Somethings you just can't find it anywhere except in your very own family tree.  I had a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother that learned how to sew and made it a positive memory for me.

Years ago it was another household duty to sew for the family.  Some people took it and made it a pass time and not just a duty.  This was the passing story of my folks.  I had a time also along with the help of friends that I found much reward in my sewing machine. 

First of all you need a sewing machine that is going to do the job.  The machine must make a good top and bottom stitch and hold the right tension.  The right feet attachments are needed like zipper foot, zigzag foot and button hole foot.  I am talking about a machine that I still have from the 1980's.  My machine is gear driven no need for a belt. 

A sewing machine needs bobbins, thread cutter, forward and reverse, and extra sharp needles the right size for your machine and material type.  Buy a machine with an instruction booklet.

I also like to sew by hand.  You will need a sewing box full of goodies.  My mother bought me my first sewing box.  I still have it even though the lid is cracked.  We are sentimental about these talents.

What does this have to do with finding a treasure in antique doll clothing?  Don't be afraid of a fragile, pin hole, torn, ripped, old antique cloth.  You can have the best time looking it over and making it stronger and wearable for your special old dolly.

I like the following materials in old clothes; cotton, linen, gauze, silk, satin, tulle and some knits like wool.  I have found in my years that wool can have many weights.  You may think twice about a light weight wool as to what  is the material.  Little insects called moths or vermin mice can eat holes in these aged fabrics.  Stains from baby formula and food or other stains can be present.  I guess I don't get excited about small stains.  Mint pieces have no stains and were probably never used or used very briefly.  It is always good information to see all the holes and stains, rips and tears and loose stitches.  

Button and snaps, hooks and ribbon ties on old baby or doll clothes should be present or replaced.  You can hunt for old buttons.  You will be looking for a very small button.  Some were made of shell or bone.  Plastic has been around for a very long time.  I have found a very few cardboard cloth covered buttons.  We know how resourceful you old time lovers can be.  This is where you began to love the elegant and the shabby.  Can you part with it?

Homemade lace and the way they used it in the clothing just is breathtaking.  The lace was not just an after thought.  The lace was laid out between the pattern pieces.  I just relish the thought of a lady making her lace and storing it for later use.  Imagine the talent that these ladies from the past had to share with each other.  What great gifts they gave to each other.  Holding this fine thread in your hands is going to win you over to antique cloths.

You are the lucky one if you know how to mend the rips and holes of this homemade lace.  I take a sewing thread and just do some weaving and hope never to draw attention to it only once to the buyer.  Honest sellers that is what we are supposed to be.

Embroidery was so very fine on these old pieces.  I think they had a style of flowers and leaves and lines.  Again a story to find out more about.  Colors of pale pink, green, blue, yellow and even alot of white threads adorn and accent. 

Battenberg lace is very lovely and was used on fine linens and cloths and still we find it today on new items.  You may also search for open lace and dotted swiss. My mother showed me the washable gingham or searsucker material.  I noticed that sewing departments have reproduction materials of old calico patterns and fine flowers, plaids, checks and polka dots.  I love a pattern I found of the Civil War Era of two fine daisies or for-get-me-nots falling or going through a circle or golden ring, very lovely on a light background.  You will have your own treasured cloths.

French lace is very lovely.  You will spend more for it.  Oh, to have a wedding dress with French lace.  Batiste material is very nice.  Baby clothes from the Philippines or Honduras are light weight and just what I like.  I want to see the layers with pretty undergarments.

Someday I may be sewing for your dolly.  I will use the old principles and I have seen some nice new clothes, but personally if you have a long haired doll watch out for the sticky fastener.  The sticky fastener has a wonderful place, but not near my doll's hair or fine antique clothes.  We love any good work.  We praise your talents and time. 

I buy what I like.  We keep hunting because we know that out there is something that we haven't seen before.  I like to collect patterns and make my own patterns.  If you have something good to share with us come on and do it.  I am a free spirit here who is always looking to see if I have lost something very important to me.  Share it!!