Sorry, I was painting today… and just couldn’t get to your comments… but like I do… I’ll read them when I get into bed…
We were supposed to get 1-3″ of snow today from a system that was passing through….and we ended up getting about 2″. It is pretty but won’t last long when the sun hits it…
Today…AFTER and IN BETWEEN painting, I went for Try #2 on the jeans. It’s better and I’m getting there, but these things take time… of course, I know I could go online and buy the Liberty Jane pattern but I want to make my own pattern…(just in case I ever do get around to selling patterns! (okay, who smiled?)
I took a scrap of fabric and tried to solve the too baggy legs problem first…
That fabric was just a thin cotton so I went ahead and cut out a pair from my revised pattern and gave it another shot…the fullness in the back of the leg was decreased and I made the front a bit smaller from side seam to side seam… I lowered the waistline about 1/2″ and added darts in the back… I also made the opening the back and used velcro to close the jeans… Better, but not finished yet…
I was studying the side view of my dolls standing nude on the Dolly Shelf and they have a very distinct side silhouette and that’s where I will begin when I do Try #3. I have to make it more round than what I’ve been doing…
Pockets and other decorative details can be added when I get the basic pattern figured out…
Anyway, I finished those jeans and then had to decide on what I wanted for the top part of Chrissa… She told me she wanted something blue…and I wanted something that would go with her boots…(sorry, but they won’t be included). We both decided this piece of fabric would be beautiful on her… I just made a button up top but lengthened the sleeves and added a bit of fullness to the 3/4 length and a cuff.
I had a piece of rawhide and used it for a tie around her waist…
Navy blue buttons and buttonholes were added and then she began to turn on the charm in front of the camera… :o)
Don’t you think she looks stunning in these colors?
One more picture…
I’d like to add something else to this set… maybe I could crochet her a loose droopy cap… in a bright color…
Well, I better get to bed… tomorrow will be the same as today… Priming and sewing and painting and sewing… then Repeat…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
You are definitely making progress on the fit of those jeans! (And if you ever need someone to test your patterns and give you an honest appraisal, let me be the first to volunteer for that job! When I was a Stretch & Sew instructor, I made up pattern variations and wrote up instructions, and probably labored them to a fine point sometimes [LOL] but never had someone ask me “what did you mean by…?”!)
You are right, though, the AG dolls definitely have a more rounded shape!!
I have to say, that fabric is absolutely wonderful on Chrissa!! The blues bring out her eyes, and the pinks and reds really give her skin a “peaches and cream” look!! The leather thong “belt” is a nice touch. If not a hat, maybe a matching headband? Or a purse of some kind?
Thanks Charlotte,
I’ll remember your offer to test out my pattern.. if and when that happens!
I’m trying to figure out what to make to go with her jeans and blouse…
Rebecca was giving me some ideas too…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a difference the “tweaking” made on the jeans, Jeanne! I think you would not get a better fit if you tried! You might want to add in your Ebay ad that a PC doll might not fit into the jeans, since they are quite a bit rounder than the newer dolls! I can see Julie wearing this outfit too, although those blue eyes and black hair of Chrissa really make the colors pop, or maybe it is the other way around!
Perfect fabric for the top…and for Chrissa! Yes, thoes eyes of hers really show up, and maybe that is why she is so photogenic! Did you do something to them to change them? Yes, a headband or hat woud look good, and a “leather” purse too, to match the belt, and she is all set!
We too, got the same anount of snow, and it was so pretty coming down! Since it will be sunny today, but still cold, I guess it will be here another day before the big melt! So sad when that happens!
HI Linda,
I’m going to try these jeans on a number of my girls and see what I find out… behind wise! :o)
When I held this fabric up next to Chrissa, I knew it was the one I wanted to use…
Our snow is melting today… I guess it’s warm enough to melt, even though it’s 30 degrees…
we are seeing the grass through the snow now… hope you are too…
Blessings, Jeanne
The snow photos are beautiful! How delightful to be painting and have that scene to watch out the kitchen window.
The pattern is definitely getting there. I suppose you could try the old method we used when we used to peg our jeans. Really dates me. We turned them inside out. Put them on and then pinned up and down each side to the desired fit. Took them off and then sewed along the pin line. Worked every time. Nice tight and fitted. 🙂
Chrissa is indeed the lovely model. It might be fun to include a pair of cut offs or shorts with a rolled up hem which would also look great with the blouse. The boots would be perfect with a pair of hiking socks. Would definitely be something modern dolls would wear whether for a mountain hike of just a hike in the neighborhood. You could include a hiking/walking stick and a little pup friend too.
Ran into our doctor friend while out walking yesterday. He has had his second Pfizer vaccination of which he had no ill effects. So he’s good to go. 🙂
Wow, Joy, neat idea to get jeans to fit as you wished. Lucky for me, the 1980’s jeans had pegged (tapered) legs to begin with. We almost always wore our jeans with hose and flats.
I really miss some of the styles (at least my choices) and would totally to the max still wear them today.
