These dolls are called "pew babies" because they were so simple for mother's to make in church to quiet a fussy little one. (Back in a more gracious time, when people still carried handkerchiefs!) They're really easy to make, and can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Another benefit - they don't take up a whole lot of room, and so are easily carried around by little hands (or mouths, or pockets, or stuffed down the front of a onesie...)
Here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own.
Start with a square (or rectangle) of fabric. If not using an actual handkerchief, go ahead and hem all the edges so they won't fray. (Just pretend that head isn't there yet)
About 1/3 of the way from the top edge, make a "head" by wadding polyfill, cotton balls, or scraps and then tying the handkerchief around it.
Tie the top two corners in a knot to make "hands".
Fold the handkerchief down to leave the head at the top. It should look like she has a cape.
Tie a ribbon around her waist, catching the back cape in the ribbon.
Add embellishments as you choose - draw or embroider a face, add a bit of lace and some ribbon to give her a "bonnet", anything you desire!
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