Bear in Mind An electronic newsletter from Bear Threads Ltd. Volume 7 Issue 6 June/July 2015 From The Editor I cannot believe school is out, Memorial Day past, and we are already in the midst of summer. Where does the time go? My June calendar is packed, but I am hoping to find some stitching time in July and August perhaps somewhere cool! Louise Hedrick is introducing The French Children to us this month. Her photographs show some amazing examples of original dolls with original clothing from the 1860 s to 1890 s. One wonders if the young girls ever actually played with these dolls! I am finding this study of dolls and doll dressing both fascinating and addictive. While Annabelle and Ping are enjoying the beach, you may be in the mountains, California or Europe. Where ever your holiday takes you, we all here at Bear Threads wish you a safe and relaxing summer. Remember to take your stitching, but don t leave it in a hot car. Humidity and heat do not make for happy embroidery! Till August, Happy Stitching Happy stitching Sheila Beach Sun & Fun Word Search s t s v r j s f m s p a u u a e i j a z i w n g q s e n n o e h s d h n d f a a r l c f c a d d f l l p r a l a n d g e o s e s e a s l h w s y e y s b j t w o l b n v s u r f l t s l l e h s l x h e beach sandals fish towel pier surf reef sunscreen sand shells sandcastle
THE FRENCH CHILDREN PART I By Louise Hedrick Toward the end of the seventh decade of the 10 th century, little French girls were introduced to a new doll, a child, known as the French Bebe. Many of the French companies, known for their exquisite French Fashions, began manufacturing the sweet faced children. To introduce you to these dolls, we are going to explore two of these companies, Bru, this issue, and Jumeau, the next issue. Favorites among collectors, these are some of the most beautiful and valuable representatives produced during this golden age of the French doll manufacturers. The manufacture of Bru dolls was divided into three periods. The first, Bru Jne et Cie, was a partnership of the founder, Leon Casimer Bru and another unidentified individual. This first period lasted from 1867 to 1883. At first the fashion ladies dominated their business, beginning with the leather bodies, and then the articulated wood. In 1879 he patented his first Bebe, a leather bodied child with bisque head, shoulder plate and arms, known as the Bru Brevete. It was produced for only two years. This began a period of dolls sculpted and painted to portray the epitome of childhood beauty and innocence. From this first period is picture #1. This 13 Bru Brevete, incised on her head 2/0, has long blond mohair curls to her waist and large brown paperweight eyes. Her clothing, including undies, shoes and socks are original to her, dating back to 1880. It is rare to find one in this original condition.
The next year, the second generation bebe, known as the Circle Dot, appeared. It was incised on the shoulder plate with a dot within a circle, along with the size number. Picture #2 shows a size 8 circle dot, 21 tall. Note her extremely chubby cheeks and slightly parted lips in picture #3. She, too, wears an original dress, bonnet and shoes. Her long blond mohair wig was very popular during this 20 year period. She continued to be produced well into the second period.
The second period, known as the Chevrot Era began when Leon Casamir Bru sold his factory to Henri Chevrot. Under Chevrot, the company greatly improved the manufacturing, particularly the leather body. The most perfected bebes in history date from the Chevrot period. Although the third and most popular bebe facial model, Bru Jne, appeared toward the end of the first period, it truly flourished under Chevrot. During this time, the costuming was also the most elaborate. Picture #4 shows a Bru Jne #8, 21 tall, with long brown mohair wig and paperweight eyes. She was made with the improved leather body with kid over wood lower legs. The third period, 1890-1899, was known as the Girard Era. Paul Eugene Girard purchased the firm in 1890. Under his management, production of both the number of dolls and the variety of different models greatly increased. The quality was still high, but not as luxurious as Chevrot s very limited and extraordinary bebes. Picture #5 shows a Bru from this period with the Bru Jne face. They still show the long blond wig and paperweight eyes, but note the heavier eyebrows. Most of the doll makers painted these heavier brows during the 1890 s. Picture #6, the same doll, shows the full length view of what is probably the smallest example Bru ever produced. She is a tiny 8-1/2.
