African Doll

Materials:

brown un-ribbed women’s calf length dress sock
bag stuffing for body
polystyrene 1-1/2"– 2" diameter ball for stuffing head
small sewing needle
brown thread to match sock color
black or light brown thread for eyes
chocolate brown fabric paint for lips
1/4 bolt (at least) of regular black yarn for hair
small store-bought or handmade beads for jewelry (necklace, bracelet, earrings)
thin metallic gold decorative string/thread for jewelry (armbands and necklace)
.5 x .5 sq. yd. African fabric or African-inspired print
6" x 6" strong, sturdy mounting board used for base of doll
fabric glue for sealing seams
pattern for desired clothing style
scissors
compass
chalk
small bottle clear-drying white glue

Arms

1. Turn the sock (doll) so that the toe faces away from you. The arms will be cut out of the material that forms the quarter-length ankle of the sock.

2. From the open end, cut vertically, lengthwise up the center of the sock approximately 3-1/2 inches. The two long pieces will form the arms.

4. Turn each piece inside out and fold it in half lengthwise to sew up the arms.

5. Starting at the crease of one end, sew the edges together to form a closed tube (figure B). The entire width of the arm after sewing and turning inside out should be no more than 1/2 inch wide.

6. After sewing the 1/2-inch wide arm, cut off the excess fabric outside of the seam if more than 1 inch with scissors. Leave at least 1/4-inch fabric outside of the seam.

7. Turn right side in and stuff with fiberfill stuffing. Fill lightly (figure C). Set arms aside.