Friday, 14 March 2014

The Many Faces Of Cloth Dolls

By Jaclyn Hurley


Cloth dolls have been around since people started using woven fabrics for clothing. Mothers putting pieces of left over cloth together into an easily portable companion for their children is a natural act of love. Any type of fabric can be used for the construction of these toys. They became known by the name of Rag Doll.

As time passed the fabrics became softer and more expensive. Velvets and silks were used for faces as well as clothing for the dolls. Faces could be painted onto the fabric or embroidered into it. It did not take long before beads and buttons were added to the facial features to give them more human like features.

Mass production of the rag doll began in approximately 1850. The patterns were printed on fabric much the way newspapers are printed. They were then cut out, put together and stuffed. Some manufacturers used human hair or mohair for the heads and if necessary painted the faces. As the trade progressed more detailed models were hand sewn and painted by special teams that were employed expressly for that job.

Some of these companies came to be in the simplest manner imaginable. A mother creates a loving companion for her little girl and it is so cute that friends want one made for their child. The doll becomes so much in demand that it is taken to a small factory to be produced on a larger scale because the original creator cannot keep up with requests for the doll.

A new version of doll was created in 1920 in Europe. It was a fabric doll made with a wire frame that allows it to be posed in different ways and used as a decorative piece for the home. These became very popular because of the wide variety of colors, fabrics and designs that were used in making them. They were made of the highest quality materials and advertised as being not for children to play with.

This type of doll is experiencing a resurgence of popularity in current markets. They are somewhat different than their predecessors because the models are outrageously dressed and posed in comical ways that attract immediate attention. They are made to simulate the way life is today. They poke fun at professions as well as life styles of individuals. The costumes contain feathers and beads as well as props such as martini glasses, cigarettes and small dogs or cats.

If you are considering the purchase of one of these vintage companions as a collection piece it is important to gain as much knowledge on the subject as you can before you buy anything. There is so much to know and so many ways you can be fooled that this is not an item for the impulse buyer to consider.

The original clothing is a value factor to be aware of. Whether or not a doll has had a makeover and been repainted or the costume has been recreated. And if it has been, were the proper fabrics and stitching used. The list goes on forever. Experts recommend that you take your time and study the subject before you spend your money.




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