First things first…
For the first time ever (I think) one of my Little Darlings dresses did NOT sell. I had Betsy McCall politely take off the outfit and told her it was going to some new dolly and she’d have to give it up for now… well, then it didn’t sell, and Betsy wants to put it back on… Anyway, I relisted it, a few dollars lower and with a buy it now price… if anyone is interested… You can see it by clicking the picture at the right side bar or you can click HERE.
Second things second…
We had a great time Saturday with Rebecca helping her celebrate her birthday. We left 8:30 in the morning and had our car lights on when we got back home. We spent the day in Paducah, Kentucky hitting some of her favorite shopping places. We practiced social distancing and had our masks on every place we went. My hubby caught up on some reading (and possibly a few naps) in the car while we shopped in some of the stores.
We had a nice birthday dinner in a wonderful Mexican restaurant and then called it a day. We each found a few fun treasures and Rebecca said she had a good time.
Several of you guessed Kirsten from the few hints I gave you Saturday…and you were RIGHT! She IS getting the next dress set and it’s SO pretty on her. She always looks prettiest in blue, but this blue is outstanding on her. The fabric is a gauze-like fabric, or maybe it’s like a madras plaid…I’m not positive of either, but it’s cotton, very lightweight and pretty delicate. I found it at an estate sale and I’m sure it’s vintage…I just don’t know how vintage.
The colors are a pretty cornflower blue, I’m thinking a medium “baby boy” blue, an aqua and that apple green stripe. The combination is very eye-catching.
I have the basic dress finished…the hem, ALL those snaps down the back and on the cuffs…it’s been pressed and Kirsten could hardly wait to try it on!
The back is open all the way down to the hem for easy dressing…
The collar and cuffs are made from a white embroidered pique fabric. It’s my favorite for details!
I put a white lining in the bodice at first but it was too rigid and I didn’t like the way it laid. So I took it out and just serged all the edges on the inside as neatly as possible. It’s much better this way.
There is a simple and subtle decorative stitch around the armholes of the dress.
There is still more to come but I’ll stop here for now. Hope you like it…
See you tomorrow
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, that Was a surprise, that that gorgeous outfit didn’t sell right off! I’m wondering if people are still so busy commenting on Dianna’s death, they aren’t paying attention to things like auctions just now.
That really is a gorgeous blue on Kirsten. My Kirsten is definitely my blue girl, but I haven’t put her in anything quite that bright–she seems to like the softer blues, for some reason. Maybe I should try some brighter blues on her and see how she looks.
I like the crisp white collar and cuffs, too. Maybe she’s a school teacher?
I know what you mean; some fabrics don’t do as well with a regular fabric for lining. I have some batiste that is just feather light, and in those cases, that’s what I use for a bodice lining. However, this being a blue, and not really dark, this will probably work just fine without a lining–I doubt there’ll be a problem with the vinyl picking up the color like there would be with red or black or navy.
I’m thinking that style might also look good on Addy, too–seems like the right “vintage”!
HI Charlotte,
I was actually wondering the same thing…about the death of Dianna, I mean… I did get an offer from a lady in Germany if I choose to sell it internationally… I’m still thinking on it.. :o)
My pictures of the blue dress seem a bit overpowering, but when I see it on her in person, it seems different…softer and just right for her… When I finish it maybe it will be toned down a little bit…
I don’t think this will rub off on any dolls bodies…at least I hope it doesn’t… the neck and the cuffs should be fine…
I was thinking of trying it on Addy too… It could easily work as a Civil War dress! :o)
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Kirsten looks great in her new dress. Your details always make your outfits so well done. The printed point in front (and back) on the waistband caught my eye this time. I will greatly look forward to seeing upcoming stages in her ensemble.
And, it’s fantastic to see you sewing your heart out in your new room. Do you feel like you got a new “lease” on your sewing with it?
Blessings.
HI Becky,
Thank you for your kind comments. The squares in the fabric aren’t exactly square… they are just slightly rectangular so trying to figure out where to put the point on the bottom was tricky… same thing on the back… But I think if you “squint” your eyes, it looks right…
I DO LOVE my new sewing room and even though it’s slightly on the messy side right now, it’s VERY easy to get it back in shape because there isn’t SO much stuff in there.
I LOVE IT!
Thanks Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
The dress is very pretty. I love how the diagonal waistband ended up giving the allusion of a “V” because of how the deeper colors meet. The stitching detail is a perfect subtle trim.
The LD outfit not selling isn’t a statement of the outfit. I think everything else in life has many of us preoccupied. The food lines, quarantine, virtual learning, foreclosures, election, mask making etc . Sometimes I feel guilty enjoying just looking at pretty things. But your blog helps with the getaway from it all need.
Thanks Dorothy,
I think when I get the rest of the dress set finished, there won’t be quite so much blue showing… (hint hint)
I’m debating about a buyer in Germany… need to check with my PO first to check out the pricing for shipping…
I know there are LOTS of things on everyone’s minds… and who really has time to deal with dolly things right now, but I have to keep sewing to keep MY hands busy and off the world’s issues right now. :o)
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
I just knew that dress was going to be for Kirsten, Jeanne! What a beautiful plaid and in the colors that make Kirsten shine! I can’t wait to see how you “dress it up” , so to say, since you do such a wonderful job on Kirsten’s outfits!
I think this would be a perfect schoolgirl dress! Maybe a little shawl to go with it with fringe edging? Will she have an apron? A pretty hat? Questions, questions! I’ll leave it to you to do something special with it, as you always do!
So happy to hear you had a nice day celebrating Rebecca’s birthday! So sorry the dress didn’t sell, but I know someone out there will get it soon enough, and wish it was me!
HI Linda,
I thought everyone would guess Kirsten, but I KNEW you’d guess it right away. (I have you pegged, Linda!) :o) I’m glad you like it and you may have guess my ideas before I showed any! :o) :o)
I’m not worried about the dress Lian had on… she’s ready for the next one…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten’s eyes really pop in this color. Love how the diagonal plaid matches up so well at the back closure. And when I see all of those snaps, I smile. So much work matching and sewing so they don’t inadvertently show stitching on the right side, and it comes already done. Love it. Will she have a knitted/crocheted winter shawl? Maybe seeing that might bring on some cooler weather here.
Did anyone see the fires and evacuations in Bolder, CO? Is Marilyn near there?
HI Joy,
Yes, you can’t deny BLUE dresses were made for Kirsten to wear! She loves this one and wants me to hurry up and finish it… Yes, ALL those snaps… took quite a while, but I was so glad when I was done… (then I remembered her sleeves needed snaps!)
Yes, Marilyn is from Boulder but I hadn’t heard the news of the fires there… maybe she’ll check in…
Blessings, Jeanne
I didn’t even notice the diamond/Vee in the waist band. Thanks to other sharp eyed people for pointing it out! The rest of the plaid matching in this I take for granted because it’s a JEANNE MARIE! Of course it matches. 😊 In the first sneak peek pictures there was a coordinating flower print over the waist band. Is that flowered fabric going to be part of this? A bonnet? Shawl?
Northern Minnesota got a light dusting of snow yesterday. We could get a couple inches in the next few days. I am not ready for this. ❄️
HI Julia,
This was an “uneven” plaid so it was a bit of a challenge and the squares aren’t really squares… they are a bit rectangular… so they took some fiddling with to get them right. The green lines are only on one side of the darker squares, so I opted not the make them a focal color.
Yes, that flowered print is part of it, but you’ll have to wait to see it… :o)
SNOW? Seriously? Oh, I would cry if it started snowing here… I hope you handle it better than I would…
Blessings, Jeanne
I love this dress! The way the print aligned on the waist, your impeccable pattern matching in the back- beautiful! I second (or maybe third) a little fringed shawl as the perfect accessory. I’m new to your page and already enjoying it so much!
HI Jamie and welcome to my world!
Please introduce yourself to us and tell us about your dolls and if you sew for them… we are a very friendly group of ladies and you’ll have a great time chatting with everyone.
I’m glad you are enjoying seeing Kirsten’s dress in the making! There’ll be LOTS more in the future… please stick around!
Blessings, Jeanne
Yes, I was very surprised that you darling LD outfit didn’t sell. I assuming buyers were just waiting until the last moment. When I was building my PC/AG collection, I was a “waiting it the wings” buyer, putting my bid in at the 12 second mark… it worked almost always. I can only recall two exceptions.
