Cloth/Rag doll stuffing

[haggins]

Friends,
My lovely wife is attempting to create period correct Cloth Rag dolls for my daughter and her friends. Does anyone have any information on what would have been used for stuffing, as she does not want to use period correct fabrics, thread, and wool and then use polyfill. Also, any references in regard to such dolls during the WTBS would be much appreciated. With that we thank you and we remain,
Yr. Obdnt. Svnt,
Mike Radinsky
Third MD Regm't. Co. B
"Without fear there is no courage"

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Cloth/Rag doll stuffing

Extant homemade cloth dolls aren't all that unusual; there will be some great books on "doll collecting" in your local library (usually donated by blue-haired little old ladies, God love them!)... scattered references to homemade dollies are found in period literature, letters, and diaries as well... they're a great option for playtime!

You could legitimately stuff the doll with cotton batting or wool batting, or even cattail fluff, though it compacts a bit much. With cotton, it needs to be fairly refined to avoid miscellaneous seeds from staining the fabric over time, but most of what is commercially available will be very fine. And, with the resurgence of heirloom quilting, you can find both cotton and wool batts and stuffing fairly easily. Most custom fiber shops will sell wool roving, which makes a very "stuffable" stuffing; just choose an undyed, light color.

One place for wool stuffing: http://www.woolythread.com/wool.html Wool "fiberfill" is $13/pound, or $1/ounce. Dolls don't take a terribly lot, but it's better to have a bit extra than not quite enough!

For those who want to do Berlin woolwork--totally off topic, I know-- Wooly Thread also stocks wool crewel threads.

[Fishermans wife]

Re: Cloth/Rag doll stuffing

I have no documentation on this either . But for Addi Grace's I used cotton fabric scraps cut onto small squares and strips. Since I do a lot of sewing it was the most economical thing I had on hand and seemed a logical use for all those teeny tiny bit s of fabric. Yes and I do save them in a scrap bag that needs to be picked up as thrown out. For some reason I just can't bring myself to do. Hey someday I may be commissioned to make 14,ooo rag dolls.LOL

She also has a doll that is just long strips of fabric. The head is formed around a wad of fabric and then tied off at the neck. It Has no face. Then some strips are used to make the arms by folding them out and tying at the wrist then folding back and tying to make an arm pit. Then it is again tied at the waist. The rest of the strips just dangle to make a shirt.

Lisa Pace

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: Cloth/Rag doll stuffing

Recently on the Civil War Reenactors Forum Virginia Mescher posted an article from Godey's

http://www.cwreenactors.com/dcforum/civilian/4239.html

The very last paragraph is about cutting up old wool to be used for stuffing pillows. If you don't have old wool one can run out to the thrift store and pick up an old wool coat for about $3, wash it and cut it up. I tried some and it is quite light and fluffy.
Virginia also sells a cute kit for a rolled doll made from scraps.
Hope this helps.
Susan Armstrong