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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Felted Comfort Dolls for the Orphans In Haiti


I recently joined crochet blog at www.crochetme.com. After searching for felted crochet projects, I found these dolls. Then it occurred to me that there are thousands of orphans or lonely/hurt children now in Haiti, maybe tens of thousands...just watch the news!!! If all the knitters, crocheters and other crafts people would make these dolls and send them SOMEWHERE so that the children of Haiti could have something to hold on to, we would have done something really important. Otherwise I feel so helpless, don't you? So 1. I have started my dolls, 2. the directions for YOU are below, 3, I am going to talk to as many crafts people as I can, 4, and I think I will send an email to the Red Cross about this and also Oprah. If anyone reads this blog, please post your suggestions about how to get these dolls to the children, ok? Now here are the instructions:

Comfort Doll Crochet Instructions
100% wool (not washable wool!), worsted weight
& K (6.5 mm) hook
Polyester stuffing, embroidery floss, yarn & embroidery needles
(Beads/buttons should be very securely attached, or not used for
children under 3 years of age)

Single crochet throughout body. Do not join rounds - crocheted in spiral...

Starting at shoes, Chain 36, join in ring (be careful not to twist)
Shoes: 5 rounds
Pants: 11 rounds
Jersey: (10 rounds total)
8 rounds = crochet around
9th & 10th rounds = decrease 4 sts evenly around, each round (28 sts.)
Face: (8 rounds total)
1st round = decrease 4 sts evenly around (24 sts)
2nd round = crochet around
3rd & 4th rounds = increase 6 sts evenly around, each round (36 sts)
5-8 rounds = crochet around
Hair: (10 rounds total)
1-4 rounds = crochet around (may change to another color yarn after
these 4 rounds to make "hat")
5- 7 rounds = decrease 2 sts evenly around, each round (30 sts)
8- 11 rounds = decrease 6 sts evenly around, each round (6 sts)
Leaving long tail, cut yarn. With yarn needle, draw yarn through
remaining 6 sts. twice. Weave in yarn ends.

FELT DOLL either by hand or by machine. Stuff to shape and allow to dry.

Optional Ears (make 2): Chain 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in 3rd, slst last. end off leaving long tail to sew to head. Easiest to sew to head after head has been stuffed. Line up top of ear with bottom of hairline.

Stuff head & neck firmly, body should be stuffed lightly, as this will be stitched to define arms, legs, waist & shoes. Sew shoes closed after stuffing, drawing bottom edges in.

Embroider eyes and mouth & other details like french knot necklace, embroidered or crocheted design on jersey, pom-pons on shoes or hat, bow or flower in hair....

Hair may be accentuated with eyelash, boucle, or other fluffy yarn. Take lengths of yarn and make loops all around head, or make french knot in rows. Can also attach braids, pig-tails...
Details make the doll!

THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING IF YOU CAN!

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