Here’s a fun statistic AT LEAST FOR ME… Today is my 2000th post! Can you believe it? I almost can’t! Since I published my first post on August 1st, 2014, there have been 2271 days go by and I’ve written something 2000 of those days…and I wondered at the beginning if I’d run out of things to share! Guess not!! :o) Here’s to the next 2000 posts!
It’s getting chilly outside isn’t it? I know some of you are already having snow… We are just having cooler temps and I love this kind of weather… sweaters and the feel of corduroy next to your skin are two of my favorite things! :o)
One of Kirsten’s favorite things is her new blue dress with some extra pieces… I was busy today working on some of them…
Someone asked about that skinny belt I made and was I going to use it. Yes, I am…here it is with the dress all by itself… or it can be tied in your dolls hair if you like…
I thought I’d show you a few of the pictures I took… I managed to get her apron finished. It’s made from a vintage hankie and looks so sweet next to this blue plaid.
The skinny blue belt can also be worn on the top of the apron too… just to be a little different.
I also got her bonnet made and it’s easy to put on your doll… I fastened a snap on the right inside and added another snap to the strap that goes under her chin. All that has to be done is match up the snaps and voila! Bonnet’s on! :o)
I’d like to get outside and take some pictures… Kirsten looks a little green to me in my pictures. It could be because it’s 11:00 p.m. and there’s no natural light in my room at all.
Well, I have one more piece that I’ll be able to share tomorrow…
See you then,
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten’s outfit is lovely! I like the idea of the belt that could also be used in her hair.
The hankie/apron looks so crisp and white against the blue plaid!! And I do love the fabric you used for her bonnet. Isn’t it fun, what happens to a plaid when you just use a narrow piece of it for the ruffle (as in this case) or other trim? Looks completely different, and not “plaid” at all!
Thank you Charlotte,
I love using a complimentary fabric in just a small way as an accent piece on a doll dress.
Thanks for your nice comments.
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh gosh, Jeanne, that is just darling! Kirsten is going to be very unhappy when she has to take this off someday! Each piece just adds to the specialness of the outfit! That bonnet is just adorable, and looks so easy to get on. How in the world did you find a contrasting fabric with the exact same colors?
The hankie apron is so wonderfully white against the skirt. I have a few hankies like that from heaven knows where, but mine are on the yellowish side. Yours is so white! Do you do something special to keep them white, or to ash them with?
Another piece still to come! A shawl, perhaps? Just the thing she needs in the weather we are having now, although I think maybe an umbrella would also do it! Which makes me think what did people do before umbrellas??
Almost forgot to say a big Congratulations on your 2,000 th post! It’s been a fun ride, and I just keep wanting to stay on and ride some more!
HI Linda,
I just happened to spy the blue print and thought it might work AND IT DID! I guess my fabric stash was just where I needed to shop!
I’m pretty picky about the hankies I pick up at places and it they look a bit on the dull side… like a few ladies have suggested below…Oxy Clean does the trick.
Perhaps a shawl? Perhaps! Yes, an umbrella would be better today…it’s been a bit on the nasty side here today.
It’s been a fun ride for me too… I hope to keep doing what I’m doing for a while longer! :o)
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
As always, Jeanne, another ensemble is coming together beautifully. Kirsten is so charming in her almost completed outfit. That blue plaid color is so pretty and as always, her outfit is so pleasing to view. Thank you for sharing the process with us.
Blessings.
Hi Becky,
When I first picked up that blue fabric at the estate sale, I debated about keeping it and making something for ME. I”m glad I let Kirsten have it…she wears it much better as a dress than I probably would have a top…
I do like those colors though…
Thanks Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your 2,000 post! That is an accomplishment! The skinny blue belt looks nice with the blue dress. The bonnet is darling, too. Here in Kentucky it has been rainy lately. Thursday it is supposed to hit 80 I heard. Thanks for cheering up my inbox each day 🙂 The kids’ Grandmother sent one of my daughters some Kirsten books for her birthday, so it is nice to see what she looks like.
