First of all, I am so sorry that I didn’t get to your comments yesterday. I did read them but had no time to answer everyone. You had the sweetest things to say about Kirsten’s cap and I thank you for that. No matter how many times I hear it, it makes me try harder every time I make something. There would be nothing worse than making something and no one liking it…
The second thing was all the chit chat about sewing (or NOT) sewing over pins! It was so funny…the more I read, the more I realized I was outnumbered by a landslide. It really doesn’t matter if you sew over your pins or not.. I don’t, you do… and some of you don’t… Just keep sewing…that’s what matters. :o)
I searched my archives and didn’t see any doll dress so far named “Prairie Rose” and I believe someone gave me that name as I had it on a list from a while back. Even if I did have a dress set called Prairie Rose, this one gets it too! It’s just the perfect name!
I last showed you Kirsten’s dress with her cap… but that was all you had to go on…
Now I have a few more pieces finished and think I’m finished with the set… Let’s start with her apron… I decided to just make something simple since the dress had a busy print. This vintage hankie is a pulled or drawn thread design and is very sheer and delicate. I treated it like I was sewing with a Kleenex. It really is a dainty piece and I was happy it looked so pretty with the dress. I decided not to add any color to it so it could be used with something else if the winner liked.
I also put together a little basket of apples. It’s been apple picking time around here and I thought Kirsten might like to take them to the hayride and do a little “bobbing for apples.”
Several years ago I bought 4 or 5 different colored winter scarves and have had them in my sewing cabinet. I’ve used a few of them from time to time cutting them up for what I needed. They are actually acrylic but the name on the scarves is called Cashmere Feel. They really do feel close and I decided to use the navy one for this. I made Kirsten a wrap around scarf for her shoulders. It’s a nice piece that can be used a few different ways…maybe even wrapped around her head…
I also decided to leave her hair in the braids for this set…it just seemed like I should… and lots of you wanted them left in.
When I got ready to pick out some shoes for her, I realized she really did need some stockings, so I made her a pair of thigh highs from a pretty pale peach knit that I had…They are super soft and easy to slide up her legs. (sorry the shoes aren’t included.)
Well, that’s going to be it for Prairie Rose… I’m hoping to find time to get this set listed on Ebay, but no promises… If my day goes like my Tuesday went, don’t count on it! :o(
Thanks everyone,
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I do like how Kirsten’s apron turned out, Jeanne. I have a couple of handkerchiefs that have drawn thread work like that; maybe I could “sacrifice” one for an apron for someone. (I collect printed hankies, mostly–I have 75 or so–and really enjoy using them As Hankies! So, I’m reluctant to cut any up for doll clothes, as some gals do.) I take it you used some cotton batiste or something similar for the waistband and ties?
I’ve used a plaid flannel scarf (from Eddie Bauer, maybe 20 years ago) as a shawl for my Kirsten, and it works great, so I was glad to see you do the same thing for yours. That plus her nice snuggly thigh-highs should help keep her nice and warm this winter!
As to the sewing-over-pins discussion from yesterday, I very very rarely Ever sew over pins–it can damage/break your needle, it can damage/break your pin, it can even throw the timing off on your machine (which is a Lot more expensive to repair than it is to replace a pin or needle!). If I find I really Need to sew over a pin (to make sure the two seams are perfectly lined up, for instance), I sew very very slowly, practically one stitch at a time.
I remember when I bought my first sewing machine back in about 1968-69, one of the “selling points” was that it could sew over pins; my thought at the time (I’d been sewing since 1956) was, maybe it Can, but it should Not, and mine never will! It’s just how I was taught to sew.
There are some excellent entries on this website about sewing over pins if anyone hasn’t had enough of this discussion. These quilters are certainly qualified to comment. I agree with not knowingly sewing over pins.
Sewing over pins! – Quilting Board
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/sewing-over-pins-t218305.html
HI Susette,
Well, it’s interesting that even quilters can’t agree on what is the right way to do it…
I personally don’t like the idea of a needle flying up and hitting me in the face…I also don’t like having to spend the money on new needles when removing the pins are so simple to do…but that’s just me.
Thanks for the link Susette.
Blessings, Jeanne
HI Charlotte,
I thought everyone might think Kirsten’s apron was too plain, but really it’s quite elegant all by itself. I’m glad you like it. Actually the waistband came from some other vintage lace I had.
I think I’ll keep my eyes open for some small sized neutral plaids in flannel shirts and scarves… they really are the perfect accessory for Prairie dresses…thanks for reminding me about them.
I sew up to the pins and then remove them too. I agree…you “can” but you shouldn’t. ..
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
This is another beautiful ensemble from your hands. Kirsten looks so lovely in it and I’m sure the winner will be delighted with it. It’s so enjoyable to see what you come up with.
Just for the record…I don’t sew over pins either.
Thanks for the fun.
Blessings.
Thank you for your kind compliments on Kirsten’s dress, Becky. I’m glad you like it…so does Kirsten.
Oh goody…someone on my side who doesn’t use pins either. :o)
Thanks so much, Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow – you’ve done it again, Jeanne. You’ve put together the perfect outfit. I like the pattern in the thigh highs and the unexpected color. Her shawl will keep her toasty warm. If the sun is in the sky she might want to use it on the grass to sit on when she gets tired from apple picking. I also love the use of the hankie for her apron.
I haven’t chimed in before on sewing over pins, but I hardly ever sew over pins, unless I fail to see that they are there. I was taught this long ago when I first learned to sew, so unlearning that would be hard. I do remember pending a pin and snapping a sewing machine needle because of leaving pins in the fabric.
HI Lynn,
OH wow…so you think Kristen’s dress set is the perfect outfit? Thanks so much for your compliments on it. I love the way it turned out too.
It’s funny…yesterday almost everyone commented that they sewed over the pins and today I’m getting just the opposite…the pin “removers!”
Thanks for chiming in Lynn,
Blessings, Jeanne
A delightful outfit for Kirsten! Love your details with the vintage hanky apron and the sweet shawl.
Altogether a beautiful ensemble ❤️❤️
Thank you Sjara,
I appreciate your kind compliments on Kristen’s set…
Thank you Shara,
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s amazing how much the shawl adds to the ensemble and accents the blue that is surely a Kirsten color. Yes to the braids. The applies are soooo tiny. Great touches. Another great bidding war in the offing.
I couldn’t agree more with not sewing over pins. Hidden pins are the reason for broken needles when it’s happened to me.
HI Susette,
Thanks for link you sent earlier. It was interesting to read some of their responses.
Yes, blue is definitely Kristen’s best color. It just really seemed to pop when I added the dark blue shawl…I’m glad I had the right color blue to use it.
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
WOW! What a beautiful set. I love the fabric, the cap, the shawl, the gorgeous apron, and the basket of apples. You were inspired when you put these accessories with the dress.
Oh, I forget to mention that I don’t sew over pins either. I broke a needle once and I never want to do that again – I HATE the sound it makes. ?
And worrying whether you’ve gathered up all the pieces or if some small piece is hidden in the workings of the machine.
HI Barbara,
It seems when a needle breaks it almost always goes down in the bobbin compartment…that’s not good…
Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne
HI Debi,
I’m glad you like Kristen’s new dress set so much. It just seemed to come together so easily this time.
Ok…another one in the Remove the Pins Club!
Thanks so much, Debi,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh the final touches are the reward. Lovely apron and perfectly natural. The shawl is just the right accent color for the overall print. It also ties in that beautiful bonnet and picks up the dark blue in the trim flowers. Love those fuzzy warm thigh highs too. An over all big wow, and on to a successful auction.
Never worry about answering all of us. We certainly understand. Hope you have a few moments for yourself today.
Thank you Joy,
When I took a few pictures outside, Kirsten looked so pretty…it really did come together nicely and actually pretty quickly!
My day was just as busy…maybe more so, but my hubby was kind and let me delay dinner so I could get Kristen’s dress listed!!! Yes, I got it on…well, scheduled that is…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a gorgeous ensemble! It just keeps getting better and better every day. I love the colors and they all go together so well. I’m convinced having an eye for putting fabrics together is a gift and a real blessing.
Usually I just sew to get my girls new outfits so the little extras don’t really matter. I do most of my embellishing on the outfit itself. Jeanne, if I ever do decide to start selling things I make, you have given me lots of ideas for the proper way of marketing my product. I’ve been on the lookout for small items to enhance my presentation should that day ever come. I would love to do more with things like furniture, etc., like you and Linda, but my sewing room is bursting at the seams already because I engage in so many different crafts and each one has a ton of parts to it. Maybe one day I can move my daughter’s things from her old bedroom now guest room and have some room there. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon. She, her husband and baby son just moved into a tiny house.
I remember when I started sewing back in the early 1960s you just needed a simple sewing machine, a pattern, fabric and notions and you were good to go. Not so today. When I bought my embroidery machine I thought it was expensive but the saleswoman told me I hadn’t seen anything yet. Just wait till you start buying the other things you need like hoops, thread, designs, etc. The machine will seem the least of your expenses. Too true! She failed to mention and take up the least space.
A couple years ago my husband built me these wonderful floor-to-ceiling cabinets, actually two cabinets where one sits on top of the other to allow for different configurations down the road. I thought I would have plenty of space with that but I filled them up very quickly and the overflow is still in other cabinets, laundry baskets on the floor, etc. I have a stack of plastic file boxes where I keep my doll and children’s clothes patterns. They were hard to move so I bought a small floor dolly and now I can move them easily when I need to get into the cabinet they’re in front of. The other day I bought another one to put under the laundry basket that is always in the way. Oh the dilemma of needing to create.
Thank you, Barbara,
I’m so happy you like Kristen’s dress set. It’s nice to have all you ladies like it so much…that warms my heart.
I’m glad my sewing inspires you so much… that’s what I hoped to do from the start of this blog.
I know exactly what you mean about the embroidery machine…and ALL the things you need to make things with it. It can be as costly as buying a doll that has eyes and wigs you can change…it never ends…
I’m trying to sort through some things in my sewing room too…I just keep adding more and more things…but my room can only hold SO much…
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
That entire ensemble is just Kirsten through and through. She looks like she could walk right out of one of the AG books. The basket of apples is just right.
The apples are making me want an apple pie!
HI Kathie,
I am so happy you like this set. It’s really nice when everything comes together like this one did.
Yummy…an apple pie does sound wonderful…
I received your email earlier when I was out and will answer you separately.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Just Beautiful Jeanne. I was wondering just how you would complete Kirsten’s “Prairie Rose” outfit and you didn’t disappoint! I love the vintage handkerchief, it is just perfect along with the shawl and her peachy thigh highs. I also like that you left her hair in braids.
So much fun to see another creation of yours.
Take Care
HI Leigh,
Thank you for liking Kurstens dress set so much. It really made my evening to hear you describe it.
I’m glad you enjoyed the journey of making this one.
Thanks Leigh,
Blessings, Jeanne
Lovely outfit. The colors go well together and I really like the hankie apron. I also like the shawl and you have given me some ideas for using old scarves. Thanks!!!! The comments about not sewing over pins is real food for thought especially about messing up the timing. Wouldn’t want to do that. Anyway, very interesting.
Hi Carole,
Thank you for your kind words about this dress set. It really did come together on such a pretty way.
I think everyone might see scarves in a new way after seeing Kirsten’s.
I’m so glad you enjoyed wathing me make this dress.
Blessings, Jeanne
I think this is one of my very favorite Kirsten outfits. Everything about it is special and appropriate to Kirsten. Those are great shoes for this outfit, but you are right to keep them. The winner will find or has others, and it’s nice to be able to contribute to the outfit.
You sound busy, but not too busy to think of who’s next. I think it’s Isabelle. She models fall clothes especially well. And then Thanksgiving is coming. Maybe something for the AG’s from the year Thanksgiving became a national holiday. There is a Sarah Hale dress pattern, but it’s been done too often. Or a nice Pilgrim outfit might be fun.
HI Marilyn,
OH wow…a new favorite Kirsten’s set. I’m glad I’m not the only one who likes it so much. It really is a pretty outfit on her.
Those shoes came from Hobby Lobby a few years ago… they were actually Christmas ornaments…and I bought all they had. I’ve sold several pairs with outfits in the past… they really are perfect Prairie shoes to me.
I have been busy lately…but I’m always thinking of who comes next…Isabell has been neglected for quite some time…
I’ve never done a Pilgrim outfit before…that I can remember…so…maybe…
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
I missed logging on yesterday because I spent most of my “work day” clearing and cleaning stuff out in our “new house” garage. I successfully liberated 2 very large work tables and we have much wider walking paths as well around all the “prized” possessions and home building remnants stored there. We have a large shop, old house garage, and a double shed as well as the basement and they all accumulate TOO much because we still haven’t cleared enough out that we can park either the truck or my van inside any of them since we built the “new” house. (YET! I have designs on getting the “old” house garage cleared out again this fall, but first I have to finish clearing out the new house garage so it’s a good work space again.) I was browsing the photos and thought… “Oh, Kirsten needs a shawl with this outfit”, and the next photos were of her new shawl.
I am also of the “don’t sew over pins” group. My grandmother, mother, Singer sewing instructor, and my high school Home Economics instructors all said sew up to the pins and pull them out as you go along. They also said you will never find you’ve used too many pins (just make sure they are sharp so they won’t snag your fabric).
With November’s vote, how about a Suffragette outfit for Samantha?
PS I love the outfit and adore the pink thigh highs…. please make more of those and put them in your Etsy shop so I can buy a pair (or two).
HI Christal,
Congratulations on all the work you accomplished in your garage. I know that had to be hard work! I can just see you working like a little bee moving this here and that there… I hope you get it cleared away soon and have it behind you!
Well, what do you know… you wanted a shawl and you got one! How nifty was that? I’ll have to consider Samantha for the next dress… thanks for the suggestion!
Blessings, Jeanne