Want the stats on the doll dresses as of 4:00 p.m. Monday afternoon?
The Blue Diamonds dress has 249 views and 27 watchers… See that dress HERE.
The Barely Beige dress has 313 views and 23 watchers… you can see it HERE.
The dresses end Tuesday evening… See you at the finish line! :o)
Good morning everyone,
I am better…thank you for your prayers and well wishes. I’m not 100% but maybe 80% and feeling MUCH better…
After my (I guess, “sinus headache” (?) eased up) I was able to isolate myself in my sewing room and get a few things done… I was trying to stay away from my hubby and Rebecca…
Actually a while back I wrote all my dolls names down on a piece of paper and stacked them on top of one another and put them in a plastic container and have been drawing out the top name and sewing for that doll… I can’t peek to see who is next so it keeps ME guessing too! :o)
Anyway, I made something…something for the 13″ Little Darlings, by Dianna Effner. Lian was who was chosen this time. I had bought some fabric from Etsy, actually from a seller in the UK, and IT IS DIVINE! There is no other word to describe it! It runs anywhere from $35 to $44 per yard… YIKES! I’ve NEVER paid $35-$44 a yard for any fabric in my life!
I found a few things on Etsy made from this fabric…
Here are bow ties…
Etsy bowties using this fabric
Here is a face mask… and it is probably the truest representation of the color of all these examples…
Face mask on Etsy using Wiltshire fabric
Here are French barrettes…
French Barrettes from Wiltshire fabric
Here is a clutch…
Clutch made from Wiltshire fabric
Of course the one fabric I fell in love with HAD TO BE one that was Out of Print so it was harder to find and more expensive than the other prints. It’s a Liberty London Lawn fabric and is about as dainty as a tissue and slick almost feeling like a silk, but it’s cotton… just woven super tight together. (think of it like 1000 thread count sheets!) This particular print is called Wiltshire Berries and there are other prints of it, only in different color combinations… like these…
Here’s a red print like it…
Here is a navy blue print…
Here is a blue and white print…
So, I didn’t buy a full yard… I bought a piece 9″ by 54″ thinking I could make a couple of dresses for my dolls from it and try it out. It was wonderful to sew and made the best gathers around the waist. It’s so delicate and there is no bulk anywhere on the dress… The hat in all the pictures shows the color the best… It’s a combination of purples, and roses, and burgundy, a bit of gold, and a drab olive green and the background almost looks like chocolate brown, but it’s a deep wine color. (My dress seems a little faded looking in some of the pictures.)
Okay, okay…here’s what I managed to get done over the weekend…Surprise…she can sew with a headache! :o)
…a pair of creamy thigh highs…
…a kind of sheer half slip from some light purple tulle… (oops, I forgot her bralette!)
…and here’s your first peek at the dress…
I hope the colors look wonderful on your computer or phone…as it’s the richest, most glorious color combination ever…
It has rose tones, and burgundy and deep golds, and a raspberry red, and a dull olive green…
Lian found her teddy bear too… meet Chesterfield…he’s a reproduction mohair bear.
The back shot looks a little washed out on my computer. I added tiny purple buttons down the back bodice, which is lined in a light purple gingham and white check…
Okay, so who’s thinking this is missing something?
Here are 2 clues for you…
Come back tomorrow and see what else goes with her dress! :o)
Thanks everyone,
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, the race is certainly ON!! I see that one has gotten four bids and is ahead (for the moment). The excitement builds…..
Oh, Jeanne, now you are speaking my language. I love love LOVE Liberty of London Tana Lawns, and own several pieces!! Like you, I sometimes will buy a fat quarter or a third of a yard so I can have a little “treat” without breaking the bank! They are expensive fabrics, for sure (and, folks, she’s not kidding about the price per yard!). I’ve made one or two doll dresses out of some of it. A while back, when there was a good sale (maybe at Farmhouse Fabrics?) I bought enough for a blouse for ME!! It’s nice and wide, so you don’t need quite as much yardage.
