Before I show you what I accomplished on Rebecca’s dress, I wanted to remind you that Willa’s Easter dress, “Easter Surprise,” is ending tonight on Ebay. You can click on the picture at the right side bar or you can see it HERE. It will fit any of the 14″ Wellie Wishers by American Girl. I hope you’ll take a peek…
I was so hoping to get this dress finished, but there weren’t enough “sewing hours” yesterday for me… however… it’s ALMOST finished. I hate to show something half completed, but I’d say it’s more than half done, so we’ll go ahead and take a sneak peek…is that okay with you?
Okay, since last time I managed to get her thigh highs finished… They won’t show but every new Easter dress needs new socks or stockings…
I added the clip to the back of her hair bow so it’s ready for your dolls hair. (Just between you and me, I may re-tie my bow…)
I wanted the skirt to flare out just a little bit like most 1900’s dresses did, so I added my slip to the dress this time. I used a white lace and gathered it up to a piece of tulle and then stitched that to the underside seam of the band. It’s lightweight, doesn’t add any bulk and yet, it gives the skirt a little more feminine appeal.
I spent most of my time on the sash, gathering 2 sections of fabric to make it appear shirred up a bit. I had some vintage mother of pearl buttons and secured the right side of the sash to the dress… the left side laps over the back side and attaches with hidden Velcro. I then added 2 more buttons on that side.
I think it looks good from all sides and even the back.
This is a close up of the side…
…and all buttoned up and snapped in the back, it looks like this…
Rebecca (my Rebecca) showed me the charm she’s going to use for her necklace… let me just say #it’sgoingtobePRETTY!!!! I told her I needed it no later than 8:30 tonight… Let’s hope she makes it.
I decided the name for this one is going to be “Timeless in Turquoise.” I still have plenty to finish, but I wanted to let you know what was happening on it…
I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
The new sash is something to remember. It gives the back of the dress such a finished look. The buttons on the sides are another finishing touch. You really do have a gift for using buttons. And for details. That’s what we say to you constantly — it’s your details that make your really nice work even more special. Now for Rebecca’s necklace, and then on to a new design. Does it ever surprise you that you can come up with a new design once or twice a week for years on end?
HI Marilyn,
I did a sash like this once before on a Samantha dress and loved it then and still love it now!
I could see in my pictures that one of my buttons needs to be moved down just a bit so I’ll take care of that.
The only thing I know about the necklace is the charm I saw was very pretty,,, dainty and with a turquoise sparkle in it…we’ll see..
Sometimes I do surprise myself with new things each week. The ideas just keep coming and I believe the Lord blesses me with them… :o)
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh the finished dress is just SO pretty and feminine looking without all the fussy ruffles that sometimes distract a dress, Jeanne! I love the color, just perfect for any time, the added slip gives it just the perfect amount of flair, and I think that sash is just the most perfect thing for that dress! Like Marilyn says, it gives the back a finished look, and the little pearl buttons are so sweet!
The bow for her hair and the lacy stockings are just the perfect added touch! Am I saying “perfect” over and over?? Can’t wait to see what Rebecca cooks up for a necklace, so I can once again say “perfect”!!! LOL
HI Linda,
I’m so glad you like all the “perfect” details on this dress. All your “perfects” made me smile.
I think I’m going to get my listing ready, with everything except for the pictures taken that I need to show the necklace with… and then hopefully she’ll be able to get that necklace made and I can just plug those pictures in. She has about 45 minutes to do it for me after she gets home. yikes…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
It looks wonderful Jeanne! 😀
Thank you Christine,
Here dress matches your shirt in your gravatar! Turquoise twins!
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca’s dress is beautiful on her and of course the details are so very precise and well done. I keep thinking that how can Jeanne make something as pretty as the last one and yet, you always do. Again, thank you for sharing your gift of creativity with us. It really is an honor to me to be able to see your work.
Blessings.
HI Becky,
I think everyone just forgets about the last dress I made and when they see the new one, it just looks prettier than the last, but I’m not sure it really is…it’s just NEW! But thank you for your sweet compliments. I love hearing what everyone thinks. :o)
I”m the one who is honored to share my work with everyone and then have wonderful comments about them… What a blessing for me! I’m glad you enjoy seeing the progress of my things…
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh the dress is so pretty. I really didn’t think it could get any pretties but it did! I love the sash and buttons. They are such a special touch. Like Marilyn said, it makes everything look so finished. I think those are the smallest snaps I have ever seen.
I’m looking forward to seeing the necklace. I’m sure it will be a lovely addition.
Hope you have a good day! We are under a winter storm watch with high winds and snow and/or freezing rain. I’m planning on staying in today.
Take care.
Thank you Charlotte,
They actually make snaps 2 sizes smaller than the ones I used, so they are small, but not TINY! Thank you for your sweet comments! I truly appreciate you taking time to let me know your thoughts.
I’m anxious to see the necklace too. I hope it’s as pretty as I’m imagining.
I hope you stay safe in the storms.
I just saw on the news last night that a family I know, had their roof blown off.. they are determining if it was a tornado or not… eek! Too close to home…
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
The sash is just wonderful. What a great way to attach it and accent it with the buttons. I thought the lace made the dress, but in combination with the sash and the way the tulle is attached, it is truly an inspired creation. Everyone says it for me above and I second their comments. Thanks for taking us along in you sewing adventures.
Thank you Susette,
Now that I’ve “inspired” you, it’s your turn for a sash… I’m sure you will do one one of these days. Coming up with new things to keep you all guessing is “MY JOB!” :o)
Glad you enjoy my “adventures!”
Blessings, Jeanne
Love the way you attached the lace slip. Really makes a difference. I’ll have to say, that I always look at closeups of what others are selling on ebay/etsy because when stitching is crooked or gathering uneven it is a red flag to me. Or you know, the back closure gap coverup. Your interior finishing is exceptional too. Meaning that you receive an A+ on your work. And a free pass to enter the Grand Sewing Hall of Fame.
Raining here.
And the crazy bird is out there still banging on the window. Guess he got over his headache from yesterday. This is a picture window with two screened side windows. And no curtains. Looks out on the trees. I even piled stuff up inside including a Furby (remember those) but nothing seems to deter him except the neighbors cat!
Hope you have a wonderful day.
HI Joy,
Thanks for your sweet compliments on my dress…inside and out! It keeps me on my toes when I know people see the insides of my things… I try to be as neat as possible.
Oh YAY!!! I’m in the Grand Sewing Hall of Fame… where ever that is! :o)
It sounds like your bird is there for the long haul, or until he finds that mate he’s looking for. Let’s hope it’s soon!
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
First, I wanted to comment that I liked your “Diane” ad yesterday. I very vaguely remember adults wearing those dresses, but I was a child in the ’70’s. Even the Julie doll is older as I turned six in 1974. Anyway, it was a very creative ad.
Rebecca’s dress is lovely. The sash with the little pearl side buttons is perfect. Your slip solution was very interesting to see, sort of like a party dress my mom had in the 1940’s where the crinoline was attached. Love the matching fabric hairbow. Looking forward to seeing Rebecca’s necklace.
HI Laura,
I’m glad you liked my ad from yesterday. It was a long time ago and I knew it dated me just a bit, but I still wanted to share it. I wish I had saved all my drawing projects from college.
Thanks for your compliments on Rebecca’s dress. I’ve redone the bow,…much better now, fixed one of the buttons on the sash and now I’m working on getting things ready to list it! I sure hope I make it… I looked in Rebecca’s room and see that has the charm and some beads in a little container so I’m hoping she has enough time to get it made when she gets home!
Blessings, Jeanne
The outside and the inside of the dress are both so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing the closures and “slip” with us!
Donna
HI Donna,
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the inside as well as the outside of my dress. There’s no sense in making something pretty on the outside if the inside looks like crud! I’m happy to share with you and glad you enjoy seeing my pictures of how I do things.
Blessings, Jeanne
You are a remarkable doll clothes designer, Jeanne! Rebecca’s long-waisted dress with the beautiful lace bodice, sweet shirred sash and lovely lacy flounce is full of Victorian charm, Jeanne! Your endless slip ideas are perfect for each little dress, and I am always impressed with your innovation. I really love how this one turned out! Congratulations on another darling design! Blessings for your Thursday!
Thank you so much, Anne,
I’m so happy everyone liked how this dress set turned out. I am pleased with everything too.
I have my listing ready to go on Ebay…just waiting on Becca to get home and make the necklace.
It’s almost time to start thinking of who will get the net dress!….almost…
Thank you Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca’s new dress is one of my favorite colors! Love the sash you added, too, Jeanne, it was the perfect touch. If you want to get the colors right on your photos, you’ll need to find your camera manual. Look up how to correct the color balance or white balance. It’s a simple adjustment and should be done before each of your photo shoots or whenever the light changes during a photo shoot. Typically, you’ll take a photo of something white. I use clean white fabric, and the camera pretty much does the rest. Then every photo you take will be the right color and the same color and you won’t have to worry about this again. Best of luck with your auction, and hope you have a wonderful Easter!! Hugs, Ali
Hi Ali,
You make it sound so simple with getting the colors right…I’m going to check out what you said and work on it…
Thank you for your kind compliments on Rebecca’s dress. This is one of my favorite colors too.
Blessings, Jeanne
You know, Jeanne, when you first showed us that fabric, as sometimes happens, I really wasn’t sure I liked it for a doll dress….but, as usual, I was wrong! Made up, well, it’s just perfect!! And Rebecca looks beautiful in it!!
Thank you so much Charlotte,
If I could get my pictures to show the right color, (as Ali gave me some tips) it might help. It’s so frustrating to make something and it be so beautiful when I look at it, but I can’t get that conveyed to my customers….aaarrrgggg!
Thanks for your compliments!
Blessings, Jeanne