Personally, that was one of my very favorite LD outfits you’ve made. Now if someone would just buy me a LD, I would be happy to have it. LOL
Kirsten’s dress is just lovely. I really like how the plaid is placed on the waistband so the dark blue makes it a “V” shaped design. It sets off her eyes. The white collar and cuffs are perfect. Looking forward to seeing more. I’m sure poor Kirsten was thinking, “Well it’s about time!” I can’t even recall what you made for her last.
Sounds like a fun day celebrating Rebecca’s birthday . I assume we’ll be treated to a “viewing of the treasures”.
HI Laura,
Lian’s dress set was at the top of the list for me too, so it’s okay if it sticks around a little longer… Lian and Betsy want to put it back on, but I told them their turn of wearing it was over… I’m not worried…
Oh good, I’m glad everyone noticed the V in the front… well, the “faux V.”
I think her last dress was a blue one too with a little vest looking thing on the front… but I could be wrong… It was time for a Kirsten dress.
There were no real treasures… I got a red sweater, some stickers and gifts for my winning bidders, my hubby got some videos, Rebecca found a few things to wear and a camo purse… We just enjoyed the day and each others company.
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
This dress for Kirsten is totally eye catching. I really love it. The fabric is beautiful and I love the contrasting cuffs and collar. I like the “v” at the waist. Very pretty and clever.
I am surprised that the LD dress didn’t sell. It’s a lovely ensemble. Definitely try again. I received an e-mail from Dolls Magazine yesterday about the death of Dianna Effner. It said she died of cancer. So sad. I wonder if she knew. My cousin (5 years older) fell and had to go to the hospital. They found she had lung cancer. She didn’t know it. She passed away three days later.
Sounds like Rebecca’s birthday was a fun day for all and I’m sure George had a good nap day. Speaking of masks, our county has been waived from mask wearing. Our numbers were never high but they still weren’t low enough for the mask waiver. Then they were. Yes!
Julia is having snow and I just finished mowing my yard – and probably not for the last time this year. I’ll gladly trade places with her. Being a Yankee born and bred, I do miss my fall and winter.
HI Barbara,
I’m glad you like Kirsten’s new dress. I’m hoping to maybe get it finished today, but not sure of my day… and sewing time.
I did relist the dress again and will see what happens or maybe check out the lady from Germany who would like to buy it.
I saw that too, about cancer being what caused Dianna’s death. I too, wonder if she knew she had it.
Won’t it be wonderful when we all get the green light on not having to wear masks anymore? I can’t wait… but I sure do have lots of elastic left… I’m still making masks for some friends and Rebecca and us…
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
It’s a shame the outfit didn’t sell, it was lovely. I love Kirsten’s dress too, I didn’t notice the V in the waistband till someone pointed it out. It does add to the the overall look though and very cleverly done.
Sam is having her Port replaced today, she had to have it removed because she got an infection in it but she has so much trouble with them finding a vein for all the needles she has to have that they decided to replace it. It does mean that she can go swimming once it has healed so that will make Ashley happy. Caitlin is struggling at the moment, of all of them she was the one who wanted to move out the most. She understands they can’t go with Greg being so sick but unfortunately it hasn’t changed his behaviour towards them and now she has almost stopped eating. She may come here for a few days to give her a break.
Barbara, I understand how you feel. I lived in Singapore for over two years and really missed the changing seasons. I missed Spring the most. I just love Spring, all the lovely flowers and everything looks so fresh and green. I often say that I only tolerate winter because spring is coming. It is Labour Day on Monday (nothing to do with the political party called Labour, it celebrates the introduction of the 40 hour week) so a long weekend. This is traditionally when it should be safe to plant out all those frost tender plants so the garden stores are always incredibly busy. Unfortunately Mother nature doesn’t always understand and occasionally throws a spanner in the works. I lost most of my bedding plants one year when we had a 5 degree (C) frost on 5th November. My grape vine didn’t like it either!
Better move, have to take the dog for his walk and pick up Sam at 8.30. I am supposed to be taking Ashley to school as well but if she isn’t ready she will have to go with her father.
Glad you all had a good time for Rebecca’s birthday, even George!
I received the shoe soles I ordered from Pixie Faire yesterday. I should be able to make quite a few more pairs than they recommend. I can make the insoles myself, nobody sees the slight imperfections in the cutting on those so will save the precision cut items for the parts people see. Can’t wait to use them. I want to make a pair of walking out boots for the Victorian Lady.
HI Anne,
Thanks for your compliments on Kirsten’s dress. I’m hoping to find some sewing time today!
I hope your daughter’s port goes in like a charm and heals quickly! My hubby said it was so much better than getting stuck each week. And I do hope you get a little visitor to come stay with you for a while… she needs some time to just be a kid again.
I am TOTALLY NOT READY for winter, let alone snow! My problem is I HATE wearing winter coats… always have been that way… I’m hot natured and I burn up in them… so I hate having to wear them.
Have fun playing shoe cobbler for a while!
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I am sorry about the outfit not moving. I echo Charlotte. I think that things are upside down in the doll world right now. They are already sideways in the real world.
How wonderful that you were able to celebrate your daughter’s birthday as she wished.
I can hardly believe that we are two months away from Christmas! I usually just give gift cards and this year, for sure, that is what I will be sending the family.
Hi Dorothy
Things ARE a bit topsy turvey right now aren’t they?
Maybe I will check into sending it to Germany…my German hubby would probably go for that!
I’m guessing gift cards will be the #1 Christmas gift this year!! One stop shopping!!
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
How nice to spend your daughter’s birthday shopping and eating out. It sounds like a nice day. I didn’t guess Kirsten when you showed some hints last week. I had kind of forgotten about Kirsten, I think. The fabric looks lovely, and I like the shoulder detail. I am wondering if you will make an apron or a bonnet for the dress.
Hi Carolyn,
Kirsten thinks I had forgotten about her TOO! Maybe her new blue dress will make up for it!!
Yes, there’ll be an apron…just finished it…
Working on other pieces.
Thanks so much
Blessings, Jeanne
Very surprising that outfit didn’t sell. My gosh it is spectacular!
I’d sell it overseas in a heartbeat. You don’t do anything with the postage…that is all handled by Ebay. You charge what ever the regular shipping is and it goes to the Ebay facility in Kentucky. I believe, and they do the rest. You get notified when the buyer receives it. so much easier than dealing with all the post office forms and rules.
Kirstin’s dress is beautiful! I love seeing your pics of the inside …it is always to neat and tidy!
hi Kathie
I’m going to check into this…the reason I don’t ship overseas is because I’m concerned someone won’t get their dress and give me bad feedback. I’m going to look into it…and then if it’s as you say, I might start shipping around the world…
Thank you for your sweet comments Kathie.
Blessings, Jeanne
I really like the Kirsten doll in the blue and green plaid dress. I wish I had a doll like that. However, on eBay, shipping charges are high, often higher than the value of the item.
Greetings.
Hi Alina,
I know…about those high shipping prices, it’s too bad for so many of you overseas. I wish you could all buy things just like we do in the U.S.
I’m glad you like Kirsten’s new blue dress. I’m almost finished….
Thanks so much for your kind compliments.
Blessings, Jeanne
Hello,
I want to say something about the ebay overseas service: it’s very unpopular about buyers and for a good cause. As a buyer you pay the shipping cost to Kentucky and the shipping cost to your homecountry, than ebay add all the shipping costs to the price of your item and then calculate the customs fee and add a fee for this service, so you often pay way more this way.
An example: You buy a doll dress for 25$ and shipping cost are about 15$. For shipping costs you won’t pay customs fee (in my country anyway) so that’s all the cost you have. If the ebay service is used you pay 25$ for the dress, about 21$ for shipping and 16$ for customs fee and ebay fee. So you pay 62$ if ebay service is involved and 40$ if not. Of course if the price is higher than 25$, you pay customs fee too if the seller don’t use this ebay service, but you pay way more if the service is used. I can understand if a seller won’t sell overseas because it’s too complicated or too much work but if the seller is using the ebay service the chances are high that the buyers overseas won’t buy the item, the additional costs are too much.
I hope this wasn’t too boring or too off topic and that my English isn’t too bad.
Elke from Germany
Hi Elke,
I’m trying to figure this all out…my day was too busy to get back with you. But I hadn’t forgotten you… I will…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
that’s no problem and I didn’t want to pressure you, I only wanted to explain the ebay overseas service from the point of an overseas buyer. Take all the time you need and more and as I said, I can understand if the work or anxiety for overseas shipping is too much. But the outfit is soo cute and I thought asking can do no harm. I won’t take offense and I won’t be sulking if you decide against it.
Stay safe and healthy
Elke