Lian looks darling in her new dress and hat, and I am guessing a little embroidered jacket will come next. And lavender is MY favorite color!! My bridesmaids’ gowns were a little lighter than the violet you’ve chosen.
HI Charlotte,
I updated the stats on the dresses at the top of this post…
Yes, the race is certainly on… I wonder which one will win? I’m so anxious to see… :o)
That Liberty of London Tana fabric is truly wonderful, isn’t it? I could look at those fabrics all day. I went on a field trip with a smocking guild I used to belong to to Nashville Tennessee and a place that sold Liberty of London fabrics, but even back then it was pretty expensive. I didn’t buy anything but lots of the ladies in the group sure did.
You guessed it right… an embroidered jacket… is just what this needed.
Lots of colors would have worked for this, but Lian liked the purple shoes and wanted the purple felt to match…
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
such a pretty little dress for Liam, Jeanne! She is the perfect doll to showcase that beautiful fabric with her dark hair! Wow, that material must be lovely to work with, and easy to care for, with the price they are asking! I don’t sew much anymore, so can’t really know what is what is what in the fabric department. It used to be that there was a fabric store on every corner, with Cloth World, Jackmann’s, SewN Sew. Penney’s had a great fabric section ass well as most of the department stores, and the Stetch N Sew too. People must have done a lot more sweing back then! Although you can get a lot of fabrics online, you certainly can’t feel them or see the colors perfectly. Oh, for the good old days!
I also think Lian is going to get a pretty felt jacket with embroidered flowers! The perfect accessory for fall!
I’m so glad you seem to have turned the corner with your cold!
HI Linda,
She really is the perfect doll to show off the jewel tone colors in this fabric. The fabric really is nice to sew… and almost looks the same on the back as it does on the front.
Yes, the fabric stores have really dwindled down…and for us seamstresses, it’s sad to not have so many choices as we used to.
You guessed it right too… a jacket! But a very pretty one…and something a little extra added to it. :o)
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Glad to see you found some of the sites for the fabrics I’m using for my masks. It’s expensive but well worth it, especially when making something small that you can get lots out of a small amount of fabric. I have two yards of the fabric with the scissors and tape measure in its picture. Also the lavender orchid fabric, but they were less expensive on the sites where I found them. Spoonflower has beautiful designs but no measuring tape and it’s huge, totally unusable for masks and takes weeks to arrive as it’s custom fabricated to order. Disappointing. I can only get two masks out of an 8” x 21” piece of fabric. Pay close attention to the size of the fabric piece you are ordering! I also have the calligraphy fabric and several others. Can’t tell you how many fabric purchases were the last remaining pieces! If you like it, buy it! It’s my favorite thing about making masks, an excuse to buy fabric.
The outfit for Lian is darling. That’s my favorite style of outfit you make for the dolls. She’s also my favorite doll but I don’t have one. Brava for sewing with a headache and so glad you’re feeling better.
Be careful when ordering fabric with calligraphy on it. Fortunately I sent a picture of the one with colorful calligraphy to Suemae, my DIL who is Chinese, before buying it. One of the characters was a symbol for sympathy, not quite appropriate for masks 🎭!
HI Susette,
I have been searching through my scraps from the dresses I made and find some of the pieces are just the right size for making masks. I made Cindy and Deb 5 or 6 new masks while they were here. I totally agree with you about searching for the right fabrics to be the most fun of the mask making.
Isn’t that Liberty of London fabric wonderful? I could sew with that all day long. It is so lightweight and easy to sew with.
When I cut out Lian’s dress, I was so careful when I was pinning the pieces on, making sure I had them in the place that took up the least amount of fabric. :o) I have enough from that print to maybe make one or 2 small doll dresses. Navi would only take a tiny bit of it, but Ten Ping might be able to get one too! We’ll see!
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’ve thought of ordering from Spoonflower in the past. Thanks for the information as I usually need those tiny prints.
