My friend Janet has, again,
introduced me to a doll that really
caught my interest.
a MARY HOYER doll!
The Mary Hoyer company started in
1925 as a yarn and craft shop
in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Designer Mary Hoyer created knit
and crochet patterns for
children's clothing. Eventually
in 1936 she added a 14" slim doll
for modeling her knit creations.
You could order a Mary Hoyer
doll using this mail order coupon.
Mary Hoyer dolls are frequently
seen in knit or crochet outfits like
this blue outfit above.
Or this skiing outfit in red and white.
The dolls were originally composition.
During WWII Mary Hoyer dolls had painted
eyes due to shortages in many supplies.
After WWII the dolls were made
from hard plastic.
The doll I just acquired is hard plastic
from the 1950s.
AND HERE SHE IS!
Still in her shipping box!
All wrapped up! But not for long.
Definitely a sleeping beauty.
She is dressed as a ballerina.
She appears to be all original.
She is in amazing condition, just
needs a little freshening up.
Her ballerina outfit is in great shape.
I did not find a tag, but I found
several images of other Mary Hoyer dolls
wearing this same outfit.
Here is the same ballerina outfit in blue.
Here is her maker's mark.
She still has this little hair decoration.
But her hair was crunchy and kind of
flattened on her head.
I did a gentle wash and conditioner.
Then I brushed it out and re-rolled it.
Here is the front of her hair.
Before and After.
And, here is the back.
I think this is an improvement.
Oh yes! I also found these silky PJs
that fit her perfectly!
She has lovely blue eyes!
While I was waiting for my doll to arrive
I saw this ADORABLE illustration for a
skating outfit from a Mary Hoyer pattern.
I used my 14" Shirley Temple as a
model, hoping it would fit,
and started crocheting...
Here she is in her crochet skaters outfit!
It fit perfectly.
Close-up of her hat.
Here is the back.
I must say I love this outfit!!
Besides needing her hair restyled, she
had this painted spot under her left ear.
Looks like she had an abrasion and
someone tried to cover it up.
I matched her skin color and gently dabbed
over it until it is a lot less noticeable.
As soon as I knew she was on her way
I also ordered this pattern to do some sewing.
SO, stay tuned and hopefully soon I
will have some sewing projects to share.
OH WAIT!!
Did I mention her name?
Let me formally introduce you to....
Linda,
whose nickname is,
Nina!
