Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day All!!!

I love Hankerchief Dolls... :) They are so cute...I have two that I ammaking for my g-daughters and so I thought I would post how to make one for those of you interested ...The History of the Handkerchief doll has been known for years they were known in churches as the "prayer" doll. Little Girls were given these dolls to take to church with them and if they dropped them there was no sound heard and therefore, would not disturb the rest of the congregation.

As time pasted other dolls were made at an early age and they were clled the "pillow case" doll and the "pioneer" doll. The first one being made very much like the handkerchief doll. After that we saw the famous Raggie Ann dolls. :) I love Mmmmcrafts dolls be sure to check out her desigsn too!!

1. first off you will need 1 large man's hankie and we will add some pretty trim to the edges to make it a pretty doll.
2. some soft material to form a head about 2"with a little cotton stuffing

3.  6 6" ribbons in any color you like
Directions:
Lay the handkerchief out to form a square. Take head after stuffed and put it at the center of the hanky just below the top. Wrap ribbon around neck area and the first step is completed
Next take tips of upper handkerchief one at a time and pull up from middle section of the point below. This will make the first arm. Tie a piece of ribbon at the shoulder joint. Repeat for 2nd arm.
The third step is the easiest. Take a piece of ribbon and tie it around the waist. This makes the hanky look like it has a body.

The last step is to make a face or not. Many times in old the dolls had what we call prayer faces. Closed eyes sewed on by hand with just a basic stitch. As time moved on in history of course doll faces became more involved.

These are the pillow case dolls....Then I found these lovely "Ribbon Dolls" and "Chain Dolls" they are so unique...And these "Birthday Dolls" are just the cutest...wow I have to make these...they are made with vintage hankies...