We did more work on the chimney project today but we called it quits at 5:00 or a little after. We were both so tired at one point, we were up in the attic and my hubby was trying to explain to me to take a measurement of a board up on the slanted roof area…I turned the measuring tool he gave me this way and that way and every other way… until we both burst out laughing uncontrollably… and gasping for air… He was just about to fall down the stairs and I was just about to slip down the chimney hole! We realized it was too late to get started on putting the pipes together and somehow get them down in the hole… tomorrow… there’s ALWAYS tomorrow! :o)
SO… aren’t you glad I have some dolly pictures to share with you? These are from Charlotte and I’ll let her tell you about them…
“The first picture is the dress kits I ordered from Leeann.ca. They came with the bodice already partly assembled and the skirt fabric hemmed. The bodice pieces were a front/back and two of the sleeve/side bodice; each was lined with a contrasting fabric so you could choose to have all three parts the same or with the sleeve/side contrasting with the front/back. Between the two kits is the pattern–so I can make more of this dress if I wish.”
“The second picture shows the bodice parts of the pink dress out, with trims spread around. You can also see the little bag of trims included in one of the kits, to be used or not. I mostly used my own trims.”
“The third picture shows Leona (left) and Leneda in their new dresses. The ribbon on Leneda’s dress actually came with the other kit, but it matched the bow trim on her skirt, so I used it. The bunny sitting in front of them is from Annalee Dolls; I purchased it some years ago.”
“The first is of Leona in her rehearsal outfit. Leona was modeled with “en pointe” feet, and the ballet shoes fit perfectly! Her arms are also more “ballet”-looking in their positions. The ballet dolls are available in several characters and hair colors, although the hair style is always the same.”
“The second picture shows Leona in her performance outfit. After I took the pictures and changed her clothes, I discovered she has some hair ornaments to go with her outfit, so I guess I’ll have to remember those next time!”
“The third picture shows my Ruby Red Fashion Friends, Hanna and Bella, wearing dresses I made of “Tutti-Frutti” (brand) plisse’ fabrics left over from past outfits for my granddaughter, Lily, when she was little. I have maybe 10 or so different prints now, most of which came from Jo-Ann’s, although I think the lavender one on Hanna came from Hancock’s some years back. The little duck is by Annalee Dolls; I’ve had it for several years.”
“This next picture is one of my little Easter display, all are from Annalee Dolls. For those who don’t know, Annalee Dolls is a company based in, I think, NH, and the dolls are not what we sofa sisters think of as dolls–that is, they aren’t ones with clothes to change. They are all felt, with hand painted faces (until a few years ago, they were 100% USA made; now, parts are made elsewhere and they are assembled in the US). The characters can be people (such as Santa), elves, snowmen, or various animals. These are my only Easter ones; I also have two for Halloween, one for Valentine’s day, one or maybe two for 4th of July, and quite a few Christmas/winter ones. They are just fun! And often the same figure will be available with different expressions; for instance, I think there were three of the little bunny at the store, and each had a different “look”, although they were otherwise the same. (They are generally sold at better gift shops. They also sell them online. Every year they do different characters.)”
“The second picture is my orchid plant, which is blooming again! My son and his then-girlfriend gave it to me for Mother’s Day in 2015, and it has bloomed almost every year since then! I normally kill any plant that comes thru my door, so it’s been a great surprise to me that this one has done so well! I give it two ice cubes once a week (as the directions say to do), and I sometimes think about feeding it! LOL I guess once a year….Someone once told me, “Orchids thrive on neglect”, and I said, “Well, then, it’s in the right house!” I keep it in an east window, and that side of the yard is shaded, so it gets indirect light.”
Next we can see some pictures from Anne, all the way down in New Zealand… This is what she emailed me about them…
“Sam made almost all of the ‘food’ on the first two pictures and the garland. Ashley wanted to make some food as well and that is what is on the table in the third picture, along with a photo of Ashley (and, of course, the dolls, Bella and Anastasia). Then Ashley decided she wanted to take Anastasia home so I had to swap the clothes to Phoenix (I don’t think she is quite as pretty). I am not particularly happy with Phoenix’s/Anastasia’s dress. Trying to make up my mind whether to make it again or not. I would do it differently if I did. I love the one Bella is wearing though. They are both from Pixie Faire, Bella’s is ‘Provence’ and Phoenix’s is ‘Get the Look’.”
