Tips for Buying, Storing, and Handling Vintage Cut-and-Sew Dolls
Posted by Gloria Nixon on Sep 24th 2015
Please welcome Gloria Nixon, author of Rag Darlings, to the blog for today's National Sewing Month post. She shares her best tips for collecting and storing vintage cut-and-sew dolls below.
1. Invest wisely. Buy the cleanest dolls you can find since the vast majority cannot be laundered, dry-cleaned or even spot-cleaned. Resist the urge to give it a try.
2. Always handle dolls with dry, lotion-free hands and fingers.
3. Treat your doll with the same care you would show a fine, antique quilt. Store away from humid areas and damp basements. Never store directly against wood or in plastic.
4. Remember that sunlight will fade your lovely rag darlings. Display accordingly.
5. The pre-1940 dolls are better left unpressed. If you feel pressing is necessary, empty all water from the steam reservoir and set on dry heat for several minutes. Place a clean, white cotton cloth over the doll and
gently press on warm setting. Check the white cloth often for any sign of dye transfer. Never use high heat! It can stiffen the fabric or cause the dye to smear and fade.
Prices on vintage cut-and-sew dolls have dropped dramatically in the last few years. This is actually a very good time to start a collection!
Want to learn more about the history of vintage dolls from the feedsack era? Enter to win a free copy of Rag Darlings right here: a Rafflecopter giveaway! Giveaway ends one week from today. Winner will be announced on the blog. Open to US residents only.
Congratulations to April L., winner of the giveaway! I hope you have all enjoyed Gloria's tips here!
