Historically Inspired Doll Fashions

Hello sweet friends! Welcome to a very fun Fashion Friday. I’ve recently been creating some lovely little frocks for my sweet nieces for Easter. The emphasis is on the word little as they are Historically Inspired Doll Fashions. 

Historically Inspired Doll Fashions

For as long as there have been children there have been dolls and doll clothing. 

From the Queen Anne dolls popular in the 1700s…

… to fancy French dolls in the Victorian era, children and adults of all ages have loved dolls. 

I have spoken many times about my dear Grandma Ingalls, aka Grandma Jingles, and her dolls. She ran an antique doll repair hospital out of her home for many years. She would be delighted that I am making darling wee dresses and such. 

American Girl, Our Generation, and Journey Girls

It’s fun sewing clothing for 18-inch dolls. I fell in love with American Girl dolls back when the simple catalogs arrived in your mailbox. 

I’m sure it is no surprise that my favorite doll was Felicity. However, my little girl loved Molly. 

After saving several pennies it was Molly who came to live with us.

For several years on each Christmas and birthday Molly would receive a new dress and book.

Years passed, and Molly with her trunk full of clothes were packed away. 

Recently my friend Michele showed me some darling clothing she was making from various patterns from companies such as Simplicity, Thimbles and Acorns, Pixie Faire, and Ann Van Doren.

My miniature and historical fashion-loving heart was hooked!

I adore this sweet 1700s inspired set.

The Regency era is a favorite. This beautiful cerulean blue linen looks fabulous on Josefina. It is paired with a tiny linen fichu. 

A bib-front frock from the Regency era and a lovely dress from the Romantic Era take tea together. 

I just adore the large, frilly sleeves from the 1830s don’t you?

Of course, the prairie girl in me had to get in on the fun. 

The Outtakes

While photographing the dolls Mr. Decor couldn’t resist having a bit of fun with the accessories. 

DOGZILLA!

UPDATE: Thank you so much! All of the dresses have been sold. 

If you would like a frock or apron for your doll there are several to be found under the SHOP TAB at the top of the page. 

Many of the dresses feature vintage fabric and trims which means they are one of a kind. 

Some of the dresses are hand-stitched for the serious collector while others feature machine stitching. 

In this week’s video, Michele and I talk about sewing for dolls. She got a sneak peek of the sunroom makeover I am working on. 

Be prepared for some laughs! Just click on the image to view it. 

If you wish to view the video in a larger format just click on the black box in the lower left hand corner that says Watch on YouTube.

 

I’ll see you on Sunday friends!

Laura