Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Doll Clothing · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Reference Materials

Waved Braid or The Amazing Things You Can Do With Rick Rack

paulawalton2 Comments

I’ve always been rather fond of rick rack.  It reminds me of my childhood.  The dress I wore to my first day of kindergarten was trimmed with white rick rack and I remember seeing it on countless aprons and kitchen curtains during my youth.

In truth, rick rack or waved braid, as it was first known, has been in existence far longer than I have. 🙂  I haven’t been able to track down an exact date yet, but it was certainly available when this papier-mache  milliner’s model was made in the 1830’s.

The waved braid on the dress above is an exact color match to the dress fabric.  Both the braid and fabric are cotton and I am speculating that they were dyed to match.  The dress is original to the doll.  Three rows of waved braid circle the skirt and the bodice is adorned with a lavish combination of braid and knotting.

Waved braid and knotting trim the bodice of this 1830's doll's dress. (click on image to enlarge) Collection of the author.

By 1882, when the following paragraph from The Dictionary of Needlework was published, waved braid was certainly common place and was being used to trim children’s clothing.  It’s not a far leap from children’s garments to doll clothes, which explains why waved braid is often seen on doll clothing from this era.

“There are also waved cotton braids, used for trimming children’s dresses, which are sold by the gross, cut into lengths.  The numbers are 11, 17, 21, 29, and 33.  There are also waved worsted braids for children’s use, which are sold in knots of 4 or 5 yards each, and sold by the gross pieces.  The numbers are 13, 17, and 21.”

Waved braid trimming the neck and sleeve edges of the original chemise that belongs to one of my antique Izannah Walker dolls.

In the 1880’s it was also popular to do crochet work using waved braid.  Some fantastic laces can be created in this manner.  I don’t crochet, but if you do and would like to read more about how to make this type of lace, follow this link.

This is the lower edge of a doll's petticoat, from my collection, that is trimmed with tucks and an extravagant use of waved braid.
Having the patience and perseverance to hand stitch the points of waved braid together, with a single thread, is rewarded by the spectacular effect you can achieve for very little money.
A close-up of white lace created by combining crochet with waved braid.
The use of colored braid with crochet gives an entirely different effect to this antique lace.
This waved braid lace is destined to grace the petticoat of one of my Izannah Walker dolls. It will look just perfect peeping out from below Turkey red skirts!

No matter what name you call it by, waved braid, snake braid, corrugated braid, rick rack ( alternately ricrac, ric-rack or ric rac) is a very authentic choice for trimming historically accurate, mid-1800’s reproduction doll clothing.

Doll Clothing · How to Contact Me · Izannah Reproduction Doll Class · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

How-To Instructions and Photos for Making Another Classic Izannah Walker Dress are Now Posted on My Izannah Walker Class Site

paulawaltonLeave a comment

Merry Christmas to all of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Making students!  As my present to the class this year I have posted instructions for making a classic mid-nineteenth century Izannah Walker dress on the class member site.  The instructions include a bit of dressmaking history and how-to photos.  I hope you enjoy using the instructions to make a new Christmas dress for your Izzy.  After all, a girl needs more than one style of dress in her wardrobe!

If you are one of my students  who has not already signed up for the class member only site, I strongly urge you to do so.  Here is a sample of the bonus class information  you are missing out on if you are not using the class site:

– A Tutorial on How to Reduce & Enlarge Patterns

– Making Molds: Instructions on How to Make Three Additional Types of Molds (different than the molds in the class instructions book)

– Straw and Silk Bonnet Tutorial

– Directions for Making a Classic Izannah Walker mid-1800’s Child’s Dress

– Discussions and additional Directions for “Adding the Grace of Age”, Painting Tips, Clay, Sculpting, Tools, Special Accessories, and more…

and best of all it’s entirely free for all class members.

Email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com if you are a student who needs another invitation to the class site (everyone is automatically invited when they purchase the class).  Be sure to include the approximate date that you took/purchased the class so that it will be easier for me to look you up in my records.  Also for those who have already signed-up for the Ning site but can’t remember how to get there, I am happy to send you a reminder :)

If you haven’t taken my class yet, but have been longing to do so, this would be a wonderful time to start.  Make it your 2012 New Year’s resolution to learn how to create an Izannah Walker doll using the same techniques that Izannah did.  I do have a handful of classes ready that I can mail out immediately, so it is still possible to get a class before Christmas if you order today or tomorrow  (forUS shipping address only).

