Dolls - page 2
by Patricia L. Cummings
This page is a continuation of a display of dolls that I have kept from my childhood in the 1950s, and photos of dolls that friends and readers have sent us. The first doll in the line-up today is a society girl, complete with a petticoat, nylons, high heels, a fancy dress with matching vest and a bouquet of flowers at the waist, and a hat with flowers. Her fingernails are painted red, she is wearing "lipstick," and her eyes match the sky on the brightest of days. She was given to me by my godfather.
F&F Doll, 1950s. photo by James Cummings
A doll much taller than the preceding one is a Bridal doll, again from the 1950s/early 60s. She, too, has startlingly bright, blue eyes, and is bedecked in her bridal finery.
photo by James Cummings
An antique "Crazy Ann" quilt serves as a background for this exquisitely outfitted bridal doll from the 1950s. The elastic that held on her shoes became stretched and gave way, and she has a little bit of black staining on her arm, as you can see. Other than that, she is in great shape for an "old gal."
Doll in christening outfit, laying on a brass bed that I purchased, already "dressed." photo by James Cummings
China head doll, 1920s?
This china head doll is in her original dress, and is wearing a new, blue and red flannel petticoat that I made to replace her ratty one. Her body is stuffed with fine sawdust, and is composed of a stiff fabric that is loosely-woven and resembles Osnaburg cloth, according to one expert.
Her feet were made of a weak material, and have long since broken off. After much deliberation, I decided to contain the cascading sawdust by wrapping her body in muslin, as well as part of one leg, and two arms. She is wearing to the knees undies that are gathered with a thin cord that has been run through a waistline opening. Her red dress, that is in pretty good condition, is enclosed with a black snap on the back, and I will keep the dress, for the sake of authenticity, but at some point in time, may lightly rinse it.
Flamenco Dancer with Vanna White's face
Does anyone know the manufacturer?
photo by James Cummings
ˇAy, Caramba! What was my mother thinking when she gave me this doll? She told me that, someday, it would be "collectible," and to "hang onto it until such a time as I needed money." The doll was given to me, I suppose, in honor of the time I spent in Spain. However, I have never quite cultivated an affection for this doll that has the culturally incorrect match of Vanna White's face. Pardon me, but I don't think her face looks like that of a flamenco dancer. Ah, well, we all have our own tastes. I guess I still have this doll only out of respect for the fact that Mom gave her to me.
Soft-sculpture doll made for me by my friend, Gloria of Argentina.
The adorable doll holds knitting needles.
Gloria loves to sew and I never know what kind of craft item or quilt she will come up with next. Lucky for me, she has sent me a number of her lovely creations, all very unique and very much appreciated.
If anyone has any photos of dolls to share, please send them to: pat@quiltersmuse.com. Hope you've enjoyed seeing my dolls. I am sure that I shall be adding additional files related to dolls, doll beds, etc. in the future.
©Copyright 2007. Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved. pat@quiltersmuse.com