Yesterday I showed a sweet booklet of some silky floss that a friend gave me. I didn’t know anything about it and neither did my friend, except to say that it was her mother’s.
If you click on any picture it will enlarge.
Well, this morning Paula Ziegler emailed me some information. She said the floss was from the 1920’s and if I researched Art Deco embroidery I would find it. She also said it wasn’t real silk, but just silky in texture. Then she sent me a link, which I’ll post here too, if you want to look at it…
Each strand of floss still has a tag on it with the number of the color, and the washing instructions on the back.
Well, this tag led me on a hunt to see if I could find out more about it… Here’s one blog post I found on it…
After doing a little reading, there are some flosses that were considered “artificial” but I’m not so sure this is…I’m pretty certain this is real silk. Whether it is or isn’t, I still like it and hope to use it on something… I thought maybe because of it’s age, it might be rotten and when pulled on, it might break, but it was pretty strong and I couldn’t get it to break.
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Well, wonder of wonders… I finished Kirsten’s “Pretty on the Prairie” dress last night and managed to get it listed on Ebay. If you’d like to take a peek, you can click on the picture at the right side bar, or you can click this link…
When I was finishing up her bonnet yesterday afternoon, I decided to add a “header” inside to hold it up just a bit. I don’t like droopy bonnets any more than I like droopy sleeves. Here’s what I mean…
It really does the trick…
When I braided Kirsten’s hair, I made them very loose and pulled them toward the front, instead of making them tight and French braiding them close to her head. I couldn’t get her bonnet snugged up around her face like I usually do, so if it looks a little “gappy” that’s why…
Kirsten’s “accessory” was a puppy named Charlie. She actually talked her parent’s into letting her keep him!
I know the other night when I took my pictures of the different hankies on the dress, it was hard to tell exactly what color the dress was. Well, here is a close up of the hankie on the dress, so I hope you can see the blue colors and how well the design of the hankie matches the dress fabric.
Kirsten and I had a great time taking lots of pictures, but she was pooped out when we were finished…
Thanks for taking time to read each day! I appreciate each and every one of you!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I thought the bonnet was wonderful yesterday, but the blue flowers really make it. And Kirsten’s hair is as shiny as your new floss. My mother thought Kirsten was one of the very prettiest dolls and these pictures prove it.
I’m waiting impatiently to see what you do with the floss.
HI Marilyn,
Thank you for your kind compliments on Kirsten and her new dress set. I’m glad you like the bonnet. When I braided Kirsten’s hair loosely, it makes it appear much fuller and the braids aren’t so stiff and rope like. I think it changes her looks…
I think Kirsten is such a pretty doll too… and lots of ladies think so too! Her blonde hair and those blue eyes are a match made in heaven!
I have some stuff called Retayne and it keeps colors from “bleeding”…I think I might give it a try on some of the floss…
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
The little touches like the blue flower are what make Jeanne Marie creations so special. Now I see the match of the small flowers on the hankie to the ones in the fabric of the dress. Perfect! Thanks for showing us how to make and where to use headers. Is the one in the bonnet sewn in by hand or machine? Very clever. Do you stiffen the brim of the bonnet with interfacing?
One might be careful of getting the floss wet after it was applied to a dress, not that dolly dresses tend to need washing. What a great antique that is. I wonder if it might want to be on a little shelf next to the W foot treadle on the wall behind your sewing machine to show it off.
HI Susette,
Thanks for your sweet words about my work… Yes, the tulle header is sewn on my hand. I probably could have stitched it on by machine but I had already sewn on my lace and didn’t want an extra row of stitching on there. It was much easier to control by hand too!
The bonnet brim does have interfacing on both sides… just enough to make it a bit stiff, but not like buckram.
I won’t do anything with the floss on a dress until I have tested it out first.. Yes, putting that little booket on display is a great idea! Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne
Good morning! I love the addition of the blue flowers on Kirsten’s bonnet. They are a perfect final addition to her outfit.
Thank you for showing your inside tips. Kirsten’s bonnet certainly has more poof with the addition of the “header.”
Hope you have a good day. We have more rain in the forecast.
Take care.
HI Charlotte,
The header certainly does give the bonnet more “poof.” I’m glad you like it.
We have rain coming tomorrow so my hubby is going to attempt the roof project today. I asked him if he needed any help… I’m supposed to pray! :o)
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Finally here, Jeanne, computer troubles! Oh, the pretty blue flowers on the bonnet are just adorable! Everytime you make something for Kirsten, I can’t imagine how you can top it. Do you EVER run out of ideas, or get sewers block? You are so very creative in everything you do!
The colors of the dress show up much better today, so I guess it was your lighting. I can see Kristen skipping along in a meadow with a pet lamb or something. Just so sweet!
