I went to a Textile Tarts meeting yesterday (with my good friend Sarah of
www.weekendkits.com fame.)
Birthday girl Pat gave us a wonderful talk on the history of
Raggedy Ann. (Andy and "Camel with Wrinkly Knees" too.)
Did you know Raggedy Ann was patented by John Gruelle in 1915? Andy arrived in 1917. They changed appearances over the years. Here are just a few pictures from yesterday.
Here's Pat's reproduction "large thumbed" Raggedy Ann on the left, along with the two oldest dolls in her collection. Both are Volands.
Most every Textile Tart member brought in their own Raggedy Ann doll! Some were large, like this one at 3+ feet tall.
These two were well loved by Pat's children. To repair the nose on Andy or not? That is the question. I like the authenticity of leaving it as is. He was well loved.
Here are another pair of very early Raggedies. If I caught the story correctly, they were found by Pat's parents-in-law in a NY City antiques shop, and gifted as an anniversary present to Pat and her husband many years ago.
These next two examples are just 3" tall, expertly made by Bobbi from a "now discontinued"
Gail Wilson Designs pattern.
Here's an early 2000's Camel reproduction. Never played with. Fun to see the packaging.
And check out all the patterns. The earliest we saw was published in 1941 and cost 35 cents. It contained face transfer patterns for both awake and asleep states. You'd put one face on the front and one on the back and frindge some hair around each face at the side and top. (no "back of the head" hair)
Which Raggedy Ann did you grow up with?
Don't you just want to make your own? I do!
Sew on,
Lynn
