Plantation Dolls are replicas of dolls made during the American Revolutionary War. Toys were scarce, so Nannies and Grandmothers made these soft folk dolls for children to play with. Also known as "Church Dolls." Church services lasted all day and dolls helped occupy the children; if they were dropped the church service would not be disrupted. Plantation Dolls were revived during the American Civil War. A variation of the Plantaion Doll was called Sugar Babies. . . Mothers or nannies would put sugar cubes or candy in the head portion and give them to the kids to suck on during church service.
These dolls are made using men's white handkerchiefs. Tea dye to achieve an antique look, add lace, ribbons, jute , etc. Directions below.
Tea dye a man's plain handkerchief and white lace for bottom trim and bonnet. Stitch lace on bottom edge. Wrong side out, place a ball of polyester stuffing in center for head. Tie tightly with dental floss.
Turn doll to front and tie simple overhand knots on each side of head to form arms.
Sew lace around top of head for bonnet. Tie a satin ribbon or jute twine bow. For eyes, make French knots using 6 strands of dark brown embroidery floss
Would be happy Ü to answer any questions
A neat fishin' link!
