Handkerchief doll craft

As part of our geography study of Pennsylvania, I wanted to find a good book about the Amish (hence the handkerchief doll), and I found a great book set in the 1700s, so this also served to teach a little bit about Colonial America at the same time.  I loved learning this fun bit of homeschool history lessons as we read the book.

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Homespun Sarah, our inspiration for the Handkerchief doll craft

Homespun Sarah* about an Amish girl in the 1700s. I suppose it could have been any girl, but for the sake of our study it was an Amish girl.  One thing it mentions is the need to keep quiet while at church.  Thus the invention of the handkerchief doll.

It was rather common for the little girls to be given a doll like this to play with at church because it makes no noise if it falls, and you have the supplies to make it on hand.

 

Making our handkerchief dolls

Supplies needed for the handkerchief doll craft: handkerchief*, stuffing* (though it was pointed out to me you could use potpurri or something similar to add a smell to it)

Afterwards we made handkerchief dolls using this tutorial, and then they decorated them.

 

The big surprise for me was how popular this craft was for everyone.

All of the kids loved it, including the 4th grade boys (who made superhero dolls).  My boys made ghosts.

 

See how Superman’s ghost is so scary.  Batman’s was an Iron Man ghost.

I’m worried what killed Iron Man.

Here’s a few more Colonial America ideas for you to try

While I’ve got my whole list of American history ideas you can try out, here’s my favorite Colonial America posts:

• Colonial America Archeological dig
• Chincoteague Island colonial legends
• Colonial America Presentations