HI Joy,
I’ve seen that Spoonflower name, but never ordered anything from them…
Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne
Spoonflower (if you didn’t already know) is a custom-printing place. You can design something and have them print it on whatever fabric you wish, or you can choose from a wide variety of prints if you don’t have the inclination to design your own. I think most prints do come in several fabric choices, although I haven’t really “looked” lately.
It sounds like this was just a cold, thank heavens. Keep getting better.
The new fabric is lovely — the colors are so rich — and the jacket fabric goes with it perfectly. I’m looking forward to tomorrow to see the embroidery and to hear that your cold is gone.
HI Marilyn,
I think it was just a cold… not a nice cold, but which of them are? I am better…
The colors of this fabric are SO pretty together. I can see why this fabric is so sought after. I like looking at the other color combinations too.
The jacket just pulls the whole thing together… I hope you think so too.
Blessings, Jeanne
Whew, sounds like you dodged the virus and settled for a cold. Glad that you are feeling better. Good.
Love Liberty fabric, but just haven’t bought any in years. The cost and then expensive shipping makes it out of my price range. Guess I’ll have to look into buying just a piece. Those little Chibbi’s (Meadow dolls) don’t even take a fat quarter. I saw the blue/white Wiltshire. My favorite. However, Lian is adorable in the pink version. Can’t wait to see your embroidery on the jacket. The outfit will be a showpiece.
Here, the outhouse for dolly camping is almost complete. Just needs the roof glued on which I painted yesterday. A few twinkle lights, and it will be done. 🙂
Hope George and Rebecca don’t get the cold.
-A dolly outhouse? Now that we simply must see, especially with twinkle lights. You must be creating a real glamping experience. The blue and white is really pretty, I agree. It reminds me of blueberries. i love blue and white china as well.
HI Joy,
Yes, just a cold this time… or maybe a sinus infection…not sure… the headache was the worst part… but it’s very mild right now…
So you know about Liberty fabric too? Isn’t it wonderful? I think I’m hooked on it… I saw one seller on Ebay (I think) selling the Wiltshire prints and a few others for $20 a yard plus $4.50 shipping… I might keep an eye on that seller.
So did you get your traveling Chibbi? I thought I saw a post of yours on Facebook where she was at your house, but haven’t been on facebook much the last few days…
Oh, an outhouse… how fun…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Lian is the perfect girl to model this beautiful fabric. The colors and design are so colorful but not loud. I can’t imagine what the material feels like.
I think Lian is my favorite LD doll of yours.
She seems able to wear almost any material with her coloring.
Tuesday will be fun to see which doll wins the highest and most bids. Both are really beautiful outfits.
Thank you Paula,
Lian really is a perfect doll for these colors… rich elegant jewel toned colors with her skin is a wonderful match! The fabric feels great between your fingers! :o)
I can’t wait for the auctions to end to see which dress goes the highest! It should be fun! :o)
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad you are feeling better Jeanne. The common cold is a Coronavirus and I’ve read that if you get a cold it can actually act as a deterrent to COVID. Don’t know how true it is, but I’ve seen it several places with different doctors or medical organizations. The head of the WHO just told the world leaders that closing down their economies will destroy the economy but is not the way to curtail the virus. Wonder if they’ll listen.
I love the Liberty of London fabrics but have never been able to afford them for myself. Maybe I’ll see about getting some for my dolly girls.
Linda D. commented about the days when there was a fabric store on every corner. I remember Cloth World. There was one around the corner from my apartment. I sewed all my clothes back then. I was easier to fit. I loved that they had lay-away. I used to buy the seasonal fabrics when they arrived and by the time I had them paid out, it was that season. I’m not much for making things ahead because I want to wear things right away, so that worked for me. I also bought fabric at J.C. Penney. The Five and Dime stores were still in operation and also had fabric departments. It sure paid to know how to sew. One year when I was going to a local junior college at night, I had the honor of being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. I needed a long dress for the ceremony but I had none – and no money. I went to the fabric store and found a pretty remnant that was marked way down and patterns were a lot cheaper then. For $35.00 I got myself kitted out. The dress was simple but sweet.
Lian’s dress is lovely and I can’t wait to see the jacket with it. Being a fabriholic, I love it all. I was looking through an Annie’s Craft Store catalog the other day and ran across a panel that said this: “The Honorable Fat Quarter Queen. Honored for a lifetime Achievement Award for collecting Patterns, Needles, Quilting Tools, and the most valuable – Yards, Belts, Scraps & Fat Quarters of FABRIC.” Reminded me there are others who suffer from my addictions.
HI Barbara,
I think I’ve had a sinus infection…but except for a tickling cough and a slight headache, I’m much better. I think by the weekend I’ll be good as new…
As much as you love to sew, you should just order one of the fat quarters or the smallest amount from a seller and give it a try. It really is wonderful to work with. I think I’m hooked!
It is sad to see the little mom and pop fabric stores closing down… I used to find some of the best treasures at them… Hope they don’t ALL disappear, but lots ARE gone already!
I will raise my hand when it comes to being a fabricholic! I just am… no apologies! :o)
You’ll see the jacket tomorrow… It just might be my favorite! :o)
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a way to start the week! Darling dress. That fabric is soooo pretty…by itself or on Lian.
Glad the cold was not a really bad one.
The Blue/ beige contest is so much fun…I’ll bet you love watching the numbers go higher and higher :0)
Yes, It was fun to have several fabric stores…right now we have several Quilt stores and Joanne and Hobby Lobby. I’m off to one of them today .
Have a good week!
Thank you Kathie,
I’m glad you like the fabric…and ON Lian! She never lets me down!
Are you going to be watching the end of the auctions? It has been fun to see which dress everyone liked best… and which one they picked to go the highest. I can’t wait to see!
I Hope you found something good on your shopping trip today… :o) I stayed home! :o(
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad you’re feeling better, Jeanne.
Oh, Liberty of London fabric… so lovely. I have one piece that’s vintage. I has partridges and pears on it. It was supposed to be a dress for me when I was a child that never got cut out or made, but the fabric was saved.
Lian looks wonderful in those bright colors and I’m also assuming a little jacket with embroidered flowers will be next to wear on chilly autumn days.
The beige/blue dress contest is fun to watch. I’d love to know if a sofa sister gets the beige one. That one is simply gorgeous.
HI Laura,
I feel much better than I did. Thank you!
How fun to have the fabric was supposed to be a dress for you… maybe someday you’ll make something really special from it… or just save it… :o)
Yes, it’s a jacket… and it does have embroidery on it… I like it very much and hope everyone does too.
I hope a sofa sister gets it too… then I’ll know they are in good hands! 🙂
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
But a lovely dress. I’m glad you are recovering. You sew beautiful creations despite your headache.
I still don’t have a sewing machine, so I make sweaters for my girls. Best wishes.
HI Alina,
It’s going to take more than an headache and a cold to keep me out of my sewing room…
Just keep making sweaters… do you knit them or crochet them? I’d like to know how to knit a doll sweater and was looking at some beginning knitting videos today…
Thanks Alina,
Blessings, Jeanne
I saw the Paris fabric on the Liberty website but it’s out of stock now. It was very reasonable, both on the website and when I bought it at Hobby Lobby several years ago. They had it in stock for well over a year. Great fabric. I made masks from it from scraps of casual at-home pants for Riya and Rakhi. You have one of the masks too. Thanks for letting me know where it came from.
HI Susette,
The Liberty of London fabric is wonderful and there are lots of different kinds… I could spend a day dreaming of things using it. I guess you could too? Isn’t fabric fun?
Thanks so much and happy sewing!
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I am so happy that you are feeling better.
