I can’t believe this is all I have to show you… a dainty hair garland and a sprig of flowers for Kirsten to hold. This hair wreath was like trying to sew flowers and pearls on a piece of string. It was so lightweight and very hard to keep from getting my thread all caught in the leaves, so while it may look like a piece of cake to put together, it certainly wasn’t. I think it was just what this set needed though. It’s sweet looking and sits just on top of the crown of her head. I may try and braid her hair for some of the pictures, just to show what it might look like with a different hair style.
Remember that little bee I mentioned that might be “involved” with the hair wreath? Well, he’s coming along for a ride with Kirsten!
I put together a simple bouquet for Kirsten to carry and now I have to think of a story line to go with it…any suggestions are welcome! :o)
The cream colored flats were the shoes chosen by most people yesterday, and maybe I’m being entirely too picky, but I’m not liking them with this set. Normally shoes are the last thing on my mind, but something about this set… they look funny to me.
So I got out the pair of brown hiking-like boots that I’ve used many times for Kirsten and was trying to decide if I made the pantalettes come down far enough, the boots wouldn’t show much and it might look better.
I also got out my Ultrasuede but I just don’t have the right colors to use for this set. I thought I could modify Josefina’s moccasins that I have made before, and make a pair of lace up boots, but I think that’s not going to work.
As far as the pantalettes go, I didn’t get them made, but I did find the fabric I’d like to use. The only problem is it’s in pieces so I’ll have to do a little “splicing” with maybe another fabric, but the part that would show would be this fun ruffled fabric.
Well, my sister arrived tonight and my brother and other sister will be here soon… so I’m off to have some fun visiting…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s all coming together now and in a perfect way, Jeanne! I really would have liked to see Kirsten in her braids looped on the sides though. You mentioned doing that so that made me happy! I really do love the wreath in her hair with the ribbons and bee, too!
Now yes, those shoes! I just knew they wouldn’t look quite right, although most ladies said they preferred them. For one thing, they didn’t wear shoes like that in Kirsten’s time! And she needed long socks on if she did, don’t you think? Maybe the pantalettes would hide her bare feet, but I don’t think they look period correct without something on her legs. If you look at Meg’s Guide on Playthings, and check out Kirsten, you can see all her shoes are the boot type, even with her birthday dress with the apron and wreath on her head. Did you ever try the cream boots?
I know you want to get this out of the way so you can enjoy your visits with your family, and I don’t blame you! You all are such a fun bunch!
HI Linda,
I will certainly give some braids a try with her hair. I wish I could get it in long curls that didn’t look so frizzy…
Oh I’m definitely putting socks on her but if her pantalettes come all the way down, you won’t see her skin anyway. I should have put some socks on her before I took that picture.
I didn’t try the cream boots, but now I’m leaning that way.. I need to play around with it… after I get her pantalettes made…
I’m off in a few minutes to go to my mom’s so the fun can begin!
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
I entered “Shoes to Wear with Dirndl” in Search on Google and shoes exactly like the white flats turned up, one called Tamaris being the closest match. The same style shoes also appear in many different colors for outfits made with darker-colored fabrics. Classic low-heeled dance shoes also are featured for adults. Maybe if the boots were white, they would look better with the light-colored dress. The shoes may look kind of funny because they are a little wide on the doll.
Have fun with your wonderful family.
HI Susette,
I think I’ve made too big a deal with the shoes/boots… I’m sure I’ll know what works when I see it… :o)
Thanks for the compliment on the flower wreath too… it really is a tricky thing to make, isn’t it? I wouldn’t want to make these for a living! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
I forgot to add that the flower wreath is perfect, and I know how much work it was as I made one for St. Patrick’s Day outfit I made. Whew!
Off topic for Kirsten, I found the white sandals you used with the sisters outfits. There are some on Ebay, and I found them in white, like yours, in black patent, and in hot pink, all with the hammered silver trim. The seller I bought from is stallsrus, and she’s very nice to work with. My search was “American Girl white sandals.”
HI Marilyn,
Ooooo…the black and hot pink sandals sound cute. I might have to check them out… a girl can never have too many shoes! I just saw that on TV!!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten and dirndl/hair wreath are oh so pretty to look at this morning. Another thought I had regarding footwear was (uh oh), making a quick (ha!) pair of simple felt “boots” of some sort….they wouldn’t look as heavy as leather or some such material but would give the feel of a more rural type of lifestyle…just a thought.
I think you’ve made another splendid ensemble. When I saw her with the flowers in her hand, it brought to mind that perhaps she and other children were out in a field somewhere picking bouquets to take home.
What fun to have your siblings/spouses home with you. It sounds like you enjoy each other immensely.
Take care.
HI Becky,
I actually thought of felt too, yesterday, but then saw my bag of Ultrasuede scraps and switched my thinking… I may give the felt, if I have any pieces in the right shade to match her dress, a try.
Thanks for the idea of picking flowers in a field… works for me… that might be just what she’s doing!
We do have a really fun time together… it’s truly wonderful to be with them.
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten looks so sweet and fresh! Whatever shoes/boots you decide to go with, I agree with Linda – she needs to wear socks!! I think the flats would work once she has socks to cover her bare legs. Do you have Addy’s black/cream boots? They’re a little dressier, and I’ve used them with Kirsten. I do agree that boots are probably the most authentic, but the flats are more subtle and wouldn’t take away from the beauty of the outfit itself.
Have fun with your family. It’s nice that they come to visit you!
HI Karen,
My mistake… I shouldn’t have shown the flats without socks… I would never let her bare legs show… I’ve got to get those pantalettes finished so I can see what I’m working with…then I think I’ll know what shoes/boots work best.
No, I don’t have Addy’s black/cream boots but I know which ones you mean.. they would be cute… I think I need to invest in a new pair of boots for Kirsten… something to go with her new dirndl’s.
I’m off in a few minutes to start having fun with my family!
Blessings, Jeanne
Now that I’ve seen Kirsten’s shoes with her perfect outfit, I agree with you. They don’t quite look like I thought they would. Kirsten’s dress is absolutely precious and her flowered wreath is perfect, and the little bee is so cute.
I picture Kirsten gathering wild flowers for her mother’s dinner table. Very important family friends are visiting them and they haven’t seen them for a long time.
After I say that, I keep seeing Julie Andrews singing up on that beautiful hilltop. But it’s not to say she wasn’t picking flowers.
Have a wonderful time with your family, Jeanne. I think I get thrilled more than anything when my family visits us too.
Hi Paula,
I’ll get the shoes figured out… thank you for your kind compliments on this set… It’s fun to pull loose ends together…
Oh, what a couple of fun story lines too… good ideas to possibly use…
We are so scattered out, it is a joy to all be together! I’m so excited!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Such a little thing, but if you are doing pantalettes, the shoes really won’t show much. The boots seem so heavy. Maybe she should be a free spirit and go barefoot. If it were me, I’d go with the white sandals and not make more shoes. Especially, with family and fun waiting.
Have a great time. Maybe you’ll get in some shopping/antiquing.
HI Joy,
I have done a few dolls in the past with bare feet… 2 of them that I can remember were barefoot and picking flowers…one had a watering can in her hands. Maybe shoes are unnecessary after all! (?)
Maybe I should ask Kirsten what SHE wants to wear!
Knowing Cindy…there’s sure to be some antiquing… at least I hope so!
She’s the creative one so no telling what we might do!
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten is getting ready to celebrate Midsummer’s Day, of course!! As soon as I saw her lovely hair wreath, that is what immediately sprung to mind. She has picked flowers for her hair, and is getting ready to dance a traditional ring dance around what we would call a Maypole. From https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/midsummer/ I learned that Midsummer’s Day is always a Friday between June 19th and 25th–is this perfect timing, or what?!!
Although I’m pure Swedish, I’ve never been to Sweden, but I seem to my remember my parents were there for Midsummer’s Day at one time, and it was a lovely celebration. You have dressed Kirsten perfectly for such a festival!!
Hi Charlotte,
Just wanted you to know I did see your comments and your email too!
How perfect could this be? Thank you for the information…I probably won’t get back to her until after my family leaves but since I have until the 25th…I should be good! Thanks for letting me know all about this!
Blessings, Jeanne