Butterick 16" Holly Hobbie Doll and Wardrobe patterns (1990)

In 1990, Butterick issued a pattern to make a 16" cloth Holly Hobbie doll wearing an old fashioned dress and floppy hat, and a separate pattern to make a wardrobe of clothes for her.

The doll looks fairly simple to make, but has some unusual construction elements. Her head is shaped with darts, and her yarn bangs are sewn to the top of the face piece before the doll is put together. The rest of her hair is applied after she is stuffed. Each arm is made with one piece of fabric; the back seam of the arm is more like a dart. Her shoes are sewn to the bottom of her legs to form her feet. She has a rear end shaped so she can sit. Her facial features are meant to be painted on, but you could embroider or draw them with markers as well.

The clothing pattern that comes with the doll pattern makes a dress with lots of gathers, and a floppy hat with bow. No underwear pattern is included.

The separate clothing pattern makes a jumper with blouse, bloomers and hat; a dress with bloomers, a coat and hat, and a nightgown with night cap. Everything is trimmed with eyelet ruffling. The sleeves, bloomers and night cap are all gathered with elastic. The buttons on the front of the coat are decorative only; it closes with snaps, as do the blouse and dress. The nightgown has a velcro closure.

The patterns both include iron-on transfers of the Holly Hobbie logo. It would have made much more sense to have the transfer for her facial features, or the design on her dress, rather than having to trace them from the pattern piece or paint them freehand.

Butterick 3668 - Simple 11.5" Doll with Clothes & Carrying Case (1994)

Butterick pattern #3668 makes an 11.5" girl doll with a complete wardrobe of clothes, and a carrying case to take it all with you. It is dated 1994.

The doll is made in a separated pancake style, with simple facial features to be drawn on with markers, with a little powdered blush for her cheeks. Her braided hairstyle is made from worsted weight yarn. Her shoes and socks are part of her body. She has mitten hands.

She has a complete wardrobe including camisole and shorts; dress trimmed with lace; nightgown; top and jumper; overalls and vest; and coat. Her straw hat is to be purchased. The carrying case includes a bed for her with blanket and pillow, and two pockets to hold all her clothes.

The pattern is fairly simple, but with detailed instructions, and the doll is sturdy enough for play. A nice beginner pattern, or for a parent and child to make together.

Butterick 4313 - Bonnie's Bundles - Big Eyed Girl Dolls in 2 Sizes

Butterick pattern #4313 is not dated, but the style of the envelope indicates it is probably from the late 1970s or early 1980s. It makes a girl doll is 17" and 21" sizes with large side-glancing or downward-glancing eyes and an old fashioned dress.

The dolls have fairly simple construction. The facial features are to be embroidered before assembly. The back of the head is made from two pieces to give it some shape. The hands are almost mitten shape, with just the suggestion of fingers, and their feet have a flat sole piece. They have long yarn hair in two slightly different styles.

The dolls wear similarly styled dresses with long sleeves, pinafores with pockets and felt boots. The larger doll has a bonnet and petticoat, while her smaller sister's shorter skirt shows the pantaloons underneath.

"Bonnie's Bundles" is the trade name of Vermont doll artist Bonnie Watters, who presumably designed this pattern, although she is not otherwise credited on it. Mrs. Watters is still in business and you can purchase a handmade doll just like these from her website. Butterick published other "Bonnie's Bundles" patterns including a white-haired Grandma doll, and a pair of baseball-head dolls with monograms for eyes.