The Mistletoe Doll

This year when your kids say," I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus underneath the Mistletoe…." Let it be under the mistletoe dangling from the toe of this sweet little doll who is hanging precariously from the end of a candy cane that is hooked onto the molding above the door jam! She is simple to make for even a beginner and the results will brings ohhs and ahhs along with Christmas kisses! When was the last time you got kisses from a fun Christmas project? The body construction is very easy as it is a basic pancake doll. The possibilities for her clothing are endless. I've included patterns and instructions to recreate this doll and her outfit, but your imagination holds the secret to your special little Mistletoe Doll or Angel. Hope this adds some cheer to your Holidays! Merry Christmas!

Materials Needed:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Body

Draw body pattern directly on muslin. It is so much easier to sew this kind of doll first and then cut it out! Sew carefully around pattern using a small stitch . Remember, you need two pieces of fabric. Leave top of head open.

2. Stuffing

Cut the doll out about 1/8 inch from sewing line. Clip at curves to allow fabric to turn easily. Turn the doll inside out. Begin by using tiny amounts stuffing and filling hands and feet. Continue to stuff the legs and arms. Once the appendages are firm you can begin to fill the body cavity. Once doll is completely stuffed you will sew a running stitch at the top of the head and gather the opening closed. Trim excess fabric from top of head.

3. Face

Draw or paint the face on the doll. Remember that she has her head sideways (profile) so you can see her face from either side of the doorway. Practice drawing faces on scraps of fabric.

4. Body

Suit Cut the body suit pieces. ( cut 2) Sewing right sides together, sew all seams except the shoulders. These seams need to be sewn by hand once the body suit is on the doll. Turn right side out and slip on the doll. I used a lame fabric so I didn't have to finish the arm, neck or leg openings. If you choose a fabric that ravels you might choose to treat the cut edges with Fray Check or similar product. Stitch the shoulder seams by hand.

5. Skirt

Nylon tulle or netting is used for the skirt . Cut ten strips that measure 2 inches by 18 inches and layer together. The more layers you use the fuller the skirt will be. Sew a running stitch along the top of the 12 inch side. Pull the running stitch to gather. Fit to the waist of the doll and tie off to secure correct waist band size. Stitch the skirt closed at waist to fasten to doll.

6. Trims & Embellishments

The skirt is embellished with holly leaves. Purchase a sprig of silk holly and simply pull the leaves off the plastic stems. The leaves can easily be sewn or glued onto the waist band around the skirt. Sew or glue three silk rose buds at the top of the leaves to replicate the holly berries. The doll shown has holly leaves as the finishing touch to the neck and arm holes of the body suit. Cut a silk holly leaf in half and sew or glue at openings.

7. Hat & Hair

Cut one piece for the hat. Stitch the straight sides together ( Right sides together) forming a triangle or cone. Turn inside out and place hat on head and tuck the doll hair or yarn into place under hat. You can secure it with glue or by sewing a few stitches. Trim hat edge with fur or yarn and top it off with a small pom pom.

8. Finishing Touches

Attach mistletoe sprig to the doll's toe with either glue or stitches.

Attach the doll to the candy cane for hanging using the ½ inch Velcro adhesive circles. Attach one half to dolls hand the other side to the candy cane. The doll can also be hot glued directly to the candy cane. The candy cane will perch easily on the molding of any door jam.

The doll and candy cane can be trimmed with ribbons or any other embellishment you can dream of. The body is designed so that it can be either a girl or boy doll. You can also simply paint the clothing right on the doll and embellish with glitter and trims.

Diane Lewis