Handkerchief Fairy Doll by Nancy Porras (1985)

The pattern for this 16" cloth fairy doll, designed by Nancy Porras, was published in the April 1985 issue of National Doll World magazine. She is a separated pancake style doll, with each body part being sewn from an identical front and back, or right and left, piece.

Instructions for the Handkerchief Fairy doll call for her to be made from peach broadcloth, though you could of course use any color. She has small mitten hands with a long thumb, and her legs are shaped slightly bent, with her toes pointed, like a ballerina. She has pointed ears which are part of her head, rather than separately applied. Her face is painted with acrylic paints, but could easily be embroidered or drawn with markers instead. Her hair is made from two skeins of embroidery floss.

Handkerchief Fairy's only clothing is a dress made from a floral hankie. The one used for the pictured doll was 14" square. Satin ribbon forms the belt. She has no shoes or underwear. One unusual feature is the beaded tiara and necklace.

This is a fairy simple pattern, but her long thin arms and legs might be a challenge for a beginner to stuff smoothly. The instructions say "the doll and dress can easily be made in an afternoon," but that estimate would be for an experienced sewer, as the steps are not illustrated, and not explained in great detail. Those who enjoy dollmaking more than costuming will appreciate the dress that requires no hemming or closures. The beadwork is an interesting addition to this simple but unusual doll.

Chelsea, The Wood Nymph by Jeanette Amick

 

Chelsea, The Wood Nymph was designed by Jeanette Amick of Hayward, CA. The pattern was published in the June 1992 issue of Doll Life magazine. 

Chelsea is a separated pancake style doll. No size is given, but it looks like she would make up to be about 8" tall. She is to be made of unbleached or ecru colored muslin, with a painted face and Spanish moss for hair. Her face could easily be embroidered or drawn in place as well, and embroidery floss could be used for hair if you wish her to have a more conventional look.

Because she is such a small doll, the instructions call for the stitching lines of the body pieces to be transferred to the fabric and then stitched before cutting out the pieces.

Chelsea's fully-lined outfit includes a simple shirt and a skirt made of alternating small and large petals sewn to a waistband. She has boots with turned-up toes as well. Chelsea is meant to be displayed on a piece of driftwood with peacock feathers, as in the photo.

This pattern is suitable for a sewer with some dollmaking experience. Step-by-step instructions are given, but the steps are not illustrated, and a few steps seem to have been left out. For example, nowhere does it say to stuff the head, but obviously that needs to be done.

Her small size will appeal to those who like to make little dolls, and simple changes or embellishments to her face, hair and outfit could create a forest of different fairies. If you have made this doll, please leave a comment to tell us about your experience.

McCall's 8349 - Boy and Girl Dolls in Two Sizes (1982)

McCall's pattern 8349 makes a boy and girl doll in 17 1/2" and 13" sizes dressed in old fashioned styles. The pattern is copyrighted 1982.

The dolls are made with a simple body in separated pancake style, with contrasting color feet to look like shoes, and mitten hands. The head has a flat face with a separate round stuffed nose; and the back of the head is in three pieces to give it a rounded shape. The girl and boy dolls are made with the same pieces, the only difference between them is the embroidered facial features, and the yarn hair styles.

The girls' lace-trimmed dress can be made long or short. For the longer version, there is a pinafore and mob cap to give her a "Little House on the Prairie" look. The shorter version, without the pinafore, looks more contemporary. The boys' outfit is a shirt with gathered sleeves, pants with elastic waist, and a vest. These pieces could be used to make another girls' outfit as well.

Although there is nothing unusual or exceptional about these designs, but the dolls are cute and the clothing patterns adaptable to a number of different looks. The instructions for this pattern are detailed, especially the page on hair styling, so this looks like a good pattern for a less experienced (or less confident) sewer.

Copyright 2015 by Zendelle Bouchard

Simplicity 7188 - Pair of Pilgrim dolls & fall decor

This pattern makes cute boy and girl pilgrim dolls, plus a soft sculptured pumpkin and oak leaves table centerpiece, and an oak leaf and acorn wall hanging. It is copyright 1985.

Nowhere on the envelope does it say what size the dolls are, but I would guess about 18". They are made separated pancake style, with the head, torso and legs all in one piece, and the arms with stump hands are sewn on separately. The dolls are to be made of stretch knit fabric, with embroidered features and yarn hair. They have different hair styles, but otherwise the boy and girl dolls are identical.

Their pilgrim outfits are made of solid color fabric with accessories of felt. The clothes are not made to be removable, but could be, with slight alterations. Like most craft patterns, the dolls are not meant to be played with, but a child over 3 who is gentle with them could do so.

The dolls are very simple patterns that a beginner should have no trouble with, but their clothes are a little more complex and might require some help or experience.

Simplicity 9193 - 16" Witch doll for Halloween

This pattern, designed by Mitzi Bibens and Donna Towe, makes a witch doll and her simple outfit. The pattern is dated 1994.

The witch doll is made in a separated pancake style with lobster-claw hands. She has a center-seam face and some very simple needle sculpting to give her eyes and mouth added definition. Her lower legs are shaped like pointy-toed boots. A dowel inside her torso and head keeps her head from flopping. Her facial features can be painted or drawn with marker and colored pencil. The instructions call for her boots to be painted black - but it would seem to be simpler just to make her legs from black fabric. Her hair is purchased wool.

Her outfit is constructed very simply. The bloomers and two piece dress are sewn to her, but with a few simple alterations they could be made removable. The sleeves and hem of the dress are cut in long points with no finished hem. Her hair is glued to her head and the hat is then glued to the hair.

This is a fairly simple pattern which could produce good results for a beginning sewer. It is meant to be a decoration, not a child's plaything.

McCall's Pattern 5740 - Set of Dolls in Two Sizes (1977)

McCall's Pattern #5740 makes a simple 16" and 37.5" doll with variations of dress and hair. The doll's long dresses reflect the Americana style that was popular around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial.

The large and small dolls are constructed in the same manner, in separated pancake style which goes together quickly. The dolls have appliqued felt eyes, noses and mouths. Their most distinguishing feature is their long stitched eyelashes. Their hair is made from rug yarn with a choice of two styles: long braids or Princess Leia-style buns on either side. Clear instructions are given for attaching the hair.

Two styles of dresses are given. View A has a front skirt panel, collar and cuffs trimmed with lace. The rest of the skirt is gathered in tiers. View B has a plain flared skirt and cuffs. Slip and pantie patterns are included.

This is a simple but cute pattern. My only concern with making it is that no provision is made for reinforcing the doll's neck. The larger size in particular has a huge head that would certainly flop without any internal reinforcement. But an experience dollmaker should have no trouble adapting a method from another pattern or previous project.

Mandy #883 - Vintage Black Cloth Doll Mail Order Pattern

Mandy is a mystery mail order pattern. No company or designer name, or date is on the pattern, just the number 883. The return address on the envelope is Needlework Dept., 220 Fifth Ave., New York 1, N.Y. This may be another branch of Reader Mail, Inc., the company responsible for Laura Wheeler, Marian Martin and Alice Brooks patterns, among others.

No size is given, but it looks like Mandy would make up to be about 17" tall. She is designed as a black doll, as the instructions call for her to be made from brown cotton material. Her body is separated pancake style, with the suggestion of fingers in the scalloped tips of her hands. Her facial features are to be embroidered in satin stitch and her hair is to be done all in French knots from "heavy black knitting worsted."

Mandy's outfit is in the stereotypical "mammy" style, with an apron over her dress and bandana over her hair. Ankle strap shoes and under pants complete her ensemble. If you want practice using the binding foot on your sewing machine, this is a good pattern to try - the sleeves, neckline, apron, shoes and bandana are all bound in bias tape, which adds interesting detail to an otherwise simple pattern.

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.

McCall's Crafts 5515 - American Heirloom Dolls (1991)

McCall's Crafts pattern #5515 titled "American Heirloom Dolls" makes a very simple cloth doll with no facial features or hair. Her outfit is designed to be made using vintage linens such as pillowcases, napkins, dresser scarves, etc; but any fabric can be used.

The doll is a very simple separated pancake style with stump hands, jointed at the hips and stitched across the shoulders. While she is not intended to have facial features or hair, the maker can add these as desired.

The gown has eight variations, including a button band down the bodice, optional slip and apron, yoke and vest treatments on the bodice. Some hints are given on how to take advantage of embroidery or lace edging on a piece of linen. The doll also wears sunbonnet. This pattern has quite a bit of gathering, but is otherwise fairly simple.

This doll would be a great way to display not only your vintage linens, but also a favorite piece of clothing that belonged to you or a loved one, or even a piece of a wedding gown. With a project like this, a piece of your family history could be shared and enjoyed, instead of hidden away in a box in the attic.

McCall #820 - Raggedy Ann & Andy (1940)

Raggedy Ann and Andy were storybook characters created by Johnny Gruelle in the early 20th century. They are the most popular dolls of all time, and have been mass produced by a series of companies under license since 1920. This McCall pattern, copyright 1940, was the first one published for home sewers. It makes 19" Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls wearing their usual outfits, plus a hooded cape for Ann. When the pattern was reissued in the fifties, McCall's used the same stock number (820) but the envelope has a different illustration.

Raggedy Ann and Andy here have the same separated pancake style construction that has been used to make the commercially available dolls for generations. They have oversized mitten hands, yarn hair and button eyes. Transfers are included for their embroidered facial features and the hearts on their chests. The maker is instructed to use striped fabric for their lower legs and black for their feet, just like the store bought dolls.

Raggedy Ann's outfit includes a dress with set in sleeves and a pleated ruffle at the neck; drawers gathered below the knee; an apron; and the hooded cape. Raggedy Andy's shirt and trousers are sewn together to make a one piece garment. His sailor cape and black tie complete his outfit.

These dolls are classic Americana. What more can be said?

Made to be Loved - 6 dolls with outfits 1955

This pattern is copyright 1955 by the Educational Bureau of Coats and Clark, makers of thread and sewing notions. It consists of a 22" x 17" sheet, printed on both sides and folded in quarters, which has the instructions and clothing patterns; and an 11" x 17" sheet which has the body patterns.

This pattern was apparently made for school use - it indicates that a teacher's file copy is available free upon request, and the pattern leaflets are 5 cents each or 25 for a dollar. The description on the cover reads, "Take your choice from this most adorable of sextets and see what Mother's scrapbag will yield for his, her, or their outfits."

The dolls make up at 14" tall and are separated pancake style. The neck is sewn to the back of the head to give the doll a chin. They have mitten hands, embroidered features and yarn hair. All six dolls are made from the same pattern. The maker has a choice of three different faces to embroider, with three different girls' hairstyles, and one boys' hairstyle.

This pattern has very detailed instructions with lots of clear illustrations - excellent for a beginner. The clothing patterns include underwear, two hats, and shoes to be made from felt. Socks are to be purchased. All outfits are made to be removable.

Betty Ann, pictured below, was made by Caroline Snow of Warner, NH in 1966. She is one of my favorite dolls.