If you know anything about American Girl dolls, you most likely know that TODAY is the big release day for the new 50’s doll, Maryellen. Yep, she makes her debut in the American Girl doll stores all across the country. If you missed my post on what she looks like, here is a quick picture…
She’s probably been the most anticipated doll from American Girl for a really long time. So many people have been wanting a doll from the 1950’s and American Girl finally listened… Several ladies who comment on here, are going to her debut at stores near them… and let me just tell you all now… WE WANT DETAILS!!!
I have been working on a dress for Maryellen, but haven’t found the time to get it all the way completed, so for Maryellen’s debut, my contribution will be a Surprise Giveaway…I’ve made 4 tulle slips for her and if you’d like a chance at the giveaway, what you’ll have to do is leave a comment today as to which slip you would like to win if your name is drawn. If you want, you can also send me an email, through the Contact Me link at the top, letting me know which color slip you would like. The comments can be left at the bottom of this post. I will draw out a winner at midnight tonight (Illinois time…CENTRAL TIME) and let you know tomorrow who won…the rest of the slips will be put in our Etsy shop… (HERE)
[If you click on any picture it will enlarge.]
There is an ivory one,
a blue one,
a pink one,
and an apple green glitter one. (I do have to tell you the green one does have some little speckles of glitter coming off of it, if that matters to you.)
The slips are made from a pretty tulle in each color and have a stretch lace waistband that greatly reduces the bulk at the waist when wearing a dress. They can also be slid up or down to accommodate the length of your dolls dress.
Okay, so which slip is your favorite? Leave your comment below…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m the first!
It is 12:48 am and Maryellen has yet to make her appearance. On the other hand, it’s nearly as exciting to say that the green jumper appeared today, so carefully packed that nothing had moved and nothing was crushed. I opened the box and it looked as if Jeanne Marie had packed it 5 minutes earlier and it had been driven straight to my house.
Because I disliked anklets from my earliest childhood, my AGs have dressed for school in the 50’s wearing black tights from the 60s, or the 1890s, or several other eras. They make the outfit a little more fall-like and suit it perfectly. With the black hat, they look especially nice and the black ties in nicely with the bookbag, which is full of notebooks, pencils, calendar pages, and other good things, all carefully put together by hand. This outfit is a work of art.
The bookbag is even cuter in real life, and the blouse fabric is — this is hard to believe — even prettier. The outfit is being worn by Nell, formerly Nellie. With her strawberry blonde hair, she looks lovely in it. Her cousin Leah (formerly Lindsay) is wearing the red dress that was being made when I began following the blog.
Because it was so carefully made, the skirt of the red dress stands out quite nicely by itself, but because I remember the petticoats we called crinolines and because I have the sort of sisters who turn my dolls upside down to see what they are wearing underneath their skirts, I want to register to win the pink slip.
We used to starch our crinolines stiff, then carefully pull the layers apart for maximum volume, put them on, and walk a mile to school in the cold with the crinolines scratching out legs until they were bright red. We would not have given them up for anything but a pair of nice warm tights would have made life less painful by quite a bit.
Many thanks, Jeanne, for the beautiful outfit and the very special bookbag and its contents.
HI Marilyn,
What a lovely note from you! I just smiled as I read all you wrote to me. I’m so happy you were thrilled with the green Molly jumper and blouse set. And I’m thrilled that you liked my handmade school supplies… how about those pencil, huh? :o)
We wore scratchy slips in the late 50’s and early 60’s but I don’t remember them being as scratchy as all you ladies remember… clearly your slips were stiffer than what I wore…
I have you down for a pink slip Marilyn, should you be the winner.
Blessings, Jeanne
Morning Jeanne, the slips are so pretty and I think Hannah would actually LOVE any of them but I think especially the green one. She has been dressing her “Jeanne” doll & sleeping with her a lot lately. She has no undergarments for her doll. Her AG doll is in a different category than most of your readers, “Jeanne” is a “played with” doll. Have a great day! Love you!
Like the Velveteen rabbit, Hannah’s Jeanne doll is “real”. 🙂
Hi Deb, (my younger sister…)
Only you would think of the Velveteen Rabbit book… she’s a children’s book expert!!!
Love you too,
me
Yes, I think Hannah would have lots of fun with this slip… it’s pretty sparkly… I’m glad she’s taking a liking back to her “Jeanne” doll!