About the Author Louise Hedrick Louise Hedrick is a renowned antique doll expert, author, teacher and costume designer, specializing in French fashion, bebes and all-bisque dolls. She is very active in doll organizations, including the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA), the United Federation of Dolls Clubs (UFDC) and travels extensively throughout the United States teaching both the historical and technical aspects of doll costuming. She is also a Doll Artisan Guild (DAG) Guest Instructor, teaching seminars on creating authentic antique doll costumes. Louise contributed all the patterns for Barbara Hilliker s 2002 book, Bleuette, the Doll and Her Wardrobe, and in 2005 was the co-author of Bleutte Clothing Patterns, 1905-1916. Her latest book is A French Fashion Doll s Wardrobe, Patterns 1864-1874. She also shares her knowledge and expertise in the articles she writes for publications such as Doll News and Dolls Beautiful. The above represents just a thumbnail sketch of this remarkable French company. Many volumes have been written about them. In a future issue featuring baby dolls, we will explore their baby doll, the Bru Teteur. TRIVIA From what animal is cashmere obtained? Camel Llama Goat Lamb
Annabelle and Ping on Vacation Ping cannot believe that her year living in America is nearly half over. While she misses her family and friends back in Singapore, she decided that her vacation from school would be the perfect time to have her parents come to the United States. While they speak English fluently (it is widely spoken in Singapore), the opportunity to visit America never presented itself. So this summer seemed to be the perfect time. Arriving in the United States a few days earlier, the two families drove from Connecticut to Florida visiting the historical sites along the way. Ping and her parents immensely enjoyed the trip with its varied landscapes and historical stops. Along the way the girls were making plans for their time at the beach. Arriving at the beach, Annabelle was cautious that she did not sunburn as she is so fair. She had her mom make her lavender plaid capris and a darling shirt with sleeves. The peplum and sleeves were made from 6 Swiss embroidery. A self-belt of the plaid added interest at her tiny waist. Ping was a bit more daring in a pink and white Swiss voile check romper with Swiss trim at her waist.
The last evening everyone attended a symphony concert at the amphitheater, where they took a picnic dinner to have under the stars. Ping chose a jade Swiss pique print sundress with contrasting Silky Cotton band and finished with a vintage seashell motif in varying shades of greens and blues of the sea. Annabelle looked very demure in a pink Swiss cotton sundress adorned with just a hint of smocking. It was a wonderful evening, although a bit sad, as their wonderful vacation was coming to a close. Too soon it will, again, be time for school. They wished me to tell you that they look forward to being back in August, to share their darling clothes and daring (!) adventures. PS They really were photographed at the beach on Tybee Island, Georgia! NOTE ON FABRICS AND TRIMS: Swiss Cotton Lavender Plaid (F-1008) and E- 62L 6in edging Swiss Pique Print FPP-3 Jade Silky Cotton in Jade Swiss Voile check in Pink/White also available in Blue/White and E-88 edging also available in Blue The Solid Pink sundress is made of our newest Swiss cotton with a tiny embossed design. F-82/22
Answer to Trivia: Cashmere goats are the source for cashmere. The Cashmere goat is known for its softness and lightness, as well as its ability to retain heat. The fleece of the Cashmere goat is collected during molting season. The largest production of these goats is in China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Mongolia. And now you know! Sewing for Dolls Tip #6 Don't be afraid to try. Again, doll clothes take a very small amount of fabric; the world will not end if you make a mistake or your garment doesn't come out how you wanted! You haven't lost much. Your doll(s) will appreciate the effort. Visit us on the web at www.bearthreadsltd.com To place an order contact us at 404-255-5083 or 404-255-4001 fax "Bear in Mind" articles are available on our website. Encourage your customers to check out our website for information and inspiration.