Doll Clothing · Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker History · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

My Current Stock of Antique Fabrics

paulawaltonLeave a comment
Red print fabrics.

I love fabric!  Especially if it is old.  I thought some of you kindred spirits and doll makers might enjoy taking a look at my collection of Izannah era fabrics.  They span the 1830’s – 1890’s, which covers virtually all of Izannah Walker’s doll making career, from her earliest doll, rumored to have been made in 1828; through the start of her doll making business in 1845, as reported by her grand-niece Norma H. Robertson, on to  her United States patent in 1878 and her death in 1886.

Orange "cheddar" prints.

If you order a custom-made doll or doll clothing you may choose from any of these textiles.  In most cases, I only have enough of each to make a single dress, although there are a few exceptions.   Some pieces are just large enough to use as trim or for accessories.

Clarets and nutmeg browns.
Brown prints were very fashionable in the 1860's.
Indigo blues, group 1.
Even more indigos (group 2).
Civil War era "double pinks".
"Poison" greens.
Black and white "mourning" print fabrics.
Browns and reds.
A lovely sheer cotton printed with subtle plum and golden yellow flowers.
1830's Prussian blue paisley.
Red and blue paisley.

I spent the entire summer scouting for antique fabric and lace, so I currently also have a good supply of exquisite whites  for dresses and undergarments.

Antique whites.
How to Contact Me · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · SALE · Where to Shop

Hint – Sign Up For My Mailing List

paulawalton3 Comments

I don’t send out many notes to my mailing list, but when I do they usually contain good things, especially this time of year.  Sign-up for my mailing list if you would like to know about new designs, studio happenings and of course special sales 🙂

If you would like to be among the first to know when I have new reproduction Izannahs available, just ask and I will add you to my “new dolls” mailing list too.

SALE · Where to Shop

A Sweet Thanksgiving Finale

paulawaltonLeave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful feast surrounded by family and friends.  I am thankful for so many things in my life, including all of my terrific customers and students.

As a virtual “dessert”, to top off all of your harvest sweets, I am having a special sale on my Izannah Walker Class by Mail (click on this link) and my Spun Cotton Ornament Class by Mail (click on this link) from now through Monday, November 28, 2011.

 

 

Doll for Sale · How to Contact Me · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

Fresh Out of the Molds!

paulawalton2 Comments

I just finished taking these two heads out of the molds and thought I’d post a quick photo before I start sewing the fronts and backs together.  Removing the pressed cloth heads from the molds is one of my very favorite things!  I am always constantly amazed that it is possible to actually make fabric do this!!! It is just like a small miracle every time.  I rank it right up there with seed germination :), another of my own personal favorite small miracles.

One of these heads is already spoken for, and will soon be fashioned into a custom doll for Denise B.  The other is available at this time.  If you think that you would like to reserve it for a custom made doll of your own, you may call me at 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com.  I can tell right now that both of these heads are going to turn into really wonderful dolls!

Antique Doll Furniture · Doll Accessories · Other Types of Doll Making · Shows · Where to Shop

Fabulous Finds

paulawalton3 Comments

I have been finding the most wonderful things recently on my shopping forays to the flea market and various other locales.  My latest trip on Sunday to the Elephant’s Trunk and the Jenny Lind Doll Club’s  annual Doll Show were no exception.  Since I just returned last week from a whirlwind shopping trip to Bella Vista, Arkansas with 11 other women, you would think I would be all shopped out 🙂  Apparently not so!

Strands of pink colored bone beads will make charming doll size necklaces. I also have them in natural bone and indigo blue.

I was very excited to find strands of bone  beads at the flea market.   They are going to make wonderful Izannah necklaces and are available in more colors than the coral beads I have been using.  The bone beads are also just as historically accurate as the coral.  So now you will have your choice of both types of beads.