Hannah is the little flower girl I made the dress for to wear in my nieces wedding… She named her “rescued” doll Jeanne… I should be so honored!
Thanks Cindy,
Love you, Jeanne
Thanks for reminding me that they were called “crinolines.” Petticoats was as far as I could get. I remember pulling them through a stocking to crush them down and put them in a suitcase to travel. Tights would certainly have been more sensible. I also remember the socks that wouldn’t stay up.
Thanks for your generosity in sharing the crinolines and the instructions on how to make them in a previous Blog, Jeanne. Just love receiving your Blog every morning without fail. You are a treasure.
HI Susette,
I never heard that about pulling the crinolines through a stocking to keep them under control…That’s a pretty ingenious way to travel with them.
I’ve got you down for an ivory slip as you mentioned in your email to me..
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
They’re all so pretty..as were the panties you showed yesterday. I vote for the blue slip…love blue, and have more blue fabric than any other color in my stash!
HI Kathy,
Well then, blue it is for you!!!
Thanks so much, Kathy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
I love the pink slip as it is my favorite color. Any of them would look great on my AG dolls, though. Thanks for making your blog so much fun. I read it every morning before I go to work. Love the things you write about even when it’s not about dolly sewing.
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks so much for your sweet comments about my blog and whatever it is I write about… I never know what it will be either sometimes…
I’ve got you down for a pink slip if your name is picked as the winner…
Blessings, Jeanne
Love the Pink one!
Thanks April…
Pink it is for you then…
Blessings, Jeanne
Love them all. Especially the pink one.
HI Cindy,
Well, it seems that pink is about as popular as the blue…
Thanks so much Cindy,
Blessings, Jeanne
I was only 4 in 1954, but all the teenagers (or older girls) wore the beautiful peticoats. I remember when I finally got one for my birthday. It had so many layers of different colors and boy did it itch! But I LOVED it and was so proud. I don’t remember calling them crinolines, though. As Marilyn mentioned, those socks would not stay up, but slid down inside the shoes and I would have blisters where the back of the shoes would rub. I would love the Pink slip, if I win.
HI Debi,
It’s funny, I remember my shoes “eating” my socks too and rubbing blisters on my heels…
Those itchy, itchy crinolines… mine are soft.. guaranteed…
Blessings, Jeanne
I will add another name we called the crinolines back in the 50’s. “Can-cans”. I went to a parochial school and that was the word for them along with the word crinolines. I agree, they would scratch our legs but to help our dresses stand out, it was worth it…sometimes.
I am partial to the ivory one, Jeanne.
I keep trying to think of another word for the crinolines if they were made into full dresses that would have a meaning like “debutante dress, wedding dress, communion dress” only something for the 9-10 year old’s that the AMG dolls seem to be. “Young Miss” gowns/dresses? Just a thought. All that netting…so pretty.
Have a great day Jeanne. Blessings
HI Paula,
Thanks for reminding us of the word… can cans… I do remember slips being called that too.
It’s funny how girls used to put up with itchy, scratchy slips and today you hardly ever see a girl in a dress… well, sometimes we do, but it’s not like it used to be…
I’ve got you down for Ivory, Paula…
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, I wanted to mention that I wished the new Doll had been named Debbie. Everyone was named Debbie, it seemed like 🙂
HI Debi,
Debbie would have been very popular… every time I hear Maryellen, I think of the Walton’s.
Blessings, Jeanne
Good Morning, Jeanne.
I didn’t stay up for the launch, but checked things out this morning. AGPT is buzzing.
Back to Marie-Grace from yesterday, Yes, I know people tend to thinks her face looks off in photos, but apparently she is different in person. I have seen Magalie use her as a model and she looks very sweet. Someone had her as a McKenna stand in and the difference between McKenna Josefina mold and MG’s was so subtle and actually MG looked better. She has a heart shaped face. I don’t know, but I am determined to see her in person. I’ve seen reviews online where people question why they never wanted her. If I don’t care for her, someone on AGPT would certainly want her for a custom.
We hope to see Maryellen’s collection at AGP soon. Always glad for another historical doll. My daughter is going to debate if she wants her
All the crinolines are lovely, but I like the ivory one best.
