As I listed Felicity’s new Fall Fancy dress, I thought back at the many dresses I have made my 3 different Felicity dolls and thought you’d like to go back in time with me as we look at some of them…
I have a list of the dresses but sadly I am missing pictures of the first dozen or more. I wish I had pictures of them so you could see how I have improved in my sewing for her. I am the first to admit some of them are a bit lacking in Colonial realism… I was trying but hadn’t quite gotten it all together! :o)
these are the ones I’m missing…
Spring Splendor, Blue Beauty, Classic Colonial, Aqua Stripe, Graceful in Green, Colonial Charm Polonaise, Blue Polonaise, Green and Gold for Felicity, Burgundy Beauty, Simply Sweet Khaki, Christmas Charm, Radiant in Red, Green Apples for Felicity.
I thought I’d show you the dress and then zoom in on one aspect of it… maybe my favorite part of the dress…starting with my oldest dresses from back in 2007…
Okay, so now we’re all caught up to today’s dress…
Now, just from a learning point of view… what do you think I have improved the most on since I started making dresses for Felicity? I’m a big girl, I can take it… I LOVE constructive criticism… that’s how I improve… :o)
Or if you don’t feel you can say anything, perhaps you can pick a favorite… that might be just as hard to do… :o)
Thanks for being such great fans of my blog.. I’ve gotten some really nice emails lately and some new subscribers… Welcome all the newbies! :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m not sure what has improved in your dress-making skills but I do believe your photography has improved. There seems to be less shadows and more depth to your later photographs. So many beautiful dresses so I can’t possibly pick one favorite. One of the many that I like is a fairly recent one. It is the pretty floral with the purple caplet. It is so pretty and I love the caplet too.
It’s great fun to look back through your pretty dresses. Thanks for letting us peek in your closet.
Have a good day.
Take care –
HI Charlotte,
I think you might be right about my photography… in the beginning, I did some shots with the flash on and some with it off… you can definitely tell those pictures apart!
I need to make another capelet for another doll…. I liked that very much too and how drapey it was!
Thank you Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
I think the same as Charlotte, Jeanne. Your photography has improved quite a bit! I don’t know what you could possibly improve on, since I can see the dilemma you could be in. Some women actually like overly frilly frou frou dresses, even thought they aren’t period correct for Felicity. You have to make what sells, so you have people of both persuasions to please. I myself, like the simple, colonial styles on Felicity, but of course, maybe the dresses go on dolls not in the Colonial era. To each his own!
Oh, that white-cream dress is luscious and I also love the green and white one farther down. But, I do like the dress Charlotte picked too, the one with the cape and rich jewel tones. The farther down I go, I just get so mixed up on what I like, that I will stick with those three for now.
It’s a nice day to stay in today, isn’t it? Rain!
HI Linda,
I’m pretty much like you on the frou frou dresses…not a big fan of them… sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop on a dress, but I try to stop before I get to Frou Frou! :o)
I think I had some more of that embroidered silk dupioni and need to make that dress over with a slightly more fitted bodice…it looks a bit big to me… and now that I have the right size straw hats..that would help…
Thanks so much Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh my, your work is just super sumptuous, Jeanne. I could stare at these photos for at least an hour. The details in all of them, the design/everything you’ve “woven” together in each one makes each of your ensembles a major winner in my opinion.
I too agree that the lighting/background/photography skills that have changed since earlier days has enhanced the outcome of the photos. I do not have a word to say on your construction skills. They are superior, but I am not an expert in these areas by any means.
The ensemble that seems (to me) to have it all together though is the 5th to last one…there’s just something about that one that just says……”CLASSIC”. The rest say it too, but just not quite so loudly. Felicity is just stunning in that portrait/ensemble.
Thank you so much once again, for filling our day with beauty unlimited.
Blessings.
Thank you so much Becky,
I’m so glad you enjoyed today’s slide show of Felicity’s dresses. Everyone else must be loving them too…as I’m having a wonderful day of “visits” on my blog… already at 366 hits for the day! Woohoo!
I’m wondering about that light box that Susette keeps hinting I get or make… I wonder how much difference that would really make….hmmmm…
That green and white one is probably the fanciest Colonial dress I’ve ever made…it was a dream to put together… I’m so glad you liked it!
My pleasure to make your day so dreamy! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
I honestly can’t say anything about improvement with the beautiful dresses except that you’ve become an excellent hat maker. You, as a professional seamstress, probably know how you’ve improved over the years, and I’m sure sewing equipment helps. All of the dresses are just gorgeous. You were and are a master of detail and all your outfits stand out because of you imagination and artistic talent. It is always fun to see your designer’s runway, especially the outfits from before I knew of you.
I now have 3 Felicity’s because of my continued search for the copper red hair Felicity and I recently purchased one who needs some TLC. Now that I started to evaluate my course of action in having looked her over, her hair is the right color but it’s a little frayed and the facial curls are pretty thin and sparse but I can clean her up and just figure out how to approach the hair issue with some thought. Her facial paint is good and her eyes are clear and her eyelashes are the rusty colored ones. Not sure if I made a mistake in buying her but I’m willing to give her a whirl. If worse comes to worse, I’ll consider a new wig. ( did I really say that ? )
Congratulations to the winners yesterday. Jeanne, you always make your post fun!
Hi, Paula. It’s Susette. Congratulations on your “Felicities.” I have an original one, too, the only one I have as I got very lucky. I followed Jeanne’s directions, putting the whole doll in a plastic bag and washing her hair very carefully and then using a bit of conditioner. After her hair air-dried (no dryer), I brushed and brushed and brushed her hair with an American Girl doll brush with the metal spiky tines. It looks pretty good. The spit curls on my Felicity, especially on her right side, are pretty sparse. She has the ribbon in the back of the wig, so I really had to be careful when washing her hair. Third time was the charm for adopting a Felicity, eh?
HI Paula,]
Well, bodices could be fitted better, sleeves could be a little less full, ruffles on the sleeves could be more suitable in better laces, round eared caps could have smaller ruffles on some of them… poses could be better, lighting better, etc.
I’m my own worst critic…
I’m sure with your expert eyes you’ll have this Felicity in tip top shape in no time! I went for the facial coloring and the eyes first thing on my Felicity… like you said wigs can always be an option… I’d love a #61 wig on my Felicity…. it’s so pretty… maybe the pincurls could somehow be added… :o)
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
I have a beautiful Julie doll, who was at least 3rd hand when she reached me and she had frizzies — nothing that bad, just the sort of thing where I would think, “Hmmm, I wonder….” I washed her already clean hair with my shampoo and then added my outrageously expensive conditioner, and her hair just drank the conditioner — I used more on her hair than I usually use on mine. The result — virtually no change. I decided to try the now mostly discredited “Downy Dunk.” Again, no change — her hair was still as soft and swingy as it had been when she arrived, but it was not smoother and for all my rinsing, it smelled strongly of Downy, so I sneezed a lot in her company. I heard that steaming relaxed AG hair, so, instead of sensibly using my steamer, I held my steam iron about 4 inches from her hair and steamed it. I stayed away from the hair close to her head since I didn’t want to soften the glue and wrapped a hand towel around her body. The result was hair that was a little softer, a little brighter, and a little smoother. Remember that her hair was in a good place when she arrived — the steam just improved it a little. What I learned was that heat didn’t seem to hurt it, when used with caution. Since we were both tired of the smell of Downy, I decided to wash her hair again. I asked someone on AGPT how hot the hot water dunk was supposed to be and she said to bring the water to a boil and let it cool for 5 minutes. My water out of the faucet is pretty hot, so I filled a bowl with very hot water and let Julie’s long straight hair soak in that for a couple of minutes, again not getting the heat too close to her head so that it might soften the glue. This is the best so far. Her hair still swings beautifully. It shines beautifully. It is not perfect, but it’s quite close — the frizzies have been minimized and her hair still feels soft — the heat seems not to have hurt it. I use a pick on Julie’s hair to comb it gently. I have heard that using a plastic bristle brush will create frizzy hair and that the metal brush Susette used is designed for AG hair and won’t hurt it. Susette’s experience seems to confirm that. What I don’t know is if the heat will take the curl out of AG hair. The women on AGPT have explained restoring curl with curlers and hot water and Jeanne has detailed recurling her Felicity’s hair on this blog. One woman on AGPT curled her doll’s hair by rolling the rollers all the way up to the scalp and showed the results — her doll’s hair was nearly standing on end. If you look for Jeanne’s directions on curling, you’ll be much happier.
That’s what I’ve learned so far. I have loved Julie since I first saw her in her mini-skirt, boots, and fur coat, imitating Julie Christie, and she grows prettier every day. The surprise is that she’s as convincing as a Victorian as she is a peace marcher. She wears Jeanne’s Victorian Elegance with style and flair. The treatments above were spread out over about a year.
If I had to choose: 6 Paisley, the maroon one with the cape and the Basque waist, and the second from the last one, but I’d take any one of them for sure. They are all beautiful. You made a reticule with a metal piece at the top that was a favorite but I’m not sure it was for Felicity. Thanks for sharing lots more pictures.
I agree with Susette. I love the dress with the cape! I can’t sew at all so I can’t make any comments about that but I know beautiful outfits when I see them. That outfit is lovely!
HI Dorothy,
Oh, what sweet comments you shared today… I loved them! Thank you!
Blessings, Jeanne
HI Susette,
Thanks for the advice you gave to Paula about washing hair.. perfect!
I’m trying to think of that reticule with the metal filigree at the top.. I think that was on Christmas Rose… a Regency dress, but I’ll have to check…
I liked the paisley print dress too…and that lace up front! :o)
Thanks for looking at all my dresses, Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow, such creative talent! The cream of the crop. I don’t think anything has improved because the dresses were all so perfect to begin with.
My favorite is the seventh dress, dark green background fabric with beige and red. The print isn’t overwhelming and the trims chosen go with it perfectly. I also like the red buttons down the front. This one is perfect in my book and should be in your forthcoming book. I would like to see that creamy off white rich brocade in number five made in a modern style for a LD. Perhaps with red velvet accent for the winter holidays. I picture a big bow on top of the head or a headband. Would be so cute on them.
Getting a bit frantic around here trying to figure out what we’re bringing to daughters other than the broccoli dish, what I need to pick up, and when to put everything together. I did pull out the Thanksgiving recipe folder so that is one step ahead. In a blink of the eye the delicious day will be here.
Take a break, don’t want you getting sick.
HI Joy,
Well, you should hear my critique of each dress…in the beginning ones, I can be pretty tough on myself. I just tell myself I didn’t know any better.
On that dress you like,,, the green and beige one… I can definitely say I nailed the point in the front! I think the round eared cap is a bit big and the ruffles on the sleeves too big too… but that’s just me… I’m glad you like it… :o)
I”m trying to think Thanksgiving too…but right now, and you may have guessed…I’ve been a little distracted… there is a little rental house across the road from us and we are trying to convince my mom to move into it… We looked at it yesterday with her and are going back in a little while to see it again… She is so torn up and doesn’t want to move, but she needs to… it’s been a bit stressful for her and all of us… actually.
Well, I just looked at the clock and I need to go get her… thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, having your mom closer would be very nice. So much easier to keep an eye out and be there if needed. I really hope your mom decides to move. Hopefully, down the line it would be possible to have someone come in several times a week to help out. Because, I wouldn’t recommend you doing it all. It may work for you, but I watched my mother as a caregiver for my grandmother and it wasn’t pretty. Just too much for her to handle. She died just a few years after my grandmother. Can’t wait to hear if the move is a go. Excited.
HI Joy,
The move is a no-go! She didn’t like it…thought it was too big… ugh! There was another place 2 miles down the road… as soon as we pulled up to it, she said, “I’d never live here…” it was a community of houses for seniors!” So…we’re back to square one… I was SO hoping she’d see it our way..and believe you me, we tried everything to convince her… not today!
Thanks Joy…
🙁
Since you asked, first let me say that I have no sewing skill or talent. You, Jeanne are extremely gifted, talented and a very diligent worker. I have developed a more discerning eye after spending 5 years on Etsy and have singled out “gifted” seamstresses. I think of myself as an Adult Doll Collector (this magnificant obsession started 5 years ago and I now have 4 AG Dolls) and I do love doll clothing that for certain is to be admired and not for childs play. You spend money for quality and beauty. I have spent so much and my two young granddaughters will have much to play with and hopefully one day admire the ones that I consider heirlooms.
In my humble opinion, the choice of fabric(s) is critical; that alone is what will catch my eye. I love the elegance and charm of Felicity’s era. My choice would be the Maroon Cape, purse and dress.
Thank you Laureen,
I appreciate your compliments on my sewing skills and that makes me try even harder to make a good product. Really…it does!
I’m always looking for nice fabrics and am glad I don’t have to settle for the Walmart selection for what I make…not that Walmart doesn’t have some nice fabrics.. but they just aren’t what I want to use right now…
I’m glad you had a favorite…and it’s a nice choice…I’ll agree with you…Gotta make that cape again…
Thanks Laureen,
Blessings, Jeanne
Charlotte A. said it first and got it right — your photography has changed as you learned more and more.
I am guessing that one of the big changes is your shopping — you have probably found the best sources anywhere close to you for fabrics, lace, and trim, as well as suitable hats. I think the last fabric came from Australia, so perhaps I should say you know the best sources near and far. Also, the selection of things available may have become better.
You have always known how to pick great fabrics, possibly from years of sewing for children. One of your great gifts is placement. Most of the Etsy seamstresses don’t understand centering or matching. Look at 7 and 10 for example. 7 is teal green and beige. Notice how the design on the fabric is centered, and that’s emphasized by the use of the buttons. 10 is rust and gold. Notice how the fabric design is carried through from one side to the other.
Of course you have always understood color and putting colors together. I think that’s natural — I think practice and study can enhance it, but something has to be there quite strongly from the beginning.
Look at 12 (green with red flowers). I think that’s an example of knowing where to stop. You had an interesting fabric and you emphasized it with subtle, beautiful details.
I have to say that I also really love the silk one Linda likes — I call it roses and pearls. Another hat might have been better, but it couldn’t have been more beautifully trimmed.
I do love seeing some of the dresses I haven’t seen before. I think it was almost 10:30 last night when you replied to my post, and you didn’t have an idea for today’s entry. In a short time, you came up with a good one.
Good luck with your mother’s move. It will be the easiest one she’s ever made for her, not her easiest one for you, but with you and George doing way too much work and Cindy doing the decorating, this could be her very best home ever. Cindy will read this and think, “Wonderful! People all over the world think they know what I should do with my time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when I could not be busier.” People all over not only think they know, they are waiting in suspense for the pictures.
In the meantime, we are waiting in suspense for the next sewing project.
HI Marilyn,
I think you have me all figured out! At least with my sewing skills! I always look at things at the end of the year and think how I could have changed things for the better..and try to incorporate them into the new year. I’ll be doing it again this year, I’m sure… Maybe this is the year I get that light box like Susette keeps telling me to get… who knows!
I’ve always LOVED pretty fabrics and it’s no problem for me to go into a fabric store and find “something” to buy…I like things that are different and things that really catch your eye. Like Laureen said, it’s got to catch your attention to make you want to look at it a little more…
I already have tomorrow’s post written… yay for me!!!
As to the move across the road from us… it was a big no from my mom… She said this morning she was probably going to take it, but then when we got there today to see it a second time, she said no, it was too big… it really isn’t…it’s just empty and empty rooms look bigger. There was no convincing her. There was another place down the road 2 miles and she hated it before we even went inside… They are newer brick homes with everything anyone could want… clean, neat, small yard, but she said no to it too!
Oh well, I’m not going to worry about it… something will happen…
Yes, who and what will be next????
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings,Jeanne
* Suzette – thank you for the advice on Felicity’s hair repair. Oh boy, I’ll have to roll up my sleeves and be brave tackling this Felicity doll. To me, the face and hair has to be as perfect as possible. Truthfully, an arm can be missing but I can’t deal with ratty hair or marks on the face.
This is going to be fun. ; ).
HI Paula,
Well, Paula has a new adventure… and I hope it’s a fun one!!! Let us all know….
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
I can’t find any issues with your dresses…one cuter than the next! Your worst sewing beats mine on a good day ?Loved the antique lace on the rust colored dress. Loved the wine colored velvet cape , the aqua print….but my overall fav is the Scarlet O’Hara green and white print. It was so right on! She even looked like she enjoyed playing the part!
Hope your latest auction goes well!
Thank you Kathie,
You are TOO kind with your compliments on my dresses… I’ve been a work in progress myself all these years… I hope I’m even better in the next ten!!!
I love that green and white one too… we had a really fun photo session on that one!
Thank you so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, l’m a little late on my comments. Being new to your blog I just had to tell you that I am so in awe of your sewing. I loved every dress. Couldn’t pick out a favorite. There were details on each that I liked. The shear volume of what you have made is so impressive. If I say any more I will be gushing. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. It’s cold and cloudy in Indiana today. A perfect day to sew. Well actually, I could sew every day.?
My favorite is the pumpkin colored dress with the turkey, but I keep imagining it on Addy with a higher neckline because I think that color would be great on her. My “next favorite” are the last two plus the yellow and orange one with the knit bag. I was drawn to the yellow/orange one but I think I dropped it lower in my lineup because I can’t wear yellow myself. Apparently have allowed my personal prejudice in clothing colors extend to dolly dresses because I also really like the fabrics in #6, 7, & 8 and decided it’s because I would wear those colors/patterns myself. For the latest dress I kept imagining a light blue or matching green necklace in smaller beads, but the pearl one accessorized great with the flowers.