I got a lot done today, and even had time to go to a cookout this afternoon. It was very nice… I just got to sit and watch everyone else do stuff…but I really would have liked to help!
When I got home, I started working again on Molly’s Christmas dress. Since I had originally planned on making this a one piece dress, I had cut the white part of the blouse a little short. I realized it would need to be a little longer if the winner of this set wanted to use the blouse with something other than the Christmas jumper. So I added a little extension to the bottom of it.
The color combinations: black, red and white, are going to give me fits trying to take pictures. When I have my lights on to take pictures, it washes out the embroidered design on the very white blouse fabric…then, red is ALWAYS hard to photograph…and black is even harder because it won’t let the viewer see the details…
I ended up taking about 75 pictures with random lighting possibilities…and these are the only ones that made the cut! You’ll see the difference in all the shots. Some I was trying to show the fabric in the blouse, some the red plaid and others the black velvet on the bodice…
You’ll also notice what I did with the belt. The ribbon that most everyone liked was the narrow gold glittery one but several people thought it would be better if it were a little wider. It was a very delicate ribbon and I was a little concerned that it might not hold up like I hoped, so that’s why I was going to attach it to the dress. But even with the bow pre-tied, and less handling of it…I still wasn’t comfortable doing that. In the end, I found some gold shimmery fabric in my stash and decided to cut a belt on the bias. I decided to make is separate and not attach it to the dress, so if the winner wants to change it to a red ribbon or a green one, they can.
I did some looking at vintage 1040’s patterns and most dresses from that time tied in the back…so I decided to follow suit. Many of the dresses also had a little something at the neckline…a ribbon or a bow, so I did likewise on that too.
I’ve still got to make her one of my tulle half slips, some socks or tights for her legs, find her black patent leather shoes and then decide what to make for her head… a hat, a headband, a ribbon??? I’ll have to see what I think looks good. She already told me she wanted to wear her hair down so we’ll have to have a little “beauty shop” session for that too. Linda already suggested doing hair like Samantha’s where the front sections are pulled back… :o)
Oh, and I can’t forget…something for her to hold… you know…her accessory!
So that’s what I managed to get accomplished today…7 sets of snaps sewn on, a belt made, the blouse’s length extended, the black bow added to the neckline, got it all pressed, plus my pictures taken. I’m much slower with my foot still “out of order” but I’m managing…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, that turned out SO pretty, Jeanne! The wider belt/bow and the tiny black bow at the neckline make all the difference in the world! Also, closer pics show the textures of the fabrics, which give it a richness you can’t otherwise see. Molly must be in heaven wearing that outfit, and I hate to see what happens when it is time for it to go!
I’ve been meaning to ask, are those little gold beads that are on the front of the jumper? I may try that on Felicity’s dress if I can’t find the buttons I had. Of course, I could always go out and buy more buttons, but then the very day I did that, I would probably find the buttons I lost!!
Good morning Linda,
Thanks for your sweet compliments on Molly’s Christmas dress. I think I’m going to have to use a little trickery to get it off her…
Yes, those are little gold seedbeads down the front of her dress. I got mine at Hobby Lobby but you can probably find them at Joann’s too. Sometimes they are a better size than the buttons, plus I didn’t have any “flat” gold metallic buttons in a really small size.
Now to get everything else done for it…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Molly looks lovely in her Christmas dress. The black velvet, read plaid and gold sash all come together beautifully. I agree with Linda that things don’t look good for when Molly must give up her Christmas dress. You must get the current dress off of them by promising they get to model another one next time it’s their turn.. 🙂 It’s funny, but, Molly was the only PC girl out of Felicity, Samantha, Kirsten and Addy that my daughter never considered. IMO she is the only one that the Mattel version like you have is actually prettier than the PC German one, otherwise I prefer the German made ones like we have. Her PC wardrobe didn’t have enough variety for us either.
Molly’s dress reminds me a little of my daughter first Christmas dress that was green velvet with that red and green plaid taffeta.
Thank you Laura,
I am just like your daughter thinking that this Molly is prettier than my older PC Molly. I love her coloring much better than my first Molly. Maybe it was just “mine” but I do like this one!
I think her dress is probably pretty typical of the 40’s dresses, nothing too fancy but just right for her!
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Now, it’s perfect!
Years ago, my parents went to Scotland and brought back dresses for our girls then about 5 and 6. The dresses looked very much like your dress for Molly. However, they came with a tam. Think a tam would be a nice touch.
HI Joy,
Thank you so much for thinking Molly’s Christmas dress is “perfect!” That makes my day!
I think the style is pretty much like many of the 1940’s dresses…only a little bit fancier!
I was thinking of a tam…and might have to try that out…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Catching up on reading today. I am glad you were able to get out and socialize with friends. When you are used to being busy and a helping person, it is hard to sit back, but try to enjoy theses moments You willbe extremely busy again. Great job with the lips.
Thanks Jan,
If I thought I could do any better, I’d redo her lips, but for now, I’ll have to wait… I need to be working on Christmas dresses… maybe when it’s Kit’s turn, I can give her new lips for Christmas… maybe….
Thanks Jan,
Blessings, Jeanne
You were definitely right about Molly wearing her hair down — she looks lovely. I hadn’t commented earlier on the bead buttons down the front, but I do like them — they pick up the gold and sparkle in the skirt. I wonder about a black velvet tam. To tell the truth, this dress is so complete that it doesn’t need anything for Molly’s hair. It would also look good on many, many other dolls. Like — mine. This might be one of those times when you could offer a tam in either velvet or plaid if the price goes over whatever you determine. Or a plaid, cut on the bias, headband. I thought when you started that this was going to be a good outfit, but I didn’t guess how good. I think the new sash is perfect. How do you feel about knee socks — they would add to the Scots feeling.
And now — you guessed it — give us a foot report of the day. Did getting out help?
HI Marilyn,
I’m glad you agree that Molly looks good with her hair down… I think she is an exceptionally pretty doll! I may make a few different hats or headbands so the winner can have a choice as to which one Molly might like to wear… it’s almost just as easy to make one as it is to make 3, so who knows…
I haven’t decided on socks yet…I’ll have to try a few different things on her and figure that out too.
Rebecca got Elizabeth’s necklace finished for the blue and cream Regency dress, so I’m going to try and get that totally finished and listed on Ebay… :o)
I got the ankle brace from my friend and have been using it today…so far I haven’t had any of those times where I have that “bolt of electricity” feelings in that one spot.. so maybe this is stabilizing my foot enough to work… I sure hope so. Today has been my least painful day so far…
Thanks for your thoughts, Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Molly’s outfit looks wonderful! I think your idea for her “belt” was a good one. I love her blouse fabric, too–so rich-looking!!
Thanks so much Charlotte,
I just got Molly’s dress listed on Ebay! I like the wider gold belt too. I knew I should have bought more of that white embroidered fabric when I was at my sisters! It was $17 a yard so I was stingy, but I shouldn’t have been…
Thanks for your sweet comments…
Blessings, Jeanne