HI Laura,
I bet the AG stores have been busier than they have been for a really long time! and I bet they are happy for that. I was awake at 3:00 this morning, so I couldn’t resist looking on my ipad and seeing what I thought… There were so many leaks the last few days about all her stuff, nothing was new to look at…
Oh well, it was still fun to see it in online and in the stores.
My aunt emailed me last night wanting to know when Maryellen would be available… I told her after midnight…so this morning she emailed me that she had gotten Maryellen ordered… She has Molly and will now have Maryellen.
I’m glad you like Marie-Grace so much… I guess I need to see her in person… I don’t know anyone who has her…
I put you down for Ivory, Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Adore the pink one! The lace is exquisite!
I love your petticoats, the ivory one is my favorite.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your kind comment on my tulle slips… I’ll make sure you get an ivory one if your name is chosen…
Blessings, Jeanne
Thank you Susan,
I’ll send the pink one to you, if you are the winner…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
All 4 slips are lovely, but my Kit, like me, is a pink girl. If I win, I’d love the pink slip, please? 🙂
HI Melody,
Well, if you win, Kit will be thrilled to wear her new pink slip…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
The green is eye catching and my favorite. i have a difficult time using my tablet. Daughter was at DC AG store and bought a Maryellen. I tried twice to send you a message but I don’t know if it went. Salesperson told Lise to tell her Mom that Maryellens messy bangs are part of her story and meant to looked chopped. Lise also bought poodle skirt outfit.
HI Jan,
I did get your other message… congrats on getting a Maryellen doll. You’ll have fun with her and if you win she’ll be wearing her new green glittery slip…under her poodle skirt outfit if it doesn’t have a slip…
Blessings, Jeanne
So fun to see a new AG doll. However, the first thing I noticed were the missing socks! Seems like others above also remember the socks. No tights for us and no pants allowed. Freezing cotton dresses with a sweater to keep warm. My mother wouldn’t allow the petticoats for me. I remember finally getting one as the popularity waned. Would love the ivory one if picked.
HI Joy,
I noticed no socks either… I also think she needed a different color of shoes to go with her pastel colored dress..but that’s just me…
If you are picked the winner, I’ll be sure and send you the ivory slip…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Can’t wait to see pics of someone’s new Mary Ellen. Hope one of your readers sends you a picture!
Love the ivory slip…they are all darling however! That stretch lace is the best.
The pedal pusher outfit is too cute.
Thanks for offering another give-away!
HI Kathie,
I can’t wait to see some “regular” pictures of Maryellen either… I just want to see her in regular lighting and study her bang situation…
I’ve put you down for ivory if you win the drawing…
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Finally back from the the AG store! it took forever to get there trying to get through the morning rush! Well, lets see, I don’t know what to say so as to not make this too long, but I thought Maryellen was really cute! She has greenish-hazel eyes, not light by any means. Her hair is so pretty too, she has just the kind of pony tail I would have loved to have had, but never could get my hair to grow that long. It is so pretty and shiny! Her outfits are really adorable, not a bad one in the bunch, and made very well. The diner was cute, sort of, but I didn’t like the colors that much. And the stickers that are included for the phone and clock, not realistic at all an kind of disappointed in that. It really had no grill that I could see either, but the seats, tables and stools were very sturdy and well made. At least it isn’t $500.00 like the bakery! The jukebox, oh, so cute and well made, but kind of small. It was really a good piece though, and well worth whatever it cost, but I did not get it.
Since I did get Maryellen’s pink crinoline, I am picking the ivory one of yours if I win. I have 3 40’s-50’s dolls here, so they each need one. Yours are so pretty and versatile, I could us it for Cecile and Ivy too. One crinoline just won’t do it! I got her play outfit, (the pedal pusher outfit)and her crinoline, plus her shortie pajamas, which I remember having too, by the way! I don’t want to take up too much room here so will stop now, but I thought AG did very well with Maryellen.
Hi Linda,
Well, it sounds like you had a fun day shopping and looking at all Maryellen’s new stuff. I wonder if any “other” dolls were sold today???
I knew you wanted her pedal pusher outfit…congrats on that… and her pink crinoline…
Was she cute enough that you would have “liked” to have gotten her? I’m anxious to see some normal pictures of her…maybe on AGPT tonight…
Thanks so much Linda,
I have you down for ivory…
Blessings, Jeanne
I’d love to enter this giveaway! I really like the ivory slip, though they are all adorable and i would love to have any color 🙂 Thanks again for this awesome giveaway!
