Five versions of the same doll, and the piece that makes every one of them.
Five styles
The Mary Poppins crochet doll set is one character in five styles. They differ in costume detail rather than in size, and each is listed separately so you can see which you are ordering.
The umbrella makes the doll
It is crocheted as its own item with the handle shaped rather than added as a stick, so it can be held or set beside her. Without it the doll is a woman in a navy coat; with it, it is unmistakable. The hat brim is worked flat and shaped for the same reason — a soft brim droops and takes the face with it.
Who buys it
Almost never for a child. This one goes to collectors, and to nannies and teachers as a leaving present — which is why it is ordered in the larger sizes more often than most dolls.
Which size
12 and 14 inches carry the coat detail properly. At 6 the umbrella is there but the coat reads as a single colour.
Where they come from
A nanny arrives on the wind for two difficult children, fixes a family that did not know it was broken, and leaves the moment she is no longer needed.
Almost everything that identifies her is something she carries. Take away the hat, the bag and the umbrella and the doll is a woman in a navy coat — which is why all three are crocheted rather than suggested.
See it at Mary Poppins crochet doll set, a doll made from a photograph at personalized look-alike crochet doll, and more in cartoon crochet dolls.