I accidentally missed showing Linda’s pictures of her girls for the 4th of July. So now we shall have 2 days of “Belated 4th of July” dolly delights! I think she sent them the day I was trying to figure out the romper pattern for Rozen… My head was only concentrating on one thing that day… Sorry, Linda…
She sent a couple of pictures of her red, white and blue outfits for her dolls and this is what she said…
“Unlike many collectors, I don’t buy dresses or outfits that are specifically for the 4th with flags, fireworks and stars on them. I dress them in what they have in the right colors, namely red, white and blue. For my 40’s girls, I dress them in Molly’s Victory Dance costumes and pretend they are in a 4th of July parade.. It’s a good time for those, except for the long sleeves! Oh well. Then my modern girls in the same room are supposed to be spectators and are just wearing red, white and blue., with little stars in their hair, holding flags.
I believe Joy asked if anyone was doing a scene for the 4th, so you might show mine if you have room on the blog, just to show them they don’t really need a specific 4th of July outfit.”
Thanks Linda… here are her girls…
Well, Rozen’s romper sold to a new lady… her romper didn’t get quite as many hits as Stella’s Farmer’s Market set did… Stella got 1047 hits on hers, and Rozen got 808 hits… I’m still very happy to have gotten that big of a response to a new pattern… and who knows what might happen to Stella’s new Monkey Business romper…
Yep, I got it listed on Ebay! I didn’t get dinner on the table till 7:30 but I got the auction listed… and 35 minutes later, I had a bid! Yay! I found myself looking at small appliques again tonight while I was waiting for pictures to upload… I think I have a one track mind now! :o)
You’ll have to check out my storyline for Stella… It’s probably near and dear to Linda’s heart the most… :o)
I took a few new pictures of Stella and will share the link to the listing… you can see it by clicking on the picture at the right side bar or you can click HERE.
This will be a short post… but enjoy the pictures…
Here are all the pieces…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh goodness, I’m first on the blog today, but usually after Charlotte, unless she is writing now. I hope things are going better at your house today, Charlotte!
Thank you for showing my pictures, Jeanne! That’s quite alright that you forgot, no need to apologize! It is your blog, after all!
I could not figure out what in the world would be “near and dear to my heart” as far as Stella’s storyline in the auction was, but lo and behold, there it is….the St. Louis Zoo! It has been a fixture here all my life, and it has been here since the 1904 World’s Fair, and I can’t tell you how many times I have been there, as a child, a mother and a grandmother! Just a little tease here, but why didn’t you run up and take Stella’s pictures AT the zoo???? LOL
I remember finding a little monkey backpack for my granddaughter when she was about 3 or 4 and she wore it on one of our trips to the zoo. So many people stopped us and asked where we got it! Evidently monkeys are a hot item!
I love the pictures of the entire outfit both on and off of Stella. Whoever wins it SHOULD take their doll to the zoo, here or anywhere!
Linda, thanks for sharing your pictures. Your girls look so cute in their red/white/blue outfits!
Congrats on the sale of Rozen’s outfit, Jeanne, and on the activity (already!) on Stella’s.
Thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers. I’m on antibiotics now, so hopefully the UTI will soon be gone!
Jeanne, if you want something to do with peaches…I have a peach pie recipe that is to Die for!! It uses fresh peaches, peeled and halved. Heavy cream plays a role, too, and I even have a picture of one I made a year or two ago that I could share! It is quite different from the usual peach pie and is–as my brother proved (to mom’s horror!!) when we were still elementary age–“plate-licking good”!!
Hope you are doing betterwith the help of the antibiotics.
Your peach pie sounds so delicious! So funny about your brother enjoying not only the pie but the plate too!
I don’t usually see many people during the week since I’m such a homebody, but you are the second person in three days that I’ve encountered that has had a UTI. One of the woman at Chorale also was suffering from the problem. I haven’t had one in years and the doctor recommended something cranberry would act as a preventative. Someone mentioned that yesterday. I don’t like the juice “straight” and I don’t want all the calories so I mix it half and half with water and it’s perfect. I drink this with meals several times a week.
Praying for you and Ron to return to good health real soon.
Dear Charlotte,
I hope you’re feeling a lot better. I’m sure the antibiotics will help.
Your peach pie sounds very good. My grandmother made her version of a peach pie as well. I’m so grateful she wrote out so many recipes when I was young and asked for them
Another good recipe for fresh peaches, Peach Kuchen! So easy and no difficult or messy pie crust to make, but, oh so good with a scoop of ice cream!
My mother always made this. ❤️
I cheat, and buy Pillsbury pie crust that you just unroll! LOL I find it’s pretty good, though. (I did used to make my own crust all the time, but I figure I’m in my 70s now, I don’t Have to if I don’t want to!! And frankly, I’d rather sew than cook or bake!!)
Charlotte, , thank you for the compliments on y dolls. We need your peach pie recipe! It sounds delicious!
Congratulations on Rosen’s outfit ! It certainly was a hit! I can only imagine what Stella’s will do at auction!
Stella is so photogenic too.
Linda, it’s always a treat to see your girls dressed up for all the holidays. Each one looks perfect in their outfit. So cute waving their flags. The outfit Betsy has on is adorable on her. There’s just something about your Betsy – she looks cute in all her outfits. You must have a nice wardrobe for her.
It’s been fun seeing Linda and Joy’s girls dressed up for the 4th of July.
Paula, I love my Betsy too! She makes me smile every time I look at her! I have lots of fun dressing her!
Jeanne, I think the collectors are on vacation! Rozen’s romper did well considering the distraction of the holiday weekend. Stella’s romper has taken off right away – it is so adorable and so different for most of the offerings for RRFF. I love seeing something besides another floral smocked dress for these girls : ) My friend Jan won the auction “To Market. Stella is her favorite RRFF so I encouraged her to get in on the auction. Her daughter says we “stir each other up”. She has no regrets! Now we are getting “stirred up” about Little Darlings. We are each going to order one so there goes the doll budget for awhile! Jeanne, I did not know about either of these dolls until earlier this year when I started reading your blog daily. Now we have many RRFF between us and a renewed interest in our hobby. Thank you, Thank you!
Linda, I enjoyed your red, white, and blue display for the holidays. Great idea to add a prop to celebrate instead of a whole new outfit change. They look very festive!
Debbie
DEBBIE from TN: do you and your friend actually live close enough to see each other and play/talk dolls?? If you do, I am am both so glad for both of you and envious at the same time. Not since I was a kid and rode my bike 7 isles with my basket full of dolls to play with my cousin have I had such an opportunity. I sure hope you both DO have that fun.
May I ask who will be painting your LD’s? It will be another fun time branching out. Good for you!
Sally, that is a question that tugs at my heart. We became friends over doll talk in the teacher’s workroom 30 years ago. There were many forays to doll shows, doll shops, and antiques shops during the first 20 years. Ten years ago my husband accepted a job in Tennessee. We talk on the phone several times a week sharing news and talking about the dolls we own and the dolls we want. I would happily go back home because friends like that come along once in a lifetime.
About the Little Darling, I have read, looked at pictures, and watched YT videos. One artist had a link in an old article about Diana Effner’s Doll Studio. It was Magalie Dawson, MHD Designs. Her work looks exquisite making it very difficult to choose just one!
Debbie
Dear Sally, I do consider myself fortunate to have dolly friends nearby so I can have play dates with them.
There are UFDC clubs all over so the Sofa Sisters might be able to join one. If not, you can speak with the Regional Director in your area to see about starting one. I can provide UFDC connections if anyone would like them.
There are a couple of ways to find dolly friends in your community. If anyone is interested she can let me know.
Dolly people are the best!
I second Sally but it was the first thing I thought of. You actually have a friend who shares your dolly hobby?! What a blessing. You and Dorothy in PA and the World are so fortunate. She has friends she hangs out with and they bring their dolly children. Thankfully I have all my sofa sisters or I would think it was more than going through my second childhood that was going on, especially since I didn’t even like dolls much when I was a kid. With the exception of my hubby, my family thinks I’m losing it. My son finds it awkward to even go into the room with them.
BARBARA in SE TX, I feel and share your pain. Although I DO have friends who humor me and say nice things about the dolls and outfits, it isn’t the same as Debbie and Dorothy have. As you say, we have this blog which is a true heartwarmer.
Thank you very much for the kind words, Debbie!
Look who’s up early today and refusing to be really late on this blog! Wonders never cease!
JEANNE, congrats on last night’s auction. And best wishes on this next set which, in my opinion, is even more “Stell-er” than Farmers’ Market. This will be an adrenaline rush, I am sure. Bring it on, I say! 👏👍
LINDA, so good of you to share your dear dolls ready to March in the parade or be bystanders. They all look great and like they are having a ball. Sorry to say, I never got to the St. Louis Zoo even though our middle son graduated from Parks/SLU. We DID go to the arboretum which was fabulous. Boy, sure gets hot and steamy on that river! Two years ago our three boys gifted me with a trip wherever I wanted to go, just the four of us. We talked a bit…needed to plan in terms of their family vacations and their jobs. Then Covid. But now we are talking about taking a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi next year. What months would you suggest?
JOY, I wrote an email since I was so late last night. Those kids look so proud to be in clothes their mama made, and even the ones you did not make, look festive. Seeing so many of you sew for your dolls makes me ask myself what is the matter with me?? I should be doing this! But then I remember all the grouchiness derived from my sewing machine. That is why. Good for you, and thanks to everyone who shares pictures and Jeanne for her generosity in posting them.
CHARLOTE, are talking about the 5 star all season peach pie from Farm Journal Pie cookbook? Single crust, peach halves cut side up, and then heavy cream with some cornstarch , sugar, nutmeg? I just made that this past week and one son was grumbling he wouldn’t be around to get any, so his younger brother had both portions. It IS outstanding!
Good to hear the doggone UTI is going to see its last legs soon.
OK…this post has been interrupted three times so I’m signing off. Everyone have a splendid day!
Sally, FALL ona riverboat cruise on the Mississippi would be the best, in my opinion! Especially October, when the trees are in all their glory and the humidity and temps are down.
Wow, Parks/SLU! Didn’t know that you have been here already, and enjoying our summer humidity!🥵✈️
Dear LINDA from St. L.
I sure did get the full blast of humidity and heat when we first left him off for his first semester. Boy, I felt bad enough driving away knowing how he would be missed back home, but I felt HORRIBLE about leaving him in that heat and humidity. He put in 5 years out there to get a couple degrees and then left. Obviously he built a tolerance. Hats off to you all who do!
Thanks for the river trip suggestion. I was leaning toward that. 👍
Have a fun day, Linda!
Sally
Hi Sally
A riverboat cruise is the best! We did the Delta Queen back in 1988 boarding in Cincinnati.
So much fun! We went in May.
I wanted to mention something that might help you Kipper’s anxiety. I found this wonderful music for the kitties and play it when they are stressed by outdoor noise ( a new roof going on, fireworks etc.)
It’s called NOAH’S HARP http://www.petpause2000@yahoo.com
I’ve had all four CDs for about nine years now and they are so relaxing, even for people.
Hi, Laura in OH,
Thank you for your input about the river trip! I also am grateful for your music suggestion; my hubby and I are big classical music fans and have it on all day, every day. I will look into your music, for certain. A friend suggested acupuncture to relieve anxiety…does it for herself and her cats. Says it works like a charm. I would rather find something other than the fluoxetine…
Linda’s 4th photos are adorable. I love how the ring of r/w/b almost makes an island around the girls and sets off the whole display. And such a great idea to mix outfits not just for specific holidays and come up with such wonderful groupings. Every time I see her displays, I get ideas for my girls too. Thanks Linda and Jeanne. 🙂
Love the storyline for Stella’s monkey outfit. Now I will have to add the zoo to my travel itinerary when or if I ever get to visit my mother and grandmother’s native state of Missouri. 🙂
What, nothing laying around in a heap here of needs to be sewn? Well, let’s not forget those pesky snaps. All of my sewing never seems to get the finishing touch of snaps. Maybe I can work on those. 🙂 And then there is that cute coat pattern I’ve been eyeing. I wonder what Jeanne’s next sewing project will be? Can’t wait. 🙂
You are welcome, Joy! It certainly means a lot to me when others who clearly are more “in the know” with dolls, say that I give them ideas!
So nice that your grandmother lived here in Missouri! Yes, you do have to come and visit!
So glad your 4th of July pictures got to star today! You have a wonderful collection. I was born in St. Louis and lived there until I was 15 and certainly remember the Zoo, the wonderful Art Museum in Jefferson Park and the Jewel Box which was what the arboretum was called at that time. It’s fun when the blog brings back memories.
