CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- VICTORIAN YARN DOLL

Yesterday was the official release date of Death By Killer Mop Doll, the second book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries about yours truly. Last week I featured directions for making a basic yarn doll. Today I'm featuring a way to turn that basic yarn doll into a lovely Victorian lass. 

If you'd like directions for making a mop doll, you'll find them in Death By Killer Mop Doll, and if you'd like a chance to win one of 5 signed copies of Death By Killer Mop Doll, post a comment to this blog or any of the blogs on author Lois Winston's January blog tour. You'll find the complete schedule on the sidebar to the right. -- AP

Refer to the materials list and directions from last Monday to make the basic yarn doll using a mohair type rose colored yarn. Decorate the doll as follows: 

Materials:
sandy blond curly doll hair
4” doll hat
3” ecru lace fan
five 1/4” mauve ribbon roses
1/2 yd. 1/8” wide mauve satin ribbon
6” length 1” wide ecru lace
1/2 yd. 3/4" wide ecru lace
needle and thread
small amount baby’s breath
pink colored pencil or blush
scissors
tacky glue

1. Make doll according to Basic Yarn Doll directions (5/23/11.)

2. Cut 3-4 strands at a time of curly doll hair twice the desired length of hair. Glue midpoint of the hair to head, applying along the edge of muslin first. Then work in neat, evenly spaced horizontal rows from back of the neck up to top of the head. Untangle and trim to even out the length.

3. Cut 1” lace into three 2” pieces. Fold two pieces in half lengthwise. Using needle and thread, gather at folded edge. Tie one around each wrist.

4. Using needle and thread, gather remaining piece of 2” lace along one long edge. Glue under neck for jabot.

5. Glue a ribbon rose to top of jabot and at each cuff.

6. Glue hat to head. Glue 1/8” ribbon around hat, tying ends at center back. Glue baby’s breath and two ribbon roses to front of hat slightly off-center.

7. Glue fan to front of doll. Glue arms over fan.

8. Cut 3/4” lace into three 6” pieces. Tie each into a bow. Glue to bottom of “skirt.”

9. Color cheeks with pink pencil or blush.

Remember, post a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Death By Killer Mop Doll. -- AP

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- YARN DOLLS

In celebration of the release of Death By Killer Mop Doll (the second book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, otherwise known as the series about moi,) today I'm featuring the directions for a basic yarn doll. These directions first appeared on May 23, 2011. If you'd like directions for making a mop doll, you'll find them in Death By Killer Mop Doll. 

Want to win a copy of Death By Killer Mop Doll? Author Lois Winston is giving away 5 signed copies at the end of her January blog tour. You can find the schedule on the sidebar to the right. To enter the drawing, post a comment to this blog or any of the guest blogs on the tour. -- AP

BASIC 12” YARN DOLL DIRECTIONS

Yarn dolls can be used as ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, wreath decorations, package decorations, centerpieces, shower gifts, wall and door hangings, and much more. 

Today we have the directions for the basic yarn doll. Next week and in weeks to come you'll find directions for taking the basic yarn doll and adding hair, clothing, and accessories for a variety of different looks.

Materials:
2” Dylite (smooth) craft foam ball
52 strands 18” lengths of 4-ply yarn
13 strands 10” lengths of 4-ply yarn
2-3/4” x 2-3/4” piece of muslin
8” chenille stem that matches yarn color
2 blue or black glass head straight pins
circle template or compass
yardstick
scissors
tacky glue

1. Place 50 of the 18” lengths of yarn on a flat surface with ends even. Using one additional 18” piece, tie the yarn into a bundle at the mid-point for the body.

2. Using the circle template or compass, draw a 2-3/4” circle on the muslin. Cut out. Make 1/4” deep cuts around the perimeter of the circle.

3. Glue the muslin to the craft foam ball.

4. Poke a hole in the bottom of the craft foam ball for neck. Place some glue on the end of the chenille stem and insert it into the hole.

5. Wrap the chenille stem once around the tied center of the body so that the body touches the craft foam ball head. Hold in place with a small amount of glue. Allow the remainder of the chenille stem to hang in the center of the yarn body.

6. Braid 12 pieces of the 10” long yarn for arms. Tie at each end with half the remaining piece of 10” yarn.

7. Place the braid centered inside the yarn body. Tie the body under the arms with the remaining 18” length of yarn.

8. Dip the straight pins in a small amount of glue. Insert into the head for eyes.

Check back next Monday for directions on personalizing your yarn doll. -- AP

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- BABY YARN DOLL

Refer to the materials list and directions from May 23, 2011 to make the basic yarn doll using pastel variegated cotton yarn. Decorate the doll as follows:

Materials:
sandy blond curly doll hair
5” length 2” wide white gathered eyelet
1/2 yd. 1/8” wide pink satin ribbon
1” pastel flocked teddy bear
2-1/2” mini plastic baby bottle
1-1/2” mini baby rattle
pink colored pencil
tacky glue and glue gun

1. Make doll according to Basic Yarn Doll directions (5/23/11.)

2. Cut 3-4 strands at a time of Curly Hair into 8” lengths. Roll pieces in the palm of your hand to form a kinky ball. Using tacky glue, glue midpoint of hair to head, applying along edge of muslin first, then working in neat, evenly spaced horizontal rows from top of head to back of neck. Untangle when dry and trim to desired length.

3. Using tacky glue, glue 1/2" of a 6” length of pink ribbon to both inside seam edges of eyelet for bonnet ties. Glue eyelet around muslin face for bonnet, keeping all hair behind bonnet and away from face. Glue one curl of hair to forehead inside bonnet. Tie ribbon in bow under neck.

4. Make a bow from remaining ribbon. Glue to forehead curl.

5. Using glue gun, glue baby bottle nipple to mouth area of doll head. Slip rattle onto baby’s left wrist. Wrap arms around body to hold bottle, tucking bear into crook of right arm. Glue in place.

6. Color cheeks with pink pencil.

Check back for more yarn doll variations in future weeks.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- SANTA YARN DOLL

Keeping with our Christmas in July theme, here's another project for getting a jumpstart on the holidays. -- AP

SANTA YARN DOLL DIRECTIONS

Refer to the materials list and directions from May 23, 2011 to make the basic yarn doll using red mohair type yarn.

Note: If you prefer a Mrs. Santa doll, don’t tie off the legs, omit the curly beard, and use a pink colored pencil to color cheeks.

Decorate the doll as follows:

Materials:
white curly doll hair
1 large head red ball straight pin
1/2” white pompom
two 1/4” green pompoms
3/4 yd. white curly chenille
3” x 5” red felt
1/2” x 6” black felt
1/2” x 3/4” yellow felt
1/2” jingle bell
12” x 12” natural hopsack
1/2 yd. 1/8” red/green striped grosgrain ribbon
small amount polyester fiber-fill
1-1/4” gold doll glasses
needle and thread
scissors
compass
paper
tacky glue and/or glue gun

1. Make doll according to Basic Yarn Doll directions (5/23/11.)

2. Divide body in half below tied waist for legs with chenille stem as part of one leg. Tie each leg 2-1/2” from end.

3. Cut 3-4 strands at a time of curly doll hair into 8” lengths. Fold pieces in half. Glue midpoint of the hair to head, applying along the edge of muslin first. Then work in neat, evenly spaced horizontal rows from back of the neck up to top of the head. Glue additional hair to face for beard. Untangle and trim to even out the length.

4. Dip red topped pin in glue. Insert in head for mouth.

5. Glue glasses in place over eyes.

6. Using the compass, draw a 5” diameter half circle on the paper. Cut out. Use the paper pattern to cut out hat from red felt.

7. Overlap straight edge of hat 1/4” to form cone. Glue in place. Glue white pompom to top of hat. Glue curly chenille around bottom edge of hat. Glue hat to head.

8. Cut curly chenille into two 2” pieces for wrists and two 4” pieces for legs. Glue around tied ends at legs and wrists.

9. Glue black felt around waist for belt. Cut a small rectangle in center of yellow felt for buckle. Glue to center front of belt.

10. Glue green pompoms to chest above belt.

11. Using a dinner plate as guide, cut a large circle from the hopsack. Sew a gathering stitch around the circle 1/2” from edge. Place fiber-fill in center of circle. Gather thread to form sack. Know in place.

12. Tie grosgrain ribbon around sack, slipping bell onto ribbon before tying bow.

13. Glue arm around sack and sack to side of body.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS ANGEL YARN DOLL

It's Christmas in July! Get a head start on your holiday gift making with this Victorian Christmas Angel. -- AP

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS ANGEL YARN DOLL DIRECTIONS

Refer to the materials list and directions from May 23, 2011 to make the basic yarn doll using 4-ply white silver glitter yarn. Decorate the doll as follows:

Materials:
white curly doll hair
4” strand white craft pearls
2 silver tinsel chenille stems
18” of 4” wide white and silver tulle
6” length 1” wide white flat lace
2 white irredescent 1/2” ribbon roses
approximately 60 6mm glass beads
needle and thread
pink colored pencil or blush
scissors
tacky glue and/or glue gun

1. Make doll according to Basic Yarn Doll directions (5/23/11.)

2. Cut 3-4 strands at a time of curly doll hair twice the desired length of hair. Glue midpoint of the hair to head, applying along the edge of muslin first. Then work in neat, evenly spaced horizontal rows from back of the neck up to top of the head. Untangle and trim to even out the length.

