This delightful book is a unique treasure for its endearing story, charming illustrations, comical characters, abundance of nostalgia, and practical instruction that introduces children to the world of sewing in a gentle and encouraging way while preserving a valuable collection of doll clothing patterns from the Edwardian and Titanic fashion era. Join Mary Frances as each item in the sewing basket comes to life, ready and eager to teach her how to sew. You will meet Sewing Bird, Tommy Pin Cushion, Scissors Shears and their friends as they lead you through a series of lessons, and a great adventure to Thimble Land, in a book that’s at its best when read aloud. Children will love the quaint language and captivating storyline alone, and by following along with the projects, they will be rewarded with hand-sewing skills and a lovely wardrobe of doll clothing. The author’s unique quarter-fold cutting method provides fewer pattern pieces, less seaming, and an easy learning curve for beginners. The projects are simple, fast, and fun. Adults and experienced seamstresses will appreciate the authentic early 1900’s patterns, and can easily adapt the instructions for machine stitchery. Modern girls can make the vintage styles look fresh through the use of up-to-date fabrics and colors. Vintage clothing pieces combined with trendy accessories will give any 21st century doll a fashionable style that is retro chic! The twenty-nine full-size doll clothing patterns include nightwear, daywear, swimwear, playwear, outerwear, fancywear, and a wedding dress. The Mary Frances Sewing Book 100th Anniversary Edition also serves as a valuable ongoing reference for fifteen basic hand-sewing and embroidery stitches that are showcased on a 20th century sampler. Black and white illustrations are included on every page, and color illustrations on the front and back covers. Woven through the sewing lessons are moral lessons that teach the importance of practice, perseverance, courtesy, sharing, and kindness while the quirky cast of characters offers plenty of comic relief.
