All original doll shown above is Pamela, an 8″ doll from the Vogue Ginny Debutante series. 1953
I got my first Ginny doll when I was eight along with a small Singer crank sewing machine. Using a C-clamp, I steadied the machine on a card table, took my Ginny doll, laid her down on some fabric, and marked around the edges of her body. I cut out the marked fabric, sewed it together…Wow! That’s how I learned about seam allowance.
Somewhere along the way, that Ginny left my life. As an adult, I searched and searched for the original Ginny’s. Finally, with the advent of on-line auction houses, I developed a collection of Ginny dolls from the 1950s
The Ginny doll was created by Jennie Graves, who operated her business as the Vogue Doll Shoppe. Her doll career began in 1922 designing and sewing doll clothing for dolls created by various manufacturers. Her emphasis was on the quality of the design, fabric, and trims that were used to create the clothes.
Eventually, Mrs. Graves began to manufacture her own dolls, starting with Velva, a baby doll and Tottles, composition dolls, some of which were made by Arranbee. The Tottles were painted eye. In 1948, Mrs. Graves and her daughter, Virginia (the namesake of Ginny) began using hard plastic to create their Tottles dolls.
In 1950 they introduced the sleep eye Ginny, a major innovation. Thus began the creation of one of the most popular dolls of any era. Their huge success was, in part, due to the wardrobe and accessories that young girls could purchase to go with their dolls.
The Ginny above, Pamela, is from my favorite production years, 1950-53. This was the era of the strung Ginny.
Patti Info
The intersection of dolls and sewing has consumed me from an early age, and I’d like to share what I have learned with you.
This website has the purpose of providing information on various dolls in my collection to assist in the decision making process for dolls you might want to consider for your collection. In addition, there will be items for purchase, which will include dolls, doll clothing, fabrics, sewing supplies, and more.
One item that would be of interest to those who like to sew for their dolls is a book, Dressing Dolls in Style, which is available for purchase as a download. Here is the link:
https://aworldofdolls.com/product/dressing-dolls-in-style/
Early in my career, I taught sewing in the public school system, from beginning skills through advanced tailoring. This book shares that expertise and includes how to take a photo of an antique or vintage doll outfit and create one that matches it in style and expertise.
Just to introduce myself to you, my name is Patti Williams. A former teacher, school administrator, small business owner, public elected official, and now a writer, this website will introduce you to two of my passions: doll collecting and sewing. Follow along, keep informed, and let me know what you think.
And, if you’re interested, sign up to receive periodic emails as to what’s happening. https://aworldofdolls.com/join-the-convo/