English Wooden Doll – Izannah Walker Journal

I have long dreamed of finding a late 18th century doll to live here with us in our 224 year old home. Last year, more or less by accident, I happened across a c.1790 English Wooden doll for sale on Mary Ann Spinelli’s website. I had an immediate crush on her! She was just what I was looking for, a plain everyday English wooden that could have been found in a New England farmhouse such as ours. Mary Ann is gracious enough to offer lay-away, so I have been paying her off over the intervening months since I first saw her photo.* Today I finally got to meet her in person!

Her clothing was replaced in the mid-19th century. She is currently wearing a dress that is made very much like those I make for my Izannahs. The dress is made from a thin, gauzy cotton with a Prussian blue print. It fastens with a glass button and brass hook. — Sophronia’s clothing was replaced in the mid-19th century. She is currently wearing a dress that is made very much like those I make for my Izannahs. The dress is made from a thin, gauzy cotton with a Prussian blue print. It fastens with a glass button and brass hook.

Amazingly after more than two centuries, she still has all of her fingers! — Amazingly after more than two centuries, Sophronia still has all of her fingers!

When my life calms down a bit, after I host a meeting of my doll club in May and return from selling at the UFDC convention in July, I’m really looking forward to pulling out my tiny stash of 18th century fabrics and sewing a new wardrobe for my English wooden doll. I’ve decided to name her Sophronia after Sophronia Guild Ferris the first woman known to live in our house. (You can read more about the original Sophronia and the history of our house here.)

This doll belongs to my friend Rainy Crawford. The doll was passed down through a New Milford, Connecticut family. See how she compares with my doll. — This doll belongs to my friend Rainie Crawford. The doll was passed down through a New Milford, Connecticut family. See how she compares with my doll.

Another view of Rainy's doll. — Another view of Rainie’s doll.

Still lovely after all this time <3 — Still lovely after all this time ❤

* As I have often mentioned, I’m always happy to offer lay-away to my customers because I know just how helpful it can be when you dearly want to buy something that stretches your budget. Read more… https://izannahwalker.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/the-joys-of-lay-away/