Well, you might know, we are getting more rain tomorrow, 2.50 to 5 inches!! We need some dry time, and are getting that today!! Amazing! Also, I’m going to the AG store to check out the new doll, not buying her, but checking her out to see what all the fuss is about, and maybe pick up a few things too. That is, if we can navigate our way there, since so many roads are now closed due to flooding!
HI Linda,
Well, I’ve been sewing for the dolls and selling their things since 2006 and haven’t run out of ideas yet, so I don’t plan to in the near future… Sometimes I do get in a funk and can’t figure out what to make for a doll, but it usually doesn’t last too long.
I’m glad you can see the colors of the dress better today. I really shouldn’t take pictures unless they are really what the item looks like. It’s too confusing for you all.
You’re going to check out Z? You’ll have to give us a report on your findings… check out those “perma-panties” if you will…
Yes, more rain…that’s why my hubby is going to try and get the roof leak fixed. The sun is shining nicely today, and I’m not looking forward to the rain tomorrow… :o(
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh Kirsten looks like she could walk right into a Little House On the Prairie show. I love her bonnet with the blue flowers and how you propped the bonnet up and out. More than anything I love her apron. That is so perfect with her outfit. The blue outfit looks so good with Kirsten’s blue eyes.
We’re scheduled for rain and high winds today also. I love watching the storms blow through as long as no one gets injured by them.
Thinking of you and George today. Hope all goes well.
HI Paula,
I actually googled Laura’s bonnets to see what she wore before I tackled Kirsten’s. No doubt about it, Kirsten was made to wear blue!
More rain for everyone!!! I’m sure it’s happened before, but it sure does seem like we’ve gotten an awful lot of rain this year! We’ve got more coming tomorrow, so the roof is a priority today!
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
Can you imagine in your mind, little girls of the past on the prairie dressed in dresses like you’ve made for Kirsten? No doubt prairie life was challenging but with pretty dresses like you make, it may have just made it a bit more “romantic”. Your work is beautiful.
Blessings on your day.
HI Becky,
I’ve always been a dreamer and wondered the same thing myself… oh to have lived in the era of the big hooped skirts of the Civil War era, or like you said, dance around in sweet prairie dresses made from pretty calico’s. You’re right…there was probably nothing easy about their life, but it is fun to romanticize about it…
Thanks for your kind words, Becky!
Blessings to you too!
~ Jeanne
Think little Kirsten will have to stay inside today in your neck of the woods. Here going to probably hit 90. Must get out and water early. Our blooming roses are going to wilt.
I wonder what you have next in mind? Maybe something for a LD with embroidery or smocking? My smocking machine is still in the box 🙁
HI Joy,
Well, Kirsten could certainly be outside today as it’s a beautiful day here. Unlike tomorrow when it’s supposed to rain again… boo hoo….
What’s next? I’m not sure. I did hear from Lana about my Little Darling… and it won’t be long now… finally! But I might have to wait until she gets here to see what her actual coloring is like. I’m very excited…
You need to get your pleater out and at least look it over… even if you don’t do anything… just touch it and see what it’s like…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
I looked up those silks yesterday as well and discovered they were from the 1920’s and Made in Japan. I bet they are real silk and were used on the embroidered and beaded flapper dresses of the 1920’s. I always like to look and antique/vintage sewing supplies at the antique store. I have an ivory measuring tape that is Victorian. You pull it out by a loop and then wind it back in from the top. It was a Christmas gift many years ago along with a small Victorian painted glass perfume bottle for a reticule.
Kirsten’s dress as super sweet and just perfect for a prairie girl. I definitely need to check out the vintage hanky display at the antique store tomorrow. The one seller specializes in vintage hankies, tablecloths, and dishtowels.
Well, I don’t know who will be up next, but I definitely think it should be Addy. She hasn’t been seen for ages ( the last dress I recall was the coral red with the blue ribbons, I loved that one and wish I had dolly money to spend as I think it would have looked sweet on my MG) and I KNOW the only Civil War dress this year was “Springtime in the South” because you used my name for it. *smiles* Now please turn around and take Addy off the dolly shelf, I can hear her calling to you. It’s time to make her “Southern Beauty” dress.
Hi Laura,
Ali emailed me last night and was worried that I might put the embroidery silk floss on a dress and then if was washed, it might bleed. I’ll take care how I use it and might use a “bleed retainer” to make sure it doesn’t…
Your vintage sewing items sound beautiful and I can tell how much you love them… :o)
Well, aren’t you the mind reader… I just decided this morning that Addy will be the next doll up… I saw something or read it or someone mentioned it, but a while back I had written down a name on a piece of paper… “Southern Charm” and decided this morning it was time to use that for Addy. I don’t know what fabric I’ll use yet, but Addy will be up for a modeling job very shortly.
Thanks for keeping tabs on my dresses. That’s so fun to know you do that!
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Thinking of you and George today. Prayers for a good day.
Kirsten’s dress is as sweet as I knew it would be. I like how you fixed the
floppy hat syndrome, looks awesome. The silk threads and the lovely holder are a very nice gift. I can’t think of anyone that will enjoy and put it to better use.
Hugs
Ingrid
Hello Ingrid,
Thanks for your well wishes… we can use them all!
I appreciate your kind words about Kirsten’s new dress set. She is still sleeping on my cutting table. :o)
I was thrilled to have received the silks from my friend… it’s very fun to see things from the past that I’ve never seen before.
Hugs back to you,
blessings, Jeanne
Kristen does make such a sweet model…blue and pink in those shades are the best. Too bad you couldn’t have consulted when Little House on the Prarie was filmed…every time I see Kirsten it reminds me of that show and those little girls would have loved your dresses!
We have a sunny day today…but more rain tomorrow so ” better make hay while the sun shines” …the weeds love this rain .
Hope the roof is an easy fix…
Hugs, Kathie
HI Kathie,
I used to LOVE to watch the Little House on the Prairie series. I was nuts about Michael Landon… he could make me cry at the drop of a hat!
We have sun today, but only till tomorrow…
He’s getting ready to do the roof soon…
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Tuesday Greetings to you, Jeanne!
What a wonderful “book” of silky floss your friend has gifted you from the 1920s, and what interesting information you have already discovered about it. Real silk is quite strong and difficult to break. In fact, it is one of nature’s wonders, as it has the tensile strength of steel. If your floss shimmers, that could also be an indication that it is silk. Due to the prism-like triangular structure of the fiber, natural silk reflects light at different angles, producing a shimmering appearance that changes the color in the light. I’m sure you have been busy thinking of some very special embroidered designs you will make with your beautiful floss. Joy in giving, joy in the discovery, and joy in the creating make the best of all gifts!
Kirsten’s pink and blue prairie outfit is absolutely charming, Jeanne! Blue is most definitely Kirsten’s color, highlighting her eyes so well. The accuracy of all your period details really authenticate the design, and your hanky selection echoes the delicate floral pattern of her dress nicely. It was the perfect choice for Kirsten’s sweet apron, and I love the dainty scalloped edge, too. Your seamstress work is always outstanding, and watching your design process is always a joy. Kirsten certainly will be the prettiest little girl on the prairie!
I hope George’s Flex Tape repair went well, eliminating your need for a “drip bucket” conversation piece, and I hope your day included some creative design time in your “Sewing Studio,” Jeanne. However your day unfolded, I’m sure it was productive. Wishing you and George all the best on Tuesday and every day!
Hi Anne,
The silk was a wonderful surprise and I hope I can do something really special with it. Thank you for your added information about it too. I’ve learned a lot just in a few days!
Thank you so much for your very kind compliments on Kirsten’s dress. It’s another one of those thst is hard to capture just how pretty it is in person. Something about her bonnet shades her face in my pictures but not in person.
George did manage to fix the roof leaks…there were 3 holes that he found which contributed to the pooling of water in the last one. It was nice and sunny here today with a slight blowing of the wind so he was able to get the job completed and it should be nice and dry before the rain comes again tomorrow.
I was in my sewing room but not for sewing…I was cleaning and organizing… but it feels good!
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a sweet gift from your friend! And even more special because it belonged to her mother. It just amazes me how people were so careful about taking care of things long ago, and now we’re such a “throw away” society. I don’t think it’s a change for the better.
Kirsten’s new dress is pretty on her and so perfect for her coloring. You were successful in getting the bonnet to hold it’s shape too! I love seeing pretty bonnets and aprons on dolls! They are always a sweet touch.
Thank you Carolyn,
Yes, it was a nice gift to receive and I’m sure Beth will be anxious to see what I do with it too.
I need to get my “bonnet making skills” down pat so I don’t have to think about it so much.
Thank you so much for your sweet compliments Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Thanks for the interesting links re: your book of lovely flosses!! I’m with you in thinking they might be silk; they remind me of the flosses that were used to embroider my dad’s stoles from his early years of ministry (he was ordained in 1945). Although we gave most of his clerical clothing (including stoles) to the Nordic Heritage Museum (he was very active in the Swedish community in Seattle, including either preaching or singing the liturgy–or both–in Swedish every Christmas morning at Gethsemane Luth. Church for about 47 years–he and mom were both pure Swedish but born and raised in America).
Some rayons can be very shiny like this, but your testing for breakage and finding they are still strong also supports my thoughts that they are silk, as silk is extremely strong.
The colors of Kirsten’s outfit showed up much better in today’s post, btw. Someone is going to be pretty happy with it, I do think!!