The original Mary Frances book has illustrations. Hope this one does also! Patterns included: Night Gown, Bath Robe, Kimono, Dressing Sack, Wedding Dress, Pinafore, Morning Dress, Under Waist, Guimpe, Bloomers, Drawers, Romper, Fur Lined Cape, Rain Coat, Afternoon Dress, Party Dress, Coat, Automobile Bonnet, Muff, Tippet, Polo Cap, Leggings & Sun Bonnet.
With wit and charm "Adventures Among the Thimble People," as this little guide is subtitled, teaches budding seamstresses everything they need to know to make a variety of outfits and accessories. The Fairy Lady, tommy Pin Cushion, and Sewing Bird are just a few of the "talking" implements that offer Mary Frances advice in charming verse. A cross-stitch sampler is the first project they work on; a complete wardrobe for a 16 inch doll follows. In addition to instructions on page, there are many actual patterns in back for an "automobile" coat and bonnet, a party dress, a lady's work bag, even a wedding dress. There are 33 in all.
Modern girls can make the vintage styles look fresh through the use of up-to-date fabrics and colors. The twenty-nine full-size doll clothing patterns include nightwear, daywear, swimwear, playwear, outerwear, fancy wear, and a wedding dress.
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. Though learning to sew is the book's focus, gentle life lessons are woven throughout its ages, a typical custom of the day. Sage words like "patience brings reward" and "try try again" from Sewing Bird and others encourage young hands when tedium looms.