I've been reviewing old magazines for blog ideas and because it relaxes me. One of the magazines I looked at was a 1909 edition of McCall's Magazine. You might not know it but originally the name was McCall's Magazine The Queen of Fashion. Here's some perhaps unknown trivia for you. The pattern company was originally established in 1870 by a Scottish man named James McCall. I read that the company did not publish instructions on the paper patterns until 1919.
1909
It's interesting to note that patterns originated in 1860. Four pattern companies of the past continue today: McCall's Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue. I'm certain that the development of published quilt patterns owe a lot to the fashion industry.
I almost skimmed past one page in the 1909 edition I read today. It didn't have much in the way of quilt ideas. "Fun For the Little Folks" the headline read.
It was nice to see that even back then, McCall's included a page of merriment for children. Perhaps the other magazines did too and someday I'll check for that. For me, it reminded me of Betsy McCall.
Do you remember Betsy McCall? The one magazine that I looked forward to was mother's McCall's because I loved the story and the paper doll. The paper dolls never lasted long because they were on magazine grade paper, but I sure enjoyed them anyway! Here's one from my collection:
1966
The paper dolls were first included in the magazine in 1951 and I think it stopped around 1995.
1951 Betsy McCall paper doll I found on Pinterest.
In 2000, the magazine bearing the McCall's name ceased publication and the new magazine folded in 2002. Happily, McCall's still has quilting and other needlework magazines.
Betsy McCall was so popular that even a doll was manufactured in 1952 and dolls continued to be produced (by various companies) for many years. I didn't have one. Did you?
Anyway, that is it for today. Have a safe and happy day!
Like you, I looked forward to the magazine just to get the paper dolls.
ReplyDeleteWow! You reminded me of Betsy McCall! I had cutouts for her too; and it started my cousin on the path of designing clothes, so our "dolls" had lots of outfits!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I got my Betsy McCall doll in about 1952, I was just thinking about that! There was a 3 foot tall Betsy McCall paper doll later with crepe paper and trimmings to make her clothes. I loved the ones from the magazine too. They even had 8 inch dolls - I had two!
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved my Betsy McCall dolls, and especially the paper dolls. Lots of good memories there. Robert Tonner made Betsy McCall dolls at the turn of the century. I have one on display dressed as a cowgirl. She's displayed with the other cowgirls including an original 8" Betsy McCall by American Character. I think Rosie O'Donnell bought out McCalls magazine but it was never the same.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I enjoyed cutting out the Betsy McCall paper dolls from Mum's magazine. Simple pleasures.
ReplyDeleteI remember Betsy McCall! I must have played with them in paper doll form, and that was always fun. My mom made all our clothes when we were growing up (she even made my wedding dress and maternity clothes!) so Simplicity and Butterick are very familiar as well.
ReplyDeleteI had dresses similar to the ones the last one shown would wear, and I wore a cotton camisole for warmth and modesty as well.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories. My grandmother would send me the paper dolls in the mail each month when i was little, probably because my name is Betsy!
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories. My grandmother would send me the paper dolls in the mail each month when i was little, probably because my name is Betsy!
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories. My grandmother would send me the paper dolls in the mail each month when i was little, probably because my name is Betsy!
ReplyDelete