"Martha"- A Martha Bishop Rag Doll

I've finished stitching the clothing & bonnet for
 the rag doll made by Martha Bishop.  I've been 

calling her the "Martha doll" for so long, the
name has finally stuck.  So, let me introduce 
"Miss Martha".
 

Her face is reminiscent of the fine antique
 painted dolls.  She has a soft aged patina
& a sweet countenance.

 
 Dolly curls.

  Her dress is made from a vintage

homespun that Martha sent along with the doll.
  The fabric is so soft.  I did cartridge 
pleating & removed the basting stitches rather
than leave them in.  I used the same
wool lace as I used on the under garments. 

 Her fingers and feet

are so prim.
 

I nearly sewed the clothing onto Martha,

commonly done with old dolls, but

she actually has modern snaps underneath

the buttons.  I have a feeling Martha is going to

receive a great deal of attention, when my 

great niece visits.  Miss Ava loves to take a

 dolly's clothing off!

These are old worn painted wooden buttons
are from my friend Cinders button box.

 Her apron is a homespun mini check
with double Van Dyke trim.
Here's the link on how to make this trim.
Apron With Double Van Dyke Trim 
 
 She has plenty of undergarments, plain & fancy.
 
 

 
 I couldn't bear to cover these adorable feet.

I stitched a simple unlined Italian straw poke bonnet.
The silk ribbon is a chestnut brown, but it doesn't
show up properly in these photos.

She is a fine addition to the cabin.

Thank you Martha, she was so much fun to dress!
Martha Bishop Originals
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are some of my favorite antique
one of a kind "rag" dolls.  To me, it's
fine folk art & nothing about these
dolls was raggedy when they were made!

MAIDA TODAY 

Theriaults
  
Britannica Kids

AAAWT Main House Auctions
 
EBAY 

EBAY

Skinner 

Countryandshakerantiques 

AAAWT

Happy Day!