I haven’t been very good at sewing lately… not because I don’t know what I’m doing, but because I can’t seem to make it into my sewing room. I know it will come back to me when I get in there, but in the meantime, it’s all about getting the church’s kitchen finished. Just a little while longer and things should settle down.
I’ve made you wait for a long time on this dress for Molly, so I decided to show you some pictures anyway. I was hoping to get it listed this evening, but that didn’t happen as we got home to late… I took some pictures yesterday in my sewing room and had this elaborate get up with my ironing board set up and 2 large boxes were on top of each end. I had my Ott lights on top of the boxes… I took about 70 pictures and just knew they’d be wonderful and I’d have lots to choose from…
WELL… it didn’t turn out that way. I used my new background for Samantha and was super excited that I didn’t see any white flashes in the pictures I took… BUT… when I saw the pictures on my computer… all I could say was ICK! This is what they looked like…sort of drab and dull and yellowish.
So I got up early this morning and before we left for the church, I set up a card table in the living room… I put my pink chenille piece of fabric down for the rug; I set up the Scenes and Settings book for Samantha; I placed Molly in front of it and the sun miraculously came through the window. I snapped away as fast as I could and hoped when I got home this evening they would be better than yesterdays. They were better but not as nice as I would have liked… Here are some of the ones I’ll use for my auction… a little brighter, but not as crystal clear as I like them to be…
So, that’s what’s happening with me right now… hopefully I’ll be back at my sewing in a little bit!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
How odd, that those first pictures turned out so yellowish!! The close-up ones seem lighter, but the later ones are better yet.
And, Molly’s dress certainly turned out lovely!! All the accessories and accents are just perfect. I love the dress fabric, and I especially love her little hat–reminds me of hats I wore in the early-to-mid 1950s!
I was sewing today, too, but not doll clothes! Made some lingerie (panties, slip) for myself, and started on a Rare Bear to donate at Expo–which starts in less than two weeks!! Yikes, guess I’d better get busy!!
Hope you have a good weekend, Jeanne!
Thanks for letting us know you are sewing lingerie. Do you use a pattern or did you make one yourself from ones that fit well? I’d been thinking about doing it so thanks for the encouragement to sew some myself.
I think we need some pictures of your stuff, Charlotte…don’t you agree, Susette?
Hi Susette and Jeanne (and everyone)! I use an old Stretch & Sew pattern #2046, Briefs, Hipsters and Bikini Panties. It gives you several options, and good directions, plus I have my “cheat sheet” that our (I worked at S&S for three years) lingerie teacher made up, with some additional tips. You can still find that pattern on ebay at times. You will need to trace off your size, but they really aren’t hard to put together. I took my first lingerie class back in about 1971 or so, and have made my own undies ever since! Ann Person (the person who founded S&S in the late 1960s) also wrote an excellent book about sewing all kinds of lingerie–again, you can often find it on ebay, and is worth the purchase, as it gives you a Great deal of information about how to sew lingerie!
Back in the day, there was a fabric called Super Satin Tricot; it was 100% nylon with a satiny surface; it never pilled, and it wore like iron! Sadly, they stopped making it about 15-20 years ago. I, of course, have a stash of it, in assorted colors, and should be set for another 20-30 years of making undies! 🙂 (I’m 72 now.)
However, there are other fabrics you can use–40-denier nylon tricot, cotton jersey, things like that, as long as it has some stretch (the pattern tells how much).
Anyway, Susette, if you are interested in more information, contact Jeanne, and she can either send your email address to me or give mine to you–she has my permission. I’d be happy to help!
Thanks Charlotte,
I’m not thrilled with using any of these pictures in my ebay auction…it’s been too windy outside the last 2 days and tomorrow there’s an 80% chance of rain so I haven’t been able to take any outdoor pictures.
So you made yourself some undies today? How fun!!
You sound like you had a wonderfully productive day!
Blessings, Jeanne
Good morning, Jeanne! Molly looks like the star of the Easter parade! Remember the song? I remember it being on the radio all the time in spring, and would sing it all the time! I had a straw hat, much like Molly’s, which was actually more like half a hat, that I wore with whatever dress my mother made for me that year. My sister and I always had matching dresses. I just would have loved this outfit, and what little girl wouldn’t want to twirl around in a dress and slip like that?
The embroidery on the collar, the little pink bow button, the lace vest and gloves give it a 40’s vibe. I was just thinking I would have been in heaven to receive a doll dressed in that outfit when small! I don’t think I could have put her down!
Yes, I do see the difference in the lighting of the pictures. You will get it right, Jeanne, you always do!
Hi Linda,
Yes, I remember the Easter Parade song…and I also remember those little “half” straw hats you mentioned.
Thank you for all your sweet compliments on Molly’s dress. I’m not really anxious to use the pictures I’ve taken and it’s not like I have a deadline like I did with Valentine’s day…Easter is a little ways away and at least you all have seen it now!
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
The pictures just aren’t up to your usual standards, and that matters because you need some nice ones for your collection/records. But the dress is great. The design is just right for that fabulous fabric. The bolero is so cute. It makes that perfect pin stand out too. The eyelet is fresh and pretty, and I’ll bet Molly loves it.
Even the scene though the window works for an early Easter. I may be thinking spring, but I looked through my window and saw what Molly is seeing — snow. It looks like it may not be covering the sidewalks and streets, just the lawn, roofs, and evergreen branches.
The church kitchen is going to be nice, and you’ll feel proud and happy whenever you see it. Be there when people see it for the first time — you need to see the faces of people who knew it at the “before” stage.
Hi Marilyn,
I just might wait a few days and see if a pretty day comes along. I would love some crisp clear pictures to show how delicate this dress really is.
We got home a little while ago after working on the kitchen all day. I told George before we left, I think we turned a corner today. The floor is all patched, the walls got washed down, under the soffits it was primed, we fixed several spots that needed new trim, and I even broke out the paint to paint up next to where the brick board will touch the soffits. A carpenter is going to help with the brick board. He just volunteered today so maybe it will all get put up tomorrow.
It won’t be long till we’ll be all done…
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, How beautiful she looks! I like the way the vest turned out. She looks like she is going somewhere special. I wonder where that is (smile).
Hi Dorothy,
I’ll have to think of a really special storyline for this dress… thanks so much for your sweet compliments!
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m left to second the lovely comments about Molly’s outfit as the ladies have said it so well. Every little detail is exquisite from the embroidery on the collar to the little gloves, bow and flower on her hat. Thanks for another lovely ensemble.
Thank you, Susette,
I appreciate your kind comments about Molly’s dress! I’m glad you like it.
I hope you’re feeling better…my cough is just about all gone…good riddens to it!
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh how beautifully the ensemble turned out, Jeanne, for Molly. Like Linda D said, it would be hard to put a doll in a dress/outfit like that down if received at a younger age (or older age!). Once again, you’ve made the fabrics and trims sing along together. It’s a totally charming outfit.
And, I’m sure the church kitchen will look great too when you and George are finished with it. Thanks for keeping us posted. It’s always an honor.
Blessings.
Thanks so much Becky,
It’s nice to hear that my pictures don’t have to be perfect for you all to like it. I’m determined to get some better, more accurate pictures before I list it.
We’re putting up the brick board tomorrow and I hope to get the painting started…so it’s coming along.
Thanks Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Molly’s dress is simply adorable. So sweet and softly pink. Love her hat and gloves and the little bow at her neck.
By the way, the pink chenille for Molly’s rug is a perfect idea. Looks real or that is was part of her bedroom scene.
Hope we can see the finished church kitchen. George is truly a talented master at renovations. Both of you work so well together.
My husband can do just about anything as well and I love it when I can help him even if it’s in a trivial way.
Thanks Paula,
I liked using the chenille fabric for the rug and it works to cut the glare from the picture.
We got quite a bit done today in the kitchen and hope to get some “pretty” things done tomorrow. I can see the end in sight.
Blessings, Jeanne
Molly’s dress is just lovely. I especially like the hat. I’m sure she’ll be seen skipping down the street in the Easter parade.
The photo problem is interesting. The dress in second photo of the first group appears to be true to color even though Molly is shaded. I think I might include that one because it is sharp and shows the detail well. Some of both photo groups are only partially in focus. My camera does that upon occasion. But, my camera is older and problem is a common one requiring a trip in a box and $. Haven’t done anything about it yet. I guess the question is how to get the shadows off Molly’s face and the rest of the photo in sharp focus without the backdrop shine. I know you are the expert, but have you tried another camera lately? Maybe borrow one and see the results? Just trying to be helpful. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing the kitchen progress. Know it has been a monumental task but will be so appreciated.
Hi Joy,
Well, the pictures might be “okay” but I’d like them to be much better, so I’m hoping for a nice day outside for some better pictures. There’s no need to use crummy, unclear pictures if you don’t have to.
Kristoffer has a nice camera and I might ask him to bring it over and do a photo shoot with him to see the difference…I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.
The kitchen is just about ready to get “pretty.”
Blessings, Jeanne
Absolutely gorgeous Jeanne. No detail left undone!! I love every little detail. Your buyer will be over the moon to receive this outfit.
Re: your pictures, I have had that happen to me and I also don’t know why but I have had success downloading pics to my computer and using the free Picasa photo editing program. If you haven’t tried it yet, I have Picasa 3. It is fairly easy to figure out, has the normal cropping and other features.
Hope you had a good, productive day at the church today. You and George are surely a blessing to your church with all the projects and time you so willing give. God Bless you and George for being such faithful and caring servants.
Thank you so much Leigh,
I appreciate your kind comments.
I already use Picasa 3… but my pictures are the wrong tint before I try to fix them…I’m sure it’s my lighting. I’m not giving up…I’ll get it right…
We got a lot done today and will get even more completed tomorrow!! It’s going to be so much nicer.
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh yes! This one will be one of my top 10 favorites. Everything about it is brilliant. The lace and that fabric , the embroidery it’s all looking like Easter!
Have a good weekend.
Thanks so much, Kathie,
I’m glad you like it that much! That makes my night!
Blessings, Jeanne
WOW! Just..WOW!!!! 🙂
Thank you Melody!!!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Isn’t it amazing how sunlight makes so much of a difference? I love the dress and hat. I had it in my mind that the best would be attached, but I see it is removable which is even better! I’m hoping the church kitchen will be done soon and we can see the pictures of the finished space. I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you Carolyn,
I was originally going to make a jacket for the dress, but changed it to a vest when the jacket didn’t work over the puffed sleeves. I’m glad you like the look now.
I should have some dramatic pictures soon.
Thanks Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Molly’s ensemble is pastel pink perfection, Jeanne! It is simply exquisite in every detail, but beyond all the fine seamstress finishes and lovely special touches, your artistry always evokes fond memories of childhood, and that is a true gift. Thank you for sharing another charming creation with us, and thank you for the sweet and pleasant walk down memory lane. Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you Anne,
You have such kind things to share about Molly’s dress. I appreciate them. It’s so much sweeter in person than it looks in my pictures. I’m going to get some nice pictures of it …somehow!
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne