Often the easiest and most entertaining way to sew Regency apparel is for a doll. Whether you prefer 11 1/2", 18", or like myself, 22" dolls, there are numerous materials and patterns available.

Here I have divided each section up by Doll style. Under each listing you will find patterns and links to use as resources for your crafting pleasure.

* 11 1/2" Fashion Dolls * 18" Soft Body Dolls * 22-24" Porcelain Dolls *


11 1/2" Fashion Dolls (Barbie)

Obviously, the most famous 11 1/2" fashion doll is Barbie. Known for half a century for her imitable style and taste, who better to model your historical sewing creations. At one point, Mattel even offered an Empress Josephine Barbie!!

Vogue is currently offering several stunning Regency patterns for Barbie. They include a gown, headpiece, bonnet, reticule and pelisse. Check them out at your local fabric store!

18" Soft Body Dolls (American Girl Collection)

By far the most popular of the 18" dolls are those in the American Girl Collection. Two of the dolls in particular (Felicity- 1774 and Josefina-1824) embody the period feel of the Georgian-Early Victorian timeline. The Pleasant Company provides books, dolls (both 18" and 6"), clothing and accessories for each of their creations. Many other periods are also covered.

Another wonderful choice is the new "Beautiful Girlhood" collection by Vision Forum. Similar to the American Girl dolls in style, they provide historical dress-up clothes, stories, dolls and accessories from a Christian point of view. Well worth checking out!! Check out their Dolley Madison doll for a great Regency look.

One other choice in this category is the "Make it yourself" type dolls now available in craft and fabric stores. My doll was a basic kit, modified with a wig from a doll maker and a dress created from left-over scraps of my "Box Hill" dress. A cinch!

22-24" Porcelain Dolls

My favorite type of doll clothing to sew is historical reproduction for my collection of 22-24" porcelain dolls. I have copied everything from Movie Gowns to Worth Originals. When I began, the easiest thing to do was to double the size of Barbie type patterns. This gives one that is proportioned for at 23" doll- with Barbie's measurements. With a little tweaking these can do very nicely and provide great base garments for creative modification. Try it! Since each doll has different measurements, it is important- as when sewing full scale clothing- to fit the pattern to the doll.