Antique white fabric and lace spilling out of a mid-19th century hide covered trunk. The wooden trunk, lined with period newspaper, is just the right size to hold an Izannah Walker doll and her wardrobe.

I’ve been frantically stocking up on all of the appropriate antique fabrics I can find.  It’s going to be a long winter with many fewer shopping opportunities.  I’m trying to make sure that I have enough fabric on hand to dress the dolls I will be making from now through early spring.  The only drawback is that it’s making me feel a bit like a squirrel putting away nuts for winter 🙂

Early 19th century German wooden doll, with intricately carved ball joints and turn of the 20th century indigo clothing. The doll stands next to a 19th century domed wooden trunk in original blue paint and a 19th century turned walnut spool holder /pincushion. Lying at her feet is an antique crochet sample booklet, made of brown polished cotton with pinked edges.

My shopping list, when I headed out to the doll show, consisted of one item – hand knitted doll socks.  Upon arrival at the show I very virtuously purchased numerous pairs of lacy knit stockings (they are the one and only item of apparel that I do not hand make for my reproduction Izannahs).  But then I got a bit sidetracked!  I happened upon a fantastic German wooden doll, dressed in indigo prints.

A closer look at my newly acquired antique wooden doll.

Her clothing is old, though not as old as the doll herself.  I’m estimating that her current ensemble dates to 1890-1910.  Her pantalettes and chemise are probably original to the doll, which was made in the first part of the 19th century.  Soon the wooden doll was carefully wrapped in tissue and residing in my shopping bag.  To make sure that she didn’t feel lonely, I added a pair of tiny bisque pincushion dolls, a 1920’s Japanese bisque doll, a vintage spun cotton ornament, two tiny wooden Noah’s Ark dogs, and a pair of vintage evergreens to keep her company.

These tiny bisque pincushion dolls, clad in pink silk, are barely 2 inches tall.
Another fun flea market purchase is this doll size polychrome folk art cupboard. There is a drawer in the bottom, big enough to hold an entire child size tea set.
The girls were quite pleased when I brought home this Izannah size mid-19th century doll chair, with a rush seat. They were getting tired of having to share one chair 🙂 The chair is sitting on top of a c.1750 Rhode Island blanket chest in original red paint, covered with a late 19th century hooked rug.
Doll for Sale · How to Contact Me · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

October 5th Studio Update – SOLD Thank you very much for looking :)

paulawaltonLeave a comment
This doll presents a beautiful time worn appearance with characteristic Izannah cracked paint and soft antique fabrics and lace.

Thank you  for taking the time to drop by and look at my dolls.  At the current time all of the dolls that I have completed are sold.  You are always welcome to place a special order or email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com and ask me to put you on my “New Doll Alert List” 🙂 so that I know to email you when I post photos of new dolls. (The “New Doll” list is different from my regular mailing list).

This doll has a very sweet rounded face with the look and coloring of a young child.  She is available for sale with two dresses, one made from washed and faded, soft indigo and the other from a graphic black and white half mourning print.

Her antique indigo print dress has two growth tucks in the skirt and is short enough to show her lace trimmed pantalettes and red painted boots.
She has two ringlets in front of each ear and short wispy hair that goes to the nape of her neck in back.
See the scallop tops of her red boots peeping out from under the lace trim on her pantalettes.
Hand gathered lace trims her linen chemise and pantalettes.
All dressed for Halloween with her witch's hat and cobweb lace shawl.
Contrasting antique black pindot fabric bands encircle the neckline, waist and sleeves of her dress.
Trick or treat!

To read more about this doll please visit my website A Sweet Remembrance.   If you would like additional photos or have any questions call 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com .

Doll Clothing · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Reference Materials · Shows · Where to Shop

Inspiration

paulawaltonLeave a comment

Last month, when I went to the Harwinton (CT) Antiques and Design weekend, I happened across this fantastic portrait.  At the time I had just spent several days painting scallop topped boots on what felt like an entire army of tiny feet and sewing yards and yards of gathered white ruffles and lace.  Finding this painting felt like the hand of fate.

Harwinton Antique Show Labor Day weekend 2011
Susan Wechsler at the South Road Antiques booth wrapping up the portrait for traveling.
Such a great find from a wonderful dealer. You can find Susan by visiting http://www.southroadantiques.com or write to her at southroadantiques@me.com .
This doll has been sold, but you may special order a similar doll of your very own.

We’ve hung the portrait in our parlor, so that she over looks the wing-back chair and Sheraton sewing table, where I sit in the evenings to do my hand sewing.  That way whenever my thread tangles, I have to rip out stitches, or just generally need a bit of encouragement, I can look up for inspiration.  This tiny girl is a gentle guide to the look and feel of long past childhood, that I strive to convey in all of my dolls.   I am so happy to have found her!

She looks as if she could have been a model for one of Izannah Walker's dolls.
Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Doll Clothing · Doll for Sale · Izannah Reproduction Doll Class · Izannah Walker History · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

Happy 194th Birthday Izannah!

paulawalton2 Comments

Izannah Walker was born 194 years ago today on September 25, 1817.  Happy Birthday Izannah!  To commemorate the occasion I’ve created a special Izannah Birthday Doll with an outstanding eleven-piece wardrobe.  I’m also having a birthday sale, from today 9/25/11 through next Sunday 10/2/11, all reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, Izannah Walker Doll Making Classes, Izannah Walker Doll Clothes Patterns and Spun Cotton Ornament Classes are 10% off.  This sale includes custom order dolls and as always you are welcome to place items on lay-away.  If you have any questions, want to place an order, or would just like to chat about Izannah and her dolls and mine, I can be reached at 860-355-5709 or paula@asweetremembrance.com.

 Izannah Birthday Doll

SOLD - Birthday doll and her wardrobe.

Even though I was rushing to beat the rain and falling darkness, I had the best time yesterday taking photos of this doll.  It was great fun to “play dress up” with her.  Her extensive wardrobe includes three dresses, two chemises, two pairs of pantalettes, two petticoats, an apron and a real coral bead necklace.  If you’d like to add more pieces to her wardrobe I can make her hand made leather shoes, a cotton sunbonnet and a straw bonnet.

SOLD - This dress has wonderful sleeves, notice the rows of gathers at the top of the sleeve by the shoulder line.
SOLD - This view shows the yards of 1/8th inch velvet ribbon encircling the sleeves, skirt and waistband.
SOLD - The fabric for this dress is a very old 24 inch wide pumpkin orange on white print with small brown leaves and red berry dots.
SOLD - Here she is wearing her brown and red dress, which is made from another fantastic early fabric.
SOLD - She comes with a real coral necklace, which matches the Turkey red embroidery on her linen apron.
SOLD - This view shows her tiny stitched toes peeping out from beneath her pantalettes. The pantalettes have Turkey red embroidery to match her apron and crocheted lace in a triangle pattern that echos the zig-zag stripes in her dress fabric. Look at the coordinating fabric lining the "false hem" of her dress.
SOLD - She's all dressed for a party in this sheer cotton dress embellished with row upon row of lace insertion.
SOLD - Two long ringlets curl in front of each of her ears. Thank you for looking!

To read more about, or purchase this doll please visit my website A Sweet Remembrance.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or provide additional photos, just ask 🙂 860-355-5709 paula@asweetremembrance.com.

 Make a Wish

Birthday pound cake decorated with fresh borage flowers.

This year the girls and I baked a pound cake for Izannah’s birthday using a c.1754 receipt that I found in The Williamsburg Art of Cookery. This receipt is old enough to have been a well loved family favorite by the time Izannah was born.  Here’s the recipe so that you can bake one too.

 Pound Cake

Beat one Cup of Butter to a Cream, slowly beat in one and one third Cups of Sugar.  Add one Teaspoonful of Mace and beat in five whole Eggs, adding them one at a time.  Sift in two Cups of Flour, turn at once into a greased and floured Pan or Mould and bake slowly for one Hour.*

*I baked my cakes in a 300 degree oven, 30 minutes for the doll size cakes and two hours for the larger version.

Click here to see the recipe for last years Birth-day Pudding.

Thank you for stopping by to party with me and don’t forget to light a candle and make a wish for Izannah!

Wish!