I thought I’d start out with something to give you HOPE that I haven’t forgotten I sew for dolls…and write a blog about sewing for them. I took a few pictures of some things you’ll see in the not too distant future… hopefully… some fabrics I’ve had stashed away to show you and now is the time!
This is my Kaye Wiggs, Nyssa doll, and I think this fabric is PERFECT for her sweet peaches and cream complexion… and this red wig will have to be used with this fabric. Sorry about the light spot on her nose… the light was right over her face.
The fabric is from the Rifle Paper Company and is called Petite Garden Party in Cream and I’m in love with it..
This next fabric is a Liberty of London FABULOUS fabric and light as a tissue… I LOVE these lawn fabrics. This one is shown on my Little Darling Emmie and the fabric is called Emma and Georgina…It HAD to be for Emmie…
It really makes her blue eyes pop! :o)
And this is a brooch I found at an estate sale a while back… Actually my hubby found it and said, “Is this something you could use for one of your doll dresses?” “Uh… yes, please!” The only thing is I need to check with a jeweler… as Cindy said it’s pretty ornate and might be worth more than I think… so I will do that first… it might just be costume jewelry, but then again… maybe not…
As soon as my hubby showed it to me, I remembered this fabric in my stash and look at the match…
The pin stands out about 1/2″ or so…
Isn’t it pretty with this fabric? You can surely guess what era this dress will be for… can’t you?
Not sewing related, but we did go out and see the Christmas star and this is what it looked like… though the lens of my phone…
…so I zoomed in… even less impressive… but at least we got to say we saw it. :o)
Kathie sent me this picture and I decided to jump ahead and use it since it’s happening now… and for a few more days… she said this is the barn on the farm where they raised their kids. Their son lives there now and he shines the cross on the barn at Christmas. The Christmas Star is just to the left of the roof about 2/3 of the way up
…and in other Christmas news… the Amaryllis Cindy sent me, has a double bloom coming and look how pretty!
I’ll keep you posted… :o)
I’d like to thank ALL the NEW subscribers to my blog… I am thrilled you have joined us and hope you’ll make yourself known to the rest of the ladies on here.
If you get my blog through your email and it has the title in blue, take your mouse and click on the title and it will take you directly to my website… and you can add comments there… If you want to…
Here is a link to a post I wrote back in February of 2020, explaining how to find your way around my website… if you want to see how and where things are…
How to Navigate on Jeanne’s Blog
Now let’s see who is up for some pictures today…
It’s Dorothy King’s turn…This was what her email to me said…
On the Little Darling Ning site last year, we had a holiday swap. It is like a Secret Santa exchange. My Little Darlings Charlotte Noelle and Selah were delighted when their gift box arrived.
Here is Charlotte Noelle wearing one of the lovely outfits.
Now it is Selah’s turn to show off her new dress.
Here is Charlotte Noelle again with three friends.
The girls are ready for a PJ party by the fireplace.
Thanks for your pictures Dorothy! Your girls are adorable and I bet they didn’t get a wink of sleep! :o)
Here are Marilyn’s Little Darlings all dressed up for Christmas and they ARE LOVELY! I hope she tells us their names…
Well, I think will be it for today… I need to save a few for the next few days as I will be even busier than I am now… I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s pictures…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Good job matching fabrics to dolls, Jeanne! The first one is very contemporary looking, so that would leave out your historical dolls (AGs, that is). I think it should be just right with Nyssa. And, of course, the Liberty fabric is perfect for Emma!
What a great find–that brooch is lovely. You might open the pin back and take a careful look at the back of the brooch, to see if there is a name or any other marks on it. That might be your first clue as to whether it’s of value. And yes, I can totally see that fabric on Kirsten (although maybe the brooch would be too fancy for her). Unless you had someone else in mind!
You are lucky to have gotten to see “the star”….here in the Seattle area we have been inundated with rain in the last 24 hours (except for a little while around suppertime, when we got an inch of SNOW!!!), so there’s no way we have a hope of seeing it. The rain is supposed to continue for a while yet. So depressing.
Kathie, what a neat idea, to project the shadow of the cross on the barn! Reminds people of why we have Christmas!
Jeanne, I’ll bet your amaryllis blooms in time for Christmas! It sure looks like that to me, anyway!!
Dorothy, your girls look lovely as always. I have the little giraffe at Charlotte Noelle’s feet. My girls love it!
I hope they didn’t stay up too late, giggling!!
Marilyn, your girls look so festive in their lovely gowns! Any one of them could be a flower girl in a wedding, too! I think my favorite gown is the first one, but it really is hard to choose! What are their names?
I have finally started on my Christmas cards! I didn’t do a letter like I usually do, just adding a little note to each card. Not all that much happened anyway….it can be covered in a few sentences!!
What a fun blog today, Jeanne! You never cease to amaze me in what you put into it each day!
You certainly did pick the right material for each of your girls! Isnāt that the fun part of making an outfit?
I tried and tried to see the āstarā, but all I could see was the moon! Actually there were NO stars out when I looked, so maybe I looked too early. What time is the best? I think I looked around 6 or so. I know the sun was down, but where was the star? Kathieās picture was beautiful!
Your amaryllis sure does look like it is going to bloom soon! You will have to show us when it does! What a beautiful and meaningful gift for us who have nothing blooming now!
Dorothy, your girls are so lucky to have received such lovely dresses! Iām sure they were thrilled, as I am sure you were! Loved the slumber party scene too! What fun! Lucky you to have TWO Little Darling dolls!
And Marilyn, we are finally getting to see your dolls! They are so beautifully dressed! I cannot decide which dress I like best, they all are simply gorgeous! Need I say more?
Dollies and fabric and dresses, oh my! Am I the only one here without one single little darling? Iāll have to live vicariously through the rest of you. Your fabrics are perfect, Jeanne. Petite florals in the right scale.
It was overcast here so thank you to you and Kathie for taking pictures. Kathie, the one with the cross and Christmas star together is so meaningful. I would frame it!
Dorothy, did the person that sent you the outfits make everything? They did a wonderful job. You got a doll wardrobe refresh!
Your little girls are elegantly turned out, Marilyn. People marvel at sewing for 18 inch dolls. These would have an even higher degree of difficulty.
No, Julia, you are not the only one without a LD doll! I don’t have one either, but Betsy McCall does the honors for me in that size.
No, Julia, I don’t have a Little Darling either, but, they sure are pretty. I also have to content myself with looking at others.
Dear Julia, no not all of the items were made. We usually have a Holiday Swap each year. This year we didn’t.
Dear Linda and Laura, I can answer questions about the Little Darlings if you have any.
A big “Hi,” to Nyssa. Haven’t seen her is some time. Glad she popped out of the box to join us. That Petite Garden Party fabric is lovely and will make a nice springy dress. Or even a number for Valentine’s Day with some red accent. So, Nyssa is 18″? Any idea of her shoe size? The Kaye Wiggs girls have me a bit confused. You know, the MSD, SD, BJD, stuff sometimes is perplexing. Now that we have a Wiggs Lenny Elf girl living here, I’m looking for shoes once again. š
I wish you had a photo of the back of the pin. Any hallmarks? Since it appears that the pearls and rhinestones are glued, I would think it is costume jewelry. However, some costume was made in silver years ago so you never know. And then, there are old costume jewelry collectors out there, so that is another market. š
Your star photo is pretty neat. We went out on the deck and looked, but neighbor’s trees were blocking the view, so we watched it on the news.
Your Amaryllis is looking great. We have one too, a gift from our grands other grandparents at Thanksgiving. It has two blooms like yours, but the buds have popped and are starting to open. We will have to have a contest to see which one is showy first. š
Wonderful seeing both Dorothy and Marilyn’s sweet LDs all dressed up. Lovely dresses and photo details.
Will we have enough time to accomplish all of the tasks this week? Hope there is time for those and for some actual enjoyment of the season too. š
Hi Joy,
If you aren’t a member you should join Kayes BJD site -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/2522241934668471/permalink/2526664384226226
Under the file tab you’ll find what you need.
At the top of the front page where it says About, buy and sell, Discussion ect under the MORE tab you’ll find FILES… under files go down the list to Doll measurement document. This will give you information on all if not most of kayes dolls. The information is at the very top of the page and you have to expand to read more.
I have a few Kaye MSD’s, I’ve special ordered shoes from Etsy.
Hope this helps.
http://www.ebaystores.com/Jujus-Dolly-Mall/63-65mm-Shoes-16-Kish-MSDs-/_i.html?_fsub=13051945018&_sid=102066188&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322
I think these are the slip on I bought a year or so ago. They work pretty good with tights
Thanks Ingrid. I am on a couple of the Kaye Wiggs sites, but will check and see if this is the same one. I’ve scoured the “files”, but finding anything on Lenny Elf is not that easy. She has so many dolls and many are not listed or combined without their names. š
MSD MeiMei Size Doll Measurements
Gracie, MeiMei, Lenny, Lenny Elf, Talyssa
Height: 43cm (approx 17inches)
Wig: 7-8″ stretchy wig or 8-9″ not stretchy
Eyes: 16mm
Chest: 18.5 cm
Waist: 16cm
Hips: 22cm
Across shoulders including arm: 10cm
Across shoulder not including arm: 8cm
Shoulder to wrist: 13cm
Shoulder to fingertips: 18cm
Shoulder to floor: 32.5cm
Waist to floor: 25cm
Foot: 5.5cm X 2.5cm
Oh, this is perfect! Thank you so much.
Now how about KW Missy Elf? She is supposed to be 18″? Unsure of her shoe length and width either. If you can tell me in the files where to look for her? Can’t find her listed. Really appreciate your help. I’m thinking that the Missy Elf and Lenny Elf wear similar sizes. But not sure. š
Hi Joy … happy to help
Missy is 18 inches tall and was offered in human and Elf versions. They also made a mini size but I don’t think she was offered with elf ears.
http://www.kayewiggs.com/ <- there is lots of info here too
I can't seem find her listed so my guess is shes kayes stand 18 " MSD size. Looks like the foot size for the 17 and 18 inch dolls are the same.
Love the fabrics you are considering for new outfits. You referred to them as ā lawn fabrics.ā Does that refer to the print of flowers or something else? Btw, I love the red wig Nyssa is wearing.
The estate brooch is very interesting and does look like something more than costume jewelry. I really love that material underneath it -wonder who that is for?
What a healthy looking amaryllis. It will be beautiful when it does bloom. My husband is the gardener in our family. Heās really into succulents, where I prefer the florals in the yard.
Dorothy Kings girls are sweet in their outfits. Love the pj party scene. Itās nice to hear the names of the various dolls everyone has. Selah and Charlotte Noelle are pretty names.
After having mentioned Dorothyās girlsā names, I do
hope Marilyn will share her dollās names. What lovely regal Christmas gowns the girls are wearing. Also, very pretty girls. Iāve always thought the Little Darlings dolls have such beautiful faces.
The pictures of the Christmas star are appreciated. We saw it last night around dusk. We have no way of capturing it on our phones so it wasnāt as clear as the pictures you have. Thank you. The barn picture is really neat with the cross shadow and the Christmas star to the side of the barn.
Is everyone ready with Christmas two days away?
Paula, “lawn” is a fine, almost silky-feeling woven cotton fabric, lighter in weight than the usual “quilting cottons” you often see. It’s absolutely gorgeous stuff, both to touch and to work with, and I have “some” myself–some for doll dresses, and at least two pieces for blouses for myself. It is Not cheap!! Usually in the neighborhood of $20/yard, but often it’s wider than the usual 44″, so that helps. Tana Lawn is made by Liberty of London. Once you’ve held a piece in your hands, you will always “know” it. It’s wonderful for clothes for small dolls, as it gathers up so nicely, without a lot of bulk. I think Jeanne’s used it for one or two other dresses for Little darlings in the past.
Julia, I donāt have a Little Darling either. One year I started the process of buying one but had to cancel regretfully. Perhaps some day.
I’m really excited to see all the new dresses coming in the future. The fabrics are gorgeous and go so well with the dolls. I love seeing what you make for Nyssa. She always looks so fashionable in everything you make her. The brooch is lovely and what a match to the fabric! I’m almost hoping it doesn’t have great value so we can see it on a future outfit.
I did not get to see the star last night so I’m really glad you posted a picture. Kathie’s son’s presentation of the cross on the barn is amazing, and seeing the star in the same picture really gave me chills – and hope. It just seemed to be what I needed at the moment.
I am over the moon at the lovely Little Darlings and their beautiful dresses. Thanks Dorothy and Marilyn. They always look so sweet in whatever they wear. I totally agree that there was no real sleep at the pajama party, but what a fun thing to have a winter sleepover by the fireplace.
Please send a picture when your Amaryllis opens. They are so pretty. I need to get myself another Christmas cactus. I had one for a few years and it was so pretty when it bloomed.
I pretty much have things under control for Christmas since we will be spending the day at our son’s home. I did manage a letter and cards this year. I missed last year. I need to do the wrapping yet and gifts are still arriving so I’ve dedicated tomorrow to getting everything wrapped that has arrived. It took awhile to get wish lists from everyone. Usually my son and daughter-in-law ask for something for their kitchen. They both love to cook and are some of the few people I know who actually use things they get for the kitchen . I tend to buy things I think I’d love to have and then they never see the light of day again. I don’t love to cook – I’d much rather sew. This year Sean has asked for the kitchen things and Dionne has asked for a wardrobe of new yoga pants since after the baby is born in late January she will be staying home. I don’t know what is exactly going on with Legos this year, but on their website everything was “sold out” or “coming soon”. Never had that problem before. Maybe it’s COVID related. Everything else seems to be. David needed a new chain saw so he said that was his Christmas, but I want him to have something to open so I’m wracking my brain. My sister and her husband and daughter and family all wanted gift cards. Works for me since I don’t have to worry about paying the postage to send gifts. When I first moved to Texas (50 years ago) two years in a row my sister (in Delaware) and I bought each other the same thing for Christmas and shipped them. My mother thought it was hilarious and said we could have just kept what we bought and said it came from the other.
I’m enjoying Blythe. It’s funny having a doll with a “Barbie” body and such a large head. And I never realized until I bought her that her eye color and eye position change. Great fun!
You do have some beautiful fabrics in your stash. The brooch looks Samantha era, but Samantha was recently featured. Have you considered Addy?
I don’t know if I saw the conjunction in real life. I saw what might have been it, but having seen the barn/star photo, I’m satisfied.
The slumber party bedding in Dorothy’s pictures is enviable. Other people have put together settings — I just have clothes. I can now pretty much manage dressing AGs but my hands are too stiff still for the little girls, so my sister is doll sitting them. She dresses them. takes pictures, and emails them to me. When she started looking at the clothes Jeanne and other ebay sellers have produced, she realized they were little works of art. She’s very good at dressing them — I think the key is extreme neatness.
My LDs are (top to bottom) Sophia Victoria (Sophy), Samantha Amanda, and Chloe Catherine (Kate). Lana painted Sophy, Diana painted Samantha and Kate.
Kate was named for my lovely 90 year old neighbor Mary Catherine, a lifelong Republican who was the most liberal person any of us knew, and one of the smartest. She loved her long-time home, Omaha, NE, and missed it a lot, but her children wanted her closer. She had wonderful stories about growing up in Nebraska. One day she needed something from a high shelf, so she stood on one of those tall kitchen stools, something I could never have done. George probably can, but not me.
I love all the fabrics and they look perfect with the dolls.
Definitely have that brooch looked at. The cut of the stones is what’s known as “Old Mine Cut” or “European Cut”. It’s probably 100 years old, or more. Even if the stones aren’t real, it will be worth something to a collector!!! Please let us know what you find out.
Yes, “the “Old Mine Cut” or “European Cut”. I have a diamond cocktail ring that I inherited from my great-aunt that has that style. Even though the brilliance isn’t as bright as the newer cuts because of the fewer number of facets, when I had it appraised, I was told to have it re-cut would ruin the value. Being an antique, I had no such plans to do so anyway.
That springtime fabric is lovely and the blue for Emmie is gorgeous.
The pin you have is beautiful. Do check for a Hallmark. I have some German costume jewelry with Austrian crystals and a number of Coro and other pieces that belonged to my great -aunt’s dear friend. She either wore gorgeous antique real gems or the prettiest costume jewelry.
I tried to see the Christmas star, but the cloud cover was tooheavy.
Love the cross on the barn, We used to have a manger with a cross above it on the flagpole. Did to make a new manger because that one rotted from age.
Your Amaryllis will be so pretty, Jeanne. I received one as a gift one year as well, but can’t have them now because they are toxic to dogs and cats. In wasn’t a problem with dogs because I just set in up so high they couldn’t touch it.
So nice to see Dorothy’s and Marilyn’s LDs in their Christmas finery. Love Selah’s name, Dorothy and Charlotte Noelle’s little friends. Your Lds are dressed so elegantly, Marilyn. I love Samantha’s dress.
The pictures were lovely. I do love Liberty fabrics. Paula, lawn is very fine but closely woven cotton fabric, Liberty specialised in them.
I don’t have any Little Darlings either but would love to have one. I think they are lovely. Dorothy and Marilyn, the dresses on your girls are just beautiful.
Ingrid, I am so pleased you had a test (and that it wasn’t as bad as your first one). The loss of taste and smell concerned me as I know that is a symptom of covid.
I have to bake today, I don’t usually leave it this late but seemed to keep having to change my plans to accommodate someone else! I didn’t get any cards away or a letter this year but might try tomorrow morning for those on e mail. Being the first in the world to greet Christmas has it’s advantages lol, it won’t be Christmas Eve for them!
Better take the dog for his walk. I’m running a bit late this morning, woke up late because I stayed up to listen to us lose the cricket match (against Pakistan)! Ah Well we won the T20 series so that is some compensation. We now have the test matches to look forward to.
Hi Jeanne,
You’ve selected some pretty fabric for your next projects. I’m loving the Liberty of London lawn, I have it or something very similar to it. I love the hand of lawn, so light and airy. The blue of the fabric brings out Emmie’s beautiful blue eyes, good choice. Your broach is lovely, I bet it’s valuable to a collector of vintage costume jewelry. Thank you for sharing the Christmas star, I completely forgot to take a look and see if it was visible yesterday.
Dorothy your girls are so pretty and so lucky, what pretty dresses they received from your Ning swap.
Marilynn your girls are also lovely, the gowns they are wearing are truely little works of art for sure. It’s very sweet of your sister to doll sit, your ladies look regal and ready for a grand Christmas ball.
A few more days and I’ll have my covid results. I just may be able to hug my parents on Christmas day… Fingers crossed.
Hugs
Ingrid
Ingrid, I hope you are doing alright. You are on my prayer list.
Definitely thinking of you as you await the results. Hope you are feeling better.
Dear Jeanne, I am loving seeing the fabric you have. Nyssa is a beauty and will look good in whatever you make for her.
I love the Liberty of London fabric. I agree, blue is Emmie’s color.
I enjoyed seeing Kathie’s photo of the Christmas Star. What a wonderful sight to behold during these challenging times.
The Amaryllis is pretty. I cannot hear that name without remembering the Music Man. We performed that play in high school.
Marilyn’s Little Darlings are adorable in their dresses. I am glad to know their names and who painted them.
I am glad my photos were not too bad as I am not the best with a camera (laugh).
Christmas is just double digit hours away. Wow!
This is the first I could take time to look at the blog today. Those fabrics are the bomb! The multi color floral is going to be a knock out ! The blue will be pretty as well. This is the first time I havenāt had an Amaryllis…they are so much fun to watch.
Thanks for the nice comments on the Cross on the barn. My son does things to the farm we would never have been able to do…heās amazing.
Dorothy your LDās look so sweet I missed the Swap this time…or did they have it this year with Diannaās death?š„² The Slumber party pic is great.Marilyn , your LDās are with someone that enjoys them and sends you pictures? Wow! They have the cutest wigs…where are they from?
I made party Potatoes tonight for Christmas. When I asked what everyone wanted to eat everyone but one asked for my sisters potatoes. Now I know why….5 lbs potatoes cooked and mashed, 16 oz sour cream, 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter. 9×13 pan, bake 1 hour @350. You can make them ahead which is so nice.
Donāt work too hard ladiesš
Dear Kathie, we did not have the gift exchange this year, instead we had a drawing. The prizes were made and donated by one of our members. Stay tuned for more about a slumber party.