Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Antique German Doll Redressed

On the weekend I shared a before photo with yall of an antique German doll that I had been asked to re-dress for a dear sweet neighbor...Today I am sharing the end result...

On the back of her head I found the stamp "Germany - 136 5"
This would indicate she was made in Germany, using head model number 136 and is a mold size 5...My research tells me that this doll head was in production during the 1890's and early 1900's...making her close to 120yrs old...This doll has had 3 companions over the years and is been well loved for many decades by her current companion who named her Suzy.

Aunt Audry and her beloved Suzy...Suzy is now wearing a dress resembling one that would have been typical of this kind of doll originally..

This is how she arrived at my studio...Somewhere along the line someone had added a "poof" to her and made her a bed doll...

I carefully removed the poof to discover that Suzy still has the cloth part of her legs...But we are still not seeing the original dolls body...The lace top and satin pants are most definitely machine stitched and my guess was done in the 80's from what I was told of her history.

I removed that layer to find the original suede body...I did not remove the satin on the arms and legs as the integrity of the suede under them did not feel like it was still fully intact...
Which brings up the point...why are her arms and legs so stumpy?...She would have originally had porcelain hands and feet but over the last 100+ yrs are no longer with her...

Here she is today...

Click Image to enlarge to view the details of the garment...

We chose a lovely soft antique inspired patterned cotton that brings out the blue of her eyes...I accented it with white lace and a small amount of blue ribbon...The style as I mentioned is in keeping with the time period of the dolls production...I also made Suzy a set of fabric hands, which I did attach to the doll...The dress and petticoats however are fully removable.

It was such a delight and honor to work on such a loved antique doll...

Blessings Kelsie

Joining the following parties this week:
Wow us Wednesday @ http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday @ http://romantichome.blogspot.com/



12 comments:

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Kelsie Sweetie...
I am clapping for you honey, yes I sure am. What a glorious job you did of making her look like she did so many years ago. I love her new look, and it appears so does her owner. She looks so happy with her.

The dress is exquisite and I simply adore her beautiful little hands that you added as well. It so made her complete. She talks again of much happiness. I believe all dolls talk with their face and hands.

You did such a gorgeous job, the fabric is beautiful, the neckline glorious and each detail so very pretty. Hugs to you sweet one. An excellent job, well done.

Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Kari said...

That is pure perfection Kelsie! GREAT work! She is just gorgeous and the dress is amazing!

Darla said...

Oh my Kelsie! You are very talented. She looks fab...!

Debbie @ Swampbilly Ranch said...

You did an amazing job!! She is beautiful! I especially like the fact that you gave her hands back. She looks so nice and I'm sure she will be beautiful for another 120 years.

farmer said...

stunning!!

Carol said...

She is so lovely. great job sis.

Love Carol

lvroftiques said...

You did a beautiful job with her! She'll be good for another 100+ years. Vanna

Anonymous said...

Oh precious to have such a wonderfully old doll that has stayed in the family for so long!!! She looks just glowing in her new dress!!

bee blessed
mary

Susan said...

Kelsie, I love your wonderful doll! You did such a good job with her make over. Her dress is so pretty!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelsie

Restored Suzy looks fantastic! And so does Aunt Audry.

God bless you and have a great Memorial Day :-)

~Ron

Glenda said...

Just happened upon your blog via one of your followers. I've enjoyed reading it and look forward to following it. You did an amazing job with the doll!

romance-of-roses said...

Hello Kelsie, Absolutely beautiful work on this darling little doll.
I am your latest follower.
Blessings...Lu