Months ago, I released my I Need to Calm Down Taylor Swift-inspired amigurumi doll designed after her iconic look from the You Need to Calm Down music video.
The doll featured her signature hot pink fur coat and yellow inflatable swim tube. The doll itself is crocheted in a lounging/resting position, which I've never done before and was definitely a nice challenge, but it was absolutely worth it!
While I was thrilled with how the doll turned out, I always felt that it was missing something -- sparkle!
I don't often write these kinds of posts, where I follow up on a previously released pattern, but I always knew I wanted to bejewel this doll. It's funny because Taylor Swift also has a song called "Bejeweled!"
I ordered these rhinestones and heart charms many months ago, but only recently found the time to put them on. Now this doll shines even brighter. It's amazing how these little details can bring a project to life, making it even closer to the original inspiration.
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Adding the Shimmer!
The Sunglasses are one of my favorite details. Using the xTool laser, I cut out the shapes from wood and then handpainted them to match Taylor's glamorous vibe.
To take it to the next level, I applied self-adhesive rhinestones along the top rim of the sunglasses, just like the music video. These tiny gems sparkle beautifully and are the perfect nod to Taylor's iconic accessory.
Fun fact: These sunglasses have exactly 13 rhinestones, just like Taylor's in the music video—and 13 happens to be Taylor's favorite number!
In Taylor's music video, she wore these oversized heart-shaped rhinestone earrings. I couldn't really figure out a way to recreate these rhinestone earrings with materials I already had on hand.
However, I found inspiration from another crafter's Taylor Swift doll that I saw on Facebook using the perfect rhinestone heart charms weeks after I completed my doll.
The jump rings I was using were a bit too small to attach to the amigurumi doll's ears. So instead of attaching it directly to the doll's earlobes, I attached the loop I had on the ends of the sunglasses. You can barely tell once the sunglasses are on!
What's Next?
This doll has been such a joy to create, and I'm always brainstorming ways to add even more personality to my amigurumi projects. Whether it's through rhinestones, embroidery, or other techniques. The possibilities are endless!
I had planned to recreate more of Taylor Swift's iconic looks as amigurumi dolls, especially from her Eras Tour. Each era offered such unique and exciting outfits that would have translated beautifully into crochet dolls.
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| Credit: Paolo V licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
I did manage to make Taylor in her Speak Now Era dress that she wore in the Eras Concert movie in 2 different versions:
However, as the Eras Tour went on, life got busy and I needed more time. Now that the tour has ended, I find myself at a crossroads. Should I still create more Taylor Swift dolls?
One thing I absolutely loved during the Eras Tour was seeing all the creativity that came out of Swifties when they designed their own outfits to wear to the concerts. Craft stores were seeing a boom in sales for beading crafts because everyone was making friendship bracelets!
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| Credit: Paulo V licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
The effort, thought and artistry they put into each piece were inspiring. It felt like everyone was part of a massive, glittering celebration of Taylor's music and legacy. The same energy inspires me to keep crafting.
She gave us so much love and excitement to crave during the tour, and now that it's over, Swifties everywhere are feeling the withdrawal.
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| Credit: Paulo V licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
I can't help but wonder if continuing this project would be a way to preserve the magic a little longer—to keep celebrating Taylor's artistry and the joy she brought to so many of us.
What do you think? Should I keep going and bring more of Taylor's iconic looks to life in amigurumi form?
If you've been inspired by this project, I'd love to see your creations - whether they're Taylor Swift-inspired or not!
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