(Had to throw in an 1980’s phrase LOL)
In the 80’s I was juggling two little kids. We wore the jeans with colored socks and shoes of some kind. Maybe flats like yours. Can’t remember. 🙁
HI Joy,
I guess any of us who used to do that knows exactly what you are talking about… I actually saw someone on the Meadow Fan Club using Press and Seal … you know that kind of sticky wax paper stuff? She was using it to draft her patterns… she just pressed it against her doll’s body and then pulled it away and got a pretty good idea of the shape she needed to use… I’m going to give it a try, I think….
Oh my… lots of ideas from you and Linda.. I can surely come up with something else for this set… it was actually lots of fun sewing something besides a dress for a change…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
I like Linda’s ideas for outfit accessories. What look are you going for? Maybe a cute backpack with the slouch hat? The belt doesn’t say “current” to me. It looks like something Julie would wear and then the pants are all wrong. I’m very lukewarm on the outfit as is. It does not say Idreamofjeannemarie!
HI Julia,
Sorry this isn’t floating your boat… I just wanted to try something different… besides a dress. I’ll find the right look… and the right accessories to go with it…
I’m not even sure what I’m “going” for… but I’ll figure it out eventually…
Thanks Julia,
Blessings, Jeanne
The jeans look great. I was not sold on the look yesterday, but these fit much better. The blouse is adorable, and I really like the fabric. It really is the perfect color for Chrissa. I think a slouchy crocheted hat would be cute if you have time to make one. No snow here (of course), but it did get cooler last night. It was in the 40’s when I got up this morning, but the sun is out so it will warm up pretty soon.
HI Carolyn,
Thanks for the comments about the jeans… I think they look better too…
I had just saved a free pattern somewhere but can’t remember where I saw it… ugh!
The sun is out today here…still just 30 degrees but it looks warmer…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
How about a purse with fringe like you made recently? Cloth hat for sure, maybe khaki. Don’t throw away the flowered jeans. They are popular with the 10-12 year olds. The doll is certainly beautiful. What’s the story with the lace behind the screen in a previous picture. Is it a tablecloth. Answer later as I know you’re painting cabinets right now. Just don’t want to forget.
The clinic called with directions for setting up an appointment to receive the vaccine at the clinic, so I made one for Saturday. I received a message on my phone that I’ll respond to when I’m in the parking lot. They’ll let me know when to come in and be shown to a room. I’m cool with that.
HI Susette,
I haven’t looked at my Ultrasuede to see if I have any colors that would enhance this set… I’ll have to look…
I actually have a note on a piece of paper to answer your lace question… I haven’t forgotten…
It sounds like you are closer to getting the vaccine than you were yesterday! :o)
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, so happy you are going to be able to receive the vaccine. What a great set up. With us, it was in one door, after reading the questions and answering no, then a few more steps to the numbered spot with someone there waiting. I didn’t know it would be so soon, so had to scramble to remove my fleece jacket. While still standing, the shot was given and off I went out the other door to make an appt. for the next shot in a month. Very fast.
Sounds like your clinic has everything down. 🙂
Looks like you’re coming along pretty well with the shape of the pants. The top is a nice choice of material. The upper body pictures of Chrissa are beautiful in that her blue eyes are stunning and really show up with the blue in her shirt.
Chrissa is a beautiful doll with her long black hair and vivid blue eyes. She’s a good model for blue.
HI Paula,
Yes, Chrissa IS a good model for those blue colors… I think she is such a pretty doll… I wish her hair wasn’t “quite” so stick straight… but it’s okay, I guess…
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your snow is about like ours, which is melting so I should be able to get the trash out.
I have lots of AG jeans. Most velcro in front, which can add bulk, and are tight enough that the velcro can show. Most also use elastic in back for more versatile fit. It’s the getting them to look ok over the rear or even to cover it that’s the problem. The other thing is that for some reason, the AG’s will never point their toes when they are putting on jeans and that makes making skinny jeans difficult. Stretch denim does help.
The new outfit is cute but not spectacular, and we’ve grown accustomed to spectacular. How would you feel about making a puffy vest and a denim skirt to go with the pieces you have? The crocheted hat would be nice too. It is winter, so a warm vest and hat would be nice. What about a wide leather belt? You probably have something that will work for a buckle. That would add a little metallic shine.
The pants are tricky, but having a pattern does increase the possibilities for modern outfits. I think t is definitely worth doing.
HI Marilyn,
The denim I am using for these is soft and lightweight, but it doesn’t have any stretch to it… that may have been the first strike against me… but I’m not giving up…I’m “too invested” in the pattern to give up now..
It’s funny…I was just thinking a pair of jeans would be fun to make, but I never went past that… maybe I needed a more “modern” looking “something” for her top…
I’ll get it figured out… but not tonight… we have company coming and then going out to dinner… yes.. to a restaurant that opened up for inside dining!
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, yes, a puffy vest! Or a fleece vest. Both are popular now, and the vest can be shorter than the shirt if you want to. A look thru some current catalogs will probably give you some ideas! And a denim skirt, too–lots of versatility with having four pieces!!
Chrissa looks so pretty in that blouse. She’s really striking with the dark hair and light eyes.
The jeans definitely look better. I think you have them just perfect now. I’ll bet some buyers would like a modern doll choice option and this fits the bill.
