This doll group will study french fashion dolls made during the mid-1800's. The doll's history, the manufacturers, and the clothing will be explored, with opportunities to participate in group projects as members learn to sew for these dolls and build their wardrobes. Understanding antique french fashion dolls, their costumes and textiles of the era is emphasized, with discussion about reproduction french fashion dolls also welcome. Photo albums for members dolls are available.

The doll to the right is a reproduction of the "Christmas Lady", a doll that resided for many years in the Yesteryears Doll Museum in Sandwich, Maine. The original doll was costumed in the 1870's era fashion of a Russian Cossack skating costume and sewn by the museum's founder, Eloise Mitchell Thomas. The museum is now closed, but many of the museum dolls live on in many collector's displays. The doll displayed here was made from a kit from a workshop put on a few years ago by Sheryl Williams. The costume is a copy from the original museum doll, and made of silks and velvets. Susan Lawson created this lovely doll, with a coat full of miniature ornaments. Susan was able to locate the Gorham collector plate commemorating the museum doll, and together the doll and plate make an impressive display for the holidays!