DON’T FORGET:
Julie’s 70’s set, Summer of Love, ends this evening on Ebay… You can check it out by clicking on the picture at the right side bar or you can click HERE. I’ll be watching… hope you will too! :o)
I’m glad Kirsten had an idea of what this might turn out like, because I was winging it and hoping for the best…
Okay, now I have to show you a fabric I found…
I was looking on Etsy one night and ran across my “favorite pink fabric” only in the blue of the series…
So here are all three of my prints…
… the pink…
….the yellow…
…and now the blue…
It’s funny, but I remembered making a jumper from this with ceramic buttons down the front, but couldn’t quite put my finger on the color of it… I knew it was blue but didn’t remember it UNTIL I saw it on Etsy…
So the pictures of Kirsten’s dirndl aren’t the greatest… I wanted to get enough done on it to make a decent post, but rain is coming our way, and I was racing against the clock to get my pictures taken before my satellite got knocked out… I’ll do a better lighting job next time… they just look a bit washed out tonight…
I got Rebecca involved in the decisions for Kirsten’s “embellishing” and it took both of us to figure out what looked best. I needed something for under her collar and we tried charms and buttons and ribbons and beads and lace and anything else we could think of… and finally I decided… on just a little green and white checked ribbon… It can be worn under the collar (I think I like it best this way)
OR on top of the collar…
When it came to figuring out an apron for her, I looked at quite a few of my fancier vintage hankies and some that were a bit more plain but less “busy.” The dress does have a lot of design elements going on, so I tried to keep it more on the neutral side… I narrowed it down to a few hankies and looked to see which one hung the best from the waist…
This one was sweet and I loved the edging, but it had too much body and it looked too poufy to me…
This one was “okay” but it didn’t speak to me like I wanted it too…
This next one is very sheer and delicate and I decided to give it a try… and added a lace waistband and tie in the back…
So here are a few more pictures…
I’ve got to hurry up and get this post published or you might not have anything to read Tuesday! :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
It was fun to see your favorite print in the three colorways, Jeanne! I think I like the yellow one the best. (Years ago Daisy Kingdom, I think it was, had some cute “paper doll” fabric in several colorways, and of course I got them all! As I recall, pink, yellow, lavender and maybe blue or perhaps white. I’ve used one of them for a baby gift; I may have a photo somewhere….
It’s nice to see Kirsten up again. My favorite apron is the middle one–it “calms” all the busy prints and dotted Swiss going on there, and, IMHO (being pure Swedish, although never having actually Been to Sweden! LOL) looks more “Swedish” to me. (I actually have a vintage apron–I Think from Sweden–that is plain white batiste with crocheted hem edge. When we used to have Lucia Day festival at my dad’s last church, I wore it over my long black skirt as part of my “Swedish costume”.)
Did you make this as a jumper over the blouse? A traditional Swedish costume would actually be a skirt and blouse plus a vest, as I recall. (I don’t have my Swedish costume book handy, or I’d look it up for you.) A jumper would work, too, though, I think.
I do like the trim you used on the neckline; I think I would have preferred it against a solid color fabric, but that is just me. It took me Years to learn to mix prints in quilting, as in 4-H we were always told you didn’t DO that!! LOL
I actually got a little more done on that doll dress tonight, the one I started many years ago!! I had to lengthen the skirt by adding a band of fabric; I will cover the join with lace, I think. I wish I had just cut it longer to begin with!! 20/20 hindsight, you know!
Hi Charlotte,
I have to agree, that yellow one is VERY appealing to the eyes…
There was a black spot on the bottom of that hankie and I didn’t want to use it… I don’t mind age spots but this looks like an ink spot…so I found I used and thought it looked okay…
This dirndl isn’t an authentic “dirndl” but a ONE piece dirndl… except for the apron… It’s just the look of dirndl… I guess I better say that when I list it… I used the make them separate pieces, but it’s nice to have it all in one piece and not have to fiddle with things so much… although you don’t get all the pieces to use for other things…
I’ve been having a lot of “hindsight” in my sewing lately… I never stick to a pattern the way I did it before… so I end up ripping things out occasionally. Oh well, as long as the end result pleases me…
Thank you Charlotte,
blessings, Jeanne
First about Julie, (This maybe old news to all)her birthday was May first. I receive emails from American Girl and that was the headline on Sat. You made an outfit for her special day!
Kirsten’s dress is another Swedish Delight. That material is beautiful and it is amazing all the different dresses you made. Have a good day!
HI Sylvia,
I did see that it was Julie’s birthday… I actually didn’t know that when I decided to make her newest outfit… but I guess it worked out okay… only I should have made it a week earlier so the winner could have given it to their doll for her birthday…
I just added “Swedish Delight” to my list of titles for doll outfits…that’s very pretty! Thanks so much!
Blessings, Jeanne
Such pretty springtime prints, Jeanne! I’m not commenting on what I like best, since I really don’t know at this time in the morning! LOL I do like the yellow though, with the blue flowers. It is more calming, I think, than the other two.
I think you picked the right apron for the dress! The more delicate weave meshes togther the bolder colors and prints of the dress. I thought at first, the blue and pink were too much, and clashed, but when you it that pretty apron on, it calmed things down. It has “something” on it without being too much. Perfect!
I notice Kirsten has a pair of boots on that I don’t recall her having, but maybe I didin’t notice. Did you make those? They are just thin thing she needs!
Looks like a rainy day here, although our rain yesterday never materialized and I got a lot done outside. So much to do and so little time! Trying to get the yellow pollen off the siding of the house and windows yesterday kept me plenty busy!
Thanks Linda,
I have lots of dresses from that yellow print… I only bought a half yard of this latest blue print… It is a very pretty shade of blue, but I do think the other prints are more my favorites…
I think if I can get my pictures to show the true colors, everyone will see that the colors blend well together…
Yes, I’ve had those boots for many years… I bought them at Hobby Lobby one year… they are actually Christmas ornaments and I LOVED them… and bought all they had… they’ve never had anything else like them since…They are perfect shoes and I’ve sold a few pairs with the outfits I made… but I kept a pair… and a spare…
We are drizzly today too, and it thundered and there was plenty of lightening, but the rain must have been mild because I never heard it raining hard against my windows…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Decisions, decisions. How you are able to put everything together baffles me. I like the blue print of the series. I’m sure Kirsten does too because it highlights her eyes. My favorite of the three apron pieces is the solid unfussy piece with the lovely lace trim. I know it might be puffy at the waist, but if pulled around to the sides more and with a waistband, it might work? I’d also like to see it with a solid waistband/ties. Maybe if the one you are using had a solid and not lace waistband I’d like it more. I know you tried many things for the neck tie, but how did blue work? Might tie in the blue top more? Although the green is a perfect match. And I’m certainly no expert. 🙂 And I must wish Kirsten a happy belated birthday!
It was so hot here yesterday. Looks like I’m going to have to locate the fans and get them going as it is going to be hot again today. Then, a cool down. No rain in sight. Boohoo. 🙁
I’m really enjoying my new girl Daisy, who arrived yesterday. She’s one of the RRFF dolls but not the smiley mold. And I’m finally done with a tiny outfit for Wrascal (Rose BBFlockling) and the matching outfit for my Meadow Chibbi Fabbi. Still need to make a little flower for Fabbi’s hat though. Heading out to sprinkle the seeds before the sun hits them. 🙂
HI Joy,
Well, sometimes it’s just a matter of sewing 2 pieces of fabric together and saying, “yes, that’ll work just fine!” I wish I had known it was Kirsten’s birthday and gotten this made last week so the winner could have given it to their Julie for her actual birthday…
I hope you’ll take pictures of Wrascal and Fabbi’s new outfits… we want to see them…
I hope, too, that you get some rain to water your seeds!
Blessings, Jeanne
You are right…that print is absolutely beautiful no matter what the color combo. Did you ever find out who made it? Someone should tell them to do another run. The shades they used in all the combos are so lovely.
The floral makes a beautiful skirt, combines all the colors and I swear Kirsten is smiling more☺️ Loved seeing all the versions you have made with that fabric.
Gosh , here you are almost done and it is only Tuesday!
Hi Kathie,
There is no name of the fabrics,, but the manufacturer along the selvage is Concord fabrics… these have been around for quite a few years…
I “am” almost done and thinking of who might be next…
Thanks for your kind compliments, Kathie!
Blessings, Jeanne
Kirsten looks very pleased, who wouldn’t be! I like that the background color of the vest top and the skirt match, and the pink blouse ties in so well with the floral colors. I like the “apron” chosen. It’s coming together quickly, love when that happens.
Hi Dorothy,
I picked the vest fabric because of that very reason…the background colors matched so well. Kirsten does like it…she told me… :o)
I love it too, when things go like they are supposed to…
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
So many beautiful things to see today! I love Kirsten’s outfit. How wonderful to find a fabric you love in so many colors. I’m a big one for mix and match of colors and patterns so I really love the dirndl outfits. I remember when I was making Stella’s Easter dress I loved the pink fabric but I also had green like it. I couldn’t make up my mind whether to make it all pink or mix the two. Mix the two won out. I was pleased with the outcome. I like things “organized” but when it comes to fabrics and sewing I’m all over the map.
I have a friend who quilts. She loves quilting but always goes to someone else for fabric choices. I asked her why. Evidently she learned the same thing Charlotte did that there are certain things you don’t do in quilting and she can’t let that go. If someone else picks out the fabrics that removes the responsibility of doing the wrong thing from her. So many sewing instructors abide by rules. I like the ones that say “there is no right way or wrong way when creating something, just your way”. I notice when I make doll clothes that every pattern maker has their own way of putting things together. I don’t always follow their way, especially when it comes to sleeves. I pick and choose techniques from everyone and I use a lot of yours.
I like the hankie you chose for Kirsten’s dirndl. It’s very calming. And I like the lace waistband. Never thought of doing that.
Summer weather is here. We had our first day over 90 yesterday. We’ve definitely reached our “air you can wear” season.
Thank you Barbara,
I’m glad you enjoy it when I mix and match things and it seems like you enjoy doing it yourself!! :o)
I’m in the camp that says there is no right or wrong way…just your way! (Except when I ask for help from everyone…sometimes you can just get stuck!)
It won’t be long till we’ll be “wearing our air” around here too!
Thank you Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, the first six girls are back on AG’s website. Josefina and Addy look very similar to the originals, minus the soft eyelashes, but the classic mold has definitely been tweaked. My last Classic mold was Caroline and she still looks quite close to my PC girls. There’s something very different about the eyes and lips on the new classic mold and I don’t care for it.
That fabric is lovely in all three colors, but, you know me, I’ve have to go with the blue.
Love, love the hankie you used for Kirsten’s apron and the lace tie is perfect.
Such lovely springlike colors all blended together
Hi Laura
Oh, I’ll have to go take a look at the AG dolls…I wondered what they would look like…
Thank you for your sweet comments about Kirsten’s new set…I’m glad you like it…
Blessings, Jeanne
Your dirndls always make me want a Kirsten. She was my first love, but I never got one. I may have to surf ebay for one…
Melody, did you see that AG brought back Kirsten and 5 other original dolls for their 35th anniversary? This could be your chance to get a brand new Kirsten!
Hi Melody,
I think Kirsten was one of the sweetest dolls ever made…and if you always wanted her, you can probably find one for a decent price on Ebay…buy yourself a Mother’s Day present or leave a hint for someone!! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
I would be hard put to find a favourite among those three fabrics. It really is lovely. I like the hankie you used for the apron, because of the small scale of the doll it kind of reminds me of the hardanger aprons the Norwegians wear. I think I would prefer it with fabric waistband and ties rather than the lace waistband but that is me.
I struggle a bit with the terms you all sometimes use, to me a jumper is a sweater that is knitted as opposed to a fleece sweater. I think a jumper to you is like a sleeveless dress worn over a blouse is that right? We would call that a pinafore dress!
I’m really sorry that ‘Waltzing Matilda’ kept you awake Jeanne. Someone mentioned ‘On The Beach’ yesterday. I never saw the film but I read the book (by Neville Shute) a very depressing story. The song is only the unofficial anthem of Australia. The official national anthem is ‘Advance Australia Fair’ which was written fairly recently and very carefully avoids any reference to God!
NZ’s national anthem history is quite interesting. It was written in the 1870’s but as a colony of Britain our National Anthem was God Save the Queen (or King). It was adopted as our national song in 1970 (so a bit like Waltzing Matilda). It was at an Olympics (I think the Munich Olympics but not sure) when we won a gold medal and they realised they had no anthem for us! Someone pulled out ‘God Defend new Zealand’ so they used that and in 1977 it was adopted as our official anthem. Some time later the singer chosen to to open an international All Blacks rugby game chose to sing the Maori version followed by the English one. It caused a huge furore at the time but it started to be the norm and now both are always used and most of us know the Maori and English words.
So there you are another NZ history lesson, I hope you are all paying attention lol
That was me with the On the Beach movie mention. And yes, very sad.
Hi Anne,
Yes, we call a jumper something that is worn over a blouse…
To us. a pinafore is generally something like a fancy apron, usually with a bit front and sometimes with ruffles over the shoulders and it usually ties at the waist in back…
I hope we aren’t going to have a quiz on New Zealand’s history… I am have to do some cramming before the test!! :o)
Thanks Anne,
Blessings, Jeanne
It blows my mind away how you take any kind of fabric and make it work for these dolls. I would never have thought to use such a flowery fabric for the historical dolls. It is so pretty. I love the black doll, is it Cecil? Her outfit is just darling with her lace fingerless gloves and bonnet. Kirsten Larson is my favorite and first Pleasant Doll since 1989. I got her for Christmas when I was 30 years old. I have Swedish ancestry on my Mother’s mother’s side and they come from Rattvick, near Stockholm. It is part of Darlana. My father is all Italian American. I love what you have done with these outfits for these dolls. I wish I had your vision to see what it would look like before sewing the outfit. I am trying to work on this so hard. It is trying for me when I order fabrics for their dresses from online instead of in person. I always have it stuck in my brain that these dresses that are historical have to be sewn with Historically accurate fabrics and designs. You make it pop and work for these dolls. How do you do it? I know if they went back in time as people, the dolls, they would not be dressed in that fabric, right? Who cares. It is adorable.I absolutely love it. Today is the 35th Anniversary of American Girl and they have a surprise for all of us releasing certain Historical dolls and their meet outfits. I hope they bring back Kirsten.
Elaine, I am happy to say they DID bring back Kirsten for the 35th anniversary of AG! You might want to check out the AG website.
Hi Elaine,
Thank you for your many compliments on my sewing and the way I use fabrics…I just try and put together what makes appealing doll clothing, trying to be authentic as much as I can, but not always…
That is Cecile in the pink Dress…I don’t have her anymore, but she sure wore that dress well!!
I’m going to go look at the AG website as soon as I get done writing these comments…and just in time for Julie’s auction to end!
Thank you Elaine,
Blessings, Jeanne
Elaine, I have Kirsten Larson, also, although Molly was my first AG doll. I really debated, though, but chose Molly as she was from my era. Then later I got Kirsten. Why? Because, although third generation American-born, I am PURE Swedish! AND…..My maiden name is Larson!!
Hi Charlotte, Wow, your maiden name is Larson just like Kirsten. That is too funny. How cute. I really debated when I got Kirsten over Samantha. Samantha looks a lot like I do and she is from NY like I was and she loves to paint like I do and she loves Victorian clothes and lives in that era. I love it too. I didn’t lose my parents, but they did break up when I was a child and my Nana almost took all three of us into her home to raise so we wouldn’t be separated. We were, but that is life I guess. I have lived in Colorado since I have been 20 years old, first time only for 7 mos. then joining the USAF and being shipped off to West Germany for 5 years after Tech school. That is when I really started to collect my German toys, Steiffs and Zapf dolls. I have many many Teddy Bears all packed up. I never had one as a child, only a Raggedy Anne doll. My younger sister and I had Snugglebuns from Remco, Thumbelina dolls 14″, Crissy dolls from Ideal Toys, Barbies Twist and Turn 1967. I always had blonde hair and blue eyed dolls and it use to make me so mad that I didn’t have a doll that looked like I did. So Samantha was my first doll, besides a handmade doll from Switzerland that I purchased in the early 80’s that looked like me. This doll has banana curls, but I do not. So Samantha was my first doll to look like me for sure. I only have a few of her accessories like her 3 wheel bike and her Victorian Desk. Kirsten, I have the most for her. She is so special to me.
The delightful, charming scenes of Kirsten. I have a doll that I made an outfit for. However, your outfits in terms of color and quality of workmanship are my dream. I’ll try again. Thank you for the inspiration. I can not buy yours because they are beyond my financial possibilities. Best wishes.
Hi Alina,
I hope you can use my Kirsten dress as a guide and make one for your do that you really like…
Send us a picture when you get it made… :o)
Thanks so much
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, the outfit looks very pretty. I like the apron you have chosen to make for it.
Kirsten looks pleased to be modeling this ensemble.
Thank you Dorothy
I’m glad you like everything about Kirsten’s set this time… and what did YOU do on this 4th day of May?
Blessings, Jeanne
Keep buying that fabric whenever you see it — it has inspired a lot of beautiful outfits. I chose the same handkerchief you did the first time as my original choice for the apron, but I agree with your final choice.
It’s lovely to have something close to the original AGs back — they look just as appealing now as they did then, and not at all out-of-date. The “in-person” photos on AGPT show that their coloring is a little different. Do put the photos you take for Ebay on AGPT — think how thrilling it would be to have a new Kirsten and this outfit.
I don’t have a Kirsten but I did buy her once — for a friend in Sweden. It was lovely — the PO clerk leaned over and whispered. “The customs label says ‘doll.’ Which one?” I told her and we smiled secretly at each other.
Thanks Marilyn,
I enjoyed all your comments, but my favorite part was the last little bit about the PO clerk who asked you. ,”which doll?” And when you told her, she smiled!! I loved that!!!
Thanks so much!!
Blessings, Jeanne
I love that fabric! The blue is very pretty, but pink will always be my first choice. I believe the yellow background is my least favorite, but it is still pretty. Kirsten’s dress is coming along very well, and it looks lovely so far. I don’t think you could have gone wrong with any of the hankies. I thought they all worked well.
Hi Carolyn,
I like all the fabrics but I’m like you, the pink will probably always be my favorite!! I’m glad you like the way it’s turning out…so does Kirsten…
Thanks Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne