craftgrrl | How do I make a baby-safe Goddess doll?

Hi everyone,

My best friend is going to have her first baby in about a month. She's very excited and we already know it's going to be a girl. I want to make a Goddess doll for the baby in the next 2 weeks. Here's a picture of mine:

I thought I could buy a Goddess doll from the lady at Womongathering that made my Goddess doll but I can't track her down on the net and can't wait until June.

I can't sew to save my life but I'm willing to try so I can give this baby girl her first Goddess doll. But I need help.

My questions are:

*What baby safe material can I use to make the doll?

*What can I stuff it with it that is safe for a baby?

*How do I make it machine washable?

*How do I make a pattern?

Help? Crafty people? Help?