Since dolls need fashions too, especially American Girl dolls, Nellie, Lanie and Mia would love the one-of-a-kind creations made by Lynn Burke and her friends.
These creations certainly are not off the rack. Instead, they are knitted, with love, for Sunshine Acres Children’s Home.
“I make the outfits to resemble the period styles that the dolls are known for,” Lynn explained. She and her friend, Janet Patrick, both from Las Sendas, plus a maternal friend from Florida, have been crafting pizzazzy doll ensembles for three years. The fashions will go on sale on Saturday, Nov.19, at a holiday boutique taking place at the Trailhead Members Club.
For this event, Lynn has recruited a set of nine American Girl models. She never even owned an American Girl doll until she started making their dresses for charity. “But you need to have the leg and arm length and waist for measuring,” Lynn explained.
So, she went hunting for dolls on eBay. “Once in a while, you can find a good bargain,” Lynn said. Other dolls came through on her credit card point awards.
“We will have tons of dresses for American Girl dolls,” she continued. Many of the cute ensembles come with accessories, such as hats, purses and mittens.
Lynn learned how to knit during grade school. Her mother’s friend, who now lives in Florida, actually taught her. This lady, at 100 years of age, still contributes doll fashions to the charity bazaar.
Lynn’s interest in knitting was first revived when her children were born, and sparked again later when her grandson, now 5 years old, entered the scene. So, she was well practiced when Janet called her about the charity project.
All the little doll outfits show a loving care for detail. Buttons, beads and hem embellishments jazz up the overall look. All period styles—50s schoolgirl, 19th century romantic, what have you—radiate nostalgic authenticity. There are many dresses for everyday occasions in the lineup. They all are so cute.
“We will have a big display in the Trailhead Members Club conference room,” Lynn stated. To make the presentation more professional, Lynn crafted miniature hangers from foam board, and Janet constructed hangers from wire for easier handling.
“We never know what to expect,” Lynn recalled. “The first year, we had tons of people, almost a mob scene, but the next year, our sales were slowed down by a conflicting event.”
“The thing I enjoy most about this project,” Lynn confided, “is when the kids come around with their mothers. It is the cutest thing when the mother says, ‘You may have one of them.’ So, they walk around the display in deep thought, having to make up their minds.”
Mark your calendars. On Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a wardrobe full of American Girl doll dresses for sale at the Trailhead Members Club. Items, including mittens and tote bags, start at $3, and range up to $21 for full ensembles. All proceeds will benefit Sunshine Acres Children’s Home.