BTW, I did get to quickly flip through the fabric box yesterday and no, I don’t have the fabric you used on Bailey. Mine is rosy pink and creamy yellow daisies. Very pretty, just not the same.
HI Laura,
I guess that’s what I was actually going for… a modern look for Chrissa… something will come to me and I’ll get it figured out… maybe the accessories will make it come alive…
Isn’t it fun to dig through your fabrics looking at what you have? I love doing that…
Blessings, Jeanne
Hello, I would see a denim vest and a warm skirt for the winter in Chrissy’s set.
HI Alina,
I was just thinking of a fun little sassy denim skirt for Chrissa… hmmm…
Thanks Alina,
Blessings, Jeanne
Just thought after reading all the comments after mine, it would be a neat idea to make a Jeanne Marie Mix’n Match outfit! A skirt, vest,hat, headband, purse along with the jeans and top! Maybe even a plain tee to wear under the blouse that is open. Like Marilyn said, we are used to spectacular!
HI again Linda,
I think a few more pieces might be just the thing… who doesn’t like a Mix n Match set? Not me!
Thanks,
Blessings, Jeanne
Julia, I’m not a huge fan of the leather tie belt. I like the idea of a vest though. I have an old vest of Ashley’s that I am thinking of using for another outfit for one of my dolls for the winter.
Jeanne, It is a good idea to draft your own pattern if you may sell them. I think I will just stick to buying mine. maybe I will buy patterns off you. I love the Pixie Faire ones only issue is the number of pages! I haven’t been able to use my lap top in my work room, not sure why not. However I now have Hotspot, so I am hoping that will work. Need my 10 yr old grand daughter to help set it up lol! Then I just need to print the pattern itself instead of 48 pages of instructions as well.
The snow does look pretty Jeanne, not my cup of tea though. We haven’t had snow here in Christchurch for about 8 years or so, suits me fine. Remember we had 37 C here the other day? Today it is going to be 16 C!!!!! I had the dog groomed yesterday, he was so hot in his shaggy fur coat. Today he will probably be cold lol.
Enjoy your painting/sewing day Jeanne and your pretty view of the snow while it lasts. Spring is coming then you can show me pictures when I am shivering lol
HI Anne,
I have gotten lots of ideas from the comments today and have LOTS to decide on… I’ll have to see what works… and what I have…
I know what you mean about the directions being so many pages… If I download a pattern, I generally leave the directions on the downloaded pages, but don’t print them off… only the pattern pieces… then I make it just following the directions from the computer screen. Once I’ve made it, I don’t need the directions anymore…
We’ve actually had relatively mild weather so far, for it to be winter… I’m ready for spring though… a trees budding and flowers blooming… and leaving this 30 degree weather behind…
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I like the outfit. The jeans are very chic looking.
The accessory I see (now don’t laugh) is a cell phone! I know you can’t “make” one. It just seems to go with the outfit.
Can you believe that in 4 days it will be February? Wow!
HI Dorothy,
A cell phone? Well, now that’s totally different from anyone’s comment from above… but I might have to consider it… if she is a modern girl…
4 days till February… this year is moving along isn’t it?
Blessings, Jeanne
The jean pattern is a much better fit! I like the idea of a quilted vest too…and a t shirt under it…then the blouse you made could be an open jacket over the t shirt too for a 3 way look. She is a beautiful doll. Her coloring is so deep and the eyes are awesome!
Geez…we have 3 ft long icicles and none of the 12″ of snow has melted.
HI Kathie,
I’m glad you like the jeans better now… I might have to check my quilted fabric stash or see if I have something that “can” be quilted… I was debating about a tee for underneath the shirt…
Isn’t she pretty? I love her beautiful eyes and dark hair…
I’m glad our snow is almost gone… by tomorrow it probably will be… sorry you are stuck with those 3″ icicles and foot of snow… unless of course, you like it… :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Your Chrissa is such a pretty girl, I’ve always loved black hair and blue eyes together. I think the jeans and shirt are really cute. After reading all the comments, I started thinking, what does a young girl between the age of 8 to 12 wear these days. My grand daughters both love dresses but for playing and hanging out it’s leggings and long tees. They live in South Carolina in the country, I don’t recall ever seeing them in jeans. I think they might be to warm or maybe to confining.
Still wondering I did a pinterest search and found that 8 to 12 year olds seem to wear the same outfits as adults just mini versions. What made me chuckle was one of the first pics I saw was of an eight year old wearing my one of my favorite casual “go to” outfits ( for spring, summer and warmer fall days anyways ) It’s distressed slim jeans ( she wore them rolled up above the ankle), a long tee worn with a roomy pocketed long ( to the knee ) sweater worn open and sun glasses slipped up on top of her head. Looking at more photos it seems really anything goes! It certainly will be fun to see what you add to Chrissa’s ensemble, I’m sure it will be lovely whatever you decide.
Hugs
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid..
Even my sisters suggested a modern girl look for some of my girls… I guess that’s what I was going for since Chrissa really doesn’t have an era that easily recognizable…
I looked at some sites with young kids clothes and got a few ideas…I guess we’ll see what comes next…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne