How to make a Dotee like doll

Dot is an artist of simplistic magnitude. Her beautiful dolls are a bright spot.
you can read about her at her blogspot
dotslifeandart.blogspot.com/. her newest creations are just darling.
But like all inspiration, we often make our own versions. You can find dotee doll swaps at swap-bot.com and join in on the fun.
But if your like me and had no idea how to make one follow these simple instructions and make one for yourself, as a gift, tree ornament, swap!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 inch X 6 inch piece of fabric.
• assorted pretty beads, charms,ribbon,buttons
• cotton balls or polyfill or stuffing
• sewing machine
• needle
• thread
• scraps of yarn or material for hair

1. Lay your fabric out and press it if wrinkled. MAke sure the edges are straight if possible.

2. Cut out of felt a face. Trim down to fit the center of the piece of fabric. PIn the face into the center of the rightside or printed side of fabric.
   sew along the edge or just inside the edge the face into place.

3. With the face inside, sew the short sides together. Press flat with the face in the center.

4. With the the back seam facing you, sew a curve along the top edge following the curve of the face. Then trim off excess. Overstitch the edge and turn rightside out.
   You have a curved end tube.

5. Stuff the doll with cotton balls or fill until firm. Then fold teh raw bottom edge in and lagger stiotch, blanket stitch or even glue shut.
   You are now ready to decorate.

6. 
    

   Now string beads and do what ever embellishments you like. Typically a dotee has a loop on the top for hanging and a tail odf some sort. Beaded with charms, tassles, are common and fins even feet are possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Any fabric will work, silks, stretchy, printed. Be creative, a dotee is your signature doll.
• You can also add lavender, scented beads, potpourri, cinnamon to add a zip!
• Don't sew too close to edges, they will open. If you do sew very close make sure you do two passes or oevrstitch after stitching.

[laurel22]

on 5/30/2009 good article! though, i think there may be a typ-o or two, very good explaination.