Thank you Karen,
I can’t believe I’ve written 2000 posts… I never could have imagined I’d be where I am today back in 2014! I hope to keep going… :o)
It’s rainy for us too and supposed to be in the 80’s as well on Thursday.
I’m glad to cheer up your inbox! No one has ever told me that before. I loved it!
I’m glad you are enjoying seeing Kirsten come to life before your eyes.
Blessings, Jeanne
Congrats on 2000! Quite a feat. 🙂
Lucky Kirsten looks quite pleased with the dress and accessories. I think she will sell out all of her apples/pumpkins/squash in her booth at the fall fair.
Wonder how Marilyn is doing with the Colorado fire? Hopefully okay.
HI Joy,
There’s that story line I was looking for… I knew I had seen it somewhere… I must have read it earlier when you posted it.
I emailed Marilyn and she is fine.. just busy with Physical Therapy… going and recuperating and her sister is visiting her. I told her I was just checking on her…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, that is good to hear. When I heard they were evacuating Bolder, I got worried.
I don’t think I posted the fall fair before. Maybe Linda?
I think I love it❤️. I kind of wondered about the little bit of white with all that blue….but now everything came together so beautifully! Your hankie aprons are just so sweet and that hat/bonnet has to be a top 10 ! The shape of it is so traditional and proportioned just right.Of course Kirstin’s blue eyes just pop too.
Another accessory? ….hummm what could it be?
HI Katie,
Well, I’m glad you LOVE Kirsten’s new dress set. She loves it too and her blue eyes really do pop in this one. Yep, another piece and tonight I’ll decide on an accessory…
Tomorrow you’ll see… :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh forgot to congratulate you on your 2000 post! What an amazing accomplishment. In case you ever wonder just keep in mind how many people look forward to your posts!🤗🌟🥰
Thank you very much Kathie,
I can’t imagine that I’m still “in business with a blog” after all these years. I never dreamed it would keep going like this. So many people start blogs and write once a week and then it gets to be once a month then once a quarter… so while I’m proud of myself for sticking with it, I’m very humbled that you all have stuck with ME.
I’m blessed beyond measure with friends all over the world.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your 2000 posts! It has been our pleasure to know you and to enjoy your many wonderful posts and all the beautiful outfits and all
the touching stories you and others have shared!
Kirsten’s outfit is just beautifully blue. She looks lovely in it. I too like the cord belt at her waist and her matching bonnet. Love her apron too. So delicate. I agree with Linda, a shawl would be perfect to add if the idea is in the works. Or it’s something the buyer could add. A knitted one.
I agree with you, Jeanne. I love a day with a sweater or jacket and corduroy… cozy and comfy!
Thank you Paula,
It is MY pleasure to have you all join me each day, whatever time you get on, and see what I’m talking about. If I didn’t love to sew like I do, I think this would have fizzled out long ago… so glad it didn’t!
Ooooohhhh, that’s a good title, Beautifully Blue.. .I’ll have to keep that one in mind… or maybe change from Hello Fall to Beautifully Blue. Hmmm….
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
2000? Woo hoo. What a milestone!
I have a vintage hankie that may be a match to yours. It’s at home so I can’t run and check. I fully plan to make doll aprons from at least one of mine. It’s on my to do list. If I have vintage whites that have yellowed, I use Oxy clean. Hot water, oxy clean, vintage things , and let them soak. Overnight is good. Sometimes it needs to be repeated. I did some pillowcases this past summer and it worked great!
Some snow dusting today. Hope that’s all we get. I did not come to my dad’s prepared for winter this early.
Julia, what do you mean by Oxy clean? There are half a dozen Oxy products on the shelves, and I am at a loss as to which one to get.
Thank you!
Hi Linda, Perhaps Julia uses a different variety, but I’ll jump in here and post what I use.
