Sally’s Doll

I've just finished this custom order doll for Sally. — I’ve just finished this custom order doll for Sally.

This 18 inch tall, all cloth doll, is the third reproduction that I've made of my antique Izannah Walker doll "Ismay". — This 18 inch tall, all cloth doll, is the third reproduction that I’ve made of my antique Izannah Walker doll “Ismay”.

A fortunate find was this antique linen with a crochet edge, which makes the perfect finish to the top of her arm coverings. — A fortunate find was this antique linen with a crochet edge, which makes the perfect finish at the top of her arm coverings.

Her split pantalettes are the first layer of clothing that goes on over her antique natural colored linen "second skin". — Her split pantalettes are the first layer of clothing that goes on over her antique natural colored linen “second skin”.

A scalloped hem petticoat is the last layer of her undergarments and echos the theme of her scallop lace trimmed chemise and pantalettes and her scallop topped boots.

Her pantalettes peep from underneath her dress skirt.

Sally chose a wonderful antique ,25 inch wide, Civil War era paisley print cotton for her dress. The fabric is in remarkable good condition for a 150+ year old textile. This small blue "Persian pickle" (my favorite term for paisley) is a particular favorite of mine, with just enough tiny minor imperfections to show it's age, but overall sturdiness. Notice the dress fastens with an antique cotton tape drawstring at the neck and an antique blue rimmed milk glass button at the waist. — Sally chose a wonderful antique ,25 inch wide, Civil War era paisley print cotton for her dress. The fabric is in remarkably good condition for a 150+ year old textile. This small blue “Persian pickle” (my favorite term for paisley) is a particular favorite of mine, with just enough tiny minor imperfections to show it’s age, but overall sturdiness. Notice the dress fastens with an antique cotton tape drawstring at the neck and an antique blue rimmed milk glass button at the waist.

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but when you see posts like this one on my website they are usually ones that I post so that the doll's new owner can look over all the final details and let me know if there is anything they would like changed on their doll. Once any alterations are made and I get the OK, then I send out the final invoice for the balance of the payment and ship the doll. Occasionally I've already emailed a few photos to the doll's new "Mom" and do one of these larger photo posts to tide her over until the doll can arrive. :) — I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but when you see posts like this one on my website they are usually ones that I post so that the doll’s new owner can look over all the final details and let me know if there is anything they would like changed on their doll. Once any alterations are made and I get the OK, then I send out the final invoice for the balance of the payment and ship the doll. Occasionally I’ve already emailed a few photos to the doll’s new “Mom” and do one of these larger photo posts to tide her over until the doll can arrive. 🙂

My newly made reproduction doll is shown here with two small antique friends. My goal is to make beautiful, accurate reproduction Izannah Walker dolls that will look right at home with your antique dolls and furnishings and blend perfectly into your collections.

The original Ismay, on the right, is a very early example of one of Izannah Walker's dolls. My reproduction custom ordered Ismay on the left is a faithful recreation of the original, with custom details specified by her new owner. — The original Ismay, on the right, is a very early example of one of Izannah Walker’s dolls. My reproduction custom ordered Ismay, on the left, is a faithful recreation of the original, with custom details specified by her new owner.

Ismay and her new namesake... — Ismay and her new namesake…

Ismay takes a few moments to introduce her new little sister to the rest of her family, and a special friend.

Four old & 1 new :) — Four old & one new 🙂

One last group photo... — One last group photo…

Sally's doll stops to visit with another one of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, this one may from a mold of my friend Mary's doll Anna. — Sally’s doll stops to visit with another one of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, this one made from a mold of my friend Mary’s doll, Anna. The funky shadows on the side of her face are from the candle stick 🙂

6 thoughts on “Sally’s Doll”

Gulp, she is gorgeous! I love the mold this doll was made from. She seems that her features are a little more delicate. Paula, your work is outstanding! It is so fun to imagine a brand new doll like this given as a gift to some lucky little girl in the 19th century.

Isabella,

Thank you for your very kind words! I love the original doll and each time I make a reproduction of her I love her more and more. She is just a bit different in proportion than the slightly later dolls, but that tiny bit makes a big difference 🙂 I have to admit that I do think about the dolls and the way they looked when they were new. Having a chance to make my reproductions and erase a bit of their wear and tear gives me a glimpse into their past… a perfect daydream for a sultry summer day…

Paula

Paula, this doll and her wardrobe are beautiful. I especially love the dress print fabric. Such a great find. Another beautiful creation Izannah Walker would truely be proud of. The new owners will love her to pieces.

paulawalton says:

July 15, 2015 at 8:58 am

Thank you Mary ❤

Reply

Hi Paula,
Oh, this young lady turned out great. I just love the print in her dress and the style is perfect for summer. I also love her sweet necklace.