I decided on a bonnet to go with Lian’s dress. I was going to do a big sunhat, but decided it wasn’t the look I wanted. I thought about crocheting a pretty little pink cloche type hat, but it covers up too much of her hair that way. I thought about a beret, or a muffin top hat but it seems like I do those all the time. I didn’t want the hat to tie under her chin, because I was thinking of maybe asking Rebecca to make a tiny pearl necklace to go with this dress and didn’t want it to be covered up. I drug out my wool felts, the two coordinating prints I showed when I first decided to make this dress, and then as a last resort, the same fabric as the dress.
In the end I decided on a sweet open-back bonnet in the cutest little girl style I could think of… a turned up brim, with white lace edging it and a bit of silk ribbon embroidery for decoration. I like the way it makes Lian look like an innocent little girl…that’s what I was aiming for.
There is a narrow band of the felt that goes from one corner of the bonnet to the other. One side has a snap on it and it snaps onto the other side, behind your dolls neck. The bow at the side just makes it look like it’s tied under her chin.
This post is simple, but it will also let you know the set is listed on Ebay… AND…JUST FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS…. if one of my subscribers wins this dress, I’ll make you a pair of thigh highs out of a white stretch lace like fabric….and there just might be an Easter treat in the winning box too!
I hope you enjoy these pictures…and below them you’ll find the link to the listing…
You can click on the picture at the right side bar or go directly to the Ebay listing by clicking … Details Matter.
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
So, so sweet and perfect, Jeanne! Now I wish I had a Little Darling! I love the way you fashioned the hat, so that it wasn’t overpowering and just sits sweetly on her. You did a great job on this whole outfit, and someone is going to be very happy to win it!
Hi Linda,
I wish everyone could have a Little Darling too! It’s hard to believe all the dolls are painted from just 3 different face sculpts. It’s amazing what different painted eyes and wigs can do!
Thank you for your sweet compliments on Lian’s dress set… sometimes I capture her face and she looks so real!
Blessings, Jeanne
I predict big bucks for this one. Everything about it is just beautiful!
Thank you Ann,
It would be wonderful if your prediction came true…at least for me, it would be wonderful.
Thanks again,
Blessings, Jeanne
Stunning and innocent…pretty and pleasing….another great ensemble, Jeanne.
Thank you Becky, I’m glad you like Lian’s dress set.
Blessings, Jeanne
sigh…. just wonderful! 🙂
(spring is coming, spring is coming, spring is coming!)
You give me hope! 🙂
Hi Mary,
Yes, it doesn’t get much more “Springy” than this, does it? Thank you…
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m glad you use a picture of Lian with her new hairstyle in the auction. The hat is darling and especially becoming to her. This is a lovely outfit, perfect for the season, and beautifully detailed. It was worth waiting for.
And now the important question — what’s next?
Hi Marilyn,
I debated about whether or not to add a picture of Lian with her new “flippy” hairdo in the auction and decided to go ahead…I think she is such a sweet doll…
I think Ten Ping will be next. I found some little straw hats in my hat stash and they fit her perfectly!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful handiwork, Jeanne! Love the sweet, innocent look. I’d say you accomplished your vision perfectly!!
Thank you very much Karen…
I appreciate your kind words…
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful! This is the sweet little dress that I love to see you create. Lian is just too cute as always.
HI Regaina,
This is the kind of dress I like to make too! Totally little girl, every which way you look at it.
Thanks so much Regina,
Blessings, Jeanne
I, too, wish I had a Little Darling Lian. She is the perfect model for a beautiful creation and another show stopper! Thanks for sharing so many tips and techniques while working on this dress. I think it created a run on smocking pleaters on eBay!
HI Susette,
I think I could have written a book on this dress and the silver one with the turquoise bolero jacket I did for Nyssa. I like it much better when they go faster…so I can get more finished.
Thanks for your sweet compliments on it Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful hat idea. Love how it loops behind the hair. I agree with Susette about the pleaters. I’m still looking but have learned so much about them. Thanks for getting us going on another hobby!
Hi Joy,
Thanks for your sweet comments on Lian’s dress set. It turned out very well I think and I wonder why I don’t do smocking more… *sigh*
I never dreamed so many ladies would be interested in smocking… and pleaters… It is fun to learn new things besides just sewing….
Blessings, Jeanne
Yes, that is perfect. Lian looks so sweet. I was thinking what kind of hat you would make and I was thinking a bonnet would be adorable… and it is! I also predict this one will go high. I wish I could have a Little Darling as well. They are, well darling.
I saw on Cindy’s blog the LD she has named Lucy. I love her, red hair and a wreath of smiles.
Have a great Saturday. The sun is shining brightly here.
HI Laura,
Thank you very much for your very kind words about the dress and little bonnet. I just knew a bonnet was right! Glad you thought so too.
I am very blessed to have my 3 Little Darlings and I think I got them right before the big boom of them… although Lian cost me a pretty penny, but not what they are going for now…
I did have a great Saturday… we raked gumballs, went to Sam’s, I decorated for our church’s Anniversary dinner tomorrow, made burrito’s for our dinner tonight and now I’m going to put a color on my hair… that’s a pretty full Saturday!
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Lovely! I do particularly like the cap.
Thank you Jan,
I do appreciate your kind comments on Lian’s dress and bonnet. She is a sweet doll to sew for.
Blessings, Jeanne
Lian looks just lovely in her beautiful print dress. The hat is adorable. I too would like to get a Little Darling. I didn’t realize they came in two sizes. 13″ or 15″ ? What is your doll’s size?
Did you have to buy the wig from another company? I forget what you’ve said over the year about your LD’s.
Well, it’s another adorable dress up for auction!
Have a great Saturday, Jeanne.
HI Paula,
The Little Darlings are the vinyl studio dolls by Dianna Effner and they are 13″ tall. Dianna also has another doll called Maru and she is 20″ tall, but she’s not considered a studio doll. She’s more in line with the American Girl dolls. There is a new friend of Maru out right now…
My 3 dolls are 13″ tall and I buy size 7/8 wigs occasionally for them…. a few from Kemper, Jpop dolls, and Monique…
Thank you for your compliments on Lian’s dress. She does look awfully sweet standing on my cutting table.
Blessings to you Paula,
~ Jeanne
Looks like Lian is ready for Easter. Such a sweet look and love the hat….
HI Lynne,
Yes, whoever wins this dress for their Little Darling, will be set for Easter, that’s for sure!
Thank you very much Lynne,
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful dress and the “Easter bonnet” is perfect with it. Lian looks very sweet in it. I finally got a dress made for my new LD Camylle. The fit was a little bit of a struggle, and I had to redraft the bodice, but now that I have a good fit, I can make her a few more things. I’m having fun with the wigs too!
HI Carolyn,
Once you get a good fitting bodice, you can make anything for the girls. I’m glad Camylle will be getting more dresses in the future… the next one will go faster.
Thank you for your compliments on Lian’s dress and bonnet set.
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Your dress is amazing. I love how you show the step by step process in creating your outfits. I do have a question; how much fabric do you start with to smock your dresses? I use to smock for my daughter as a little girl but never for dolls, so not sure the ratio to use. Thanks for sharing your crafts with me. Have a blessed day, Janet
That hat is the sweetest little thing! Just perfect for her dress and just a touch of the silk flowers…you have such vision!
Have a great week!