This https://www.walmart.com/ip/OxiClean-Versatile-Stain-Remover-Free-3-lbs/19406202?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2725&adid=22222222227900538536&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=463488775657&wl4=aud-967886309188:pla-335758942938&wl5=9014870&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=19406202&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwlbr8BRA0EiwAnt4MTgw3Xyn34_8Jy4Agd2HmbygxGXAE36P6_9mkSS07lPcpDhNISrd_mxoCaesQAvD_BwE
It’s the powdered Oxy Clean Versatile Stain Remover Pwder which is dye and scent free. Hot water gets it to work best. You must dissolve it completely in hot water before adding items. It works wonders on discolored vintage things and is completely successful in removing mustard and rust from clothing. The lid came off at a picnic and put a blob of mustard on my favorite khaki skirt and Oxy Clean got it out. Julia is right that sometimes a second treatment is necessary for a particularly stubborn stain. I’ve used this stuff for many years.
Laura linked to the product I use. I was very impressed with the way it worked to remove stains but didn’t harm the colors in the elaborate handmade edgings or embroidery. Best of luck!
HI Julia,
This design is a common one and I’ve got a few more like it…or at least very similar. I love how delicate they are…and yes, Oxy Clean is perfect when they are slightly yellow. I try to find the whiter ones if I can…
I hope you at least took a jacket…if not, you and your dad might have to hit a few thrift shops… if you can find one open…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your 2000 posts! I admire your dedication. With everything that has happened in your life since you started, you still found time to write and upload pictures and sew. WOW. You are an amazing woman.
I love Kirsten’s apron. And what a great idea to have the bonnet snap! This is a super cute outfit.
HI Debi,
The amazing thing to me is I never lost my love of sewing ever since I started when I was a very little girl. All those years of sewing and still loving it! I hope I can say the same thing when I’m 90!
Thank you for your sweet compliments on Kirsten’s dress set. I’m really liking it too!
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, I’ve been sewing since I was 10, and I’m 74 now. I still LOVE to sew!! I don’t think you’ll lose your love of sewing, either.
First of all, congratulations on your huge milestone of 2000 posts. That is true dedication. I haven’t been here long but it’s been a fun ride and I’m looking forward to more in the future.
Kirsten’s outfit is really lovely. I like the fact that the belt has several options. I recently ordered some vintage handkerchiefs. It was a pig-in-a-poke and I’m not over the moon about what I received but there are a couple that would make nice aprons or skirt overlays depending on the size of the doll. I always love your bonnets. My girls are not really crazy about hats and prefer other forms of head adornment but Sophie requested a cute little tam for her plaid pleated skirt outfit. She has the perfect head for holding it in place and looks cuter than cute.
Still warm here in southeast Texas but at least the highs are below 90. We really could use some rain.
HI Barbara,
Thank you for all your comments since you’ve been here. You’re our resident Texan… well, our most “talky” Texan… unless there is another Texan (besides Marsha) that I don’t know about… I’m glad you enjoy being here!
I pick up hankies whenever I find them as they are hard to find sometimes… I’ll have to share my latest ones I found at that same estate sale where I found Kirsten’s blue dress fabric.
It’s supposed to be in the 80’s here on Thursday… Oh boy, roller coaster weather!
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow, 2000 posts is quite a milestone. Congratulations and her’s to many more.
Kirsten’s bonnet is just darling. I love the ruffled edge made of her dress fabric and the easy way to get it on her head. The crisp white apron is perfect. Kirsten seems to need an apron with every outfit, because like mall pioneer girls , aprons served a variety of jobs. I remember my grandmother using her apron to carry produce in from the garden or a small load of laundry etc.
I’m guessing she’ll get a shawl as well for the chilly days ahead. Your new sewing room must make everything a breeze to find because you are sewing up a storm… one dress after the other. I love it as it gives all of us Sofa Sisters something lovely to enjoy each day.
Thank you for the congrats on my 2000th post!
