Between visiting my sister, Deb, 2 weeks ago and then my sisters coming here this past week, I really haven’t had much opportunity to be in my sewing room. Tonight I was determined to make Nora’s skirt for the 2 piece dress I’m making her.
When I cut this dress out, I only had 2 fat quarters to work with. It was a discontinued fabric so I had to be very careful that I didn’t make any mistakes. The one thing I wish I could redo is make the bottom skirt ruffle about one inch longer. I probably could have if I had known it when I cut it out…but now it’s too late. It’s okay, but I would have made it a bit longer and the same distance apart as the first and second ruffle.
The waistband has a piece of elastic running through the top of it, and it sort of makes it bulky, so I may figure out a different way to do it.. I want the princess line of the bodice to be flattering and right now it seems like it catches on the waist seam… I think it needs a lighter weight fabric and maybe just cut on the bias without elastic… we’ll see…
I did get the lace fixed on the one sleeve and I ended up making an extension on the back .
The jewelry piece is still pinned on because I haven’t been home the same time Rebecca has for about a week…and I wanted to show her what I wanted done…
Nora wanted to put on the black and white boots and I think her dress is finally starting to take shape…
I hope to be back in my sewing room again tomorrow… see… I did remember how to sew…and you thought I had forgotten. :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh no, Jeanne, I would never think you forgot how to sew, anymore than your would forget how to breathe! You just have been busy with other things that come up in life, and you will get the sewing back in no time flat! Looks like you have already started with this lovely outfit! I love it, the ruffles, black lace, jeweled neckpiece, everything! While you lost me there when you were explaining the waistline “problem”, you have to think that if someone has a PC doll with a much thicker waist, would it fit if you made it tighter at the waist on your doll? It looks great on Nora, who is a newer doll, but not everyone has a newer doll.
This is going to be such a lovely outfit, and it will be easy to have her pose with any colors to make the dress stand out, perhaps red roses in a basket?
Thank you for your sweet comments on Nora’s dress. I have an idea how to fix the skirt so any doll will be able to wear it…stay tuned! :o)
I like your idea of just a pop of red…hmmmm..
Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne .
I didn’t notice the waist problem until you pointed it out, but the lighter fabric cut on the bias sounds to me like it might work. One of the lovely things about your outfits is that somehow they fit everyone. You’ll figure this one out too. I see what you mean about the bottom ruffle, but it seems to me that it works well as a nice style feature. This is a beautiful dress and it’s going to be interesting to see what you choose as accessories.
You now have several of those backdrop screens. You could paint them different colors to complement different outfits. I wanted this one to support some nice green ivy but I wonder if that would distract from the dress fabric. The really nice thing is that we know that by the time you’re done, the dress, the backdrop, Nora’s hair, the necklace, and the accessory you decide on will all be right. I’m ready to bid now.
Thank you Marilyn,
I think I have an idea of how to fix the ruffles so they are all the same length…it will take more time but I think the end result will be prettier…
Oh gracious…if you’re ready to bid, I better get hoppin’
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s ok. Payday is Monday. You still have a little time.
:o)
Nora is looking very delighted in her coming together outfit. You’ve done such a thorough job on it so far. I too see what you mean about the waistband area, but as the ladies above have assured you, you will make it right in the end.
It is such a joy to follow your steps, sewing, caring for chicks, setting up garage sales or baby showers and the list goes on.
Blessings.
Thank you Becky, for always being such an encouraging reader…no matter what I write about… I appreciate your sweet thoughts!
Blessings, Jeanne
Good morning!
I’m way early reading your post today… hubby is in having his knee replaced this A M
Love the ruffled layered skirt! That fabric is perfect. You haven’t lost your talent one little bit. If you think the bottom layer needs more length couldn’t you add some black lace? Hope the finishing touches are a breeze?
Hi Kathie,
I’ll keep you and your hubby in my prayers the next few days. In 2013 my hubby had both his knees replaced at the same time. It was rough but he/we managed and he actually did quite well.
I could add lace to lengthen it, but it’s the different width of the bottom ruffle thst bugs me…I like things to be symmetrical. ..and I think I have figured out how to make them all the same width…but it will require more taking apart and sewing.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
The skirt with the different depth of ruffles looks great to me. The screen is such a great backdrop with the black-and-white fabric. The shoes and necklace look wonderful in rounding out this fashionable ensemble. Hope you have some fun today. You deserve some time for Jeanne Marie.
Hi Susette,
I’m making Bithar a corn casserole and want to surprise her with it. While it bakes, I’m hoping to address the skirt issues…
Thank you for your comments on the dress set so far…
Blessings, Jeanne
I don’t think you forgot how to sew! It’s just been a busy time for you.
The dress is coming along beautifully. I didn’t notice the waistband until you pointed it out. The dress is such a pretty design, and I just love the fabric.
Have a good day.
Take care.
P.S.
Kathie – good luck to your husband. I hope he has a quick recovery.
Hi Charlotte,
I love this fabric too and just wish I had one more fat quarter…I’m going to have to get creative for anything else to go with it…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dress does not look too short to me. I like it. But, if you are going to mess with the waist, perhaps you can drop the whole thing a tad for a slightly longer look.
We took some antique dolls that belonged to my husband’s mother to a doll appraiser yesterday. Only a couple worth much. Others 75-100. Fine with us, but just wanted to know what to ask should anyone want to purchase. I wasn’t expecting what we found at her store. The entire building is filled doll displays. I mean it rivals a doll show. Cases of Ginny/Muffie’s, Betsy McCall, and other 50’s dolls as well as the large antique ones in original delicate white outfits. Doll furniture too. Peeking out from shelves were quite a few AG’s. Saw an early Felicity. Really would take a few hours to look carefully at all she has. I didn’t think to ask about photos, but if we are there again (it is in another town) I will ask about it. Wow, so much great stuff. Other person with me even enjoyed looking. Guess as long as it isn’t at our house. 🙂
Hi Joy,
The doll place you went to sounds like a place you could spend all day at and still not see everything. Yes, do take pictures if you go again. I didn’t even know there was such a thing ad a doll appraiser…but I guess there would have to be…
So your mother in law was a doll collector? Did you both talk about dolls together? If you did that must have been fun.
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Good morning Jeanne,
I’m glad you got to spend a little time in your studio. I think the dress (2 piece) looks very pretty. I think the length is perfect…. but we all know you won’t stop tweaking until you are happy.
Enjoy your day!
Hugs
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid,
Thank you for your sweet compliments on Nora’s dress. You have the “tweak” part right…just call me “Jeanne Tweak Marie!”
Blessings, Jeanne
Nice to see you back at the machine! I know I owe you a note and it will come. You can’t lengthen the bottom ruffle, but possibly shorten the other two so that it looks to flow more evenly? Just a thought. You are right about the waist. Elastic waists can mess up the look I want, too, and I usually only used it rarely, on doll clothes for very young kids. I do love it, and know it will be just how you want it before you are done. Hope you are doing whatever makes you happy today!
Hugs,
Ali
Hi Ali,
It was nice to be sitting at my sewing machine again. I usually never go that long without sewing something!
I’ll figure out something for the skirt’s ruffle and the waist…
I’m baking AND sewing, so I’m happy…but the baking will go to Bithar…
Thanks Ali,
Blessings, Jeanne