First of all, Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to 2021! I hope this year isn’t ANYTHING like the one we just finished! One of my goals this year is to make MORE dresses for your dolls than I did last year. 25 dresses for a whole year doesn’t seem very impressive… but there were several things that kept me quite busy, my sweet momma, our daughter’s room renovation, MY sewing room renovation, several tutorials, Simon, and lots of everyday happenings from me. I hope they kept you occupied and hope you’ll stay tuned for this years line up! I’ve picked up quite a few new subscribers and I hope they’ll join in when ready. Thank you for finding me and sticking around! :o)
There were lots of votes going on all day for the doll dresses from 2020 and I had charts and lists of names and dresses and dolls and wanted to make sure I got it correct, so I counted everything three times. Emails had to be checked every so often so I didn’t miss anyone. Two ladies actually said they had a tie, and picked 4 dresses, but since I asked for only 3 names of dresses, I only included their first 3 choices… I felt since everyone else only had 3 entries, it would only be fair to pick their top 3 choices. Sorry ladies… and one lady listed her as 1,2,3,4,5 so I only picked her 1,2 and 3 choices…
So that gets us to the numbers now…
In third place, we actually have a 3 way tie… Navi’s “Time for Tea,”
Chrissa’s “Get Out the Vote!”
and Kirsten’s “Hello Fall.”
Second place was no better…we had a 3 way tie for it too!
Emmie’s “Springtime Delight…”
Lian in “Welcome Fall…”
and Nyssa in School Girl Charm”
BUT… we did have a clear winner for First Place and top honors for Dress of the Year 2020! It went to Elizabeth for her modeling of Regency Romance!
It looks like Elizabeth has still “got it!” She’s the doll in my collection I’ve had the longest… No need to ever sell her, she’s timeless and does what she’s supposed to do… sell dresses! :o)
Now, just for fun, I looked at my chart of the dresses everyone picked and there were 2 ladies who picked Regency Romance as the #1 dress, and they each picked ONE of the dresses in the 2nd place and ONE of the dresses in 3rd place. So I’m going to send them a little something in the mail! Congratulations Marilyn and Christine!
I’d like to tell you my thoughts about which dresses were my favorites, but my hubby wanted a nice meal for New Year’s Day since both kids were off, so I spent my day in the kitchen… I’ll get my thoughts together and share them with you…
For now, I’d like to dedicate this past year to my dear momma… She just had a birthday December 30th and it was strange to not be able to wish her a happy birthday.
She would have been thrilled to know that Elizabeth won the favorite dress of the year. My mom loved to see her dressed in Regency dresses with some of the hairdo’s I would create for her. Everytime I showed her a dress I’d just made, she’d just say, “Oh Jeanne…” and that was enough for me…
Love and miss you momma!
See you tomorrow ladies,
Blessings, Jeanne
Congratulations to the winners! As so many of us have said, they were all lovely, and especially since you put so much work and care into them. I own a couple of your outfits, And I’ve been sewing for over 60 years; believe me, I don’t buy just anyone’s doll clothes! I’m a very picky sewer, and your work meets my standards!
I love those pictures of your momma (and, yes, I spell it the same way you do–maybe it’s a midwestern thing? Lots of people write “mama”….). All those “firsts” to get thru….first Christmas and first birthday without her, in quick succession, for you. It can be hard!
Dec. 31st would have been my friend Joyce’s birthday, and she’s been gone 3-1/2 years now, but not a New Year’s Eve goes by that I don’t think of her. We celebrated every birthday together. (I used to tease her because she was 28 days older than I!)
Happy New Year, everyone!
Happy New Year Charlotte,
Thank you for usually being our first commenter! I appreciate all the things you’ve shared this year and hope for the same this next new year! Thank you for those sweet compliments on my sewing!
Blessings to you, Jeanne
What a fun way to end the year,…….and a start a new one, Jeanne! Although only one of my “picks” won anything, Lian’s Welcome Fall, but I am in agreement with the ones who did win! They ALL were just lovely, I don’t think there were any loseres in the bunch!
What sweet pictures of your momma! She hardly changed at all from a little girl to an 80 something year old. Having her gone so recently and her birthday right in the middle of the holidays must be hard for you, I so understand. She would be thrilled to see who won the first place! I’m sure she is looking down and smiling!
Happy New Year to us all!
HI Linda,
My other early morning commenter… thanks so much for all the pictures you’ve sent my way and helped me out SO many times when I was busy! Thank you, too, for your sweet comments about my dresses. It was a fun way to end the year, wasn’t it?
Thanks very much Linda,
Blessings to you, Jeanne
What a cracking good way to welcome the New Year with a Regency dress winning the contest. Momma surely would have voted for her. Congratulations on a very lovely and productive year! So glad you posted today. Thank you and Happy, Healthy New Year to all!
Thank you, Susette, for all your compliments and pictures through this last year. I guess we could call this years post a “group effort!”
A very healthy and happy New Year to you as well!
Blessings to you, Jeanne
Well, glad you were able to get the compiling figured out. I was thinking about Elizabeth as I made dress choices and how she always shines in whatever is chosen for her to wear. This time, that dress with the black accent and lovely chapeau is the winner. Congrats to Jeanne and Elizabeth for her modeling skills.
And on to a new year! 🙂
Check out Pixie Faire today as there are two free patterns. A retro swimsuit for AG’s and also a sweater knitting pattern. Wish I could knit.
Thank you Joy,
I think Elizabeth is SO pretty… I think I got one of the good ones! She does shine in whatever I put her in… I should find some of my earlier pics of her and see if she’s “aged” any! I doubt it.
I looked at the Pixie Faire patterns and decided to pass. Not much of a swimsuit fan for the AG’s and I can’t knit either… although I’d really like to learn how to do just a simple doll sweater! I can crochet a hat, but that’s all… I used to know a little bit about knitting but haven’t picked up any needles in decades… so I’m sure I’d have to start over from scratch.
Oh well, I can sew… and that’s okay with me…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings to you this coming new year, Jeanne
Yay! Chrissa and Nyssa were two of my picks! It was so hard to vote since all the dresses were so pretty!
I lost my mom Anne this year too, Jeanne. She would have been 93 in September. She had Alzheimer’s, and declined so much in the last few years, but prior to that I would show her your blog, enlarge the pics and she would always ask the same thing, “did you make that?” And I would have to (reluctantly) tell her “no Mom, Jeanne, a lady on the computer did.” She would look at the pics again and just smile.
Happy, Healthy 2021 to all!
Thank you Linda,
It was hard for me to pick my favorites and I MADE them…. but thank you for your kind words.
My mom was battling Alzheimer’s too… didn’t know if you knew that… She ended up having a stroke but she was in a memory care unit and very confused about things. I’m so sorry for your loss…it’s hard!
I read your comments about your mom to my hubby and I started crying as I was reading them to him… Thank you for telling me that… how sweet…
Have a wonderful new year, Linda!
Blessings, Jeanne
I was sure my three would not be the same as the final three. We all have widely differing tastes. But there were a few surprises. I really thought one of the 2 dresses made to resemble the old photo would make it to the final. All in all, the best part was seeing all the dolly dresses in one post, Jeanne.
Happy New Year to everyone on the couch! 🛋♥️
Thank you Julia,
Well, you might be in for a surprise when you see MY choices for the dresses on Monday… I had already picked them before any of you made your choices… :o)
I’m glad you enjoyed the slideshow and the voting!
I’ve been thinking of you and your mom these last few days… Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers… it’s a hard time right now without our momma’s! I know!
Blessings to you, Julia,
Jeanne
Happy New Year!! I hope this year is much better than last year. I am a sucker for Regency so I’m very happy that it was the winner! It was my absolute fave of the year!! I can’t believe that all 3 of my pics were in the top 3, they just seemed to pop for me. Happy Birthday to your mom up in heaven!
HI Christine,
Congratulations on getting it almost right down to the very dress… I haven’t gotten anything sent off just yet, but I will!
I love the Regency dresses too and there’ll be more in 2021… you can be assured of that! :o)
Thanks so much Christine!
Blessings to you this new year,
Jeanne
Happy New Year to all! Now all that’s needed is a replica of Regency Romance (all pieces please?) made in colors that bring out Elizabeth’s eyes. That outfit was also wonderful on Addy, in fact each model wore it so well. The black buttons with the black ribbon ties, well who knew? Only our Jeanne of course. I still keep a pic of the original school girl charm for inspiration. It was a darker green and Nysa had on a long reddish wig., some things seem to never go out of fashion. Can’t wait to see what’s to come this year.
HI Dorothy,
Yes, I think a blue Regency dress might be in order for the new year! I’m glad you liked it so much! I know exactly which dress on Nyssa you are talking about… I loved it too…
Who knows what this year holds… but I’ll be sewing as long as I possibly can… making more dresses for the 2021 Fall Fashion Review! :o)
Blessings to you Dorothy,
~ Jeanne
Ha! All 4 of my choices made the top of the 2020 list. The whole set of 25 deserved it. That was a very good year for your outfits. More important, all the major work on your house is done, isn’t it? And the cabinets will be painted by the end of the month, or at least the end of February. Taking everything out of them and replacing all of it will be — interesting. I should do the same — the paint is ok but too much stuff has accumulated. Perhaps in June, when we are all vaccinated and dare speak to one another, will be a good time.
The days are already getting longer and hope always comes with a new year. Mzy we all have a good one.
HI Marilyn,
Congratulations to you and Christine for being “almost” perfect in guessing which doll dresses would be in the top 3! I haven’t mailed out your prize yet, but I will!
I’m hoping my cabinets will be done soon… finally!!!
Every year about this time or just a few days before the new year starts, Deb and I go though this thing where we determine to get organized from top to bottom… in our homes… and I did it too her this morning… sent her a text saying I was ready to get organized… she said, “why not?” So maybe this year will be the year!
I hope you have a wonderful new year, Marilyn,
Blessings to you, Jeanne
I knew there was something I wanted to do yesterday and vote on the dressed was it. Not had the best of weeks and it completely slipped my mind. But Caroline’s Regency Dress would have been of my votes. I even had them written down so all I had to do was post. Though it really is hard to pick as they are all gorgeous.
This had to be a very difficult Christmas for you and your family with your Mother not being with you all. I am sure you know she is watching down over all of you. And every once in awhile will say, “Oh, Jeanne or wonderful job.”
Good bye to 2020 and don’t let the kick you in the butt and hoping that 2021 will be much better.
Thank you for your kind compliments on my doll dresses, Sandra! I enjoyed making them and then seeing them all in one post was quite fulfilling to me too. I love to sew but I also love to share what I make and then I LOVE to hear what everyone thinks about them… good or bad!
Awww..thanks for your sweet words about my momma. It was hard, but as hard as it was, I’m so glad she didn’t have to have gone through the Covid thing… she just absolutely would not have understood why I wasn’t coming to see her… so if there was any blessing in her passing in February, that was it!
Blessings to you Sandra, Jeanne
Happy New Year to all my Sofa Sisters!!! Two of my choices tied for second. I loved Caroline’s Regency dress but my 18″ girls are modern girls so I tend to pick things I might sew for them as my favorites, like the two beautiful pink and blue sister dresses. I really am suffering from regret that I let those dresses get away, especially after I got Natalie. Gracie and Natalie would have been the belles of the Spring garden party.
We found out yesterday David has to get a stent put in his heart next week. Thankfully the problem was discovered in its infancy. He was getting a cardio evaluation to have his knee surgery and they did a stress test and found a small blockage. Then at the end of the month our new grandson is due. In between we have our anniversary and Dionne’s birthday. This has always been a busy time of year for us with Christmas, my birthday, David’s birthday (1/6), our anniversary (1/19) and Dionne’s birthday (1/21). Now we are adding another birthday. We need to save up all year just to get through December and January.
Waiting for Sean and family to show up for our annual day of fondue. Should be a fun start to the New Year.
Dear Barbara, blessings to you and David. I look forward to hearing about your January celebrations.
Happy New Year to my Sofa Sister in Texas, Barbara!
Like I mentioned before, I have more of that plaid pink and blue and just might have to make more dresses in 2021 using it… it’s too pretty NOT to use!
Let us know the day when your hubby goes in for his stent and we’ll pray that day and afterwards for you all… it sounds like you have a busy few weeks ahead of you..
I hope your fondue was good and the company too!
Blessings to you, Barbara,
~ Jeanne
Very interesting to see what dresses made the top honors. Only one of mine did, Kirsten’s Hello Fall, and only at number 3.
I didn’t realize that you have had Elizabeth the longest. She’s a keeper for you for sure and I can see that your attached to her see your mom loved to see the things you created for her as well.
I’m sure Christmas and her birthday falling so close together was hard for you and I understand.
Happy New Year, everyone. Hope 2021 shines bright.
Happy New Year, Laura,
Yes, I’ve had Elizabeth the longest and she really is a keeper to me. I think she’s so pretty and such a good model for many styles. She will definitely get a new dress in 2021… maybe even another Regency one! :o)
Thanksgiving, Christmas AND her birthday were hard this year… but I take comfort in knowing she is better cared for now than where she was! But I do miss the little things about her… oops…gotta stop, I’m tearing up…
Happy New Year to you too, Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
I never did get a chance to leave a comment yesterday with my top three, but I’m not sure I could have chosen just three. I know Get Out the Vote and Welcome Fall were top choices for me, but there were several others That were also favorites.
The loss of a loved one is always hard on holidays, and I am sure you are still grieving the loss of your mom. I hope it gets easier for you. By the way, I have a granddaughter named Kathryn, and that was my grandmother’s middle name.
Happy New Year to you Jeanne, and to all of your readers.
HI Carolyn,
Maybe I should have had a week of voting so everyone could have found time to get their choices in… I might have to change that for next year! It’s a busy time and sometimes there’s not enough hours in the day! :o)
Thank you for your kind comments Carolyn,
Blessings to you this new year,
Jeanne
Jeanne those firsts are always tough. I haven’t found it so bad with my Dad as he was 96 and death was inevitable sooner rather than later (I still miss him though) but Mum died in 1984 (Jan 5) when she was only 62 and I found that really difficult. I have already outlived her by 13 years! The result of smoking most of her life unfortunately.
I am so happy Regency Romance won. Historically it has always been my favourite era, love Jane Austen and others, and the outfit you made was just stunning. I think if I am ever able to afford an AG doll I will try to get Elizabeth, she really is lovely. If I get to visit my brother again (unlikely at this stage) I might try to get one on Ebay and have it sent to him. Postage would be cheaper of course but not as much fun lol. Seriously though, all the outfits were wonderful, I wish I was as wonderful a sewer as you, your work is so perfect. A standard to aim for but am unlikely to reach lol.
Ingrid, I was so pleased to see you in the comments yesterday, so happy that you are feeling better. I really hope that you are all now immune it will make life a little easier for you.
Barbara, glad you and your family made it through with no lasting effects as well.
We still only have cases in managed isolation, people returning from overseas. Our isolation facilities are running at capacity and no one is allowed on a plane now without a booking, last I heard they were fully booked until March, although they keep a few rooms available for emergency/compassionate cases. Last I heard 40,000 citizens/residents had returned and they are still coming. Remember we only have a total population of 5 million, it is putting a great strain on the housing market, we didn’t have enough houses for everyone before covid! House prices here in Christchurch have gone up by 20% this year which is an enormous jump. Ok if you already own a house but not much fun if you are a first home buyer. I suspect a lot of those returning, who went overseas to get the better money, will leave as soon as it is safe!
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone I just hope it is a better one for everyone
Hi Anne, my mother too died from cancer from smoking at age 78. It’s been 20 years now.
I know she would have loved to have seen our daughter graduate from college and later on be married and have three children. Very sad.
HI Anne,
I’m so sorry about your mom and dad being gone… it’s hard no matter when it happened.
I hope some day you ARE able to get an AG doll and Elizabeth is a very good choice in my opinion… she’s very versatile… and you’d love her…
Can I ask a dumb question… are all of the things you order or even just get sent to you as a gift, like from your brother, terribly expensive?
Oh My Goodness, Anne, don’t be comparing yourself to me! You definitely hold your own as far as your sewing goes! I am in awe at some of the things I’ve seen you make… don’t ever say that again… you are a top notch seamstress and do wonders with more than just fabric! I truly mean this Anne! Just keep sewing and turning out your little treasures…
Have a wonderful New Year Anne,
Blessings to you, Jeanne
So happy pretty Elizabeth won in her lovely Regency outfit. I must admit, their were too many outfits to make a clear decision. Still interesting to see the wide variations of favorites.
You momma’s child picture is so sweet. Since her picture is black and white, was she a redhead or a blond, or strawberry blond as a child?
I certainly understand your feelings about her loss, but I believe she is smiling down to all her children.
Hopefully, we’re on to a better year! Happy New Year to all !
HI Paula,
It was fun for me to see the different dresses that were chosen too! I’m glad you enjoyed participating in the voting too…You got 2 out of 3… :o)
My mom was a redhead but I’m not sure when she was younger how red it was… I don’t think she was ever a carrot red, but a soft red… I’ll have to find out from my 96 year old Aunt Evelyn who is the last of the Aunts and would know…
Happy New Year to you Paula…
I hope your year gets better too!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy New Year! Everyone! That was a fun way to look at all the 2020 dresses…at least your dresses and blog were a “good” part of the year! I hope you make another one or more of the jackets like the one on the Regency winner. I loved that jacket !
Counting all those votes had to have been a big job!
Well must get back to working on the dollies in the repair room…after putting away Christmas 🥴
Thank you Kathie and Happy New Year to you as well!
My sewing kept my mind off of a lot of the crummy things going on around us and it looks like I STILL need to keep sewing and making doll dresses!
I think that Regency jacket was a HIT and yes, I’ll try to get another one made… someone else suggested something to play up her blue eyes… I can do that! :o)
My sewing room is a disaster, and I too, need to get all the Christmas stuff put away…
Happy New Year to you, Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, what fun to see the winning dresses. Of course, ALL of your dresses are winners (smile).
Thanks for sharing your mother with us. I enjoyed hearing you talk about her and seeing her photos.
Well, 2021 is upon us. Let’s pray for a time of healing and understanding in the world. We surely need both.
HI Dorothy,
Yes, 2021 is upon us and this just HAS to be a better year for us all… Thank you for your kind comments this past year and I hope you’ll be adding more this year! :o)
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the slideshow of doll dresses. I did too! :o)
Have a wonderful New Year Dorothy,
Blessings to you, Jeanne
Yes Jeanne! I can just hear your mom commenting on the dress!
While as for me, all I can say is two of my picks were in the tied votes 🙂 Yay Joy Lynne Carter. I will leave the doll-dress making to you. (Though your blog has inspired me to plan one for my only doll (as I have the patterns that mother used (65 years old).