I have seen dresses made with Liberty of London fabric and they always look so pretty.
I like your idea of drawing doll names out of a hat and making an outfit for that doll. I wonder who will be next.
HI Dorothy,
I was just trying to decide what I’ll make for my next girl… I’ll keep it a secret a few days more…
I AM feeling better… I hope it continues… Rebecca has a birthday Saturday and we hoped to go on a day trip somewhere… safely… She had a scratchy throat this morning as did my hubby… eek!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
About 30 yrs ago I worked in the haberdashery dept of our biggest and most upmarket Department Store (they liked to think they were the Harrods of New Zealand!!). They carried fabric in those days, though not now. I remember the Liberty Fabrics, they were so expensive then. Way out of my price range, even with the store discount. Fortunately my daughter was a teenager by then and my youngest (about 5 or 6) was a boy so I wasn’t tempted to buy any. Interestingly, many of the patterns that were showing up looked just the same prints as back then! ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ I guess.
Like US we have very few fabric stores now. We have Spotlight and Lincraft, Australian owned craft stores similar to your Joanne and Hobby Lobby, one locally owned fabric store and I think we are down to one or maybe two quilt shops in the city though there are a few within 50kms. I have the same feeling about fabric as I do about books. I like to feel them in my hands. I rarely buy fabric on line unless I know exactly what I want and I never read on line books. I am glad you love the fabric you bought Jeanne, and that it was so much better than the photo on screen.
I am glad you are feeling better and that your headache has gone. My dad always believed that no matter how sick you were you were mostly better getting up and doing something.
Barbara, I hadn’t heard that WHO are suggesting the economy is more important than dealing with the virus! Here the govt has tried to steer a fine line between both, trying to keep a lid on the virus whilst keeping the economy ticking over. The tourist and hospitality businesses have struggled the most because, of course, there are no overseas tourists. On the other hand we aren’t allowed to go overseas without isolating for two weeks when we get back (at our own expense) so people who would normally go away for the holidays (to Australia mostly) are now holidaying at home, so that helps. Some of the city cafe’s and bars are struggling though. The food industry often works on a shoestring anyway but some firms have realised that their staff working from home during the six weeks of Lockdown actually increased productivity and some have closed down their large expensive offices thereby reducing the number of people working in the cities who are not now buying their lunch at the bars and cafes! Ah well, time will tell. Personally, I like being able to live an almost normal life, watch sport live (and with crowds) go to church without fear and all those other things that we took for granted before the virus appeared.
Hi Anne,
I guess you’re never too old to order your first Liberty of London fabrics. It was fun and I enjoyed every moment of the hunt for the right fabrics!
I like to feel the fabrics in my hands too. People that don’t sew don’t get it. :o)
Your dad was right..doing something while you are trying to get better is a sure sign you ARE getting better.
I am ready for a normal life again too…maybe one of these days…
Thanks Anne
Blessings, Jeanne
Anne, I’m with you on the book thing. I love holding a book in my hands to read. Hubby on the other hand reads so many books that we decided a Nook was best for him. I read before bed and never more than a few pages at a time before I fall asleep. He can read all night and sometimes finishes a book in a night or two. I have bought fabric online, but often the print is too big for what I wanted it for so I prefer to see it in person.
As for the WHO, I only saw one article so I questioned if it was correct, but tonight it was on all the programs I watched. Previously the WHO had said lockdowns were the only way to stop the virus, but the current statement was put out by a different person and he was adamant that destroying the global economy would be a cure far worse than the disease. I will say that New Zealand seems to be dealing with the problem where it lies and at least they are keeping everyone informed. When our governor kicked our opening back a notch on July 2, we didn’t hear from him again on it until last week when he said we could go back to where we were in June, but left it up to the counties. That was not a good idea. Made it too political. Geez, I’ll be glad when all this is over. Too many businesses going down the tubes and so many people hurting financially. Even though my family is doing well with having “essential” jobs, I still feel for those who do not.