Description
This is a custom order for two Waldorf-style Orthodox monk dolls.
The first is a 9 1/2 inch small doll. His black knit cassock and skufia are stitched down and not designed to be removed. His head and body are constructed in the Waldorf-style (filled and sculpted with tightly 100% wool). The face and hands are made of tan-colored cotton knit and his body is made of black cotton-blend knit. His beard and hair are crocheted from grey wool yarn.
His skufia is made from black knit and has a small cross embroidered in red on the front. His cassock is made of the same fabric. It is free from the hem to the neck and is tightly sewn to the body at the neck and arm openings. A grosgrain ribbon “belt” is securely stitched in place. He has a knotted yarn “prayer rope” stitched to his belt.
The second doll is made for the youngest children. It too is crafted from black cotton knit and stuffed with sheep’s wool. The face and hands are coffee-colored knit and the beard is white knit. There are no parts able to be pulled or chewed off. Equal parts machine and hand-sewing. This doll is approximately 5 1/2 inches high, just right for little hands.
The monk doll has flat, stitched-down arms and a “prayer rope” is embroidered right onto the doll with black wool yarn.
Care: Hand wash with a very small amount of a mild detergent or baby wash in cool water. Gently squish the doll in the water without rubbing or wringing. Rinse thoroughly in the same way. Gently press out as much water as possible, then roll in a towel and press out additional water. Lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or use heat as the wool stuffing will felt which will cause the doll to harden and lose shape. Wool has natural antimicrobial properties and will resist mildew and bacteria. There are several sites online giving instructions for washing wool-stuffed dolls which I recommend you consult before washing.