Well, today we have a little bit more structure than we did last night! Here was last night’s shot…
I managed to get the bodice constructed, and it’s shaping up to be one pretty little Civil War dress to me! Of course, my sweet Rebecca helps just a bit!
I used the bottom section of the lace to make a pretty stand up collar. The sleeves are nice and full, as most 1860’s sleeves were.
I added a little placket on them and will finish them off with snaps.
I know it’s not a whole lot to see, but I worked long and hard on it… when the skirt gets attached, it will really start to take shape.
Also, Linda happened to ask if the hats fit Betsy McCall. I snapped this quick picture of her in the brown one. My doll has the absolute fattest, thickest wig and it still works on her. I don’t know if ALL the Betsy’s have these big fat wigs or if it’s just mine. Mine also has a section pulled over to the side with a rubber band on it… that might make the hat stand up just a bit… I just wanted to show you a picture in case you were wondering…
Well, that’s it for this Saturday…
See you on Monday,
Blessings, Jeanne
The dress is looking beautiful. I’ve been waiting to see it and it’s definitely worth waiting for. By Sunday night, this dress may nearly be finished — or something may have happened and you may have needed to work on that.
Funny that my two favorite hats are the ones that are left. I hope they’re gone by Monday too. Do you also make AG sized hats?
It’s nice to think of you working in a house with lovely new floors. Even to me, it feels cooler and more comfortable.
Hi Marilyn,
I was hoping to work on the dress today, but George asked me if I could help him stain his shed…5 hours and one very sore shoulder later, I was free from that job but now it’s time for dinner, a shower and bed…so much for sewing today! :o(
I hope your 2 favorite hats are gone by Monday too! We’ll see…
I don’t have any hat molds for the AG dolls but I think I might buy one…
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
There’s a pattern on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/220341085/straw-hat-that-fits-popular-18-dolls It might be fun to try.
Is Carbondale likely to be hit by Irma? I saw a map that looked like it. Fortunately you have no nearly oceans.
Oh, thank you, Jeanne, for showing the hat on Betsy! My Betsy’s hair is not that thick at all, so it might work for her.
That dress is going to be SO pretty! I love the little stand-up collar, and the fresh look of the lace on the background fabric. Would just one ornate button do at the top? I don’t think I would cover it with too much, because the lace is pretty in itself!
Isn’t this weather something? And to think of the hurricanes and fires going on is hard to realize for us here in the middle of the country where it is so nice. Lots of prayers for them!
Hi Linda,
I think my Betsy hair is thicker than most of the dolls. I did a little checking last night on ebay.
I think the dress is turning out very pretty too.
I like it when “simple” trumps fancy!!
We had a beautiful day here too, and yes, it is hard to imagine all the weather situations going on everywhere else…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Just for fun, try laying a cream/off white trim on the print to see how it looks rather than the very white. The pieces you have chosen are beautiful but perhaps the other would give a richer look– too late for this dress, but fun for another. How would hand dyeing to the shade you need work, for example? Can hardly wait for your post everyday, often checking it during the night. Doll sewing can bring together such a variety of embellishment skills and you do such lovely work. Thank you so much for the bright spot you add to my days!!
Hi Judy,
My pictures make the fabric look like it has cream in it, but it’s really whote…that’s why I picked the lace I did.
Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I check my blog in the middle of the night too! So you aren’t alone… :o)
I’m glad you enjoy my blog everyday.
Blessings, Jeanne
Love Rebecca’s dresss. The lace/collar are such a special touch. Great photo of the placket detail. Lots of work put into this beautiful dress to be.
And please say “Hi” to Betsy for me. My other Betsy also has a nice thick wig. Maybe it was the particular year they were made?
We’re headed to visit the grands in a bit. Youngest is turning two today. Time flies.
Joy
Hi Joy,
Thanks for your compliments on the new dress. ..I’m liking it already and still have plenty to do…:o)
I will tell Betsy you said hi!
I hope you had fun visiting with your grand kida. I’m sure you did!
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Rebecca looks like she’s simmering into autumn. Bodices take the most work so things will move along more quickly now, unless you have a detailed skirt to go along with. You have great gifts in putting this and that together. Thank you again for such glorious creations that unfold in your sweet sewing room.
Blessings.
Hi Becky,
How right you are about the bodice taking the most time…it really should move along now…
Thank you for your kind comments, Becky. I appreciate them.
Blessings, Jeanne
It may not seem to some people that you got a lot done, but I make doll clothes (and people clothes) too, and I know how much time goes into each bodice–it’s the most labor-intensive part of the garment (and has the most and smallest pieces, usually!), so I think you did very well for the time you had.
I do like that pretty lace against the bodice–really dresses up the fabric and makes it look more special!
Hi Charlotte,
You are so right about the bodice and “usually” all the work it entails. But now that it’s almost finished, I should be able to get this dress finished pretty quickly!
Thank you, Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
In another 6 hours you will have posted a new blog entry and we’ll see how the dress is and if your local weather people think you’ll be directly affected by Irma. I hope the direction changes or it runs out of energy.
HI Marilyn,
Well, if you are expecting the dress to be finished… don’t hold your breath… George had different ideas… for both days of the weekend… :o( :o)
Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne