Topsy-Turvy Spool Dolls

Steps:

1. To make the doll's body: Cut a piece of jute 6-1/2 feet long. Fold in half and knot at the top, leaving a 1/2-inch loop.

2. Open the jute; you should have two pieces with a knot in the center. Take one side of the jute and fold at 5 inches; slip over the folded jute a 2-5/8" spool and a wood bead. Push up to the center knot and tie another knot at the end of wood bead. Repeat on the other side.

3. Bring the two ends of the jute from the wooden spools to the center and pull them through four 1-inch wooden spools.

4. Using the remaining jute, repeat step 3.

5. Bring together the remaining jute to the center and tie a knot.

6. Glue one ball knob to each end of the jute where the knot is.

7. To dress the doll: Cut two 9" x 16" pieces of different fabrics. Sew the 16-inch sides together (add a piece of lace in between the layers if you like) and press.

8. Fold in half and sew the side together.

9. Fold the ends to the center. Snip down 1/2-inch from the top at the folds. Do this on both ends.

10. With dental floss, sew a running base stitch around the both "tops."

11. Place the doll’s body into the fabric, slip the spool arms under the threads with the slits, and pull the floss tight.

12. Paint or rub-on the face and glue the hair to the dolls head.

Variations:

To make sleeping/awake doll, add a duster hat on one side and closed eyes.

To make Mary and her lamb, use wooly fabric on one side and cover the knob with the same fabric, leaving a place for the face.

To make Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, use fur on one side, with a nightgown like grandma. Make a red hooded cape for Little Red.

To make a rags-to-princess Cinderella doll, use satin on one side and scrap fabric on the other side. Be sure to give her a crown.