follow the same.

appreciate for your help.
with blessings,
Barbara

[Catherine]

Hi Kristen, I found your page and fell in love with your knitted characters! I have already ordered three Jean Greenhowe books to follow along. Great work!
Catherine in Tx.

[Bus Stop]

Thanks Catherine - hope you get lots of enjoyment from your JG books!