I was very busy today with our Couple’s party Wednesday evening, so I didn’t have much time to get things done on Caroline’s dress, but I did manage to get her skirt gathered up and sewn on. I decided to do it differently than most of my Regency dresses. Linda was the one who got me to investigating how the skirts were gathered and sewn on. I would say the majority of the dresses have the flat front with slight gathers starting a little bit forward of the underarm/side seam and the gathers continuing to the back.
I’ve GOT to get the lighting just right on this one…It’s SO SO pretty in person.
I found a few dresses that had the majority of their gathers centered in the front, smooth under the arms/side and then gathered again in the back. I tried to make my gathers even and centered. I like how it makes it very flattering and a bit flared looking from the front.
I’m going to make a pair of pantalettes since it’s a shorter version dress without a train.
The back is just pinned together for now…
Rebecca is in the process of making a pretty necklace for this set, but she didn’t get it finished so I wasn’t able to decorate it until I see her “bling.” I do have a few ideas but I just need to see what colors she highlights in her necklace. She NEVER disappoints me so I’m very excited to see what she makes.
The headpiece will depend on her necklace too.
I won’t have any time to sew on it Wednesday because our party is that night… so just hang on to what you see here and I’ll be back to it in no time.
See you soon,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, I’m first today! I have a friend who lives in Seattle, and her power has been out since Saturday night! I hope Charlotte isn’t having THAT trouble, plus all the snow!
I see that you have gathered the front of the dress, Jeanne, and it certainly gives it a “flair”. I suppose the hem is not done, at this time, or is it? Pantalettes will look so sweet, but the hem will have to be higher to see them. So far, it is really looking good! I can’t wait to see what Rebecca “cooks” up for the necklace, since she always does a wonderful job of creating a beautiful piece that adds to the whole effect of the outfit. You certainly are lucky to have her! 🙂
Actually, each picture on my desktop monitor shows the colors of the material differently, so I don’t know which one the material really looks like! Maybe it’s my monitor!
Caroline looks just beautiful and will be the perfect little model for your Regency dresses! Now for another dilemma, will her hair be down, or up? Those curls are so beautiful hanging down, but then again, I recall you giving Rebecca beautiful updo’s when she is modeling a Regency dress. More to think about!!
Hi Linda,
I’m glad you like the new look of Caroline’s dress…it is hemmed but I might have to make it shorter if I want her pantalettes to show. I might have to research little girls dresses and see just what length they were.
I’m anxious to see what Rebecca comes up with too…it seems everything is hinging on her necklace…
I’ve got to look at some hair styles too…hmmm.
Thanks Linda
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s a lovely dress already and I’m sorry you won’t have time to work on it until after the dinner, but I do enjoy the posts about parties, dinners, and food, so I’m not too sorry. Besides, this will give Rebecca breathing time on that necklace. We are set for a good, productive, and interesting week. Maybe you’ll have more details on the dinner tomorrow.
This will also be the week you begin finding out how Caroline’s hair is going to work for you, with its unusual texture. The back of the dress looks great already. Are you going to use the flower method of sewing on the buttons? Lace mitts for this one? OK, I’ll just have to wait.
Enjoy getting ready for the dinner.
Hi Marilyn,
I’m glad you don’t mind if I write about doll dresses or party activities. …I’m also glad you are patient in waiting for what lies ahead for Caroline!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
With all you have been doing, I’m surprised you had even a moment to accomplish this. The dress is lovely. Will be fun to see the details. When I view the fabric, I see the bright red tones and very little of the greenish. I wonder what changing the blueish/gray background to maybe that lovely lace drape would do? or that wooden folding panel? I know these aren’t the final photo shoot either, but just curious. Can’t wait to see the necklace choice either. Fun.
Hope you will be able to get some photos of the party decor. Always enjoy seeing that. And please remember to breathe once in a while too. 🙂
Hi Joy,
I seldom like to go a day without sewing, but today and tomorrow might just be 2 of those days.
I hope I can figure out how to make this dress pop because the fabric is just stunning in person. Maybe the weather and the wind will straighten up enough to get some outside pictures.
I’m trying to remember to breathe now and then… :o)
Thanks Joy!
Betty Lou is adorable!!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Love everything so far. It’s beautiful fabric that compliments Caroline’s complexion. Can’t wait to see how this Regency (one of my favorite eras) outfit progresses. But I also love seeing pics of your dinners – well everything you do! Have a wonderful time.
Thanks Leigh,
I can’t wait to see this dress all finished either. If I had enough of this fabric I’d make myself as dress from it. I just love this fabric.
I’ll do my best to take some party pictures…
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m really fond of the way you gathered the skirt. It’s so flattering! Every part of the dress is pretty… the neckline, the sleeve, the gathers ( auto correct kept changing gathers to “fathers” ?)
Pantaloons will be so cute showing under that cute skirt. Have fun at the couples dinner!
Thanks Kathie
I’m glad you like Caroline’s dress so far… it’s been fun making it…and I’m anxious to finish it…
As soon as that necklace gets finished, I’ll get cooking on the rest if it…
I’m hoping the party goes without a hitch…I’m having the couples do some “competition” games this time… l will have to let you know how they work out.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
I really love what you are doing to the front of Caroline’s dress! And the fabric is wonderful too. I do love paisleys. I’ll be patient in waiting for the next step. I really admire your energy in doing all you do, so no pressure.
I just got busted again! I was leaving to pick up hubby at the car repair shop but couldn’t get out of the driveway because the mail lady’s truck was in the way. But she had a couple packages so I decided to wait and bring them in. Instead of leaving them in the garage I should have walked them all the way in because when we got home hubby helped me bring them in. One of them was from Accuquilt and I knew what that was, the other was a mystery. Very light but in a big box. He opened that one. I said it’s not a doll, and he said no, but it’s sure enough doll stuff. He said I think it something for your photography. It was an Our Generation Beach Scene that I wanted to use to take some summer pictures – after I make some bathing suits for my girls. I think he just gives a sigh of relief when it’s not another expensive dolly child.
Barbara, that is so funny! You are going to have to develop a secret code with the mail lady, like if the porch light is on drive around the block three times (laugh).
Thanks for your compliments on Caroline’s dress, Barbara,
Oh Barbara, you need that “informed mail” service from the Post Office. That way yh ould kno what’s coming and when it’s coming… I think Dorothy’s advice was perfect!!!
Thanks so much
Blessings, Jeanne
Pretty funny, Barbara! I finally managed to sneak one package in while other person was at the dentist. Very heavy. He would not have been happy and it’s not even for me. It is an AG day bed with a pull out trundle for grand’s birthday. She’s turning 6. And I still have not opened it yet. Can’t catch a break around here.
Dear Jeanne, what a pretty dress. I am always amazed at the amount of detail you put into your outfits.
Another tea date is coming up with friends. We are taking tea on Valentine’s Day! I might take along one of my dolls.
Oh Dorothy
If you want, and you take your doll, have someone take a picture of you and your friends having tea and I’ll share it!!
I’m glad you like the dress.
Blessings, Jeanne
What a lovely choice for Caroline. Actually, I like this much better than the first fabric because it highlights her eyes better. I thought you had already begun cutting out the other and didn’t want to suggest that the blue didn’t match her eyes. IMO Caroline is one whose eyes have to be set off in the outfits. Personally, I didn’t care for any of AG’s creations for her because with the exception of her ice blue gown, nothing highlighted her eyes and that gown didn’t seem period appropriate anyway. I’m looking forward to seeing the necklace Rebecca makes for her and then what you add. You two make a great team for doll outfits.
I need to make it to our craft store this week and choose some of the on sale fabrics before they close. They aren’t sure when, might not be until early summer, but there might not be new inventory coming in.
Hi Laura,
I’m glad you think Caroline’s dress looks good on her. I have to agree with you about it picking up the color of her eyes…
I’m hoping Rebecca’s necklace picks up her eye color too. I’ll have to use Elizabeth to model my dresses that don’t pick up Caroline’s eye color.
Yes, you better get to that fabric store and make a few selections…
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne