Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Thimbles and Acorns 1880 Mary and Laura: Pattern Review

I am a huge Little House on the Prairie fan. My mom started reading the books to me and my sister when we were four and two years old. You wouldn't think children that little would sit and listen to a chapter book, but we couldn't get enough of it.

When Thimbles and Acorns came out with this pattern, I was thrilled beyond words.
This dress is based on one worn by Laura Ingalls, and her sister Mary in a photograph from 1880.




I was equally thrilled when Thimbles and Acorns came out with a pattern based on Carrie's dress in the same photograph. I haven't made Carrie's dress yet; I am intimidated by the buttons.

However, I have made Laura's dress many times. This is the fifth time I have made this pattern. I improve a little bit with each dress I make.



It is a pretty straightforward pattern. I have made mistakes with it, but that is due to me, not the pattern. Also, the fabric I bought is not easy to work with. I totally overestimated the amount of fabric that I needed, and so I am still using the same fabric I bought to make the first dress.


It does have a lot of pieces.



This is about the midway point.


The finished dress is beautiful, and you have to love the history behind it. I think it's amazing that your doll can wear the exact same dress that Laura Ingalls wore.


In case you are wondering why I chose red gingham when the original photograph is black and white, one of the Little House books states that Ma dressed Laura in red and Mary in blue. It seemed logical to follow that convention, and the pictures on the pattern cover use those colors as well.


I just love this dress so much.


2 comments:

  1. That turned out well! I like the shape of it, and your fabric choice seems perfect for the style.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I admit when I first saw the dress, it seemed too "country" to me. But sure enough, there is that photograph to show this is what she wore. I've come to embrace it.

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