Thank you ladies… I am glad you sent some pictures my way… no sewing for me just at the moment… maybe soon!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Thank you for sharing my pictures today, Jeanne! I should have mentioned that last year, when some of us were having an attack of “dolly fever” is when I ordered Leona, from the Leeann family of dolls; I think I got Leneda a couple of years ago. They are part of the Leeann family (I also have two Leeann dolls, one is a basic Leeann, and one is the “leap of faith” doll; some day I will tell you about that.)
I had always wanted a ballerina doll; back in the 1950s my cousin Carol (who is my age) had a beautiful ballerina doll with REAL Capezzio shoes!! And, oh, how I wanted her…but we couldn’t have afforded anything like that, I’m sure, so I just admired her and played with her when we were together and Carol would let me. So, as soon as Denis Bastien (Leeann’s “dad”) announced he was doing a ballerina doll, I didn’t hesitate!!
Anne, thank you for sharing your pictures! What a fun birthday party Bella and Anastasia had! That food is all lovely, and it was nice to see a picture of your Ashley, as well!! What a pretty little girl she is!
The dresses are beautiful; I especially like the floral one. The shoes Bella is wearing are gorgeous!! Wherever did you find those, or did they come with the doll? I had to look up both patterns to see what Pixie Faire did with them; I think the “get the look” pattern is a cute style, you may just want to experiment a bit with the fabrics. If you decide to do that, I hope you’ll show us a picture of what you came up with. I love to see what others are making!
Dear Charlotte, what beautiful outfits! The girls all look adorable.
HI Charlotte,
I think we ALL totally understand the power of Dolly Fever! If you haven’t had it, you probably will sometime soon! :o)
Speaking of Ballerina dolls, “I” always wanted to “BE” a ballerina… that is until my mom told me Ballerina’s had to eat LOTS of salads to stay so skinny! That did it for me… I wasn’t much into salads when I was younger! :o) Your dolls are sweet Charlotte!
Thank you for sharing… I think everyone enjoys seeing what is happening in everyone’s sewing rooms or wherever their dolls reside!
Blessings, Jeanne
Fun post today, Jeanne! It is always fun to see what the sofa sisters are up to and how they “do” it! Charlotte, I had no idea you could buy outfits in kits to finish! That is a clever idea and you did a wonderful job with yours! I too, love ballerina dolls and mine have just about every ballet outfit AG makes! Who didn’t want to be a ballerina when they were a little girl?
The info about Analee dolls was interesting. I am aware of them, and have seen mostly Christmas ones, but they are quite pricey and you are locky to have some of the cutest ones!
Anne, I loved the way you have your dolls illustrated along with your granddaughter! That table spread is just darling, and there is no shortage of sweet treats there! I love that first dress, the flowered one, with that beautiful lace slip,and those lace shoes are preciaous! The look so summery and cool. And yes, where did you get those? I wonder if our shoe cobbler, Jeanne, could make some!
Thank you both for the darling photos today!
HI Linda,
At one time, I thought about making some doll kits… partially started, but not totally put together… looks like “Make Me a Doll Dress” beat me to it… :o)
I have been “cobblering” just a bit and when I showed Rebecca something I finished today, she said, “wow… but you need to be doing sandals now mom!” I think she’s right… Wasn’t it pretty today?
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad George didn’t fall down the stairs and have to make that ER trip. And also that you didn’t end up down in the basement after falling through two floors. Very wise to quit when you did. My tip. Never work past 5:00. 🙂
Always like seeing Denis Bastien’s things. (Leanne) I have purchased quite a few things from him. Charlotte’s dresses for her girls turned out very sweet. I really like that 50’s dress print fabric. Hanna and Bella look charming in their spring dresses. Sweet. I think I need to pack up the orchid plant I’ve had here for quite a few years and send it off to Charlotte for recuperation. Mine is not a happy camper. 🙁 Charlotte’s however, is in a blooming frenzy and so lovely. 🙂
Love the dresses Anne made and such a fun birthday party. Delicious looking food too. I think Sam is a master at creating all of those special treats. Are those made with clay and baked? The jello treats look so real. Love that banner too. And Anne, did you make the white lace shoes? So cute. Dresses too. 🙂
Can’t wait to see how you and George are able to slip that pipe through the floors and up to the roof. Sounds like there will be a new meaning to shower at your place. Luxury! Hope it is soon. 🙂
HI Joy,
I’m glad neither one of us disappeared on the floor or in the basement… Fortunately, I don’t think I would have fallen very far down the chimney before getting stuck… but it was a bit scary to be over that hole… We quit early again today… I like your idea of quitting time being around 5:00! No objections from my hubby either…
I loved seeing all the things from Anne and Charlotte too… I’d like some of that blue pattern fabric to cover something… not sure what, but I thought it was cute!