I have several RRFF dolls and am so happy with them. I haven’t sewn for them yet but would love to sew romper pattern to start with. May have to conjure it up myself to encourage myself to sew again.
Amazing that you and I were born in neighboring hospitals, yet we have never met until several years ago via this blog! And now we are half a country away from each other! Yay for email!
Yes, isn’t the Internet wonderful most of the time. ❤️
Hi Linda, your dolls look lovely in their outfits. I think Ruthie’s (your Linda) is my favorite with her beautiful crown and those shiny blue shoes with bows on the straps.
Hi Jeanne, Stella’s romper set is so very cute and I see two bidders are vying for it already.
Well, I need a break as I’ve been clearing brush, weeds, and saplings from the bottom of the yard. Many neighbors are doing the same and most yards were neglected last year. Now we are having a heavy thunderstorm shower. Wonderful as we desperately need the rain.
Laura, Ruthie says “Thank you!”
So you did an excursion on the Mississippi? Where did you end up on that trip? Sounds like it was fun!
I meant to read the story before I commented but forgot so I will be sure to do so as soon as I’m finished here. I know you have a real winner in this wonderful little outfit. These RRFF girls are a lot of fun to sew for. I looked through my patterns and don’t have one even similar to the one you created. If you decide to sell the pattern, put me on the list.
Linda, I love your July 4th pictures. All your girls look so lovely and festive and Betsy is as cute as ever. I like that some are in the parade and some are watching. A parade is no fun without spectators. Maybe sometime you can do a Betsy fashion show. She always has on something wonderful and I’m sure we haven’t seen them all. Every time you show pictures of Betsy my Betsy wants an outfit like whatever she’s wearing. Do you sew them yourself?
I’ve been through most states but have only been to Branson in Missouri. That was on the way back from a visit with a friend in Michigan. I just remember it being hot and humid. I’ve wanted to get back around Christmas for the shows but haven’t made it yet.
Aside from my reorganizing project I’ve been helping the girls change their wearing attire from Spring to Summer. What a chore. Especially since you have to wait while they decided who is going to wear what, since many of them wear the same size clothes. Then there’s those who consider something made for them initially as theirs alone and if someone else starts putting it on there is a need for arbitration. Finally I think I’m down to the last five. I will either finish this afternoon or in the morning. And reorganizing my study is finally reaching fruition. Yay! Then I can tackle the stuff in the guest room. And then I can sew – after first tidying up that room. Things in there have been neglected while I was doing the other. That’s always the way it seems.
Me sew Betsy’s clothes? No I don’t! She already has so many cute things, and I really don’t like sewing for such tiny dolls. Currently I am sewing a skirt for Kirsten, and what do you know, but it took forever to thread my sewing machine needle! I swear the hole in the needle shrank to almost nothing since I used it last! I am now finding navy blue threads all over the place, and they must be multiplying! I have such a new respect for Jeanne!
Dear Linda, your girls look adorable. I like the idea of using colors to create the look as opposed to just symbols.
Thanks a bunch, Dorothy!
Linda, Love your red, white and blue clothes on your dolls and then let the accessories be the Holiday part. Good idea!
Congratulations on your eBay sales Jeanne! Will be fun to watch the Monkey outfit go up and up!
Now I need to make a peach pie! Charlotte what is your special one?
Thank you Kathie! It’s always nice to get compliments!
Dear Jeanne, congratulations on a wonderful auction!
Watching the next auction will be more fun then, uh, hmmmm, a barrel of monkeys (laugh).
That whole outfit is adorable! The little boots came out fantastic, and they are perfect with the romper.
I would not have thought of the checked headband, but it works perfectly. Someone may buy Monkey Business for the boots. This is just a perfect outfit. Not having a RRFF doll is saving me a fortune.
Linda’s dolls are wonderful. The modern girls are as cute as the 40’s girls. I like Julie’s skirt with the tee better than I liked the original outfit. And Betsy is always perfect. My mom seldom bought magazines, but I loved the Betsy paperdolls whenever we found them.
And now — who’s next?
Thank you, Marilyn! I thought that Ivy’s skirt looked great for 4th too, paired with
AG tees!
Hello, I didn’t write in the posts because I don’t have RRFF doll where to buy it. Very expensive. But I’m glad it’s Josefin’s turn now.
Mine has a recently sewn dress but I will be inspired and I will sew a skirt and a country blouse, maybe some nice underwear. greetings