“Emma” a 12 inch Regency Play Doll
My husband, Charlie, tells me the most dreaded words to come out of my mouth these days is the phrase, “I have an idea!” Having been an English teacher in a former life, my love for all things Jane Austen led me down a Regency rabbit hole one evening after watching the 2020 stylized version of “Emma” for the umpteenth time and oogling over the romantic and colorful Regency fashions.
Anya Taylor-Joy plays a deliciously naughty rendition of the famous Jane Austen heroine, Emma Woodhouse.
What if, I bemused, we created a series of 12 inch GrodnerTal play dolls that we could create an endless variations of Regency costumes for? As someone who loves to sew, I had thoroughly enjoyed creating enfantine dresses, hats and accessories for a 15 inch Huret play doll, but I had never ventured into the world of sewing Regency costumes. All those lovely tall hats, reticules, gloves and scarves were a joy to consider!
A quintessential Regency costume includes a day wrap, a light gauzy cotton empire waisted dress and a very tall and simply decorated bonnet.
My dear and talented friend Val Hays immediately agreed to design Regency era kits and patterns and Charlie and I got busy designing our first prototype. After about three months of carving and painting, the first prototype was complete. This series of play dolls will be named after my favorite Jane Austen heroines. And naturally, because the idea was born whilst watching the 2020 “Emma”, Emma would have to be the first creation.
Emma is carved in the manner of the earlier Grodnertals with a slender elongated body perfect for Empire waisted fashions, more delicate hands with hints of fingers, a separate thumb, a tuck comb and drop bead earrings. She is inspired by antique version.
Emma has brown hair with hints of auburn, delicate brush strokes, a delicate nose, a hint of a smile and a gold tuck comb.
The series will include my favorite heroines:
Emma from the book title of the same name.
Lizzie from Pride & Prejudice.
Fanny from Mansfield Park.
Eleanor from Northanger Abbey.
Of course, the ladies will need a couple of male companions, so, eventually, there will be a Mr. Darcy and perhaps even a Mr. Knightley.
The first few costume kits and dresses offered with Emma.
Emma and her costumes, kits and patterns are now available to purchase on our website. There will be more offered for sale as each one is created.
All of Emma’s items for sale and the doll are listed HERE.
