Vanity, the Doll with an Attitude Joins the Red Hat Society
By Liz Marten

The Red Hat Society has swelled to great numbers in this area. Several Red Hat Events have included doll related events, so Vanity decided to join their ranks. She has been well received as a Red Hatter's pin. A few adjustments to the original pattern make her a glamorous Red Hatter.

Follow the directions for the basic doll. On my Red Hatter, I painted her legs gold with black shoes. Her outfit uses the sleeves and "bloomers" from the pattern, but purple, of course. I used a piece of purple silk from a shirt at the local thrift store and added a sparkling rhinestone pin at the front where the sleeves and waist meet. She also demanded a rhinestone bracelet and ring. These were just strips of rhinestones glued in the appropriate places.

Since most Red Hatters are Seniors, I used gray mohair for her hair. It doesn't take much, because her hat hides most of it. Now for the Hat! I cut a circle about 2 1/2 Inches in diameter from red felt. In the center, make a circle of glue (Fabritac works best) about an inch in diameter. Hold the hat firmly on her head with the glue where the crown should be. Use your fingers to mold the felt into a crown shape right on top of her head. A few straight pins help to hold it in place until it dries. Now she has a red hat with a big brim ready for decorating. I used a red feather and a red ribbon rose. Use your imagination. Make her hat as wild as the group. Add a pin back and off she goes to your next event. Don't be surprised if everyone there wants one!

You can get the Vanity pattern at http://dollmakersjourney.com/friends.html#marten

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