Handmade Rag Dolls - Ancient Toys
Handmade Rag dolls are the oldest toy known to exist. In that time period, rag dolls were made of old pieces of fabric and stuffed with scraps of material. Since then, rag dolls have become an icon, and the standard for the rag doll has been raised.
The rag doll movement changed with the introduction of Raggedy Ann. Raggedy Ann was a character that Johnny Gruelle used in a series of books he created, originally for his daughter. Raggedy Ann was introduced to the public in 1918, with the first of many books. Later in 1920, a sequel was introduced starring Ann's good friend, Raggedy Andy.
Raggedy Ann changed the way rag dolls were seen by the generations to come. Nowadays rag dolls are known for wearing blue and white, and having red yarn hair. Most children are now seen with these rag dolls rather than any other form.
Having a Raggedy Ann doll does have its benefits. Not only are these dolls soft, therefore it's unlikely that you can injure yourself (or the doll) if it gets thrown around, but the doll is also easy to repair. A few stitches will help to keep the doll intact, which means that your child can cherish it forever. Another benefit is that they're easy to clean, as any Raggedy Ann doll can be washed with dish detergent, shampoo, or laundry soap.
Children today still love their cloth dolls just as those children many years ago. The dolls are usually carried around, slept with, and taken everywhere. While keeping your child's fabric playmate clean is important, it must be done with care. Raggedy Ann dolls are well-made, but still require special care, especially those stuffed with something other than polyester fiber or nylon filling!
Use a mild, gentle cleanser to clean the fabric doll. Shampoo or dish detergent are the best choices. Fill a small bowl with the soap and warm water and submerge the doll in sections at a time. Wet the doll's body and then squeeze out any excess water. Try to avoid using a wringing action, as this will stretch the doll. Once the doll has been washed, lay her on a thick towel to air dry. These dolls can be put in the dryer, however it's recommended to put her in a pillowcase to protect her from any damage.