I like narrow ruffled edges on my bonnets probably better than any other thing that I do on them. I’m glad you like it and the dress with the apron.
So you’re guessing a shawl too? I guess we’ll find out tomorrow! :o)
My new sewing room is a dream room now…It’s so easy to navigate in there…and I’m loving every part of it! I’m SO glad I was able to have that reno happen!
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on so many posts. I haven’t been on here that long but I would so miss it if you stopped. Mondays aren’t the same as the other days since you don’t post on Sundays. No matter how busy I am I always read what you have to say every morning.
Love the outfit on Kirsten. I picked up a couple of patterns on our free table at Guild last Thursday and there is a shawl on one of those with a little tab to hold it in place. The other pattern is a 1920’s style with a lovely coat and hat and a pretty fringed dress with a headband. I’m looking forward to trying it. after seeing how neat your seams were I really must learn how to use the serger someone gave me. (Only trouble is she said later it could be a bit difficult!)
Barbara, I’m with you, could the rest of you please share some rain. I am going to have to start watering the garden and it is still spring! I can’t remember the last time we had a reasonable amount. We have only managed a sprinkle now and again, not even enough to wet the drive let alone the garden.
I forgot to tell you the other day but of the 64 seats the Labour Party won in the election 55% went to women! It is also the most diverse lineup as well with a lot of different ethnic groups represented. Even someone from Latin America. (We don’t have the same rules about being born here that you do). Having seen the line up, there are very few grey heads there either. I am not sure what the average age is but most of the new MP’s are under 40. In contrast, the opposition (National) are a party of older, white men (led by an older white woman). Like I said before, we women have come a long way.
Thank you for your kind words, Anne… they touch me so much and I’m so glad you found all of us and joined right in!
Oh, you should definitely get out that serger and give it a whirl… don’t be intimidated… they really aren’t that hard to master. They do go fast, so just keep things out from underneath them or it will be cut off…
We’ve had rain off and on most of today, and while we needed it, I know lots of you need it more…
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
About your serger, Anne–if there’s a dealership near you that carries that brand, see if they teach classes on using sergers. If no classes, they still will probably be willing to sit beside you and help you if you have problems with threading, etc. Also, there are probably some good online tutorials for that brand of serger that you could check out.
Just read yesterday’s posts particularly about overseas shipping.
I can only speak for NZ but as a buyer from overseas sometimes, I have always received whatever I have bought. I have bought from from China through Wish. I have bought from Amazon, the book ‘The Doll’s Dressmaker’ came from US. I recently ordered from Pixie Faire as you know. Obviously the shipping costs add to the price (in US you would have paid $28US I had to pay more than $50NZ) but if we can’t get what we want here we have to pay it. Here we can also add a tracking service and/or insurance (costs a bit more). I sent a parcel at Christmas to my brother in Texas, it arrived very quickly and safely. So my experience, for what it is worth is that overseas postal services are pretty good these days.
I might exclude Australia from that last comment! I sent a quilt to my grandaughter for Christmas a couple of years ago. I sent it one day after the Christmas deadline which I think was 2nd December. A few days later my son had a stroke and I arranged with my daughter in law that I would go over in January when she had to go back to work but Wendy would still be on school holidays. I could have taken it with me and saved myself $50 postage! Still she would get it for Christmas so I felt that was money well spent. No! It arrived the day before I did in January!!! At least it arrived I suppose but their postal service is shocking.
HI again Anne,
I’m going to go the Post Office tomorrow and talk to my “clerk” who answers all my shipping questions and see what she says…I would love to ship overseas and broaden my dresses to others who would like to bid but can’t.
Thanks for telling me how it works for you…
Blessings, Jeanne
Beautiful dress. Your Kirsten dresses are always so special. Congratulations on 2,000🎉🥳👍! I really don’t know how you do it through thick and thin. But thanks so much for brightening our days ❤️!
