Church doll

I have made some sweet dolls using a white hanky, a bit of cotton, lace, and a couple of simple embroidery stitches. I call them church dolls and they make a sweet baby gift, especially for a baby girl. If anyone is interested I can post a pic and more detailed instructions.

First, a list of supplies: white handkerchief, fusing, embroidery hoop, needles, thread (pink, yellow, black), cotton balls, material, eyelet lace, and ribbon. I hope I haven't left anything out.

Now the instructions: 1. cut a small piece of fusing and iron onto center of hanky. This makes the hanky a little thicker and easier to embroider. The hanky will be folded in a diagonal so you may need to offcenter the fusing a little. I usually play around a little in order to get it just right. 2. Put the hanky in the embroidery hoop. I use a french knot stitch for the eyes, a stem stitch for the mouth, and turkey stitch for the hair. I usually make black eyes, a pink mouth (red is too dark), and blonde hair. Of course you could use other colors if you like. Johanna's Embroidery Page is good website for stitches and instructions. 3. Fold the hanky in half diagonally and use cotton balls to make the head. I usually tie with a piece of white thread. 4. Tie knots for hands and 5. Make a little bonnet for the baby to wear. I hand stitched the one pictured, however, I'm sure machine stitches are just as good.

There you have it! A sweet little church doll. It makes a lovely baby gift or addition to the wrapping on the gift. My friend was tickled with the ones I made for her girls.