FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why don't you use more standard sizes such as
newborn, 6 months, 18 months, etc.?
Most of the old garments that we have do not
have any kind of tag, let alone a size label. Many are handmade and are
one-of-a-kind. Also, even today there is so much size variation. One dress at
size 6 months might be quite different in size from another that is also size 6
months. There is even more variation amongst the babies themselves. Therefore, please measure the
child who will be wearing the clothing, and be sure to allow for a little extra room when
deciding if something will fit or not.
How do I place an order?
Please see the ordering information. There are links to it at the bottom of each
page.
Why do you use PayPal?
It is a free, secure service through which you can pay by credit card or a checking account. It is very simple, and it also
eliminates the need to pay credit card processing
fees, hidden in the price of the clothing. For more information, please see the
Ordering page (link below).
What kind of condition are these garments in?
Each garment has been selected because it is special, charming and/or beautiful,
and because it is in great, desirable, wearable condition. All the clothes are
in wonderful shape. We are picky! Only close inspection will reveal
any tiny "flaws," if there are any. These clothes are old, some as
much as 150 years old. By definition they won't have
the sizing, department store "new smell" and crispness of something just purchased
at The Gap. There might even be a tiny pinhole or a small area
where the fabric or lace is a little thin. This is very normal for vintage and
antique clothes, even those that have been well taken care of. Again, these are VERY
minor, and if they are there, with normal vision they are not noticeable when the garment is
being worn. On the other hand, the clothes are nice and fresh, and have a
new look. It's hard to believe the garments are actually as old as they actually
are.
Are the clothes clean?
Yes. Everything is clean and fresh, and
can be worn immediately. Since most are 100% cotton, they may need a little
touch-up ironing before being worn, however.
Can the clothes be washed
after they are worn?
If it is a cotton outfit, it can be gently
gently very gently hand washed with a gentle soap. Air dry delicately. Do not
use the washing machine, do not use the dryer. Silks should be professionally
dry cleaned.
How did Mrs. Bird get started?
Love of beautiful baby clothes, love of
beautiful hand work, love of children, interest in keeping these worthy
one-of-a-kind garments
from the past in circulation, interest in providing a special unique garment for
a special unique loved baby on a special day.
Is there really a Mrs. Bird?
Well, no, well yes, no, yes, no,
yes. It was started by me, Susan Willis-Powers, who wrote this, in my
house, when I started collecting the clothes. So I guess I'm Mrs. Bird.!
I've branched out, however. It's getting bigger. I have some help. Mrs. Bird is
a name for the whole thing.! It's still in a home studio, however, and for an internet
business, this works great. One of the reasons it works great is that it keeps
the prices of the clothing down!