Thank you Susette,
It’s always fun for me when Kirsten’s name comes up… I enjoy putting more than just piece of fabric together and sometimes with Kirsten it can be 4 or 5 prints… My cup of tea!
Thanks for being a faithful reader…
Blessings, Jeanne
Great idea for a blog. 2000 posts is a success. I have become addicted to reading everyday. She also read half of the old entries from the beginning. Kirsten charmed me in this dress, I started hunting a doll on e-bay. I want my Kirsten.
Best wishes.
HI Alina,
Thank you so much for your kind comments… and thanks for going back and reading the previous posts…
I hope you find your special Kirsten doll. She is a fun one to dress! She’s just a pretty doll!
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations on your 2000th post. All by itself, that’s a huge accomplishment, but with all the doll clothes, remodeling projects, support of international students, beautiful celebrations, and caretaking, you lead a very full life. I’m glad you share it with us.
I’ve been double checking my ballot. We have a statewide amendment that’s been puzzling me — it seems to be getting rid of an old budgeting system, which is fine, and replacing it with something unclear, which doesn’t appeal to me. I and various friends have been trying to find some answers. My default is a principle shared with me by a friend who is no longer with us — if it doesn’t make sense, vote no and send the legislature a “try again” message. I think it’s going to come to that. The city has a couple of head-scratchers as well.
The sky here is gray with smoke but clearing a little. Finding up to the minute reports is hard. At least we have a better grasp of what it’s like in California and know that we all have to change.
Kristen’s dress is lovely and the handkerchief apron is one of the best. it appears to have gone together easily, which is always a treat. The bonnet is a winner, as is that extra narrow belt. You really are on an ispired roll.
Jeanne started a thread on AGPT about considering a new Julie. I made a snarky comment because I have Jeanne’s old Julie and I always make a point of saying how pretty she is. Jeanne may never sell me another doll. She was selling six dolls and one night I realized I wanted a Julie and Jeanne’s was the prettiest I’d seen. I quickly emailed — all the other dolls had been sold but Julie was still free. The weather was freezing and Julie got stuck in the slowest mail ever, but she finally arrived in perfect shape and has been great company ever since.
Thank you Marilyn,
Boy, the way you sum it up, I sound very busy… I guess I am and have been but it doesn’t seem like work as I enjoy all those things you mentioned… well, except for the days AFTER a project where I was so sore I could hardly get out of bed! :o)
I hope you get your issue solved… we have one going on in IL… it’s called a Fair Tax and while the name sounds good, the amendment is NOT!
We are just glad you are safe, Marilyn… maybe you’ll get that early snow that I always say you get first in the nation, and it will put out the fires and make the smoky smell better.
Thanks for your kind comments on Kirsten’s dress set. This one did go together just as I had hoped… and doesn’t she look so pretty in that blue?
Marilyn, you won’t believe me, but “someone” is coming in the mail… probably Monday! I had a fever… :o)
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Glad to hear you’re doing well. Be careful of that smoke. Do you have an air purifier? They are always sold out at Costco here. Ours has been getting a work out. Getting up to date news/maps is an ongoing event with each fire. Although, the county/city have gotten a bit better over the course, they still can use improvement. Just tell us where exactly the fire is burning please. Thinking of you.
The bonnet is so cute, and the fabric coordinates perfectly with the dress. Your bonnets always turn out so nicely and this one is no exception.
Congratulations on 2000 posts. I don’t read every day, but I enjoy following along when I can.
I’m sorry to say the weather is not cool in my neck of the woods. Mid 80’s today and probably through the weekend. It was so humid yesterday, my bike mirror was fogging up as I rode through the neighborhood.
HI Carolyn,
Thanks for your kind words about Kirsten’s new dress set. I’m glad you like it.
I’m glad you can read when you can… thank you!
We’re supposed to get up to the 80’s Thursday… oh boy.. warm, cool, warm, cool… until one day we wake up to snow! :o)
Thanks Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne