Raggedy Ann-An American Classic

I remember one of the first toys I received as a little girl ready to explore the world was a Raggety Ann doll someone had made for me. She was so beautiful and soft with a pretty dress, red yarn hair and a white apron. She wore black shoes and little stockings. She had button eyes and red thread mouth in a tiny smile just for me. I loved that doll and she was the perfect play mate. She always liked to do everything I liked and she even had a bother named Raggety Andy.

There were books written about all their great adventures together when they came to life while humans were not looking. It was hours of entertainment and fun with little friends filling fantasy's of children all over the country and eventually the world. Soon she wore different outfits and her hair was in different colors, but she was still Raggety Ann.

Little did I know at the time she was a true American toy created right here in our very own country. She is just one of many classic toys to our credit and it may be time to return to a true American tradition. At a time when our country needed hope she came to life. If there wasn't money enough to buy a Raggety Ann then mothers, sisters and even fathers would find the cloth and create their very own personalized doll for a child in their family. It was a treat Christmas morning to find her waiting under the tree or have her pop out of a box at a very special birthday party.

Added with books and now video's she and Raggety Andy create a world of fantasy and exploration for every child. Follow them as they look at flowers and hike through the country side. Watch as they discover new things each time they come to life and enjoy the friendship they bring to every little girl and boy who receive one. They survive the test of time and become a family keepsake when made with love by your very own hands.

With the recall of so many toys this season Americans are reconsidering the constant purchase of cheap items made in other countries. American made has lost it's meaning when only a short time ago in our recent history it was the chant of every American living on this soil no matter what county you came from to be here. Our time has once again arrived to create within ourselves for the future of our children, family and future generations yet to come.

It starts with a simple doll with yarn hair and a white apron. After that she can become anything she wants or anything you choose her to be. Create her as a 70's icon with bright material, beads around her neck and long hair. Perhaps she would belong to a child as a cowgirl in a dress with a denim apron and little hat. If you have someone into the Goth then create her in all black clothing with red and black yarn hair. This is the wonderful thing about Raggety Ann because as your own creation she can be any color, any gender and any lifestyle you want.

She was first introduced in 1915 by creator Johnny Gruelle and later brought to life with her brother in a series of books that began in 1918. In 1922 Gruelle serialized the "Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy" in newspapers across the county and a nation fell in love with two little red haired kids. Every child wanted one and every grownup helped to create and continue their legacy.

Now as adults looking back into our own childhood memories of these lovable dolls they still live within our minds and hearts. They are world wide but you can create them in your own kitchen by hand or by machine for one toy of American tradition and most of all American made!

At Raggey-ann.com you will find patterns for the dolls as well as books, cd's, videos and many other items. There are also designs for costumes and accessories for little girls bedrooms and big girls kitchens. From curtains to dishes to bedding of all types. Be sure to check out the life size dance with me dolls for your little girl along with a collection of classic books and stories.

There are so many sites that specialize in Raggedy Ann and Andy, but this is by far one of the best. So now it's time for a decision. Do you continue to support unsafe toys made in other countries or do you create a classic for the child in your family? Raggedy Ann is an American Icon and will live forever in the imagination of children everywhere. So bring her and her wonderful adventures with her brother back to the family for future generations.