I’m sure Anne made the shoes as the insole looks like the dress fabric…
We got the water heater moved onto the concrete block landing he made and figured out how to connect the pipes, but it won’t be easy… the pipes are 5′ long in sections and we have to put them together in the chimney flue… the attic ceiling is too short where the pipe goes out the roof to do them upright and drop them in the hole… tomorrow might be the day… Rebecca took another “Little House on the Prairie” bath again today… boiled hot water… I’m holding out for a real shower maybe tomorrow…
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Thanks for doll pictures, ladies! I really appreciate seeing what others have and do.
HI Julia,
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the pictures today… lots of fun things to look at today, wasn’t there?
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad you and George stopped when you did. Wouldn’t want to hear either of you had injuries. I’m sure at this very moment, you both are back to the job today and I wish you safe speed!! This is one huge project.
Wonderful pictures from Charlotte and Anne. It is nice to see the dolls of others and the clothes and staging all of our sofa sisters.
Charlotte, I bet your girls are thrilled to model their outfits. Leona’s ballet outfits are beautiful. Leneda probably wishes she could pose like Leona. However Leneda looks lovely in her blue dress. And Hanna and Bella look just as sweet. I like their Sweet spring dresses. Those RRFF are pretty dolls. I’d considered one or two of them if I didn’t have so many dolls already. So tempting.
Anne, your pictures are delightful. It’s nice to see Ashley too. She’s such a pretty little girl. And what a cute picture of her sharing the treats with Phoenix and Anastasia. I too like the flowery dress with that ruffled slip underneath. The good pieces look great!!
What fun pictures! Thank you Charlotte and Anne for sharing.
HI Paula,
Yes, another day in the attic and the basement… we are getting closer… we moved the water heater onto the concrete pad and figured out how to connect our pipes… but it got too late in the day to keep working… tomorrow! :o)
Isn’t it terrible when you want more dolls but you just can’t justify getting them? It’s awful sometimes to pass things up… but… :o(
I loved looking at all those food stuffs Sam made… she’s quite talented! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Unfortunately, I have to just make a quick comment, but it certainly doesn’t mean I don’t love seeing all the photos.
Charlotte, fun idea to have a kit to sew an outfit. Your ballerina doll would be a lot of fun.
What sweet dresses you made for Hanna and Bella. I really like the “float” style dresses on little girls.Your Annalee dolls certainly bring a smile.
Anne, your dolls look very sweet and pretty in their lovely outfits. You did a fantastic job on them. I’m guessing you also made the darling lace shoes as the insoles appear to be
lined in the dress fabric.
Wow, what a great job Sam did on all the “food”. My dolls exist on a diet heavy in sweets as well. LOL
Nice to see a photo of Ashley. What a pretty girl! I’m sure the three of you had a great time at the tea party.
HI Laura,
Wouldn’t it be fun if we could get a group picture of all the dolls represented from the ladies on my blog? We could do a little photo shop on them and have it look like one big happy family of dolls! ;o)
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
I don’t know, Jeanne….I have so many, and if I got them All out for a “family picture”, then my husband would know! LOL
Dear Jeanne, thanks for sharing these photos. It is fun to see what outfits the Sofa Sisters are making for their doll children.
We are halfway through the month of April. May soon!!!!
HI Dorothy,
Yes, it is fun to see what’s happening around the world with dolls everywhere!
It IS almost May… wasn’t I supposed to be finished with my cabinets by then? Yikes… I better get on the stick! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Charlotte it was lovely seeing your dolls. Those kits are really quite cute. I love the RRFF dolls they are so pretty and look so lovely in the dresses you made.
Thanks everyone for the kind comments about my pictures, I will show them to Sam. To answer some of the questions, I made the shoes from a pattern I bought on line. They are no-sew Mary Janes. I will send the name of the person who created the pattern maybe tomorrow, It uses 2 inch braid or lace and I had this lovely heavy cotton lace in my stash. It is a bit too thick for trims but works great for the shoes. She uses steam a seam to glue the pieces, unfortunately that didn’t work on the lace so I ended up gluing them with 450 glue which dries crystal clear so worked fine.
Although most of the food and accessories were made from polymer clay and baked the jellies were slightly different. I can’t remember what it was called but it had the jellies and the slice of chocolate cake there and you decorated them with the fluffy stuff that looks like cream and the fruit that was also supplied. Also the cupcakes were a pack of erasers! Otherwise she and Ashley made everything from scratch. You can’t tell from the photos but she is very tiny. She is 10 but looks 7 or 8. When she was in her ‘running away’ stage she was once picked up by the police who thought she was only two or three but was nearly 5 but her language skills were confusing them! Mind you, the first time she ran off she wasn’t quite two and didn’t talk at all. Someone saw her about to cross the very busy road around the corner from my house, stopped his car and asked her where she lived not expecting an answer, she was able to bring him to my house (where we were having a party). That time the children kept leaving the door open and I didn’t have any fences then. We were very lucky that everyone who ever found her (and there were a lot!) were kind, law abiding people who either looked after her or called the police. Even the police recognised that they were doing everything they could at home to keep her in! She was a real escape artist! Leave the top lock of the door unlocked for 5 mins (she could open the one by the keyhole) and she was gone. They have 6 foot fences around the back so she climbed on to the BBQ over the fence to next doors garage roof, climbed down from there and disappeared. She was under 5 at the time!
Jeanne, you will be glad when all this work is done and you can get back to sewing! It isn’t a good idea to overtire yourself when you are doing this kind of job so glad you stopped at 5!
The slip I made for Bella was from a tutorial you had some time ago which ended up on Pinterest where I saw it and found your blog. At the time you were working non stop remodelling Rebecca’s room and then your sewing room so you were just like now, main gofer who couldn’t get to sewing the beautiful dresses!
HI Anne,
I loved your lacy shoes… looks like summer shoes to me! Very pretty!
Oh my goodness, Ashley IS an escape artist… what stories you have on her! Better not turn your head on her… I can’t believe she could escape like that!
We are on the downhill stretch of just this one project… but I’ll be glad when this one is finished… we got lots of prep stuff done today… maybe hot water is in my future tomorrow! I sure hope so!
I almost went in my room to start something last night, but decided I better do some other more important things around here… I’ll get back in my sewing mode soon… :o)
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful selection of pictures from Charlotte. The kits look like they would be a lot of fun to make. I love Leona. I wanted a ballerina doll so much when I was young and finally got one. She had feet you could adjust so you could do all ballet positions with her. When I was in 7th grade Chorus we did the song the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and I got to put my ballerina doll under the tree for Nine Ladies Dancing.
Hanna and Bella look so cute in their sweet dresses and, of course, matching shoes. I love all the things from Annalee’s. Charlotte’s orchid is absolutely lovely. I’m not much for maintaining growing things either. My husband says he would rather give me a plant rather than cut flowers that die. I said, so you give me a live plant so I can kill it. But I do seem to do well with African Violets and I found my Pothos does very well if it’s watered regularly.
I have the Provence pattern Anne used for that adorable dress but I haven’t made it yet. I have it for both MA 18″ doll and my Wellie. Seeing how well Anne’s turned out I’m getting antsy to try it myself. I never thought of trying to make doll food myself. I just bought mine. I think Anne did very well with the Get the Look dress. I didn’t buy that pattern because I wasn’t sure I would like the outcome. It’s not the style I usually like to sew, but Anne’s is cute. Love the picture of Ashley. I think it’s great that she and her mom can enjoy making things together.
HI Barbara,
You don’t see very many ballerina dolls nowadays… but maybe I’m just not looking for them… they are sweet…
I’m not much of a plant person either… my family knows I’m a plant killer and it’s a big joke when someone gets me a plant… my family knows it won’t last long… it’s terrible to be pegged as a plant killer… :o(
I think Sam and Ashley’s work on the food items is incredible…if you need something food wise… “Who you gonna call?” Sam and Ashley!
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne