Sunday 24 August 2008

Dammit Dolls

Everyone should have one of these. Here's mine:
I made her as a "demo model" back when I was doing weekly craft sessions at a women's shelter. She's constructed from sturdy denim with embroidered features (a mouth stretched in a perpetual primal scream and a red coil of rage in her belly!) ... no buttons or hard objects attached so she does not damage furniture when used. I keep her on my desk, and when my computer ... or whatever ... frustrates the bejewels outta me, I recite this little verse with actions:
Whenever things don't go so well
And you want to hit someone and shout
Take your little dammit doll
That you cannot do without.
Just grasp it firmly by the legs
And find a place to slam it
And as you whack the stuffing out
Yell, "DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!"
Okay, in reality I just recite the last three words over and over until I feel better, not the entire verse!
The women at the shelter made some really delightful Dammit Dolls, and I wish I had had my camera to record some of their creativity. The dolls are super easy to make. The only skill required is very basic sewing. Most of the women at the shelter had never even sewn a button on before, but managed these fine once they mastered threading the sewing needle. The dolls are actually kind of cool if the sewing ISN'T perfect as the stuffing DOES start coming out a bit when they are used.
Here are the instructions:
STEP #1: Cut out 2 pieces of fabric of choice in the general shape of a person or a gingerbread cookie at least 10 inches (or 25 centimeters) tall. The shape really isn't that crucial.
STEP #2: Place right sides of fabric together, and sew around the edges, leaving one opening along the side of body for inserting stuffing.
STEP #3: Turn right side out, then stuff firmly with fibrefill or foam or soft rags or lonely socks, and sew up the opening.
STEP #4: You may leave your Dammit Doll plain, or use embroidery thread or fabric paints to decorate it however you like.
If you decide to make a Dammit Doll as a gift for someone (who possibly really needs it), you can print out the above verse/instructions and pin it to the doll.
Next time I post here, remind me to tell you about a very serious recent conversation with Little Madam C. about dolls ...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Next time you should take it camping. L.

Anonymous said...

I still have my dammit doll but he's gettibn a little ragged. You could make me a new one ha ha.

LDF said...

Next time it's 30 degrees out I'm NOT going camping!