Back in the 1980’s worry dolls were trending. DMC, the embroidery floss folks, asked Mom to design some crafts using their product. Of course, she made some clothespin dolls! The miniature flat clothespins turned out to be perfect for the task, having a bit of curve for the bodies. Out of these projects came some very special Christmas ornaments for me!

This year, I put my precious treasures on a wreath and made a little video of them. You will see two versions of a soldier, two versions of Mrs. Santa, an angel, and my favorite, a pointy-eared elf.

Worry Dolls are small, hand-made dolls that originated in Guatemala. According to legend, Guatemalan children tell their worries to the Worry Dolls, placing them under their pillow at bedtime. By morning the dolls have gifted them with the wisdom and knowledge to eliminate their worries. Typically they are ½”-2” tall and made with wire, wool, and fabric scraps. In this year when we’ve had plenty to worry about, why not pull out some yarn or embroidery floss and start wrapping some clothespins into dolls. Just watch your anxiety fly away!

If you are interested in receiving one of the old DMC instruction sheets, be sure to mention it to us with your order, and we will include it free of charge while supplies last. We also have one kit available, ‘Peg Leg Pete’ that uses the embroidery floss wrapping technique on the larger clothespin (easier by far than the tiny ones!).

Wishing you a Worry-Free Christmas!