I am pleased to introduce this lovely wooden doll inspired by an English fashionable doll from the late 18th century. "Faith" is a finely hand carved wooden doll, her entire body is made of wood, except for her cloth upper arms. She has antique glass eyes and, her wig is made of antique mohair in a lovely dark brown color.
She is dressed head-to-toe in historical clothing and accessories that I have made from early materials and textiles, some of them dating back to the late 18th century; Faith is 14.5 inches tall. Please scroll down to see step-by-step photos on how I have dressed her and all the details of this doll.
If you are interested in purchasing her, please send your inquiry to: soniakrausedolls@gmail.com
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She is wearing a cotton shift and a quilted dickey petticoat dating from the Victorian Era. The shift will protect her clothing from the body moisture and also from the roughness of some elaborate textiles, like the metallic threads that adorn her stays and bodice.
Head-dress: Early 19th century Muslin and Beauvais embroidery.
I made her necklace and bracelet with tiny glass beads that date from the Victorian Era.
Antique French ribbons are tied around her legs, just below the knees to hold up the cotton stockings.
The shoes match her outfit; they are made of the same silk brocade.
Back lacing stays: Early 20th century Ottoman embroidery. As I mentioned before, her shift will protect her from the roughness of this elaborate textile with content of metal elements. Silver trim, ca. 1780's.
Cloth pockets: Another beautiful embroidery, with silk and metallic threads. Ottoman, 19th century. The outer portion of her sewing kit is made of the same textile.
False rumps: they were usually filled with cork, feathers, cotton wool, horsehair; most of them had attached a cotton or linen panel to protect the body from the roughness of these materials.
The side seams of her petticoat and skirt have pocket slits to access to her secret pockets.
Fichus were important and necessary accessory for women of that era, worn during the day to be protected from the sun, for warmth on cold days, and modesty. Her fichu is a beautiful tambour lace; it is a fine net embroidered with floral garlands and sprigs. It dates from early 1900's, French in origin.
Faith is wearing a beautiful apron featuring a delicate and intricate embroidery, dating from the mid 19th century, possibly made in India where muslin was often used for fine embroidery. The lace trim dates from the same era.
I made a hussif (sewing kit) for her: The outer portion of the hussif is made of a beautiful 19th century Ottoman textile embroidered with silk and metallic threads; the inner portion is lined with fragments of 19th century textiles. It comes with a tiny pair of working antique stork scissors.
Outfit: It consists of a two-piece dress made of a late-eighteenth century silk brocade with gold metallic threads; the original color was a deep beige; it is faded now to a sand color. A true example of when the aging of these early textiles can add more character and become more beautiful than when they were new. I made her outfit inspired by another wonderful gown that dates from around 1775-85. The bodice closes in the front with tiny hooks & eyes, the sleeves are adorned with antique lace in a beautiful soft, off-white color reminiscent of antique textiles.