3. Wrap flat lace around upper body of doll, overlapping ends in front to form shawl. Glue in place at front with small amount of glue.

4. Wrap pearls around neck, securing at back with glue.

5. Cut tulle into two 9” pieces. Place one on top of the other and tie together in the middle with thread. Spread ends apart to form wings.

6. Form a 2” circle at one end of one tinsel chenille stem for halo. Bend remaining length down at a 90 degree angle from halo for stem. Slip stem inside yarn wich tied off upper body at back of doll. Adjust height so halo seems to float over head of doll and stem is not seen from front.

7. Center wings over stem. Wrap end of stem around tied center of wings Glue to secure.

8. Glue one ribbon rose to upper right of doll’s head at hair line and second where lace forms a “V” at front of angel.

9. Thread three beads each onto random front strands of doll body, knotting ends of yarn. Space evenly on strands.

10. Twist remaining tinsel chenille stem into five-pointed star. Fold arms to front of angel. Glue in place. Glue top center point of star to hands.

11. Color cheeks with pink colored pencil.



Are you enjoyed this series of doll projects? Any other crafts you'd like to see featured on the blog? Let's hear from you on this or any topic. Post a comment to enter the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author this week. -- AP

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA-- VICTORIAN LADY YARN DOLL

Refer to the materials list and directions from May 23, 2011 to make the basic yarn doll using a mohair type rose colored yarn. Decorate the doll as follows:

Materials:
sandy blond curly doll hair
4” doll hat
3” ecru lace fan
five 1/4” mauve ribbon roses
1/2 yd. 1/8” wide mauve satin ribbon
6” length 1” wide ecru lace
1/2 yd. 3/4" wide ecru lace
needle and thread
small amount baby’s breath
pink colored pencil or blush
scissors
tacky glue

1. Make doll according to Basic Yarn Doll directions (5/23/11.)

2. Cut 3-4 strands at a time of curly doll hair twice the desired length of hair. Glue midpoint of the hair to head, applying along the edge of muslin first. Then work in neat, evenly spaced horizontal rows from back of the neck up to top of the head. Untangle and trim to even out the length.

3. Cut 1” lace into three 2” pieces. Fold two pieces in half lengthwise. Using needle and thread, gather at folded edge. Tie one around each wrist.

4. Using needle and thread, gather remaining piece of 2” lace along one long edge. Glue under neck for jabot.

5. Glue a ribbon rose to top of jabot and at each cuff.

6. Glue hat to head. Glue 1/8” ribbon around hat, tying ends at center back. Glue baby’s breath and two ribbon roses to front of hat slightly off-center.

7. Glue fan to front of doll. Glue arms over fan.

8. Cut 3/4” lace into three 6” pieces. Tie each into a bow. Glue to bottom of “skirt.”

9. Color cheeks with pink pencil or blush.

Check back for more yarn doll variations in future weeks.

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--BASIC YARN DOLL

BASIC 12” YARN DOLL DIRECTIONS

Yarn dolls can be used as ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, wreath decorations, package decorations, centerpieces, shower gifts, wall and door hangings, and much more. 

Today we have the directions for the basic yarn doll. Next week and in weeks to come you'll find directions for taking the basic yarn doll and adding hair, clothing, and accessories for a variety of different looks.

Materials:
2” Dylite (smooth) craft foam ball
52 strands 18” lengths of 4-ply yarn
13 strands 10” lengths of 4-ply yarn
2-3/4” x 2-3/4” piece of muslin
8” chenille stem that matches yarn color
2 blue or black glass head straight pins
circle template or compass
yardstick
scissors
tacky glue

1. Place 50 of the 18” lengths of yarn on a flat surface with ends even. Using one additional 18” piece, tie the yarn into a bundle at the mid-point for the body.

2. Using the circle template or compass, draw a 2-3/4” circle on the muslin. Cut out. Make 1/4” deep cuts around the perimeter of the circle.

3. Glue the muslin to the craft foam ball.

4. Poke a hole in the bottom of the craft foam ball for neck. Place some glue on the end of the chenille stem and insert it into the hole.

5. Wrap the chenille stem once around the tied center of the body so that the body touches the craft foam ball head. Hold in place with a small amount of glue. Allow the remainder of the chenille stem to hang in the center of the yarn body.

6. Braid 12 pieces of the 10” long yarn for arms. Tie at each end with half the remaining piece of 10” yarn.

7. Place the braid centered inside the yarn body. Tie the body under the arms with the remaining 18” length of yarn.

8. Dip the straight pins in a small amount of glue. Insert into the head for eyes.

Check back next Monday for directions on personalizing your yarn doll.