Our inspiration:
http://www.hcsv.org/education/crafts/make-a-handkerchief-doll/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179862578840425037/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALEWfnZMXH4 (<<<<--- this video was very helpful)
-a vintage handkerchief (If you don't have any handkerchiefs you can use a square piece of fabric but you'll have to finish the edges unless you don't mind raw edges.)
-cotton balls, tissue paper, Polyfil™or similar for stuffing the head (I used wool from the needle felt wool stash)
-rubber band, string, thread or similar to tie around the neck (I chose double strand of quilt thread)
-needle and thread, if needed (To avoid the bonnet slipping off I handstitched it in place)
Tip: we pinned the veil/bonnet in place then wrapped and tied the ribbon around the neck. This hides the thread/string used to make the head form and it also keeps the ribbon/trim in place. It still may be necessary to attach the veil/bonnet with needle and thread. In addition, Effervescent Ethel wanted a pretty belt around Hannah's waist so I cut the same ribbon trim as the veil, wrapped it around and tied into a knot on the back.
Cost: ΓΈ
The "Wedding Doll" aka Hannah the Hanky Doll (we're displaying her in an unfinished
wooden box I picked up a few months ago on a discount shelf. I knew I'd find a good use for it.)
History of Handkerchief Dolls
'When I first saw a handkerchief dolls at a local craft fair, I immediately thought it would make a precious gift for a new mom. A soft doll like this can grow with the child and possibly become a comforting naptime friend or lovey — like these angel dear blankies (aka security blankets).
Then, my wheels got to spinning, and I thought it would also be a great way to pass the time if you’re on bed rest during your pregnancy. As a bonus, you could later sell your homemade handkerchief dolls at craft fairs, yard sales — or even online through Etsy or Ebay.
Whether you’re making them as gifts or you’re making them as a way to pass the time, you’ll definitely enjoy how quick and easy these handkerchief dolls are to make!
The Story Behind Church Dolls
These sweet little dolls are known by many different names:
- pew babies
- church dolls
- angel babies
- prayer dolls
- handkerchief dolls
- hanky dolls
The simple cloth dolls were used in the 1800s to keep little girls quiet in church.
Because they were made of cloth, they made no sound when they were dropped on the floor.
"During the Civil War (and at other times when toy-making supplies were scarce), dolls were made from handkerchiefs for little girls. These handkerchief dolls were carried to church and did not make noise if they were dropped. They were also known as one of the “Sunday toys” that children were allowed to play with only on Sundays. Some mothers would put sugar cubes or candy in the head of the handkerchief doll for a youngster to suck on to keep the child quiet during the long church service."
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