Victorian Handkerchief Doll

Have you ever heard the old adage: Children should be seen and not heard? It may not be popular advice in this day and age, but during Queen Victoria's rule it was common advice, as popular in American as well as England.

In Victorian times, little girls were encouraged to take along a pocket doll to play with in church. Most of these dolls were very simple and made from a common handkerchief. This craft is an up-dated version of the Victorian handkerchief doll. It uses a pretty, decorative handkerchief, a bit of lace and ribbon, potpourri and craft glue. Best of all this is a no sew project that can be completed fairly quickly.

Materials:
1 decorative handkerchief
Craft Glue
Small amount of potpourri for head
1\4" wide ribbon in color of your choice
Gathered lace

Lay your handkerchief on a flat surface to make working with it easier. To find the center, fold the handkerchief in half to form a triangle and then in half again. The point of the triangle at the fold will be the center of the handkerchief when open. As you open the handkerchief, keep note of the position of the center. With the wrong side (plain side) facing you, place a small bunch of potpourri in the center of the handkerchief. Carefully pick up the handkerchief so that the potpourri is covered and the beginning of the head is formed. The right side (decorative side) will now be facing you.

Take some ribbon and wrap it tightly below potpourri filled head to form a neck and tie in a bow. At this point you will have something that looks like a ghost. To make the arms pull out one of the corners of the handkerchief to form a long line from the head. Wrap the end around your finger and tie a knot. This will be the arm for the doll. Repeat on the other side of the handkerchief for the other arm. With the lace, measure around the top half of the doll's head. Cut to size and glue in place to form the bonnet.

Now you have a lovely sachet to tuck into drawers, hang from hangers in the closet or how about a basket with a few of these dolls inside to make a nice gift.