Hi everyone,
Well, we were pelted with rain today so the vinyl siding project was delayed… however I used my day wisely! I painted ALL day long… and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel… I am getting pretty excited to be nearing the end… I still have enough to do to keep me busy but I can do this… I can, I can, I can! I will, I will, I will!
Since my day was so long, I never made it to my sewing room, so I’ve decided to let you see some past vintage hankie aprons on Kirsten and a few other dolls… I hope you’ll enjoy this… I have quite a few subscribers who are new and I’m sure they haven’t seen these…
Here is a post I wrote in September 2014…just after I had started my blog… I’ve copied this one, so you don’t have to click on a link…I titled it “Vintage Hankie Aprons for Kirsten.” It’s just “some” of the ones I have made her.
If there’s one thing I’m always on the lookout for when we go antique shopping, it’s vintage hankies. I am like a kid in a candy shop when I find a booth that has more than a few of them for sale. I get lost looking and trying to imagine and remember what fabrics I have at home that they would coordinate with. One of my very favorite outfits to make for Kirsten is a dirndl. A dirndl usually consists of a bodice, a blouse, a full skirt and an apron and they are very often colorful with many different prints and embellishments. I love to coordinate different fabrics and make them bright in the summer months and more elegant as the weather gets cooler. I thought I’d share with you a few of my favorites I’ve made for Kirsten over the years. While all of my examples might not be considered a true dirndl, I’m mainly featuring the vintage hankies so I hope you enjoy my pictures. …and again, some of them are from long ago, so my photography isn’t that swift…
This first one was probably my very favorite one…. I just LOVED it…
…or wait, maybe it was this one…I loved the black against the rose hankie…
Same hankie as above, but with a totally different look…
Let’s move on to some more…
Here is tiny 7 1/2″ Riley, by Helen Kish in a couple of hankie apron dress sets…
Let’s do 11″ Bitty Bethany next. She was also a doll by Helen Kish…
This was one of my favorites… I LOVED this hankie and searched for a LONG LONG time trying to find another one like it… never did!
Now let’s see Wren, a 14″ Chrysalis doll by Helen Kish too… Some hankies just deserve THREE pictures…
Patsy Tonner and Elin are next… This was the one I showed in yesterdays post…
I have more, but I need to get to bed earlier tonight…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
So many pretty dresses, and I think there were some I hadn’t seen before–a fair number, probably, as I don’t think I was following your blog until maybe late 2015 or early 2016.
Let’s see, of Kirsten’s, I think I really like the last one best! Love the combination of the red check with the flowered apron and crisp white collar. Even though I don’t put My Kirsten in red, usually, I think she would like this one!
Of the others, the ones that stand out most to me are Wren’s red and white dress–I just love how you carried the hearts and flowers them up into the bodice with embroidery and buttons; Riley’s mint green dress; and–my very favorite–Bitty Bethany’s blue check dress with floral “apron” and removable collar.
My message last night was short because Ron was having a rough time. I thought I might end up taking him to ER, but after 3-4 hours, he was doing better, and has been fairly good today. I did contact his cardiologist, though, and emailed her with my notes from last night (times plus how he felt, his BP, etc.). He has an appt. with her on Tues. (scheduled six months ago) so hopefully his pacemaker monitor may have picked up something that will tell her whether he had some kind of cardiac “incident” or not. If not, then it might be something else going on.
He’s 88, and getting frail. (Yes, he “robbed the cradle” when he married me! LOL I’m 13 years younger. I’m exhausted, though, so had better get to bed!
Charlotte, I hope all is well with your husband and you both can get some rest today.
Charlotte, I’ll be saying prayers for Ron. He is blessed to have you looking after him. Hoping for a better day for you both today.
Hope Ron is feeling better. You take such good care of of him. Itās good he has this appointment Tuesday.
Dear Charlotte,
I missed yesterday’s post. I hope Ron is feeling better today. You are such a loving wife. I’ll be praying for him.
I hope Ron is better when we hear from you tomorrow, Charlotte.
Jeanne, when ever I see a set of photos like the Kirsten ones, I think you should just sit down and reproduce the whole set. I am quite fond of the one with the green skirt — great sleeves — I’d be happy to have that one. I think the black one is my favorite – I’ll have 2 of those, please.
I’m in for a treat today. A falconer friend is picking me up to go see some ospreys and bald eagles. I’ll bet no one else is doing that today.
Wish I could join you on your large-bird watching expedition today. Pictures?
What a fabulous trip- to see such magnificent birds!
All the dresses are so pretty. I like the blue check and the red check on Bitty Bethany, but oh my goodness, that black skirt with the rose colored hankie on Kirsten is beautiful. I also like the one with long sleeves on Kirsten. It uses the same hankie, so maybe that is what is so appealing.
Thanks for sharing these pics. I also vote for reproductions! I would be happy with any of these. Prayers for healing, bird sightings, home improvement projects, and many more dirndl dresses!
Debbie
I must say today, the black set is my favorite, but I’m loving the solids as backgrounds too. Had to save some of those pics. š
Julia mentioned the “blue” glass collection yesterday. Sounds like she has a collection? I too have one. Also have half of my mother in laws collection in boxes still from the great divide. I guess I need to first locate the boxes and then check it out. Has me thinking? Where are those boxes?
Wish I was tagging along with Marilyn and friend. Haven’t seen any falcons since a field trip to a preserve that I took my class on quite a few years ago. š
Hope Charlotte’s Ron is much better today.
A big congrats on getting to the almost point on the cabinets. So looking forward to the grand finale!
Charlotte, well wishes for Ron, and both of you take care, keep us posted ācause we care.
I vote for repros please. Absolutely love Kirstenās black/rose outfit. I always love that style cap headdress.
Wrenās blue outfit is so eye catching, simple but so lovely.
More please!
The rose colored hankie on the black and dark green make my heart flutter! Also the hat with the black one is outstanding! Normally not fond of dark colors but those two are fantastic! The blue and white with scallops is also amazing . All of your Kish dolls look good in any of the dresses.
Hope your hubby is better Charlotte šš»
Charlotte, I am so sorry that you and Ron are going through this, but you are going through it together and of course, we are all hoping for the very best. Naturally you are exhausted, but you need to try to take care of yourself as well. Please do.
Oh those hankies are such fun and the gorgeous hand done ones you showed yesterday, Jeanne, were spectacular. I liked the idea of framing a few of them. Back when I was a kid,I loved going to the white elephant table at the church bazaar and I bought a satin hankie holder full of the prettiest hankies. You see, my favorite great aunt Lavinia had beautiful hankies so I gave her a couple. That satin pouch has to be somewhere buried in a box. I do, however, still have my first miniature Steiff elephant bought from the bazaar that I put on our Christmas tree every other year. We alternate years with our traditional tree decorations that are just lovely and full of memories, but every other year my collection of Steiff animals get the honor.
Marilyn, enjoy your adventure. I am hoping to see ospreys and bald eagles next month when we go back to NH.Canāt wait to get in my kayak if my shoulders behave, but I might not be able to paddle. Maybe one of the boys can tow old mom around! š Anyway, hope itās a pretty day and that you find them.
Jeanne, how I wish I had one of your Kish Chrysalis dresses. I started getting them after you apparently were done doing them and you may no longer have Wren?
Oh, that black skirted dirndl is my favorite. I remember the discussions Nancy and Donna and I had about that. Oh, my! They are all beautiful and I love mine.
As for the new AG repros, the stock photo looked pretty good to me. My best Kirsten is permanently dressed in an authentic Swedish set that was made for me. It is extraordinary. My other Kirsten is boxed away. I got her second hand on eBay. Although her braids have never been undone, they are no longer looped. Iād love to see her go to a new home.
Joy, I got a Daisy, too. Isnāt she as cute as can be? Luca arrived yesterday and he is nearly a dead ringer for our youngest grandson. Luca seems to be enjoying all the female attention.
Well, final note, we put Chester down on Monday. The vet gave me a hug and told us we were doing the right thing at the right time and he commended us. That made it a bit easier, and we had our other dog to come home to. I still feel like Chester is still following me all around the house or when I go out in the yard like he always did. He was so handsome and sweet.
Happy Motherās Day to everyone. And Jeanne, how thrilling it must be to be seeing a conclusion to this project being done. Your projects always fascinate and impress me. Youāre something else, dear lady!
So sorry to hear about Chester. It’s so sad when we have to let our beloved pets go. We actually have a pet cemetery on our property and my husband makes them all pet caskets when the time comes. I’m not really much of a pet person but my husband is. I don’t do well when their time comes. I used to cry when one of my tropical fish died.
Thank you, Barbara. Itās clear that both you and your hubby have soft, kind hearts.
So sorry to hear about Chester. It is never easy to say goodbye to our fur babies. They love us so much and do unconditionally.
You are so right, Paula. Thank you very much.
Dear Sally,
So very sorry to hear about Chester. Pets are our little bit of heaven on earth.
Yes, indeed they are, Laura. Thank you so much.
So sorry to hear of Chester’s demise, but know he will be in a better place. It is always so hard, and I’ve always felt lost for awhile after. Be thinking of you.
How fun you too have Daisy. I’ve been thinking of Luca, but haven’t found him with the blue sweater. Sold out. Still thinking though. I like Daisy although others have done a lot of switcharoos on her. She’s getting some new shoes. Lucky girl. š
Thank you, Joy. Chester never grew up! Until he got quite gray, people would ask if he was a puppy, although her was 65 pounds.
Samanthasdolls, that should be one word, has Luca in blue. I saw it today on eBay. I got the orange and like it for a āfallā look and gives greater contrast with his hair. Pretty darn cute. They did pump the price up an extra $20. Shipping is about $10.
Yes, I have seen Daisy in other wigs. Have you changed wigs on your dolls? I love her hair the way it is. And may I ask, where will Miss Daisyās new shoes be coming from and what color, style? Lucky girl indeed! šš„°. Thanks again, Joy, and for your really Interesting email. Iāll get to it..
That was definitely a breathtaking exhibit. All of the apron dresses are absolutely beautiful and so many different dolls wearing them. I have some vintage hankies but I’m not very good at deciding what to make to use them.
Can’t wait to see your finished kitchen. David and Sean are working daily on my new double bathroom vanity. I’m not allowed to see it until it’s finished. They won’t even update me on their progress lately.
Apparently I forgot to post my reply. Grrr.
Jeanne, my favorites are the ones where you used the hankie leftovers to make an accessory.
Charlotte, those episodes are hard on the caregiver, as well. Take good care of yourself.
Joy, the blue glass collection belonged to my mom. Now we are giving it to friends and family, but there is still a LOT left. It’s part of the reason I’ve substantially reduced my doll collection.
I still have McKenna, Jeanne, but Elizabeth is gone.
Can certainly understand about the blue stuff. When we finally locate it all, I’m sure we will wish we had someone to give it to. You are so good to think in advance.
Jeanne, the photos of all the girls with their hankie aprons are fabulous. Kirstenās are just stunning!!
Glad you got some time working on your cabinets. A project you have worked hard on and patiently. Plus, knowing how your labor on anything is perfect, to see the end of this project will be such a joy for you and we girls canāt wait to see your completed beautiful kitchen. It will be amazing!
Hi Jeanne, I would love to see you create an Oktoberfest dirndl for Kirsten. She looks adorable in all the dirndls you have made for her. You know in Bavaria, they use light blue and white as a flag in a check form and that maybe could be her skirt fabric? Kirsten is so adorable I just love her big blue eyes and her Sunshiney smile if that is a word. I know she is not German, but she looks wonderful in all your creations. You have a special way of making everything work out to the doll’s advantage all the time. It is your special gift to the world of dolls and sewing and all of us. God Bless you and Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday! Have a wonderful day with your daughter and Husband.
I never had the time to comment yesterday, but I am so glad everyone convinced you not to cut up those gorgeous hankies. Actually, the second to last one is my favorite, but the last one is as well. Yes, they are Irish linen and very special. I couldn’t believe that Rebecca wouldn’t want them. My great aunt brought hankies as gifts when she visited from Germany. I have a few made in Switzerland. Any you don’t want pass on to me. *smiles*
Personally, I would have a hard time cutting any of them up. I would just tie them around the dolls waist or head as is.
The first three dresses on Kirsten today are my favorites and in that order, too.
Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow!!
Miss Jeanne, you are killing me with the photos of all the dirndls for Kirsten. I esp love/need the first one! lol! I have been infected and it’s all your fault. š I hope you, and every one on the blog, have a lovely Mother’s Day weekend. Our daughter is taking us to the GA Ren Faire on Sunday. My favorite part is having brunch at the Peacock Tearoom!
It was lovely seeing all the older pictures with the hankies. I don’t think I had seen any of them before but I am a newbie here. I’m not sure I could cut some of those up that you showed us.
Sally, I am so sorry about Chester. We know we have done the right thing deep down but it can seem like betrayal can’t it? My Mum and Dad bought a little cocker spaniel called Sabre, just before Mum died. The dog and my Dad adored each other and we have lots of lovely stories about the funny things he did. He got very old and blind and his heart was failing, it was obvious his time had come. Dad took him to the vet for one last time. When he got home he wrote a story about Sabre. He started it with ‘today I killed my best friend’. He never would have another dog. Unfortunately I lived in the North Island then and wasn’t there to help him.
Charlotte I hope Ron feels better today. Do take care of yourself as well.
Jeanne, I am glad you and George were sensible about working on the roof in the rain! My youngest son (the one who is VERY accident prone) fell off a ladder at work and is home with concussion! He knew the ladder was unstable but leaned over anyway, He didn’t fall too far, maybe a metre and a half, he said, but his head hit a brick wall when he came down. When he was about 12 we had to take him to the hospital yet again, (he had a file 4 inches thick there and he had never been sick!) Sam overheard one of the nurses say “Not him again”. It’s a wonder we didn’t have social services investigating us. Whilst not all his accidents were his own fault, many of them were. I could write a book on all the things that child did when he was growing up. I’m just surprised that he survived childhood, he nearly didn’t on at least one occasion!
Hello Anne, thank you for your condolences for Chester. I know just what your father meant, but I also love the idea that he wrote a story about Sabre. While I cannot imagine my life without a dog or two in it, I know many people like your dad who develop such a strong bond that they never want to have another pet. Iām so glad he had Sabre.
Anne, I was going through Chesterās final days when you posted your ANZAC pictures, songs, etc. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it all so much. A huge thanks.
As for your accident prone son, I sure hope all turns out well and that his file doesnāt get any thicker any longer. I hope he is being watched closely and that recovery is complete and swift. You must worry about him a lot.
I canāt believe there are still dresses that I, have havenāt seen! I remember some but certainly not all. Love the black one. The first one too. Iād love to see another dress for Kirsten.
Hope your husband is feeling better soon, Barbara. Sorry about Chester, Sally. You did the right thing. Marilyn, have a wonderful time on your field trip today. You are very lucky to have a friend who is a falconer. Happy Motherās Day to everyone and to the women who also mother children in the best sense of the word as friend, protector or mentor.