Discover the history behind more than 250 dolls, with photos, fabric panels, and ephemera that bring America’s past to life. Since the day a simple rag doll was carried off the Mayflower, dolls have captured our hearts, and thrifty Americans have always made dolls for their children. As the centuries progressed, early homemade dolls with painted faces gave way to commercial cut-and-sew versions. Then advertisers jumped in with dolls printed on flour sacks and fabric panels—which became precious possessions of little girls during the dark days of the Great Depression and World War II. In this book, you’ll find history and photographs of more than 250 dolls, fabric panels, and doll ephemera, many rarely seen items, careful collected and documented by historian Gloria Nixon.

Designer Jess Brown is known for her irresistible, starry-eyed rag dolls. In this inspiring book, Brown shares a custom pattern and simple instructions to sew, personalize, and accessorize your own rag doll. Illustrating the story behind these dolls, the book places emphasis on natural materials, vintage fabrics, beautiful notions, and quality craftsmanship. Make the dolls for the children—of all ages—in your life to love now and cherish for decades. After making the doll, follow Brown's patterns for darling accessories such as an apron, overcoat, and knickers.

This vintage book contains comprehensive guide to collecting dolls, containing information on the history of dolls, buying and selling, restoration, and a much more. Profusely illustrated and full of interesting information, "Dolls - A Guide for Collectors" constitutes a timeless resource for doll enthusiasts and is not to be missed by modern collectors. Contents include: "What is a Doll", "On Collecting Dolls-Where to Buy, What to Pay, and Dolls Worth Collecting", "Early Toy Dolls", "Dolls of the Nineteenth Century", "China-Headed Dolls and their Marks", "Bidque Dolls and their Marks", "Dolls of Papier Mache and Composition", "Hand-made Dolls", "The Christmas Crib", "The Cloth Doll", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on dolls.

Sew super-cute rag dolls and their gorgeous clothes—perfect for personalized presents! Start with one basic doll sewing pattern—which you can then alter to personalize your doll’s coloring and hairstyle. Then choose from a range of fabulous themed outfits and accessories to complete your uniquely charming doll—including a ballerina doll, a bride doll, a bedtime doll, and a fairy doll. All instructions are suitable for intermediate to experienced sewers and include full-sized templates for the doll, clothes, and accessories.