Miss Betsy McCall

I love paper dolls - I always have.  Both collecting and drawing my own form some of my fondest childhood memories... 

Well, I just discovered this classic paper doll and I can't believe I haven't known about her before now!

Miss Betsy McCall paper dolls were printed in the McCall's Magazine and pattern company starting in May 1951, and lasting until at least 1995.  Children could cut out the printed dolls and clothing, or for a small fee (10¢ in 1957, 25¢ in 1967) paper dolls printed on cardboard could be ordered. Betsy McCall became so popular that various sized vinyl dolls were produced by Ideal and American Character Dolls... and now, you can make your own set of these lovely dolls once more!

I found the following link while researching for a special upcoming project... and had to share so that you too can print out and laminate a set of these darling vintage paper dolls for yourself, a sister, daughter, or friend!  What fun!

{^click^}

Betsy has changed over the years... here she is with her adorable mother in 1952, while the rest are from 1960.

Aren't her frocks too darling?  That's one of the reasons I love paper dolls so much, I think... they can have as many lovely dresses as one's imagination can concoct for them!

Happy paper dolling!

Outfit: 1950s Green Safari

"The best things in life are green."
~Me

Pattern: Vintage 1957 McCall's 4251 Misses' Dress from Midvale Cottage on Etsy

Kathleen of Midvale Cottage sweetly featured this project on her blog!  So fun!

I treated myself to this pattern on Etsy for my birthday this year, and I'm loving it!  I delight in using vintage patterns, with their yellowed tissue and (for the most part) far more intuitive directions than their modern counterparts.  The darling illustrations on the pattern envelopes are always a plus=)

For this dress, I used a green and contrasting straw-colored cotton with a small, barely discernable textured print.  A bit of matching lace was the perfect touch for this, my dream 50s Safari shirtwaist frock!

I wanted something with a retro feel, combining safari-inspired design and colors with a touch of feminine detail.



In short, something to go with my hat.

Have you ever just needed something to go with your hat?
It's a good thing.

I'm in love with the colors here - that perfect, hazy summer evening green and gold.  I could live on them!

And the best part?
I altered the pattern into a blouse and pleated skirt, so I can wear them separately too!  I've been longing for a green pleated skirt - now I have three potential outfits in one!
And I put snaps on the inside waistband of the skirt and the hem of the blouse, so it will never come untucked.  Theoretically.

There's something about double-breasted brass buttons.  Or in this case, snaps.
I'm reminded of marching brass bands and Barnum's animal crackers and other happy things... how about you? =D

And the really, truly best part... You can have one of your very own!

I'm planing to offer this adorable outfit in my Shop, custom sized.  We can match=)

Happy trails, dears!