HI Rachel,
Thanks for your kind words about my slips… I’ll send the ivory one your way if you are chosen the winner…
Blessings, Jeanne
These slips are just delightful! I love the way they are smooth at the waistline…no bulk! I would be delighted to win a BLUE slip!
Your work is so imaginative!! I love seeing what you come up with!!
Thank you Ila,
I appreciate your very kind words about my doll slips… they are fun to make and if you happen to be the winner, I’ll send you the blue one…
Blessings, Jeanne
Do you know what Maryellen is missing and Josefina might like? Does anyone else remember squaw dresses? Mine was turquoise and cream and my sister’s was coral and cream, both with tons of rick-rack. I’m nearly sure that Jeanne Marie will have pictures somewhere. They were a lot like square dance dresses, and you might have to call them that because I have heard that squaw is a very non-PC word and I’m not sure that a Native American ever wore one — Kaya might like it for its exotic white American style. Google it and check for images. Look for the ones being worn by white women or for pattern pictures.
HI Marilyn,
Oh yes, but I had forgotten their name…squaw dresses… I think I had one, and I think mine was turquoise too. I’ll have to ask my older sister if she remembers them… I do remember the dresses with all the rick rack on them…
Thanks for the “memories” Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh Marilyn. I had a squaw dress, too. It was turquoise & white with puffy sleeves & silver belt. I loved, loved, loved it!
I forgot to mention poodle skirts. We called then circle skirts. Mine was red, and we added 3 bells in graduated sizes (white felt with silver jingle bells) for Christmas and a big white lace trimmed heart for Valentine’s Day.
In about 1954 we wore our cardigans backwards and buttoned up the back. We also tacked on removable pearl collars.
Okay now Marilyn,
You’re going to date yourself if you’re not careful… I wasn’t born yet for the backwards cardigans, but I do remember seeing them like that in old movies…
Thanks, Jeanne
Hi,
I loved your slips. I keep looking for stretch lace, but haven’t found it. If my name is chosen, I would like the green petticoat.
I don’t know if I will get a new AG doll, but I love all of them. I don’t like the side bangs on Maryellen. I wonder if she tried to cut them herself.
Diana
HI Diana,
I think the side part of her bangs is supposed to be where she cut them herself trying to imitate a movie star or something like that.
Green it is for you if you’re the winner…
It’s something we all wouldn’t refuse…a new doll, but something we can’t have all we want…in most cases… I hope if you decide to get her you love her!
Blessings, Jeanne
Those crinolines are pretty–I think I would prefer the ivory one if I were lucky enough to win. I think AG will have a winner with the Maryellen doll. I am going to look on their website to see what her collection consists of. I’m sure it’s cute, but I’m not so sure I need any of it. I’ll have to think about it some more!
HI Carolyn,
Thanks so much for the compliments on the slips… if you win, I’ll send you the ivory one…
I think Maryellen is going to be a big hit, but I think she would have been a bigger hit with different bangs and something other than hazel eyes…
Blessings, Jeanne
My favorite is the ivory.
Thanks Daria,
If you win, I’ll send you the ivory slip…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne:
Want to thank you for your blog – there is so much I enjoy here from seeing your lovely designs, how you repair & restore well loved dolls, sharing your personal life as well.
I am not a doll expert but have always loved dolls – started with a Madam Alexander baby doll which I still have from the 50’s – unfortunately somewhere along the line I cut her hair! I then graduated to Revlon then Barbie and a few years ago I won an Elizabeth! She is pretty but needs a cleaning, maybe hair wash (I’ve been too timid to try) & her legs are a bit loose. Anyways, I just know she would dearly love any of your beautiful slips but I think she is most partial to pink!!!
Thanks ~ Leigh
Hi Leigh,
Thank you so much for your very kind words about my blog and my doll clothing. I do enjoy sewing and fixing up them up occasionally… It’s not hard to wash a dolls hair…there are hundreds of youtube videos on the internet…just pick a couple to watch and then you’ll be over your shyness…just do it… just don’t get water in her eyes…that’s the main thing… other than that, it’s pretty simple.
I’ll send you the pink one if you are chosen… blessings, Jeanne
Love the pink. Of course all your doll clothes are just so cute!
HI Kimberly,
Thanks for picking the pink slip. If you win, I’ll send it your way…
Blessings, Jeanne