Posted by Steve Geneseo on Apr 3rd 2023
Doll clothing naturally reflects the time periods of the figures they’re meant for. A garment represents many aspects of the time and place in which it was created. It can reflect moral attitudes, geographical locations, the availability of natural resources and technological advances. These important accessories add character and context for doll collectors and enormous value for children’s imaginative play. Cases in point are the dresses made specifically for the Little House on the Prairie® 18” Doll Collection from The Queen’s Treasures®.
Mary and Laura Ingalls’ outfits, inspired by authentic garments of the time, were designed as daily wear for young ladies of the American Midwest. Calico, solid and plaid fabrics were sold as yardage from bolts of cloth in trading posts and mercantiles throughout many rural territories. Hand-sewing took an enormous amount of every homemaker’s time, including Mrs. Ingalls’. She and her daughters likely purchased fabric at the local mercantile according to cost, weight, color, and pattern to create versatile and useful outfits that would last for more than just one season. For example: The Ingalls’ Check Dresses. If they were attractive and stylish, so much the better. Cutting, sewing, fitting, and trimming were essential skills that every young girl would be encouraged to learn out of necessity.
Mrs. Oleson, on the other hand, had access to, and could more likely afford, a variety of ensembles for her daughter, Nellie. For example: Nellie’s Floral Dress. These garments may have been manufactured elsewhere in the country (or in the world) by hand or by the recently invented sewing machine. By the second half of the 19th century, the sewing machine began to transform lives and fashion all across the United States as it became more and more affordable. Printing and the publication of images depicting French styles exerted enormous influence around the globe – extending even into rural corners of the US where the trends followed at a slow but steady pace.
Notable elements of womenswear of the time include higher than natural waistlines, flatter skirt fronts, basque bodices with overlapping ruffle or trim elements, and open V-necks with velvet or lace trim.*1
As women’s roles in society continued to evolve into the next century, fashion adapted to keep up: taking functional and practical elements from menswear – like breeches and shirtwaists that spread into all levels of society. For example: Frontier Girl Outfit.
And on and on it goes into the 20th century and up to current day trends! For example: 1950’s Summer Outfit. Today, young women enjoy an enormous selection of fashion which can be worn across many occasions and spans everything from haute couture to hi-tech sportswear and 3D printed design.
As a premier designer of 18 inch doll products, The Queen’s Treasures® focuses on the quality and safety of items that inspire imaginative play in a variety of time periods and settings. They include the beloved Little House on the Prairie® licensed collections, 18” doll horses, 18” doll pets and accessories all specifically designed to be compatible with American Girl® dolls.
At The Queen’s Treasures®, we believe that imagination is the key to unlocking a whole new world outside of the digital age we’ve been thrust into. The aim of our products is to help inspire and nourish creative play that begins in a child’s mind so they can grow their imagination and fuel creativity. With toys designed to be memorable, they are lovingly made to be in your family for years to come so that generations from now, that imaginative fun can still flow. Our products are tested to meet or exceed testing standards in the USA, and Canada so that you and your children can play with peace of mind.
Thus, we cordially invite you to enter the great hall and begin perusing our finest treasures, made just for you!