It was not easy for a woman to keep warm during the time when houses lacked central heat and insulation! Shawls, often knitted at home of fine wool or cashmere, helped solve this wardrobe challenge.
Protecting the neck, arms and shoulders from draft, this simple garment could add both comfort and beauty to a women's person. Poor women often used shawls instead of cloaks or hoods to protect their heads in inclement weather, not so much fashionable, but definitely contributing to her well being.
Our shawls are knitted by hand of fine cashmere or soft merino wool. Laid flat, the measure about 7" from point to point and 3.3" from neck to waist. They are quite stretchy and most of our dolls like to wear them tucked into the waist of their apron. Some also have a tiny button on one point which can be passed through an opening in the opposite point to fasten the shawl about the shoulders. Either way, hands are left free to knit or hold the baby.
You can see from the photos that sizing is quite flexible, easily accommodating the needs of 9 - 14" dolls.
I make a variety of colors and fibers -- made by hand, each one is a little different. The small purple cashmere has a gorgeous antique button fastener, but buying the larger purple cashmere has plain ends.
Recently I've added a version making use of a 19th century craze for embroidered "ermine tails" on accessories. Just as described in period women's magazines, the black stitches are neatly sewn in after the shawl is knitted. That model has a ribbon to fasten it about the doll's neck and the points are meant to be secured by an apron waistband.
The photos show everyone looking warm and pretty -- they do not ask for more than that.
Product code: Doll's hand buying knitted shawl